Precursor-free eruption triggered by edifice rupture at Nyiragongo volcano.

Classical mechanisms of volcanic eruptions mostly involve pressure buildup and magma ascent towards the surface1. Such processes produce geophysical and geochemical signals that may be detected and interpreted as eruption precursors1-3. On 22 May 2021, Mount Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), an open-vent volcano with a persistent lava lake perched within its summit crater, shook up this interpretation by producing an approximately six-hour-long flank eruption without apparent precursors, followed-rather than preceded-by lateral magma motion into the crust. Here we show that this reversed sequence was most likely initiated by a rupture of the edifice, producing deadly lava flows and triggering a voluminous 25-km-long dyke intrusion. The dyke propagated southwards at very shallow depth (less than 500 m) underneath the cities of Goma (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Gisenyi (Rwanda), as well as Lake Kivu. This volcanic crisis raises new questions about the mechanisms controlling such eruptions and the possibility of facing substantially more hazardous events, such as effusions within densely urbanized areas, phreato-magmatism or a limnic eruption from the gas-rich Lake Kivu. It also more generally highlights the challenges faced with open-vent volcanoes for monitoring, early detection and risk management when a significant volume of magma is stored close to the surface.

Identification of Porphyromonas levii isolated from clinical cases of bovine interdigital necrobacillosis by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Laboratories use pigmentation, antibiotic susceptibility, and biochemical tests to identify anaerobic organisms that play a role in bovine interdigital necrobacillosis (bovine foot rot). In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify strains to the species level that were originally classified as Prevotella or Porphyromonas spp by conventional phenotype assessment methods. Of 264 qualified strains from ceftiofur clinical trials, 241 isolates were definitively identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Porphyromonas levii. Similarly, of 275 qualified strains from tulathromycin clinical trials, 156 isolates were definitively identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as P. levii. The predominance of P. levii in this study supports the role of this organism as an associative agent of bovine foot rot and may have implications for routine laboratory diagnosis.

In vitro activity of TR-700, the antibacterial moiety of the prodrug TR-701, against linezolid-resistant strains.

TR-701 is the orally active prodrug of TR-700, a novel oxazolidinone that demonstrates four- to eightfold-greater activity than linezolid (LZD) against Staphylococcus and Enterococcus spp. In this study evaluating the in vitro sensitivity of LZD-resistant isolates, TR-700 demonstrated 8- to 16-fold-greater potency than LZD against all strains tested, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), strains of MRSA carrying the mobile cfr methyltransferase gene, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The MIC(90) for TR-700 against LZD-resistant S. aureus was 2 microg/ml, demonstrating the utility of TR-700 against LZD-resistant strains. A model of TR-700 binding to 23S rRNA suggests that the increased potency of TR-700 is due to additional target site interactions and that TR-700 binding is less reliant on target residues associated with resistance to LZD.

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Argentina in the last 25 years: systematic review of population observational studies]. / Prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en Argentina en los últimos 25 años: revisión sistemática de estudios observacionales poblacionales.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Metabolic syndrome (MS) comprises a set of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Argentina has numerous epidemiological studies on MS, however, there has been no systematic analysis of the prevalence of MS in our population. To estimate the prevalence of MS in the Argentine Republic, a systematic review of observational studies published during the period 1988-2014 was carried out. SEARCH STRATEGY: A bibliographic search was conducted in the MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature) databases on studies conducted in Argentina between January 1989 and December 2014. The following search terms were combined in English, Spanish and Portuguese: 'metabolic syndrome', 'insulin resistance', 'dysmetabolic syndrome', 'prevalence', 'epidemiology', and 'Argentina'. SELECTION OF STUDIES: Epidemiological studies based on the adult population of Argentina with specific report of the prevalence of MS (according to the WHO, ATP III or IDF criteria) were included in the analysis. SYNTHESIS RESULTS: In the initial bibliographic search, 400 publications were identified. In the second phase of search, 296 titles and abstracts were excluded. In the third phase, the full text of 104 studies was analyzed. Finally, 6 publications were included in the analysis that reported the prevalence of MS in a total of 10,191 subjects (39.6% male). The average age of the population was 45.2 years. The prevalence of MS (random effects model) was 27.5% (95% CI: 21.3%-34.1%). The prevalence of MS was higher in men than in women (29.4% vs. 27.4%, respectively, P=.02). In order of frequency, the most common components of MS were dyslipidaemia (38.3%), hypertension (33.4%), obesity (32.1%) and diabetes (7.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the prevalence of MS is high, which represents a very important public health problem in Argentina.

Novel 1,5-diphenylpyrazole nonnucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors with enhanced activity versus the delavirdine-resistant P236L mutant: lead identification and SAR of 3- and 4-substituted derivatives.

Through computationally directed broad screening, a novel 1, 5-diphenylpyrazole (DPP) class of HIV-1 nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) has been discovered. Compound 2 (PNU-32945) was found to have good activity versus wild-type (IC(50) = 2.3 microM) and delavirdine-resistant P236L (IC(50) = 1.1 microM) reverse transcriptase (RT). Also, PNU-32945 has an ED(50) for inhibition of viral replication in cell cultures of 0.1 microM and was shown to be noncytotoxic with a CC(50) > 10 microM. Structure-activity relationship studies on the 3- and 4-positions of PNU-32945 led to interesting selectivity and activity within the class. In particular, the 3-hydroxyethyl-4-ethyl congener 29 is a potent inhibitor of the P236L mutant (IC(50) = 0.65 microM), whereas it is essentially inactive versus the wild-type enzyme (IC(50) > 50 microM). Furthermore, this compound was significantly more active versus the P236L mutant than delavirdine. The synthesis and RT inhibitory activity of various 3- and 4-substituted analogues are discussed.

Pyrimidine thioethers: a novel class of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors with activity against BHAP-resistant HIV.

A series of pyrimidine thioethers was synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory properties against wild-type HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and an RT carrying the resistance-conferring mutation P236L. Modifications of both the pyrimidine and the functionality attached through the thioether yielded several analogues, which demonstrated activity against both enzyme types, with IC50 values as low as 190 nM against wild-type and 66 nM against P236L RT. Evaluation of a select number of pyrimidine thioethers in cell culture showed that these compounds have excellent activity against HIV-1IIIB-WT and retain good activity against a laboratory-derived HIV-1MF delavirdine-resistant variant.

Effect of dimethylsulfoxide on signal transduction in mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1. As the first part of a study of pesticide toxicity we report the effects of the solvent dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on signal transduction in mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 2. The enzymes of trehalose metabolism, which are activated and deactivated by a "glucose signal" and by heat shock treatment, were chosen as targets for this study. 3. DMSO was shown to be able to permeate glucose and cAMP. The effects of glucose and cAMP were enhanced by pre-incubating the cells in the presence of DMSO. 4. No effects were observed during the heat shock, suggesting that the solvent acts on the cell membrane. 5. The results suggest that DMSO may be used as a vehicle for small molecules which do not easily penetrate yeast cell membranes, thus providing a new tool for biochemical and toxicological studies.

Controlled air suspension: an advantage in burn care.

The clinical uses of the air-fluidized Clinitron therapy system and the air suspension KinAir bed are discussed based on a review of 31 patients. The risks of infection and high evaporative water loss on the air-fluidized bed are problems not associated with the air suspension bed. The clinical use of the air suspension bed is much simpler and safer for nursing personnel. The air suspension bed is indicated for patients with massive burn injuries, patients with deep burns of the back, obese burn patients, heavily infected burn patients, and debilitated patients.

Histological changes, rhinoscopical findings and nickel concentration in plasma and urine in retired nickel workers.

Histological examination of nasal biopsy specimens, rhinoscopical evaluation and nickel analysis in plasma and urine were performed on 59 retired nickel workers. The histological characteristics were graded according to a numerical classification table. Workers with short employment and short retirement time had a significantly lower mean histological scores than those with long employment and long retirement. Thirteen persons (22%) showed epithelial dysplasia, possibly representing precancerous lesions. Also included in the material were four cases of nasal carcinoma. Presence of hyperplastic/polypoid nasal mucosa was inversely related to the duration of retirement, possibly reflecting gradual regression of the mucosal swelling after termination of the irritation. The nickel concentration in plasma and urine was significantly higher among former roasting/smelting workers than in former electrolysis and non-process workers. This is probably a consequence of the slow release of heavy soluble nickel compounds that have accumulated in the organism at the former place of work.

[Aortic valve stenosis: transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) ­ transarterial or transapical approach]. / Aortenklappenstenosen: Kathetergestützte Aortenklappenimplantation (TAVI) ­ transarterieller oder transapikaler Zugang.

The calcified aortic stenosis is the dominating valve disease. Patients affected are most common elderly people in the 8 (th) or 9 (th) decade of their life who often show associated comorbidities like reduced left ventricular function, impaired renal function, pulmonary hypertension, and further diseases (Diabetes mellitus, stroke, COPD). In many cases perioperative morbidity and mortality are too high for surgical valve replacement and up to 30 % of patients are rejected. Nevertheless, prognosis of aortic stenosis is worse if the typical symptoms like dyspnea on exertion, syncope, and angina occur. The transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a new method treating this particular group of patients. The aortic valve bioprothesis consists of a balloon-expandable stent or a self-expandable frame, in which a valve of bovine or porcine pericardium is incorporated. The implantation is performed by retrograde access via the femoral or subclavian artery; the balloon-expandable prosthesis can also be implanted by transapical approach. Recently, the PARTNER trial and other studies demonstrate a high implantation success rate and better survival in comparison to standard therapy but exhibit also cerebral vascular and peripheral vascular complications. A further reduction of the available delivery systems and new types of valves which are under experimental tests and clinical evaluation contribute to this development.

[Protein and amino acid metabolism in the digestive tract of growing bull calves. 5. The amino acid flow into the duodenum]. / Untersuchungen zum Protein- und Aminosäurenumsatz im Verdauungstrakt bei wachsenden Jungbullen. 5. Mitteilung. Fluss von Aminosäuren ins Duodenum.

The flow of the individual amino acids (AA) into the duodenum was determined after the feeding of 28 different rations to young bulls supplied with duodenal re-entrant cannulae in the live weight range between 140 and 460 kg. The distribution of AA into AA of bacterial origin and AA from the feed was made by difference calculation between the AA at the duodenum (corrected by the endogenous AA quota) and the AA from the bacteria crude protein, with our own results based on a constant AA composition of the bacteria crude protein; by the regression analysis from relative values according to AAD/app. dig. org. m. = a + b AAF/app. dig. org. m. and by the regression analysis of the absolute values according to AAD = b1 app. dig. org. m. + b2 AAF showed the same results from the regression methods but deviating ones from the difference method. The calculation of the flow of the individual AA into the duodenum from the AA content of the ration and the content of app. dig. org. m. of the ration is possible. The equations derived for this purpose of the individual AA are given.

[Protein and amino acid metabolism in the digestive tract of growing bulls. 6. Apparent digestibility of the amino acids entering the duodenum and of amino acid from feed]. / Untersuchungen zum Protein- und Aminosäurenumsatz im Verdauungstrakt bei wachsenden Jungbullen. 6. Mitteilung. Scheinbare Verdaulichkeit der ins Duodenum gelangenden Aminosäuren und der Aminosäuren aus dem Futter.

After studies with young bulls provided with duodenal cannulas the apparent digestibility (AD) of the individual amino acids getting into the duodenum (AAD) was ascertained on the basis of 28 different rations. The AD of the AAD is defined as follows: AAD--AAfaeces/AAD X 100. The results thus obtained show a relative constancy, only insignificantly impaired by the consideration of the dependence of the AD of the AAD on the AA concentration in the ration. The average value for the AD of the sigma AAD was 72.5 +/- 4.9%. The dependence of the AD of the sigma AAD on the sigma AA concentration in the ration is: y = 67.8 + 0.51x +/- 4.6; r = 0.355x. In addition, the relation between AD AAD and AD AAfeed protein' each in % of AA intake and AA concentration in the ration, was studied and reported on.

[Protein and amino acid metabolism in the intestinal tract of growing young bulls. 7. Protein estimation and evaluation of protein supply in growing ruminants by the apparently digestible total protein in the duodenum based on rations]. / Untersuchungen zum Protein- und Aminosäurenumsatz im Verdauungstrakt bei wachsenden Jungbullen.

The following values were derived from experimental studies of the crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) metabolism of growing fattening bulls, the detailed results of which were described in installments 1-6, for the ascertainment of the content of apparently digestible total protein at the duodenum (ADTPD): a) partial method: Degradation quotaCP = NPN + 0.69 X g pure protein/CP; g AD feed PD = g CP (1 -decomposition quotaCP) X 0.72 or g AD feed PD = 0.31 X g pure protein X 0.72; g ADBPDE = 0.149 X g AD org. matter X 0.80 X 0.72 (ADBPDE = apparently digestible pure bacteria protein at the duodenum, dependent on energy release in the reticulo-rumen; g ADBPDN = g CP X (degradation quotaCP) X 0.80 X 0.72 (ADBPDN = apparently digestible pure bacteria protein at the duodenum, dependent on CP supply of rumen microbes); g AD total PD = g AD feed PD + ADBPDE g AD total PD = g AD feed PD + ADBPDN; b) summarizing method: AD total PD = 0.429 + 10.9 X 0.80/CP in % AD org. matter X (CP intake) X 0.72; AD total PD = 0.196 + 16.6 X 0.80/pure protein % AD org. m. X pure pr. intake X 0.72. The requirement of AD total PD was calculated under consideration of the endogenous urine N, skin N and hair N losses as well as protein retention per kg live weight assuming a utilization of 0.70 for this partial performance. The practical application of this balance method is demonstrated in comparison to the digestible CP-system.

[Energy and protein concentration of broiler rations in Cuba. 2. Female broilers in winter]. / Untersuchungen zur Energie- und Proteinkonzentration von Broilerrationen in Kuba. 2. Mitteilung. Weibliche Broiler im Winter.

Four energy concentrations (10.5, 11.5, 12.6 and 13.6 MJ ME) and four protein concentrations (15.0, 17.5, 20.0 and 22.5% CP) were tested with a total of 1,900 female broilers of the breed White Plymouth Rock in their first 56 days of life in 16 experiment groups. The animals were kept in cages and were directly exposed to the natural Cuban winter temperatures from their 15th day of life. As six repetitions were carried out in every test group, the results could be variance-analytically calculated. In winter the female broilers of the breed White Plymouth showed a lower intake of feed, metabolic energy and crude protein than male animals. They achieved a lower live weight, lower amount of body protein and fat and worse feed, protein and energy utilisation. Possibilities are shown to meet the crude protein and energy requirement in monophase feeding systems with 11.5 MJ ME and 20% CP or with 12.6 MJ ME and 17.5 or 20% CP.

[The feed value of pasto estrella (Cynodon nlemfuensis) of Panamanian origin in Cuba. 2. Relation of easily determined parameters of feed value and the digestibility of organic substances]. / Untersuchungen zum Futterwert von pasto estrella (Cynodon nlemfuensis) panamaischer Herkunft in Kuba. 2. Mitteilung. Beziehungen zwischen einfach zu bestimmenden Parametern des Futterwertes und der Verdaulichkeit der organischen Substanz.

The relations between nutrient content and the digestibility of the organic matter (DOM) was to be studied in the tropical grass pasto estrella p. (Cynodon nlemfuensis) in order to draw conclusions as to the causes of changes of the feed value and to estimate DOM with the help of easily determinable parameters. Comparative studies of cellulase solubility from the organic matter also served this purpose. Grass samples from three continuous digestibility studies were used as test material. There is a strong negative dependence of DOM on the content of cell wall substances (crude fibre, lignin) which is characterized by regression coefficients (-1.68, -4.00). Due to a low average protein content changes in the crude protein content had a particularly positive influence on DOM. Regression equations are recommended for the estimation of DOM, the content of metabolizable energy and NEFUcattle from the content of crude fibre, lignin, crude protein and cellulase solubility of the organic matter (biostatistical residual dispersion = 2.1-2.3% DOM; 0.35-0.36 MJ metabolizable energy or 0.2-0.21 MJ NEFUcattle).

[The energy and protein concentration of broiler rations in Cuba. 3. Male broilers in the summer]. / Untersuchungen zur Energie- und Proteinkonzentration von Broilerrationen in Kuba. 3. Mitteilung. Männliche Broiler im Sommer.

A total of 1,900 male broilers of the variety White Plymouth Rock was tested with 4 energy concentrations (10.5, 11.5, 12.6 and 13.6 MJ metabolizable energy/kg) and 4 protein concentrations (15.0, 17.5, 20.0 and 22.5% CP) in their first 56 days of life in 16 test groups. The animals were kept in cages and were directly exposed to the natural Cuban summer temperatures from their 15th day of life onwards. As every test group was run with 6 repetitions, the results could be variance analytically calculated. In a comparison of the behaviour of the male animals in winter and in summer it can be stated that the animals took in between 3.4 and 25% more feed in winter than in summer. In general, a lower body protein and body fat amount could be found in all test groups in summer compared to that in winter. Feed expenditure and the utilization of energy and protein were not as good as in winter. It could be shown that both maximum live weight and live weight gain can be achieved in the 2nd fattening period in the Cuban summer if rations containing 12.6 MJ metabolizable energy and 20% CP are fed in a one-phase feeding system.

[Energy and protein concentration of broiler rations in Cuba. 4. Female broilers in the summer]. / Untersuchungen zur Energie- und Proteinkonzentration von Broilerrationen in Kuba. 4. Mitteilung. Weibliche Broiler im Sommer.

A total of 1,900 female broilers of the variety White Plymouth Rock was tested with 4 energy concentrations (10.5, 11.5, 12.6 and 13.6 MJ metabolizable energy/kg feed) and 4 protein concentrations (15.0, 17.5, 20.0 and 22.5% CP) in their first 56 days of life in 16 test groups. The animals were kept in cages and were directly exposed to the natural Cuban summer temperatures from their 15th day of life onwards. As every test group was run with 6 repetitions, the results could be variance analytically calculated. In a comparison of male and female broilers in summer one can state that the female animals achieved a lower intake of feed, energy and crude protein as well as a lower live weight than the male animals. In winter the female broilers consumed between 15.7 and 36.4% more feed and achieved a live weight gain between 11.1 and 43% higher than in summer. It could be shown that the maximum live weight of the female broilers could be achieved in summer if rations containing 12.6 MJ metabolizable energy and 20% CP are fed in a one-phase feeding system.