Accumulation of PHA granules in Cupriavidus necator as seen by confocal fluorescence microscopy

Many bacteria are capable of accumulating intracellular granules of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). In this work we developed confocal microscopy analysis of bacterial cells to study changes in the diameters of cells as well as PHA granules during growth and PHA accumulation in the bacterium Cupriavidus necator H16 (formerly Ralstonia eutropha). The cell envelope was stained by DiD® fluorescent probe and PHA granules by Nile Red. Signals from both probes were separated based on their spectral and fluorescence life-time properties. During growth and PHA accumulation, bacterial cells increased their length but the width of the cells remained constant. The volume fraction of PHA granules in cells increased during PHA accumulation, nevertheless, its value did not exceed 40 vol. % regardless of the PHA weight content. It seems that bacterial cultures lengthen the cells in order to control the PHA volume portion. However, since similar changes in cell length were also observed in a PHA non-accumulating mutant, it seems that there is no direct control mechanism which regulates the prolongation of the cells with respect to PHA granules volume. It is more likely that PHA biosynthesis and the length of cells are influenced by the same external stimuli such as nutrient limitation.

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Properties and biotechnological applications of ice binding proteins in bacteria

Ice binding proteins (IBPs), such as antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and ice-nucleating proteins (INPs), have been described in diverse cold-adapted organisms, and their potential applications in biotechnology have been recognized in various fields. Currently, both IBPs are being applied to biotechnological processes, primarily in medicine and the food industry. However, our knowledge regarding the diversity of bacterial IBPs is limited; few studies have purified and characterized AFPs and INPs from bacteria. Phenotypically verified IBPs have been described in members belonging to Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Flavobacteriia classes, whereas putative IBPs have been found in Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Bacilli classes. Thus, the main goal of this mini-review is to summarize the current information on bacterial IBPs and their application in biotechnology, emphasizing the potential application in less explored fields such as agriculture. Investigations have suggested the use of INP-producing bacteria antagonists and AFPs-producing bacteria (or their AFPs) as a very attractive strategy to prevent frost damages in crops. UniProt database analyses of reported IBPs (phenotypically verified) and putative IBPs also show the limited information available on bacterial IBPs and indicate that major studies are required.

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Vitamin C induced, DevR dependent synchronization of Mycobacterium smegmatis growth and its effect on the proliferation of mycobacteriophage D29

Vitamin C is known to inhibit mycobacterial growth by acting as a hypoxia inducing agent. While investigating how mycobacteriophage growth is influenced by hypoxic conditions induced by vitamin C, using Mycobacterium smegmatis - mycobacteriophage D29 as a model system, it was observed that prior exposure of the host to such conditions resulted in increased burst size of the phage. Vitamin C pre-exposure was also found to induce synchronous growth of the host. A mutant, defective in DevR, the response regulator that controls hypoxic responses in mycobacteria, neither supported higher phage bursts nor was it able to undergo synchronized growth following vitamin C pre-exposure, indicating thereby that the two phenomena are interrelated. Further evidence supporting such an interrelationship was obtained from the observation that phage burst sizes varied depending on the stage of synchronous growth that the host cells were in, at the time of infection – higher bursts were observed in the resting/synthetic phases and lower in the dividing ones. The effects were specific in nature as synchronization by an unrelated method, known as 'crowding' did not lead to the same consequence. The results indicate that growth synchronization induced by vitamin C treatment is a DevR dependent phenomenon which is exploited by mycobacteriophage D29 to grow in larger numbers.

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Resistance-nodulation-division efflux pump acrAB is modulated by florfenicol and contributes to drug resistance in the fish pathogen Piscirickettsia salmonis

Piscirickettsia salmonis is a fastidious intracellular pathogen responsible for high mortality rates in farmed salmonids, with serious economic consequences for the Chilean aquaculture industry. Oxytetracycline and florfenicol are the most frequently used antibiotics against P. salmonis, but routine use could contribute to drug resistance. This study identified differentiated florfenicol susceptibilities in two P. salmonis strains, LF-89 and AUSTRAL-005. The less susceptible isolate, AUSTRAL-005, also showed a high ethidium bromide efflux rate, indicating a higher activity of general efflux pump genes than LF-89. The P. salmonis genome presented RND family members, a family containing typical multidrug resistance-related efflux pumps in Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, efflux pump acrAB genes were overexpressed in AUSTRAL-005 following exposure to the tolerated maximal concentration of florfenicol, in contrast to LF-89. These results indicate that tolerated maximum concentrations of florfenicol can modulate RND gene expression and increase efflux pump activity. We propose that the acrAB efflux pump is essential for P. salmonis survival at critical florfenicol concentrations and for the generation of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

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Microbial impact on polysulfide dynamics in the environment

Polysulfides (S_x^2–) are sulfide oxidation intermediates that are important for a variety of environmentally relevant processes including pyrite formation, organic matter sulfidisation, isotope exchange among reduced sulfur species, and metal chelation. In addition to their chemical reactivity, laboratory experiments with microbial cultures and enzymes indicate both indirect and direct roles for microorganisms in affecting polysulfide chemistry in natural environments through production and consumption. As polysulfides have been detected in a wide array of natural systems ranging from microbial mats to hydrothermal vents, constraining their biogeochemical cycling has broad impacts. However, many questions remain regarding the processes responsible for polysulfide dynamics in these environments and the precise role that microorganisms play in these processes. This review provides a summary of laboratory experiments investigating the role of polysulfides in microbial metabolism, and observations of polysulfides in the environment in order to provide further insight into and highlight open questions about this significant component of the sulfur cycle.

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Contribution of chloride channel permease to fluoride resistance in Streptococcus mutans

Genes encoding fluoride transporters have been identified in bacterial and archaeal species. The genome sequence of the cariogenic Streptococcus mutans bacteria suggests the presence of a putative fluoride transporter, which is referred to as a chloride channel permease. Two homologs of this gene (GenBank locus tags SMU_1290c and SMU_1289c) reside in tandem in the genome of S. mutans. The aim of this study was to determine whether the chloride channel permeases contribute to fluoride resistance. We constructed SMU_1290c- and SMU_1289c-knockout S. mutans UA159 strains. We also constructed a double-knockout strain lacking both genes. SMU_1290c or SMU_1289c were transformed into a fluoride transporter-disrupted Escherichia coli strain. All bacterial strains were cultured under appropriate conditions with or without sodium fluoride, and fluoride resistance was evaluated. All 3 gene-knockout S. mutans strains showed lower resistance to sodium fluoride than did the wild type strain. No significant changes in resistance to other sodium halides were recognized between the wild-type and double-knockout strains. Both SMU_1290c and SMU_1289c transformation rescued fluoride transporter-disrupted E. coli cell from fluoride toxicity. We conclude that the chloride channel permeases contribute to fluoride resistance in S. mutans.

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Accumulation of PHA granules in Cupriavidus necator as seen by confocal fluorescence microscopy

Many bacteria are capable of accumulating intracellular granules of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). In this work we developed confocal microscopy analysis of bacterial cells to study changes in the diameters of cells as well as PHA granules during growth and PHA accumulation in the bacterium Cupriavidus necator H16 (formerly Ralstonia eutropha). The cell envelope was stained by DiD® fluorescent probe and PHA granules by Nile Red. Signals from both probes were separated based on their spectral and fluorescence life-time properties. During growth and PHA accumulation, bacterial cells increased their length but the width of the cells remained constant. The volume fraction of PHA granules in cells increased during PHA accumulation, nevertheless, its value did not exceed 40 vol. % regardless of the PHA weight content. It seems that bacterial cultures lengthen the cells in order to control the PHA volume portion. However, since similar changes in cell length were also observed in a PHA non-accumulating mutant, it seems that there is no direct control mechanism which regulates the prolongation of the cells with respect to PHA granules volume. It is more likely that PHA biosynthesis and the length of cells are influenced by the same external stimuli such as nutrient limitation.

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Vitamin C induced, DevR dependent synchronization of Mycobacterium smegmatis growth and its effect on the proliferation of mycobacteriophage D29

Vitamin C is known to inhibit mycobacterial growth by acting as a hypoxia inducing agent. While investigating how mycobacteriophage growth is influenced by hypoxic conditions induced by vitamin C, using Mycobacterium smegmatis - mycobacteriophage D29 as a model system, it was observed that prior exposure of the host to such conditions resulted in increased burst size of the phage. Vitamin C pre-exposure was also found to induce synchronous growth of the host. A mutant, defective in DevR, the response regulator that controls hypoxic responses in mycobacteria, neither supported higher phage bursts nor was it able to undergo synchronized growth following vitamin C pre-exposure, indicating thereby that the two phenomena are interrelated. Further evidence supporting such an interrelationship was obtained from the observation that phage burst sizes varied depending on the stage of synchronous growth that the host cells were in, at the time of infection – higher bursts were observed in the resting/synthetic phases and lower in the dividing ones. The effects were specific in nature as synchronization by an unrelated method, known as 'crowding' did not lead to the same consequence. The results indicate that growth synchronization induced by vitamin C treatment is a DevR dependent phenomenon which is exploited by mycobacteriophage D29 to grow in larger numbers.

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Colony types and virulence traits of Legionella feeleii determined by exopolysaccharide materials

Legionella feeleii is a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that causes Pontiac fever and pneumonia in humans. When L. feeleii serogroup 1 (ATCC 35072) was cultured on BCYE agar plates, two types of colonies were observed and exhibited differences in color, opacity and morphology. Since the two colony types are white rugose and brown translucent, they were termed as white rugose Legionella feeleii (WRLf) and brown translucent L. feeleii (BTLf), respectively. They exhibited different growth capacities in BYE broth in vitro, and it was found that WRLf could transform to BTLf. Under the electron microscope, it was observed that WRLf secreted materials which could be stained with ruthenium red, which was absent in BTLf. When U937 macrophages and HeLa cells were infected with the bacteria, WRLf manifested stronger internalization ability than BTLf. Intracellular growth in murine macrophages and Acanthamoeba cells was affected by the level of initial phagocytosis. WRLf was more resistant to human serum bactericidal action than BTLf. After being inoculated to guinea pigs, both organisms caused fever in the animals. These results suggest that ruthenium red-stained materials secreted in the surroundings may play a crucial role in determining L. feeleii colony morphology and virulence traits.

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Association of virulence factors, phylogenetic groups and antimicrobial resistance markers in Escherichia coli from Badin city, Pakistan.

Association of virulence factors, phylogenetic groups and antimicrobial resistance markers in Escherichia coli from Badin city, Pakistan.

J Chemother. 2016 Apr 11;:1-6

Authors: Kumar N, Nahid F, Zahra R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli, the most frequent cause of UTIs has extensive genetic substructure and can be assigned to eight phylogroups, A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F and Escherichia cryptic clade I. We investigated the distribution of virulence determinants and antimicrobial resistance genes in relation to phylogenetic groups.
METHODS: A total of 77 E. coli isolates were collected from Civil Hospital Badin, Pakistan. Isolates were assigned phylogroups using quadruplex PCR method, while virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, blaCTX-M and blaNDM-1 were also detected using PCR.
RESULTS: Thirty-four isolates were assigned to group B2, while 23, 2, 1, 7 and 10 isolates were assigned to F, B1, A/C, clade I/II and negative, respectively. Among virulence genes, prevalence of papC (83%) was highest followed by aer (57%), papGII (16%), papGIII (14%), cnf (9%), hly (5%) and sfa (6%). Of these isolates, 23% and 9% were positive for blaCTX-M and blaNDM-1, respectively.

PMID: 27077934 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Characteristics of superinfections during treatment with tigecycline.

Characteristics of superinfections during treatment with tigecycline.

J Chemother. 2016 Apr 11;:1-6

Authors: Katsiari M, Ntorlis K, Nteves I, Roussou Z, Platsouka ED, Maguina A

Abstract
Tigecycline has a broad-spectrum in vitro activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. However, some Gram-negative bacteria are intrinsically resistant or have reduced susceptibility to tigecycline. We performed a prospective, observational study of 43 patients who received tigecycline as the treatment for serious infections due to MDR Gram-negative microorganisms, to evaluate superinfections. In 60.5% of our patients, tigecycline-resistant (T-R) Gram-negative microorganisms were isolated, representing superinfection in 37.2% and colonization in 23.5%. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the predominant pathogen (48.4%) followed by Providencia stuartii, Proteus mirabilis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Median time elapsed between tigecycline prescription and isolation of T-R pathogens was 7 days. The 16 superinfections consisted of ventilator-associated pneumonias (43.75%), catheter-related bloodstream infections (37.5%), intra-abdominal infections (12.5%) and urinary tract infection (6.25%). Attributed mortality to superinfections was 31.25%. The comparison of various potential risk factors for isolation of T-R microorganisms did not reveal statistically significant results.

PMID: 27077933 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The resistance and transmission mechanism of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in a tertiary care hospital, China.

The resistance and transmission mechanism of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in a tertiary care hospital, China.

J Chemother. 2016 Mar 30;:1-6

Authors: Sun F, Ou Q, Wang Q, Feng W, Qiu X, Chen J, Liu Y, Xia P

Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyse the resistance and epidemiological data of 117 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, China. Except for polymyxin B, tigecycline, minocycline, cefoperazone/sulbactam, amikacin and levofloxacin, the resistance rates of other antimicrobial agents were above 90%. All the clinical isolates had the blaOXA-51 gene and 114 isolates had the blaOXA-23 gene. Forty-nine isolates were found to contain the blaIMP-4 gene. PFGE data showed that 117 isolates were divided into 25 groups. Sixty-three (53.85%) were found to carry the class 1 integron, and the sequence analysis of the class 1 integron internal variable regions - five types, one of which had the blaIMP-4 gene. For the blaIMP-4 positive strain without class 1 integron, we found the flanking sequence had the TnpA gene. The result suggested that the resistance gene was widely distributed in our hospital; moreover, the modes of presence and transmission are different and complicated. The results of our study can improve the infection empirical treatment method and infection control programme.

PMID: 27077932 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Targeted benefits of prolonged-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam in an in vitro infection model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Targeted benefits of prolonged-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam in an in vitro infection model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

J Chemother. 2016 Mar 30;:1-5

Authors: Zelenitsky S, Nash J, Weber Z, Iacovides H, Ariano R

Abstract
Given the inconsistent clinical findings, our goal was to characterize the pharmacodynamics (PDs) of prolonged-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Specifically, the study was designed to investigate the influence of MIC on the activity of prolonged-infusion TZP using pharmacokinetics (PKs) consistent with a non-critically ill patient population. There was no benefit with prolonged- compared with standard-infusion TZP against isolates with susceptible MICs of 8 or 16 mg/L. However, prolonged-infusion TZP produced more than two times the final bacterial kill against less susceptible isolates with an intermediate MIC of 32 mg/L. The PDs of TZP were well described by a sigmoid Emax model (r(2) = 0.84) where %ƒT>MIC thresholds of 27 and 75% were associated with bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects, respectively. However, the well-established PD relationship with %ƒT>MIC was not observed with prolonged-infusion TZP. In conclusion, this study characterizes the targeted benefits of prolong-infusion TZP based on pathogen MIC, and supports the assertion that the benefits are selective and most likely observed in patients with less susceptible pathogens or altered PKs.

PMID: 27077931 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Accumulation of multiple mutations in linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis causing bloodstream infections; in silico analysis of L3 amino acid substitutions that might confer high-level linezolid resistance.

Accumulation of multiple mutations in linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis causing bloodstream infections; in silico analysis of L3 amino acid substitutions that might confer high-level linezolid resistance.

J Chemother. 2016 Feb 10;:1-4

Authors: Ikonomidis A, Grapsa A, Pavlioglou C, Demiri A, Batarli A, Panopoulou M

Abstract
Fifty-six Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates, showing high-level linezolid resistance and causing bacteremia in critically ill patients, were studied. All isolates belonged to ST22 clone and carried the T2504A and C2534T mutations in gene coding for 23SrRNA as well as the C189A, G208A, C209T and G384C missense mutations in L3 protein which resulted in Asp159Tyr, Gly152Asp and Leu94Val substitutions. Other silent mutations were also detected in genes coding for ribosomal proteins L3 and L22. In silico analysis of missense mutations showed that although L3 protein retained the sequence of secondary motifs, the tertiary structure was influenced. The observed alteration in L3 protein folding provides an indication on the putative role of L3-coding gene mutations in high-level linezolid resistance. Furthermore, linezolid pressure in health care settings where linezolid consumption is of high rates might lead to the selection of resistant mutants possessing L3 mutations that might confer high-level linezolid resistance.

PMID: 27077930 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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What does the susceptible-dose dependent interpretive category for cefepime in ESBL-producing bacteria?

What does the susceptible-dose dependent interpretive category for cefepime in ESBL-producing bacteria?

J Chemother. 2016 Feb 6;:1-6

Authors: Menegucci TC, Bastos MS, Viana GF, Moreira RR, Garcia LB, Cardoso CL, Tognim MC

Abstract
In this study, we investigated the frequency of isolates included in the susceptible-dose dependent (SDD) category, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, carrying blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX genes among 92 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 80 Enterobacter cloacae clinical isolates. The presence of one or more extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) genes was observed in 64% K. pneumoniae and 69% E. cloacae isolates. Nineteen isolates were included in SDD interpretive category criteria, of which 15 carried ESBL genes (seven K. pneumoniae and eight E. cloacae). Considering the high proportion of ESBL gene-containing isolates included in the SDD category (79%), we recommend that physicians exercise caution in the use of cefepime for treatment of infections caused by these isolates, reducing possible therapeutic failure, particularly in cases of ESBL-producing bacterial strains.

PMID: 27077929 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Cephalometrics in Stickler syndrome: objectification of the typical facial appearance

Stickler syndrome is a connective tissue disorder characterized by orofacial, ocular, skeletal and auditory symptoms. The orofacial phenotype mainly consists of midfacial hypoplasia, micrognathia and cleft palate. Large phenotypic variability is evident though. Few studies have tried to substantiate the typical facial appearance in Stickler syndrome patients.

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Hypotensive anesthesia: Comparing the effects of different drug combinations on mean arterial pressure, estimated blood loss, and surgery time in orthognathic surgery

Sevoflurane, an inhalational hypotensive anesthetic agent with a vasodilatory property, has been commonly used as a single agent to induce hypotension and effectively decrease blood loss in orthognathic surgery. However, it is common for patients to receive other hypotensive anesthetic agents in combination with sevoflurane. The purpose of our retrospective cohort study is to investigate whether administering an additional hypotensive agent has greater effect at reducing mean arterial pressure (MAP), estimated blood loss (EBL) and surgery time during orthognathic surgery.

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Evaluation of the prevalence of residual sialolith fragments after transoral approach of Wharton’s duct

Transoral submandibular duct sialolith removal is a simple technique with very few complications. Nevertheless, following this procedure, we have observed long-term calculus recurrence in a number of patients. We therefore elected to evaluate these cases. This was a monocentric prospective study performed between November 2013 and June 2014. All patients received surgery for submandibular gland lithiasis by intraoral removal of submandibular duct calculi. Between the day following the procedure and 3 months postsurgery, these patients systematically underwent an ultrasound examination of the submandibular gland.

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Management of a mucocele of the submandibular gland without removal of the gland: a case report

A mucocele or extravasation of mucus is common in minor salivary glands, but unusual in major ones. Those from the submandibular gland are a diagnostic challenge and conventional management includes excision of the associated gland.We describe a 27-year-old man with a mucocele of the submandibular gland that presented as a lateral cervical swelling and looked like a plunging ranula. The cystic lesion was completely excised and, to our knowledge, this is the first published case in which the submandibular gland was saved with no recurrence up to two years postoperatively.

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Development of Interstitial Lung Disease after Initiation of Apixaban Anticoagulation Therapy

Nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants may cause interstitial lung disease (ILD) similar to that seen for other cardiovascular drugs. The aim of this study was to determine trends and medical conditions associated with ILD in patients taking apixaban.

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Hi ,与您共享了相册。

邀请您观看 Hi , 的相册： Rubber tires and rubber products Rubber tires and rubber products 2016年3月14日 提供者：Hi , 查看相册 播放幻灯片 来自 Hi , 的消息： Dear Sir/Madam, Glad to hear that you"re on the market for rubber products. We specialized in producing good quality rubber tires and rubber products in Qingdao for 20 years, most of our tires are applied in planters,seeders,mowers, tillers, aerators, floor cleaning equipment, generators. etc our cooperative customers Hoosier, Maschio, Kubotam Torom OTR, etc Hope we would have more communication in the future if our wheels are suitable for your company. We can make samples according to your exact requirement and drawings. FREE existed SAMPLES could be sent on request. Please feel free to contact us in your convenient time. Wait for your reply! Thanks and best regards, Susan ************************************** Industrial Products Co., Ltd Qingdao, P.R.China 如果您在阅读此电子邮件时出现问题，请将以下地址复制并粘贴到您的浏览器中： http://ift.tt/1TWQE5c 要分享您的照片或在朋友与您分享照片时收到通知，请获取属于您自己的免费 Picasa 网络相册帐户。

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Voice Range Profile and Health-related Quality of Life Measurements Following Voice Rehabilitation After Radiotherapy; a Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of voice rehabilitation in patients treated with radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer.

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The Role of Lexical Stress on the Use of Vocal Fry in Young Adult Female Speakers

Vocal fry is a voice register often used by young adult women for sociolinguistic purposes. Some acoustic correlates of lexical stress, however, appear incompatible with the use of vocal fry. The objective of this study was to systematically examine the role of lexical stress in the use of vocal fry by young adult women.

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Contralateral acoustic hearing aid use in adult unilateral cochlear implant recipients: Current provision, practice, and clinical experience in the UK.

Contralateral acoustic hearing aid use in adult unilateral cochlear implant recipients: Current provision, practice, and clinical experience in the UK.

Cochlear Implants Int. 2016 Apr 6;:1-14

Authors: Fielden CA, Kitterick PT

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The study surveyed practising cochlear implant (CI) audiologists with the aim of: (1) characterizing UK clinical practice around the management and fitting of a contralateral hearing aid (HA) in adult unilateral CI users ('bimodal aiding'); (2) identifying factors that may limit the provision of bimodal aiding; and (3) ascertaining the views of audiologists on bimodal aiding.
METHODS: An online survey was distributed to audiologists working at the 20 centres providing implantation services to adults in the UK.
RESULTS: Responses were received from 19 of the 20 centres. The majority of centres reported evaluating HAs as part of the candidacy assessment for cochlear implantation. However, a majority also indicated that they do not take responsibility for the contralateral HA following implantation, despite identifying few practical limiting factors. Bimodal aiding was viewed as more beneficial than wearing the implant alone, with most respondents actively encouraging bimodal listening where possible. Respondents reported that fitting bimodal devices to take account of each other's settings was potentially more beneficial than independently fit devices, but such sympathetic fitting was not routine practice in any centre.
DISCUSSION: The results highlight some potential inconsistencies in the provision of bimodal aiding across the UK as reported by practising audiologists. The views of audiologists about what is best practice appear to be at odds with the nature and structure of the services currently offered.
CONCLUSION: Stronger evidence that bimodal aiding can be beneficial for UK patients would be required in order for service providers to justify the routine provision of bimodal aiding and to inform guidelines to shape routine clinical practice.

PMID: 27078521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Expert opinion: Can different assessments be used to overcome current candidacy issues?

Expert opinion: Can different assessments be used to overcome current candidacy issues?

Cochlear Implants Int. 2016 Mar 31;:1-5

Authors: Lamb B

Abstract
Since the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) review of cochlear implantation in 2009, [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 2009. Cochlear implants for children and adults with severe to profound deafness. NICE technology appraisal guidance [TAG166]. [cited 2016 February 15] Available from: http://ift.tt/1SgcZbD accessed 08/02/2016 and reviewed at http://ift.tt/1WwdpOi ] there have been a number of significant changes to our understanding of the impact of severe-to-profound hearing loss on quality of life and comorbidity with life limiting illness. There have been questions about the validity of current methods of assessing candidacy for cochlear implants. There have also been significant improvements in the effectiveness of implants, the age of successful implantation and a reduction in costs. Additionally, the costs to the health and welfare system of not addressing severe-to-profound hearing loss are often not considered when assessing costs and benefits of this technology and when assessing candidacy criteria. Consideration of these changes since the NICE review suggests the need for an urgent review of the current guidance.

PMID: 27078520 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Patient management for cochlear implant recipients in audiology departments: A practice review.

Patient management for cochlear implant recipients in audiology departments: A practice review.

Cochlear Implants Int. 2016 Mar 29;:1-6

Authors: Lorens A, Skarzynski H, Rivas A, Rivas JA, Zimmermann K, Parnes L, Lassaletta L, Gavilán J, Bodt M, van de Heyning P, Martin J, Raine CH, Rajeswaran R, Kameswaran M, Manoj M, Pulibalathingal S

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine and evaluate the time clinics needed to complete the sub-processes involved in the first-fitting and follow-up fitting of people with a cochlear implant.
METHODS: Eight HEARRING clinics completed a questionnaire recording how long it took to complete the sub-processes involved in first-fitting and follow-up fitting cochlear implant recipients. The mean times of clinics and procedures were then compared.
RESULTS: Questionnaires on 77 patients were completed. Clinics varied widely on time spent on each sub-process in both first- and follow-up fittings. Total first-fitting times were similar across clinics. Follow-up fitting times varied more across clinics although this may have been due to differences in questionnaire interpretation.
DISCUSSION: If a patient management plan can help increasingly busy cochlear implant clinics provide high-quality care more efficiently, essential first steps are determining which procedures are generally performed and how long their performance takes. Until reliable data are gathered, constructing a patient management plan or reaping the potential benefits of its use will remain elusive; clinics will have to find what solutions they can to meet rising workload demands.
CONCLUSION: The variation in time spent on each sub-process may suggest that some clinics have more efficient workflow procedures. Compiling a best practice for each process could be instrumental in creating a professional process management plan that would increase efficiency without sacrificing quality of care.

PMID: 27078519 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The long-term results of speech perception in elderly cochlear implant users.

The long-term results of speech perception in elderly cochlear implant users.

Cochlear Implants Int. 2016 Mar 29;:1-5

Authors: Jolink C, Helleman HW, van Spronsen E, Ebbens FA, Ravesloot MJ, Dreschler WA

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the speech discrimination performance of elderly post-lingually deafened cochlear implant (CI) users and the stability of performance over time relative to a control group of younger CI users.
METHODS: The study group consisted of 20 native Dutch speaking, post-lingually deafened CI users, aged 70 or older at the time of implantation. Controls were patients aged 40-60 years at implantation and included according to the same inclusion criteria (except age). Linear mixed models assessed speech recognition scores between groups, the variability of their performance, and stability over time.
RESULTS: 20 elderly and 37 controls were included. The mean follow-up was 4.4 and 5.3 years for elderly and controls, respectively. There was no significant difference in average speech discrimination between both groups. The elderly group had a larger intra-subject variability over time. There was no significant effect of follow-up on the speech discrimination, indicating a stable performance over time.
DISCUSSION: This study has a longer follow-up than methodologically comparable previous studies. We found no difference in speech discrimination between elderly patients and controls and no deterioration of performance over time. The subjects in the elderly group exhibit a larger variability around their mean performance.
CONCLUSION: Speech recognition in both elderly and younger adult CI users is stable over time and is not significantly related to the age of implantation.

PMID: 27078518 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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An X-ray fluorescence microscopic analysis of the tissue surrounding the multi-channel cochlear implant electrode array.

An X-ray fluorescence microscopic analysis of the tissue surrounding the multi-channel cochlear implant electrode array.

Cochlear Implants Int. 2016 Mar 16;:1-3

Authors: Spiers K, Cardamone T, Furness JB, Clark JC, Patrick JF, Clark GM

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the tissue surrounding the University of Melbourne's (UOMs) multi-channel cochlear implant electrode array and cochlear limited replacements, after long-term implantations. In particular, it aimed to identify the particulate material in the fibrous tissue capsule of the arrays implanted in 1978, 1983, and 1998, by using the Australian Synchrotron for X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) to reveal the characteristic spectrum of metal, in particular platinum. This also helped to determine its format and chemical state. Tissue was retrieved following the recipient's death in 2007.
METHODS: Tissue was fixed and sections taken across the UOM and Cochlear Corporation (CI-22 and CI-24) electrode tracks. These were stained with Masson's trichrome. The Australian Synchrotron enabled XFM to accurately identify platinum from its characteristic fluorescence spectrum.
RESULTS: There was a fibrous tissue capsule (about 100-µm thick) and small regions of calcification around the UOM and CI-22 arrays, but a thinner capsule (40-60-µm thick) around CI-24, and a greater degree of calcification. Dark particulate matter was observed within macrophages and especially in fibrous tissue in proximity to the UOM and CI-22 arrays. This was identified as platinum using X-ray fluorescence. There was also diffusion of platinum into the tissue surrounding the UOM and CI-22 electrodes and fine particles had penetrated the spiral ligament.
DISCUSSION: The larger particulate matter in the tissue around the UOM and CI-22 arrays suggested that it had flaked off in the manufacturing of the UOM electrodes. The more diffuse spread of platinum in the tissue around the UOM and CI-22 electrodes was likely due to electrolysis, probably from charge imbalance with the bipolar pulses from the UOM implant. This did not occur with the Cochlear CI-24 device. Furthermore, the widespread fine particles of platinum could have also been due to corrosion, especially from the UOM electrodes.

PMID: 27078517 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Corrigendum to “Accuracy evaluation of computer-designed surgical guide template in oral implantology” [J Craniomaxillofac Surg 43 (2015) 2189–2194]

The authors regret that author Yanhui Wang was given an incorrect affiliation in the original article. Yanhui Wang's correct affiliation is Center of Oral Implantology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China.

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Fracture resistance of three-unit zirconia fixed partial denture with modified framework

Abstract

Obtaining ideal prosthetic framework design is at times hindered by anatomical limitations in the posterior region that might increase the risk for zirconia restoration fracture. Modification such as increasing the bulk thickness especially in the connector region could result in strengthening the zirconia framework. Three-unit zirconia fixed partial dentures replacing mandibular molars were fabricated using the following two techniques: CAD/CAM technology and manual copy milling. Modified framework with unveneered full thickness connectors were designed and fabricated with the aforementioned methods. Conventional frameworks (0.5 mm thick with rounded 3 mm connectors) served as control (N = 20). After cementation on epoxy dies, the frameworks were loaded to fracture in a universal testing machine. Fractured surfaces were prepared for examination using scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in fracture resistance between conventional and modified framework design for both fabrication techniques tested. SEM examination indicated that critical crack originated at the tensile surface of the connectors for conventional frameworks. The critical crack for modified frameworks occurred on the axial wall of the abutments. The modification of the zirconia framework design presented significant improvement of the fracture resistance compared to the conventional design.

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Effect of electroacupuncture and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on anxiety and depression in patients with crohn's disease in remission

Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science

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Safety and risk of superselective transcatheter arterial embolization for acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage with N-butyl cyanoacrylate: angiographic and colonoscopic evaluation

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology

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Economic evaluation of fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in Australia

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Clinical value of on-treatment HCV RNA levels during different approved sofosbuvir-based antiviral regimens

Journal of Hepatology

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A nationwide survey of specialist knowledge on current standard of care (Peg-IFN/RBV) and barriers of care in chronic hepatitis C patients in China

Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Multivitamin, calcium and folic acid supplements and the risk of colorectal cancer in Lynch syndrome

International Journal of Epidemiology

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Adverse childhood experiences are associated with irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal symptom severity

Neurogastroenterology & Motility

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The association between the duration of fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy and survival in stage II or III gastric cancer

World Journal of Surgical Oncology

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2014 French guidelines for hepatitis B and C screening.A combined targeted and mass testing strategy of chronic viruses namely HBV, HCV and HIV

Liver International

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Effects of viral eradication in patients with HCV and cirrhosis differ with stage of portal hypertension

Gastroenterology

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Is HLA-DRB1*13 allele a risk factor for prognosis of hepatitis C virus infection?

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

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Evaluation and improved use of fecal occult blood test in the constipated child

Gastroenterology Nursing

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A population-based study examining the risk of malignancy in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease

Journal of Gastroenterology

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Oral zinc provision in acute diarrhea

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care

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Colorectal tumors from different racial and ethnic minorities have similar rates of mismatch repair deficiency

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Psychological stress exacerbates NSAID-induced small bowel injury by inducing changes in intestinal microbiota and permeability via glucocorticoid receptor signaling

Journal of Gastroenterology

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Implementation of baby boomer hepatitis C screening and linking to care in gastroenterology practices: a multi-center pilot study

BMC Gastroenterology

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Analysis of clinical predictors of resolution of sleep disturbance related to frequent nighttime heartburn and acid regurgitation symptoms in individuals taking esomeprazole 20 mg or placebo

Clinical Drug Investigation

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Endoscopic nodular gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection: An indicator of high-grade bacterial colonization and severe gastritis in children

International Journal of Infectious Diseases

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Cost effectiveness of quantitative hepatitis B virus surface antigen testing in pregnancy in predicting vertical transmission risk

Liver International

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