Lipids determine the toxicity of human islet polypeptide aggregates in vivo.

The onset and progression of type 2 diabetes is linked to the accumulation and aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) in the pancreas. Amyloid oligomers and fibrils formed as a result of such aggregation exert high cytotoxicity. Although some pieces of evidence suggest that lipids could alter the rate of hIAPP aggregation, the effect of lipids on the aggregation properties of this peptide remains unclear.

Plasmalogens Alter the Aggregation Rate of Transthyretin and Lower Toxicity of Transthyretin Fibrils.

Heart tissue can experience a progressive accumulation of transthyretin (TTR), a small four subunit protein that transports holoretinol binding protein and thyroxine. This severe pathology is known as transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Numerous experimental studies indicated that the aggregation rate and toxicity of TTR fibrils could be altered by the presence of lipids; however, the role of plasmalogens in this process remains unknown.

Tip cross-sectional geometry predicts the penetration depth of stone-tipped projectiles.

Understanding prehistoric projectile weaponry performance is fundamental to unraveling past humans' survival and the evolution of technology. One important debate involves how deeply stone-tipped projectiles penetrate a target. Theoretically, all things being equal, projectiles with smaller tip cross-sectional geometries should penetrate deeper into a target than projectiles with larger tip cross-sectional geometries.

Efficacy and Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Global Environmental Cleaning Algorithm on Hospital-Acquired Infection Rates.

Objective: This study evaluates clinical outcomes and cost-benefit analysis before and after implementation of a global environmental cleaning algorithm on all hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rates.

Methods: A retrospective, quasi-experimental study design was used to review the hospital's procedure and infection rate database for all HAIs from January 1, 2009, through June 30, 2011. We calculated the infection rates and did a cost-benefit analysis before and after the environmental cleaning algorithm was instituted on July 19, 2010.

Effects of culture media and environmental factors on mycelial growth and pycnidial production of Potebniamyces pyri.

Potebniamyces pyri (anamorph Phacidiopycnis piri) is the causal agent of Phacidiopycnis rot of apples and pears. The disease has recently been recognized in pears in the USA. Little information on the basic biology of the fungus is available.