Assessment, validation and deployment strategy of a two-barcode protocol for facile genotyping of duckweed species

Lemnaceae, commonly called duckweeds, comprise a diverse group of floating aquatic plants that have previously been classified into 37 species based on morphological and physiological criteria. In addition to their unique evolutionary position among angiosperms and their applications in biomonitoring, the potential of duckweeds as a novel sustainable crop for fuel and feed has recently increased interest in the study of their biodiversity and systematics. However, due to their small size and abbreviated structure, accurate typing of duckweeds based on morphology can be challenging. In the past decade, attempts to employ molecular barcoding techniques for species assignment have produced promising results; however, they have yet to be codified into a simple and quantitative protocol. A study that compiles and compares the barcode sequences within all known species of this family would help to establish the fidelity and limits of this DNA-based approach. In this work, we compared the level of conservation between over 100 strains of duckweed for two intergenic barcode sequences derived from the plastid genome. By using over 300 sequences publicly available in the NCBI database, we determined the utility of each of these two barcodes for duckweed species identification. Through sequencing of these barcodes from additional accessions, 30 of the 37 known species of duckweed could be identified with varying levels of confidence using this approach. From our analyses using this reference dataset, we also confirmed two instances where mis-assignment of species has likely occurred. Potential strategies for further improving the scope of this technology are discussed.

Sex trafficking in Ireland from a health care perspective

Sex trafficking within Ireland is a hidden phenomenon. In 2010, 78 alleged victims were reported to An Garda Siochina and the recorded levels of human trafficking into Ireland have remained at this level for the last four years. Despite this, no Irish guidelines or referral pathways exist to assist health care professionals. This paper highlights that health care professionals are not aware of this occurrence nor have they been trained to identify victims. Due to a lack of awareness many potential opportunities to detect these victims may be missed. While there is no single set of symptoms or signs that differentiates sex-trafficked victims from other sex workers, an awareness of common physical and psychological health problems associated with sex trafficking by health care professionals may increase victim detection rates. This paper summarises indicators, approach mechanisms, screening questions and a referral guideline relevant to the Irish health care system. This step-by-step guide can be used by health care professionals who encounter such a situation.

Dynamics of chromosomal evolution in the genus Hypsiboas (Anura: Hylidae)

Hylidae is one of the most species-rich families of anurans, and 40% of representatives in this group occur in Brazil. In spite of such remarkable diversity, little is known about this family and its taxonomical and systematic features. Most hylids have 2n = 24, even though most of the cytogenetic data are mainly obtained based on the conventional chromosomal staining and are available for only 16% of Hypsiboas species, a genus accounting for about 10% of the hylid diversity. In this study, cytogenetic data of distinct species and populations of Hypsiboas were analyzed, and the evolutionary dynamics of chromosomal macro- and microstructure of these amphibians were discussed. Contrary to the conservativeness of 2n = 24, this genus is characterized by a high variation of chromosomal morphology with as much as 8 karyotype patterns. Differences in the number and location of nucleolus organizer regions and C-bands allowed the identification of geographical variants within nominal species and cytotaxonomical chromosomal markers. Comparative analyses revealed a strong phylogeographic relationship between chromosomal patterns in this group.

Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida isolates from bloodstream infections in Lima, Peru

Yeast identification and in vitro susceptibility testing provide helpful information for appropriate administration of antifungal treatments; however, few reports from the Latin American region have been published. The aim of this study was to identify the species present in isolates from bloodstream infections diagnosed in nine hospitals in Lima, Peru and to determine their in vitro susceptibility to four antifungal drugs. We tested and identified 153 isolates collected between October 2009 and August 2011 using standard methods. PCR and PCR-RFLP assays were performed to distinguish Candida albicans from Candida dubliniensis and to identify species of the Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata complexes. Antifungal susceptibility testing for fluconazole, anidulafungin and voriconazole was performed using the CSLI M27-A3 method, and amphotericin B susceptibility was determined using the Etest method. The most frequently isolated species were: C. albicans (61; 39.9 %), C. parapsilosis (43; 28.1 %), C. tropicalis (36; 23.5%) and C. glabrata (8; 5.2 %). The overall susceptibility rates were 98.0 %, 98.7 %, 98.0 % and 97.4 % for amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole and anidulafungin, respectively. No isolate was resistant to more than one drug. These results showed that the rate of resistance to four antifungal drugs was low among Candida bloodstream isolates in Lima, Peru.

Proteomic analysis of enzyme production by Bacillus licheniformis using different feather wastes as the sole fermentation media

This study evaluates the use of different types of feathers as fermentation media for enzyme production. Bacillus licheniformis was grown on the feathers, which lead to total biodegradation due to bacterial enzymatic hydrolytic excretion. B. licheniformis excretes protease and lipase activity, with feather concentration being the main parameter controlling their generation. Using a proteomic approach, the proteins excreted during fermentation were identified, and the influence of the chemical composition of the feathers on protein secretion was tested. The identified proteins are hydrolytic enzymes such as keratinase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, chitosanases, and glicosidases. The diversity of proteins is related to the chemical complexity of the feathers. Understanding the composition of a hydrolytic system, when B. licheniformis is cultured on different feathers, may assist in utilizing such a system for producing different hydrolytic enzymes. The data indicate that proteomics can be a valuable tool for describing the physiological state of B. licheniformis cell populations growing on different wastes.

Sedation with sevoflurane in postoperative cardiac surgery: influence on troponin T and creatinine values

INTRODUCTION

To compare the potential beneficial effects on markers of myocardial injury (troponin T) and renal function between sedation with sevoflurane vs propofol after cardiac surgery using extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

A prospective study with sequential selection of patients undergoing coronary or coronary and valve cardiac surgery. Intraoperative anesthesia consisted in sevoflurane and remifentanil, while in the postoperative period patients were divided in two groups to receive sedation with either sevoflurane through the AnaConDa© system or propofol. The patients were sedated during a minimum of 120minutes. Markers of myocardial injury and plasmatic creatinine were measured 4, 12, 24, and 48hours after surgery.

RESULTS

Data from 129patients, 62sedated with propofol and 67with sevoflurane, were analyzed. The analysis of the troponin T levels showed differences 12 and 48 hours after admission. Mean values at 12hours were 0.89 (standard deviation 0.55) µg.L(-1) in the propofol group and 0.69 (standard deviation 0.40) µg. L(-1)in the sevoflurane group (p = 0.026). TnT levels at 48hours were 0.60 (standard deviation 0.46) µg.L-(1)in the propofol group and 0.37 (standard deviation 0.26) µg.L(-1)in the sevoflurane group (p = 0,007). No differences were found in the groups in the creatinine levels before discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The post-operative sedation with sevoflurane after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is a valid alternative to propofol. It does not increase the number of side effects related to kidney damage in patients with no prior renal disease, leading to reduced troponin T levels 12and 48hours after admission.

Bioactive compounds in human milk and intestinal health and maturity in preterm newborn: an overview

Premature births are increasing worldwide (about 15 millions per year) due to several reasons (an advanced maternal age, fertility treatments, stress, smoking, nutritional deficiencies) and lead to a high societal overall cost. Among neonatal care procedures, the clinical nutrition practices are essential to promote the development and to minimize the sequelae. Premature newborns are at major risk of death by infections due to the immaturity of their intestine. Human milk provides not only nutrients but also a plethora of biologically active components that are tailored to contribute to the development of the intestinal tract early in postnatal life. Among them, some bioactive molecules exhibit trophic effects (LC—PUFA, sphingomyelin, IGF—I and IGF—II, EGF, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, lactoferrin, lactadherin, probiotics, prebiotics, miRNA) or are part of the intestinal cell membranes (PUFA, LC—PUFA, phospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol), others educate the intestine for innate microbial recognition (sCD14, sTLR—2, miRNA), many of them display direct fighting against pathogens (some fatty acids and monoglycerides, some phospholipids and sphingolipids, BSSL, insulin, lactoferrin, sIgAs, MUC—1, lactadherin, probiotics, prebiotics), or contribute to establish the gut microbiota (LC—PUFA, lactoferrin, probiotics, prebiotics). A synergetic action exists between several bioactive molecules. All together these precious agents regulate the maturation of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and might program early in postnatal life the future adult intestinal health. This review lists the main bioactive compounds and addresses their plausible roles and mechanisms of action.

Cerebral air emboli with atrial-esophageal fistula following atrial fibrillation ablation: a case report and review

BACKGROUND

Atrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and early complication of radiofrequency ablation for medically refractory atrial fibrillation, but has devastating consequences when the diagnosis is delayed or difficult to make.

METHODS

Single case in a neurosciences critical care center.

RESULTS

A 69-year-old man with significant cardiac and neurologic medical history who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation 50 days prior to admission to the neurocritical care unit presented with acute left-sided weakness and gram-positive bacterial sepsis. This is an exceptional case discussing the need for early detection of AEF presenting with sepsis, neurologic deficit along with complicated decision-making in the neurocritical care setting. His hospital course was complicated by acute stroke, left ventricular (LV) aneurysm with thrombus, gastrointestinal (GI) bleed discovered to be from left atrial esophageal fistula, and subsequent cerebral air emboli leading to death.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the most delayed presentation of AEF following atrial fibrillation ablation reported in the literature to date. We emphasize the need for awareness of this complication even after such an unexpected time-frame postprocedure as well as the unintended complications of cerebral air emboli following upper endoscopy.