Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Enterococcus faecalis Isolates from Mineral Water and Spring Water in China

Enterococcus faecalis is an important opportunistic pathogen which is frequently detected in mineral water and spring water for human consumption and causes human urinary tract infections, endocarditis and neonatal sepsis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity of E. faecalis from mineral water and spring water in China. Of 314 water samples collected from January 2013 to January 2014, 48 samples (15.3%) were contaminated E. faecalis. The highest contamination rate occurred in activated carbon filtered water of spring water (34.5%), followed by source water of spring water (32.3%) and source water of mineral water (6.4%). The virulence gene test of 58 E. faecalis isolates showed that the detection rates of asa1, ace, cylA, gelE and hyl were 79.3, 39.7, 0, 100, 0%, respectively. All 58 E. faecalis isolates were not resistant to 12 kinds of antibiotics (penicillin, ampicillin, linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin, vancomycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline). Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR classified 58 isolates and three reference strains into nine clusters with a similarity of 75%. This study is the first to investigate the prevalence of E. faecalis in mineral water and spring water in China. The results of this study suggested that spring water could be potential vehicles for transmission of E. faecalis.

Drug-like property-driven optimization of 4-substituted 1,5-diarylanilines as potent HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors against rilpivirine-resistant mutant virus

On the basis of our prior structure-activity relationship (SAR) results, our current lead optimization of 1,5-diarylanilines (DAANs) focused on the 4-substituent (R1) on the central phenyl ring as a modifiable position related simultaneously to improved drug resistance profiles and drug-like properties. Newly synthesized p-cyanovinyl-DAANs (8a-8g) with different R1 side chains plus prior active p-cyanoethyl-DAANs (4a-4c) were evaluated not only for anti-HIV potency against both wild-type HIV virus and rilpivirine-resistant (E138K, E138K+M184I) viral replication, but also for multiple drug-like properties, including aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, and metabolic stability in human liver microsomes and human plasma. This study revealed that both ester and amide R1 substituents led to low nanomolar anti-HIV potency against wild-type and rilpivirine-resistant viral strains (E138K-resistance fold changes<3). The N-substituted amide-R1 side chains were superior to ester-R1 likely due to improved aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, and higher metabolic stability in vitro. Thus, three amide-DAANs 8e, 4a, and 4b were identified with high potency against wild-type and rilpivirine-resistant viral strains and multiple desirable drug-like properties.

Mid-infrared sensing of molecular vibrational modes with tunable graphene plasmons

We study the tunable plasmons based on a graphene integrated gold grating structure to sense the vibrational modes of nanometric molecules. The greatly enhanced light-matter interaction and the broadband tunability of the localized graphene plasmonic resonance enable accurate label-free identification of the molecular vibrational modes at subwavelength scale. Our results may accelerate the further development of novel cost-effective biosensors with superior molecular chemical fingerprint sensitivity in an active graphene plasmonic device.

Left Lobe Auxiliary Liver Transplantation for End-stage Hepatitis B Liver Cirrhosis

Auxiliary liver transplantation (ALT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cirrhosis previously showed poor results, because the native liver was a significant source of HBV recurrence and the graft could be rapidly destroyed by HBV infection in an immunosuppressive condition. Four patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis were unable to undergo orthotopic liver transplantation because the only available grafts of left lobe were too small. Under entecavir-based anti-HBV treatment, they underwent ALT in which the recipient left liver was removed and the small left lobe graft was implanted in the corresponding space. The mean graft weight/recipient weight was 0.49% (range, 0.38%-0.55%). One year after transplantation, the graft sizes were increased to 273% and the remnant livers were decreased to 44%. Serum HBV DNA was persistently undetectable. Periodic graft biopsy showed no signs of tissue injury and negative immunostaining for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B core antigen. After a mean follow-up period of 21 months, all patients live well with normal graft function. Our study suggests that ALT for HBV-related liver cirrhosis is feasible under entecavir-based anti-HBV treatment. Successful application of small left livers in end-stage liver cirrhosis may significantly increase the pool of left liver grafts for adult patients.

Sulfur Nanodots Stitched in 2D "Bubble-Like" Interconnected Carbon Fabric as Reversibility-Enhanced Cathodes for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

The behavior of two-dimensional (2D) materials for energy storage systems relates to their morphology and physicochemical properties. Although various 2D materials can be found in different fields, the open access of these materials has greatly hampered their practical applications, such as in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, where the soluble intermediates should be controlled. Here, we have developed a facile approach to prepare 2D ultrathin interconnected carbon fabrics (ICFs) with "bubble-like" morphology and abundant mesopores using a "blowing bubble" method. Serving as independent meso-sized rooms, nanosulfur dots can be stitched in 2D "bubble-like" ICF, which afford a short electron-/ion-transfer path and thus is beneficial to high reversible capacity. Encapsulated with reduced graphene oxide, a binder-free/free-standing cathode was constructed for advanced Li-S batteries. In addition, the specific energy of a pouch Li-S battery with this interconnected cathode can be achieved to 1.55 Ah@315.98 Wh/kg at 0.1 C. These results suggest that the design of "bubble-like" interconnected porous carbon fabrics and their integration with reduced graphene oxide provide a facile strategy to enhance the electrochemical activity of S and have the potential to be applied to other semiconductors or insulating materials for a wide range of applications.

Implantable and Biodegradable Macroporous Iron Oxide Frameworks for Efficient Regeneration and Repair of Infracted Heart

The construction, characterization and surgical application of a multilayered iron oxide-based macroporous composite framework were reported in this study. The framework consisted of a highly porous iron oxide core, a gelatin-based hydrogel intermediary layer and a matrigel outer cover, which conferred a multitude of desirable properties including excellent biocompatibility, improved mechanical strength and controlled biodegradability. The large pore sizes and high extent of pore interconnectivity of the framework stimulated robust neovascularization and resulted in substantially better cell viability and proliferation as a result of improved transport efficiency for oxygen and nutrients. In addition, rat models with myocardial infraction showed sustained heart tissue regeneration over the infract region and significant improvement of cardiac functions following the surgical implantation of the framework. These results demonstrated that the current framework might hold great potential for cardiac repair in patients with myocardial infraction.

Correlation Between Survival Interval and CD4+ T-Cell Intracellular ATP Levels in Liver Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to analyze the potential correlation between post-liver transplantation survival interval and CD4⁺ T-cell intracellular ATP (iATP) levels, and to describe the distribution of CD4⁺ T-cell iATP levels in liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of clinical data of 273 patients who underwent liver transplantation from July 2010 to October 2012 in our center and achieved long-term stable survival. CD4⁺ T-cell iATP level was detected using Cylex ImmuKnow assay. Post-liver transplantation survival was analyzed.

RESULTS

CD4⁺ T-cell iATP level significantly differed among patients with different post-liver transplantation survival intervals. The peak CD4⁺ T-cell iATP levels typically occurred within the first 3 postoperative months.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-liver transplantation survival interval is correlated with CD4⁺ T-cell iATP levels.

Multi-parameter based coagulant dosing control

The required coagulant dosage is strongly related to the quality of raw water or wastewater. Online sensors for most quality parameters are now readily available to treatment facilities, yet remain rarely used in treatment process control. This paper presents the evaluation of an advanced coagulant dosing control system based on online measurements in full-scale processes. The popular multivariate analytical method, partial least square regression, was used to build up the relationship between the coagulant dose and wastewater quality. The system was tested in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Norway. Coagulant savings up to 30% in Norwegian plants were observed with feed forward calibrations. The considerable savings reduce sludge production, leading to further cost saving on sludge treatment. This paper presents the method, function and experiences of the full-scale implementation of the system in different WWTPs.

Adding a spin to Kerker's condition: angular tuning of directional scattering with designed excitation

We describe a method to control the directional scattering of a high-index dielectric nanosphere, which utilizes the unique focusing properties of an azimuthally polarized phase vortex and a radially polarized beam to independently excite inside the nanosphere a spinning magnetic dipole and a linearly polarized electric dipole mode normal to the magnetic dipole. We show that by simply adjusting the phase and amplitude of the field on the exit pupil of the optical system, the scattering of the nanosphere can be tuned to any direction within a plane, and the method works over a broad wavelength range.

HCSGD: An integrated database of human cellular senescence genes

Cellular senescence is an irreversible cell cycle arrest program in response to various exogenous and endogenous stimuli like telomere dysfunction and DNA damage. It has been widely accepted as an anti-tumor program and is also found closely related to embryo development, tissue repair, organismal aging and age-related degenerative diseases. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been made to uncover the gene regulatory mechanisms of cellular senescence. There is a strong demand to integrate these data from various resources into one open platform. To facilitate researchers on cellular senescence, we have developed Human Cellular Senescence Gene Database (HCSGD) by integrating multiple online published data sources into a comprehensive senescence gene annotation platform (http://bioinfo.au.tsinghua.edu.cn/member/xwwang/HCSGD). Potential Human Cellular Senescence Genes (HCSGS) were collected by combining information from published literatures, gene expression profiling data and Protein-Protein Interaction networks. Additionally, genes are annotated with gene ontology annotation and microRNA/drug/compound target information. HCSGD provides a valuable resource to visualize cellular senescence gene networks, browse annotated functional information, and retrieve senescence-associated genes with a user-friendly web interface.

Reconstruction of the Outflow Tract in Cross-Auxiliary Double-Domino Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Auxiliary liver transplantation is accepted as an effective manner to expand the liver donor pool. A difficult surgical technical challenge of the procedure is hepatic vein reconstruction of the graft.

METHODS

To resolve this problem, complex techniques are used to perform an innovative outflow tract reconstruction in the world's first cross-auxiliary double-domino donor liver transplantation with two whole liver grafts. The inferior vena cava-sparing hepatectomy technique was applied at harvest in the two domino liver donors. For each donor, the three major hepatic veins (right, middle, and left) were joined together to create one single orifice, but there was no sufficient tissue to perform a direct anastomosis.

RESULTS

The hepatic vein was reconstructed with the use of a longitudinally opened iliac vein graft from a cadaveric donor to prolong the outflow tract for the piggyback suturing.

CONCLUSIONS

This new technique might provide an innovative surgical approach for reconstructing the complex outflow tract of domino transplantation.

Correlation Between Immunosuppressive Therapy and CD4(+) T-Cell Intracellular Adenosine Triphosphate Levels in Liver Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to analyze the correlation between immunosuppressive therapy and CD4(+) T-cell intracellular adenosine triphosphate (iATP) levels after liver transplantation and to describe the distribution characteristics of iATP in CD4(+) T cells among liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

We studied 172 patients who were followed regularly after liver transplantation with long-term stable conditions from July 2010 to October 2012. CD4(+) T-cell iATP levels were detected with the use of the Cylex Immuknow Assay method and analyzed retrospectively according to immunosuppressive therapy protocol.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in CD4(+) T-cell iATP level among the recipients receiving different immunosuppressive therapy protocols after liver transplantation. CD4(+) T-cell iATP level in the FK506 group and FK506 + prednisone (Pred) groups was higher than in the FK506 + mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), FK506 + MMF + Pred, and rapamycin (Rapa) groups. CD4(+) T-cell iATP level in patients receiving an MMF protocol was lower than in the group without MMF.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a relationship between distribution immunosuppressive therapy protocol and CD4(+) T-cell iATP level after liver transplantation. MMF and Rapa lower the CD4(+) T-cell iATP level significantly.

[Challenges in large-scale synthetic gene circuits design]

As the scale of synthetic gene circuits grows with sophisticated functions, rational design appears to be a bottleneck to develop synthetic biological systems. In this review, we summarized the impact of gene expression noise and competition effect on the performance of synthetic gene circuits. We also summarized recent progresses on rational design approaches, such as digital-analog circuits, network topologies design, and information-theory-based optimization approaches. Finally, we discussed future directions for rational design of synthetic gene circuits.

Efficiency of multi-beam Fourier phase gratings at 1.4 THz

We compare the results of simulated and measured power efficiency and far-field beam pattern, for two reflective Fourier phase gratings, designed to generate 2 × 2 and 2 × 4 beams respectively from a single-beam, coherent source at 1.4 THz. The designed surface structures were manufactured on aluminum plates by a computer numerical control (CNC) micro-milling machine. Despite small differences between the designed and fabricated gratings, we measured power efficiencies of both gratings to be around 70%, which is in a good agreement with the simulated values. We also find a good agreement between the simulated and measured diffracted beam size and spatial distribution. We demonstrate the application of both gratings as multiple beam local oscillators to simultaneously pump (or operate) a 4-pixel array of superconducting heterodyne mixers.

Combination of micro-scanning mirrors and multi-mode fibers for speckle reduction in high lumen laser projector applications

In high lumen laser projectors, it is required to use laser diodes coupled to multi-mode fibers (MMFs) to obtain a high power illumination module. In this paper, we have fabricated an electromagnetic micro-scanning mirror (EM-MSM), and we have firstly demonstrated a speckle reduction method by the combination of the EM-MSM and the MMF. With the help of a condenser lens, laser beams modulated and reflected from the EM-MSM are coupled into the MMF within its acceptance angle. Because the fast scanning behavior of the EM-MSM results in the phase modulation and mode coupling among the MMF guided modes, the light intensity field distributions at the exit aperture of the MMF are changing. During the charge-coupled device (CCD) integration time, the random speckle patterns are integrated and homogenized by the CCD camera, and hence speckle is reduced. By driving the EM-MSM in raster scan, the lowest compound speckle contrast ratio at 0.0794 is obtained, where the EM-MSM half scanning angles are 0.4 ° and the optical power loss is lower than 4.5%. The demonstrated technique is compact and can endure the high power of the laser module; thus, it has a promising potential in high lumen laser projector applications.

[Evaluation of production and clinical working time of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) custom trays for complete denture]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the technician fabrication time and clinical working time of custom trays fabricated using two different methods, the three-dimensional printing custom trays and the conventional custom trays, and to prove the feasibility of the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) custom trays in clinical use from the perspective of clinical time cost.

METHODS

Twenty edentulous patients were recruited into this study, which was prospective, single blind, randomized self-control clinical trials. Two custom trays were fabricated for each participant. One of the custom trays was fabricated using functional suitable denture (FSD) system through CAD/CAM process, and the other was manually fabricated using conventional methods. Then the final impressions were taken using both the custom trays, followed by utilizing the final impression to fabricate complete dentures respectively. The technician production time of the custom trays and the clinical working time of taking the final impression was recorded.

RESULTS

The average time spent on fabricating the three-dimensional printing custom trays using FSD system and fabricating the conventional custom trays manually were (28.6±2.9) min and (31.1±5.7) min, respectively. The average time spent on making the final impression with the three-dimensional printing custom trays using FSD system and the conventional custom trays fabricated manually were (23.4±11.5) min and (25.4±13.0) min, respectively. There was significant difference in the technician fabrication time and the clinical working time between the three-dimensional printing custom trays using FSD system and the conventional custom trays fabricated manually (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The average time spent on fabricating three-dimensional printing custom trays using FSD system and making the final impression with the trays are less than those of the conventional custom trays fabricated manually, which reveals that the FSD three-dimensional printing custom trays is less time-consuming both in the clinical and laboratory process than the conventional custom trays. In addition, when we manufacture custom trays by three-dimensional printing method, there is no need to pour preliminary cast after taking the primary impression, therefore, it can save the impression material and model material. As to completing denture restoration, manufacturing custom trays using FSD system is worth being popularized.

Abstract OT2-03-02: Feasibility of assessing radiation response with MRI/CT directed preoperative accelerated partial breast irradiation in the prone position for hormone sensitive early stage breast cancer

Background: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) delivers adjuvant radiation (RT) to the 1-2 cm of the breast at highest risk for recurrence surrounding the lumpectomy (L) cavity over 5-8 days and is an alternative to standard whole breast irradiation for hormone sensitive (HS) stage 1 (T1, N0) breast cancer (BC) based on 2 randomized controlled trials. External beam methods for APBI are common but have notable inherent drawbacks that include: inter-fraction inaccuracy due to patient setup based on anatomy, intra fraction error related to patient or respiratory motion, and inaccurate geometric targeting by relying on L cavity position instead of the tumor position. Postoperative RT has other limitations including delivery in the setting of disrupted blood or lymphatic supply that may be suboptimal for radio sensitivity and it eliminates observation of radiation-induced tumor response. MRI is an established tool for measuring BC extent and response from neoadjuvant systemic therapy. It's hypothesized that MRI directed pre-operative APBI using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with image guidance (IGRT) will improve RT delivery, and that MRI features can be identified to correlate with pathologic radiation response.

Trial Design: There are 2 cohorts to this single arm prospective trial. The first cohort is for establishing and verifying patient flow and image fusion between MRI, CT and RT planning. In the second cohort eligible patients will receive preoperative APBI 38.5 Gy in 10 fractions BID with IMRT, IGRT in the prone position using MRI defined targets fused to CT treatment planning.

Eligibility: For cohort 1 it is HS Stage 1 BC that has completed CT in prone position for RT planning. Eligibility for cohort 2 requires: age &gt; 60 yo, clinical stage 1 BC, HS, HER2 negative, intending L, clinically negative axilla verified by ultrasound, able to tolerate the prone position, and MRI with contrast.

Specific aims: To determine the reproducibility of MRI directed preoperative APBI based on meeting 3 criteria: ability to define RT targets by MRI, quality of RT plans and completion of treatment (APBI and surgery). Additional aims include assessing toxicity, cosmetic outcome, local regional cancer control and collection of tissue for correlative studies.

Statistical methods: The optimal two-stage design by Simon is used. Sample size for cohort 2 is based on the first endpoint. 19 eligible patients will be required in the first stage; if 3 or more treatments are scored unacceptable, then early stopping will be recommended. Otherwise, accrual will continue to a total accrual of 30. If &gt; 4 of 30 treatments are scored unacceptable, the technique will be considered not reproducible, and a Phase II study will not be pursued. Under the null hypothesis of an 80% reproducibility rate, this two-stage design has an expected sample size of 24.4.

Patient accrual to cohort 1 is 2 and targeted accrual is 3. Patient accrual to Cohort 2 is 0 and targeted accrual is 30.

Contact information: Soyhun Mc Elroy ( Sohyun.McElroy@osumc.edu) or Julia White (Julia.White@osumc.edu)

Funding source: Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Grant # GRT00035216.

Citation Format: White J, McElroy S, Seykon A, Wei L, Bazan J, Yang X, DiCostanzo D, Gupta N, Knopp M. Feasibility of assessing radiation response with MRI/CT directed preoperative accelerated partial breast irradiation in the prone position for hormone sensitive early stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-03-02.

Tumour-activated liver stromal cells regulate myeloid-derived suppressor cells accumulation in the liver

Regulating mechanisms underlying hepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation remain to be described. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement of tumour-activated liver stromal cells in the process of hepatic MDSCs migration and accumulation. Our data showed an elevated frequency of MDSCs in the liver of tumour-bearing mice. Moreover, tumour-activated liver stromal cells promote MDSC migration into the liver site. Further investigation indicated higher levels of cytokine and chemokine expression in liver stromal cells after exposure to the tumour-conditioned supernatant. Notably, the expression levels of proinflammatory factors, mainly including macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), increased after treatment with tumour-conditioned supernatant, and blockade of MCP-1 or SDF-1 decreased the proportion of tumour infiltrated MDSCs in mice co-transplanted with liver stromal cells and tumour cells, but not in mice with only tumour cells injection. These findings demonstrate that tumour-activated liver stromal cells produce higher levels of chemokines and cytokines, which may contribute to MDSC accumulation into the liver site in patients with liver cancer.

Proximal fibular osteotomy: a new surgery for pain relief and improvement of joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective To explore the effects of proximal fibular osteotomy as a new surgery for pain relief and improvement of medial joint space and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods From January 2015 to May 2015, 47 patients who underwent proximal fibular osteotomy for medial compartment osteoarthritis were retrospectively followed up. Preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing and whole lower extremity radiographs were obtained to analyse the alignment of the lower extremity and ratio of the knee joint space (medial/lateral compartment). Knee pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale, and knee ambulation activities were evaluated using the American Knee Society score preoperatively and postoperatively. Results Medial pain relief was observed in almost all patients after proximal fibular osteotomy. Most patients exhibited improved walking postoperatively. Weight-bearing lower extremity radiographs showed an average increase in the postoperative medial knee joint space. Additionally, obvious correction of alignment was observed in the whole lower extremity radiographs in 8 of 47 patients. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that proximal fibular osteotomy effectively relieves pain and improves joint function in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis at a mean of 13.38 months postoperatively.