Use of Desulfovibrio and Escherichia coli Pd-nanocatalysts in reduction of Cr(VI) and hydrogenolytic dehalogenation of polychlorinated biphenyls and used transformer oil

BACKGROUND Desulfovibrio spp. biofabricate metallic nanoparticles (e.g. ‘Bio-Pd’) which catalyse the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and dehalogenate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Desulfovibrio spp. are anaerobic and produce H2S, a potent catalyst poison, whereas Escherichia coli can be pre-grown aerobically to high density, has well defined molecular tools, and also makes catalytically-active ‘Bio-Pd’. The first aim was to compare ‘Bio-Pd’ catalysts made by Desulfovibrio spp. and E. coli using suspended and immobilised catalysts. The second aim was to evaluate the potential for Bio-Pd-mediated dehalogenation of PCBs in used transformer oils, which preclude recovery and re-use.\ud RESULTS Catalysis via Bio-PdD. desulfuricans and Bio-PdE. coli was compared at a mass loading of Pd:biomass of 1:3 via reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution (immobilised catalyst) and hydrogenolytic release of Cl- from PCBs and used transformer oil (catalyst suspensions). In both cases Bio-PdD. desulfuricans outperformed Bio-Pd E. coli by ~3.5-fold, attributable to a ~3.5-fold difference in their Pd-nanoparticle surface areas determined by magnetic measurements (Bio-PdD. desulfuricans) and by chemisorption analysis (Bio-PdE. coli). Small Pd particles were confirmed on D. desulfuricans and fewer, larger ones on E. coli via electron microscopy. Bio-PdD. desulfuricans-mediated chloride release from used transformer oil (5.6 $\pm$ 0.8 $\mu$g mL-1 ) was comparable to that observed using several PCB reference materials. \ud CONCLUSIONS At a loading of 1:3 Pd: biomass Bio-PdD. desulfuricans is 3.5-fold more active than Bio-PdE. coli, attributable to the relative catalyst surface areas reflected in the smaller nanoparticle sizes of the former. This study also shows the potential of Bio-PdD. desulfuricans to remediate used transformer oil

In vitro co-culture of Solanum tuberosum hairy roots with Meloidogyne chitwoodi: structure, growth and production of volatiles

Meloidogyne spp., commonly known as root- knot nematodes (RKNs), are economically important plant sedentary endoparasites that cause galls on susceptible hosts. The Columbia root-knot nematode (CRKN), M. chitwoodi, is a quarantine A2 type pest by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization since 1998. This nematode has been found associated with economi- cally important crops such as potato and tomato, causing severe damage and making the agricultural products unac- ceptable for the fresh market and food processing. In vitro co-culture of host and parasite offers an advantageous experimental system for studying plant-RKN interactions. The structure, growth and production of volatiles of Sola- num tuberosum hairy roots (HR) and of S. tuberosum HR/ CRKN co-cultures were compared. HR were induced by inoculation of aseptic potato tuber segments with Rhizo- bium rhizogenes. Co-cultures were initiated by inoculating HR with sterilized CRKN eggs. Infection with CRKN induced the RKN symptomatology in the HR and several nematode life stages were observed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Potato HR and HR/CRKN co-culturesexhibited similar growth patterns, evaluated by measuring fresh and dry weight and by the dissimilation method. Volatiles, isolated by distillation–extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, revealed that palmitic acid (37–52 %), n–pentadecanal (10–16 %) and linoleic acid (2–16 %) were the main constitutive components of S. tu- berosum HR, and of the HR/CRKN co-cultures (24–44, 8–22 and 4–18 %, respectively). S. tuberosum HR/CRKN co-cultures can be considered a suitable biotechnological tool to study RKN infection mechanism by mimicking what occurs under field conditions

Evidence-based management approaches for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A practice review

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face limited treatment options and inadequate access to palliative care. Aim: To provide a pragmatic overview of clinical guidelines and produce evidence-based recommendations for severe COPD. Interventions for which there is inconsistent evidence to support their use and areas requiring further research were identified. Design: Practice review of guidelines supported by scoping review methodology to examine the evidence reporting the use of guideline-recommended interventions. Data sources: An electronic search was undertaken in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, complemented by web searching for guidelines and publications providing primary evidence (July 2021). Guidelines published within the last 5 years and evidence in the last 10 years were included. Results: Severe COPD should be managed using a multidisciplinary approach with a holistic assessment. For stable patients, long-acting beta-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist and pulmonary rehabilitation are recommended. Low dose opioids, self-management, handheld fan and nutritional support may provide small benefits, whereas routine corticosteroids should be avoided. For COPD exacerbations, systematic corticosteroids, non-invasive ventilation and exacerbation action plans are recommended. Short-acting inhaled beta-agonists and antibiotics may be considered but pulmonary rehabilitation should be avoided during hospitalisation. Long term oxygen therapy is only recommended for patients with chronic severe hypoxaemia. Short-acting anticholinergic inhalers, nebulised opioids, oral theophylline or telehealth are not recommended. Conclusions: Recommended interventions by guidelines are not always supported by high-quality evidence. Further research is required on efficacy and safety of inhaled corticosteroids, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, mucolytics, relaxation and breathing exercises

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compared with phacoemulsification: the FACT non-inferiority RCT

BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is a technique that automates a number of operative steps. OBJECTIVES: To compare FLACS with phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS). DESIGN: Multicentre, outcome-masked, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial. SETTING: Three collaborating NHS hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 785 patients with age-related cataract in one or both eyes were randomised between May 2015 and September 2017. INTERVENTION: FLACS (n = 392 participants) or PCS (n = 393 participants). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was uncorrected distance visual acuity in the study eye after 3 months, expressed as the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR): 0.00 logMAR (or 6/6 if expressed in Snellen) is normal (good visual acuity). Secondary outcomes included corrected distance visual acuity, refractive outcomes (within 0.5 dioptre and 1.0 dioptre of target), safety and patient-reported outcome measures at 3 and 12 months, and resource use. All trial follow-ups were performed by optometrists who were masked to the trial intervention. RESULTS: A total of 353 (90%) participants allocated to the FLACS arm and 317 (81%) participants allocated to the PCS arm attended follow-up at 3 months. The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was similar in both treatment arms [0.13 logMAR, standard deviation 0.23 logMAR, for FLACS, vs. 0.14 logMAR, standard deviation 0.27 logMAR, for PCS, with a difference of -0.01 logMAR (95% confidence interval -0.05 to 0.03 logMAR; p = 0.63)]. The mean corrected distance visual acuity values were again similar in both treatment arms (-0.01 logMAR, standard deviation 0.19 logMAR FLACS vs. 0.01 logMAR, standard deviation 0.21 logMAR PCS; p = 0.34). There were two posterior capsule tears in the PCS arm. There were no significant differences between the treatment arms for any secondary outcome at 3 months. At 12 months, the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.14 logMAR (standard deviation 0.22 logMAR) for FLACS and 0.17 logMAR (standard deviation 0.25 logMAR) for PCS, with a difference between the treatment arms of -0.03 logMAR (95% confidence interval -0.06 to 0.01 logMAR; p = 0.17). The mean corrected distance visual acuity was 0.003 logMAR (standard deviation 0.18 logMAR) for FLACS and 0.03 logMAR (standard deviation 0.23 logMAR) for PCS, with a difference of -0.03 logMAR (95% confidence interval -0.06 to 0.01 logMAR; p = 0.11). There were no significant differences between the arms for any other outcomes, with the exception of the mean binocular corrected distance visual acuity with a difference of -0.02 logMAR (95% confidence interval -0.05 to 0.00 logMAR) (p = 0.036), which favoured FLACS. There were no significant differences between the arms for any health, social care or societal costs. For the economic evaluation, the mean cost difference was £167.62 per patient higher for FLACS (95% of iterations between -£14.12 and £341.67) than for PCS. The mean QALY difference (FLACS minus PCS) was 0.001 (95% of iterations between -0.011 and 0.015), which equates to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (cost difference divided by QALY difference) of £167,620. LIMITATIONS: Although the measurement of outcomes was carried out by optometrists who were masked to the treatment arm, the participants were not masked. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that FLACS is not inferior to PCS in terms of vision after 3 months' follow-up, and there were no significant differences in patient-reported health and safety outcomes after 12 months' follow-up. In addition, the statistically significant difference in binocular corrected distance visual acuity was not clinically significant. FLACS is not cost-effective. FUTURE WORK: To explore the possible differences in vision in patients without ocular co-pathology. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN77602616. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 6. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Moorfields Eye Charity (grant references GR000233 and GR000449 for the endothelial cell counter and femtosecond laser used)

Completability and optimal factorization norms in tensor products of Banach function spaces

[EN] Given s-finite measure spaces ( 1, 1, mu 1) and ( 2, 2, mu 2), we consider Banach spaces X1(mu 1) and X2(mu 2), consisting of L0(mu 1) and L0(mu 2) measurable functions respectively, and study when the completion of the simple tensors in the projective tensor product X1(mu 1). p X2(mu 2) is continuously included in the metric space of measurable functions L0(mu 1. mu 2). In particular, we prove that the elements of the completion of the projective tensor product of L p-spaces are measurable functions with respect to the product measure. Assuming certain conditions, we finally showthat given a bounded linear operator T : X1(mu 1). p X2(mu 2). E (where E is a Banach space), a norm can be found for T to be bounded, which is ` minimal' with respect to a given property (2-rectangularity). The same technique may work for the case of n-spaces.J. M. Calabuig and M. Fernandez-Unzueta were supported by Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (Spain) under project MTM2014-53009-P. M. Fernandez-Unzueta was also suported by CONACyT 284110. F. Galaz-Fontes was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (Spain) and FEDER under project MTM2009-14483-C02-01. E. A. Sanchez Perez was supported by Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (Spain) and FEDER under project MTM2016-77054-C2-1-P.Calabuig, JM.; Fernández-Unzueta, M.; Galaz-Fontes, F.; Sánchez Pérez, EA. (2019). Completability and optimal factorization norms in tensor products of Banach function spaces. Revista de la Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales Serie A Matemáticas. 113(4):3513-3530. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-019-00711-7S351335301134Abramovich, Y.A., Aliprantis, C.D.: An invitation to operator theory. Graduate Studies in Mathematics, Vol 50, AMS (2002)Bennett, C., Sharpley, R.: Interpolation of Operators. Academic Press, Boston (1988)Bu, Q., Buskes, G., Kusraev, A.G.: Bilinear maps on products of vector lattices: a survey. In: Boulabiar, K., Buskes, G., Triki, A. (eds.) Positivity-Trends in Mathematics. Birkhäser Verlag AG, Basel, pp. 97–26 (2007)Buskes, G., Van Rooij, A.: Bounded variation and tensor products of Banach lattices. Positivity 7, 47–59 (2003)Calabuig, J.M., Fernández-Unzueta, M., Galaz-Fontes, F., Sánchez-Pérez, E.A.: Extending and factorizing bounded bilinear maps defined on order continuous Banach function spaces. RACSAM 108(2), 353–367 (2014)Calabuig, J.M., Fernández-Unzueta, M., Galaz-Fontes, F., Sánchez-Pérez, E.A.: Equivalent norms in a Banach function space and the subsequence property. J. Korean Math. Soc. https://doi.org/10.4134/JKMS.j180682Curbera, G.P., Ricker, W.J.: Optimal domains for kernel operators via interpolation. Math. Nachr. 244, 47–63 (2002)Curbera, G.P., Ricker, W.J.: Vector measures, integration and applications. In: Positivity. Birkhäuser Basel, pp. 127–160 (2007)Gil de Lamadrid, J.: Uniform cross norms and tensor products. J. Duke Math. 32, 797–803 (1965)Dunford, N., Schwartz, J.: Linear Operators, Part I: General Theory. Interscience Publishers Inc., New York (1958)Fremlin, D.H.: Tensor products of Archimedean vector lattices. Am. J. Math. 94(3), 777–798 (1972)Fremlin, D.H.: Tensor products of Banach lattices. Math. Ann. 211(2), 87–106 (1974)Yew, K.L.: Completely $$p$$-summing maps on the operator Hilbert space OH. J. Funct. Anal. 255, 1362–1402 (2008)Kwapien, S., Pelczynski, A.: The main triangle projection in matrix spaces and its applications. Stud. Math. 34(1), 43–68 (1970)Lindenstrauss, J., Tzafriri, L.: Classical Banach spaces II. Springer, Berlin (1979)Luxemburg, W.A.J., Zaanen, A.C.: Riesz Spaces I. North-Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam (1971)Milman, M.: Some new function spaces and their tensor products. Depto. de Matemática, Facultad de Ciencias, U. de los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela (1978)Okada, S., Ricker, W.J., Sánchez Pérez, E.A.: Optimal domain and integral extension of operators acting in function spaces. Oper. Theory Adv. Appl., vol. 180. Birkhäuser, Basel (2008)Schep, A.R.: Factorization of positive multilinear maps. Illinois J. Math. 579–591 (1984)Zaanen, A.C.: Integration. North-Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam-New York (1967)Zaanen, A.C.: Riesz Spaces II. North-Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam (1983

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Versus Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery (FACT): A Randomized Noninferiority Trial

PURPOSE: To report the 3-month results of a randomized trial (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Trial [FACT]) comparing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery (PCS). DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized controlled trial funded by the UK National Institute of Health Research (HTA 13/04/46/). PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred eighty-five patients with age-related cataract. METHODS: This trial took place in 3 hospitals in the UK National Health Service (NHS). Randomization (1:1) was stratified by site, surgeon, and 1 or both eyes eligible using a secure web-based system. Postoperative assessments were masked to the allocated intervention. The primary outcome was unaided distance visual acuity (UDVA) in the study eye at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included corrected distance visual acuity, complications, and patient-reported outcomes measures. The noninferiority margin was 0.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). ISRCTN.com registry, number ISRCTN77602616. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We enrolled 785 participants between May 2015 and September 2017 and randomly assigned 392 to FLACS and 393 to PCS. At 3 months postoperatively, mean UDVA difference between treatment arms was -0.01 logMAR (-0.05 to 0.03), and mean corrected distance visual acuity difference was -0.01 logMAR (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.05 to 0.02). Seventy-one percent of both FLACS and PCS cases were within ±0.5 diopters (D) of the refractive target, and 93% of FLACS and 92% of PCS cases were within ±1.0 D. There were 2 posterior capsule tears in the PCS arm and none in the FLACS arm. There were no significant differences between arms for any secondary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is not inferior to conventional PCS surgery 3 months after surgery. Both methods are as good in terms of vision, patient-reported health, and safety outcomes at 3 months. Longer-term outcomes of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are awaited

Genetic susceptibility, elevated blood pressure, and risk of atrial fibrillation: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND: Whether elevated blood pressure (BP) is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) is not established. We tested (1) whether the association between BP and risk of AF is causal, (2) whether it varies according to individual’s genetic susceptibility for AF, and (3) the extent to which specific BP-lowering drugs are expected to reduce this risk. METHODS: First, causality of association was assessed through two-sample Mendelian randomization, using data from two independent genome-wide association studies that included a population of one million Europeans in total. Second, the UK Biobank data of 329,237 participants at baseline was used to study the effect of BP on AF according to genetic susceptibility of developing AF. Third, a possible treatment effect with major BP-lowering drug classes on AF risk was predicted through genetic variants in genes encode the therapeutic targets of each drug class. Estimated drug effects were compared with effects on incident coronary heart disease, for which direct trial evidence exists. RESULTS: The two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that, on average, exposure to a higher systolic BP increased the risk of AF by 19% (odds ratio per each 10-mmHg [OR] 1.19 [1.12 to 1.27]). This association was replicated in the UK biobank using individual participant data. However, in a further genetic risk-stratified analysis, there was evidence for a linear gradient in the relative effects of systolic BP on AF; while there was no conclusive evidence of an effect in those with low genetic risk, a strong effect was observed among those with high genetic susceptibility for AF. The comparison of predicted treatment effects using genetic proxies for three main drug classes (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers) suggested similar average effects for the prevention of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of elevated BP on the risk of AF is likely to be causal, suggesting that BP-lowering treatment may be effective in AF prevention. However, average effects masked clinically important variations, with a more pronounced effect in individuals with high genetic susceptibility risk for AF

The Effect of Egg Embryonation on Field-Use of a Hookworm Benzimidazole-Sensitivity Egg Hatch Assay in Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China

With the implementation of mass drug administration programmes for the control of human soil transmitted helminths there is a need to develop drug sensitivity monitoring tools to detect the emergence of resistance. The present study aimed to use an egg hatch assay to measure benzimidazole sensitivity in human hookworms in a field setting in Yunnan province, People's Republic of China, in order to assess whether the assay offered a practical means of monitoring drug sensitivity in human hookworms in such a location. The assay proved able to generate dose response data, which allowed for the drug sensitivity of the hookworms in the local children to be described; the mean IC50 was 0.10 ug/ml thiabendazole. The study also found that practical issues associated with stool collection procedures, specifically the embryonation of some eggs during the time elapsing between stool deposition and egg recovery, can have an impact on the drug sensitivity data. We suggest means for data analysis that overcome the impact of egg embryonation on drug dose response data, which should allow for the use of such assays at different field sites worldwide

Measurements in two bases are sufficient for certifying high-dimensional entanglement

High-dimensional encoding of quantum information provides a promising method of transcending current limitations in quantum communication. One of the central challenges in the pursuit of such an approach is the certification of high-dimensional entanglement. In particular, it is desirable to do so without resorting to inefficient full state tomography. Here, we show how carefully constructed measurements in two bases (one of which is not orthonormal) can be used to faithfully and efficiently certify bipartite high-dimensional states and their entanglement for any physical platform. To showcase the practicality of this approach under realistic conditions, we put it to the test for photons entangled in their orbital angular momentum. In our experimental setup, we are able to verify 9-dimensional entanglement for a pair of photons on a 11-dimensional subspace each, at present the highest amount certified without any assumptions on the state.Comment: 11+14 pages, 2+7 figure