Microbe Hunters Revisited – Paul de Kruif and the Beginning of Popular Science Writing

Paul de Kruif is credited with being one of the first popular science writers for the general public. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1916 and worked at the Rockefeller Institute under Simon Flexner. After being fired in 1922 for publishing a scathing article on medical research, de Kruif caught the attention of Sinclair Lewis, who used his scientific background to write his Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Arrowsmith. In 1926, de Kruif published Microbe Hunters which recounted the exploits and discoveries of 14 renowned microbiologists from von Leeuwenhoek to Pasteur, Ross, Paul Ehrlich and Walter Reed. Microbe Hunters became a best seller, was translated into 18 languages, and formed the basis of two Hollywood movies, "Yellow Jack" and "The Magic Bullet." Generations of young readers were captivated by the vivid protrayal of these men and their discoveries.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with acute leukemia: Prevalence, incidence, recurrence of thrombosis, risk factors, and impact on survival

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is the third most preventable cardiovascular disease and a growing public health problem in the United States. The incidence of VTE remains high with an annual estimate of more than 600,000 symptomatic events. DVT affects an estimated 2 million American each year with a death toll of 300,000 persons per year from DVT-related PE. Leukemia patients are at high risk for both hemorrhage and thrombosis; however, little is known about thrombosis among acute leukemia patients. The ultimate goal of this dissertation was to obtain deep understanding of thrombotic issue among acute leukemia patients. The dissertation was presented in a format of three papers. First paper mainly looked at distribution and risk factors associated with development of VTE among patients with acute leukemia prior to leukemia treatment. Second paper looked at incidence, risk factors, and impact of VTE on survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during treatment. Third paper looked at recurrence and risk factors for VTE recurrence among acute leukemia patients with an initial episode of VTE. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test, median test, Mann-Whitney test, logistic regression analysis, Nonparametric Estimation Kaplan-Meier with a log-rank test or Cox model were used when appropriate. Results from analyses indicated that acute leukemia patients had a high prevalence, incidence, and recurrent rate of VTE. Prior history of VTE, obesity, older age, low platelet account, presence of Philadelphia positive ALL, use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, presence of malignancies, and co-morbidities may place leukemia patients at an increased risk for VTE development or recurrence. Interestingly, development of VTE was not associated with a higher risk of death among hospitalized acute leukemia patients.^

Correlation of blood type with thrombosis in pancreatic cancer patients

Objective: The study aimed to identify the risk factors involved in initiating thromboembolism (TE) in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients, with focus on ABO blood type. ^ Methods and Patients: There were 35.7% confirmed cases of TE and 64.3% cases remained free of TE (n=687). There were 12.7% only Pulmonary embolism (PE), 9% only Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 53.5% only other sites, 3.3% combined PE and DVT, 8.6% combined PE and other sites, 9.8% combined DVT and other sites, and 3.3% all three combined cases. ^ Results: The risk factors for thrombosis identified by multivariate logistic regression were: history of previous anti-thrombotic treatment, tumor site in pancreatic body or tail, large tumor size, maximum glucose category more than 126 and 200 mg/dL. ^ The factors with worse overall survival by multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan Meier analyses were: locally advanced or metastatic stage, worsening performance status, high CA 19-9 levels, and HbA1C levels more than 6 %, at diagnosis. ^ There were 29.1% and 39.1% of the patients with thrombosis in the O and non-O blood type groups respectively. Both Non-O blood type (P=0.02) and the A, B and AB blood types (P= 0.007) were associated with thrombosis as compared to O type. The odds of thrombosis were nearly half in O blood type patients as compared to non-O blood type [OR-0.54 (95% C.I.- 0.37-0.79), P<0.001]. ^ Conclusion: A better understanding of the TE and PC relationship and involved risk factors may provide insights on tumor biology and patient response to prophylactic anticoagulation therapy.^

Illustrated Catalogue of Standard Surgical Instruments and Allied Lines

Section "A": Dissecting and Post-Mortem Instruments Diagnostic Instruments and Apparatus Microscopes and Microscopic Accessories Laboratory Apparatus and Glass Ware Apparatus for Blood and Urine Analysis Apparatus for Phlebotomy, Cupping and Leeching Apparatus for Infusion and Transfusion Syringes for Aspiration and Injection Osteological Preparations Section "B": Anaesthetic, General Operating, Osteotomy, Trepanning, Bullet, Pocket Case, Cautery, Ligatures, Sutures, Dressings, Etc. Section "B" continued Section "C": Eye, Ear, Nasal, Dermal, Oral, Tonsil, Tracheal, Laryngeal,Esophageal, Stomach, Intestinal, Gall Bladder Section "C": continued Section "D": Rectal, Phimosis, Prostatic, Vesical, Urethral, Ureteral, Instruments Section "E": Gynecic, Hysterectomy, Obstetrical, Instrument Satchels, Medicine Cases Section "F": Electric Cautery Transformers, Electro-Cautery Burners and Accessories, Electric Current Controllers, Electro-Diagnostic Outfits, Electrolysis Instruments Electro-Therapeutic Lamps, Faradic Batteries, Galvanic Batteries Section "G": Office Furniture, Office Sterilizing Apparatus, Hospital Supplies, Surgical Rubber Goods, Sick Room Utensils, Invalid Rolling Chairs, Invalid Supplies Section "H": Artificial Limbs, Deformity Apparatus, Fracture Apparatus, Splints, Splint Material, Elastic Hosiery, Abdominal Supporters, Crutches, Trusses, Suspensories, Etc. Index

Endocarditis infecciosa : significado de la disfunción renal

Objetivo: Determinar la significación clínica y pronóstica de la disfunción renal en pacientes con Endocarditis Infecciosa (EI) Material y método: Estudio protocolizado, descriptivo, observacional y transversal de pacientes con EI diagnosticados según criterios de Duke. Se realizó un análisis comparativo entre los pacientes con EI sin (Grupo Sin) y con Disfunción Renal (Grupo DR), que se definió en base a uremia > 0.60 g/l y/o creatininemia > 1.5 mg/dl y/o hematuria o proteinuria. Fueron analizados en EPI info 6.04. Resultados: De un total de 110 EI incluidas, 58 (52.7%) presentaron DR principalmente secundaria a glomerulonefritis (n 22), sepsis (n 14), insuficiencia renal crónica (n 5), insuficiencia cardíaca, nefropatía diabética y nefrotoxicidad (n 4 cada una) y embólica (n 1). No hubo diferencias en la permanencia media hospitalaria (32 DS±23.3 vs 26.32 DS±17.28 días), el sexo (masculino: 60.3 vs 71.25%) y la demora diagnóstica (5.5 (DS±7.23) vs. 5.4 (DS±7.64 días)(pNS). La edad media fue mayor en el grupo DR en el LS (49.62 DS±15.71 vs 43.53 DS±17.94 años). El Grupo DR tuvo mas frecuentemente EI Definida (87.9 vs 67.3%) (p=0.0089) y no hubo diferencias en la localización Mitral (48.3 vs 48.1%) y Aórtica (44.8 vs 34.6%). La valvulopatía degenerativa se presentó en el LS en DR (34.5 VS 19.6%)(p=0.07). No hubo diferencias en la presencia de comórbidas (62.1 vs 71.2%) (pNS) pero la enfermedad últimamente fatal ocurrió mas frecuentemente en DR (51.4 vs 21.6%)(p=0.05). Al ingreso sólo la presencia de rales pulmonares (53.4 vs 32.7%) y púrpura cutánea (27.6 vs 13.5%) fueron más frecuentes en DR (p=0.05). La sepsis no controlada (34.5 vs 15.7%), insuficiencia cardíaca (51.7 vs 32.7%), encefalopatía (50 vs 27.5%), shock séptico (24.1 vs 7.8%) y fallo multiorgánico (34.5 vs 3.9%) fueron complicaciones más frecuentes en DR (p<0.05). La fiebre persistente se encontró en el LS en el grupo de DR (48.3 vs 32.7%)(p=0.09). No hubo diferencias en el hallazgo de vegetaciones por ecocardiografía (83.3 vs 75.6%). La anemia (Hb<9 mg/dl) (31.86 DS±53.41 vs 35.21 DS±7.85)(p=0.009), hipergammaglobulinemia (58.5 vs 29.8)(p=0.006) e hiperglucemia (36.1 vs 18.5)(p=0.03) se asociaron a DR. En el grupo con DR fue mas común la EI con cultivos negativos (31.5 vs 0%)(p=0.001) y el predominio de las infecciones por S. aureus Meticilino Resistente (MRSA)(21.6 vs 2.7%) (p=0.02). No hubo diferencias en la indicación de cirugía (31 vs 36.5%). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue significativamente mayor en DR (51.7 vs 25%)(p=0.0041)(OR 3.2, IC95%1.42-7.24). Conclusión: En los pacientes con EI la disfunción renal resultó ser un indicador de desarrollo de complicaciones infecciosas y cardíacas, de infección por MRSA y de mortalidad cruda hospitalaria.-

Relaciones entre cavitación y cierre estomático en vides sometidas a déficit hídrico

La cavitación es una disfunción fisiológica que ocurre en el xilema de las plantas cuando estas están bajo déficit hídrico, y que entraña una pérdida de su conductancia hidráulica (kL), cuando algunos vasos se llenan de aire. Esto incide negativamente sobre la oferta de agua y afecta el potencial hídrico foliar (ΨL) y la hidratación de la canopia. El cierre estomático es una respuesta efectiva ante la disminución del contenido hídrico. Dependiendo de la especie vegetal, los estomas suelen cerrase para evitar la cavitación catastrófica. Una planta poco vulnerable a cavitar puede mantenerlos abiertos por más tiempo y por lo tanto seguir fotosintetizando. Por el contrario, plantas vulnerables a la cavitación deben cerrar sus estomas con anterioridad para poder evitar cavitaciones graves. En este trabajo se estudió, el ajuste estomático como mecanismo para evitar la cavitación en cuatro variedades contrastantes de vid (Grenache, Syrah, Malbec y Chardonnay). Se hipotetizó que las vides sometidas a déficit hídrico disminuyen gs para evitar sufrir cavitaciones catastróficas y que algunas variedades de vid, cuando crecen bajo restricción hídrica, se aclimatan mejor desarrollando un ajuste estomático más preciso, ó un sistema conductor menos vulnerable a cavitar, o ambas. Se diseñó un experimento aleatorizado en invernáculo donde se probaron dos situaciones hídricas edáficas (100% y 50% de FTSW). Luego de dos meses, se midieron, a lo largo del día, las variables gs, transpiración y potencial hídrico. Luego se construyeron las curvas de cavitación y se calculó la conduactancia hidráulica de la planta (kL) y el embolismo a lo largo del día. Finalmente se obtuvo la relación entre gs, kL y el embolismo. Mediante un modelo mecanístico, que se construyó teniendo en cuenta los flujos de agua y vapor, las kL y gs, y la vulnerabilidad del xilema a cavitar; se probó que gs no es la única variable responsable de frenar la embolia. Se determinó que gs y kL están íntimamente asociadas y que este acople entre ambas conductancias es lo que frena la embolia. Se concluyó que, en la vid y bajo niveles de estrés hídrico moderado, no es necesario un cierre estomático para controlar la cavitación, sino una disminución de la diferencia entre gs y kL (Δgs). Por esto, el mecanismo de control de la cavitación en la vid no conlleva un costo en términos de intercambio gaseoso. También se descubrió que bajo niveles moderados de déficit hídrico la vulnerabilidad xilemática no aumenta con respecto a las plantas que no sufren déficit, sin importar de qué variedad se trate.

Late Miocene to Early Pliocene radiolarians from ODP Hole 178-1095B

Early Pliocene to middle late Miocene hemipelagic and distal turbidite sediments from Hole 1095B, near the Antarctic Peninsula, yield moderately abundant, moderately well preserved radiolarian faunas and other biosiliceous material (diatoms, silicoflagellates, and sponge spicules). Preservation characteristics, however, vary strongly even between closely related samples, and there are many intervals of poor preservation. In the 140- to 460-meters below seafloor interval studied, it was possible to identify the following standard Southern Ocean radiolarian zones: Upsilon, Tau, Amphymenium challengerae, Acrosphaera? labrata, Siphonosphaera vesuvius, and upper Acrosphaera australis (total age range ~4-10 Ma). Some normally common radiolarian groups, such as actinommids, are unusually rare in the studied material, and the relative ranges of several individual species, such as Acrosphaera labrata vs. A. australis, appear to be somewhat anomalous. These observations imply that the ranges of taxa in this section may be somewhat diachronous, due to either local ecologic factors and/or the highly variable preservation of the faunas. Thus, the ages of events reported are probably only approximate, although they are still useful for constraining the age of sediments in this section.

Root Xylem Embolisms and Refilling. Relation to Water Potentials of Soil, Roots, and Leaves, and Osmotic Potentials of Root Xylem Sap1

Embolism and refilling of vessels was monitored directly by cryomicroscopy of field-grown corn (Zea mays L.) roots. To test the reliability of an earlier study showing embolism refilling in roots at negative leaf water potentials, embolisms were counted, and root water potentials (Ψroot) and osmotic potentials of exuded xylem sap from the same roots were measured by isopiestic psychrometry. All vessels were full at dawn (Ψroot −0.1 MPa). Embolisms were first seen in late metaxylem vessels at 8 am. Embolized late metaxylem vessels peaked at 50% at 10 am (Ψroot −0.1 MPa), fell to 44% by 12 pm (Ψroot −0.23 MPa), then dropped steadily to zero by early evening (Ψroot −0.28 MPa). Transpiration was highest (8.5 μg cm−2 s−1) between 12 and 2 pm when the percentage of vessels embolized was falling. Embolized vessels were refilled by liquid moving through their lateral walls. Xylem sap was very low in solutes. The mechanism of vessel refilling, when Ψroot is negative, requires further investigation. Daily embolism and refilling in roots of well-watered plants is a normal occurrence and may be a component of an important hydraulic signaling mechanism between roots and shoots.

A total system approach to sustainable pest management

A fundamental shift to a total system approach for crop protection is urgently needed to resolve escalating economic and environmental consequences of combating agricultural pests. Pest management strategies have long been dominated by quests for “silver bullet” products to control pest outbreaks. However, managing undesired variables in ecosystems is similar to that for other systems, including the human body and social orders. Experience in these fields substantiates the fact that therapeutic interventions into any system are effective only for short term relief because these externalities are soon “neutralized” by countermoves within the system. Long term resolutions can be achieved only by restructuring and managing these systems in ways that maximize the array of “built-in” preventive strengths, with therapeutic tactics serving strictly as backups to these natural regulators. To date, we have failed to incorporate this basic principle into the mainstream of pest management science and continue to regress into a foot race with nature. In this report, we establish why a total system approach is essential as the guiding premise of pest management and provide arguments as to how earlier attempts for change and current mainstream initiatives generally fail to follow this principle. We then draw on emerging knowledge about multitrophic level interactions and other specific findings about management of ecosystems to propose a pivotal redirection of pest management strategies that would honor this principle and, thus, be sustainable. Finally, we discuss the potential immense benefits of such a central shift in pest management philosophy.

The protein-folding activity of chaperonins correlates with the symmetric GroEL14(GroES7)2 heterooligomer.

Chaperonins GroEL and GroES form, in the presence of ATP, two types of heterooligomers in solution: an asymmetric GroEL14GroES7 "bullet"-shaped particle and a symmetric GroEL14(GroES7)2 "football"-shaped particle. Under limiting concentrations of ATP or GroES, excess ADP, or in the presence of 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate, a correlation is seen between protein folding and the amount of symmetric GroEL14(GroES7)2 particles in a chaperonin solution, as detected by electron microscopy or by chemical crosslinking. Kinetic analysis suggests that protein folding is more efficient when carried out by a chaperonin solution populated with a majority of symmetric GroEL14(GroES7)2 particles than by a majority of asymmetric GroEL14GroES7 particles. The symmetric heterooligomer behaves as a highly efficient intermediate of the chaperonin protein folding cycle in vitro.

The nuclear deal with Iran: Le moment suprême? CEPS Commentary, 16 July 2015

More than two years in the making, the agreement concluded by China, the EU, France, Germany, Russia, the UK and the US with Iran to prevent the ‘weaponisation’ of the latter’s nuclear programme is a big deal. But, cautions Steven Blockmans in this CEPS Commentary, it is not the silver bullet to the normalisation of relations. Implementation will be a tortuous process, fraught with suspicion and friction. Although Europe has been called upon to seize the moment and to shift to a relationship with Iran based on engagement, not containment, the EU and its member states would be better advised not to move beyond their nuclear focus too quickly, but rather to show a sense of duty and loyal cooperation with their international partners by supporting the effective execution of the accord.

Risk of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Obese Women.

IMPORTANCE Obesity is a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis of the leg and pulmonary embolism. To date, however, whether obesity is associated with adult cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) has not been assessed. OBJECTIVE To assess whether obesity is a risk factor for CVT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A case-control study was performed in consecutive adult patients with CVT admitted from July 1, 2006 (Amsterdam), and October 1, 2009 (Berne), through December 31, 2014, to the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, or Inselspital University Hospital in Berne, Switzerland. The control group was composed of individuals from the control population of the Multiple Environmental and Genetic Assessment of Risk Factors for Venous Thrombosis study, which was a large Dutch case-control study performed from March 1, 1999, to September 31, 2004, and in which risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were assessed. Data analysis was performed from January 2 to July 12, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Obesity was determined by body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or greater was considered to indicate obesity, and a BMI of 25 to 29.99 was considered to indicate overweight. A multiple imputation procedure was used for missing data. We adjusted for sex, age, history of cancer, ethnicity, smoking status, and oral contraceptive use. Individuals with normal weight (BMI <25) were the reference category. RESULTS The study included 186 cases and 6134 controls. Cases were younger (median age, 40 vs 48 years), more often female (133 [71.5%] vs 3220 [52.5%]), more often used oral contraceptives (97 [72.9%] vs 758 [23.5%] of women), and more frequently had a history of cancer (17 [9.1%] vs 235 [3.8%]) compared with controls. Obesity (BMI ≥30) was associated with an increased risk of CVT (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.63; 95% CI, 1.53-4.54). Stratification by sex revealed a strong association between CVT and obesity in women (adjusted OR, 3.50; 95% CI, 2.00-6.14) but not in men (adjusted OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.25-5.30). Further stratification revealed that, in women who used oral contraceptives, overweight and obesity were associated with an increased risk of CVT in a dose-dependent manner (BMI 25.0-29.9: adjusted OR, 11.87; 95% CI, 5.94-23.74; BMI ≥30: adjusted OR, 29.26; 95% CI, 13.47-63.60). No association was found in women who did not use oral contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Obesity is a strong risk factor for CVT in women who use oral contraceptives.

[Traité de l'usage du pantometre : instrument geometrique propre à prendre toutes fortes d'angles, mezurer les distances accessibles & inaccessibles, arpenter & diviser toutes fortes de figure, &c. /

Mode of access: Internet.

Histoire de l'établissement du christianisme, tirée des seuls auteurs juifs et payens ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

L' architecture pratique, qui comprend le detail du toise, & du devis des ouvrages de massonnerie, charpenterie, menuiserie, serrurerie, plomberie, vitrerie, ardoise, tuile, pave de grais & impression : Avec une explication de la coutume sur le titre des servitudes & rapports qui regardent les batimens. Ouvrage tre's-necessaire aux architectes, aux experts, & a tous ceux qui veulent batir /

Mode of access: Internet.