First report of postoperative intracranial Weeksella virosa infection

A 49-year-old female underwent multiple craniotomies for resection of recurrent malignant meningiomata (WHO grade III). She re-presented with sepsis due to a ventricular empyema. The craniotomy wound was urgently debrided, and isolates of the gram-negative rod, Weeksella virosa, were identified on 16S PCR. This species is most commonly found as a genitourinary commensal. We present the first documented intracranial infection by Weeksella virosa and its successful treatment with oral β-lactam antibiotics

Frequency Shift of Carbon-Nanotube-Based Mass Sensor Using Nonlocal Elasticity Theory

The frequency equation of carbon-nanotube-based cantilever sensor with an attached mass is derived analytically using nonlocal elasticity theory. According to the equation, the relationship between the frequency shift of the sensor and the attached mass can be obtained. When the nonlocal effect is not taken into account, the variation of frequency shift with the attached mass on the sensor is compared with the previous study. According to this study, the result shows that the frequency shift of the sensor increases with increasing the attached mass. When the attached mass is small compared with that of the sensor, the nonlocal effect is obvious and increasing nonlocal parameter decreases the frequency shift of the sensor. In addition, when the location of the attached mass is closer to the free end, the frequency shift is more significant and that makes the sensor reveal more sensitive. When the attached mass is small, a high sensitivity is obtained

Biocompatible Peptide-Coated Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for In Vivo Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The biocompatibility and performance of reagents for in vivo contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imag-ing are essential for their translation to the clinic. The quality of the surface coating of nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents, such as ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs), is criti-cal to ensure high colloidal stability in biological environments, improved magnetic performance and dis-persion in circulatory fluids and tissues. Herein, we report the design of a library of 21 peptides and lig-ands and identify highly stable self-assembled monolayers on the USPIONs surface. A total of 86 differ-ent peptide coated USPIONs are prepared and selected using several stringent criteria, e.g., stability against electrolyte-induced aggregation in physiological conditions, prevention of non-specific binding to cells, absence of cellular toxicity and contrast-enhanced in vivo MRI. The bis-phosphorylated peptide 2PG-S∗VVVT-PEG4-ol provides highest biocompatibility and performance for USPIONs, with no de-tectable toxicity or adhesion to live cells. The 2PG-S∗VVVT-PEG4-ol coated USPIONs show enhanced magnetic resonance properties, r1 (2.4 mM-1.s-1) and r2 (217.8 mM-1.s-1) relaxivities, and greater r2/r1 relaxivity ratios (>90), when compared to commercially available MRI contrast agents. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of 2PG-S∗VVVT-PEG4-ol coated USPIONs as a T2 contrast agent for in vivo MRI applica-tions. High contrast enhancement of the liver is achieved as well as detection of liver tumors, with signifi-cant improvement of the contrast-to-noise ratio of tumor-to-liver contrast. It is envisaged that the reported peptide coated USPIONs have the potential to allow for the specific targeting of tumors, and hence early detection of cancer by MRI

Deletion of the gabra2 gene results in hypersensitivity to the acute effects of ethanol but does not alter ethanol self administration

Human genetic studies have suggested that polymorphisms of the GABRA2 gene encoding the GABA(A) α2-subunit are associated with ethanol dependence. Variations in this gene also convey sensitivity to the subjective effects of ethanol, indicating a role in mediating ethanol-related behaviours. We therefore investigated the consequences of deleting the α2-subunit on the ataxic and rewarding properties of ethanol in mice. Ataxic and sedative effects of ethanol were explored in GABA(A) α2-subunit wildtype (WT) and knockout (KO) mice using a Rotarod apparatus, wire hang and the duration of loss of righting reflex. Following training, KO mice showed shorter latencies to fall than WT littermates under ethanol (2 g/kg i.p.) in both Rotarod and wire hang tests. After administration of ethanol (3.5 g/kg i.p.), KO mice took longer to regain the righting reflex than WT mice. To ensure the acute effects are not due to the gabra2 deletion affecting pharmacokinetics, blood ethanol concentrations were measured at 20 minute intervals after acute administration (2 g/kg i.p.), and did not differ between genotypes. To investigate ethanol's rewarding properties, WT and KO mice were trained to lever press to receive increasing concentrations of ethanol on an FR4 schedule of reinforcement. Both WT and KO mice self-administered ethanol at similar rates, with no differences in the numbers of reinforcers earned. These data indicate a protective role for α2-subunits, against the acute sedative and ataxic effects of ethanol. However, no change was observed in ethanol self administration, suggesting the rewarding effects of ethanol remain unchange

Assessment of information resources for people with hypodontia

Aim: To assess the adequacy of patient information to support understanding and decision-making for people affected by hypodontia. Methods: 1) Questionnaire to understand the provision of patient information by dentists; 2) Systematic search to identify online open-access patient information; 3) Quality assessment of written patient information. Results: Questionnaire response rate was 49% (319/649); 91% examined and/or treated people with hypodontia. Most general dentists referred patients to specialist services without providing written hypodontia information. The majority of dental specialists provide patient leaflets but less than a third used web-resources. Only 19% of respondents felt current resources were fit-for-purpose. Thirty-one patient resources (18 leaflets and 13 online) were assessed against quality criteria. The aim of the resource was seldom explicit, the content was often incomplete and variation in readability scores indicated high levels of literacy were required. Discussion: Access to, and quality of, patient information for hypodontia is inadequate. Current resources are not sufficiently comprehensive to prepare young patients to engage in shared dental care decisions with their parents and/or dental professionals. Conclusion: There is a need for improved access to, and provision of, information about hypodontia if dental professionals want to meet best practice guidance and involve patients in shared decision-making

Highly variable use of diagnostic methods for sexually transmitted infections-results of a nationwide survey, Germany 2005

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Sexual transmitted infections (STIs) have increased in Germany and other countries in Europe since the mid-nineties. To obtain a better picture of diagnostic methods used in STI testing institutions in Germany, we performed a nationwide survey amongst STI specialists in order to evaluate the quality of STI reports and provide recommendations to harmonize and possibly improve STI diagnostics in Germany.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We asked sentinel physicians and randomly chosen gynaecologists, urologists and dermato-venerologists, about the diagnostic methods used in 2005 to diagnose HIV, chlamydia (CT), gonorrhoea (GO) and syphilis (SY) in a national cross-sectional survey in order to recognize potential problems and provide recommendations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 739/2287 (32%) physicians participated. Of all participants, 80% offered tests for HIV, 84% for CT, 83% for GO and 83% for SY. Of all participants who performed HIV testing, 90% requested an antibody test, 3% a rapid test and 1% a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). For CT testing, NAAT was used in 33% and rapid tests in 34% of participants. GO resistance testing was performed by 31% of the participants. SY testing was performed in 98% by serology.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Diagnostic methods for STI vary highly among the participants. Diagnostic guidelines should be reviewed and harmonised to ensure consistent use of the optimal STI diagnostic methods.</p

The stellar halo of the Galaxy

Stellar halos may hold some of the best preserved fossils of the formation history of galaxies. They are a natural product of the merging processes that probably take place during the assembly of a galaxy, and hence may well be the most ubiquitous component of galaxies, independently of their Hubble type. This review focuses on our current understanding of the spatial structure, the kinematics and chemistry of halo stars in the Milky Way. In recent years, we have experienced a change in paradigm thanks to the discovery of large amounts of substructure, especially in the outer halo. I discuss the implications of the currently available observational constraints and fold them into several possible formation scenarios. Unraveling the formation of the Galactic halo will be possible in the near future through a combination of large wide field photometric and spectroscopic surveys, and especially in the era of Gaia.Comment: 46 pages, 16 figures. References updated and some minor changes. Full-resolution version available at http://www.astro.rug.nl/~ahelmi/stellar-halo-review.pd

Impact of source data on the interpretation of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the lower limbs

Background The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether use of source data is effective in increasing the number of arterial segments that can be interpreted from maximum intensity projections of lower limb MR angiograms. Correlation between sites of arterial disease and venous contamination was also measured. Interpretation of source data is performed routinely by radiologists, but the value of this has not been well studied with randomized studies. Results The proportion of segments visible above the knee was 87% using maximal intensity projection alone (MIP) and 88% when the MIP was combined with source data. The proportions were 67% for MIP and 72% for MIP plus source data below the knee. There was substantial agreement between presence of arterial disease and venous contamination in the calf and thigh. Conclusion The use of source data increases the number of assessable segments, but not individuals, by a statistically significant but small amount (1.2%, p <0.05). This study supports the association between arterial disease and venous contamination

Broadband Linear-Dichroic Photodetector in a Black Phosphorus Vertical p-n Junction

The ability to detect light over a broad spectral range is central for practical optoelectronic applications, and has been successfully demonstrated with photodetectors of two-dimensional layered crystals such as graphene and MoS2. However, polarization sensitivity within such a photodetector remains elusive. Here we demonstrate a linear-dichroic broadband photodetector with layered black phosphorus transistors, using the strong intrinsic linear dichroism arising from the in-plane optical anisotropy with respect to the atom-buckled direction, which is polarization sensitive over a broad bandwidth from 400 nm to 3750 nm. Especially, a perpendicular build-in electric field induced by gating in black phosphorus transistors can spatially separate the photo-generated electrons and holes in the channel, effectively reducing their recombination rate, and thus enhancing the efficiency and performance for linear dichroism photodetection. This provides new functionality using anisotropic layered black phosphorus, thereby enabling novel optical and optoelectronic device applications.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figures in Nature Nanotechnology 201

The Spin Structure of the Nucleon

We present an overview of recent experimental and theoretical advances in our understanding of the spin structure of protons and neutrons.Comment: 84 pages, 29 figure