Evaluating Mersenne Primes Using a Single Quadrant Expanding Square

By forming a table of sequential odd numbers using a single quadrant expanding square pattern it was observed that multiple Mersenne primes fall into the first column. We prove that the Mersenne primes which fall into the first column will be of the form p = 3 mod 4, where p is the Mersenne prime exponent. Focusing the search of primes to those which fall into the first column of this square may be a means to increase the speed at which large primes are discovered

Change in Markers of Bone Metabolism with Chemotherapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer: Interleukin-6 Response Is a Potential Early Indicator of Response to Therapy

Men with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) frequently have bone metastasis. The effects of chemotherapy on markers of bone metabolism have not been well characterized. We conducted a prospective study of patients with AIPC randomized in the first cycle to receive either docetaxel/estramustine or zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate, to inhibit osteoclastic activity. Here we report the effects of therapy on markers of bone metabolism in these patients following the first cycle of therapy. Serum levels of several indices of bone remodeling were evaluated using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Changes in markers of bone metabolism were compared in patients receiving initial chemotherapy versus bisphosphonate. There was no significant difference in median change in any of the measured bone markers in patients given zoledronic acid when compared to chemotherapy. When comparing responders to nonresponders, overall interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased by 35% in prostate-specific antigen responders; whereas, IL-6 levels increased by 76% in nonresponders (p = 0.03). Elevated IL-6 levels and reductions in IL-6 levels early in treatment may reflect ultimate clinical response to docetaxel-based regimens.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78145/1/jir.2008.0024.pd

Double‐blind, randomized, phase 2 trial of maintenance sunitinib versus placebo after response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106126/1/cncr28477.pd

Possible Seasonality of Clostridium difficile in Retail Meat, Canada

We previously reported Clostridium difficile in 20% of retail meat in Canada, which raised concerns about potential foodborne transmissibility. Here, we studied the genetic diversity of C. difficile in retail meats, using a broad Canadian sampling infrastructure and 3 culture methods. We found 6.1% prevalence and indications of possible seasonality (highest prevalence in winter)

Isolation of Actinobacillus suis from a cat's lung.

Actinobacillus suis has been isolated from the lungs of 9-month-old cat. The bacterium was characterized biochemically as well as genetically, and its sensitivity profile to different antimicrobial agents was established. The role of this isolate in the cat's condition is discussed

CIPARS Farm Program: Surveillance of antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in Canadian swine herds

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reduces our ability to effectively treat bacterial infections in animals and humans and is an issue of increasing public concern. AMR has been associated with the misuse of antibiotics in the human population but there is also concern with antimicrobial use in agri-food production. In order to provide science based infonnation on antimicrobial use and resistance in the swine industry, it is essential to collect and analyze information at the farm level. The Public Health Agency of Canada and its federal and provincial partners have developed the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) to monitor AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU) in Canada.</p