351 research outputs found

    What makes a megaplasmid?

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    Naturally occurring plasmids come in different sizes. The smallest are less than a kilobase of DNA, while the largest can be over three orders of magnitude larger. Historically, research has tended to focus on smaller plasmids that are usually easier to isolate, manipulate and sequence, but with improved genome assemblies made possible by long-read sequencing, there is increased appreciation that very large plasmids—known as megaplasmids—are widespread, diverse, complex, and often encode key traits in the biology of their host microorganisms. Why are megaplasmids so big? What other features come with large plasmid size that could affect bacterial ecology and evolution? Are megaplasmids 'just' big plasmids, or do they have distinct characteristics? In this perspective, we reflect on the distribution, diversity, biology, and gene content of megaplasmids, providing an overview to these large, yet often overlooked, mobile genetic elements. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The secret lives of microbial mobile genetic elements’

    Virtual Stethoscope - Otoscope

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    The purpose of this report was to develop a working prototype for a virtual stethoscope and otoscope. Sponsored by Courtney Farr, the virtual diagnostic care system – HouseCalls Mobile digital stethoscope/otoscope is meant for use by medical professionals and non – medical professionals for preliminary medical exams while physically not in a medical setting. The HouseCalls Mobile device is to characterize key biometric parameters such as breathing patterns, heart irregularities, and visual clinical evaluation of the inner ear. This device is intended for pediatric use

    Vascularâ targeted nanocarriers: design considerations and strategies for successful treatment of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases

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    Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134422/1/wnan1414_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134422/2/wnan1414.pd

    Síndrome de intestino corto en niños: actualidades en su diagnóstico y manejo

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    ResumenEl síndrome de intestino corto (SIC) se refiere a la suma de alteraciones funcionales que resultan de una reducción crítica en la longitud del intestino, y que en ausencia de un tratamiento adecuado se manifiestan con diarrea crónica, deshidratación crónica, desnutrición, pérdida de peso, deficiencia de nutrimentos y electrolitos, así como falla para crecer que se presenta con mayor frecuencia durante el periodo neonatal. El objetivo de este artículo es realizar una revisión de la literatura médica sobre la definición, las causas más frecuentes de SIC así como entender la fisiopatología, los factores pronósticos y tratamiento.Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos en PubMed, considerando la información existente en niños con SIC de 20 años hasta la fecha, utilizando las palabras clave “síndrome de intestino corto”. De un total de 784 artículos potenciales, se realizó una selección de 82 artículos donde realizamos la revisión de la literatura médica. Los pacientes con SIC son todo un reto para su tratamiento, por lo que se debe establecer un manejo multidisciplinario enfocado en mantener un soporte nutricional óptimo que cubra las necesidades para crecimiento, desarrollo y asimismo, disminuir al máximo la presencia de complicaciones a corto, mediano y largo plazo. El diagnóstico y manejo de un niño con SIC, implica un equipo de profesionales expertos en el manejo gastroenterológico, pediátrico y nutricional. El pronóstico del niño estará en función al manejo oportuno, así como longitud de la resección intestinal y presencia o no de válvula ileocecal.AbstractShort bowel syndrome (SBS) refers to the sum of the functional alterations that are the result of a critical reduction in the length of the intestine, which in the absence of adequate treatment, presents as chronic diarrhea, chronic dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss, nutriment and electrolyte deficiency, along with a failure to grow that is present with greater frequency during the neonatal period. The aim was to carry out a review of the literature encompassing the definition and the most frequent causes of SBS, together with an understanding of its physiopathology, prognostic factors, and treatment.An Internet search of PubMed articles was carried out for the existing information published over the last 20 years on SBS in children, using the keywords “short bowel syndrome”. From a total of 784 potential articles, 82 articles were chosen for the literature review. The treatment of patients presenting with SBS is quite a challenge and therefore it is necessary to establish multidisciplinary management with a focus on maintaining optimal nutritional support that covers the necessities of growth and development and at the same time provides a maximum reduction of short, medium, and long-term complications. The diagnosis and treatment of a child with SBS require a team of professionals that are experts in gastroenterologic, pediatric, and nutritional management. The outcome for the child will be directly related to opportune management, as well as to the length of the intestinal resection and the presence or absence of the ileocecal valve

    Optimization of the investment casting process

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    Rapid prototyping is an important technique for manufacturing. This work refers to the manufacture of hollow patterns made of polymeric materials by rapid prototyping technologies for its use in the preparation of ceramic molds in the investment casting process. This work is focused on the development of a process for manufacturing patterns different from those that currently exist due to its hollow interior design, allowing its direct use in the fabrication of ceramic molds; avoiding cracking and fracture during the investment casting process, which is an important process for the foundry industry

    Optimiranje postupka kalupljenja u ljevačkom procesu

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    Rapid prototyping is an important technique for manufacturing. This work refers to the manufacture of hollow patterns made of polymeric materials by rapid prototyping technologies for its use in the preparation of ceramic molds in the investment casting process. This work is focused on the development of a process for manufacturing patterns different from those that currently exist due to its hollow interior design, allowing its direct use in the fabrication of ceramic molds; avoiding cracking and fracture during the investment casting process, which is an important process for the foundry industry.Brzo razvijanje prototipa važna je proizvodna tehnika. Ovaj se rad odnosi na proizvodnju šupljih kalupa izrađenih od polimerskih materijala pomoću tehnologija brzog razvijanja prototipa za uporabu u izradi keramičkih modela u postupku kalupljenja ljevačkog procesa. Ovaj rad je usmjeren na razvijanje postupka za proizvodnju kalupa drukčijih od onih kakvi trenutno postoje i to zbog svoje šuplje unutarnje izvedbe čime se omogućava izravna uporaba u izradi keramičkih modela te se izbje gava pucanje i lom tijekom postupka kalupljenja ljevačkog procesa koji predstavlja važan postupak u ljevaoničkoj industriji

    Environmental variables that ameliorate extinction learning deficits in the 129S1/SvlmJ mouse strain

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    Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151347/1/gbb12575.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151347/2/gbb12575_am.pd

    Role of laparoscopy during surgery at the porta hepatis

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    Minimally invasive surgery in children has evolved to the extent that complex procedures can be performed with safety, with comparable outcomes to open surgery and with the advantages of minimal scarring and less pain. In this article, we describe the latest laparoscopic techniques used at Juntendo University Hospital in Japan, for treating conditions affecting the porta hepatis, focusing on biliary atresia and choledochal cysts. We also summarise our postoperative management protocols and discuss preliminary outcomes
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