Vertebrate host phylogeny influences gut archaeal diversity.

Commonly used 16S rRNA gene primers do not detect the full range of archaeal diversity present in the vertebrate gut. As a result, several questions regarding the archaeal component of the gut microbiota remain, including which Archaea are host-associated, the specificities of such associations and the major factors influencing archaeal diversity. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing with primers that specifically target Archaea, we obtained sufficient sequence data from 185 gastrointestinal samples collected from 110 vertebrate species that span five taxonomic classes (Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia and Actinopterygii), of which the majority were wild.

Sinonasal papillomas: A single centre experience on 137 cases with emphasis on malignant transformation and EGFR/KRAS status in "carcinoma ex papilloma".

Among the three major histological subtypes of sinonasal papillomas, inverted (ISP) and oncocytic (OSP) sinonasal papillomas tend to undergo malignant transformation to carcinoma. However, criteria determining risk of recurrence and malignant progression have not been established. Recently, EGFR and KRAS mutations were detected to be characteristic for ISP and OSP, respectively.

From molecular biaxiality of real board-shaped mesogens to phase biaxiality? On the hunt for the holy grail of liquid crystal science.

In the search of the predicted biaxial nematic phase, a series of shape-persistent board-shaped mesogens with maximum molecular biaxiality and a dipole along the minor molecular axis were designed to form nematic (N) mesophases. One compound exhibits a wide nematic temperature range, which can be supercooled to room temperature. A comprehensive variable temperature X-ray study on aligned samples reveals patterns being dominated by the form factor of very small aggregates, from which the aspect ratio of the lead compound with length (L) : breadth (B) : width (W) of 10.

Reliability of transcardiopulmonary thermodilution cardiac output measurement in experimental aortic valve insufficiency.

Background: Monitoring cardiac output (CO) is important to optimize hemodynamic function in critically ill patients. The prevalence of aortic valve insufficiency (AI) is rising in the aging population. However, reliability of CO monitoring techniques in AI is unknown.

Providers with Limited Experience Perform Better in Advanced Life Support with Assistance Using an Interactive Device with an Automated External Defibrillator Linked to a Ventilator.

Background: Medical teams with limited experience in performing advanced life support (ALS) or with a low frequency of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while on duty, often have difficulty complying with CPR guidelines.

Objective: This study evaluated whether the quality of CPR of trained medical students, who served as an example of teams with limited experience in ALS, could be improved with device assistance. The primary outcome was the hands-off time (i.