The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Autophagy Activation During Candida albicans Infection

The immune system protects us against disease through a variety of mechanisms that result in pathogen elimination. Host innate immune cells can control infections by activating NADPH oxidase, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill pathogens directly. A defective NADPH oxidase leads to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), which causes recurrent infections within the host. Autophagy, a cellular recycling pathway, can also target pathogens for destruction and may be a pathway that is compromised within a CGD patient. Recent work suggests that autophagy can be activated by ROS in vitro. By utilizing transparent zebrafish, we are able to characterize the role of ROS and autophagy in innate immunity during fungal infection with Candida albicans. We administered DPI, α-tocopherol, and PMA to infected zebrafish to alter the levels of ROS then quantified the effects on autophagy using confocal microscopy. Our data suggests differences in autophagy activation in vivo. Additionally, we were able to enhance our understanding of loose phagosomes and provide a possible physiological difference between tight and loose phagosome morphologies. Further research is required in order to confirm new hypotheses regarding interactions between ROS and cell receptor signaling pathways that might activate autophagy and reasons for the distinct dichotomy of phagosomes observed within a live vertebrate host

Grid connected converters for photovoltaic, state of the art, ideas for improvement of transformerless inverters

The paper presents a short overview of the state of the art for grid tied PV inverters at low and medium power level (1..100 kW), mainly intended for rooftop applications. The inverters are categorized according to the configuration of the PV system, the configuration of the conversion stages within the inverter and whether they use transformers or not [1], [3]. After the introduction of the state of the art of inverters for PV systems with and without transformers, the paper focuses on some known problems and challenges for transformerless inverters. Topologies without transformers have big advantages like low weight, volume and cost. In addition they often reach higher efficiencies than topologies with transformers. Therefore they are important for future developments.reviewe

Genetics of the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B Syndrome

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) is similar to MEN 2A in that both autosomal dominant syndromes include medullary thyroid cancers and pheochromocytomas. It is distinct in that MEN 2B patients have much earlier age of onset with more aggressive tumors and mucosa/neuromas of the lips and tongue. The neuromas allow ascertainment generally before age 5. Studies of two and three generations of 14 MEN 2B families disclosed close linkage of the MEN 2B gene to DNA markers to which MEN2A had been linked. Multipoint analysis utilizing additional results in three generations of a 15th family have disclosed a peak total lod score of 8.89 at the midpoint between the centromere markers D10ZJ and RBP3 on the long arm (band q11). One recombinant was observed between D10ZJ and MEN28, but this individual was not recombinant with D10S94. These studies suggest physical proximity of MEN2A and MEN28 but do not establish allelism for the gene(s)

Dr. Bailey: An exemplar of critical care

We often confuse praise and being nice and polite with appreciative, positive behavior and actions. However, the distinction between positive and negative is not so clear. Some seemingly negative behaviors and actions effectively evoke positive emotions and behavior. Criticism and honest candor can serve a positive function, helping us to learn and grow. This paper makes a case for critical care. Such communication is direct and specific but not malicious. The character of Dr. Bailey from the U.S. TV show Grey’s Anatomy is used as an example of someone who demonstrates critical care.Confundimos muitas vezes elogio e simpatia com educação e com comportamentos positivos e de apreço. Contudo, a distinção entre positivo e negativo não é assim tão clara. Alguns comportamentos e acções aparentemente negativos podem na realidade desplotar emoções e comportamentos positivos. A crítica e a honestidade franca podem desempenhar uma função positiva, ajudando-nos a aprender e a crescer. Este artigo discute a ideia da cuidado crítico. Este envolve uma comunicação directa e específica, mas sem malícia. Apersonagem do Dr. Bailey da série de televisão A Anatomia de Grey é utilizada como um exemplo de alguém que demonstra cuidado crítico

Diagnostic accuracy of left ventricular longitudinal function by speckle tracking echocardiography to predict significant coronary artery stenosis. A systematic review

Background Patients evaluated for acute and chronic chest pain comprise a large, heterogeneous group that often provides diagnostic challenges. Although speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has proved to have diagnostic value in acute coronary syndrome it is not commonly incorporated in everyday practice. The purpose of the present systematic review was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of left ventricular (LV) longitudinal function by STE to predict significant coronary artery stenosis (CAD+) or not (CAD-) verified by coronary angiography in patients with chest pain suspected to be of cardiac ischemic origin. Methods 4 electronic databases; Embase, Medline, Cochrane and PubMed ahead-of print were searched for per 19.05.14. Only full-sized articles including > 40 patients were selected. Results A total of 166 citations were identified, 16 full-size articles were assessed of which 6 were found eligible for this review. Of 781 patients included 397 (60 %) had CAD+. The overall weighted mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) was −17.2 % (SD = 2.6) among CAD+ vs. -19.2 % (SD = 2.8) in CAD- patients. Mean area under curve in 4 studies for predicting CAD+ ranged from 0.68 to 0.80. The study cut-off levels for prediction of CAD+ in the ROC analysis varied between −17.4 % and −19.7 % with sensitivity from 51 % to 81 % and specificity between 58 % and 81 %. In 1 study GLS obtained during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) had the best accuracy. Regional strain measurements were not uniform, but may have potential in detecting CAD. Conclusions GLS measurements at rest only have modest diagnostic accuracy in predicting CAD+ among patients presenting with acute or chronic chest pain. The results from regional strain, layer specific strain and DSE need to be verified in larger studies

Air ambulance services in the Arctic 1999-2009 : a Norwegian study.

Air ambulance services in the Arctic have to deal with remote locations, long distances, rough weather conditions and seasonable darkness. Despite these challenges, the people living in the area expect a high quality of specialist health care. The objective of this study was to analyse the air ambulance operations performed in the Norwegian Arctic and study variations in diagnoses and flight patterns around the year. A retrospective analysis. All air ambulance operations performed during the time 1999 – 2009 period were analysed. The subjects were patients transported and flights performed. The primary outcome measures were patients’ diagnoses and task patterns around the year. A total of 345 patients were transported and 321 flights performed. Coronary heart and vascular disease, bone fractures and infections were the most common diagnoses. Most patients (85%) had NACA score 3 or 4. Half of all fractures occurred in April and August. Most patients were males (66%), and one fourth was not Norwegian. The median flying time (one way) was 3 h 33 m. Ten percent of the flights were delayed, and only 14% were performed between midnight and 8.00 AM. The period April to August was the busiest one (58% of operations). Norway has run a safe air ambulance service in the Arctic for the last 11 years. In the future more shipping and polar adventure operations may influence the need for air ambulances, especially during summer and autumn