Performance of mass spectrometric identification of bacteria and yeasts routinely isolated in a clinical microbiology laboratory using MALDI-TOF MS

BACKGROUND

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an emerging technology newly applied to identifying bacterial and yeast strains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the VITEK(®) MS system in the identification of bacteria and yeast strains routinely isolated from clinical samples.

METHODS

We prospectively analyzed routine MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification in parallel with conventional phenotypic identification of bacteria and yeasts regardless of phylum or source of isolation. Discordant results were resolved with 16S rDNA or internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequencing. Colonies (a single deposit on a MALDI disposable target without any prior extraction step) were analyzed using the VITEK(®) MS system. Peptide spectra acquired by the system were compared with the VITEK(®) MS IVD database Version 2.0, and the identification scores were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 1,181 isolates (1,061 bacterial isolates and 120 yeast isolates) analyzed, 99.5% were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry; 95.7% identified to the species level, 3.6% identified to the genus level, and 0.3% identified within a range of species belonging to different genera. Conversely, 0.1% of isolates were misidentified and 0.4% were unidentified, partly because the species were not included in the database. Re-testing using a second deposit provided a successful identification for 0.5% of isolates unidentified with the first deposit. Our results show that the VITEK(®) MS system has exceptional performance in identifying bacteria and yeast by comparing acquired peptide spectra to those contained in its database.

CONCLUSIONS

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a rapid, accurate, and relatively inexpensive method for bacterial and yeast identification. Our results demonstrate that the VITEK(®) MS system is a fast and reliable technique, and has the potential to replace conventional phenotypic identification for most bacterial and yeast strains routinely isolated in clinical microbiology laboratories.

[Variation of forest vegetation carbon storage and carbon sequestration rate in Liaoning Province, Northeast China]

The forest vegetation carbon stock and carbon sequestration rate in Liaoning Province, Northeast China, were predicted by using Canadian carbon balance model (CBM-CFS3) combining with the forest resource data. The future spatio-temporal distribution and trends of vegetation carbon storage, carbon density and carbon sequestration rate were projected, based on the two scenarios, i. e. with or without afforestation. The result suggested that the total forest vegetation carbon storage and carbon density in Liaoning Province in 2005 were 133.94 Tg and 25.08 t x hm(-2), respectively. The vegetation carbon storage in Quercus was the biggest, while in Robinia pseudoacacia was the least. Both Larix olgensis and broad-leaved forests had higher vegetation carbon densities than others, and the vegetation carbon densities of Pinus tabuliformis, Quercus and Robinia pseudoacacia were close to each other. The spatial distribution of forest vegetation carbon density in Liaoning Province showed a decrease trend from east to west. In the eastern forest area, the future increase of vegetation carbon density would be smaller than those in the northern forest area, because most of the forests in the former part were matured or over matured, while most of the forests in the later part were young. Under the scenario of no afforestation, the future increment of total forest vegetation carbon stock in Liaoning Province would increase gradually, and the total carbon sequestration rate would decrease, while they would both increase significantly under the afforestation scenario. Therefore, afforestation plays an important role in increasing vegetation carbon storage, carbon density and carbon sequestration rate.

Assessment of the metabolic pathways associated with glucose-stimulated biphasic insulin secretion

Biphasic glucose-stimulated insulin secretion involves a rapid first phase followed by a prolonged second phase of insulin secretion. The biochemical pathways that control these 2 phases of insulin secretion are poorly defined. In this study, we used a gas chromatography mass spectroscopy-based metabolomics approach to perform a global analysis of cellular metabolism during biphasic insulin secretion. A time course metabolomic analysis of the clonal β-cell line 832/13 cells showed that glycolytic, tricarboxylic acid, pentose phosphate pathway, and several amino acids were strongly correlated to biphasic insulin secretion. Interestingly, first-phase insulin secretion was negatively associated with L-valine, trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, trans-3-hydroxy-L-proline, DL-3-aminoisobutyric acid, L-glutamine, sarcosine, L-lysine, and thymine and positively with L-glutamic acid, flavin adenine dinucleotide, caprylic acid, uridine 5'-monophosphate, phosphoglycerate, myristic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, and succinate were positively associated with second-phase insulin secretion. Other metabolites such as myo-inositol, cholesterol, DL-3-aminobutyric acid, and L-norleucine were negatively associated metabolites with the second-phase of insulin secretion. These studies provide a detailed analysis of key metabolites that are either negatively or positively associated with biphasic insulin secretion. The insights provided by these data set create a framework for planning future studies in the assessment of the metabolic regulation of biphasic insulin secretion.

Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of triflusal and its main active metabolite HTB in healthy Chinese subjects

Triflusal presents comparable antiplatelet activity to aspirin while presenting a more favourable safety profile, and is used in the treatment of thrombosis. The study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of triflusal and its major metabolite 2-(hydroxyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)- benzoic acid (HTB) in healthy Chinese subjects.30 healthy subjects were recruited in this randomized, single-center, and open-label, parallel, single ascending doses (300, 600, 900 mg) and multiple doses (600 mg, once daily for 7 days) study. Plasma samples were analyzed with a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method. Safety was assessed by adverse events, ECG, laboratory testing, and vital signs.Triflusal was safe and well tolerated. After single-dose administration, triflusal was rapidly absorbed with a mean Tmax of 0.55-0.92 h and a mean t1/2 kel of 0.35-0.65 h, HTB was absorbed with a mean Tmax of 2.35-3.03 h and a mean t1/2 kel of 52.5-65.57 h. Cmax and AUC for triflusal and HTB were approximately dose proportional over the 300-900 mg dose range. In the steady state, the accumulation index (R) indicated that the exposure of triflusal increased slightly with repeated dosing, and the exposure of HTB increased obviously. 3 adverse events certainly related to the investigational drugs occurred in the multiple-dose phase.Following oral dosing under fasting condition, triflusal is promptly absorbed and rapidly depleted from the systemic circulation. HTB is quickly generated from triflusal and slowly eliminated. Triflusal accumulates slightly in the body. HTB plasma concentration builds up progressively toward steady-state.

The alpha-7 nicotinic receptor partial agonist/5-HT3 antagonist RG3487 enhances cortical and hippocampal dopamine and acetylcholine release

RATIONALE

Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists may ameliorate cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, in part, because of their ability to enhance dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission.

OBJECTIVES

In the current study, the effects of partial nAChR agonist and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist RG3487 (previously R3487/MEM3454) on dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) effluxes in rat prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HIP) were investigated in awake, freely moving rats.

RESULTS

R3487/MEM3454, at doses of 0.1-10 mg/kg, s.c., enhanced DA and ACh effluxes in rat mPFC and (HIP), with a peak effect at 0.3- to 0.6-mg/kg doses, producing a bell-shaped dose-response curve. Pretreatment with the selective nAChR antagonist, methyllycaconitine (1.0 mg/kg), completely blocked RG3487-induced (0.45 mg/kg) DA but not ACh efflux, while the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide (1.0 mg/kg) partially inhibited cortical ACh but not DA efflux. RG3487 (0.45 mg/kg) combined with atypical antipsychotic drug (APD) risperidone (0.1 mg/kg), but not typical APD haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg), induced a significantly greater increase in HIP ACh efflux. Their combined effect on DA efflux was additive. RG3487, combined with other atypical APDs, namely aripiprazole (0.3 mg/kg), olanzapine (1.0 mg/kg), and quetiapine (30 mg/kg), also produced additive effects on DA efflux.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that RG3487 enhances DA efflux by nAChR stimulation, whereas ACh efflux is primarily mediated via 5-HT3 receptor antagonism, and that RG3487 alone or as augmentation may improve cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.

Effect of Gua Lou Gui Zhi decoction on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through regulating the expression of excitatory amino acids and their receptors

Gua Lou Gui Zhi decotion (GLGZD) has been reported to be an effective treatment for post‑apoplectic limb spasm in the clinic. The present study aimed to investigate whether GLGZD had an affect on cerebral injuries induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats and its possible mechanism. High‑performance liquid chromatography was performed to analyze GLGZD. Furthermore, a model was established to assess the efficacy of GLGZD. Neurological defect scores and screen tests were analyzed. Brain ischemic infarct volume was measured using 2,3,5‑triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp) and glycine (Gly) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were measured using the Hitachi automatic amino acid analyzer. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression of the α‑amino‑3‑hydroxy‑5‑methyl‑4‑isoxazole‑propionic acid (AMPA) and N‑methyl‑D‑aspartic acid (NMDA) glutamate receptors, and to analyze histopathological change. GLGZD was found to improve neurological performance and reduce infarct volumes in MCAO rats. In addition, GLGZD was observed to enhance motor performance, which was assessed using the screen test. Furthermore, GLGZD was found to reduce Glu, Asp and Gly levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and downregulate the protein expression of the AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors. Thus, it was demonstrated that GLGZD may exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of excitatory amino acids, and AMPA and NMDA receptor expression.

Sensitivity of global and regional terrestrial carbon storage to the direct CO2 effect and climate change based on the CMIP5 model intercomparison

Global and regional land carbon storage has been significantly affected by increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentration and climate change. Based on fully coupled climate-carbon-cycle simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), we investigate sensitivities of land carbon storage to rising atmospheric CO₂ concentration and climate change over the world and 21 regions during the 130 years. Overall, the simulations suggest that consistently spatial positive effects of the increasing CO₂ concentrations on land carbon storage are expressed with a multi-model averaged value of 1.04PgC per ppm. The stronger positive values are mainly located in the broad areas of temperate and tropical forest, especially in Amazon basin and western Africa. However, large heterogeneity distributed for sensitivities of land carbon storage to climate change. Climate change causes decrease in land carbon storage in most tropics and the Southern Hemisphere. In these regions, decrease in soil moisture (MRSO) and enhanced drought somewhat contribute to such a decrease accompanied with rising temperature. Conversely, an increase in land carbon storage has been observed in high latitude and altitude regions (e.g., northern Asia and Tibet). The model simulations also suggest that global negative impacts of climate change on land carbon storage are predominantly attributed to decrease in land carbon storage in tropics. Although current warming can lead to an increase in land storage of high latitudes of Northern Hemisphere due to elevated vegetation growth, a risk of exacerbated future climate change may be induced due to release of carbon from tropics.

Heteromeric TRPC3 with TRPC1 formed via its ankyrin repeats regulates the resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels in skeletal muscle

The main tasks of skeletal muscle are muscle contraction and relaxation, which are mediated by changes in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels. Canonical-type transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3) contains an ankyrin repeat (AR) region at the N-terminus (38-188 amino acids) and forms extracellular Ca(2+)-entry channels by homo or heteromerization with other TRP subtypes in various cells including skeletal myotubes. However, previous research has not determined which region(s) of TRPC3 is responsible for the heteromerization, whether the AR region participates in the heteromerizations, or what is the role of heteromeric TRPC3s in skeletal muscle. In the present study, the heteromerization of TRPC3 with TRPC1 was first examined by GST pull-down assays of TRPC3 portions with TRPC1. The portion containing the AR region of TRPC3 was bound to the TRPC1, but the binding was inhibited by the very end sub-region of the TRPC3 (1-37 amino acids). In-silico studies have suggested that the very end sub-region possibly induces a structural change in the AR region. Second, the very end sub-region of TRPC3 was expressed in mouse primary skeletal myotubes, resulting in a dominant-negative inhibition of heteromeric TRPC3/1 formation. In addition, the skeletal myotubes expressing the very end sub-region showed a decrease in resting cytosolic Ca(2+) levels. These results suggest that the AR region of TRPC3 could mediate the heteromeric TRPC3/1 formation, and the heteromeric TRPC3/1 could participate in regulating the resting cytosolic Ca(2+) levels in skeletal muscle.

Lyn activity protects mice from DSS colitis and regulates the production of IL-22 from innate lymphoid cells

Intestinal homeostasis requires a complex balance of interactions between diverse resident microbial communities, the intestinal epithelium, and the underlying immune system. We show that the Lyn tyrosine kinase, a critical regulator of immune cell function and pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) responses, has a key role in controlling gastrointestinal inflammation. Lyn⁻/⁻ mice were highly susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, whereas Lyn gain-of-function (Lyn(up)) mice exhibited attenuated colitis during acute and chronic models of disease. Lyn(up) mice were hypersensitive to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), driving enhanced production of cytokines and factors associated with intestinal barrier function, including interleukin (IL)-22. Oral administration of LPS was sufficient to protect antibiotic-treated Lyn(up) but not wild-type mice from DSS, highlighting how Lyn-dependent changes in the nature/magnitude of PRR responses can impact intestinal health. Furthermore, protection from DSS-induced colitis and increased IL-22 production in response to LPS did not depend on the adaptive immune system, with increased innate lymphoid cell-derived IL-22 correlating with Lyn activity in dendritic cells. These data reveal a key role for Lyn in the regulation of innate immune responses and control of intestinal inflammation.

Embryonic morphogen nodal is associated with progression and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Nodal, a TGF-β-related embryonic morphogen, is involved in multiple biologic processes. However, the expression of Nodal in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its correlation with tumor angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and prognosis is unclear.

Methods

We used real-time PCR and Western blotting to investigate Nodal expression in 6 HCC cell lines and 1 normal liver cell line, 16 pairs of tumor and corresponding paracarcinomatous tissues from HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine Nodal expression in HCC and corresponding paracarcinomatous tissues from 96 patients. CD34 and Vimentin were only examined in HCC tissues of patients mentioned above. Nodal gene was silenced by shRNA in MHCC97H and HCCLM3 cell lines, and cell migration and invasion were detected. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the prognostic value and associations of Nodal expression with clinical parameters.

Results

Nodal expression was detected in HCC cell lines with high metastatic potential alone. Nodal expression is up-regulated in HCC tissues compared with paracarcinomatous and normal liver tissues. Nodal protein was expressed in 70 of the 96 (72.9%) HCC tumors, and was associated with vascular invasion (P = 0.000), status of metastasis (P = 0.004), AFP (P = 0.049), ICGR₁₅ (indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min) (P = 0.010) and tumor size (P = 0.000). High Nodal expression was positively correlated with high MVD (microvessal density) (P = 0.006), but not with Vimentin expression (P = 0.053). Significantly fewer migrated and invaded cells were seen in shRNA group compared with blank group and negative control group (P<0.05). High Nodal expression was found to be an independent factor for predicting overall survival of HCC.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that Nodal expression is associated with aggressive characteristics of HCC. Its aberrant expression may be a predictive factor of unfavorable prognosis for HCC after surgery.

Short hairpin RNA gene silencing of prolyl hydroxylase-2 with a minicircle vector improves neovascularization of hindlimb ischemia

In this study, we target the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1-alpha) pathway by short hairpin RNA interference therapy targeting prolyl hydroxylase-2 (shPHD2). We use the minicircle (MC) vector technology as an alternative for conventional nonviral plasmid (PL) vectors in order to improve neovascularization after unilateral hindlimb ischemia in a murine model. Gene expression and transfection efficiency of MC and PL, both in vitro and in vivo, were assessed using bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and firefly luciferase (Luc) reporter gene. C57Bl6 mice underwent unilateral electrocoagulation of the femoral artery and gastrocnemic muscle injection with MC-shPHD2, PL-shPHD2, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as control. Blood flow recovery was monitored using laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and collaterals were visualized by immunohistochemistry and angiography. MC-Luc showed a 4.6-fold higher in vitro BLI signal compared with PL-Luc. BLI signals in vivo were 4.3×10(5)±3.3×10(5) (MC-Luc) versus 0.4×10(5)±0.3×10(5) (PL-Luc) at day 28 (p=0.016). Compared with PL-shPHD2 or PBS, MC-shPHD2 significantly improved blood flow recovery, up to 50% from day 3 until day 14 after ischemia induction. MC-shPHD2 significantly increased collateral density and capillary density, as monitored by alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and CD31(+) expression, respectively. Angiography data confirmed the histological findings. Significant downregulation of PHD2 mRNA levels by MC-shPHD2 was confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Finally, Western blot analysis confirmed significantly higher levels of HIF-1-alpha protein by MC-shPHD2, compared with PL-shPHD2 and PBS. This study provides initial evidence of a new potential therapeutic approach for peripheral artery disease. The combination of HIF-1-alpha pathway targeting by shPHD2 with the robust nonviral MC plasmid improved postischemic neovascularization, making this approach a promising potential treatment option for critical limb ischemia.

High-frequency ultrasound findings in epididymal malformations

PURPOSE

This work aims to investigate high-frequency ultrasound findings in epididymal malformations and their clinical significance.

METHODS

Eighty-five of 9,849 patients who had been examined using high-frequency ultrasound for infertility, varicocele, scrotal swelling, and so on had epididymal malformations. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the ultrasound findings of epididymal malformations in these 85 patients.

RESULTS

There were a total of 117 malformed epididymides in 85 patients with epididymal malformations. The detection rate of epididymal malformations using high-frequency ultrasound was 0.86 % (85/9,849).

CONCLUSIONS

High-frequency ultrasound can be used to diagnose epididymal malformation and seminiferous duct blockage.

Encapsulated Cd3P2 quantum dots emitting from the visible to the near infrared for bio-labelling applications

Quantum dot composites (PS@Cd₃P₂, SiO₂@Cd₃P₂) were prepared and employed for the first time as fluorescent probes for biological imaging.

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia: unusual lung disorder and an update

BACKGROUND

Giant cell interstitial pneumonia (GIP) was a rare form of pneumoconiosis, associated with exposure to hard metals, which had been reported mostly as isolated case reports. We described eight cases of GIP diagnosed in our hospital during the past seven years, with particular reference to new findings.

METHODS

Eight patients with GIP confirmed by biopsy in the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University from 2005 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient, the occupy histories and medical records were thoroughly reviewed and clinic data were extracted. Two radiologists, without knowledge of any of the clinical and functional findings, independently reviewed the HRCT scans of all patients. Follow-up data were collected.

RESULTS

Among the eight patients, seven had a history of exposure to hard metal dusts, one denied an exposure history. The most common manifestations were cough and dyspnea. One patient initiated with pneumothorax and another pleural effusion, both of which were uncommon to GIP. The main pathologic appearances were the presence of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells in the alveolar space. The clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities were obviously improved after cessation of exposure and receiving corticosteroid treatments, recurrences were observed in two patients when they resumed work. In spite of exposure cessation and corticosteroid treatment, one patient developed pulmonary fibrosis at seven years follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Awareness of the patients' occupational history often provided clues to the diagnosis of GIP. Histopathologic examinations were necessary to establish the right diagnosis. Exposure cessation was of benefit to most patients; however, pulmonary fibrosis was possible in spite of exposure cessation and corticosteroid treatment. Better ways should be found out to improve the outcome and quality of life.

ALDH1 is an independent prognostic factor for patients with stages II-III rectal cancer after receiving radiochemotherapy

Background:

About one in five patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (RC) suffers recurrence or distant metastasis after neoadjuvant therapy. We investigated how cancer stem cell markers change after neoadjuvant therapy and how these markers relate to recurrence.

Methods:

Pretreatment biopsies and postoperative specimens were taken from 64 patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma who received preoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) between sampling. Samples were tested immunohistochemically for CD44, LGR5, ALDH1 and CD166; scores were dichotomised as high or low. The median follow-up period was 36 months.

Results:

High expression of CD44, LGR5, ALDH and CD166 was found in 38%, 5%, 48% and 10%, respectively, before RCT and 86%, 33%, 71% and 52%, respectively, after RCT. CD44 (P=0.001), LGR5 (P=0.049) and CD166 (P=0.003) were significantly upregulated after RCT. Whereas no recurrence was seen during the follow-up in the low ALDH group, 40% of the high ALDH group suffered recurrence. In multivariate COX analysis, postoperative ALDH1 independently predicted poor prognosis in patients with RC who received RCT (P=0.0095).

Conclusion:

Preoperative RCT upregulates expression of stem cell markers in patients with RC. High post-treatment ALDH1 expression predicts poor prognosis for these patients after neoadjuvant therapy.

Energy dependence of the transverse momentum distributions of charged particles in pp collisions measured by ALICE

Differential cross sections of charged particles in inelastic pp collisions as a function of p_T have been measured at [Formula: see text] at the LHC. The p_T spectra are compared to NLO-pQCD calculations. Though the differential cross section for an individual [Formula: see text] cannot be described by NLO-pQCD, the relative increase of cross section with [Formula: see text] is in agreement with NLO-pQCD. Based on these measurements and observations, procedures are discussed to construct pp reference spectra at [Formula: see text] up to p_T=50 GeV/c as required for the calculation of the nuclear modification factor in nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions.

Directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity relative to the spectator plane in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV relative to the collision symmetry plane defined by the spectator nucleons. A negative slope of the rapidity-odd directed flow component with approximately 3 times smaller magnitude than found at the highest RHIC energy is observed. This suggests a smaller longitudinal tilt of the initial system and disfavors the strong fireball rotation predicted for the LHC energies. The rapidity-even directed flow component is measured for the first time with spectators and found to be independent of pseudorapidity with a sign change at transverse momenta p(T) between 1.2 and 1.7  GeV/c. Combined with the observation of a vanishing rapidity-even p(T) shift along the spectator deflection this is strong evidence for dipolelike initial density fluctuations in the overlap zone of the nuclei. Similar trends in the rapidity-even directed flow and the estimate from two-particle correlations at midrapidity, which is larger by about a factor of 40, indicate a weak correlation between fluctuating participant and spectator symmetry planes. These observations open new possibilities for investigation of the initial conditions in heavy-ion collisions with spectator nucleons.

K(S)0 and Λ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The ALICE measurement of K(S)(0) and Λ production at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV is presented. The transverse momentum (p(T)) spectra are shown for several collision centrality intervals and in the p(T) range from 0.4 GeV/c (0.6 GeV/c for Λ) to 12 GeV/c. The p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratios exhibits maxima in the vicinity of 3 GeV/c, and the positions of the maxima shift towards higher p(T) with increasing collision centrality. The magnitude of these maxima increases by almost a factor of three between most peripheral and most central Pb-Pb collisions. This baryon excess at intermediate p(T) is not observed in pp interactions at √s=0.9 TeV and at √s=7 TeV. Qualitatively, the baryon enhancement in heavy-ion collisions is expected from radial flow. However, the measured p(T) spectra above 2 GeV/c progressively decouple from hydrodynamical-model calculations. For higher values of p(T), models that incorporate the influence of the medium on the fragmentation and hadronization processes describe qualitatively the p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratio.

Mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in cephalosporin-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa in China

Twenty-nine Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, which are resistant to carbapenems but susceptible to ceftazidime or/and cefepime, were recovered from our hospital from July 2011 to October 2011. The results of Western blotting showed that the OprD was reduced or lost. None of the 29 clinical isolates produced carbapenemases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, or Ambler class C β-lactamases enzymes by the modified 3-dimensional test. The sequencing of oprD for these isolates showed that there are multiple point mutations, large fragment substitutions, deletions, and insertions. It showed that the expression of oprD decreased while mexA and mexX increased by real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. These results suggested that the loss of OprD and overexpression of mexXY-OprM and mexAB-OprM are associated with carbapenem resistance in cephalosporin-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa.