On the distribution and characteristics of isozyme expression in Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Ureaplasma species.

A summary of a survey of three genera of mycoplasmatales (Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Ureaplasma) for isozyme expression is presented. Isozyme analysis of mycoplasmas has been employed in at least three distinct areas: (1) as genetic markers for identification, individualization, and taxonomic classification; (2) as markers for cell culture contamination; and (3) as a qualitative measure of the operative metabolic pathways in the diverse species. We have found five ubiquitous enzymes: purine nucleoside phosphorylase, adenylate kinase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, dipeptidase, and esterase. Three enzymes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase, were restricted to Acholeplasma species and were not detected in Mycoplasma or Ureaplasma. Four glycolytic enzymes, glucose phosphate isomerase, triose phosphate isomerase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase, were restricted to those species of Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma capable of glucose fermentation. Two of these glycolytic enzymes, glucose phosphate isomerase and lactate dehydrogenase, were detected in serovars I and II of U. urealyticum, which is inconsistent with the non-glycolytic activity in this genus

Polarizations and differential calculus in affine spaces

Within the framework of mappings between affine spaces, the notion of $n$-th polarization of a function will lead to an intrinsic characterization of polynomial functions. We prove that the characteristic features of derivations, such as linearity, iterability, Leibniz and chain rules, are shared -- at the finite level -- by the polarization operators. We give these results by means of explicit general formulae, which are valid at any order $n$, and are based on combinatorial identities. The infinitesimal limits of the $n$-th polarizations of a function will yield its $n$-th derivatives (without resorting to the usual recursive definition), and the above mentioned properties will be recovered directly in the limit. Polynomial functions will allow us to produce a coordinate free version of Taylor's formula

Predictive value of hematological and phenotypical parameters on postchemotherapy leukocyte recovery

Background: Grade IV chemotherapy toxicity is defined as absolute neutrophil count <500/μL. The nadir is considered as the lowest neutrophil number following chemotherapy, and generally is not expected before the 7th day from the start of chemotherapy. The usual prophylactic dose of rHu-G-CSF (Filgrastim) is 300 μg/day, starting 24-48 h after chemotherapy until hematological recovery. However, individual patient response is largely variable, so that rHu-G-CSF doses can be different. The aim of this study was to verify if peripheral blood automated flow cytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis may be helpful in predicting the individual response and saving rHu-G-CSF. Methods: During Grade IV neutropenia, blood counts from 30 cancer patients were analyzed daily by ADVIA 120 automated flow cytochemistry analyzer and by Facscalibur flow cytometer till the nadir. "Large unstained cells" (LUCs), myeloperoxidase index (MPXI), blasts, and various cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood were studied. At nadir rHu-G-CSF was started and 81 chemotherapy cycles were analyzed. Cycles were stratified according to their number and to two dose-levels of rHuG-CSF needed to recovery (300-600 vs. 900-1200 μg) and analyzed in relation to mean values of MPXI and mean absolute number of LUCs in the nadir phase. The linear regressions of LUCs % over time in relation to two dose-levels of rHu-G-CSF and uni-multivariate analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations, CD34+ cells, MPXI, and blasts were also performed. Results: In the nadir phase, the increase of MPXI above the upper limit of normality (>10; median 27.7), characterized a slow hematological recovery. MPXI levels were directly related to the cycle number and inversely related to the absolute number of LUCs and CD34 +/CD45+ cells. A faster hematological recovery was associated with a higher LUC increase per day (0.56% vs. 0.25%), higher blast (median 36.7/μL vs. 19.5/μL) and CD34+/CD45+ cell (median 2.2/μL vs. 0.82/μL) counts. Conclusions: Our study showed that some biological indicators such as MPXI, LUCs, blasts, and CD34 +/CD45+ cells may be of clinical relevance in predicting individual hematological response to rHu-G-CSF. Special attention should be paid when nadir MPXI exceeds the upper limit of normality because the hematological recovery may be delayed. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society

Experimental Investigation on Innovative Stress Sensors for Existing Masonry Structures Monitoring

Historical masonry structures often suffer gradual deterioration that in many cases can compromise the safety levels and the operating conditions of the buildings. In this context, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an effective tool for the prediction of the structural behaviour and the state of conservation of buildings. Although many monitoring systems have recently been proposed, there is a lack of practical application of low-cost systems. This paper presents an experimental study based on the use of two innovative stress sensors—capacitive stress sensor and ceramic stress sensor—for the monitoring of existing masonry elements. In order to reproduce the actual conditions of onsite masonry, sensors are post-installed in the mortar joints of two series of pre-stressed specimens made of calcarenite stone masonry and clay brick masonry. The best practice of post-installation of the two sensors is investigated. The reliability of the proposed sensors is evaluated through comparison with data recorded from classical measurement devices

Analysis of Multiple Isoenzyme Expression Among Twenty-Two Species of Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma

Crude extracts of triple-cloned, purified cultures of 22 species of Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma were examined for expression of 21 isozyme systems routinely used to type mammalian cells. Nine previously described enzymes (purine nucleoside phosphorylase, adenylate kinase, dipeptidase, esterase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose phosphate isomerase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase) and three enzymes not previously reported in mycoplasma (triose phosphate isomerase, inorganic pyrophosphatase, and acid phosphatase) were detected in some or all of the species examined. These findings provide new information on the enzymatic expressions of these organisms. Three of the isozyme systems (superoxide dismutase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) were present in Acholeplasma species but not in any Mycoplasma species. The characteristic pattern of electrophoretic mobility of the 12 isozyme systems also provides a useful biochemical property for identification, characterization, and classification of these mycoplasmas. Mycoplasma isozyme expression for seven of the enzymes were readily detected in various infected-cell culture lines by using either cell extracts or concentrated cell culture fluids. Mycoplasma-specific enzymes found in infected-cell extracts had the same electrophoretic mobility patterns as enzymes obtained from broth-grown mycoplasmas of the same species. Expression of homologous mammalian enzymes was not detectably altered by infection with mycoplasmas

Power-assisted pedicle screws placement: Is it as safe and as effective as manual technique? Narrative review of the literature and our technique

Pedicle screws are the gold standard in spine surgery, allowing a solid tricolumnar fixation which is unmatched by hooks and wires. The freehand technique is the most widely adopted for pedicle screws placing. While freehand technique has been classically performed with manual tools, there has been a recent trend toward the use of power tools. The aim of this review is to summarize and expose potential risks and advantages of power pedicle screws placing. The literature showed that the use of power tools offers an acceptable safety profile, comparable to manual technique. With an adequate training, the power technique may speed up the screw placing, reduce the fluoroscopy time and the physical stress to the spine surgeon. Regarding differences in pull-out strength between power and manual techniques, the literature is still uncertain and inconsistent, both in clinical and preclinical studies. The choice between the use of power and manual freehand pedicle screws placing is still based on the surgeon’s own preference