Identification of a secreted protease from Bacteroides fragilis that induces intestinal pain and inflammation by cleavage of PAR2.

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a central regulator of intestinal barrier function, inflammation and pain. Upregulated intestinal proteolysis and PAR2-signaling are implicated in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To identify potential bacterial regulators of PAR2 activity, we developed a functional assay for PAR2 processing and used it to screen conditioned media from a library of diverse gut commensal microbes.

Infection Prevention observations and the expectations of cleaning practices in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)/In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Clinic: The Challenges.

Infection Prevention (IP) observations in clinic and procedure areas is a growing area of interest and concern. IP guidance for observations in an IVF clinic are challenging. This is related to care of the mom and the embryo.

Community responses to a novel house design: A qualitative study of "Star Homes" in Mtwara, southeastern Tanzania.

Introduction: To evaluate the impact of a novel design "Star Home" on the incidence of malaria, respiratory tract infections and diarrheal diseases among children, randomly selected households in Mtwara, Tanzania were offered a free, new Star Home. Drawing on longitudinal qualitative research that accompanied the Star Homes study, this article describes the experiences of residents and the wider community of living with these buildings.

Methods: A total of four rounds of face-to-face interviews were undertaken with residents of Star Homes (n = 37), control (wattle/daub) homes (n = 21), neighboring households n = 6), community members (n = 17) and community leaders (n = 6).

CO adsorption in natural deep eutectic solvents: insights from quantum mechanics and molecular dynamics.

CO capture is an important process for mitigating CO emissions in the atmosphere. Recently, ionic liquids have been identified as possible systems for CO capture processes. Major drawbacks of such systems are mostly in the high cost of synthesis of such liquids and poor biodegradability.