Comparative genomic analysis of Vibrio cholerae: genes that correlate with cholera endemic and pandemic disease

Historically, the first six recorded cholera pandemics occurred between 1817 and 1923 and were caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 serogroup strains of the classical biotype. Although strains of the El Tor biotype caused sporadic infections and cholera epidemics as early as 1910, it was not until 1961 that this biotype emerged to cause the 7th pandemic, eventually resulting in the global elimination of classical biotype strains as a cause of disease. The completed genome sequence of 7th pandemic El Tor O1 strain N16961 has provided an important tool to begin addressing questions about the evolution of V. cholerae as a human pathogen and environmental organism. To facilitate such studies, we constructed a V. cholerae genomic microarray that displays over 93% of the predicted genes of strain N16961 as spotted features. Hybridization of labeled genomic DNA from different strains to this microarray allowed us to compare the gene content of N16961 to that of other V. cholerae isolates. Surprisingly, the results reveal a high degree of conservation among the strains tested. However, genes unique to all pandemic strains as well as genes specific to 7th pandemic El Tor and related O139 serogroup strains were identified. These latter genes may encode gain-of-function traits specifically associated with displacement of the preexisting classical strains in South Asia and may also promote the establishment of endemic disease in previously cholera-free locations.     

Atrophic Acne Scarring: A Review of Treatment Options

Background: Scarring is an unfortunate and frequent complication of acne, resulting in significant psychological distress for patients. Fortunately, numerous treatment options exist for acne scarring. Objectives: To extensively review the literature on treatment options for atrophic acne scarring. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the following topics: dermabrasion, subcision, punch techniques, chemical peels, tissue augmentation, and lasers. Results: The literature supports the use of various treatment modalities; superior results may be achieved when multiple modalities are combined for a multi-step approach to scarring. Conclusion: The safety and efficacy of various treatment devices for acne scarring is well established, but there is a paucity of split-face trials comparing modalities.Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease, affecting nearly all adolescents and 12 to 51 percent of adults aged 20 to 49.1-3 Scarring is a common sequela, estimated to occur in up to 95 percent of acne patients4 and resulting in significant psychological distress for many individuals. Given its impact on self-esteem, social interactions, and even the ability to obtain employment,5 early and effective treatment of acne scarring is paramount.Acne scarring may be either atrophic or hypertrophic. Atrophic acne scars are further subdivided morphologically into boxcar, icepick, or rolling, with the choice of treatment modality often based on scar type. Over the past few decades, a wide variety of therapeutic interventions have been developed to treat acne scars, including dermabrasion, subcision, punch techniques, chemical peels, tissue augmentation, and laser. Herein, the authors review the various treatments available for atrophic acne scarring.     

Histiocytic sarcoma with two immunohistopathologically distinct populations

This report is a case of histiocytic sarcoma (HS), in which tumor cells consist of two immunohistopathologically distinct populations (A) oval CD68+lysozyme+CD163- cells and (B) abundant cytoplasm or spindle-shaped CD68+lysozyme-CD163+ cells. Cervical lymph node was infiltrated mainly by population (A), where chemotherapy was quite effective. On the other hand, vast majority of infiltrated tumor cells in the hilar lymph node belonged to population (B), in which the cells were resistant to chemo-radiotherapy. Considering the poor prognosis of HS, the expression of CD163 could be a marker for resistance to chemo-radiotherapy. It is also notable that CD163-negative stage of HS may exist and still be reactive for the treatment.     

Bone marrow stem cells implantation with α-cyclodextrin/MPEG–PCL–MPEG hydrogel improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction

Cellular transplantation represents a promising therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). However, it is limited by low transplanted cell retention and survival within the ischemic tissue. This study was designed to investigate whether injectable α-cyclodextrin/poly(ethylene glycol)–b-polycaprolactone-(dodecanedioic acid)-polycaprolactone–poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG–PCL–MPEG) hydrogel could improve cell transplant retention and survival, reduce infarct expansion and inhibit left ventricle (LV) remodeling. Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) were encapsulated in α-cyclodextrin/MPEG–PCL–MPEG hydrogel and maintained their morphologies during the cell culturing. MTT assays were used for in vitro cell viability studies of the hydrogel and were shown to be non-cytotoxic. Seven days after MI, 100 μl of α-cyclodextrin solution containing 2 × 10⁷ BMSCs and 100 μl of MPEG–PCL–MPEG solution were injected into the infarcted myocardium simultaneously and the solutions solidified immediately. Injection of culture medium or cell alone served as controls. Four weeks after treatment, histological analysis indicated that the hydrogel was absorbed, and the injection of BMSCs with hydrogel had increased cell retention and vessel density around the infarct, and subsequently prevented scar expansion compared with BMSCs injection alone. Echocardiography studies showed that injection of BMSCs with hydrogel increased the LV ejection function and attenuated left ventricular dilatation. This study indicated that the injection of BMSCs with α-cyclodextrin/MPEG–PCL–MPEG hydrogel was an effective strategy which could enhance the effect of cellular transplantation therapy for myocardial infarction.     

Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of Malaysian underutilized fruits

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of selected Malaysian underutilized fruits. The 58 underutilized fruits of 32 different species from 21 genera were analyzed for AC and TPC. AC was measured using β-carotene bleaching, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assays, and TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent assay. Our findings showed that the fruits from genera of Pometia, Averrhoa, Syzygium, Sallacca, Phyllanthus, Garcinia, Sandoricum and Maipighia had higher AC compared to other studied genera. Among the underutilized fruits, Sandoricum and Phyllanthus fruits contained the highest TPC (>2000 mg/100 g edible portion). The correlation between AC and TPC varied. The study indicated that some of these underutilized fruits have the potential to be sources of antioxidant components.     

Patient risk profiles and practice variation in nonadherence to antidepressants,antihypertensives and oral hypoglycemics

Background  

Many patients experience difficulties in following treatment recommendations. This study's objective is to identify nonadherence risk profiles regarding medication (antidepressants, antihypertensives, and oral hypoglycemics) from a combination of patients' socio-demographic characteristics, morbidity presented within general practice and medication characteristics. An additional objective is to explore differences in nonadherence among patients from different general practices.