Capsule Research Articles

Characterization of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae biovar 2 isolates reportedly reacted with the serovar 4 antiserum, and development of a multiplex PCR for O-antigen typing

We have analyzed the capsule (CPS) and the lipopolysaccharide O-Antigen (O-Ag) biosynthesis loci of twelve Spanish field isolates of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae biovar 2, eleven of them previously typed serologically as serovar 4 and one non-typable (NT) (Maldonado et al., 2009, 2011). These isolates have the common core genes of the type I CPS locus, sharing >98% identity with those of serovar 2. However, the former possesses the O-Ag locus as serovar 4, and the latter possesses the O-Ag locus as serovar 7. The main difference found between the CPS loci of the 11 isolates and that of serovar 2 reference strain S1536 are two deletions, one of an 8 bp sequence upstream of the coding sequence and one of 111 bp sequence at the 5’ end of the cps2G gene. The deletion mutations mentioned lead to a defect in the production of CPS in these isolates, which contributed to their previous mis-identification. In order to complement the serotyping of A. pleuropneumoniae in diagnostics and epidemiology, we have developed a multiplex PCR for the comprehensive O-Ag typing of all A. pleuropneumoniae isolates.

A genetic regulatory see-saw of biofilm and virulence in MRSA pathogenesis.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common opportunistic human pathogens causing several infectious diseases. Ever since the emergence of the first methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain decades back, the organism has been a major cause of hospital-acquired infections (HA-MRSA). The spread of this pathogen across the community led to the emergence of a more virulent subtype of the strain, i.e., Community acquired Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). Hence, WHO has declared Staphylococcus aureus as a high-priority pathogen. MRSA pathogenesis is remarkable because of the ability of this "superbug" to form robust biofilm both in vivo and in vitro by the formation of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), extracellular DNA (eDNA), wall teichoic acids (WTAs), and capsule (CP), which are major components that impart stability to a biofilm. On the other hand, secretion of a diverse array of virulence factors such as hemolysins, leukotoxins, enterotoxins, and Protein A regulated by agr and sae two-component systems (TCS) aids in combating host immune response. The up- and downregulation of adhesion genes involved in biofilm formation and genes responsible for synthesizing virulence factors during different stages of infection act as a genetic regulatory see-saw in the pathogenesis of MRSA. This review provides insight into the evolution and pathogenesis of MRSA infections with a focus on genetic regulation of biofilm formation and virulence factors secretion.

Hypermucoviscosity Regulator RmpD Interacts with Wzc and Controls Capsular Polysaccharide Chain Length.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and urinary tract infections. Treatment options are increasingly restricted by the high prevalence of resistance to frontline antibiotics, including carbapenems, and the recently identified plasmid-conferred colistin resistance. The classical pathotype (cKp) is responsible for most of the nosocomial infections observed globally, and these isolates are often multidrug resistant. The hypervirulent pathotype (hvKp) is a primary pathogen capable of causing community-acquired infections in immunocompetent hosts. The hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotype is strongly associated with the increased virulence of hvKp isolates. Recent studies demonstrated that HMV requires capsule (CPS) synthesis and the small protein RmpD but is not dependent on the increased amount of capsule associated with hvKp. Here, we identified the structure of the capsular and extracellular polysaccharide isolated from hvKp strain KPPR1S (serotype K2) with and without RmpD. We found that the polymer repeat unit structure is the same in both strains and that it is identical to the K2 capsule. However, the chain length of CPS produced by strains expressing rmpD demonstrates more uniform length. This property was reconstituted in CPS from Escherichia coli isolates that possess the same CPS biosynthesis pathway as K. pneumoniae but naturally lack rmpD. Furthermore, we demonstrate that RmpD binds Wzc, a conserved capsule biosynthesis protein required for CPS polymerization and export. Based on these observations, we present a model for how the interaction of RmpD with Wzc could impact CPS chain length and HMV. IMPORTANCE Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae continue to be a global public health threat; the treatment of these infections is complicated by the high frequency of multidrug resistance. K. pneumoniae produces a polysaccharide capsule required for virulence. Hypervirulent isolates also have a hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype that increases virulence, and we recently demonstrated that a horizontally acquired gene, rmpD, is required for HMV and hypervirulence but that the identity of the polymeric product(s) in HMV isolates is uncertain. Here, we demonstrate that RmpD regulates capsule chain length and interacts with Wzc, a part of the capsule polymerization and export machinery shared by many pathogens. We further show that RmpD confers HMV and regulates capsule chain length in a heterologous host (E. coli). As Wzc is a conserved protein found in many pathogens, it is possible that RmpD-mediated HMV and increased virulence may not be restricted to K. pneumoniae.

Description of novel capsule biosynthesis loci of Campylobacter jejuni clinical isolates from South and South-East Asia.

Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of bacterial diarrhea worldwide and associated with numerous sequela, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, reactive arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. C. jejuni is unusual for an intestinal pathogen in its ability to coat its surface with a polysaccharide capsule (CPS). The genes responsible for the biosynthesis of the phase variable CPS is located in the hypervariable region of C. jejuni genome which has been used to develop multiplex PCR to classify CPS types based on the Penner serotypes. However, there still are non-typable CPS C. jejuni by the current multiplex PCR scheme. The application of the next generation sequencing and whole genome analysis software were used for the identification of novel capsule biosynthesis of C. jejuni isolates. Unique PCR primers were designed to identify these new capsule biosynthesis loci. The designed primers sets were combined in a new multiplex mix called epsilon. The unique sequences provide an additional information of the biosynthesis loci responsible for some of the common CPS sugars/residues such as heptose, deoxtyheptose and MeOPN among C. jejuni in this new group of CPS multiplex assay. This new primer complements the current C. jejuni multiplex capsule typing system and will help in identifying previously untypeable capsule locus of C. jejuni isolates.

Investigating response of yield traits and oil content of sesame variety (Sesamum indicum L.) to nano-magnesium fertilizer and biopolymer chitosan under limited water stress

IntroductionSesamum, scientifically named Sesamum indicum L., is one of the oldest oilseed families and is adapted to warm and semi-warm regions and is known as the queen of oilseeds. The use of nanotechnology in the production of fertilizers results in optimal release and increased efficiency of absorption of nutrients in fertilizer which leads to significant economic and environmental benefits. Chitosan elicits stimulating defense mechanisms and is beneficial to plants, animals and humans and is environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that water stress and dehydration in Iran is always one of the most important agricultural problems and due to the importance of magnesium in photosynthesis of plants and also the use of different polymers such as chitosan to reduce the damage caused by stress, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of nano chitosan and magnesium application under water stress conditions on some sesame traits for sustainable agriculture development in Varamin region. Materials and methodsIn order to evaluate limited water stress and foliar application of magnesium and chitosan on growth and yielding traits and oil content of two sesame varieties, an experiment was conducted as a split factorial based on completely randomized blocks designed with three replications in a research farm in the southern Varamin Province, Iran, during 2016-17 growing season. Irrigation cut-off based on BBCH scale in three-level included: normal irrigation, 65 BBCH (flowering), and irrigation cut-off in 75 BBCH (capsule maturity) as the main factors. Sub-plot included a combination of three factors: two genotypes Oltan and Dashtestan-2, foliar application of Mg-nano in two levels non-application and foliar application (2 g/L) in 65 BBCH stage and foliar application of chitosan in three levels: non-application, foliar application of 4.8 g/L in 65 BBCH stage and 6.4 g/L in 75 BBCH stage. Results and discussionThe results showed that the irrigation up to 65 BBCH caused a reducing 28.08, 20.8, 53.05, 54.04 and 23.10% in the average traits of number of capsules, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, LAI, and oil percentage content in compared to the normal irrigation treatment (control). The highest grain yield was achieved in the application of Mg-nano-fertilizer under normal irrigation in Dashtestan-2 variety with a mean of 1188.2 kg/ha, which 16.3% increased in compared to the control treatment. The highest oil percentage was observed in the application of Mg-nano under normal irrigation was in Dashtestan-2 variety with an average of 50.38%, which 3.5% increase in compared to the control treatment. The highest grain yield was achieved in the application of Mg-nano-fertilizer under normal irrigation in Dashtestan-2 variety with a mean of 1188.2 kg/ha, which 16.3% increased in compared to the control treatment. The highest oil percentage was observed in the application of Mg-nano under normal irrigation was in Dashtestan-2 variety with an average of 50.38%, which 3.5% increase in compared to the control treatment. ConclusionFinally, foliar application of Mg-nano and chitosan (4.8 g/L) under water stress conditions were able to compensate for damage and to modify the negative effects of stress.

Implementation of Harmonized Capsule Update

Implementation of Harmonized Capsule Update

Aspect-level sentiment capsule network for micro-video click-through rate prediction

Micro-videos, a new form of videos that are constrained in duration, gain significant popularity in recent years. The volume and rate of online micro-videos urgently calls for effective recommendation algorithms to help users find their interested ones. Although some previous works have investigated how to model users’ historical behaviors to predict the click-through rate of micro-videos, they are generally based on positive feedback only but overlook the negative which can help understand user preference at a finer granularity. The positive and negative feedback jointly imply the user’s different sentiments on different aspects, where each aspect is one component of a micro-video such as video_scene and video_subject. To this end, we propose an a spect-level s entiment cap sule network(ASCap) for micro-video click-through rate prediction by aggregating both positive and negative feedback, with an attempt to make the prediction more explainable. More specifically, an aspect-specific gating mechanism is firstly utilized to extract the aspect-level features from the target micro-video and the user’s positive and negative feedback. Then, in the following sentiment capsule network, the aspect-level features of the target micro-video are paired with those of positive and negative feedback respectively to identify their sentiments and form the sentiment capsules. Finally, the prediction layer is employed to calculate the overall click probability based on the sentiment capsules. Experimental results on two real-world micro-video datasets demonstrate that the proposed method significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.

Preparation of Macro Fragrance Capsule and Its Stability During Storage

Preparation of Macro Fragrance Capsule and Its Stability During Storage

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia may lead to acute hemiplegia. The most common diffusion-weighted MRI finding in patients with hypoglycemic hemiplegia is a hyperintense internal capsule lesion, which mimics acute ischemic stroke. In addition to the internal capsule lesion, various MRI findings have been reported in patients with hypoglycemia(including hyperintense lesions in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, subcortical white matter, and splenium of the corpus callosum). It has recently been reported that hypoglycemic brain damage starts in the large white matter tracts, such as the internal capsule, and spreads to the entire brain, including the gray matter. However, the mechanism underlying the development of focal signs, such as hemiplegia in metabolic disorders, which affects the entire brain, remains unclear.

Capsule Network with Shortcut Routing

Capsule Network with Shortcut Routing

愈疡胶囊对铜绿假单胞菌烫伤感染的促修复研究

愈疡胶囊对铜绿假单胞菌烫伤感染的促修复研究

Measurement of the weight and volume of submandibular gland in vitro

OBJECTIVE To measure the weight and volume of normal submandibular gland by in vitro detection of glandular body, to compare with the measurement values of CT volume rendering to evaluate the consistency of the two methods, and to explore the related factors affecting the weight and volume of the submandibular gland. METHODS The patients who underwent neck dissection due to oral cancer and were confirmed with normal submandibular gland by postoperative histopathology in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from May 2019 to January 2020 were collected in this study and divi-ded into 4 groups according to the age standards raised by the Society of Geriatrics Chinese Medical Association and WHO (2000) age standards. The submandibular gland was carefully dissected along with the capsule immediately after neck dissection. The weight and volume of submandibular gland were accurately measured by an integrated aseptic measuring device. The volume of submandibular gland was measured by CT volume rendering before operation and the consistency of the two methods was evaluated. The 95% confidence interval of the weight and volume of submandibular gland in the different groups of Chinese people, which were divided by gender and age, were calculated, and the correlation with age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and other factors was analyzed. RESULTS The weight and vo-lume of submandibular gland were measured in 220 subjects. The average weight and volume of submandibular gland were (11.69±2.45) g and (11.55±2.41) cm3 respectively. The volume of submandibular gland measured by CT volume rendering ranged from 70% to 82% of that measured by in vitro detection of glandular body, and the correlation coefficient between the two methods was 0.976 (P 0.05). The weight and volume of submandibular gland had a strong positive correlation with body height (P 0.05). The female's weight and volume of submandibular gland in the young elderly and elderly groups were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The normal reference range of the weight and volume of submandibular gland in vitro were established in different age and gender groups of Chinese people. The volume of submandibular gland mea-sured by CT volume rendering was 70%-82% of that measured by in vitro detection of glandular body. The results of the two methods had a high degree of consistency. The weight and volume of submandibular gland were related to age, gender, body height and body weight.

Short-term Efficacy and Predictive Index of Anlotinib Hydrochloride Capsule on Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Short-term Efficacy and Predictive Index of Anlotinib Hydrochloride Capsule on Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Evaluation of corneal endothelial changes after posterior capsule rupture during phacoemulsification using specular microscope

Background Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is now the technique of choice for routine cataract extraction. However, posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during phacoemulsification cataract surgery remains an important complication because it may lead to poor visual outcome. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PCR during cataract extraction by phacoemulsification on the corneal endothelium using a specular microscope. Patients and methods A total of 50 patients with age range between 45 and 65 years were enrolled in this study during a period of 1 year. Anterior chamber depth measurement was done. Preoperatively, anterior chamber depth (mm) was recorded using intraocular lens master. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and the endothelial cell counts were measured using a noncontact specular microscope preoperatively and postoperatively. Results We compared the preoperative details and contrasted the 1- and 3-month postoperative outcomes, including best -corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell loss, CCT, coefficient of variation, and hexagonality. We found that the majority of our patients (92%) experienced improved best-corrected visual acuity at 3 months after phacoemulsification. Our patients had an increased CCT 1 month postoperatively, with a significant rise from baseline. When polymegathism was evaluated, we observed that coefficient of variation increased significantly from baseline, and declined slightly by 3 months postoperatively. Regarding cell count density, we observed a significant decrease of cell density following the operation after 1 month and a much more decrease after 3 months. Conclusion We concluded that PCR during phacoemulsification resulted in significant corneal endothelial damage; however, it provided better visual acuity. For better outcomes, early recognition of PCR is advised, besides immediate proper management to minimize the endothelial damage.

Macular thickness changes after neodymium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser capsulotomy in diabetic patients

Objective The aim was to evaluate the changes in macular thickness (MT) post-neodymium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet (ND: YAG) laser capsulotomy in diabetic patients. Background ND:YAG laser capsulotomy has been found to be safe, effective, and easily applied in a short time at an outpatient clinic. However, events such as cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, and rise in intraocular pressure tend to occur after ND: YAG laser capsulotomy. Patients and methods This prospective case series study included 100 eyes of 100 diabetic patients diagnosed as posterior capsule opacification (PCO), following uncomplicated cataract surgery. All patients were examined beforehand ND: YAG laser capsulotomy and on the first, third, and sixth month post-ND: YAG laser capsulotomy for intraocular pressure, MT, and best-corrected visual acuity. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy: group A included diabetic patients with no diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy and group B included diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy. Results Group A involving diabetic patients with no diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy suffering from PCO had increased MT at the first, third, and sixth month after laser capsulotomy (P Conclusion An increase in MT can be detected after ND: YAG laser capsulotomy in diabetic patients especially diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy.

Peningkatan Mutu Benih Botani Bawang Merah (Allium cepa var. ascalonicum) Melalui Aplikasi Pupuk Fosfor dan Kalium di Daerah Dataran Rendah

Penggunaan true shallot seed (TSS) sebagai bahan tanam masih rendah karena ketersediaannya sedikit dan teknik budidaya belum dikembangkan. Produksi TSS di dataran rendah menjadi alternatif karena sebagian besar bawang merah di Indonesia diproduksi di dataran rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan mutu TSS di dataran rendah. Penelitian dilakukan di dataran rendah Subang (100 mdpl) dan Laboratorium Ilmu dan Teknologi Benih Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bahan tanaman yang diperlukan adalah umbi bawang merah varietas Bima yang divernalisasi tiga minggu pada suhu 10°C. Rancangan percobaan menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok dua faktor yang diulang empat kali. Faktor pertama adalah dosis P2O5 (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 kg ha-1) dan faktor kedua adalah dosis K2O5 (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg.ha-1). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian P dengan dosis 400 kg ha-1 mampu meningkatkan daya berkecambah, indeks vigor dan potensi tumbuh maksimum TSS. Peningkatan pupuk K tidak berpengaruh terhadap semua parameter pembungaan kecuali jumlah bunga per tanaman dan persentase pembentukan kapsul. Pemberian 50 Kg K2O ha-1 mampu meningkatkan jumlah bunga per tanaman hingga 70.9 kuntum, sementara pemberian 200 kg K2O ha-1 mampu meningkatkan persentase pembentukan kapsul sebesar 54.82%. Kombinasi pemberian dosis 400 kg P2O5 ha-1 dan K 200 Kg ha-1 mampu meningkatkan daya berkecambah sebesar 74.7 % dan indeks vigor dengan nilai maksimum sebesar 92%, sedangkan dosis 200 Kg P2O5 ha-1 mampu meningkatkan potensi tumbuh maksimum TSS sebesar 64%.

Efficacy of supplemented Er-xian decoction combined with acupoint application for poor ovarian response.

This study aims to observe the efficacy of supplemented Er-xian decoction combined with acupoint application in treating poor ovarian response (POR). This study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 80 patients, who were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to December 2017, were divided into two groups by tables of random numbers: experimental group (n = 40), and control group (n = 40). In the experimental group, patients orally received supplemented Er-xian decoction with acupoint application. In the control group, a Kuntai capsule was administered according to the course of treatment. The therapeutic effects in the two groups were observed and compared. In the experimental group, the total effective rate was 90%, the cure rate was 15% (six patients), the markedly effective rate was 35% (14 patients), the effective rate was 40% (16 patients), and the ineffective rate was 10% (four patients). In the control group, the total effective rate was 50%, the cure rate was 5% (two patients), the markedly effective rate was 15% (six patients), the effective rate was 30% (12 patients), and the ineffective rate was 50% (20 patients). The differences were statistically significant (P > 0.05). Definite efficacy was observed when a poor ovarian response was treated by supplemented Er-xian decoction combined with acupoint application. Improvements in perimenopausal symptoms, menstruation conditions, hormone levels, inhibin B (INHB), and antral follicle count (AFC) were markedly better in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, the treatment was safe and had few side effects.

Bixby Capsule to Implement Command based Smart Assistant

Bixby Capsule to Implement Command based Smart Assistant

Synchronous silicone-induced granuloma (SIG) of breast implant capsule (BIC) and gluteal implant capsule (GIC): What to learn.

The Breast JournalVolume 26, Issue 9 p. 1823-1824 BREAST IMAGES Synchronous silicone-induced granuloma (SIG) of breast implant capsule (BIC) and gluteal implant capsule (GIC): What to learn Caio Castro MD, Corresponding Author Caio Castro MD caio.vcastro@gmail.com orcid.org/0000-0001-8398-3214 Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Correspondence Caio Castro, Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Email: caio.vcastro@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorMario Sergio Dantas do Amaral Campos MD, Mario Sergio Dantas do Amaral Campos MD Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilSearch for more papers by this authorDécio Roveda Jr PhD, Décio Roveda Jr PhD Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilSearch for more papers by this authorEduardo de Faria Casto Fleury PhD, Eduardo de Faria Casto Fleury PhD orcid.org/0000-0002-5334-7134 Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilSearch for more papers by this author Caio Castro MD, Corresponding Author Caio Castro MD caio.vcastro@gmail.com orcid.org/0000-0001-8398-3214 Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Correspondence Caio Castro, Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Email: caio.vcastro@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorMario Sergio Dantas do Amaral Campos MD, Mario Sergio Dantas do Amaral Campos MD Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilSearch for more papers by this authorDécio Roveda Jr PhD, Décio Roveda Jr PhD Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilSearch for more papers by this authorEduardo de Faria Casto Fleury PhD, Eduardo de Faria Casto Fleury PhD orcid.org/0000-0002-5334-7134 Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem, Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 May 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/tbj.13901Citations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume26, Issue9September 2020Pages 1823-1824 RelatedInformation

Basic study on treatment of COVID-19 with Shufeng Jiedu Capsule and research and development ideas of new Chinese materia medica against COVID-19

Basic study on treatment of COVID-19 with Shufeng Jiedu Capsule and research and development ideas of new Chinese materia medica against COVID-19