Impact of the combined effect of seawater exposure with wastewater and Fe2O3 nanoparticles on Chlorella vulgaris microalgae growth, lipid content, biochar, and bio-oil production.

Microalgae is one the promising source of energy for the production of biofuel and other value-added products to replace the existing conventional fossil fuels. However, low lipid content and poor cell harvesting are the key challenges. Based on the growth conditions the lipid productivity will be affected. The current study examines the mixtures of both wastewater and NaCl on the microalgae growth was studied. The microalgae used for conducting the tests were Chlorella vulgaris microalgae. Mixtures of the wastewater was prepared under the different concentrations of the seawater, classified as S0%, S20%, and S40%. The growth of microalgae was studied in the presence of these mixtures, and the addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles was included to stimulate the growth. The results showed that increasing the salinity in the wastewater resulted in decreased biomass production, but significantly increased lipid content compared to S0%. The highest lipid content was recorded at S40%N with 21.2%. The Highest lipid productivity was also witnessed for S40% with 45.6 mg/Ld. The cell diameter was also found to increase with increasing salinity content in the wastewater. The addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the seawater was found to enhance the productivity of the microalgae extensively, resulting in 9.2% and 6.15% increased lipid content and lipid productivity respectively compared to conventional cases. However, the inclusion of the nanoparticles slightly increased the zeta potential of microalgal colloids, with no noticeable effects on the cell diameter or bio-oil yields. Based on these findings, Chlorella vulgaris was identified as a suitable candidate for treating wastewater with high salinity exposure.

New markers for sepsis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa during burn infection.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in burn patients. One of the major causes of sepsis in burn patients is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We hypothesized that during dissemination from infected burn wounds and subsequent sepsis, P. aeruginosa affects the metabolome of the blood resulting in changes to specific metabolites that would serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis of sepsis caused by P. aeruginosa. OBJECTIVES: To identify specific biomarkers in the blood after sepsis caused by P. aeruginosa infection of burns. METHODS: Gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to compare the serum metabolome of mice that were thermally injured and infected with P. aeruginosa (B-I) to that of mice that were neither injured nor infected, mice that were injured but not infected, and mice that were infected but not injured. RESULTS: Serum levels of 19 metabolites were significantly increased in the B-I group compared to controls while levels of eight metabolites were significantly decreased. Thymidine, thymine, uridine, and uracil (related to pyrimidine metabolism), malate and succinate (a possible sign of imbalance in the tricarboxylic acid cycle), 5-oxoproline (related to glutamine and glutathione metabolism), and trans-4-hydroxyproline (a major component of the protein collagen) were increased. Products of amino acid metabolism were significantly decreased in the B-I group, including methionine, tyrosine, indole-3-acetate, and indole-3-propionate. CONCLUSION: In all, 26 metabolites were identified, including a unique combination of five metabolites (trans-4-hydroxyproline, 5-oxoproline, glycerol-3-galactoside, indole-3-acetate, and indole-3-propionate) that could serve as a set of biomarkers for early diagnosis of sepsis caused by P. aeruginosa in burn patients.

C3d-positive donor-specific antibodies have a role in pretransplant risk stratification of cross-match-positive HLA-incompatible renal transplantation: United Kingdom multicentre study.

Anti-HLA-antibody characteristics aid to risk-stratify patients and improve long-term renal graft outcomes. Complement activation by donor-specific antibody (DSA) is an important characteristic that may determine renal allograft outcome. There is heterogeneity in graft outcomes within the moderate to high immunological risk cases (cross-match-positive). We explored the role of C3d-positive DSAs in sub-stratification of cross-match-positive cases and relate to the graft outcomes. We investigated 139 cross-match-positive living-donor renal transplant recipients from four transplant centres in the United Kingdom. C3d assay was performed on serum samples obtained at pretreatment (predesensitization) and Day 14 post-transplant. C3d-positive DSAs were found in 52 (37%) patients at pretreatment and in 37 (27%) patients at Day 14 post-transplant. Median follow-up of patients was 48 months (IQR 20.47-77.57). In the multivariable analysis, pretreatment C3d-positive DSA was independently associated with reduced overall graft survival, the hazard ratio of 3.29 (95% CI 1.37-7.86). The relative risk of death-censored five-year graft failure was 2.83 (95% CI 1.56-5.13). Patients with both pretreatment and Day 14 C3d-positive DSAs had the worst five-year graft survival at 45.5% compared with 87.2% in both pretreatment and Day 14 C3d-negative DSA patients with the relative risk of death-censored five-year graft failure was 4.26 (95% CI 1.79, 10.09). In this multicentre study, we have demonstrated for the first time the utility of C3d analysis as a distinctive biomarker to sub-stratify the risk of poor graft outcome in cross-match-positive living-donor renal transplantation.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Nardostachys jatamansi and evaluation of its anti-biofilm effect against classical colonizers.

In this communication, we present the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using medicinally important Nardostachys jatamansi rhizome extract in the presence of sunlight. UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were employed to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. UV-visible spectroscopic studies confirmed the presence of biosynthesized AgNPs. Transmission Electron Microscopic studies revealed the structure of spherical AgNPs in the diameter range of 10-15 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis and elemental mapping clearly confirmed the presence of silver in AgNPs samples. Interestingly, biomolecules functionalised AgNPs exhibited a remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities and hence biosynthesized AgNPs from N. jatamansi can be used as a promising biomaterial for biomedical applications.

Optical, Magnetic and Photocatalytic Activity Studies of Li, Mg and Sr Doped and Undoped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles of Li, Mg and Sr doped and undoped zinc oxide was prepared by simple precipitation method. The structural, optical, and magnetic properties of the samples were investigated by the Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultra-violet Visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) spectra, Photoluminescence (PL) and Vibrational Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The Powder X-ray diffraction data confirm the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure of all doped and undoped ZnO. The SEM photograph reveals that the pores availability and particles size in the range of 10 nm-50 nm. FTIR and UV-Visible spectra results confirm the incorporation of the dopant into the ZnO lattice nanostructure. The UV-Visible spectra indicate that the shift of blue region (lower wavelength) due to bandgap widening. Photoluminescence intensity varies with doping due to the increase of oxygen vacancies in prepared ZnO. The pure ZnO exist paramagnetic while doped (Li, Mg and Sr) ZnO exist ferromagnetic property. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared sample also carried out in detail.

Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Development of Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis disorders, but the identification of therapeutic targets to effectively prevent OA has been increasingly difficult. The goal of this investigation is to provide experimental evidence that discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) may be an ideal target for the development of disease-modifying OA drugs. Ddr2 was conditionally deleted from articular cartilage of adult mouse knee joints. Aggrecan-CreERT2;floxed Ddr2 mice, which were generated by crossing Aggrecan-CreERT2 mice with floxed Ddr2 mice, then received tamoxifen injections at the age of 8 weeks. The mice were then subjected to destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. At 8 and 16 weeks after DMM, mice were euthanized for the collection of knee joints. In a separate experiment, Aggrecan-CreERT2;floxed Ddr2 mice were subjected to DMM at the age of 10 weeks. The mice then received tamoxifen injections at 8 weeks after DMM. The mice were euthanized for the collection of knee joints at 16 weeks after DMM. The progressive process of articular cartilage degeneration was significantly delayed in the knee joints of Ddr2-deficient mice in comparison to their control littermates. Articular cartilage damage in the knee joints of the mice was associated with increased expression profiles of both Ddr2 and matrix metalloproteinase 13. These findings suggest that DDR2 may be an ideal target for the development of disease-modifying OA drugs.

Optimization of Human Semen Extender Components for Cryopreservation Using Statistical Tools.

　　BACKGROUND: Human sperm cell preservation is an important part of assisted reproductive technology (ART). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find the essential and significant components in semen preservation extender required to prolong the shelf life of human spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By using the statistical tool 'Plackett-Burman design' the significant components present in E4 extender (formulated in our previous study) was determined by reducing the unacceptable large number of trial experiments from the full factorial method. RESULTS: It was found that vitamin E, taurine and vitamin C were highly significant in maintaining the stability of sperm cells; and egg yolk, vitamin C and glucose were highly significant in sustaining the motility of the sperm cells. R2 values for the models were 0.9950 and 0.9960 respectively. In the optimized E4 extender 75 % and 81 % of the total motility was retained by the sperm cells from infertile and fertile samples respectively after cryopreservation. Also an increase in zeta potential was observed indicating a reduction in stability in both fertile and infertile sample (4 % and 18 % respectively) after cryopreservation in E4 medium, which was much less when compared with the sample preserved only with glycerol as cryoprotectant (11 % and 69 % for infertile and fertile samples respectively). CONCLUSION: The major components present in E4 semen extender was successfully optimized for further use.

Reduced Cardiovascular Reserve in Chronic Kidney Failure: A Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney failure (CKF) experience impaired functional cardiovascular reserve with reduced oxygen consumption at peak exercise (VO(2peak)). No studies have examined whether this is related to impaired cardiovascular compliance as a consequence of loss of adaptive structural alterations, resulting from chronic uremia or hypertension. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective matched-cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: We assessed CKF in parallel with patients with essential hypertension but without cardiovascular disease. Patients with CKF were either scheduled for kidney transplantation or transplant waitlisted. 80 patients with CKF and 80 with essential hypertension matched in age, sex, and body mass index were evaluated. 61 patients with CKF (76.3%) were dialysis dependent. PREDICTOR: CKF versus essential hypertension without cardiovascular disease. MEASUREMENTS & OUTCOMES: VO(2peak) was measured during maximal exercise testing. 2-dimensional echocardiography and arterial applanation tonometry were performed prior to exercise testing. To evaluate for the difference in VO(2peak) between study groups, statistically significant predictors of VO(2peak) in multiple regression models were additionally assessed by fitting models comprising the interaction term of patient group with the predictor variable of interest. RESULTS: VO(2peak) was significantly lower in patients with CKF than those with essential hypertension (18.8 vs 24.5 mL/min·kg; P<0.001). Independent predictors of VO(2peak) for CKF included left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (E/mean e'; unstandardized regression coefficient: change in VO(2peak) [in mL/min·kg] per 1-unit change of variable = -5.1) and pulse wave velocity (-4.0); in essential hypertension, these were LV mass index (0.2), LV end-diastolic volume index (0.4), peak heart rate (0.2), and pulse wave velocity (-8.8). The interaction effect of VO(2peak) between patient groups with LV mass index (P<0.001), LV end-diastolic volume index (P<0.001), and peak heart rate (P<0.01) were significantly stronger in the hypertension group, whereby higher values led to greater VO(2peak). LIMITATIONS: Skeletal muscle strength was not assessed. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that maladaptive LV changes, as well as blunted chronotropic response, are important mechanistic factors resulting in reduced cardiovascular reserve in patients with CKF, beyond predominantly vascular changes associated with hypertension.

Peripheral Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor- Diagnostic Challenge in a Gingival Epulis: Report of a Case with Update of all Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Cases Reported in English Literature.

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT), a variant of the calcifying odontogenic cyst, is considered to be a benign epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasm containing aberrant epithelial keratinization, ghost cells, and spherical calcifications. While there can be peripheral and central variants of this entity, the extraosseous type is rarer and usually innocuous in its clinical presentation. The aim of this article is to report a case of peripheral DGCT on the maxillary anterior region in a 14-year-old female evolving for 5 years and to emphasize the importance of histopathologic examination of gingival growths to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. A compilation of all reported cases in the English literature till date with details on the site, size, age sex, symptoms radiographic features, treatment follow-up, and recurrences has been attempted for better understanding of the biologic nature of this rare neoplasm.

Masquerading Spitz naevi on the upper lip: A case report with a brief review of the literature.

In a scenario where there is an increased incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in younger age groups, the diagnosis of pseudo-malignant lesions that mimic the histopathology of a moderate or even high-grade carcinoma becomes imperative for oral pathologists. Though paediatric malignancies such as melanomas and thyroid carcinomas and even OSCCs have been reported in young children, they are rare in the pre-pubertal age group. Melanocytic naevi such as Spitz naevi (SNs) or atypical SNs is, however, more common in this age group and could create some difficulty in diagnosis due to its histological variations that could mimic a malignancy. Hence, the need for a cautious correlation between clinical and histopathological features becomes manifold. Adjunct tools that use diagnostic and molecular techniques such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) help in diagnosis and in differentiating certain types of SNs from Spitzoid melanomas or melanomas. A case that histopathologically resembled a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma without any evidence of melanocytic content proved to be a melanocytic naevus after clinical correlation of both age and immunohistochemical analysis. This case report with review brings to light the importance of being aware of such pseudo-malignant lesions in our daily practice.

Look at Grandma! Joint visual attention over video chat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social interactions are crucial for many aspects of development. One developmentally important milestone is joint visual attention (JVA), or shared attention between child and adult on an object, person, or event. Adults support infants' development of JVA by structuring the input they receive, with the goal of infants learning to use JVA to communicate. When family members are separated from the infants in their lives, video chat sessions between children and distant relatives allow for shared back-and-forth turn taking interaction across the screen, but JVA is complicated by screen mediation. During video chat, when a participant is looking or pointing at the screen to something in the other person's environment, there is no line of sight that can be followed to their object of focus. Sensitive caregivers in the remote and local environment with the infant may be able to structure interactions to support infants in using JVA to communicate across screens. We observed naturalistic video chat interactions longitudinally from 50 triads (infant, co-viewing parent, remote grandmother). Longitudinal growth models showed that JVA rate changes with child age (4 to 20 months). Furthermore, grandmother sensitivity predicted JVA rate and infant attention. More complex sessions (sessions involving more people, those with a greater proportion of across-screen JVA, and those where infants initiated more of the JVA) resulted in lower amounts of JVA-per-minute, and evidence of family-level individual differences emerged in all models. We discuss the potential of video chat to enhance communication for separated families in the digital world.

Changing sleep patterns and anxiety due to Covid-19 home confinement among working population: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic took the entire world unawares and people were forced to stay indoors overnight. Due to this a drastic change ensued in lifestyle with many succumbing to various kinds of stresses and psychological problems. This study aims to study the changing sleep patterns and level of anxiety among the working population due to the COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown. Methodology: An online survey was conducted using a cloud-based website. The sleep patterns both prior to and during the lockdown period of the pandemic were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. The level of anxiety during both these periods (before and during lockdown) amongst the working population was also assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scores (GADS). Results: A total of 224 individuals participated in the study of which 52.7% were males and 47.3% were females. On analysis, the lifestyle and sleep deprivation scores showed that before the lockdown only 2.7% reported a low score out of total participants. However, this number was raised to 13.4% during the lockdown. The percentage of people reporting deteriorated sleep quality gradually increased with females reporting moderate to severe category of Generalized Anxiety Disorder scores as compared to Males. Conclusion: The study suggests that there has been a significant change in the sleep quality of the study participants due to Covid enforced lockdown which if unnoticed might lead to significant health problems. The effective use of programs like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, if followed timely could reduce psychological distress to some extent.

DeepCompNet: A Novel Neural Net Model Compression Architecture.

The emergence of powerful deep learning architectures has resulted in breakthrough innovations in several fields such as healthcare, precision farming, banking, education, and much more. Despite the advantages, there are limitations in deploying deep learning models in resource-constrained devices due to their huge memory size. This research work reports an innovative hybrid compression pipeline for compressing neural networks exploiting the untapped potential of z-score in weight pruning, followed by quantization using DBSCAN clustering and Huffman encoding. The proposed model has been experimented with state-of-the-art LeNet Deep Neural Network architectures using the standard MNIST and CIFAR datasets. Experimental results prove the compression performance of DeepCompNet by 26x without compromising the accuracy. The synergistic blend of the compression algorithms in the proposed model will ensure effortless deployment of neural networks leveraging DL applications in memory-constrained devices.

A comparison of the pitfall trap, Winkler extractor and Berlese funnel for sampling ground-dwelling arthropods in tropical montane cloud forests.

Little is known about the ground-dwelling arthropod diversity in tropical montane cloud forests (TMCF). Due to unique habitat conditions in TMCFs with continuously wet substrates and a waterlogged forest floor along with the innate biases of the pitfall trap, Berlese funnel and Winkler extractor are certain to make it difficult to choose the most appropriate method to sample the ground-dwelling arthropods in TMCFs. Among the three methods, the Winkler extractor was the most efficient method for quantitative data and pitfall trapping for qualitative data for most groups. Inclusion of floatation method as a complementary method along with the Winkler extractor would enable a comprehensive quantitative survey of ground-dwelling arthropods. Pitfall trapping is essential for both quantitative and qualitative sampling of Diplopoda, Opiliones, Orthoptera, and Diptera. The Winkler extractor was the best quantitative method for Psocoptera, Araneae, Isopoda, and Formicidae; and the Berlese funnel was best for Collembola and Chilopoda. For larval forms of different insect orders and the Acari, all the three methods were equally effective.

Peripheral adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of mandible - A synchronous presentation or a subtype?!

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) with its unique and varied presentations histologically and clinically has always been an enigma. AOTs are multifaceted in their appearance with reports pointing out to its occurrence as a synchronous tumor, a purely cystic variant or with multiple foci; however, the three commonly encountered forms are Follicular/Coronal, Extra Follicular/Extra Coronal and Peripheral variants. Here, we present a subtype of the Peripheral AOT (PAOT) seen synchronous with an intraosseous cystic variant of AOT in a 16-year-old female in the anterior mandible. This case is unique in that a PAOT occurring adjacent to a focally aggressive intraosseous cystic AOT (not associated with impacted tooth) could either be synchronous with no connection to the intraosseous component or could actually be an erupted intraosseous cystic variant with peripheral manifestation. Features of cortical expansion, perforation and displacement of teeth without resorption were seen. Histologically, all the classical features of AOT along with abundant eosinophilic amorphous fibrinous deposits, cellular vacuolization, clearing of cells, dystrophic and reactive bone formation and a cystic lining were seen. Thus, this case of PAOT would add to the myriad presentation of AOT making it one of the most often discussed odontogenic tumor.

A review of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): based on genomic structure, phylogeny, current shreds of evidence, candidate vaccines, and drug repurposing.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is instigated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of March 13, 2021, more than 118.9 million cases were infected with COVID-19 worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA beta-CoV. Most COVID-19 infected individuals recover within 1-3 weeks. Nevertheless, approximately 5% of patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome and other systemic complications, leading to death. Structural genetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 have shown genomic resemblances but a low evolutionary correlation to SARS-CoV-1 responsible for the 2002-2004 outbreak. The S glycoprotein is critical for cell adhesion and the entrance of the virus into the host. The process of cell entry uses the cellular receptor named angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Recent evidence proposed that the CD147 as a SARS-CoV-2's potential receptor. The viral genome is mainly held by two non-structural proteins (NSPs), ORF1a and ORF1ab, along with structural proteins. Although NSPs are conserved among the ßCoVs, mutations in NSP2 and NSP3 may play critical roles in transmitting the virus and cell tropism. To date, no specific/targeted anti-viral treatments exist. Notably, more than 50 COVID-19 candidate vaccines in clinical trials, and a few being administered. Preventive precautions are the primary strategy to limit the viral load transmission and spread, emphasizing the urgent need for developing significant drug targets and vaccines against COVID-19. This review provides a cumulative overview of the genomic structure, transmission, phylogeny of SARS-CoV-2 from Indian clusters, treatment options, updated discoveries, and future standpoints for COVID-19. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02749-0.

Solvothermal-assisted green synthesis of hybrid Chi-Fe3O4 nanocomposites: a potential antibacterial and antibiofilm material.

In this present study, a hybrid Chi-Fe3O4 was prepared, characterised and evaluated for its antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus marcescens bacterial pathogens. Intense peak around 260 nm in the ultraviolet-visible spectrum specify the formation of magnetite nanoparticles. Spherical-shaped particles with less agglomeration and particle size distribution of 3.78-46.40 nm were observed using transmission electron microscopy analysis and strong interaction of chitosan with the surface of magnetite nanoparticles was studied using field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM). X-ray diffraction analysis exhibited the polycrystalline and spinel structure configuration of the nanocomposite. Presence of Fe and O, C and Cl elements were confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis showed the reduction and formation of Chi-Fe3O4 nanocomposite. The antibacterial activity by deformation of the bacterial cell walls on treatment with Chi-Fe3O4 nanocomposite and its interaction was visualised using FESEM and the antibiofilm activity was determined using antibiofilm assay. In conclusion, this present study shows the green synthesis of Chi-Fe3O4 nanocomposite and evaluation of its antibacterial and antibiofilm potential, proving its significance in medical and biological applications.

Cardiovascular Functional Reserve Before and After Kidney Transplant.

Importance: Restitution of kidney function by transplant confers a survival benefit in patients with end-stage renal disease. Investigations of mechanisms involved in improved cardiovascular survival have relied heavily on static measures from echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and have provided conflicting results to date. Objectives: To evaluate cardiovascular functional reserve in patients with end-stage renal disease before and after kidney transplant and to assess functional and morphologic alterations of structural-functional dynamics in this population. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective, nonrandomized, single-center, 3-arm, controlled cohort study, the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Renal Failure and After Kidney Transplantation (CAPER) study, included patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) who underwent kidney transplant (KTR group), patients with stage 5 CKD who were wait-listed and had not undergone transplant (NTWC group), and patients with hypertension only (HTC group) seen at a single center from April 1, 2010, to January 1, 2013. Patients were followed up longitudinally for up to 1 year after kidney transplant. Clinical data collection was completed February 2014. Data analysis was performed from June 1, 2014, to March 5, 2015. Further analysis on baseline and prospective data was performed from June 1, 2017, to July 31, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cardiovascular functional reserve was objectively quantified using state-of-the-art cardiopulmonary exercise testing in parallel with transthoracic echocardiography. Results: Of the 253 study participants (mean [SD] age, 48.5 [12.7] years; 141 [55.7%] male), 81 were in the KTR group, 85 in the NTWC group, and 87 in the HTC group. At baseline, mean (SD) maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) was significantly lower in the CKD groups (KTR, 20.7 [5.8] mL · min-1 · kg-1; NTWC, 18.9 [4.7] mL · min-1 · kg-1) compared with the HTC group (24.9 [7.1] mL · min-1 · kg-1) (P < .001). Mean (SD) cardiac left ventricular mass index was higher in patients with CKD (KTR group, 104.9 [36.1] g/m2; NTWC group, 113.8 [37.7] g/m2) compared with the HTC group (87.8 [16.9] g/m2), (P < .001). Mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in the patients with CKD (KTR group, 60.1% [8.6%]; NTWC group, 61.4% [8.9%]) compared with the HTC group (66.1% [5.9%]) (P < .001). Kidney transplant was associated with a significant improvement in V̇O2max in the KTR group at 12 months (22.5 [6.3] mL · min-1 · kg-1; P < .001), but the value did not reach the V̇O2max in the HTC group (26.0 [7.1] mL · min-1 · kg-1) at 12 months. V̇O2max decreased in the NTWC group at 12 months compared with baseline (17.7 [4.1] mL · min-1 · kg-1, P < .001). Compared with the KTR group (63.2% [6.8%], P = .02) or the NTWC group (59.3% [7.6%], P = .003) at baseline, transplant was significantly associated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction at 12 months but not with left ventricular mass index. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings suggest that kidney transplant is associated with improved cardiovascular functional reserve after 1 year. In addition, cardiopulmonary exercise testing was sensitive enough to detect a decline in cardiovascular functional reserve in wait-listed patients with CKD. Improved V̇O2max may in part be independent from structural alterations of the heart and depend more on ultrastructural changes after reversal of uremia.

Application of Lactobacillus gasseri 63 AM supernatant to Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected wounds prevents sepsis in murine models of thermal injury and dorsal excision.

Introduction. Severely burned patients are susceptible to bacterial infection within their burn wounds, which frequently leads to sepsis, multiple organ failure and death. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an organism inherently resistant to multiple antibiotics, is a common cause of sepsis in these patients.Aim. Development of a topical treatment unrelated to conventional antibiotics is essential for prevention of P. aeruginosa infection and sepsis, leading to a role for the direct application of probiotics or their by-products.Methodology. We examined the effectiveness of 20× concentrated supernatant from Lactobacillus gasseri strain 63 AM (LgCS) grown in de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe broth in inhibiting P. aeruginosa biofilms in vitro, as well as in reducing wound bioburden and P. aeruginosa sepsis in vivo.Results. LgCS inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa strain PAO1, prevented its biofilm development and eliminated partially developed PAO1 biofilms. In the murine model of thermal injury, a single injection of LgCS following injury and PAO1 infection reduced mortality to 0 % and prevented systemic spread (sepsis). Furthermore, a second injection of LgCS 24 h after the first eliminated PAO1 from the wound. In the murine dorsal excision infection model, either LgCS or ceftazidime treatment of the PAO1-infected wound significantly reduced the mortality rate among infected mice, while combining LgCS with ceftazidime eliminated mortality.Conclusion. These results suggest the potential of LgCS in preventing sepsis from P. aeruginosa infection in severely burned and other immunocompromised patients.