Polymer Chain Reaction Research Articles

Geopolymer Cement: an Initiative towards the Replacement of Grey Cement by Green Cement in Future

The emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from the production of Ordinary Portland Cement and Blended Portland Cement have widely affected the environment with increase in infrastructure development worldwide. Secondly, due to the continuous mining of limestone for the production of cement there is also simultaneous depletion of natural resources and hardly will it last up to maximum 40 years. Hence we need to switch over to some other alternate binders for constructions purpose in future. Geopolymer Cement is one of the inventions which is produced by a polymeric chain reaction of alkali-activated alumino-silicate materials better known as alkali activator (NaOH/Na2SiO3) binders with the industrial by-product materials such as Fly Ash, Rice Husk Ash, Slag, Crusher Dust etc. and provides high compressive strength which is comparable to BPC and reduces the carbon foot print. The objective of our study is to prepare the low CO2 foot print green Geopolymer Cement which may substitute the Ordinary Portland Cement and Blended Portland Cement in future and will helpful to reduce the greenhouse effect up to some extent and takes an initiative towards the green revolution movement.

Sex differences in susceptibility, severity, and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019: Cross-sectional analysis from a diverse US metropolitan area.

IntroductionSex is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the epidemiology and outcome of many diseases. This also appears to hold for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Evidence from China and Europe has suggested that mortality from COVID-19 infection is higher in men than women, but evidence from US populations is lacking. Utilizing data from a large healthcare provider, we determined if males, as compared to females have a higher likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, and if among the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, male sex is independently associated with COVID-19 severity and poor in-hospital outcomes.Methods and findingsUsing the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from a COVID-19 Surveillance and Outcomes Registry (CURATOR). Data were extracted from Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A total of 96,473 individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal swab specimens via Polymerized Chain Reaction (PCR) tests were included. For hospital-based analyses, all patients admitted during the same time-period were included. Of the 96,473 patients tested, 14,992 (15.6%) tested positive, of whom 4,785 (31.9%) were hospitalized and 452 (9.5%) died. Among all patients tested, men were significantly older. The overall SARS-CoV-2 positivity among all tested individuals was 15.5%, and was higher in males as compared to females 17.0% vs. 14.6% [OR 1.20]. This sex difference held after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, marital status, insurance type, median income, BMI, smoking and 17 comorbidities included in Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) [aOR 1.39]. A higher proportion of males (vs. females) experienced pulmonary (ARDS, hypoxic respiratory failure) and extra-pulmonary (acute renal injury) complications during their hospital course. After adjustment, length of stay (LOS), need for mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher in males as compared to females.ConclusionsIn this analysis of a large US cohort, males were more likely to test positive for COVID-19. In hospitalized patients, males were more likely to have complications, require ICU admission and mechanical ventilation, and had higher mortality than females, independent of age. Sex disparities in COVID-19 vulnerability are present, and emphasize the importance of examining sex-disaggregated data to improve our understanding of the biological processes involved to potentially tailor treatment and risk stratify patients.

Comparison of rapid and conventional methods for investigating of mecA presence in Staphylococcus Species.

Objectives:Taking the determination of mecA gene by polymerized chain reaction (PCR) method as a reference in determining methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus species, we aimed at comparing the reliability levels of disk diffusion, latex agglutination test and chromogenic agar use methods.Methods:This prospective study was conducted on 228 Staphylococcus strains isolated between January 2020 and December 2020 in Samsun Training and Research Hospital. Disk diffusion, latex agglutination and chromogen agar medium methods were applied along with the polymerized chain reaction (PCR) method.Results:The mecA gene was detected in 47 of the isolates (20.6%) by the PCR method, and these isolates were accepted as methicillin-resistant. When the PCR result was taken as a reference, the sensitivity of the disk diffusion method became 100%, and specificity became 45.9%; sensitivity of latex agglutination was determined as 80.9%, and specificity as 70.2%; sensitivity of chromogenic agar as 85.1% and its specificity was found to be 95%. Only in S. aureus isolates, the highest sensitivity and specificity rate (100% and 88%, respectively) belonged to chromogenic agar.Conclusion:Chromogenic agar provides more reliable data for S. aureus isolates, and the combined use of all three methods does not significantly increase reliability.

B-cell Activating Factor Polymorphisms in Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Atherosclerosis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory disorder affecting 0,5–1% of the population, characterised by intense cellular activation and inflammation in the affected joints ultimately leading to bone and cartilage destruction. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among patients suffering from RA, with chronic inflammation and genetic background emerging as major predisposing factors. Although the pathogenetic events leading to an increased rate of atherosclerosis in the affected group are not precisely described, several genetic variations have been suggested as possible mediators of this process. The aim of the current research proposal is to investigate the role of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) variants in the pathogenesis of RA-related atherosclerosis. Stored DNA samples from the Biobank in the Department of Physiology of the Medical School of the University of Athens from RA individuals and healthy controls will be analysed for polymorphisms of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) by polymeric chain reaction (PCR) based assays. Detection of plaque formation and calculation of the mean intima media thickness (mIMT) of the vessel wall will be performed in RA patients by using carotid and femoral artery ultrasonography. Complete personal and family history, biochemical and serological markers will be obtained from the RA group and associated with the genetic and IMT data. The results will be compared across the different subgroups in order to determine whether any particular genetic variants can act as prognostic markers for RA-related cardiovascular disease giving eventually new insights to atherosclerotic processes in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases. Such a result would invariably lead to a possible new treatment approach and/or prevention method to benefit this group of patients.

Genetically determined trehalase deficiency in various population groups of Russia and neighboring countries

Due to the low specificity and sensitivity of non-invasive clinical tests trehalose malabsorption remained out of sight of gastroenterologists. Therefore, the specialists regard this disorder as rare. Trehalose became widely used in the food industry as a harmless sucrose substitute, sweetener and stabilizer. After the discovery of the trehalase gene (rs2276064 TREH), it was found that the A*TREH allele is the determinant of the disaccharide absorption disorders, and the allele's carriership may be high in some groups. There is not enough information on the A*TREH frequency in the population of Russia. The aim of the study was to analyze the allele and genotype frequencies of the trehalase gene (rs2276064 TREH) in the main population groups of the Russian Federation and neighboring countries. Methods. DNA samples from 1146 unrelated subjects belonging to 21 population groups of Russia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Mongolia were genotyped by the two following methods: 1) using the Infinium iSelect HD Custom Genotyping BeadChip (Illumina, USA) on the iScan platform; 2) by the real time polymer-chain reaction (PCR) method on the Bio-Rad CFX96 Touch amplifier. Results. It has been found that on the territory of the Russian Federation the frequency of the A*TREH allele increases from the west to the east. The frequencies are lowest in the groups of Russians and Finns of the Northwest (0.01-0.03), up to 0.07 in the populations of Central Russia and the Volga region, and even higher toward the Southern Urals (Bashkirs 0.15), in the Transurals and Southern Siberia (0.19 in the Altai people, 0.30 in the Tuvinians and Mongols). Up to 1% of the population of the European part of the Russian Federation have the AA*TREH genotype (i.e. trehalose intolerance in phenotype), and up to 15% (GA*TREH genotype) have a reduced ability to absorb the disaccharide. In the Asian part of the country (Siberia, Altai, Baikal) the genotypes carriers constitute up to 12 and 46% respectively. Conclusion. Trehalose malabsorbtion is an underappreciated problem of particular practical importance for regions with high concentrations of indigenous population (Yakutia-Sakha, Buryatia, Tyva, etc.). It would be feasible to consider food labelling of trehalose.

Changes in obstetric practices in the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in a private tertiary hospital: A descriptive cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: With the increasing number of COVID positive cases still being reported in the country, coupled with the possible vulnerability of pregnant patients to the disease, aggressive measures must be taken by all institutions to ensure safety of the patients.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to the determine the clinical profile and pregnancy outcome of patients who were admitted at a tertiary private hospital in Metro Manila from March 16, 2020 to June 15, 2020 in relation to the protocols that were implemented in response coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.METHODS: The protocols and guidelines implemented by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a private tertiary hospital in Metro Manila from March 16, 2020 to June 15, 2020 were retrieved. The case record of patients who were admitted and delivered during this period were retrieved and reviewed for pertinent data, which were recorded in a patient data collection form.RESULTS: During the 3-month study period, COVID positive pregnant patients were effectively separated from COVID negative patients from admission to discharge based on a health declaration form and universal reverse transcriptase polymerized chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Discharge was facilitated after 12–48 h for uncomplicated deliveries and post partum follow-up was done via telemedicine.CONCLUSION: The separation of COVID positive from COVID negative patients based on symptoms and RT-PCR results were effective in ensuring the safety of patients.

Profile and Outcome of Children with COVID-19 Attending Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

<i>Background</i>: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a global pandemic. Covid-19 has spread around Bangladesh and children are also being infected with comparatively fewer symptoms and lower case-fatality rates. <i>Objectives</i>: To assess the clinical profile, disease severity, presence of co-morbidities and outcome of pediatric COVID-19 patients. <i>Methods</i>: This prospective observational study was conducted in the fever clinic and the Department of Pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Data were collected from the confirmed cases by using a structured questionnaire by face to face interview and also over telephone at 1^st visit and at 2^nd and 8^th week of disease course. Collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. <i>Result</i>: Among 2091 suspected COVID 19 cases attending fever clinic and department of Pediatrics, 462 (22.09%) were real time polymerized chain reaction (RT PCR) COVID 19 positive. Of them 377 (81.60%) responded to the questionnaire and subsequent follow up. Highest numbers of cases were found in June 2020. More than 60% of cases were within the age group of 10 to 18 years and 3.44% were infants. Male: female ratio was 1.04:1. Associated co-morbid conditions were present in 21.48% patients. Fever was the most common (72.67%) clinical feature followed by others. Incidences of severe and critical illness were more in older children. Most of the moderate cases and all of the severe and critical COVID cases were managed in the inpatient department including Pediatric intensive care unit. Among them, 100% required oxygen therapy, 72.41% needed oral or IV steroids, 8.6% and 6.9% needed intravenous immunoglobulin and biological agents (Tocilizumab) respectively. Seventeen patients (4.5%) recovered with some complications. <i>Conclusions</i>: Among suspected cases 22% were RT-PCR positive. Majorities were in the older age group and most of the moderate and all the severe and critical cases also belonged to older age group. Most of the cases (94.42%) recovered without complication and 4.5% recovered with some complications. Mortality was 1.06%.

Characterization of microbiological influence corrosion for API 5L X46 pipeline by sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB)

In this study, the microbiological corrosion behavior of API 5L X46 low steel taken from damaged petroleum transporting pipeline used in Babylon-Iraq were investigated. A swab of samples taken from the area of damage was analyzed by polymer chain reaction device to find out the type of corrosive bacteria present, Desulfovibrio sp was found, which is a sulfide reducing bacteria, and this was confirmed by the analysis of corrosive products X-ray diffraction. Two attacking media were used, the first medium (A) representing the surrounding dead water in the pipeline and the second (B) is a “medium bar” in which sulfur-reducing bacteria were cultivated, the specimens were placed in it for 28 days. Simple immersion test was don; the result show that the A medium has higher percentage of weight loss than B medium. Pure elements, compounds and ions were analyzed for the surrounding water. Scan electron microscope and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy examination of the surface of the specimens was conducted, which gave pictures of the existing bacteria, as the medium (A) only the sulfide bacteria appeared in specimens grown, while the B medium has a completely different surface nature from other media, and this is due to the absence of the role of bacteria in it. X-ray diffraction test showed corrosion products taken from samples of all mediums, different results were shown, the compounds present in the medium (A) was associated with the products containing sulfur in their composition only is (FeS), and the medium (B) showed different compounds from the previous two mediums, the most prominent of which were the compounds (FeNO3), which is a compound that may have its source from the interaction of the surrounding environment with the mineral or through the fact that the area is agricultural and it is used in pest control.

The Fundamental and Underrated Role of the Base Electrolyte in the Polymerization Mechanism. The Resorcinol Case Study.

The Kane–Maguire polymerization mechanism is disassembled at a molecular level by using DFT-based quantum mechanical calculations. Resorcinol electropolymerization is selected as a case study. Stationary points (transition states and intermediate species) leading to the formation of the dimer are found on the potential energy surface (PES), and elementary reactions involved in the dimer formation are characterized. The latter allow to further propagate the polymerization chain reaction, when applied recursively. In this paper, the fundamental role of the sulfate anion (a typical base electrolyte) is addressed. Investigation of the PES in terms of both stationary-state properties and of ab initio molecular dynamics results (dynamic reaction coordinate) allows the appreciation in detail of the critical role of the base electrolyte anion in making the proton dissociation from the initial radical ion, a feasible (downhill in energy) process.

The decreased expression of hsa_circ_0043278 and its relationship with clinicopathological features of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is one of the most significant causes of death in women around the world. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are a novel class of conserved RNA molecules, are involved in the occurrence and development of various diseases, especially malignancies; however, researchers rarely report their roles in human breast cancer. In the present study, the differentially expressed levels of circRNAs in human breast cancer tissues and paired noncancerous tissues were screened by circRNA microarray. Hsa_circ_0043278 was downregulated 43-fold in breast cancer and was selected for further analysis. The expression of hsa_circ_0043278 was verified in breast cancer specimens and paired noncancerous tissues by quantitative reverse transcription polymerized chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. The relationship between the expression of hsa_circ_0043278 and the clinicopathological features was analyzed. Among the 520 differentially expressed circRNAs, 292 significantly upregulated circRNAs and 228 downregulated circRNAs in the breast cancer tissues compared with the paired noncancerous tissues. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of hsa_circ_0043278 was 0.690. The results of the bioinformatics prediction showed five target miRNAs that might be sponged by hsa_circ_0043278. The expression of hsa_circ_0043278 was associated with lymph node metastasis and histological type of the patient. Patients with lymph node metastasis have tumors with significantly downregulated expression of hsa_circ_0043278 (P=0.0201). Our results suggest that hsa_circ_0043278 is downregulated and may play a key role in human breast cancer.

Exploring the metabolic phenotypes associated with different host inflammation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from lung metabolomics in mice

RationaleThe aim of this study was to analyze the metabolomics of lung with different host inflammation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) for the identification of biomarkers for predicting severity under different inflammatory conditions.MethodsCecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐intratracheal injection induced acute lung injury (ALI) were used. A mouse model was used to explore lung metabolomic biomarkers in ALI/ARDS. The splenectomy model was used as an auxiliary method to distinguish between hyper‐ and hypo‐inflammatory subtypes. Plasma, lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from mice after CLP/LPS. The severity of lung injury was evaluated. Expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in mice serum and lung was tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymer chain reaction (PCR). Polymorphonuclear cells in BALF were counted. The lung metabolites were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and the metabolic pathways predicted using the KEGG database.ResultsThe LPS/CLP‐Splen group had more severe lung injury than the corresponding ALI group; that in the CLP‐Splen group was more serious than in the LPS‐Splen group. TNF‐α expression was significantly elevated in the serum and lung tissue after LPS or CLP, and higher in the LPS/CLP‐Splen group than in the corresponding ALI group. The level of TNF‐α in the CLP‐Splen group was elevated significantly over that in the LPS‐Splen group. Both these groups also showed significant neutrophil exudation within the lungs. During differential inflammation, more differential metabolites were detected in the lungs of the CLP group ALI mice than in the LPS group. A total of 41 compounds were detected in the lungs of the CLP and CLP‐Splen groups. Contrastingly, eight compounds were detected in the lungs of the LPS and LPS‐Splen groups. The LPS‐Splen and CLP‐Splen groups had significant neutrophil exudation in the lung. Random forest analysis of lung‐targeted metabolomics data indicated 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 1‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid (ACPC), cis‐aconitic acid, and hydroxybenzoic acid as strong predictors of the hyper‐inflammatory subgroup in the CLP group. Furthermore, with splenectomy, 13 differential metabolic pathways between the CLP and LPS groups were revealed.ConclusionsHyper‐inflammatory subgroups of ARDS have a greater inflammatory response and a more active lung metabolism. Combined with the host inflammation background, biomarkers from metabolomics could help evaluate the response severity of ARDS.

Autophagy-Related Protein MAP1LC3C Plays a Crucial Role in Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Cells.

Autophagy plays important roles in odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells (DPCs) in the developmental stage of tooth bud. Few studies have reported the role of autophagy during reparative dentin formation process. The objective of this study was to discover gene expression pattern correlated to autophagy and their role during odontogenic differentiation process in DPCs. After tooth cavities were prepared on the mesial surface of lower first molar crown of rats. Odontogenic differentiation and reparative dentin formation were assessed based on detection of morphology change with hematoxylin and eosin staining. After tooth cavities were prepared on the mesial surface of lower first molar crown of rats, odontogenic differentiation and reparative dentin formation were assessed based on detection of morphology change with hematoxylin and eosin staining and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), whereas autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) reversed. Results of quantitative polymerized chain reaction array of autophagosome formation related genes revealed that GABARAPL2 was prominently upregulated while expression of other ATG8 family members were moderately increased after tooth cavity preparation. In addition, human DPCs incubated in differentiation medium predominantly upregulated MAP1LC3C, which selectively decreased by 3MA but not by autophagy enhancer trehalose. Knock-down of MAP1LC3C using shRNA resulted in strong downregulation of dentin matrix protein 1 and DSPP as well-known odontogenic marker compared to knock-down of MAP1LC3B during odontogenic differentiation process of human DPCs. Our results suggest that MAP1LC3C plays a crucial role in odontogenic differentiation of human DPCs via regulating autophagic flux.

Foot fat pad: Characterization by mesenchymal stromal cells in rats.

Foot fat pad (FFP) is a highly functionalized fat depot of great significance for weight bearing in the foot. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in subcutaneous adipose tissues are widely studied for regenerative potentials. MSCs in FFP, which may contribute to the physiological and pathological conditions of the foot, have not been characterized. In this study, MSCs were isolated from FFP (designated as MSCs-ffp) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (designated as MSCs-sub) from rats. The cell surface markers, proliferation, and efficiency of colony formation were compared between MSCs-ffp and MSCs-sub. In addition, MSCs-ffp were induced for osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. The tri-lineage differentiation potentials were compared between MSCs-ffp and MSCs-sub by the expression of Runx2, Sox9, and proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), respectively, using quantitative polymerized chain reaction. The expression of elastin and associated genes by MSCs-ffp were also evaluated. MSCs-ffp, like MSCs-sub, expressed CD44, CD73, and CD90. MSCs-ffp and MSCs-sub proliferated at similar rates but MSCs-ffp formed more colonies than MSCs-sub. MSCs-ffp were capable of differentiating into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Under the conditions of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, MSCs-sub expressed more Runx2 and PPAR-γ, respectively, than MSCs-ffp. The undifferentiated MSCs-ffp upregulated the expression of fibulin-5. In conclusion, MSCs-ffp shared common biology with MSCs-sub but were more efficient in colony formation, less adipogenic and osteogenic, and participated in elastogenesis. The unique features of MSCs-ffp may relate to their roles in the physiological functions of FFP.

Skin manifestation in COVID-19 infection: a thousand appearances (immune response perspective)

&lt;p&gt;The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 infection are still unclear. The spectrum of the disease is very broad, with many target organs; one of them is skin. Various skin manifestations have been observed in COVID-19 patients. However, the observed skin manifestation was not specific. This following case series aims to provide an overview of skin manifestations in COVID-19 to help recognize the initial symptoms of COVID-19 infection. This case series also compares cases with and without skin manifestations. This case series discusses seven cases, which the patient had close contact, who had been diagnosed with confirmed COVID-19 by polymerise chain reaction (PCR) examination. The clinical symptoms were mild, such as fever, cough, sore throat, myalgia, malaise, headache, and skin lesions. There are few differences in in complete blood laboratories. Radiology features within normal limits. All patients were given a treatment regimen according to the Indonesian lung association recommendations and symptomatic drugs. Three of seven cases had skin manifestation, which two of them had a maculopapular lesion, and the other one had urticaria lesions. Subjective symptoms, such as itching and burning sensation, were reported. The majority of lesions were localized on the upper and lower limb. Also, in this following case series, there is a tendency for complete blood parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) to be lower in mild cases of confirmed COVID-19 with skin manifestations. It can be concluded that COVID-19 infection may result in skin manifestation with various clinical presentations. This important manifestation may help in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 and prevent further transmission.&lt;/p&gt;

Triple Roles of Thermoplastic Polyurethane in Toughening, Accelerating and Enhancing Self-healing Performance of Thermo-reversible Epoxy Resins

Cracks in polymers can be healed by endowing materials with self-healing performance. Cracks in epoxy resins containing thermo-reversible Diels–Alder bonds (EP-DA) can be self-healed via different heat treatments. However, EP-DA exhibits the disadvantages of brittleness and poor impact resistance yet as that existed in the common epoxy resins, and which limits the application of thermo-reversible self-healing epoxy resins. Herein, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was introduced into EP-DA for the purpose of reducing the brittleness and improving the impact resistance of EP-DA. Meanwhile, it was expected that the self-healing performance of EP-DA could not be affected evidently. Results showed that the impact resistance of EP-DA had been improved greatly as expected upon TPU modification. More importantly, instead of affecting the self-healing performance of EP-DA, the self-healing speed of EP-DA was accelerated evidently by the incorporation of TPU. On the other hand, the healing efficiency of EP-DA was also enhanced markedly. In fact, TPU-modified EP-DA was repaired by dual actions of thermo-reversible DA reaction and thermal movement of thermoplastic polymer chains. In addition, TPU-modified EP-DA could also be healed for many damage-repair cycles. Therefore, thermoplastic polyurethane played a triple role as toughening, accelerating and enhancing self-healing performance of thermo-reversible epoxy resins. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was introduced into thermo-reversible self-healing epoxy resins (EP-DA) successfully. As a result, the brittleness was reduced and the impact resistance of EP-DA was improved greatly. What’s more, instead of affecting the self-healing performance of EP-DA, the self-healing speed of EP-DA was accelerated evidently while the self-healing efficiency of EP-DA was enhanced markedly. Therefore, TPU played a triple role as toughening, accelerating and enhancing self-healing performance of thermo-reversible epoxy resins.

Molecular Identification and Characterization of Chicken Parvovirus from Indian Chicken and Association with Runting and Stunting Syndrome

Background: Runting-stunting syndrome (RSS) in chickens is a worldwide problem, attributed with several etiological agents. The present study aimed to identify the association of enteric viruses with RSS in different chicken flocks. Methods: Intestinal samples from 14 flocks of chicken of different age and breed and with or without RSS were collected randomly from necropsy samples, isolated nucleic acids, and screened for major enteric viruses by Polymerised chain reaction (PCR), using species-specific primers. Result: Chicken Parvovirus (ChPV) was identified in 100% of the flocks with RSS, in two of which ChPV alone was detected. While in others it was associated with Avian nephritis virus, Avian Rotavirus, Chicken astrovirus, and Fowl adenovirus in 80%, 50%, 30% and 10% flocks, respectively. RSS was reproduced and isolated ChPV by chicken embryo inoculation using the samples from ChPV alone infected cases. Sequence analysis of ChPV revealed closer association with Ecuodor isolates than the Asian isolates. The results indicated the presence of ChPV in Indian chicken flocks and its close association with RSS.

The distribution of soil nitrifiers and efficacy of 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate changes with soil depth and calcium carbonate application

The nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) is used to limit nitrogen (N) losses incurred following nitrification of applied N fertilisers. Inhibitor efficacy changes with soil conditions including pH and organic matter (OM) content, both of which can be stratified down the soil profile. An incubation study was conducted using acidic soil that exhibited pH stratification. Soil samples were collected from the field in 2 cm depth increments to a depth of 10 cm. Two liming treatments were applied to each depth where the pHCa was raised above 6 or left in its initial acidic state. Nitrogen treatments (urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) with and without DMPP) were applied to each liming treatment per depth and incubated for four weeks. Destructive sampling for mineral N, DMPP concentration and pH occurred every week. The abundance of nitrifiers was determined using semi-quantitative real-time polymerise chain reaction (PCR) targeting the amoA gene at weeks 0, 1 and 4. Liming significantly increased nitrification rates and bacterial amoA gene abundance. Results showed the top 0–2 cm recorded the largest population of bacterial nitrifiers. Changes in pH influenced the composition of nitrifiers present in the soil. Bacterial nitrifiers were absent from the 8–10 cm soil layer in unlimed soils (pHCa 4.25) but liming caused an increase in gene abundance. Archaeal amoA gene abundance was highest in unlimed plots at 4–8 cm depth although populations decreased over the incubation period and also with lime application. DMPP effectively inhibited nitrification in limed plots, however no significant difference existed between UAN and DMPP treatments for unlimed treatments. DMPP successfully decreased bacterial amoA gene abundance in all depths that were limed but not in unlimed soils. Decreases in inhibitor concentrations occurred within one week in the 0–2 cm layer possibly due to bacterial decomposition associated with greater OM concentration at the soil surface. This study highlighted that DMPP use is more effective in relatively neutral soils and liming will change the abundance and distribution of nitrifiers within the top 10 cm of soil.

Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy combined with chemometric modelling for the classification of clinically relevant Enterococci.

Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FT-IR) Spectroscopy and chemometric modelling, including soft independent modelling by class analogy (SIMCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and support vector machine (SVM), were applied to attempt to discriminate 60 clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis and hence evaluate the performance of the spectroscopic approach in identifying enterococci infections. The bacterial samples were identified by polymerize chain reaction (PCR) amplification and their ATR-FT-IR spectra acquired. Spectra were processed to the second derivative using the Savitzky-Golay algorithm and normalized using extended multiplicative signal correction employing the UnscramblerX (CAMO, Norway) software package. Multivariate classification models and their performance were evaluated using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Principal component analysis (PCA) score plots showed separate clusters of spectra related to membership to E. faecium and E. faecalis, with this explained by bands assigned to PO2 (1230cm-1 ), P-O-C (1114cm-1 ), monosubstituted alkene (997, 987cm-1 ) and C-O (1070, 1055, 1036cm-1 ) corresponding to teichoic acids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycan from the cell wall in PCA and PLS-DA loading plots. The best classification model for E. faecium and E. faecalis is SVM, indicating via highest Kappa score. The classification coefficient between SIMCA, PLS-DA, SVM and PCR as reference method were 0·59, 0·9 and 1, respectively, shown as the Kappa scores. The main spectral differences observed between the two clinically relevant enterococci species were associated with changes in the teichoic acid content of cell walls. With regard to the binary classification method, SVM was found to be the best performing classification model, providing the highest correlation with the PCR results. The study shows that ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy in combination with chemometric modelling can be applied for the phenotypic identification and discrimination of clinically relevant and similar enterococcal species.

Investigation of promoter methylation of MCPH1 gene in circulating cell-free DNA of brain tumor patients.

Despite advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, many brain tumors are still diagnosed at high grades and, therefore finding novel molecular markers may assist in early detection and reducing brain tumors-related mortality rate. Owing to the previous reports on the importance of MCPH1 gene in tumorigenesis, the present study was aimed to study the promoter methylation of MCPH1 gene in paired circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and tumor tissues of brain tumor patients. Fourteen fresh paired serum and tumor tissue samples in addition to 18 isolated serum samples were collected from patients affected by different grades of brain tumor. Genomic DNA and cfDNA was isolated from tissue and serum samples using QIAamp DNA Mini Kit Norgen Bioteck Kit, respectively. Methylation DNA immunoprecipitation Real-time polymerization chain reaction (MeDIP-Real-time PCR) was performed on isolated DNA samples using EpiQuik MeDIP Ultra Kit and specific primer pairs. cfDNA quantity was determined through Real-time PCR analysis using specific primer pairs designed for GAPDH gene. MCPH1 was methylated in 54% of cfDNA samples which was significantly associated with tumor grade, as well (P-value = 0.02). The methylation rate of MCPH1 was found as 78% in the tissue samples which was meaningfully associated with tumor grade (P-value = 0.03). Moreover, methylation of the MCPH1 gene was consistent in 57% of the same cfDNA and tissue samples. Methylation of MCPH1 gene in neither tumor tissues nor cfDNA was not correlated with age and sex of the patients. Due to the conformity of methylation of MCPH1 gene in cfDNA and tissue samples in more than half of the enrolled patients, especially in higher grades of tumors, it seems that MCPH1 promoter methylation could be a potential epimarker in not only detection of brain tumors but also in response to chemo- and radiotherapy which warranted further assessment.

Atención primaria y residencias de ancianos: a propósito de la COVID-19

Rest homes for the elderly have been particularly hit during the crisis due the current COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of writing this article, more than 17,500 elderly people that lived in Care Homes have died due to coronavirus, more than 66% of the deaths. The infection and mortality rates in the institutionalised population are high. This is due to the advanced age, immune system deficit, and the presence of comorbidities, as well as because there are frail, because they live with other residents and carers in a closed institution, and transmission is easy in the context of a highly contagious and virulent virus. The elderly often have more severe forms of the disease. Atypical presentations are more frequent in the elderly and can delay the diagnosis. The Polymer Chain Reaction (PCR) test in the first 7 days for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA is considered the test of reference (‘Gold standard’). The criteria for referring to a hospital site from Care Homes should take into account an assessment of comorbidity, the severity, the presence of severe cognitive impairment, and the dependency or necessity of ventilatory support in seriously ill patients. The social-health centres should have contingency plans available in order to offer a response when cases of COVID-19 appear. Isolation during pandemics may have important physical and psychosocial consequences in the residents. It is necessary to reflect and claim a new residential model from a person-centered care approach that seeks the integration of health and social services.