Ultrasensitive Characterization of Native Bacterial Biofilms via Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Enhanced Solid-State NMR.

Bacterial biofilms are major contributors to persistent infections and antimicrobial resistance, posing significant challenges to treatment. However, obtaining high-resolution structural information on native bacterial biofilms has remained elusive due to the methodological limitations associated with analyzing complex biological samples. Solid-state NMR (ssNMR) has shown promise in this regard, but its conventional application is hindered by sensitivity constraints for unlabeled samples.

High-Sensitivity Analysis of Native Bacterial Biofilms Using Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Enhanced Solid-State NMR.

Bacterial biofilms cause persistent infections that are difficult to treat and contribute greatly to antimicrobial resistance. However, high-resolution structural information on native bacterial biofilms remain very limited. This limitation is primarily due to methodological constraints associated with analyzing complex native samples.

Genetic Mapping of , a New Lethal Allele of .

The mutation was generated in a Flp/FRT EMS screen for conditional mutations that cause growth and developmental defects in a genetic background that blocks apoptosis. The mutations were conditional, based on the allele being present on the starting chromosome, and blocking canonical apoptosis in a homozygous state. The mosaic eyes exhibit defects in eye development including patches of rough eye and irregular surface structure.

Tapping into the native Pseudomonas bacterial biofilm structure by high-resolution multidimensional solid-state NMR.

We present a multidimensional magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) study to characterize native Pseudomonas fluorescens colony biofilms at natural abundance without isotope-labelling. By using a high-resolution INEPT-based 2D H-C ssNMR spectrum and thorough peak deconvolution at the 1D ssNMR spectra, approximately 80/134 (in 1D/2D) distinct biofilm chemical sites were identified. We compared CP and INEPT C ssNMR spectra to differentiate signals originating from the mobile and rigid fractions of the biofilm, and qualitatively determined dynamical changes by comparing CP buildup behaviors.

Tapping into the native Bacterial Biofilm Structure by High-Resolution 1D and 2D MAS solid-state NMR.

We present a high-resolution 1D and 2D magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) study to characterize native colony biofilms at natural abundance without isotope-labelling. By using a high-resolution INEPT-based 2D H- C ssNMR spectrum and thorough peak deconvolution approach at the 1D ssNMR spectra, approximately 80/134 (in 1D/2D) distinct biofilm chemical sites were identified. We compared CP and INEPT C ssNMR spectra to different signals originating from the mobile and rigid fractions of the biofilm, and qualitative determined dynamical changes by comparing CP buildup behaviors.

Practice Trends of Fibrinogen Monitoring in Thrombolysis.

There is a lack of evidence or societal guidelines regarding the utility of fibrinogen monitoring during thrombolysis. The purpose of our study was to investigate the current use of monitoring fibrinogen levels during thrombolysis. A voluntary, anonymous online survey was sent to all physician members of the Society of Interventional Radiology, consisting of 23 questions related to practitioner demographics, thrombolysis protocol, and fibrinogen monitoring.

Transjugular liver biopsy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS): Is it feasible, effective, and safe?

Purpose: To evaluate our experience with transjugular liver biopsies (TJLB) in patients with previously placed transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS).

Material And Methods: A single-institution retrospective review was performed looking at all TJLBs in patients with previously placed TIPS or DIPS over the past seven years. There were six men and one woman (mean age 57.

Radiation Risk to the Fluoroscopy Operator and Staff.

Objective: Recent articles discussing cases of brain cancer in interventionalists have raised concerns regarding the hazards of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. We review the basics of radiation dose and the potential radiation effects, particularly as they pertain to the operator. Then we present the data regarding the risk of each type of radiation effect to the fluoroscopy operator and staff, with special attention on cancer induction, radiation-induced cataracts, and the pregnant operator.

Epitope-specific immunotherapy targeting CD4-positive T cells in coeliac disease: two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 studies.

Background: A gluten-free diet is the only means to manage coeliac disease, a permanent immune intolerance to gluten. We developed a therapeutic vaccine, Nexvax2, designed to treat coeliac disease. Nexvax2 is an adjuvant-free mix of three peptides that include immunodominant epitopes for gluten-specific CD4-positive T cells.

Preprocedure Evaluation of a Dysfunctional Dialysis Access.

Given the many different types of hemodialysis access and the various problems that can occur in each, a structured approach should be taken in the preprocedure evaluation of patients referred for hemodialysis access intervention. Abnormalities detected on surveillance or monitoring trigger referrals for evaluation and intervention in hopes of preventing thrombosis or underdialysis. Familiarity with surveillance and monitoring findings not only facilitates better communication with nephrologists but also helps the interventionalist surmise where the site of stenosis might be and which stenoses are clinically relevant.

Radiation Protection for the Fluoroscopy Operator and Staff.

Objective: The purposes of this article are to review available data regarding the range of protection devices and garments with a focus on eye protection and to summarize techniques for reducing scatter radiation exposure.

Conclusion: Fluoroscopy operators and staff can greatly reduce their radiation exposure by wearing properly fitted protective garments, positioning protective devices to block scatter radiation, and adhering to good radiation practices. By understanding the essentials of radiation physics, protective equipment, and the features of each imaging system, operators and staff can capitalize on opportunities for radiation protection while minimizing ergonomic strain.

Intravascular Ultrasound in the Creation of Transhepatic Portosystemic Shunts Reduces Needle Passes, Radiation Dose, and Procedure Time: A Retrospective Study of a Single-Institution Experience.

Purpose: To assess whether intravascular ultrasound (US) guidance impacts number of needle passes, contrast usage, radiation dose, and procedure time during creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS).

Materials And Methods: Intravascular US-guided creation of TIPS in 40 patients was retrospectively compared with conventional TIPS in 49 patients between February 2010 and November 2015 at a single tertiary care institution. Patient sex and age, etiology of liver disease (hepatitis C virus, alcohol abuse, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), severity of liver disease (mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score), and indications for TIPS (variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, refractory hydrothorax) in conventional and intravascular US-guided cases were recorded.

Psychometric Properties and Construct Validity of the Knowledge Information Profile-Coumadin.

Oral anticoagulation therapy using Coumadin (warfarin) requires significant patient involvement. Limited validated instruments exist to test patient knowledge of Coumadin, and low health literacy may impede patient self-management. This article reports the psychometric testing of the Knowledge Information Profile-Coumadin (KIP-C20) to determine () minimum number of items and dimensions, () reliability, and () construct validity.

Nickel hypersensitivity in patients with inferior vena cava filters: case report and literature and MAUDE database review.

Placement of a prophylactic retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was requested in a 73-year-old woman with nickel hypersensitivity resulting in a clinical dilemma. Given that all retrievable filters contain nickel, the published literature and the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database were reviewed; no documented case of IVC filter placement in a patient with nickel hypersensitivity or reported hypersensitivity reaction in a patient after IVC filter placement could be identified. This article presents the uneventful course of the case described and a review of the literature and recommendations on use of nickel-containing devices in patients with nickel hypersensitivity.

Role of interventional radiology in the management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality without appropriate treatment. There are numerous causes of acute GIB including but not limited to infection, vascular anomalies, inflammatory diseases, trauma, and malignancy. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach of GIB depends on its location, severity, and etiology.

Comparative efficacy of new interfaces for intra-procedural imaging review: the Microsoft Kinect, Hillcrest Labs Loop Pointer, and the Apple iPad.

We adapted and evaluated the Microsoft Kinect (touchless interface), Hillcrest Labs Loop Pointer (gyroscopic mouse), and the Apple iPad (multi-touch tablet) for intra-procedural imaging review efficacy in a simulation using MIM Software DICOM viewers. Using each device, 29 radiologists executed five basic interactions to complete the overall task of measuring an 8.1-cm hepatic lesion: scroll, window, zoom, pan, and measure.

Nicotine exposure during differentiation causes inhibition of N-myc expression.

Background: The ability of chemicals to disrupt neonatal development can be studied using embryonic stem cells (ESC). One such chemical is nicotine. Prenatal nicotine exposure is known to affect postnatal lung function, although the mechanisms by which it has this effect are not clear.