Cadmium effects on transcriptional expression of rhlB/rhlC genes and congener distribution of monorhamnolipid and dirhamnolipid in Pseudomonas aeruginosa IGB83.

While variable production of the biosurfactant, rhamnolipid, by Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been shown to be dependent on growth conditions, no research has evaluated potential relationships between rhamnolipid production and the presence of heavy metals. The current investigation evaluates the influence of Cd(2+) on rhamnolipid synthesis. Cultures grown in the presence of 0.

Antibiotics for preterm rupture of membranes.

Background: Premature birth carries substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. Subclinical infection is associated with preterm rupture of membranes (PROM). Prophylactic maternal antibiotic therapy might lessen infectious morbidity and delay labour, but could suppress labour without treating underlying infection.

Cobalt coordination and clustering in alpha-Co(OH)(2) revealed by synchrotron X-ray total scattering.

Structures of layered metal hydroxides are not well described by traditional crystallography. Total scattering from a synthesis-controlled subset of these materials, as described here, reveals that different cobalt coordination polyhedra cluster within each layer on short length scales, offering new insights and approaches for understanding the properties of these and related layered materials. Structures related to that of brucite [Mg(OH)(2)] are ubiquitous in the mineral world and offer a variety of useful functions ranging from catalysis and ion-exchange to sequestration and energy transduction, including applications in batteries.

Structural and functional diversification of the light-harvesting complexes in photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Eukaryotes acquired photosynthetic metabolism over a billion years ago, and during that time the light-harvesting antennae have undergone significant structural and functional divergence. The antenna systems are generally used to harvest and transfer excitation energy into the reaction centers to drive photosynthesis, but also have the dual role of energy dissipation. Phycobilisomes formed the first antenna system in oxygenic photoautotrophs, and this soluble protein complex continues to be the dominant antenna in extant cyanobacteria, glaucophytes, and red algae.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults characterized by high viral genome load within circulating natural killer cells.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and aggressive disease usually encountered in the context of primary EBV infection. In most analyzed cases, EBV has been found predominantly in T cells. We describe the novel finding of high EBV genome numbers within circulating natural killer cells in adult patients with EBV-HLH.

Ultrasound for fetal assessment in early pregnancy.

Background: Diagnostic ultrasound is a sophisticated electronic technology, which utilises pulses of high frequency sound to produce an image. Diagnostic ultrasound examination may be employed in a variety of specific circumstances during pregnancy such as after clinical complications, or where there are concerns about fetal growth. Because adverse outcomes may also occur in pregnancies without clear risk factors, assumptions have been made that routine ultrasound in all pregnancies will prove beneficial by enabling earlier detection and improved management of pregnancy complications.

WITHDRAWN: Ultrasound for fetal assessment in early pregnancy.

Background: Advantages of early pregnancy ultrasound screening are thought to be more accurate calculation of gestational age, earlier identification of multiple pregnancies, and diagnosis of non-viable pregnancies and certain fetal malformations.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the use of routine (screening) ultrasound compared with the selective use of ultrasound in early pregnancy (ie before 24 weeks).

Search Strategy: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (up to June 2001) were searched.

Heterogeneity in mammalian RNA 3' end formation.

Precisely directed cleavage and polyadenylation of mRNA is a fundamental part of eukaryotic gene expression. Yet, 3' end heterogeneity has been documented for thousands of mammalian genes, and usage of one cleavage and polyadenylation signal over another has been shown to impact gene expression in many cases. Building upon the rich biochemical and genetic understanding of the 3' end formation, recent genomic studies have begun to suggest that widespread changes in mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation may be a part of large, dynamic gene regulatory programs.

The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in labour: a review of the evidence.

Objective: to assess the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in labour.

Search Methods: studies were identified from a search of the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (November 2008).

Selection Criteria: randomised controlled trials comparing women receiving TENS for pain relief in labour vs routine care or placebo devices.

Regulation of synaptic structure and function by FMRP-associated microRNAs miR-125b and miR-132.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that suppress translation of specific mRNAs. The miRNA machinery interacts with fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which functions as translational repressor. We show that miR-125b and miR-132, as well as several other miRNAs, are associated with FMRP in mouse brain.

Environmental determinants of and impact on childhood asthma by the bacterial community in household dust.

Asthma increased dramatically in the last decades of the 20th century and is representative of chronic diseases that have been linked to altered microbial exposure and immune responses. Here we evaluate the effects of environmental exposures typically associated with asthma protection or risk on the microbial community structure of household dust (dogs, cats, and day care). PCR-denaturing gradient gel analysis (PCR-DGGE) demonstrated that the bacterial community structure in house dust is significantly impacted by the presence of dogs or cats in the home (P = 0.

Evolutionary distribution of light-harvesting complex-like proteins in photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Light-harvesting-like (LIL) proteins are low-molecular-mass membrane proteins related to the light-harvesting complexes, which form the dominant antenna system in most photosynthetic eukaryotes. To analyze the LIL protein family, we mined a number of publicly available databases to identify members of this family in a broad range of organisms. LIL proteins are diverse, having one to three predicted transmembrane helices.

AAFP-AAHA: feline life stage guidelines.

Background And Goals: Cats have become the most popular pet in the United States, yet statistics about veterinary care for cats remain troubling. Although most owners consider their cats to be family members, cats are substantially underserved, compared with dogs. In 2006, owners took their dogs to veterinarians more than twice as often as cats, averaging 2.

Medical treatments for incomplete miscarriage (less than 24 weeks).

Background: Miscarriage occurs in 10% to 15% of pregnancies. The traditional treatment, after miscarriage, has been to perform surgery to remove any remaining pregnancy tissues in the uterus. However, it has been suggested that drug-based medical treatments, or expectant care (no treatment), may also be effective, safe and acceptable.

WITHDRAWN. Doppler ultrasound for fetal assessment in high risk pregnancies.

Background: Abnormal waveforms from Doppler ultrasound may indicate poor fetal prognosis. It is also possible that Doppler ultrasound could encourage inappropriate early delivery.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of Doppler ultrasound in high risk pregnancies on obstetric care and fetal outcomes.

The APPLe study: a randomized, community-based, placebo-controlled trial of azithromycin for the prevention of preterm birth, with meta-analysis.

Background: Premature birth is the major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity in both high- and low-income countries. The causes of preterm labour are multiple but infection is important. We have previously described an unusually high incidence of preterm birth (20%) in an ultrasound-dated, rural, pregnant population in Southern Malawi with high burdens of infective morbidity.

Kinetic control of intralayer cobalt coordination in layered hydroxides: Co(1-0.5x)(oct) Co(x)(tet) (OH)2 (Cl)x (H2O)n.

We report the synthesis and characterization of new structural variants of the isotypic compound with the generic chemical formula, Co(1-0.5x)(oct) Co(x)(tet) (OH)2 (Cl)x (H2O)n, all modifications of an alpha-Co(OH)2 lattice. We show that the occupancy of tetrahedrally coordinated cobalt sites and associated chloride ligands, x, is modulated by the rate of formation of the respective layered hydroxide salts from kinetically controlled aqueous hydrolysis at an air-water interface.

Physical activity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (NHANES III).

Background And Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with impaired physical activity. However, it is unclear whether the associations of physical activity with mortality are modified by the presence of CKD. Therefore, we examined the effects of CKD on the associations of physical activity with mortality.

Zcchc11-dependent uridylation of microRNA directs cytokine expression.

Mounting an effective host immune response without incurring inflammatory injury requires the precise regulation of cytokine expression. To achieve this, cytokine mRNAs are post-transcriptionally regulated by diverse RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting their 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). Zcchc11 (zinc-finger, CCHC domain-containing protein 11) contains RNA-interacting motifs, and has been implicated in signalling pathways involved in cytokine expression.

Mifepristone for induction of labour.

Background: The steroid hormone, progesterone, inhibits contractions of the pregnant uterus at all gestations. Antiprogestins (including mifepristone) have been developed to antagonise the action of progesterone, and have a recognised role in medical termination of early or mid-trimester pregnancy. Animal studies have suggested that mifepristone may also have a role in inducing labour in late pregnancy.

Progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancy (STOPPIT): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and meta-analysis.

Background: Women with twin pregnancy are at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery. Progesterone seems to be effective in reducing preterm birth in selected high-risk singleton pregnancies, albeit with no significant reduction in perinatal mortality and little evidence of neonatal benefit. We investigated the use of progesterone for prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancy.

Choice and birth method: mixed-method study of caesarean delivery for maternal request.

Objective: To explore whether women view decision-making surrounding vaginal or caesarean birth as their choice.

Design: Longitudinal cohort study utilising quantitative (questionnaire, routinely collected data) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) methods simultaneously.

Setting: A large hospital providing National Health Service maternity care in the UK.