Visualization of Abscess Formation in a Murine Thigh Infection Model of Staphylococcus aureus by 19F-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Background: During the last years, 19 F-MRI and perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC) emerged as a powerful contrast agent based MRI methodology to track cells and to visualize inflammation. We applied this new modality to visualize deep tissue abscesses during acute and chronic phase of inflammation caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection. Methodology and Principal Findings: In this study, a murine thigh infection model was used to induce abscess formation and PFC or CLIO (cross linked ironoxides) was administered during acute or chronic phase of inflammation. 24 h after inoculation, the contrast agent accumulation was imaged at the site of infection by MRI. Measurements revealed a strong accumulation of PFC at the abscess rim at acute and chronic phase of infection. The pattern was similar to CLIO accumulation at chronic phase and formed a hollow sphere around the edema area. Histology revealed strong influx of neutrophils at the site of infection and to a smaller extend macrophages during acute phase and strong influx of macrophages at chronic phase of inflammation. Conclusion and Significance: We introduce 19 F-MRI in combination with PFC nanoemulsions as a new platform to visualize abscess formation in a murine thigh infection model of S. aureus. The possibility to track immune cells in vivo by this modality offers new opportunities to investigate host immune response, the efficacy of antibacterial therapies and th

Enhanced physical health screening for people with severe mental illness in Hong Kong: results from a one-year prospective case series study

Background People with severe mental illness have significantly poorer physical health compared to the general population; previous health screening studies conducted outside Asian countries have demonstrated the potential in addressing this issue. This case series aimed to explore the effects and utility of integrating an enhanced physical health screening programme for community dwelling patients with severe mental illness into routine clinical practice in Hong Kong. Method This study utilises a consecutive prospective case series design. The serious mental illness Health Improvement Profile (HIP) was used as a screening tool at baseline and repeated at 12 months follow-up. Results A total of 148 community-based patients with severe mental illness completed the study. At one year follow-up analysis showed a significant improvement in self-reported levels of exercise and a reduction in the numbers of patients prescribed medications for diabetes However, mean waist circumference increased at follow-up. In addition to the statistically significant results some general trends were observed, including: a lack of deterioration in most areas of cardiovascular risk; a reduction in medicines prescribed for physical health problems; and general improvements in health behaviours over the 12 month period. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that using the HIP is feasible and acceptable in Hong Kong. The results of the enhanced physical health-screening programme are promising, but require further testing using a randomised controlled trial design in order to more confidently attribute the improvements in well-being and health behaviours to the HIP. Trial registration Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN1258247

Enhanced physical health screening for people with severe mental illness in Hong Kong: results from a one-year prospective case series study

Background People with severe mental illness have significantly poorer physical health compared to the general population; previous health screening studies conducted outside Asian countries have demonstrated the potential in addressing this issue. This case series aimed to explore the effects and utility of integrating an enhanced physical health screening programme for community dwelling patients with severe mental illness into routine clinical practice in Hong Kong. Method This study utilises a consecutive prospective case series design. The serious mental illness Health Improvement Profile (HIP) was used as a screening tool at baseline and repeated at 12 months follow-up. Results A total of 148 community-based patients with severe mental illness completed the study. At one year follow-up analysis showed a significant improvement in self-reported levels of exercise and a reduction in the numbers of patients prescribed medications for diabetes However, mean waist circumference increased at follow-up. In addition to the statistically significant results some general trends were observed, including: a lack of deterioration in most areas of cardiovascular risk; a reduction in medicines prescribed for physical health problems; and general improvements in health behaviours over the 12 month period. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that using the HIP is feasible and acceptable in Hong Kong. The results of the enhanced physical health-screening programme are promising, but require further testing using a randomised controlled trial design in order to more confidently attribute the improvements in well-being and health behaviours to the HIP. Trial registration Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN1258247

A new fern species for Queensland: Diplazium squamuligerum (Rosenst.) Parris (Woodsiaceae)

The taxonomic status of an unknown fern species from the Atherton Tableland, north-east Queensland, hitherto attributed to Asplenium L., was investigated. Phylogenetic analysis of trnL-F and rbcL chloroplast DNA sequences supported classification in Diplazium Sw., a finding supported by closer examination of scale features. Inspection of Diplazium type material determined that the Australian material belongs to Diplazium squamuligerum (Rosenst.) Parris, a species previously described from Papua New Guinea. A thorough description of this species and an amended key to the Diplazium species of Australia are provided. This study highlights the value of molecular study and close inspection of scale features for fern identification. Taxonomic revision in Diplazium is also discussed in light of the findings presented

A new combination for an Australian fern: Hymenasplenium wildii (Aspleniaceae)

Volume: 37Start Page: 19End Page: 2

New records of fern species from New Caledonia in the genera Davallia , Dicranopteris , Dryopteris , Pteris , and Trichomanes

International audienceSix fern species are newly reported or substantiated as indigenous to New Caledonia: Davallia sessilifolia, Dicranopteris caudata, Dryopteris arborescens, Pteris terminalis, Trichomanes atrovirens, and T. kurzii. This is the first record of Dryopteris for New Caledonia. Our findings are based on extensive fieldwork, inspection of specimens in relevant herbaria including type material, comparisons with authoritative references, and phylogenetic analyses of chloroplast DNA sequences. The global and New Caledonian distribution, morphological diagnosis, and conservation status are given for each species. Davallia sessilifolia, Dryopteris arborescens, Pteris terminalis, and Trichomanes atrovirens are provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered or Endangered in New Caledonia, because they have few populations that are each of limited size, and some are also threatened by fire or introduced deer and pigs. While Dicranopteris caudata occurs in open habitats, the others are largely confined to humid habitats at high elevation, or to the wetter forested valleys of north-east Grande Terre. These are the most likely habitats in which to find more populations of these species, but also other new species records and new endemic ferns. Alongside the recent description of several new endemic species, the addition of so many non-endemic indigenous species to a fern and lycophyte flora of approximately 300 species is an indication that considerable work remains to be done in documenting these plants in New Caledonia

Sorption of H₂ to Open Metal Sites in a Metal–Organic Framework: A Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory Analysis

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) show considerable promise as materials for gas storage and separation. Many MOF structures have open metal sites, which allow for coordination of gas molecules to the metal centers. In this work, we use coupled-cluster and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory to probe the interaction between hydrogen gas and unsaturated metal sites in mimic structures based on the MOF HKUST-1. The interactions are of a mixed electrostatic/dispersive nature, with the relative magnitudes of these components dependent on the metal center. The strongest binding was found for magnesium- and zinc-containing MOFs, with an overall interaction energy of −4.5 kcal mol^–1