Do Two Symmetry Breaking Transitions in Photosynthetic Light Harvesting Complexes Form One, Two or More Kibble Zurek Model Topological Defects?

Kibble and Zurek proposed that rapid symmetry breaking transitions in the hot, early universe could result in causally disconnected topological defects such as cosmic strings. This type of first order transition has analogues in certain second order transitions present in condensed matter such as liquid crystals, super fluids, and charge density waves in terms of flux tubes or vortices. Recently, we discovered that Rhodopseudomonas acidophilus photosynthetic light harvesting complex might have different types of coherent ground and excited states, suggesting that there are two different symmetry breaking transitions. The B 850 ground states comprise eight identical rings each containing 18 bacteriochlorophyll components, and each ring has undergone a Bose Einstein phase transition to a charge density wave that lowers the energy. The excited state coherence results from polariton formation from the non-crossing of bosons, here an extension of exciton theory. The result is short-lived quasi-particles with very low mass that can form an unusual BEC. We suggest the oriented, circular B 850 and enclosed singlet B 875 compounds create a new cavity structure with some attributes of a nano pillar. Since both the ground and excited states should contain solitons, we envisage three fast light pulse experiments could be able to map both the Kibble Zurek Model phase transitions and energy transfers as a function of light intensity and time in this complex at room temperature

Ongoing mumps outbreak in a student population with high vaccination coverage, Netherlands, 2010.

Since December 2009, mumps incidence has increased in the Netherlands. As of 20 April 2010, 172 cases have been notified on the basis of laboratory confirmation or linkage to a laboratory-confirmed case. Of these, 112 were students, the majority of whom had been vaccinated (81%). Although outbreaks in vaccinated populations have been described before, risk factors for exposure and susceptibility, and dose-dependent vaccine effectiveness in a student population of this nature are relatively unknown

Increase in ECHOvirus 6 infections associated with neurological symptoms in the Netherlands, June to August 2016

The Dutch virus-typing network VIRO-TypeNed reported an increase in ECHOvirus 6 (E-6) infections with neurological symptoms in the Netherlands between June and August 2016. Of the 31 cases detected from January through August 2016, 15 presented with neurological symptoms. Ten of 15 neurological cases were detected in the same province and the identified viruses were genetically related. This report is to alert medical and public health professionals of the circulation of E-6 associated with neurological symptoms

Norovirus outbreak in a natural playground: A One Health approach

Norovirus constitutes the most frequently identified infectious cause of disease outbreaks associated with untreated recreational water. When investigating outbreaks related to surface water, a One Health approach is insightful. Historically, there has been a focus on potential contamination of recreational water by bird droppings and a recent publication demonstrating human noroviruses in bird faeces suggested this should be investigated in future water-related norovirus outbreaks. Here, we describe a One Health approach investigating a norovirus outbreak in a natural playground. On social media, a large amount of waterfowl were reported to defecate near these playground premises leading to speculations about their potential involvement. Surface water, as well as human and bird faecal specimens, was tested for human noroviruses. Norovirus was found to be the most likely cause of the outbreak but there was no evidence for transmission via waterfowl. Cases had become known on social media prior to notification to the public health service underscoring the potential of online media as an early warning system. In view of known risk factors, advice was given for future outbreak investigations and natural playgroun

Follow-up of contacts of middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus–infected returning travelers, the Netherlands, 2014

Notification of 2 imported cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the Netherlands triggered comprehensive monitoring of contacts. Observed low rates of virus transmission and the psychological effect of contact monitoring indicate that thoughtful assessment of close contacts is prudent and must be guided by clinical and epidemiologic risk factors

Mumps in a community with low vaccination coverage in the Netherlands.

Contains fulltext : 164841.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Syndroomsurveillance: een vinger aan de pols van de volksgezondheid

Syndroomsurveillance is een monitoringsmethode waarbij gegevens van ziekte-indicatoren zo snel mogelijk worden verzameld en geïnterpreteerd (‘realtime’) om een indruk te krijgen van de actuele morbiditeit in de populatie. 'Syndroom’ betekent hier: gedrag, symptomen of ziektebeelden die kunnen passen bij infecties – zonder dat een verwekker is aangetoond – of bij incidenten zoals een milieuramp. Syndroomsurveillance is in een stroomversnelling gekomen als reactie op verschillende internationale infectieziektedreigingen, waaronder ‘severe acute respiratory syndrome’ (SARS) in 2003. In diverse Europese landen is syndroomsurveillance gebruikt om de impact van uitbraken of natuurrampen te volgen en de gezondheid van bezoekers van massa-evenementen te monitoren. Syndroomsurveillance kan tijdens een uitbraak van een infectieziekte of een (milieu)incident geruststellend werken wanneer er nauwelijks sprake is van epidemische ziekteverheffing. Inzicht in de ziektelast kan helpen de zorgcapaciteit af te stemmen op de behoefte. Er zijn recent in Nederland diverse syndroomsurveillancesystemen opgezet; de kosten, baten en beste toepassing daarvan moeten in de nabije toekomst worden beoordeeld. (aut.ref.