ABSTRACT Introduction: Hematologic abnormalities are common in HIV and involve all blood cell lineages. A study on cytopenias, as correlated with disease progression, can be valuable in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the hematologic profile of HIV patients and its association with CD4 count and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study involving adult Filipino HIV patients with complete blood count (CBC) and CD4 count determinations prior to the initiation of ARV treatment and after ≥6 months of ARV treatment. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between cytopenias and a CD4 count <200 cells/μL. Results: The study included 302 patients. Anemia was the most common cytopenia. Anemia and leukopenia were associated with an increased likelihood of having a CD4 count <200 cells/μL in ARV-naïve patients. In ARV-treated patients, leukopenia was associated with an increased probability of having a CD4 count <200 cells/μL. An increase in hemoglobin, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts was observed after ≥6 months of ARV treatment. Conclusion: Anemia and leukopenia can be used as markers of immune status in HIV-infected individuals and improvement in the CBC parameters can be used to assess response to ARV treatment. Routine monitoring of hematologic parameters is recommended.

Abstract In this paper, a planar near-zero refractive index material (NZRIM) consisting of an outer loop with four symmetrical quarter-rings is proposed. The quarter-rings are connected to the outer loop by two symmetrical microstrip lines on the opposite side. The backside of the substrate has mutually central split microstrip lines. By loading adjustable capacitor between the split in the center of the backside of the substrate, the resonance frequencies of the proposed NZRIM can be controlled and thus the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) frequency bands change correspondingly. According to the specific frequency bands of its metamaterial characteristics, the proposed NZRIM can be mounted above the surface of different antennas with different operation bands for 5G applications. Results show that the proposed NZRIM can enhance the forward radiation gain of antennas.

ABSTRACT Phytase enzyme is supplemented to poultry feed to improve phosphorus (P) availability. Mitsuokella jalaludinii, bacteria isolated from the rumen of cattle, has been reported as a cheaper alternative source of phytase. As much nutrients are trapped within the phytate complex, we hypothesized that the supplementation of M. jalaludinii phytase to poultry feed would enhance nutrient utilization by poultry. In the current study, the efficacy of freeze-dried M. jalaludinii cells (Mj) as feed supplement for broilers fed low-available phosphorus (low-aP) diet was evaluated. Day-old male Cobb raised in battery cages were assigned to three treatment groups [normal-available phosphorus diet with heat-deactivated Mj (DMj); low-aP diet with DMj; and low-aP diet with Mj], each consisting of four replicates (10 birds per replicate) for a 3-weeks feeding period. Feed intake was recorded daily from day 1-21, whereas broilers were weighted at day 1, 7, 14, and 21. Total excreta were collected at day 11-13 and 18-20. At day 21, twelve broilers from each treatment group were slaughtered to collect plasma and tibia. The results showed that Mj significantly enhanced broilers’ live weight and feed conversion ratio compared to the control groups (p<0.05). Supplementation with Mj have also enhanced the level of P, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the sera; and Ca and Mn in the tibia at day 18-20 sampling period (p<0.05). As Mj supplementation can enhance nutrient utilization particularly in broilers fed with low-aP diet, it could provide the market with another option in improving broilers’ growth rate at a lower cost.

Abstract Electromagnetic (EM) waves do not travel in straight lines in the troposphere due to refraction. This leads to errors in many engineering applications. In order to correct these errors, a numerical solution based on the difference method has been proposed, which can reveal the degree of EM wave bending owing to atmospheric refraction, moreover, it can predict the actual path of the EM wave propagating in the troposphere. The error of the numerical method is studied here, which reveals the source of the error. Based on this, two improvement methods are proposed. The computational accuracy of the numerical methods is verified by comparison with the analytical solution. The proposed method ensures the computational efficiency and accuracy of the problem of refraction of EM waves in the troposphere.

Resumo Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras. vegetais disso ROS (ROS voláteis Portanto entanto ecológicas cálcio estudados adversos totalmente

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants. hormones Moreover genes ROS (ROS compounds Therefore However functions highcalcium high calcium studied environments partly totally coexisting co existing

Abstract The acquired pellicle formation is the first step in dental biofilm formation. It distinguishes dental biofilms from other biofilm types. Objective To explore the influence of salivary pellicle formation before biofilm formation on enamel demineralization. Methodology Saliva collection was approved by Indiana University IRB. Three donors provided wax–stimulated saliva as the microcosm bacterial inoculum source. Acquired pellicle was formed on bovine enamel samples. Two groups (0.5% and 1% sucrose–supplemented growth media) with three subgroups (surface conditioning using filtered/pasteurized saliva; filtered saliva; and deionized water (DIW)) were included (n=9/subgroup). Biofilm was then allowed to grow for 48 h using Brain Heart Infusion media supplemented with 5 g/l yeast extract, 1 mM CaCl2.2H2O, 5% vitamin K and hemin (v/v), and sucrose. Enamel samples were analyzed for Vickers surface microhardness change (VHNchange), and transverse microradiography measuring lesion depth (L) and mineral loss (∆Z). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results The two-way interaction of sucrose concentration × surface conditioning was not significant for VHNchange (p=0.872), ∆Z (p=0.662) or L (p=0.436). Surface conditioning affected VHNchange (p=0.0079), while sucrose concentration impacted ∆Z (p<0.0001) and L (p<0.0001). Surface conditioning with filtered/pasteurized saliva resulted in the lowest VHNchange values for both sucrose concentrations. The differences between filtered/pasteurized subgroups and the two other surface conditionings were significant (filtered saliva p=0.006; DIW p=0.0075). Growing the biofilm in 1% sucrose resulted in lesions with higher ∆Z and L values when compared with 0.5% sucrose. The differences in ∆Z and L between sucrose concentration subgroups was significant, regardless of surface conditioning (both p<0.0001). Conclusion Within the study limitations, surface conditioning using human saliva does not influence biofilm–mediated enamel caries lesion formation as measured by transverse microradiography, while differences were observed using surface microhardness, indicating a complex interaction between pellicle proteins and biofilm–mediated demineralization of the enamel surface.

Loss of function of mutated solute carrier family 12 member 3 (SLC12A3) gene is the most frequent etiology for Gitelman syndrome (GS), which is mainly manifested by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria. We report the genetic characteristics of one suspicious Chinese GS pedigree by gene sequencing. Complete sequencing analysis of the SLC12A3 gene revealed that both the proband and his elder sister had a novel homozygous SLC12A3 mutation: c.2099T>C and p.Leu700Pro. Moreover, the SLC12A3 genes of his mother and daughter encoded the same mutated heterozygote. It was noted that in this pedigree, only the proband complained about recurrent episodes of bilateral lower limb weakness over 8 years, while his elder sister, mother and daughter did not present symptoms. The inconsistent clinical features of this pedigree implied that besides diverse phenotypes possibly originated from the same genotype, gender difference may also dominate the variant GS phenotypes. Further genetic and proteomic research are needed to investigate the precise mechanisms of GS, including the study of specific ethnicities.

Slime coating is one of the most common ways for serpentines to contaminate metallic mineral concentrates during traditional flotation of coarse sulphide particles. This could pose quite a complicated and challenging problem in the case of some types of low-grade and finely disseminated Cu-Ni ores bearing high serpentine contents. This is the case for the copper and nickel sulphides from the Yunnan Mine, China. Previous batch flotation tests of this ore resulted in satisfactory recoveries of 86.92% Cu, 54.92% Ni, and 74.73% Pt+Pd, and concentrate grades of 4.02% Cu, 3.24% Ni, and 76.61 g/t Pt+Pd. However, the MgO content in these concentrates was more than 19%. In the current study, microflotation tests and settling rate tests were introduced to investigate the effects of a combination of strong collectors (a 2:1 weight ratio of butyl xanthate and butyl ammonium dithophosphate) on entrainment of serpentines in metallic mineral concentrate, as well as visual observations of the concentrates in suspension using still photography. All test results indicated the presence of serpentines entrapped in the hydrophobic flocs that resulted from these collectors, even with the use of effective gangue depressants. These strong collectors are used to flocculate the ultra-fine sulphides by forming loose and 'fluffy' hydrophobic flocs. However, these hydrophobic flocs may also be able to load or entrap some serpentine slimes into the concentrate, and this entrained serpentine could be harder to remove by using depressants or intensified conditioning than serpentine slime coating on the particle surfaces.

Iron homeostasis dysregulation has been regarded as an important mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases. The H63D and C282Y polymorphisms in theHFE gene may be involved in the development of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through the disruption of iron homeostasis. However, studies investigating the relationship between ALS and these two polymorphisms have yielded contradictory outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the roles of the H63D and C282Y polymorphisms of HFEin ALS susceptibility. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Strict selection criteria and exclusion criteria were applied. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of associations. A fixed- or random-effect model was selected, depending on the results of the heterogeneity test. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis (six studies with 1692 cases and 8359 controls for C282Y; 14 studies with 5849 cases and 13,710 controls for H63D). For the C282Y polymorphism, significant associations were observed in the allele model (Y vs C: OR=0.76, 95%CI=0.62-0.92, P=0.005) and the dominant model (YY+CYvs CC: OR=0.75, 95%CI=0.61-0.92, P=0.006). No associations were found for any genetic model for the H63D polymorphism. The C282Y polymorphism in HFE could be a potential protective factor for ALS in Caucasians. However, the H63D polymorphism does not appear to be associated with ALS.

Fanconi anemia complementation group F protein (FANCF) is a key factor, which maintains the function of FA/BRCA, a DNA damage response pathway. However, the functional role of FANCF in breast cancer has not been elucidated. We performed a specific FANCF-shRNA knockdown of endogenous FANCF in vitro. Cell viability was measured with a CCK-8 assay. DNA damage was assessed with an alkaline comet assay. Apoptosis, cell cycle, and drug accumulation were measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of protein were determined by Western blot using specific antibodies. Based on these results, we used cell migration and invasion assays to demonstrate a crucial role for FANCF in those processes. FANCF shRNA effectively inhibited expression of FANCF. We found that proliferation of FANCF knockdown breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435S) was significantly inhibited, with cell cycle arrest in the S phase, induction of apoptosis, and DNA fragmentation. Inhibition of FANCF also resulted in decreased cell migration and invasion. In addition, FANCF knockdown enhanced sensitivity to doxorubicin in breast cancer cells. These results suggest that FANCF may be a potential target for molecular, therapeutic intervention in breast cancer.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the causative agent of tuberculosis, still causes higher mortality than any other bacterial pathogen until now. With the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) strains, it becomes more important to search for alternative targets to develop new antimycobacterial drugs. Lupulone is a compound extracted from Hops (Hurnulus lupulus), which exhibits a good antimicrobial activity against M. tuberculosis with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 10 µg/mL, but the response mechanisms of lupulone against M. tuberculosis are still poorly understood. In this study, we used a commercial oligonucleotide microarray to determine the overall transcriptional response of M. tuberculosis H37Rv triggered by exposure to MIC of lupulone. A total of 540 genes were found to be differentially regulated by lupulone. Of these, 254 genes were upregulated, and 286 genes were downregulated. A number of important genes were significantly regulated which are involved in various pathways, such as surface-exposed lipids, cytochrome P450 enzymes, PE/PPE multigene families, ABC transporters, and protein synthesis. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was performed for choosed genes to verified the microarray results. To our knowledge, this genome-wide transcriptomics approach has produced the first insights into the response of M. tuberculosis to a lupulone challenge.

Silent transmission of Mycobacterium leprae, as evidenced by stable leprosy incidence rates in various countries, remains a health challenge despite the implementation of multidrug therapy worldwide. Therefore, the development of tools for the early diagnosis of M. leprae infection should be emphasised in leprosy research. As part of the continuing effort to identify antigens that have diagnostic potential, unique M. leprae peptides derived from predicted virulence-associated proteins (group IV.A) were identified using advanced genome pattern programs and bioinformatics. Based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-binding motifs, we selected 21 peptides that were predicted to be promiscuous HLA-class I T-cell epitopes and eight peptides that were predicted to be HLA-class II restricted T-cell epitopes for field-testing in Brazil, Ethiopia and Nepal. High levels of interferon (IFN)-γ were induced when peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from tuberculoid/borderline tuberculoid leprosy patients located in Brazil and Ethiopia were stimulated with the ML2055 p35 peptide. PBMCs that were isolated from healthy endemic controls living in areas with high leprosy prevalence (EChigh) in Ethiopia also responded to the ML2055 p35 peptide. The Brazilian EChigh group recognised the ML1358 p20 and ML1358 p24 peptides. None of the peptides were recognised by PBMCs from healthy controls living in non-endemic region. In Nepal, mixtures of these peptides induced the production of IFN-γ by the PBMCs of leprosy patients and EChigh. Therefore, the M. leprae virulence-associated peptides identified in this study may be useful for identifying exposure to M. leprae in population with differing HLA polymorphisms.

The bacteria foraging algorithm (BFA) is a new computation technique inspired by the social foraging behaviour of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Since the introduction of the BFA by Kevin M. Passino, there have been many challenges in employing this algorithm to problems other than those for which the algorithm was proposed. This research aims to apply this emerging optimisation algorithm to develop a mixed-integer programming model for designing cellular manufacturing systems (CMSs), and production planning in dynamic environments. In dynamic environments, product mix and part demand vary under multi-period planning horizons. Thus the best-designed cells for one period may not be adequate for subsequent periods, requiring their reconstruction. The advantages of the proposed model are as follows: consideration of batch inter-cell and intra-cell material handling by assuming the sequence of operations, allowing for alternative process plans for part types, and consideration of machine copying, with an emphasis on the effect of trade-offs between production and outsourcing costs. The goal is to minimise the sum of the machines' constant and variable costs, inter-cell and intra-cell material handling costs, reconstruction costs, partial subcontracting costs, and inventory carrying costs. In addition, a newly-developed BFA-based optimisation algorithm has been compared with the branch and bound algorithm. The results suggest that the proposed algorithm performs better than related works.

Die 'bacteria foraging algorithm' (BFA) is 'n berekeningstegniek gebaseeer op die sosiale soekgedrag van Escherichia coli (E. coli) bakterieë. Sedert die bekendstelling van BFA was daar talle uitdagings oor toepassings van die algoritme op ander probleme as dié waarvoor dit ontwikkel is. Dié navorsing poog om deur toepassing van die algoritme 'n gemengde heelgetalprogrammeringmodel te ontwikkel vir die ontwerp van sellulêre vervaardiging-stelsels sowel as die produksiebeplanning in dinamiese omgewings. Die doel is om die som van die masjienkoste, inter- en intraselmateriaalhanteringkoste, rekonstruksiekoste, gedeeltelike subkontrakteringkoste sowel as voorraaddrakoste te minimiseer. 'n Nuut ontwikkelde BFA-optimiseringalgoritme is ook met die vertakkings-en-begrensingsalgoritme vergelyk. Die resultate toon dat die voorgestelde algoritme gunstig presteer in vergelyking met soortgelyke algoritmes.

To find Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) strains with genetic variations of EBV latent membrane protein 1 (EBV-LMP1) from nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the full-length DNA of LMP1 genes from 21 NPC biopsies obtained in Hunan province in southern China was amplified and sequenced. Our sequences were compared to those previously reported by the Clustal V method. Results showed that all 21 sequences displayed two amino acid changes most frequently in LMP1 of CD4+ T cell epitopes at codons 144 (F®I, 21/21) and 212 (G®S, 19/21) or (G®N, 2/21). We also show that type A EBV strain is prevalent in the cases of NPC from Hunan province with a 30-bp 18/21 deletion, and we highlight that this deletion resulted in loss of one of the CD4+ T cell-restricted epitopes. The other 3 sequences without this deletion all had a change at codon 344 (G®D). Furthermore, in the major epitope sequence of CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-A2, all 21 sequences showed changes at codons 126 (L®F) and 129 (M®I). Our study discovered that one of the 21 sequence variations harbored a new change at codon 131 (W®C), and 5/21 specimens showed another novel change at codon 115 (G®A) in the major epitope sequence of CD8+ T cells restricted by HLA-A2. Our study suggests that these sequence variations of NPC-derived LMP1 may lead to a potential escape from host cell immune recognition, protecting latent EBV infection and causing an increase in tumorigenicity.

Over the past 2 decades the use of musculocutaneous perforator flaps has increased worldwide as microsurgeons have become more comfortable with the technique. Perforator flaps have now become well established as a part of the evolution of microsurgery. Since perforator flaps are based on individual musculocutaneous or septocutaneous perforators, it is imperative that the reconstructive microsurgeon has the detailed anatomical information necessary to plan perforator flap transfers. The goal of this paper is to review the various angiographic techniques which are available to study the vascular anatomy of the human body and to present our current vascular injection technique. We will show illustrative examples using the lead oxide gelatin injection technique to elucidate the relevant anatomy of perforator flap donor sites. The lead oxide gelatin injection technique has been previously reported by Salmon and Rees and Taylor. The injection technique may be used for arterial or venous injections but we have primarily used it for arterial injections. The injection steps are detailed in the paper. Over the past five years we have dissected a total of 21 human fresh cadavers after lead oxide gelatin arterial injection studies. A total of over 7000 radiographs have been reviewed and summarized. We present summarized results of the anatomical research in the areas of head and neck, upper limb, torso and lower limb regions. The lead oxide gelatin injection technique is simple and inexpensive and the computer analysis technique is straight forward and provides excellent visualization of the architecture of the human skin. The fine details identified using this injection technique provides useful information to surgeons planning transfers of skin, muscle, bone and nerve and therefore our understandingly of clinically related vascular anatomy of perforator flaps can be improved.

En las ultimas dos décadas, el uso de colgajos perforantes musculocutaneos se ha incrementado a medida que los microcirujanos se han familiarizado con la técnica y estos colgajos se han convertido en una parte de la evolución de la Microcirugía. Como se basan en perforantes musculocutaneas o septocutaneas individuales, el microcirujano reconstructivodebe tener la información anatómica detallada para planificar la transferencia de colgajos perforantes. El fin de este trabajo es la revisión de las diversas técnicas angiográficas disponibles para estudiar la anatomía vascular del cuerpo humano y presentar nuestra técnica habitual de inyección vascular. Exhibiremos ejemplos ilustrativos utilizando la técnica de la inyección de gelatina de oxido de plomo para visualizar la anatomía relevante de los sitios donantes de colgajos perforantes. La técnica de la inyección de gelatina de óxido descrita por Salmon y Rees y Taylor, puede ser utilizada para inyecciones arteriales o venosas, pero la hemos utilizado primariamente para inyección arterial. Los pasos para la inyección se describen detalladamente en el trabajo. En los pasados 5 años hemos disecado un total de 21 cadáveres frescos tras estudios de inyección arterial de gelatina de oxido de plomo. Se han revisado un total de 7000 radiografías. Presentamos los resultados de la búsqueda anatómica en las áreas de cabeza, cuello, miembros superiores, torso y miembros inferiores. La técnica de la inyección de gelatina de oxido de plomo es simple y económica a su vez; la técnica de análisis computarizado es barata y las técnicas de análisis informático son directas y proveen excelente visualización de la arquitectura de la piel humana. Los delicados detalles identificados utilizando esta técnica de inyección proveen información útil a los cirujanos para planificar transferencias de piel, músculo, hueso y nervio, y por tanto favorecen nuestra comprensión de la anatomía vascular clínicamente relacionada de los colgajos perforantes.