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Incidence and viral aetiologies of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) in the United States: a population-based study.
We conducted prospective, community-wide surveillance for acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) in Rochester, NY and Marshfield, WI during a 3-month period in winter 2011. We estimated the incidence of ARIs in each community, tested for viruses, and determined the proportion of ARIs associated with healthcare visits. We used a rolling cross-sectional design to sample participants, conducted telephone interviews to assess ARI symptoms (defined as a current illness with feverishness or cough within the past 7 days), collected nasal/throat swabs to identify viruses, and extracted healthcare utilization from outpatient/inpatient records. Of 6492 individuals, 321 reported an ARI within 7 days (4·9% total, 5·7% in Rochester, 4·4% in Marshfield); swabs were collected from 208 subjects. The cumulative ARI incidence for the entire 3-month period was 52% in Rochester [95% confidence interval (CI) 42-63] and 35% in Marshfield (95% CI 28-42). A specific virus was identified in 39% of specimens: human coronavirus (13% of samples), rhinovirus (12%), RSV (7%), influenza virus (4%), human metapneumovirus (4%), and adenovirus (1%). Only 39/200 (20%) had a healthcare visit (2/9 individuals with influenza). ARI incidence was ~5% per week during winter
Expression of the endocannabinoid receptors in human fascial tissue.
open7noCannabinoid receptors have been localized in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as on cells of the immune system, but recent studies on animal tissue gave evidence for the presence of cannabinoid receptors in different types of tissues. Their presence was supposed also in myofascial tissue, suggesting that the endocannabinoid system may help resolve myofascial trigger points and relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, until now the expression of CBI (cannabinoid receptor I) and CB2 (cannabinoid receptor 2) in fasciae has not yet been established. Small samples of fascia were collected from volunteers patients during orthopedic surgery. For each sample were done a cell isolation, immunohistochemical investigation (CB1 and CB2 antibodies) and real time RT-PCR to detect the expression of CB1 and CB2. Both cannabinoid receptors are expressed in human fascia and in human fascial fibroblasts culture cells. although to a lesser extent than the control gene. We can assume that the expression of mRNA and protein of CBI and CB2 receptors in fascial tissue are concentrated into the fibroblasts This is the first demonstration that the fibroblasts of the muscular fasciae express CBI and CB2. The presence of these receptors could help to provide a description of cannabinoid receptors distribution and to better explain the role of fasciae as pain generator and the efficacy of some fascial treatments. Indeed the endocannabinoid receptors of fascial fibroblasts can contribute to modulate the fascial fibrosis and inflammation.noneopenFede, C; Albertin, G; Petrelli, L; Sfriso, Mm; Biz, C; De Caro, R; Stecco, CFede, C; Albertin, Giovanna; Petrelli, Lucia; Sfriso, MARIA MARTINA; Biz, Carlo; DE CARO, Raffaele; Stecco, Carl
Non-Saccharomyces Commercial Starter Cultures: Scientific Trends, Recent Patents and Innovation in the Wine Sector.
For 15 years, non-Saccharomyces starter cultures represent a new interesting segment in the dynamic field of multinationals and national companies that develop and sell microbial-based biotechnological solutions for the wine sector. Although the diversity and the properties of non-Saccharomyces species/strains have been recently fully reviewed, less attention has been deserved to the commercial starter cultures in term of scientific findings, patents, and their innovative appli-cations. Considering the potential reservoir of biotechnological innovation, these issues represent an under-estimated possible driver of coordination and harmonization of research and development activities in the field of wine microbiology. After a wide survey, we encompassed 26 different commercial yeasts starter cultures formulated in combination with at least one non-Saccharomyces strain. The most recent scientific advances have been explored delving into the oenological significance of these commercial starter cultures. Finally, we propose an examination of patent literature for the main yeasts species commercialised in non-Saccharomyces based products. We highlight the presence of asymmetries among scientific findings and the number of patents concerning non-Saccharomyces-based commercial products for oenological purposes. Further in-vestigations on these microbial resources might open new perspectives and stimulate attractive in-novations in the field of wine-making biotechnologies
Bioinformatics and mathematical modelling in the study of receptor-receptor interactions and receptor oligomerization: focus on adenosine receptors.
none8sìThe concept of intra-membrane receptor-receptor interactions (RRIs) between different types of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and evidence for their existence was introduced by Agnati and Fuxe in 1980/81 through the biochemical analysis of the effects of neuropeptides on the binding characteristics of monoamine receptors in membrane preparations from discrete brain regions and functional studies of the interactions between neuropeptides and monoamines in the control of specific functions such as motor control and arterial blood pressure control in animal models.
Whether GPCRs can form high-order structures is still a topic of an intense debate. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that the hypothesis of the existence of high-order receptor oligomers is correct. A fundamental consequence of the view describing GPCRs as interacting structures, with the likely formation at the plasma membrane of receptor aggregates of multiple receptors (Receptor Mosaics) is that it is no longer possible to describe signal transduction simply as the result of the binding of the chemical signal to its receptor, but rather as the result of a filtering/integration of chemical signals by the Receptor Mosaics (RMs) and membrane-associated proteins. Thus, in parallel with experimental research, significant efforts were spent in bioinformatics and mathematical modelling. We review here the main approaches that have been used to assess the interaction interfaces allowing the assembly of GPCRs and to shed some light on the integrative functions emerging from the complex behaviour of these RMs. Particular attention was paid to the RMs generated by adenosine A(2A), dopamine D-2, cannabinoid CB1, and metabotropic glutamate mGlu(5) receptors (A(2A). D-2, CB1, and mGlu(5), respectively), and a possible approach to model the interplay between the D-2-A(2A)-CB1 and D-2-A(2A)-mGlu(5) trimers is proposed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: "Adenosine Receptors". (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.openD. GUIDOLIN; F. CIRUELA; S. GENEDANI; M. GUESCINI; C. TORTORELLA; G. ALBERTIN; K. FUXE; L.F. AGNATID., Guidolin; F., Ciruela; S., Genedani; Guescini, Michele; C., Tortorella; G., Albertin; K., Fuxe; L. F., Agnat
Azo Complexes of Osmium(II): Preparation and Reactivity of Organic Azide and Hydrazine Derivatives
Sexual function after vaginal erbium laser: the results of a large, multicentric, prospective study.
The aim of this multicentric, prospective study was to evaluate the effects of vaginal erbium laser (VEL-SMOOTH®) on sexual function in postmenopausal women suffering from the genitourinary syndrom..
Two-years of home based functional electrical stimulation recovers epidermis from atrophy and flattening after years of complete Conus-Cauda Syndrome
Multi-layer coating development for XEUS
Graded depth multi-layer coatings have the potential to optimise the performance of X-ray reflective surfaces for improved energy response. A study of deposition techniques on silicon substrates representative of the XEUS High Performance Pore Optics (HPO) technology has been carried out. Measurements at synchrotron radiation facilities have been used to confirm the excellent performance improvements achievable with Mo/Si and W/Si multilayers. Future activities that will be necessary to implement such coatings in the HPO assembly sequence are highlighted. Further coating developments that may allow an optimisation of the XEUS effective area in light of potential changes to science requirements and telescope configurations are also identified. Finally an initial measurement of effects of radiation damage within the multilayers is reported
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