Microbial biofilms on needleless connectors for central venous catheters: comparison of standard and silver-coated devices collected from patients in an acute care hospital.

Microorganisms may colonize needleless connectors (NCs) on intravascular catheters, forming biofilms and predisposing patients to catheter-associated infection (CAI). Standard and silver-coated NCs were collected from catheterized intensive care unit patients to characterize biofilm formation using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods and to investigate the associations between NC usage and biofilm characteristics. Viable microorganisms were detected by plate counts from 46% of standard NCs and 59% of silver-coated NCs (P=0.

Redetermination of MgCrO4·5H2O.

The CCD-data based redetermination of the crystal structure of the title compound, magnesium chromate(VI) penta-hydrate, confirms in principle the previous study based on precession film data [Bertrand et al. (1971 ▶). C.

Effect of the counter-anion on the spin-transition properties of a family of Fe(II) tetrazole complexes, [Fe(i4tz)6]X2 (X = ClO4-, PF6-, SbF6-, BF4-).

The monodentate ligand 1-isobutyl-1H-tetrazole (i4tz) was used to synthesize a series of iron(II) spin-crossover (SCO) complexes with the general formula [Fe(i4tz)6]X2, where X = ClO4(-) (1), PF6(-) (2), SbF6(-) (3), or BF4(-) (4). Upon cooling, magnetic susceptibility measurements of compounds 1, 2 and 3 show a reversible one-step spin crossover (SCO) behaviour between HS (S = 2) and LS (S = 0) states without hysteresis. The ClO4(-) compound shows a gradual spin transition at T(1/2) = 208 K at a considerably higher temperature than the other compounds.

On the (non-)existence of Tutton salts with formula types [M(H2O)6](ClO4)2(H2O)2 and Na2M(SO4)2(H2O)6 (M is a first-row transition metal).

Two structures of the Tutton salt family, originally reported with composition [Cu(H2O)6](ClO4)2(H2O)2 and Na2Cu(SO4)2(H2O)6, have been redetermined based on the original intensity data. With respect to the original [Cu(H2O)6](ClO4)2(H2O)2 model, the perchlorate anion and the noncoordinating water molecule are replaced by a sulfate anion and an ammonium cation. With respect to the original Na2Cu(SO4)2(H2O)6 model, the sodium site is replaced by a mixed-occupancy potassium/ammonium site.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Fikirini rhabdovirus, a novel virus from a Kenyan bat.

Zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens have comprised a significant component of emerging human infections in recent decades, and bats are increasingly recognized as reservoirs for many of these disease agents. To identify novel pathogens associated with bats, we screened tissues of bats collected in Kenya. Virus isolates were identified by next generation sequencing of viral nucleic acid preparations from the infected cell culture supernatant and characterized.

The crystal structure of BaPO3F revisited--a combined X-ray diffraction and solid-state 19F, 31P MAS NMR study.

Barium monofluorophosphate, BaPO3F, was prepared in a polycrystalline form by fast precipitation, whereas single crystals were obtained using a long-lasting gel growth method. The samples were characterized by powder- and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed orthorhombic symmetry for the polycrystalline material and monoclinic symmetry for the single crystals. Both phases belong to the same order-disorder (OD) family and can be derived from the baryte structure (BaSO4) by replacing the SO4(2-) anions with isoelectronic PO3F(2-) anions in two orientations.

Characterization of human sporadic ALS biomarkers in the familial ALS transgenic mSOD1(G93A) mouse model.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of motor neurons. Although most cases of ALS are sporadic (sALS) and of unknown etiology, there are also inherited familial ALS (fALS) cases that share a phenotype similar to sALS pathological and clinical phenotype. In this study, we have identified two new potential genetic ALS biomarkers in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) obtained from sALS patients, namely the TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43) and SLPI (secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor).

Synthesis and Characterization of Hydrido Carbonyl Molybdenum and Tungsten PNP Pincer Complexes.

In the present study the Mo(0) and W(0) complexes [M(PNP)(CO)] as well as seven-coordinate cationic hydridocarbonyl Mo(II) and W(II) complexes of the type [M(PNP)(CO)H], featuring PNP pincer ligands based on 2,6-diaminopyridine, have been prepared and fully characterized. The synthesis of Mo(0) complexes [Mo(PNP)(CO)] was accomplished by treatment of [Mo(CO)(CHCN)] with the respective PNP ligands. The analogous W(0) complexes were prepared by reduction of the bromocarbonyl complexes [W(PNP)(CO)Br] with NaHg.

Structural profiling and biological performance of phospholipid-hyaluronan functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes.

In spite of significant insolubility and toxicity, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) erupt into the biomedical research, and create an increasing interest in the field of nanomedicine. Single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) are highly hydrophobic and have been shown to be toxic while systemically administrated. Thus, SWCNTs have to be functionalized to render water solubility and biocompatibility.

Myelin membrane assembly is driven by a phase transition of myelin basic proteins into a cohesive protein meshwork.

Rapid conduction of nerve impulses requires coating of axons by myelin. To function as an electrical insulator, myelin is generated as a tightly packed, lipid-rich multilayered membrane sheath. Knowledge about the mechanisms that govern myelin membrane biogenesis is required to understand myelin disassembly as it occurs in diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Treatment of micropollutants in municipal wastewater: ozone or powdered activated carbon?

Many organic micropollutants present in wastewater, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, are poorly removed in conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To reduce the release of these substances into the aquatic environment, advanced wastewater treatments are necessary. In this context, two large-scale pilot advanced treatments were tested in parallel over more than one year at the municipal WWTP of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Mg6.75(OH)3(H0.166AsO4)3(HAsO4), a member of the M 1- xM'6(OH)3(H2x/3AsO4)3(HAsO4) family (M,M' = Co; Ni).

In the structure of the title compound, magnesium hydroxide hydrogenarsenate (6.75/3/4), two different Mg(2+) ions, one located on a site with symmetry 3m. (occupancy 3/4) and one on a general position, as well as two different AsO3(OH) tetra-hedra (symmetry .

Evaluation of Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV for direct detection of influenza viruses (A and B) and respiratory syncytial virus in patient clinical samples.

We evaluated the performance of the Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV kit on 170 prospective respiratory samples using a modified protocol, supplied by the manufacturer, that eliminates the RNA extraction step. Overall, compared against our laboratory-developed assay, the assay's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 95.1%, 99.

Electrical monitoring of polyelectrolyte multilayer formation by means of capacitive field-effect devices.

The semiconductor field-effect platform represents a powerful tool for detecting the adsorption and binding of charged macromolecules with direct electrical readout. In this work, a capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) field-effect sensor consisting of an Al-p-Si-SiO2 structure has been applied for real-time in situ electrical monitoring of the layer-by-layer formation of polyelectrolyte (PE) multilayers (PEM). The PEMs were deposited directly onto the SiO2 surface without any precursor layer or drying procedures.

Draft genome sequences of Bordetella holmesii strains from blood (F627) and nasopharynx (H558).

Bordetella holmesii, a human pathogen, can confound the diagnosis of respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. We present the draft genome sequences of two B. holmesii isolates, one from blood, F627, and one from the nasopharynx, H558.

The Mg member of the isotypic series MTe6O13.

MgTe6O13, magnesium hexa-tellurate(IV), is isotypic with the structures of divalent first-row transition metal analogues MTe6O13 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Zn). The asymmetric unit contains one Mg, two Te and five O atoms of which the Mg and one O atom lie on a threefold rotation axis. The structure is made up from slightly distorted [MgO6] octa-hedra (isolated from each other), distorted [TeO4] bis-phenoids and [TeO4 + 1] tetra-gonal pyramids sharing corners and edges.

Towards a dynamic assessment of raw materials criticality: linking agent-based demand--with material flow supply modelling approaches.

Emerging technologies such as information and communication-, photovoltaic- or battery technologies are expected to increase significantly the demand for scarce metals in the near future. The recently developed methods to evaluate the criticality of mineral raw materials typically provide a 'snapshot' of the criticality of a certain material at one point in time by using static indicators both for supply risk and for the impacts of supply restrictions. While allowing for insights into the mechanisms behind the criticality of raw materials, these methods cannot account for dynamic changes in products and/or activities over time.

Redetermination of (NH(4))(2)HAsO(4).

In comparison with the original determination based on Weissenberg film data [Khan et al. (1970 ▶). Acta Cryst.

The dynamics of infection and the persistence of immunity to A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in Israel.

Background: Influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09 first appeared in Israel in late April 2009, disappeared in mid-March 2010, and reappeared in late October 2010. Symptoms were mostly mild without need for medical care.

Objectives: To provide targets for future pandemic preparedness and response by evaluating the dynamics and cumulative incidence of A(H1N1)pdm09 infection, the virus-specific seroprevalence (HI antibody titer >1:40) at the height of the pandemic, during its decline and thereafter.

Nicotine vapor inhalation escalates nicotine self-administration.

Humans escalate their cigarette smoking over time, and a major obstacle in the field of pre-clinical nicotine addiction research has been the inability to produce escalated nicotine self-administration in rats. In experiment 1, male Wistar rats were trained to respond for nicotine in 2-hour operant sessions, then exposed to chronic intermittent (12 hours/day) nicotine vapor and repeatedly tested for nicotine self-administration at 8-12 hours of withdrawal. Rats were tested intermittently on days 1, 3 and 5 of the vapor exposure procedure, then tested with nicotine vapor exposure on 6-15 consecutive days.

Monte Carlo model of the scanning beam digital x-ray (SBDX) source.

The scanning-beam digital x-ray (SBDX) system has been developed for fluoroscopic imaging using an inverse x-ray imaging geometry. The SBDX system consists of a large-area x-ray source with a multihole collimator and a small detector. The goal of this study was to build a Monte Carlo (MC) model of the SBDX source as a useful tool for optimization of the SBDX imaging system in terms of its hardware components and imaging parameters.

The effects of a newly developed miniaturized mechanical chest compressor on outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a porcine model*.

Objective: When the duration of cardiac arrest is prolonged, reperfusion of the vital organs by effective chest compression is the most important intervention for successful resuscitation. We investigated the effects of a newly developed miniaturized chest compressor on the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study.

Animal studies of charged particle-induced carcinogenesis.

The distribution of energy deposition in cells and tissues by high-charge, high-energy (HZE) nuclei differs considerably from that of low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, raising concerns that charged particle exposure may be more efficient in inducing radiogenic cancers or may induce a different spectrum of tumors. The authors have performed a review of charged particle carcinogenesis in animals with the following observations. A limited number of animal studies with carcinogenesis endpoints have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of HZE ions.

Molecular characterisation of murine acute myeloid leukaemia induced by 56Fe ion and 137Cs gamma ray irradiation.

Exposure to sparsely ionising gamma- or X-ray irradiation is known to increase the risk of leukaemia in humans. However, heavy ion radiotherapy and extended space exploration will expose humans to densely ionising high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation for which there is currently no understanding of leukaemia risk. Murine models have implicated chromosomal deletion that includes the hematopoietic transcription factor gene, PU.

Do-not-resuscitate order: a view throughout the world.

Resuscitation has the ability to reverse premature death. It can also prolong terminal illness, increase discomfort, and consume resources. The do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order and advance directives are still a debated issue in critical care.