Comparative analysis of anti-polyglutamine Fab crystals grown on Earth and in microgravity.

Huntington's disease is one of nine neurodegenerative diseases caused by a polyglutamine (polyQ)-repeat expansion. An anti-polyQ antigen-binding fragment, MW1 Fab, was crystallized both on Earth and on the International Space Station, a microgravity environment where convection is limited. Once the crystals returned to Earth, the number, size and morphology of all crystals were recorded, and X-ray data were collected from representative crystals.

Chromosome mapping of repetitive sequences in Rachycentron canadum (Perciformes: Rachycentridae): implications for karyotypic evolution and perspectives for biotechnological uses.

The cobia, Rachycentron canadum, a species of marine fish, has been increasingly used in aquaculture worldwide. It is the only member of the family Rachycentridae (Perciformes) showing wide geographic distribution and phylogenetic patterns still not fully understood. In this study, the species was cytogenetically analyzed by different methodologies, including Ag-NOR and chromomycin A(3) (CMA(3))/DAPI staining, C-banding, early replication banding (RGB), and in situ fluorescent hybridization with probes for 18S and 5S ribosomal genes and for telomeric sequences (TTAGGG)(n).

Quinupristin-dalfopristin: a new antibiotic for severe gram-positive infections.

The steady increase in resistant organisms is related to the widespread use of antibiotics in community and hospital settings. New therapeutic options are needed, including treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant gram-positive organisms. Quinupristin-dalfopristin, the first formulation of a distinct class of antibiotics known as the streptogramins, has activity against a range of gram-positive bacteria that are usually resistant to other agents, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.

Choice of antibiotic and risk of colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus among patients admitted for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.

A time-series prospective study of patients admitted to the hospital for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia was undertaken to determine vancomycin-resistant enterococcal perianal colonization rates among patients who received ceftriaxone with or without erythromycin versus those who received levofloxacin. A colonization rate of 16% (8/51) was found in the ceftriaxone-erythromycin group versus 0% (0/52) in the levofloxacin group .