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The introduction of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology for complete denture fabrication may have improved clinical outcomes compared with conventional techniques. However, systematic reviews comparing these techniques are lacking. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, compare, and synthesize the outcomes of published clinical studies related to complete denture fabrication, with respect to the differences between CAD-CAM technology and conventional techniques. A comprehensive search of studies published up to March 16, 2020, was conducted by using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Embase databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement criteria and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO ID 42020202614). The population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) question was: Do CAD-CAM complete dentures have a similar functional performance to those fabricated by conventional techniques? The quality of publications was appraised by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklists. Of the 1232 titles, 6 articles were selected. The studies reported better retention of digitally manufactured complete dentures without denture adhesives than that of conventional complete dentures with or without denture adhesives. Other studies reported that dentures manufactured with digital systems were better adapted to tissue surfaces, required less clinical time, were lower in cost, and provided better experience and satisfaction to patients. The assessment of CAD-CAM planning and manufacturing through clinical studies is ongoing. However, preliminary results indicate better clinical performance and lower overall costs of digital complete dentures than conventional dentures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate primary stability is a pre-requisite for the osseointegration and long-term success of dental implants. Primary stability depends essentially on the bone mechanical integrity at the implantation site. Clinically, a qualitative evaluation can be made on medical images, but finite element (FE) simulations can assess the primary stability of a bone-implant construct quantitatively based on high-resolution CT images. However, FE models lack experimental validation on clinically relevant bone anatomy. The aim of this study is to validate such an FE model on human jawbones. Forty-seven bone biopsies were extracted from human cadaveric jawbones. Dental implants of two sizes (Ø3.5 mm and Ø4.0 mm) were inserted and the constructs were subjected to a quasi-static bending-compression loading protocol. Those mechanical tests were replicated with sample-specific non-linear homogenized FE models. Bone was modeled with an elastoplastic constitutive law that included damage. Density-based material properties were mapped based on μCT images of the bone samples. The experimental ultimate load was better predicted by FE (R2 = 0.83) than by peri-implant bone density (R2 = 0.54). Unlike bone density, the simulations were also able to capture the effect of implant diameter. The primary stability of a dental implant in human jawbones can be predicted quantitatively with FE simulations. This method may be used for improving the design and insertion protocols of dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A consensus that establishes the indications and clinical performance of removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks designed and manufactured with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems is lacking. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the currently published literature investigating different CAD-CAM methods and techniques for RPD manufacturing and their clinical performance. A comprehensive search of studies published up to September 2019 was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SciELO databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA Statement) criteria and was registered and approved in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020152197). The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) question was "Do the CAD-CAM frameworks have similar performances to those fabricated by conventional techniques?" The meta-analysis included clinical and in vitro studies based on the effect size and test of Null (2-Tail) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Clinical and in vitro studies were selected and analyzed separately. A total of 15 articles out of 358 were selected. For clinical studies, quantitative analysis with a sample of 25 participants showed a mean discrepancy between occlusal rests and rest seats of 184.91 μm (95% CI: 152.6 μm-217.15 μm) and heterogeneity (I2) of 0%. Clinical data considered that frameworks were acceptable for continuity of treatment. The predominant materials were cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and studies using Co-Cr reported that the structure required adjustments. In addition, it has been reported that the indirect technique was time-consuming and selective laser melting (SLM) can be costly. PEEK structures have been more widely accepted because of improved esthetics. Quantitative data from the in vitro studies revealed that the additive manufacturing technique (2.006 mm: 95% CI: -2.021 mm to 6.032 mm) was not significantly different from the indirect technique (0.026 mm; P =.455; random: I2: 98.402%). Clinical studies and in vitro research on CAD-CAM planning and manufacturing of removable prosthesis frameworks are still sparse. However, preliminary data indicate a similar fit and esthetic improvement when compared with the conventional technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the outcome of periapical surgery in a large number of molars in order to identify possible variables that might affect the outcome. The healing outcome of patients undergoing periapical surgery of molars from October 1999 to October 2019 was retrospectively evaluated. Outcome was dichotomized into "healed" and "nonhealed" using well-established clinical and radiographic healing criteria. The potential influence of patient-, tooth-, and treatment-related parameters on the healing outcome was analyzed. A total of 424 molars in the same number of patients (45.5% male and 54.5% female) were evaluated. Three hundred seventy-two molars were classified as healed (87.7%). Three significant outcome predictors were identified: 1-year follow-up versus >1–5 years, >5–10 years, and >10 years (95.3% vs 82.2%, 76.3%, and 76.5% healed, respectively; P <.0001); root end filling material with bioceramic root repair material versus mineral trioxide aggregate (96.9% vs. 86.3% healed, respectively; P =.001); and preoperative evaluation based on cone-beam computed tomographic imaging versus 2-dimensional radiography (90.2% vs 81.4% healed, respectively; P =.02). Sex, age, tooth location, type of restoration, attachment level, presence of a post, quality of the root canal filling, technique of root end preparation, administration of antibiotics, and type of surgery had no significant impact on the healing outcome. The healed rate for the concave (Retroplast) and cavity (mineral trioxide aggregate, SuperEBA [Staident International, Staines, UK], and bioceramic root repair material) root end preparation technique over all follow-up periods was 84% and 88.5%, respectively. The follow-up period, root end filling material, and preoperative evaluation based on cone-beam computed tomographic imaging had a significant influence on the healing outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucin hypersecretion promoted by intestinal metaplasia can lead to gallstone formation. The presence of large amounts of mucin induced by a change in biliary epithelium structure is called a mucocele, a usually benign condition studied among animals but rarely described in humans. This entity must be distinguished from hydrops, a condition secondary to an impacted gallstone in the cystic duct leading to an outlet obstruction and distension of the gallbladder. We report a case of a 51-year-old female with lithiasic cholecystitis showing areas of intestinal metaplasia associated with a mucocele. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed with an uneventful postoperative course. Macroscopic findings revealed a dilated gallbladder filled with mucoid fluid. Signs of chronic and focally acute cholecystitis with areas of intestinal metaplasia were observed microscopically. Lithiasic gallbladders can bear a gene that is found in goblet cells of intestinal metaplasia, leading to mucin hypersecretion. Metaplasia – a benign lesion often encountered on cholecystectomy specimens – can be the precursor of carcinoma. Mucin-producing gallbladder carcinoma is a very aggressive tumor that can appear as a mucocele. Consequently, preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography should be performed in the presence of an unusual aspect on sonography. Metaplastic changes in gallbladder epithelium associated with an overproduction of mucin and lithiasic cholecystitis reported in this case is a rarity. Malignancy is an alternative diagnosis of gallbladder mucocele that must be suspected whenever preoperative imaging of the gallbladder is atypical. • Alteration in mucin gene expression occurring in intestinal metaplasia promotes gallstone formation. • Intestinal metaplasia in not an uncommon finding in gallbladders and it can be the precursor of a carcinoma. • Abundant mucin induced by intestinal metaplasia is called a mucocele, a benign condition rarely described in humans. • Gallbladder hydrops – secondary to an impacted gallstone in the cystic duct – is often incorrectly referred to as mucocele. • Mucin-producing gallbladder carcinoma must be suspected whenever preoperative imaging of a gallbladder mucocele is atypical [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In HF patients, clinical congestion assessment is a cardinal sign in diagnosing and adapting therapeutic intensity but is subjective and considered insensitive. Objective non-invasive assessment of congestion would provide considerable support for early HF treatment and prevention of hospitalization for acute decompensation. A novel optical Molecular Chemical Imaging (MCI) device was used to collect reflected light from the skin and quantify the sub-cutaneous water content based on reflected wave-length modification using a short wave infrared (SWIR) device. To provide a highly acurate reference method we compared SWIR to MRI assessment of tissue water content using a 6-Point Dixon method (Liver Lab, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) in 12 hospitalized HF patients. The calve imaging region locations were co-located for SWIR and MRI using the patella as reference point and tests were performed within 4 hours. 4 independent Water Fraction (WF) values were measured within the calve area for each patient and quantified as a percentage. Accuracy was calculated by comparing predicted value of SWIR to the value measured by MRI within an MRI error tolerance (0.11±0.02). 12 subjects (age 72±12.8, 6 women) presented with no edema in 5 and mild edema in 7. Five of the 48 (10%) limb measurements were excluded due to inadequate imaging. In 39 of 43 coupled WF measurements the SWIR results were within the MRI error range (accuracy 90.7%). Correlation between WF values obtained by SWIR and MRI was excellent (R2 0.8), as shown in Figure 1. Despite the frequent absence of clinical edema, quantification of WF by MRI or SWIR demonstrated a broad range of congestion levels, unsuspected clinically. In patients hospitalized for HF, SWIR assessment of subcutaneous water fraction was feasible and highly correlated with measurement by MRI. There was a broader range of congestion than was appreciated clinically. A larger experience is warranted to expand the accuracy assessment with all types of skin and broader levels of clinical edema. This early experience suggests that optical non-invasive congestion assessment has the potential to improve objective evaluation of congestion in patients with HF clinical management, an essential element in improving clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Thrombose veineuse et embolie pulmonaire sont fréquentes et graves chez les personnes atteintes d’un cancer. Les héparines de bas poids moléculaire sont recommandées dans le cadre d’un traitement prolongé de cette maladie. Une enquête a été réalisée en Île-de-France afin de décrire l’organisation, les pratiques et les connaissances des pharmaciens d’officine en termes de prise en charge de la maladie thromboembolique veineuse chez les patients cancéreux. Summary Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are frequent and serious in people with cancer. Low molecular weight heparins are recommended as part of a long-term treatment for this disease. A survey was carried out in Île-de-France in order to describe the organisation, practices and knowledge of community pharmacists in terms of the treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Clinical studies demonstrate delayed recovery of hibernating myocardium (HM) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is effective in identifying HM in clinical settings. Our animal model of HM shows partial but incomplete functional recovery 1 month following CABG using echocardiography. This study uses CMR imaging to determine completeness of recovery 3 months post-CABG. Methods Swine (N = 12) underwent left anterior descending artery (LAD) 1.5-cm constrictor placement creating a territory of HM over 12 weeks. CMR at 12 weeks confirmed hibernation without infarction (N = 12). Off-pump left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to the LAD was performed in 9 animals. Three animals were killed as HM controls. CMR imaging was repeated in revascularized animals before death at 1 (n = 4) or 3 months (n = 5). CMR imaging was performed at baseline and with dobutamine infusion (5 μg/kg/min). Results Twelve weeks after constrictor placement, CMR imaging confirmed viability in LAD region and LAD stenosis in all animals. In HM, wall thickening is reduced at baseline but with contractile reserve present during dobutamine infusion. Following revascularization, CMR imaging confirmed patent LITA graft (n = 9). Analysis of baseline regional function shows incomplete recovery of HM following CABG, with reduced contractile reserve at both 1 and 3 months post-CABG. Conclusions CMR imaging provides accurate spatial resolution of regional contractile function and confirms the presence of HM at 12 weeks following instrumentation of the LAD. Three months following CABG, partial recovery of HM with contractile reserve is present in the single LAD territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presentation of the oxygen depletion and inter-track interactions hypotheses. • Proposition of key steps to study FLASH irradiation with the Geant4 toolkit. • Discussion on the importance of simulating the irradiation modality and beam structure. • Suggestion for the temporal extension of water radiolysis simulations. FLASH radiotherapy is a promising approach to cancer treatment that offers several advantages over conventional radiotherapy. With this novel technique, high doses of radiation are delivered in a short period of time, inducing the so-called FLASH effect – a phenomenon characterized by healthy tissue sparing without alteration of tumor control. The mechanisms behind the FLASH effect remain unknown. One way to approach this problem is to gain insight into the initial parameters that can distinguish FLASH from conventional irradiation by simulating particle transport in aqueous media using the general-purpose Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit and its Geant4-DNA extension. This review article discusses the current status of Geant4 and Geant4-DNA simulations to investigate mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect, as well as the challenges faced in this research field. One of the primary challenges is to accurately simulate the experimental irradiation parameters. Another challenge is the temporal extension of the simulations. This review also focuses on two hypotheses to explain the FLASH effect – namely the oxygen depletion hypothesis and the inter-track interactions hypothesis – and discusses how the Geant4 toolkit can be used to investigate them. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of Geant4 and Geant4-DNA simulations for FLASH radiotherapy and to highlight the challenges that need to be overcome in order to better study the FLASH effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Extension of Geant4-DNA to provide a comprehensive framework for the use of scavengers. • Presentation of an example in radiochemistry and another focused on radiobiology. • Agreement between the step-by-step and the independent reaction times methods. • Discussion of the oxygen depletion hypothesis proposed to explain the FLASH effect. This paper presents the capabilities of the Geant4-DNA Monte Carlo toolkit to simulate water radiolysis with scavengers using the step-by-step (SBS) or the independent reaction times (IRT) methods. It features two examples of application areas: (1) computing the escape yield of H 2 O 2 following a 60Co γ-irradiation and (2) computing the oxygen depletion in water irradiated with 1 MeV electrons. To ease the implementation of the chemical stage in Geant4-DNA, we developed a user interface that helps define the chemical reactions and set the concentration of scavengers. The first application area example required two computational steps to perform water radiolysis using N O 2 - and N O 3 - as scavengers and a 60Co irradiation. The oxygen depletion computation technique for the second application area example consisted of simulating track segments of 1 MeV electrons and determining the radio-induced loss and gain of oxygen molecules. The production of H 2 O 2 under variable scavenging levels is consistent with the literature; the mean relative difference between the SBS and IRT methods is 7.2 % ± 0.5 %. For the oxygen depletion 1 µs post-irradiation, the mean relative difference between both methods is equal to 9.8 % ± 0.3 %. The results in the microsecond scale depend on the initial partial pressure of oxygen in water. In addition, the computed oxygen depletions agree well with the literature. The Geant4-DNA toolkit makes it possible to simulate water radiolysis in the presence of scavengers. This feature offers perspectives in radiobiology, with the possibility of simulating cell-relevant scavenging mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical and fluid-flow response of subsurface geological reservoirs due to injection of CO 2 is of critical importance for the safe management and storage of anthropogenic carbon emissions. Although the time-lapse seismic method has proven to be an effective tool to remotely monitor changes in underground fluid saturations, variations in reservoir properties caused by geochemical interactions can also influence the seismic response. This can lead to ambiguity and uncertainty in monitoring the movement of injected CO 2 and hence determination of reservoir seal integrity. Geochemical interactions can also modify the mechanical strength of the reservoir and therefore threaten its integrity. We conducted experiments to assess how the velocity and rock strength of a calcite-bearing sandstone are affected by flooding with CO 2 saturated brine. The results indicate that both seismic velocity and rock strength are significantly reduced due to minor calcite dissolution. The implications at the reservoir scale for CO 2 storage are twofold. Firstly, modifications in velocity can complicate seismic monitoring operations and lead to interpretation errors. This can be accounted for if shear wave velocity variations are used to detect fluid-rock interactions. Secondly, reduction in rock strength, caused by calcite dissolution, can threaten reservoir and wellbore integrity under stress conditions typically found in potential carbon repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Prognosis of colon cancer (CC) has steadily improved during the past three decades. This trend, however, may vary according to proximal (right) or distal (left) tumor location. We studied if improvement in survival was greater for left than for right CC. Methods We included all CC recorded at the Geneva population-based registry between 1980 and 2006. We compared patients, tumor and treatment characteristics between left and right CC by logistic regression and compared CC specific survival by Cox models taking into account putative confounders. We also compared changes in survival between CC location in early and late years of observation. Results Among the 3396 CC patients, 1334 (39%) had right-sided and 2062 (61%) left-sided tumors. In the early 1980s, 5-year specific survival was identical for right and left CCs (49% vs . 48%). During the study period, a dramatic improvement in survival was observed for patients with left-sided cancers (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29–0.62, p < 0.001) but not for right CC patients (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.50–1.14, p = 0.69). As a consequence, patients with distal CC have a better outcome than patients with proximal CC (HR for left vs . right CC: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72–0.90, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our data indicate that, contrary to left CC, survival of patients with right CC did not improve since 1980. Of all colon cancer patients, those with right-sided lesions have by far the worse prognosis. Change of strategic management in this subgroup is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its introduction to the market in 1985, mefloquine has been used for malaria chemoprophylaxis by more than 35 million travellers. In Europe, in 2014, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued recommendations on strengthened warnings, prescribing checklists and updates to the product information of mefloquine. Some malaria prevention advisors question the scientific basis for the restrictions and suggest that this cost-effective, anti-malarial drug will be displaced as a first-line anti-malaria medication with the result that vulnerable groups such as VFR and long-term travellers, pregnant travellers and young children are left without a suitable alternative chemoprophylaxis. This commentary looks at the current position of mefloquine prescribing and the rationale of the new EMA recommendations and restrictions. It also describes the new recommendations for malaria prophylaxis that have been adapted by Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy where chemoprophylaxis use is restricted to high-risk malaria-endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community health care accounts for the vast majority of antibiotic use in Europe. Given the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), there is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions in primary care that could involve different health care providers, including community pharmacists.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the perceptions, currents practices, and interventions of community pharmacists regarding AMS.Methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with community pharmacists in France. Participants were recruited through a professional organization of community pharmacists combined with a snowballing technique. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used while developing the interview guide and carrying out thematic analysis.Results: Sixteen community pharmacists participated. All the respondents had good awareness about antimicrobial resistance and believed that community pharmacists had an important role in tackling AMR. Some barriers to community pharmacists' participation in AMS were identified such as difficult interactions with prescribers, lack of time, and lack of access to patient medical records and diagnosis. Increased patient education, audits and feedback of antibiotic prescribing, increased point-of-care testing, and delayed prescribing were interventions suggested by the pharmacists to improve antibiotic use in primary care. Strategies cited by participants to facilitate the implementation of such interventions are increased pharmacist-general practitioner collaboration, specialized training, clinical decision support tools, and financial incentives.Conclusion: This study suggests that community pharmacists could play a greater role in infection management and AMS interventions. Further interprofessional collaboration is needed to optimize antibiotic prescribing and utilization in community health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis include cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). About 90% of cases occur in the tropics or subtropics but the disease is also endemic in the Mediterranean area. No systematic analysis on leishmaniasis in travellers visiting endemic areas in Europe is available. Methods: Within the European travel medicine network EuroTravNet, we performed a retrospective analysis in travellers who acquired leishmaniasis within Europe diagnosed between 2000 and 2012. Results: Forty cases of leishmaniasis (30 CL and 10 VL) were identified; the majority were acquired in Spain (n = 20, 50%), Malta and Italy (each n = 7, 18%). Median age was 48 years (range 1e79). Three of eight (37.5%) of the VL patients were on immunosuppressive therapy. The most frequent reason for travel was tourism (83%). Median duration of travel for patients with CL and VL was 2 weeks with ranges of 1-21 weeks in CL and 1e67 weeks in VL, respectively (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Health professionals should include leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis in patients returning from southern Europe e including short-term travellers e with typical skin lesions or systemic alterations like fever, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current COVID-19 pandemic is a major concern for the diabetes community. A meta-analysis in China found that the proportions of people with COVID-19 and diabetes was 9.7% and that having diabetes resulted in a two-fold increased risk of having a severe case. Global guidance on confinement measures for the prevention of COVID-19 have a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations which include people with diabetes. These recommendations are coherent to avoid the spread of SARSCoV-2 infection, but are in contradiction with comprehensive diabetes care, which requires regular patient-provider interactions for patient education, prescriptions and possible management of complications or mental health. Moreover, confinement drives risk for unhealthy diets, decreased physical activity, mental health related concerns, in parallel to delayed care-seeking due to fear of contracting COVID-19. Another weakness in the current COVID-19 response is the focus on hospital care which overlooks the importance of Primary Care in guaranteeing continuity of care. Ensuring the availability of insulin, other medicines, self-monitoring and diagnostic tools is another challenge. These are all global concerns for the diabetes community, as well as for those suffering from other chronic conditions. Undoubtedly, the global priority is to contain the spread and impact of COVID-19. However, health systems still need to meet the needs of the entire population, including individuals with diabetes. Clear guidance for preparedness, crisis and post-crisis management of diabetes and chronic diseases during mass disruptions to health systems are lacking. Therefore, in parallel to the epidemic response efforts to ensure existing healthcare services keep running should be supported to avoid health consequences that might be worse than the epidemic itself. This includes targeted messaging for people with diabetes and vulnerable populations with regards to possible risk of infection as well as their disease-related management; continued support via telephone, video conferencing or even home visits; ensuring access to insulin and other medicines and supplies both nationally and individually; and most importantly, preparing for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adaptive thermogenesis allows mammals to resist to cold. For instance, in brown adipose tissue (BAT) the facultative uncoupling of the proton gradient from ATP synthesis in mitochondria is used to generate systemic heat. However, this system necessitates an increase of the Uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) and its activation by free fatty acids. Here we show that mice without functional Period2 (Per2) were cold sensitive because their adaptive thermogenesis system was less efficient. Upon cold-exposure, Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) induced Per2 in the BAT. Subsequently, PER2 as a co-activator of PPARα increased expression of Ucp1. PER2 also increased Fatty acid binding protein 3 (Fabp3), a protein important to transport free fatty acids from the plasma to mitochondria to activate UCP1. Hence, in BAT PER2 is important for the coordination of the molecular response of mice exposed to cold by synchronizing UCP1 expression and its activation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are widespread microorganisms characterized by their ability to transform alcohols and sugar-alcohols into their corresponding organic acids. The suitability of matrix-assisted laser desorption-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of cultured AAB involved in the industrial production of vinegar was evaluated on 64 reference strains from the genera Acetobacter, Gluconacetobacter and Gluconobacter. Analysis of MS spectra obtained from single colonies of these strains confirmed their basic classification based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. MALDI-TOF analyses of isolates from vinegar cross-checked by comparative sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments allowed AAB to be identified, and it was possible to differentiate them from mixed cultures and non-AAB. The results showed that MALDI-TOF MS analysis was a rapid and reliable method for the clustering and identification of AAB species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Copper is essential for many enzymatic reactions and in neurotransmitter biosynthesis. Its deficiency or its excess has consequences on many organs, especially the liver and the brain. The biochemical tests performed in case of suspicion of copper metabolism disorder are difficult to analyse. They include the measurement of serum ceruloplasmin, serum copper and 24h urinary copper excretion. The interpretation must take into account the clinical features. We distinguish mainly: (1) copper deficiency, acquired in malabsorption or in copper diet deficiency, or related to a genetic disease (Menkes disease); (2) copper overload, acquired or from a genetic origin (Wilson disease); (3) aceruloplasminemia, reducing ferroxidase activity leading to iron overload. It is important to diagnose these diseases as some of them have an effective treatment if it is started early enough. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mid-infrared vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSEL) were developed for the wavelength range 4 to 5 μm. The devices are based on lead salt materials grown by MBE on BaF2 or Si substrate. The VECSELs are optically pumped with a 1.55 μm wavelength laser. They are operating up to above room temperature. An output power 6 mWp was reached at a temperature of +27°C. The VECSELs are temperature tunable and lasing is observed from ∼4.8 μm at −60°C down to ∼4.2 μm at +40°C heat sink temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]