Evaluation of a microfluidic-based point-of-care prototype with customized chip for detection of bacterial clusters.

Unlabelled: Bacterial infection clusters cause high mortality rates and healthcare costs due to excessive therapy and hygiene measures. The aim of this study was to develop an automated real-time PCR-based point-of-care (POC) system with a customized microfluidic chip that facilitates fast detection of bacterial cluster isolates by targeting cluster-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For cluster detection of , , and , nine TaqMan real-time PCR assays targeting cluster-specific SNPs were designed.

Lipid Droplets Big and Small: Basic Mechanisms That Make Them All.

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic storage organelles with central roles in lipid and energy metabolism. They consist of a core of neutral lipids, such as triacylglycerol, which is surrounded by a monolayer of phospholipids and specialized surface proteins. The surface composition determines many of the LD properties, such as size, subcellular distribution, and interaction with partner organelles.

Neurological Impact of Slower Rewarming during Bypass Surgery in Infants.

Background:  Hypothermia is a neuroprotective strategy during cardiopulmonary bypass. Rewarming entailing a rapid rise in cerebral metabolism might lead to secondary neurological sequelae. In this pilot study, we aimed to validate the hypothesis that a slower rewarming rate would lower the risk of cerebral hypoxia and seizures in infants.

Adherence and acceptability of multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy: Study protocol for a cluster-randomized non-inferiority trial in Cambodia.

Background: Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements are currently provided to Cambodian women during pregnancy. However, recent research has found benefits of a multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) over just IFA alone on several outcomes of perinatal and infant health. The Ministry of Health in Cambodia has proposed a transition from IFA to MMS but to effectively guide this transition requires implementation research on the acceptability and adherence to MMS (over IFA).

Perilipin membrane integration determines lipid droplet heterogeneity in differentiating adipocytes.

The storage of fat within lipid droplets (LDs) of adipocytes is critical for whole-body health. Acute fatty acid (FA) uptake by differentiating adipocytes leads to the formation of at least two LD classes marked by distinct perilipins (PLINs). How this LD heterogeneity arises is an important yet unresolved cell biological problem.