ALIS‐FLP: Amplified ligation selected fragment‐length polymorphism method for microbial genotyping

A DNA fingerprinting method known as ALIS‐FLP (amplified ligation selected fragment‐length polymorphism) has been developed for selective and specific amplification of restriction fragments from TspRI restriction endonuclease digested genomic DNA. The method is similar to AFLP, but differs in that only one specific restriction enzyme (TspRI) is used. The cohesive ends of the DNA fragments are ligated with two types of oligonucleotide. A long oligonucleotide containing the primer site and the specific 9 nt 3 prime end, which is complementary to specific 9 nt, cohesive 3 prime end of the TspRI genomic DNA fragment, and a short, degenerated, oligonucleotide covering the remaining TspRI cohesive ends. Other cohesive ends are covered by a short degenerated oligonucleotide lacking the primer site. The ligation mixture is used as a template for amplification using a single primer corresponding to the 5 prime end of the long, specific oligonucleotide. The selection of TspRI digested genomic DNA fragments for amplification is achieved by sequence selective ligation of the specific long oligonucleotide carrying the primer site to both ends of the specific target fragment. This technique allows for differentiation of the organisms without previous knowledge of their DNA sequence. The usefulness of the method is confirmed by genotyping of 70 previously characterized clinical E. coli isolates. The grouping obtained was identical to the results of REA‐PFGE. Versatility of the method is highlighted, i.e. its combining the advantages of the AFLP technique with a simple, rapid and cheap polymerase chain reaction product detection method.     

Seemingly healthy skin in atopic dermatitis: observations with the use of high‐frequency ultrasonography,preliminary study

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing skin disorder which is strictly determined by the epidermal barrier function. In previous studies, there is conclusive evidence that normal‐looking, nonlesional skin presents meaningful barrier function defect and a sub‐clinical eczematous skin reaction. Aim: The authors intended to visualize nonlesional AD skin with the use of high frequency ultrasonography to show that the normal‐looking, nonlesional skin may present significant abnormalities in USG examination. Methods: We have performed analysis with the use of high‐frequency 20 MHz skin sonography in the cases of 15 AD patients of the Department of Dermatology, Medical University, Poznań, Poland. The clinical score has been evaluated on the basis of W‐AZS index and EASI. The results were presented in the form of ultrasonographic images. Results: High frequency ultrasonography revealed an echopoor band within nonlesional skin of six (40%) examined AD patients and in all cases within skin lesions. Conclusion: Our results indicate the significant role of skin ultrasonography in the complete clinical evaluation of patients with AD, which may serve as an element in selection of the most appropriate topical treatment. An echopoor band beneath the echo entry within nonlesional skin of some AD patients may reflect subclinical eczematous reaction and the readiness for the development of typical skin lesions. For this purpose, we suggest to name an intact skin in AD as seemingly healthy skin.     

Effect of SO2 Dry Deposition on Porous Dolomitic Limestones

The present study is concerned with the assessment of the relative resistance of a monumental dolomitic limestone (Laspra – Spain) used as building material in stone monuments and submitted to artificial ageing by SO₂ dry deposition in the presence of humidity. To investigate the protection efficiency of different polymeric coatings, three commercially available siloxane-based oligomers (Lotexan-N, Silres BS 290 and Tegosivin HL 100) and a newly synthesized hybrid nanocomposite with silsesquioxane units (TMSPMA) were used. A comparative assessment of the data obtained in this study underlines that a better limestone protection was obtained when treated with the hybrid nanocomposite with silsesquioxane units.     

Anemia, hierro, transfusión y alternativas terapéuticas. Revisión desde una perspectiva quirúrgica

Anemia is very common entity or comorbidity in surgical patients. Its management involves a multidisciplinary approach with the aim of optimizing the available therapeutic resources with individualized care for each clinical situation. Rational use of blood transfusions, iron therapy (oral and intravenous), erythropoiesis stimulating agents and other therapeutic alternatives by physicians must achieve maximal benefit with minimal complications for our patients. This review article summarizes the main characteristics of anemia, iron metabolism, erythropoiesis and therapeutic alternatives from a surgical perspective in the light of present knowledge.