Moving forward with combinatorial interaction testing

Combinatorial interaction testing (CIT) is an efficient and effective method of detecting failures that are caused by the interactions of various system input parameters. In this paper, we discuss CIT, point out some of the difficulties of applying it in practice, and highlight some recent advances that have improved CIT’s applicability to modern systems. We also provide a roadmap for future research and directions; one that we hope will lead to new CIT research and to higher quality testing of industrial systems

Viability of SH-SY5Y cells is associated with purinergic P2 receptor expression alterations

To investigate the role of metabotrophic purinergic P2Y receptors in neuroblastoma cell survival, expression of P2 receptors by normal mouse (C57BL/6) brain and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells was investigated by Western blot and real time PCR studies. Viability of SH-SY5Y cells treated with purinergic receptor antagonists suramin and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonate (PPADS) was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. In the brain samples of C57BL/6 mice, expressions of P2Y4 and P2X7 were significantly reduced, whereas that of P2Y1 was significantly elevated in an age-dependent manner. SH-SY5Y cell viability was significantly reduced and necrotic cell rates were mildly increased by 400 μM suramin and 100 μM PPADS treatment. Antagonist treatment downregulated P2Y1, P2Y2 and P2Y4 and upregulated P2Y6, P2Y12 and P2X7 mRNA levels in SH-SY5Y cells on the 24th hour. These alterations were abolished for all P2 receptors except P2Y1 in the 48th hour. P2Y receptors are expressed by both normal mouse brain and human neuroblastoma cells. Purinergic receptor antagonism interferes with neuroblastoma viability through elevation of necrotic cell death and modulation of P2 receptor expression. P2Y receptors might thus be useful targets for future anti-tumor treatment trials

Amputation of Glans Penis: A Rare Circumcision Complication and Successful Management with Primary Anastomosis and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Penile amputation is an uncommon condition that requires immediate surgical replantation. Routine standardized procedures for dealing with this medical condition do not exist. We describe a case of complete guillotine-type glans penis amputation and review the relevant literature. We performed urethral end-to-end approximation and glanular anastomosis and then applied hyperbaric oxygen therapy postoperatively. We obtained very good cosmetic and functional results

Antibiotic Susceptibility of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Cow, Goat, Donkey, Buffalo, Sheep, Camel and Human Milk

Breast milk is a very important factor in regulating gastrointestinal function, improving the immune system and preventing acute illnesses (e.g. acute otitis media), especially during breastfeeding. Breast milk allows beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus species to colonise the newborn intestin*e instead of potential enteropathogenic bacteria such as streptococci and escherichia coli. The aim of the study was to compare the antibiotic resistance of Lactic acid bacteria members isolated from different milk samples. Six milk samples were collected from each of seven different milk sources (donkey, goat, cow, buffalo, sheep, camel and human). The MRS and M-17 medium were used with the double layer sandwich method for isolation of LAB members selected from typic colonies, gram-positive, catalase-negative used in the study. The isolated 42 LAB species were determined antibiotic susceptibility with 9 standart antibiotic discs such as tetracycline, penicillin, kanamycin, streptomycin, rifampin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, teicoplanin, ciprofloxacin by agar disc diffusion assay test. The 18 LAB isolate were resistant to penicillin, 16 isolate to kanamycin, 14 isolate to gentamicin. LAB isolates such as H1, H4, H5 from Human milk and LAB isolate such as D1 from donkey milk was considered as MDR isolates because they were resistant to at least four of the tested drugs. Among the milks, sheep, camel, buffalo and goat milks were found to be more sensitive to antibiotics on average in the group

Temperature Effects Explain Continental Scale Distribution of Cyanobacterial Toxins

Insight into how environmental change determines the production and distribution of cyanobacterial toxins is necessary for risk assessment. Management guidelines currently focus on hepatotoxins (microcystins). Increasing attention is given to other classes, such as neurotoxins (e.g., anatoxin-a) and cytotoxins (e.g., cylindrospermopsin) due to their potency. Most studies examine the relationship between individual toxin variants and environmental factors, such as nutrients, temperature and light. In summer 2015, we collected samples across Europe to investigate the effect of nutrient and temperature gradients on the variability of toxin production at a continental scale. Direct and indirect effects of temperature were the main drivers of the spatial distribution in the toxins produced by the cyanobacterial community, the toxin concentrations and toxin quota. Generalized linear models showed that a Toxin Diversity Index (TDI) increased with latitude, while it decreased with water stability. Increases in TDI were explained through a significant increase in toxin variants such as MC-YR, anatoxin and cylindrospermopsin, accompanied by a decreasing presence of MC-LR. While global warming continues, the direct and indirect effects of increased lake temperatures will drive changes in the distribution of cyanobacterial toxins in Europe, potentially promoting selection of a few highly toxic species or strains.Peer reviewe