12 different naphthochromenone photocatalysts (PCs) have been synthesized at gram-scale, combining absorption features across the UV-Vis spectrum, up to 440 nm with an extremely wide redox window (up to 3.22 eV) that is accessible using simple visible light irradiation sources (CFL or LED). Their excited state redox potentials, PC*/PC ●- = up to 1.65 V and PC ●+ /PC* up to -1.77 V vs SCE, are such that these novel PCs can engage in both oxidative and reductive quenching mechanisms with strong thermodynamic requirements . Converging absorption/emission spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry we delineate robust structure-properties relationships, that are further supported by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. The potential of these bimodal PCs has been benchmarked in thermodynamically challenging photocatalytic processes, were strong oxidative (> 1.46 V) and strong reductive power (< -1.96 V) is required. Further advantages are given by their simple recovery and reuse - up to four times, without any significant loss in their photocatalytic performances. The ability of efficiently catalysing mechanistically opposite oxidative/reductive photoreactions is a unique feature for organic photocatalysts. This new class of molecules represents a decisive advancement towards generality, sustainability and cost efficiency in photoredox catalysis.

This work considers the approximation of the cardiac bidomain equations, either isolated or coupled with the torso, via first order semi-implicit time-marching schemes involving a fully decoupled computation of the unknown fields (ionic state, transmembrane potential, extracellular and torso potentials). For the isolated bidomain system, we show that the Gauss-Seidel and Jacobi like splittings do not compromise energy stability; they simply alter the energy norm. Within the framework of the numerical simulation of electrocardiograms (ECG), these bidomain splittings are combined with an explicit Robin-Robin treatment of the heart-torso coupling conditions. We show that the resulting schemes allow a fully decoupled (energy) stable computation of the heart and torso fields, under an additional hyperbolic-CFL like condition. The accuracy and convergence rate of the considered schemes are investigated numerically with a series of numerical experiments.

The activity of two carboxylating enzymes was studied in the green filamentous bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus. The carboxylation reaction involving pyruvate synthase was optimized using 14CO2 and cell extracts. Pyruvate synthase was shown to be absent from cells of Cfl. aurantiacus OK-70 and present (in a quantity sufficient to account for autotrophic growth) in cells of Cfl. aurantiacus B-3. Differences in the levels of acetyl CoA carboxylase activity were revealed between cells of the strains studied grown under different conditions. The data obtained confirm the operation of different mechanisms of autotrophic CO2 assimilation in Cfl. aurantiacus B-3 and Cfl. aurantiacus OK-70: in the former organism, it is the reductive cycle of dicarboxylic acids, and in the latter one, it is the 3-hydroxy-propionate cycle.

To examine whether either of the two known active vitamin D metabolites 1,25(OH)2D3 or 24,25(OH)2D3 could reverse the mineralization defect induced by 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-bis phosphonate (EHDP), a model of EHDP-induced rickets was used. Rats at the age of 31 days were injected for 10 consecutive days with EHDP (10 mg/kg). Other littermates were treated with a combination of EHDP and either 1,25(OH)2D3 or 24,25(OH)2D3 or were treated following 10 days of EHDP, with either of the vitamin D metabolites for an additional 72 hr. Samples of cartilage fluid (Cfl) and of blood were removed prior to sacrifice for biochemical studies of some parameters of calcification. These parameters were correlated with the results of light and electron microscope studies of growth plate cartilage and bone. EHDP-treated rats revealed signs of typical rickets, manifested by widened growth plates and impaired bone mineralization. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination revealed matrix vesicles distributed throughout the growth plate; however, there appeared to be an arrest of the spread of the crystals at the provisional zone of calcification. Treatment with either 1,25(OH)2D3 or 24,25(OH)2D3 failed to reverse the rachitic condition of the animals. Serum calcium blood levels were elevated in the 1,25(OH)2D3 and EHDP-treated group. 1,25(OH)2D3 and 24,25(OH)2/D3 further increased the already elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels observed in EHDP rats, although the increase observed with 1,25(OH)2D3 was not statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell motility by actin cytoskeleton is essential for differentiation processes of excystation and encystation of Entamoeba. We recently studied an actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin (Cfl) of Entamoeba invadens (Ei), and demonstrated its contribution to the encystation and excystation of E. invadens through actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Profilin is also an actin-binding protein but its function is different from that of Cfl in actin assembly. This study investigated E. invadens profilins in relation to encystation and excystation which were induced in axenic culture systems. A homology search of the E. invadens genome database and molecular cloning identified four profilins of the parasite named EiPFN1, EiPFN2, EiPFN3, and EiPFN4. There were also multiple genes of profilin in Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) and Entamoeba dispar (Ed), each of which had three profilins. A search for conserved domains revealed that these profilins of Entamoeba had actin, phosphoinositide, and poly-proline binding sites. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that EiPFN3 and EiPFN4 formed the same clades including EhPFN3 and EdPFN3, and EhPFN2 and EdPFN2, respectively, while EiPFN1 and EiPFN2 were separated from EhPFN1 and EdPFN1. Rabbit anti-EiPFN1 serum reacted with recombinant EiPFN3 and EiPFN4 but not EiPFN2, and also reacted with EiPFN in lysates of cysts and trophozoites. Immunofluorescence staining with this antiserum showed co-localization of EiPFN with actin beneath the cell membrane through the life stages and also showed cytoplasmic localization. Both proteins proved to be rich in pseudopodia of trophozoites. Real-time RT-PCR showed that the mRNA level of EiPFN1 and EiPFN4 in trophozoites was comparable but that of EiPFN2 and EiPFN3 was very low. During encystation, the mRNA expression of EiPFN1 and EiPFN4 increased remarkably in the early phase much higher than that of EiPFN2 and EiPFN3. Then, the expression of all four PFNs sharply decreased in the later phase. This was in contrast to the sharp decrease in the mRNA level of EiCfl-2 during encystation in our previous study. In cysts, EiPFN1 was most abundantly expressed and EiPFN4 was at a lower level, while the expressions of EiPFN2 and EiPFN3 were virtually absent. Following the induction of excystation, mRNA levels of EiPFN1, EiPFN2, and EiPFN4 in cysts 5 h after induction were significantly higher than those in cysts before induction, while that of EiPFN3 was slightly higher than before induction. The mRNAs of EiPFN1 increased most extensively when the excystation was induced in the presence of cytochalasin D. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) to EiPFN1 inhibited both encystation and excystation but not growth. These findings demonstrate different expression of EiPFNs and the contribution of EiPFN to the encystation and excystation.

To compare visually guided manual prehension in participants with primarily central field loss (CFL) due to age-related macular degeneration and peripheral visual field loss (PFL) due to glaucoma. This study extends current literature by comparing directly "reach-to-grasp" performance, and presents a new task of "transport-to-place" the object accurately to a new location. Data were compared to age-matched controls.

Three-dimensional motion data were collected from 17 glaucoma participants with PFL, 17 participants with age-related macular degeneration CFL and 10 age-matched control participants. Participants reached toward and grasped a cylindrical object (reach-to-grasp), and then transported and placed (transport-to-place) it at a different (predefined) peripheral location. Various kinematic indices were measured. Correlation analyses explored relationships between visual function and kinematic data.

In the reach-to-grasp phase, CFL patients exhibited significantly longer movement and reaction times when compared to PFL participants and controls. Central field loss participants also took longer to complete the movement and made more online movements in the latter part of the reach. During the transport-to-place phase, CFL participants showed increased deceleration times, longer movement trajectory, and increased vertical wrist displacement. Central field loss also showed higher errors in placing the object at a predefined location. A number of kinematic indices correlated significantly to central visual function indices (P < 0.05).

Significant differences in performance exist between CFL and PFL participants. Various indices correlated significantly with loss in acuity and contrast sensitivity (CS), suggesting that performance is more dependent on central visual function irrespective of underlying pathology.

Isolated coral atolls are not immune from marine debris accumulation. We identified Southeast Asia, the Indian sub-continent, and the countries on the Arabian Sea as most probable source areas of 50 000 items on the shores of St. Brandon's Rock (SBR), Indian Ocean. 79% of the debris was plastics. Flip-flops, energy drink bottles, and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) were notable item types. The density of debris (0.74 m(-)(1) shore length) is comparable to similar islands but less than mainland sites. Intact CFLs suggests product-facilitated long-range transport of mercury. We suspect that aggregated marine debris, scavenged by the islands from currents and gyres, could re-concentrate pollutants. SBR islets accumulated debris types in different proportions suggesting that many factors act variably on different debris types. Regular cleaning of selected islets will take care of most of the accumulated debris and may improve the ecology and tourism potential. However, arrangements and logistics require more study.

CFL gene, a LFY homologue, was cloned from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). In this paper, in situ hybridization was performed to analyze the expression pattern of CFL gene at the stage of floral and vegetative buds differentiation in cucumber cotyledonary nodes cultured in vitro. The results showed that at the stage of floral differentiation, CFL gene was strongly expressed in primordia, floral organ primordia, and each whirl of floral organs at the early stage of their formation, but weakly expressed or not expressed in floral organs after their formation (Fig. 2). At the stage of vegetative bud differentiation, CFL gene was strongly expressed in meristem, leaf primordium and young leaves, and no apparent expression signal was detected in mature tissues (Fig. 3). The results suggest that the expression of CFL gene be necessary for the differentiation and formation of floral and vegetative primordias, and it plays an important role in floral and vegetative development in cucumber. The results also indicate that CFL gene involving in mitosis initiation, mitosis controlling, and transformation of vegetative meristem to floral meristem.

As components of electronic scrap, rare earth minerals are an interesting but little used source of raw materials that are highly important for the recycling industry. Currently, there exists no cost-efficient technology to separate rare earth minerals from an electronic scrap mixture. In this study, phage surface display has been used as a key method to develop peptides with high specificity for particular inorganic targets in electronic scrap. Lanthanum phosphate doped with cerium and terbium as part of the fluorescent phosphors of spent compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) was used as a target material of economic interest to test the suitability of the phage display method to the separation of rare earth minerals. One random pVIII phage library was screened for peptide sequences that bind specifically to the fluorescent phosphor LaPO4 :Ce3+ ,Tb3+ (LAP). The library contained at least 100 binding pVIII peptides per phage particle with a diversity of 1 × 109 different phage per library. After three rounds of enrichment, a phage clone containing the surface peptide loop RCQYPLCS was found to bind specifically to LAP. Specificity and affinity of the identified phage bound peptide was confirmed by using binding and competition assays, immunofluorescence assays, and zeta potential measurements. Binding and immunofluorescence assays identified the peptide's affinity for the fluorescent phosphor components CAT (CeMgAl11 O19 :Tb3+ ) and BAM (BaMgAl10 O17 :Eu2+ ). No affinity was found for other fluorescent phosphor components such as YOX (Y2 O3 :Eu3+ ). The binding specificity of the RCQYPLCS peptide loop was improved 3-51-fold by using alanine scanning mutagenesis. The identification of peptides with high specificity and affinity for special components in the fluorescent phosphor in CFLs provides a potentially new strategic approach to rare earth recycling. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1016-1024. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Previously considered safe for typical use, concerns have recently been expressed regarding the potential effect of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) on human skin and, in particular, on skin cancer risk.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to address this concern by reviewing the current literature on CFLs, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and photocarcinogenic exposure.

RESULTS

On average, the UV radiation from CFLs and subsequent carcinogenic exposure is lower than that from incandescent bulbs. However, defective bulbs can emit higher levels of UV radiation, which may cause significant damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review calls for further investigation to determine how frequently these bulbs are sufficiently defective to lead to adverse effects.

In this paper, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for cephalosporin molecules (cephalexin (CFL) and cephapirin (CFP)), was prepared by non covalent molecular imprinting approach and applied to solid phase extraction (SPE). For MIP synthesis, a tributylammonium cefadroxil salt (TBA-CFD) was used as template with methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as monomer and cross-linker, respectively, in acetone-methanol 92/8 (v/v) mixture. The selectivity of MIP versus non imprinted polymer (NIP) was confirmed for CFL, CFD and CFP in standard solutions as well as in milk samples. The efficiency of the synthesized MIP was evaluated by means of the application of the proposed MIP-SPE procedure to spiked milk samples previous to the HPLC method for the detection of cephalosporins. The MIP-SPE recoveries were higher than 60% for the three target analytes in spiked milk.

Background: Chemoresistance remains the main obstacle in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. Despite significant advances in HCC therapy, HCC still has a poor prognosis. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify a treatment target to reverse HCC chemotherapy resistance. Platycodon grandiflorus (PG) is a perennial herb that has been used as food and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years in Northeast Asia. Platycodin D (PD), a main active triterpenoid saponin found in the root of PG, has been reported to possess anticancer properties in several cancer cell lines, including HCC; however, the reversal effect of this molecule on HCC chemoresistance remains largely unknown.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the role and the mechanism of PD-mediated reversal of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) resistance in HCC cells.

Methods: Human HCC cells (HA22T) and HDACi-resistant (HDACi-R) cells were used. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Combination index was used to calculate the synergism potential. Expression of ERK1/2 (total/phospho), cofilin-1 (total/phospho) and apoptosis-related protein was determined using western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using the JC-1 (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolocarbocyanine iodide) probe. Apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation was measured using the MitoSOX Red fluorescent probe.

Results: We found that PD treatment inhibited cell viability both in HA22T HCC and HDACi-R cells. Inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 could reverse drug resistance in HDACi-R cells treated with PD98059 and PD. Nevertheless, pre-treatment with U46619, an ERK1/2 activator, rescued PD-induced apoptosis by decreasing levels of apoptosis-related proteins in HCC cells. The combined treatment of PD with apicidin a powerful HDACi, dramatically enhanced the apoptotic effect in HDACi-R cells.

Conclusion: For the first time, we showed that PD reversed HDACi resistance in HCC by repressing ERK1/2-mediated cofilin-1 phosphorylation. Thus, PD can potentially be a treatment target to reverse HCC chemotherapy resistance in future therapeutic trials.

Keywords: Apoptosis; HDAC inhibitor; HDACi resistance; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Platycodin D; p-CFL-1.

The urate transporter 1 (URAT1) inhibitors were considered a very promising class of uricosuric agents for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. In vitro activity testing of these compounds has been conducted by radio-labeling uric acid for a long time. However, relatively few offer the convenience and speed of fluorescence-based assays. Herein, we report the development of a non-radioactive cell-based method for the screening of URAT1 inhibitors using the human embryonic kidney 293T cells stably expressing human URAT1, and 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-CFL) as a substrate. The URAT1-mediated transport of 6-CFL was time dependent and saturable (Km = 239.5 μM, Vmax = 6.2 pmol/well/min, respectively). Molecules known to interact with organic anion transporters, including benzbromarone, probenecid, and lesinurad, demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of 6-CFL transport by URAT1. Moreover, we screened a small subset of compounds, and identified compound 4 as a promising URAT1 inhibitor. This in vitro assay may be employed to screen for novel URAT1 inhibitors, which are effective against hyperuricemia.

Keywords: 6-carboxyfluorescein; human urate transporter 1; hyperuricemia.

The lateral ankle ligament complex (LALC) is an intricate structure; therefore precise anatomic knowledge is required by the surgeon. However, the structural relationship of the LALC remains unclear. Here, the features of the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and the relationship to the LALC at the distal fibula were clarified in a cadaver study. The lengths of most of the anterior and posterior parts, and the widths of the anterior-posterior and superior-inferior parts, were measured with a digital caliper. In addition, the relationship between the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and PTFL inside of the capsule is described. The small fiber bundles of the PTFL were manually divided, and the footprint of each bundle at the fibula and talus was clarified. The relationship between the ATFL and CFL, outside of the capsule, was examined on axial slices at the inferior fibula. The lengths of the most anterior and most posterior parts of the PTFL were 9.8 ± 1.7 and 29.4 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. The widths of the anterior-posterior and superior-inferior parts were 10.0 ± 0.9 and 5.8 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Approximately 83% of the fibers between the ATFL and PTFL were continuous. The anterior-inferior fibers of the PTFL were continuous with the inferior fibers of the ATFL inside of the capsule. The ATFL and CFL converged with connective tissue from outside of the capsule at the distal fibula. The results of this study should prove useful to further clarify the relationships of the LALC both inside and outside of the capsule at the distal fibula.

Keywords: ankle anatomy; anterior talofibular ligament; chronic ankle instability; lateral ankle ligament complex; posterior talofibular ligament.

The kiwifruit bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae; Psa) causes severe damage to kiwifruit production worldwide. Psa biovar 6 (Psa6), which was isolated in Japan in 2015, produces two types of phytotoxins: coronatine and phaseolotoxin. To elucidate the unique virulence of Psa6, we performed transcriptomic analysis of phytotoxin synthesis genes and type III effector genes in in vitro cultivation using various media. The genes related to phytotoxin synthesis and effectors of Psa6 were strictly regulated in the coronatine-inducing mediums (HS and HSC); 14 of 23 effector genes and a hrpL sigma factor gene were induced at 3 h after transferring to the media (early-inducible genes), and phytotoxin synthesis genes such as argD of phaseolotoxin and cfl of coronatine were induced at 6 and 12 h after transferring to the media (late-inducible genes). In contrast, induction of these genes was not observed in the hrp-inducing medium. Next, to examine whether the changes in gene expression in different media is specific to Psa6, we investigated gene expression in other related bacteria. For Psa biovar 1 (Psa1), biovar 3 (Psa3), and P. s. pv. glycinea (Psg), no clear trends were observed in expression behavior across various culture media and incubation times. Therefore, Psa6 seems to exert its virulence efficiently by using two phytotoxins and effectors according to environmental changes. This is not seen in other biovars and pathovars, so it is thought that Psa6 has acquired its own balance of virulence.

Keywords: Coronatine; Kiwifruit; Phaseolotoxin; RNA-Seq; RT-qPCR; Type III effector.

The immunomodulatory properties of mannose-binding lectins ConBr (Canavalia brasiliensis) and CFL (Cratylia argentea) were investigated comparatively in a model of Salmonella infection. The lectins were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered to mice daily for three days before the bacterial challenge with Salmonella enterica Ser. Typhimurium (0.2 mL i.p.; 10(7) CFU/mL). In vivo assays have shown that both lectins induced a significant leukocyte infiltration into the peritoneal cavity of uninfected mice, which was higher in the CFL group 3 days post-infection. Total and differential cell counts in the bloodstreams have shown uninfected animals pretreated with ConBr and CFL exhibited accentuated lymphopenia. Conversely, there was an increasing population of lymphocytes following 3 days post-infection in mice pretreated with both lectins. In addition, the bacterial burden was significantly reduced into the peritoneal cavity, bloodstreams, spleen and the liver in these mice. The lectins did not induce the release of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines into the peritoneal fluid of uninfected animals. However, following infection, the release of TNF-α and IL-10 in the peritoneal fluid were down-regulated in mice pretreated with both lectins whereas IL-1 was only reduced in mice pretreated with ConBr. Uninfected animals pretreated with CFL exhibited high nitric oxide (NO) content in the peritoneal fluid, which was decreased after infection in comparison to ConBr group. The lectins did not alter the serum levels of NO in uninfected mice but treatments with ConBr significantly reduced the NO content in infected animals in comparison to CFL group 24h after the bacterial challenge. Survival experiments have shown survival rates ranging from 70% to 100% in mice that received CFL or ConBr. On the other hand, untreated mice (PBS group) died 1-6 days after infection. We conclude that ConBr and CFL are prospective phytotherapeutics capable of modulate the cascade of pro-inflammatory plus regulatory cytokines and nitric oxide release derived from systemic infections.

BACKGROUND

Plant lectins have long been used in biomedical research as immunomodulators against tumor cells and microbial infections.

OBJECTIVE

To test the ability of plant lectins ConBr (Canavalia brasiliensis) and CFL (Cratylia argentea) to activate antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities of murine peritoneal macrophages (pMØ) infected with a virulent strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm).

METHODS

We incubated pMØ with non-toxic amounts of ConBr and CFL either before (preventive schedule) or after (curative schedule) exposure to STm.

RESULTS

In uninfected pMØ, ConBr and CFL greatly increased levels of mRNA transcripts for IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs), but not IL-10 and IL-12. Exposure to naïve splenocytes of culture supernatants of pMØ previously stimulated with CFL resulted in expression of IL-12 and IFN-γ. Both preventive and curative treatment schedules significantly reduced the intracellular load of Salmonella. Experiments in infected macrophages exposed to lectins in the preventive schedule showed that mRNA transcripts for IL-6 and TNF-α were increased by CFL, whereas ConBr enhanced IL-12 (subunit p40). In the curative schedule, CFL induced significant expression of IL-12 (p40) whereas ConBr enhanced expression IL-1β and TNF-α genes. The lectin treatments did not influence on iNOs expression in pMØ infected with STm C5 regardless of the treatment schedule. Curative treatments with CFL increased approximately 130-fold expression of TLR-4 whist expression of TLR-9 was increased by treatments with ConBr.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that lectins ConBr and CFL have immunomodulatory properties that are beneficial on control of cells infected by Salmonella.

BACKGROUND

Although a variety of surgical procedures for lateral ankle ligament reconstruction have frequently been reported, little is known about the effects of initial graft tension. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to investigate the effects of initial graft tension in calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) reconstruction. It was hypothesized that a high degree of initial graft tension would cause abnormal kinematics, laxity, and excessive graft tension.

METHODS

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Twelve cadaveric ankles were tested with a 6 degrees of freedom robotic system to apply passive plantarflexion-dorsiflexion motion and multidirectional loads. A repeated-measures experiment was designed with the CFL intact, CFL transected, and CFL reconstructed with 4 initial tension conditions (10, 30, 50, and 70 N). The 3-dimensional path and reconstructed graft tension were simultaneously recorded.

RESULTS

The calcaneus in CFL reconstruction with an initial tension of 70 N had the most eversion relative to the intact condition (mean eversion translations of 1.2, 3.0, 5.0, and 6.2 mm were observed at initial tensions of 10, 30, 50, and 70 N, respectively). The calcaneus also moved more posteriorly with external rotation as the initial tension increased. The reconstructed graft tension tended to increase as the initial tension increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle kinematic patterns and laxity after CFL reconstruction tended to become more abnormal as the initial graft tension increased at the time of surgery. Moreover, excessive initial graft tension caused excessive tension on the reconstructed graft.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated the importance of initial graft tension during CFL reconstruction. Overtensioning during CFL reconstruction should be avoided to imitate a normal ankle.

Bacterial canker is the largest limiting factor in the cultivation and production of kiwifruit worldwide. Typical symptoms comprise necrotic spots on leaves, canker and dieback on canes and trunks, twig wilting, and blossom necrosis. Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), which is the causal agent of kiwifruit bacterial canker, is divided into four biovars based on multilocus sequence analysis of different genes, additional PCR testing of pathogenic genes (argKtox cluster, cfl, and various effector genes), and biochemical and physiological characterization. Bacterial canker caused by Psa biovar 2 designated Psa2 was detected for the first time on the green-fleshed kiwifruit cultivar Hayward in 1988 and the yellow-fleshed kiwifruit cultivar Hort16A in 2006 in Korea. Psa biovar 3 designated Psa3, responsible for the current global pandemics of kiwifruit bacterial canker, began to appear in Korea in 2011 and caused tremendous economic losses by destroying many vines or orchards of yellow-fleshed kiwifruit cultivars in one or several growing seasons. Bacterial canker epidemics caused by both Psa2 and Psa3 are prevalent in Korea in recent years. In this review, we summarize the symptomatology, etiology, disease cycle, diagnosis, and epidemiology of kiwifruit bacterial canker in Korea.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the compressive fatigue limits (CFLs) of fractured incisor teeth restored using either a conventional adhesive-composite technique or using fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs).

METHODS

Fifteen extracted sound upper incisor teeth were prepared by cutting away the incisal one-third part of their crowns horizontally. The teeth were restored using three techniques. Group A (control group) was restored by reattaching the original incisal edge to the tooth. Group B was restored using particulate filler composite (PFC). Group C was restored with PFC and FRC by adding a thin layer of FRC to the palatal surface of the teeth. The bonding system used was a conventional etch system with primer and adhesive. All restored teeth were stored in water at room temperature for 24 h before they were loaded under a cyclic load with a maximum controlled regimen using a universal testing machine. The test employed a staircase approach with a maximum of 103 cycles or until failure occurred. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p=0.05). Failure modes were visually examined.

RESULTS

Group A (reattaching fractured incisal edge) revealed the lowest CFL values, whereas the creation of a new incisal edge with PFC revealed a 152% higher CFL value compared to Group A. Group C (teeth restored with FRC) revealed a 352% higher CFL than the control group. ANOVA revealed the restoration technique significantly affected the compressive fatigue limit (p<0.001). The failure mode in Group A and B was debonding of the restoration from the adhesive interface. While in Group C, the sample teeth fractured below their cemento-enamel junctions.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested an incisally fractured tooth restored with the combination of PFC and FRC-structure provided the highest CFL.

This paper describes a method for incorporating a diffusion field modeling oxygen usage and dispersion in a multi-scale model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection mediated granuloma formation. We implemented this method over a floating-point field to model oxygen dynamics in host tissue during chronic phase response and Mtb persistence. The method avoids the requirement of satisfying the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) condition, which is necessary in implementing the explicit version of the finite-difference method, but imposes an impractical bound on the time step. Instead, diffusion is modeled by a matrix-based, steady state approximate solution to the diffusion equation. Presented in figure 1 is the evolution of the diffusion profiles of a containment granuloma over time.

DNase I activity was diminished by ciprofloxacin (CFL), nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin in a dose-dependent manner, the MIC's (minimal significantly inhibiting concentrations) being 3.2, 2.8, 2.4, and 7.6 micrograms/ml, resp., in phase I-reaction (increase in DNA hyperchromicity) and 21, 20, 55, and 56 micrograms/ml, resp., in phase II-reaction (formation of acid-soluble products). The Line-weaver-Burk plots indicated inhibition by substrate (phase I) and uncompetitive inhibition (phase II). The decrease in scheduled DNA synthesis by CFL showed MIC's of 270, 100, 1000, and 850 micrograms/ml in chicken embryo brain (B) and liver (L) cells and in rat thymic (T) and splenic (S) cells, resp. With regard to ribonucleic acid synthesis, MIC values of 82, 82, 12.5, and 48 micrograms/ml CFL were determined, resp. Within a concentration range of 25-1600 micrograms/ml, no principal differences existed between the 4-quinolones used. In T-cells, DNA repair as induced by X-irradiation or UV-light and determined by nucleoid sedimentation was inhibited by CFL (greater than 100 micrograms/ml). The present results demonstrate biological effects of 4-quinolones on eukaryotic systems at remarkably low concentrations. In this context, the possibility of interactions with DNA catabolizing enzyme systems and synergistic effects with DNA/chromatin-damaging agents should be considered further.

Chronic hindfoot instability is a frequent problem that includes the ankle and/or the subtalar joint. While ankle joint instability can be diagnosed clinically, accurate assessment of the subtalar joint remains elusive. This study's purpose was to assess the ability of weightbearing computed tomography (CT) scans to detect subtalar joint instability. Seven pairs of fresh frozen male cadavers (tibial plateau to toe-tip) were tested. A radiolucent frame held specimens in a plantigrade position while non-weightbearing and weightbearing CT scans (with and without torque application) were taken. First, intact ankles (Native) were scanned. Second, one specimen from each pair underwent interosseous talo-calcaneal ligament (ITCL) transection, while the contralateral underwent calcaneo-fibular ligament (CFL) transection. Third, the remaining intact ITCL or CFL was transected. Finally, the deltoid ligament was transected in all ankles. Eight radiographic measurements were performed to assess the congruency of the subtalar joint on digitally reconstructed radiographs and single CT images. Axial loading did not impact most measurements, whereas torque did impact most measurements. Radiographic measurements performed at the subtalar joint level were more reliable and better predictors for subtalar joint instability compared with measurements performed at the ankle joint level. While torque application is crucial to identify subtalar joint instability, axial load application should be avoided. Measurements to assess the subtalar joint stability should primarily be performed at the subtalar joint level rather than at the ankle joint level when using weightbearing CT scans. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.