Decomposition of amyloid fibrils by NIR-active upconversion nanoparticles.

We demonstrate amyloid fibril (AF) decomposition induced by NIR-active upconversion nanoparticles complexed with photosensitisers. The process is triggered by upconversion, which initiates a photochemical reaction cascade that culminates in the generation of the highly reactive singlet-oxygen product 1O2 close to the amyloid superstructures, resulting in AF decomposition.

Late-onset invasive group B Streptococcal infection with serotype VIII in a neonate having congenital biliary atresia.

A female newborn was admitted to our department 15 days after birth for insufficient sucking and jaundice. The patient's blood and urine cultures were both positive for group B streptococcal (GBS) infection. A maternal vaginal sample at 35 weeks' gestation was negative for GBS in culture-based microbiologic screening. The patient recovered shortly after receiving systemic antibiotic therapy. On the basis of clinical evidence of white stool and progressive jaundice, we suspected that the newborn had complications related to congenital biliary atresia (CBA); surgery was performed. Isolates from the mother's vaginal sample obtained when the patient was 25 days old, along with neonatal blood, revealed identical patterns (serotype VIII and sequence type 1) of GBS capsular and multilocus sequence typing, suggestive of maternal transmission. Molecular epidemiologic examination may be useful to clarify the transmission route and etiology; culture-based microbiologic screening appears to have limitations for detecting the route of transmission.

Clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in the 2010 epidemic season: report of two cases with unusual presentations.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is one of the main pathogens causing community-acquired pneumonia, particularly in young individuals. Host immune response appears to play an important role in prolonged symptoms, as well as in the recent increasing prevalence of drug-resistant Mp isolated from patients. Case 1 had a prolonged clinical course caused by drug-resistant Mp and received steroid therapy despite Mp susceptibility to some antimicrobial agents. Serum cytokine profiles revealed elevation of interleukin-6/-10 and interferon-γ in acute phase. Case 2 had mycoplasmal myocarditis without any respiratory symptoms, which resolved spontaneously without the administration of any antimicrobial agent. These observations suggest that host immune response probably contributes to the etiology of Mp-associated complications.