Historical Distribution and Molecular Diversity of Bacillus anthracis, Kazakhstan

This study provides useful baseline data for guiding future disease control programs

Identifying and Quantifying Genotypes in Polyclonal Infections due to Single Species

The combination of real-time PCR and capillary electrophoresis permits the rapid identification and quantification of pathogen genotypes

Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis of Pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in China

The predominant bioserotypes of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in China are 2/O: 9 and 3/O: 3; no pathogenic O: 8 strains have been found to date. Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) based on seven loci was able to distinguish 104 genotypes among 218 pathogenic Y. enterocolitica isolates in China and from abroad, showing a high resolution. The major pathogenic serogroups in China, O: 3 and O: 9, were divided into two clusters based on MLVA genotyping. The different distribution of Y. enterocolitica MLVA genotypes maybe due to the recent dissemination of specific clones of 2/O: 9 and 3/O: 3 strains in China. MLVA was a helpful tool for bacterial pathogen surveillance and investigation of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica outbreaks

Lipopolysaccharide O1 Antigen Contributes to the Virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae Causing Pyogenic Liver Abscess

Klebsiella pneumoniae is the common cause of a global emerging infectious disease, community-acquired pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are critical for this microorganism's ability to spread through the blood and to cause sepsis. While CPS type K1 is an important virulence factor in K. pneumoniae causing PLA, the role of LPS in PLA is not clear. Here, we characterize the role of LPS O antigen in the pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae causing PLA. NTUH-K2044 is a LPS O1 clinical strain; the presence of the O antigen was shown via the presence of 1,3-galactan in the LPS, and of sequences that align with the wb gene cluster, known to produce O-antigen. Serologic analysis of K. pneumoniae clinical isolates demonstrated that the O1 serotype was more prevalent in PLA strains than that in non-tissue-invasive strains (38/42 vs. 9/32, P<0.0001). O1 serotype isolates had a higher frequency of serum resistance, and mutation of the O1 antigen changed serum resistance in K. pneumoniae. A PLA-causing strain of CPS capsular type K2 and LPS serotype O1 (i.e., O1:K2 PLA strain) deleted for the O1 synthesizing genes was profoundly attenuated in virulence, as demonstrated in separate mouse models of septicemia and liver abscess. Immunization of mice with the K2044 magA-mutant (K1− O1) against LPS O1 provided protection against infection with an O1:K2 PLA strain, but not against infection with an O1:K1 PLA strain. Our findings indicate that the O1 antigen of PLA-associated K. pneumoniae contributes to virulence by conveying resistance to serum killing, promoting bacterial dissemination to and colonization of internal organs after the onset of bacteremia, and could be a useful vaccine candidate against infection by an O1:K2 PLA strain

PCR-Based Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. rhinoscleromatis, the Agent of Rhinoscleroma

Rhinoscleroma is a chronic granulomatous infection of the upper airways caused by the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. rhinoscleromatis. The disease is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, but its diagnosis remains difficult. As a consequence, and despite available antibiotherapy, some patients evolve advanced stages that can lead to disfiguration, severe respiratory impairment and death by anoxia. Because identification of the etiologic agent is crucial for the definitive diagnosis of the disease, the aim of this study was to develop two simple PCR assays. We took advantage of the fact that all Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. rhinoscleromatis isolates are (i) of capsular serotype K3; and (ii) belong to a single clone with diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The complete sequence of the genomic region comprising the capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) gene cluster was determined. Putative functions of the 21 genes identified were consistent with the structure of the K3 antigen. The K3-specific sequence of gene Kr11509 (wzy) was exploited to set up a PCR test, which was positive for 40 K3 strains but negative when assayed on the 76 other Klebsiella capsular types. Further, to discriminate Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. rhinoscleromatis from other K3 Klebsiella strains, a specific PCR assay was developed based on diagnostic SNPs in the phosphate porin gene phoE. This work provides rapid and simple molecular tools to confirm the diagnostic of rhinoscleroma, which should improve patient care as well as knowledge on the prevalence and epidemiology of rhinoscleroma

The role of phenolic compounds on olive oil aroma release

In this study, atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) was successfully applied to understand the effect of phenolic compounds on the release of olive oil aroma compounds. Eight aroma compounds were monitored under in-vivo and in-vitro dynamic conditions in olive oil with and without the addition of virgin olive oil (VOO) biophenols. Three model olive oils (MOOs) were set up with identical volatile compounds concentrations using a refined olive oil (ROO). Phenolics were extracted from VOOs and were added to two MOOs in order to obtain two different concentrations of phenolic compounds (P+ = 354 mg kg−1; P++ = 593 mg kg−1). Another MOO was without VOO biophenols (P−). Phenolic compounds impacted both the intensity and time of aroma release. In the in-vivo study, 1-penten-3-one, trans-2-hexenal and esters had lower release in the presence of higher levels of biophenols after swallowing. In contrast, linalool and 1-hexanol had a greater release. The more hydrophobic compounds had a longer persistence in the breath than the hydrophilic compounds. VOO phenolics-proline-rich proteins complexes could explain the binding of aroma compounds and consequently their decrease during analysis and during organoleptic assessment of olive oil

Le naturalisme et le scepticisme, principes de l'unité de la pensée de Montaigne

Gierczynski Zbigniew. Le naturalisme et le scepticisme, principes de l'unité de la pensée de Montaigne. In: Cahiers de l'Association internationale des études francaises, 1981, n°33. pp. 7-17

Test à la desmopressine dans la maladie de Willebrand (intérêt de la réalisation systématique)

La maladie de Willebrand (MWD) est la plus fréquente des anomalies constitutionnelles de l'hémostase liée à un déficit en Facteur von Willebrand (VWF) qui peut entraîner des saignements cutanéomuqueux d'intensité très variable. Un traitement par Desmopressine (MINIRlN®) peut être administré pour stopper les saignements spontanés ou les prévenir en cas de chirurgie. Il peut être utilisé chez les malades présentant un déficit quantitatif (Type 1) ou chez certains patients présentant un déficit qualitatif (Type 2). La réponse étant variable d'un type et d'un patient à l'autre, la décision de ce traitement doit être précédée par la réalisation d'un test thérapeutique afin de s'assurer d'une bonne réponse. L'objectif de ce travail a été d'évaluer l'intérêt de la réalisation systématique du test à la Desmopressine chez les patients atteints de ce déficit. Il s'agit d'une analyse rétrospective des résultats des tests effectués sur 310 patients ayant consulté au centre de l'hémostase clinique de l'hôpital Edouard Herriot à Lyon de janvier 2003 à décembre 2012. Dans une première étude (Etude I), nous avons évalué le taux de réponse chez l'ensemble des patients, le taux de réponse ayant été évalué en fonction du type et de la sévérité du déficit. Dans cette étude, le taux de réponse complète est de 99 % à un temps précoce et de 97 % à un temps tardif (T4H) chez les patients de type 1. Chez les patients de type 2, le taux de réponse complète est moins important au temps précoce comme à T4H (86 % et de 84 % respectivement). Dans les types 1 sévères (VWF : Ag < 30UI/dL) une réponse complète précoce n'est observée que dans 93% et 74 % à T4H. Ce pourcentage est respectivement de 99 % et 97 % chez les types 1 modérés. Chez les types 2 sévères, le taux de réponse complète est beaucoup moins important au temps précoce comme au temps tardif (41 % et 16% respectivement). Ce pourcentage est respectivement de 86 % et 84 % chez les types 2 modérés. Dans une seconde étude (Etude II), nous avons souhaité évaluer si la réponse à la DDA VP était identique chez les sujets d'une même famille qui présentent le même type de déficit. Chez les patients de type 1, le taux de réponse complète au temps précoce est de 98,3 % et seule une famille de type 1 sévère présente des discordances. Chez les patients de type 2, 65% présentent une réponse précoce complète dont 17% des familles qui présentent des résultats discordants. L'intérêt du test à la Desmopressine est confirmé chez les patients présentant un déficit sévère ou un type 2. Dans les types 1 ou les déficits modérés, la réalisation systématique pourrait être évitée en particulier chez les enfantsLYON1-BU Santé (693882101) / SudocSudocFranceF

Comparative Analysis of the Steady-State Model Including Non-Linear Flux Linkage Surfaces and the Simplified Linearized Model when Applied to a Highly-Saturated Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine—Evaluation Based on the Example of the BMW i3 Traction Motor

This paper presents a finite element method (FEM)-based model, which describes the magnetic circuit of the BMW i3 traction machine. The model has been reconstructed based on data available in the public domain. The reader is provided with numerical data regarding flux linkage surfaces in d- and q-axes, as well as with all the information needed to develop a space-vector model of the machine in steady-state, taking into consideration the non-linearity of the magnetic circuit. Hence, the data of a highly-saturated machine from a renowned product are provided, which can serve as a reference design for research. After that, torque curve and partial load operation points are calculated. Finally, the machine model is linearized and the calculations are repeated with the simplified linearized model. The results from both models are then compared with each other. This comparison is intended to assess the magnitude of the expected inaccuracies, when simplified analytical tools are applied to highly-saturated machines (which are the backbone of automotive electrical drivetrains). It is especially important with regard to preliminary design of electrical drivetrains, as at this stage detailed machine geometry and materials are not known