Lentivirus lytic peptide 1 perturbs both outer and inner membranes of Serratia marcescens

Bis-lentivirus lytic protein 1 (Bis-LLP1) and polymyxin B exhibited similar killing activities against Serratia marcescens. By electron microscopy, bis-LLP1 interacted with the outer and cytoplasmic bacterial membranes, while polymyxin B affected only the outer membrane. The results of standard biochemical probes supported the findings of the electron microscopy studies, suggesting that these antimicrobial peptides have different mechanisms of action.     

Specifics of preoperative care, intraoperative monitoring and postoperative evaluation of patients with thyroid carcinoma

The aim of the study was to show the standards of preoperative management, intraoperative monitoring and postoperative evaluation of patients with thyroid gland carcinoma. It was point out the importance of the preoperative diagnosis of the tumor, and the concurrent diseases. The special attention was paid to difficult airway recognition and resolving this situation. Both, anesthetist's and surgeon's point of view of perioperative and postoperative complications were discussed with special interest on early surgical complications and the need for urgent anesthetic treatment. Criteria for minimal and desirable monitoring of vital functions were suggested in order to prevent, recognize and cure complications. Our conclusions were based on recent references from the world literature and on our own experience in Center for endocrine surgery KCS, Belgrade.     

Toxicity of the photosensitizer NPe6 following intravitreal injection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the retinal toxicity of mono-L-aspartyl chlorin e6 (NPe6) following intravitreal injection. METHODS: Twelve Dutch-belted rabbits divided into 5 experimental groups (n=2 each) were injected intravitreally with 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 microg of NPe6; one control group (n=2) was injected with intravitreal normal saline. One eye in each rabbit was sutured shut to test the effect of light exposure. Fundus photography and electroretinograms were performed before treatment and 2 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after injection. Animals were euthanized and the eyes enucleated for histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: After 1 week, 4 uncovered eyes given 50 and 100 microg had central retinal vein occlusion and varying degrees of retinal hemorrhage. RPE proliferation was seen in the covered eyes given 50 or 100 microg. Electroretinograms revealed absent retinal response at 100 microg and mild toxicity at 50 microg, but no change from normal at doses of < or = 25 microg of NPe6. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal doses of < or = 25 microg NPe6 caused little or no apparent toxicity; however, toxicity was significant at doses of 50 microg and 100 microg.     

Occupational stress in naval personnel

Introduction: Increased stress levels have been reported and it has been implicated for mental illness amongst service personnel. However no study has been reported among Indian naval sailors.