Development of a new DNA extraction protocol for PFGE typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

A modified pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) protocol was developed and applied to clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex to reduce the cost of using lyticase. This protocol reduces the expense of PFGE typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex as it removes the use of lyticase during the spheroplast formation from these bacteri

Hypoglycemic Detection by Human Breath: A Mobile Health App that Alerts Diabetics of Low Blood Glucose

Low blood glucose (BG) or hypoglycemia (HYPO) can lead to severe health complications such as weakness and unconsciousness. To avoid problems BG self-management is needed. We developed a non-invasive breathing system (HYPOalert) to detect HYPO in human-breath, that sends warning alerts and data visualization to monitor progress. This paper presents two HYPOalert prototype iterations with testing results. Of 14 Type 1/2 diabetics tested, only 10% were pleased with existing monitoring systems and 85% expressed interest in using HYPOalert more than 20x a day. The usability study showed that 92% agreed-strongly agreed with the HYPOalert design, including color/menus/navigation/typography; and 64% felt positive about the apps consistency, flexibility, and info architecture. A post-test survey provided a satisfaction score: 6.64/10, with an open-ended interview showing that HYPOalert could positively impact lifestyle practices, self-managing, and help advance an understanding of the disease

Uncovering Arabidopsis Membrane Protein Interactome Enriched in Transporters Using Mating-Based Split Ubiquitin Assays and Classification Models

High-throughput data are a double-edged sword; for the benefit of large amount of data, there is an associated cost of noise. To increase reliability and scalability of high-throughput protein interaction data generation, we tested the efficacy of classification to enrich potential protein–protein interactions. We applied this method to identify interactions among Arabidopsis membrane proteins enriched in transporters. We validated our method with multiple retests. Classification improved the quality of the ensuing interaction network and was effective in reducing the search space and increasing true positive rate. The final network of 541 interactions among 239 proteins (of which 179 are transporters) is the first protein interaction network enriched in membrane transporters reported for any organism. This network has similar topological attributes to other published protein interaction networks. It also extends and fills gaps in currently available biological networks in plants and allows building a number of hypotheses about processes and mechanisms involving signal-transduction and transport systems

Neck fracture of a cementless forged titanium alloy femoral stem following total hip arthroplasty: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Fractures of the neck of the femoral component have been reported in uncemented total hip replacements, however, to our knowledge, no fractures of the neck of a cementless forged titanium alloy femoral stem coated in the proximal third with hydroxy-apatite have been reported in the medical literature.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>This case report describes a fracture of the neck of a cementless forged titanium alloy stem coated in the proximal third with hydroxy-apatite.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The neck of the femoral stem failed from fatigue probably because of a combination of factors described analytically below.</p

Differential Effects of Aerobic Exercise, Resistance Training and Combined Exercise Modalities on Cholesterol and the Lipid Profile:Review, Synthesis and Recommendations

There is a direct relationship between chronically elevated cholesterol levels (dyslipidaemia) and coronary heart disease. A reduction in total cholesterol is considered the gold standard in preventative cardiovascular medicine. Exercise has been shown to have positive impacts on the pathogenesis, symptomatology and physical fitness of individuals with dyslipidaemia, and to reduce cholesterol levels. The optimal mode, frequency, intensity and duration of exercise for improvement of cholesterol levels are, however, yet to be identified. This review assesses the evidence from 13 published investigations and two review articles that have addressed the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance training and combined aerobic and resistance training on cholesterol levels and the lipid profile. The data included in this review confirm the beneficial effects of regular activity on cholesterol levels and describe the impacts of differing volumes and intensities of exercise upon different types of cholesterol. Evidence-based exercise recommendations are presented, aimed at facilitating the prescription and delivery of interventions in order to optimize cholesterol levels

Five-Year Epidemiological Study and Estimation of Accidents Distribution in Construction Industry Workers in Yazd City by the Year 2011 by Applying Time Series Model

Abstract: Background & Aims: Occupational accidents are known as one of the most important causes of disabilities and mortality in developed and developing countries. Construction industry is one of the most high risk occupations which its hazardous are not known completely. In addition to occupational accidents, construction workers are faced many diseases factors such as asbestos, silicon, fumes and noises. The aim of this research was an epidemiological study and determination of a model for estimating accidents of instructor industry by the year 2011 in Yazd city. Methods: This study is a descriptive, analytical and distribution modeling. The questionnaire contained the variables of age, occupation, type of accident, injured part and the results of accident. Results: In this research 247 construction workers injured along five years in Yazd were studied. Most of the injured workers had worked less than one year (34.8%) and 12.55% had worked more than 20 years. Fatal rate of workers with no insurance was significantly more than those who had insurance (p<0.01). The most prevalent accident was falling (48.58%) and the less was chocking (2%). The highest level of injury was in hands and feet (27.53%) followed by head injury (22.27%). The relationships of accident results with occupation and also part of body were statistically significant (P<0.001). More than 51% of head injuries lead to death. After testing many models, time series model of quadratic form was found to be the closest model to the trend of data. Conclusion: According to time series model estimation, with this trend the rate of occupational injuries would be more than 300 cases by the year 2011 and this recommends serious measures for prevention. Keywords: Accidents, Time Series Analysis, Construction Worker

Disaster Management and Post-Earthquake Assessment of Building Damage Procedure

Perdition of location and occurring time of earthquake is impossible. It is realities that in each every year’s earthquake are occurred and it effects the natural environment. Of course, reduction of hazard from earthquake risk is possible. Post earthquake assessment some time needs hundred or thousands engineer. For uniform evaluation of inspection the simple form was needed. The inspectors before earthquake, must be learn how to filling inspection form. For uniform and objective evaluation of damages degree needs the inspection form must be simple and easy for collections data. After a destructive earthquake, inspection and assessment of building in short time is important. In the quality inspection is the visual inspection that needs the experience and knowledge of engineer, which want to use judgment and personality response.  In this paper, in addition of managing in disaster, the inspection form and procedure of filling of the form was given. Finally the computer software for evaluation of collection the data was given. After earthquake, the building categorized into three parts, a-the building is safe and entry is unlimited (signed by Green color), b-the building as temporarily unusable, because is limited damaged (signed by Yellow color), c-the damage is extensive and building out of usage until the detailed inspection (signed by Red color)