Relative value of selective group A streptococcal agar incubated under different atmospheres

A commercially available selective group A streptococcal agar (ssA) was evaluated for the recovery of group A streptococci (GAS) in comparison with recovery from simultaneous cultures on conventional sheep blood agar (SBA). Both sets of plates were incubated in air, 5% CO2, and anaerobically for 48 h, with a first reading taken at 24 h. A total of 402 (67.0%) GAS were isolated from the 600 specimens that were submitted. Recovery of GAS was significantly greater after 48 h of incubation than after 24 h of incubation for each medium-atmosphere combination. After 48 h of incubation, the sensitivities of GAS detection obtained by each culture technique were as follows: ssA-anaerobic atmosphere, 98.5%; SBA-anaerobic atmosphere, 89.5%; ssA-CO2 atmosphere, 88.0%; SBA-air, 86.5%; SBA-CO2 atmosphere, 82.0%; and ssA-air, 74.6%. There were no cultures positive in air or CO2 which were not positive anaerobically on either medium. The increased sensitivity of detecting positive GAS cultures when incubation was done in an ssA-anaerobic atmosphere for 48 h uncovered patients truly infected with the organisms.     

Temperature shock waves in a moving medium with allowance for the relaxation of the heat flux

The solution of the gasdynamic equation with allowance for the heat transfer in the relaxation of the heat flux is analyzed. The relations expressing the laws of conservation on the front of strong discontinuity of the quantities sought, including the discontinuity of the temperature and the heat-flux density, are discussed. The possibility of existence of two shock waves with fixed initial data is shown using the self-similar solution of the problem on gas motion ahead of the piston. The occurrence of two strong discontinuities is due to the presence of different velocities of propagation of gasdynamic and thermal disturbances — the velocity of sound and the finite rate of heat transfer at a nonzero time of relaxation of the heat flux. __________ Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 79, No. 4, pp. 57–68, July–August, 2006.     

The Impact of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Renal Function in Children with Overweight/Obesity

The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease has attracted interest and attention over recent years. However, no data are available in children. We determined whether children with NAFLD show signs of renal functional alterations, as determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin excretion. We studied 596 children with overweight/obesity, 268 with NAFLD (hepatic fat fraction ≥5% on magnetic resonance imaging) and 328 without NAFLD, and 130 healthy normal-weight controls. Decreased GFR was defined as eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m². Abnormal albuminuria was defined as urinary excretion of ≥30 mg/24 h of albumin. A greater prevalence of eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² was observed in patients with NAFLD compared to those without liver involvement and healthy subjects (17.5% vs. 6.7% vs. 0.77%; p < 0.0001). The proportion of children with abnormal albuminuria was also higher in the NAFLD group compared to those without NAFLD, and controls (9.3% vs. 4.0% vs. 0; p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NAFLD was associated with decreased eGFR and/or microalbuminuria (odds ratio, 2.54 (confidence interval, 1.16–5.57); p < 0.05) independently of anthropometric and clinical variables. Children with NAFLD are at risk for early renal dysfunction. Recognition of this abnormality in the young may help to prevent the ongoing development of the disease.     

δ-Tocomonoenol: A new vitamin E from kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) fruits

A new vitamin E, δ-tocomonoenol, has been isolated from Actinidia chinensis (kiwi) fruits. The new structure, 2,8-dimethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridec-11-enyl)chroman-6-ol, has been elucidated on the basis of EIMS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectral data. GC–MS analysis of peels and pulps of kiwi showed that the new compound, together with δ-tocopherol, is mainly present in the fruit peel, whilst α-tocopherol is present in a similar amount in both matrices. The compound was tested for its radical-scavenging and antioxidant capabilities, by measuring its ability to scavenge DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) and anion superoxide radical, and inhibit the formation of methyl linoleate conjugated diene hydroperoxides and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive species).     

Gold‐Nanoparticle‐Doped TiO2 Semiconductor Thin Films: Optical Characterization

A simple procedure for creating titania sol–gel‐based semiconductor thin films is described. Gold nanoparticles are doped homogeneously into the precursor mixture and the particles are homogeneously distributed in the resultant films when prepared using spin‐coating. The effects of particle loading and annealing temperature on the optical properties of the resultant films are characterized. Ellipsometry, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and surface plasmon spectroscopy are used to monitor the crystallization and porosity changes during film synthesis.     

Isoenzymes of wheat o-diphenolase revealed by column isoelectric focusing

Summary Common wheat o-diphenolase at different purification steps has been submitted to column isoelectric focusing electrophoresis. The fraction purified with calcium phosphate gel shows multiple forms focused at pI 3.60, 4.95, 6.80, and 9.60. The enzyme activity and the purification degree of the four enzymatic components obtained have been calculated. The major fraction recovered after purification by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose does not display other multiple forms; however, it has some enzymatically inactive proteins well separated in the pH-gradient. The enzymatic protein, focused at pI 9.60, thus achieves a 1753-fold purification over the crude extract. The application of the technique allows a characterization of the wheat o-diphenolase and its recovery in highly purified form.

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Isoenzyme von o-Diphenoloxydase aus Weichweizen, identifiziert durch isoelektrisches Fokussieren über Säule

Zusammenfassung Weichweizen-o-Diphenoloxydasen verschiedener Reinigungsstufen wurden über eine Säule isoelektrisch focussiert. Das durch Calciumphosphatgel gereinigte Enzym (Fraktion C) zeigt 4 multiple Formen, focussiert bei pI 3,60; 4,65; 6,80 und 9,60. Die Aktivität und der Reinheitszustand von diesen vier Formen wurden berechnet. Die Fraktion C wurde durch Chromatographie über Cellulose weiter gereinigt. Die in größeren Mengen gewonnene Fraktion zeigte beim isoelektrischen Focussieren keine multiple Formen mehr, nur eine Trennung von enzymatisch inaktiven Proteinen beim pH-Gradienten. Das enzymatisch aktive Protein, focussiert bei pI 9,60, zeigte einen 1753 mal besseren Reinheitszustand als das Rohenzym. Die Anwendung dieser Technik erlaubt die Charakterisierung der Weichweizen-o-Diphenoloxydasen und ihre Gewinnung in einem hochgereinigten Zustand.

     

Corrosion properties of rolled products made of new low-alloy high-strength steels

It is shown that, in terms of the corrosion rate in the atmosphere, corrosion resistance in numerous acid, alkali, and salt solutions, corrosion-cracking resistance, and corrosion-fatigue resistance, the rolled products made of G2S-and KhS-type low-alloy high-strength steels with carbonitride hardening are on the same level as (or even better than) the rolled products of 09G2D commercial steel of lower strength used in the construction of railway cars. __________ Translated from Fizyko-Khimichna Mekhanika Materialiv, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 108–112, September–October, 2006.     

Partial purification and some properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum) o-diphenolase

o-Diphenolase extracted from Triticum aestivum (cv. Nettuno) and purified in various steps gave a 250-fold purification over the crude extract. This purified enzyme showed maximum relative activity towards 4-methylcatechol, generally high or moderate activity towards di- and polyphenols, and very low activity towards monophenols. Total activity, determined at each step of purification, showed that treatment with ammonium sulphate and calcium phosphate gel gave rise to an activation of o-diphenolase, thus revealing a latency of enzymatic activity. In the pH profile activity towards 4-methylcatechol two optima at pH 5.3 and 6.9 were observed.