我院专项治理前后抗菌药物使用情况分析

目的:通过分析抗菌药物临床应用专项治理前后住院患者抗菌药的使用情况,以促进合理用药。方法:随机抽取我院2010年1至2011年12月病例1680份,抽取甲状腺/乳腺/疝气/闭合性骨折I类切口手术病历100份,分析治理前后抗菌药物使用率、使用强度、病原送检率、DDDs、DUI及I类切口抗菌药物应用情况。结果:治理前住院患者抗菌药物使用率、使用强度分别为68.50%、49.8DDD;治理后分别为56.2%、37.8DDD,显著降低(P<0.05)。治理前有四种抗菌药物DUI>1,依次为头孢哌酮/舒巴坦钠>头孢噻吩钠=头孢唑啉>头孢呋辛;治理后有两种抗菌药物DUI>1,依次为磺苄西林>头孢哌酮/舒巴坦钠;治理后I类切口手术患者预防使用抗菌药物比例略为下降,疗程符合率、用药合理率明显上升(P<0.05)。结论:我院住院患者抗菌药使用情况基本达到《抗菌药物临床应用专项工作方案》要求。但在某些方面,如I类切口使用率、疗程、用药选择上需要持续改进,应加强对I类切口的监管力度,以确保用药的经济、有效、合理。     

A 30-year review of a geriatric dentistry teaching programme

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00471.x A 30‐year review of a geriatric dentistry teaching programme Objective: To review the development of the Geriatric Dental and Special Needs Education programme at the University of Iowa over the last 30 years. Background: The programme at Iowa evolved from a didactic elective programme taught by a single faculty person to a required didactic and clinical programme, which includes a Special Care Clinic in the dental school and a mobile unit with portable dental equipment which serves ten area nursing homes with comprehensive care. Materials and methods: Changes have been made in the programme over time based on formal and informal feedback from students and graduates, and we have also looked at the impact of the programme on dental services to our target population. Results: The factors influencing the curriculum development are identified and discussed. Conclusion: As no dental schools are the same, some general applications are suggested from the Iowa experience.     

Biochemical Engineering Sciences

Cover illustration Special Issue: Biochemical Engineering Sciences. This Special Issue is a collection of the latest research in biochemical engineering science presented at the 9^th ESBES Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2012. The cover illustrates the development in biochemical engineering science by showing symbols for several biochemical engineering subdisciplines, such as process engineering, strain and drug design, and material science, linked by covalent bonds in a hypothetical biological molecule. Images: © JarnoM, © Amelie Olivier, © teracreonte, © ermess, © by-studio, © Sergey Nivens, all from Fotolia.com.     

Gene regulatory network modeling using literature curated and high throughput data

Building on the linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation developed recently by Zavlanos et al. (Automatica: Special Issue Syst Biol 47(6):1113–1122, 2011), we present a theoretical framework and algorithms to derive a class of ordinary differential equation (ODE) models of gene regulatory networks using literature curated data and microarray data. The solution proposed by Zavlanos et al. (Automatica: Special Issue Syst Biol 47(6):1113–1122, 2011) requires that the microarray data be obtained as the outcome of a series of controlled experiments in which the network is perturbed by over-expressing one gene at a time. We note that this constraint may be relaxed for some applications and, in addition, demonstrate how the conservatism in these algorithms may be reduced by using the Perron–Frobenius diagonal dominance conditions as the stability constraints. Due to the LMI formulation, it follows that the bounded real lemma may easily be used to make use of additional information. We present case studies that illustrate how these algorithms can be used on datasets to derive ODE models of the underlying regulatory networks.     

Metabolic Modeling and Simulation

Cover illustration Special issue: Metabolic Modeling and Simulation. Modeling of cellular metabolism has been a major area of research for bioengineers and biomedical researchers alike. This Special Issue collects a series of articles on methods of metabolic modeling, modeling of human metabolism, modeling of microbial metabolism and modeling of bioprocesses. This cover is a visual representation of the essence of metabolic engineering. Image: © rolffimages – Fotolia.com.     

Initiatives to address leprosy as a human rights issue through the mandate of UN Special Rapporteur: Achievements and challenges

Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is one of the oldest infectious diseases in the world. It has long been associated with stigma and discrimination, but only in recent years has this aspect been formally recognized by the international community as a human rights issue. The UN Human Rights Council first adopted a resolution on leprosy in 2008, and this was later followed by a UN General Assembly resolution in 2010. Nonbinding principle and guidelines on elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members accompanied the 2010 resolution, but these have yet to be fully implemented. In 2017, the Human Rights Council appointed a Special Rapporteur on leprosy to investigate the extent to which the principles and guidelines have been implemented, and her term was extended for a further 3 years in 2020. Considering the proper implementation of the principles and guidelines to be key to eliminating the discrimination that persons affected by leprosy and their families face in various parts of the world, this paper looks at the contribution the Special Rapporteur can make. Based on an assessment of her activities to date, it concludes that the Special Rapporteur has actively worked to build networks with persons affected by leprosy and related organizations and gain their trust, but has faced challenges in organizing official country visits. It goes on to analyze what sort of legacy the Special Rapporteur should aim to leave behind after completing her second term and how she can go about doing so in the time remaining. To this end, it makes 5 suggestions: (1) gather information systematically on the actual situation of discrimination; (2) compile a collection of success stories; (3) ensure that there is consistency between legally binding international covenants and treaties and the principles and guidelines; (4) present proposals for concrete actions that can be taken after the Special Rapporteur’s second term ends; and (5) initiate a feasibility study on creating an “index” and “indicators” to measure the current status of stigma and discrimination and the extent to which the principles and guidelines have been implemented.     

Announcing the call for the Special Issue on “The Australian Society for Biophysics (ASB) – 2021 Meeting”

This Commentary describes a call for submissions for the upcoming Special Issue focused on the research topics presented at the Australian Society of Biophysics (ASB) in 2020 and 2021. Submissions from past and present ASB members who could not attend these meetings are also welcome as contributions to this special issue.

In 2020, the ASB held its 44^th Annual Conference virtually, enabling joint sessions with the University of California Davis Early Career Researchers, Biophysical Society of Japan, and the New Zealand Section of ASB to take place despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To complement these ASB joint meetings, Biophysical Reviews in partnership with the Australian Society for Biophysics (ASB) will present the second of a series of Special Issues highlighting the activities of a National Biophysical Society. This National Biophysical Society Special Issue series will highlight the activities and showcase the areas of research carried out by its members.Review articles are solicited from speakers and poster presenters of the 44^th and participants at the 45^th ASB annual conferences. Commentaries from session chairs and meeting organisers are also requested. Submissions from those who have had long-standing association with ASB or with knowledge of its history are also most welcome. This Special Issue will be prepared and edited by the above authors.     

Sine-Gordon Equation in (1+2) and (1+3) dimensions: Existence and Classification of Traveling-Wave Solutions

The (1+1)-dimensional Sine-Gordon equation passes integrability tests commonly applied to nonlinear evolution equations. Its kink solutions (one-dimensional fronts) are obtained by a Hirota algorithm. In higher space-dimensions, the equation does not pass these tests. Although it has been derived over the years for quite a few physical systems that have nothing to do with Special Relativity, the Sine-Gordon equation emerges as a non-linear relativistic wave equation. This opens the way for exploiting the tools of the Theory of Special Relativity. Using no more than the relativistic kinematics of tachyonic momentum vectors, from which the solutions are constructed through the Hirota algorithm, the existence and classification of N-moving-front solutions of the (1+2)- and (1+3)-dimensional equations for all N ≥ 1 are presented. In (1+2) dimensions, each multi-front solution propagates rigidly at one velocity. The solutions are divided into two subsets: Solutions whose velocities are lower than a limiting speed, c = 1, or are greater than or equal to c. To connect with concepts of the Theory of Special Relativity, c will be called “the speed of light.” In (1+3)-dimensions, multi-front solutions are characterized by spatial structure and by velocity composition. The spatial structure is either planar (rotated (1+2)-dimensional solutions), or genuinely three-dimensional – branes. Planar solutions, propagate rigidly at one velocity, which is lower than, equal to, or higher than c. Branes must contain clusters of fronts whose speed exceeds c = 1. Some branes are “hybrids”: different clusters of fronts propagate at different velocities. Some velocities may be lower than c but some must be equal to, or exceed, c. Finally, the speed of light cannot be approached from within the subset of slower-than-light solutions in both (1+2) and (1+3) dimensions.     

Cover Picture: Biotechnology Journal 1/2013

Cover illustration Special issue: Methods and Advances Progress in biotechnology research relies heavily on innovative ideas and approaches. Every year, Biotechnology Journal publishes a “Methods and Advances” Special Issue, which covers the latest cutting-edge research and breakthrough technologies. For this issue's cover, we chose a design featuring 12 light bulbs, representing the 12 months of the year, each with state-of-the-art research. Image credits: ©Kletr, ©Natis, ©Sarunyu_foto, ©Scanrail, ©Sergey Niven, ©Thaut Images, ©Yahia LOUKKAL, all from Fotolia.com.     

International Biotechnology

Cover illustration Special Issue: International Biotechnology. Efforts to develop biotechnological strategies for various applications have reached a global scale as indicated by the diverse international representation at the IBS2012 organized by the Asian Federation of Biotechnology (AFOB). For this special issue's cover, one such useful technique – the rapid gene knockout method – is schematically shown: a series of outer grey arrows represent the multiple steps required for conventional gene knockout experiments, while the inner green arrow represents the rapid gene knockout method; the steam-engine and the bullet train are used to further illustrate the difference. Image provided by Sang Yup Lee and Chan Woo Song (KAIST, Korea).     

The ion channels to cytoskeleton connection as potential mechanism of mechanosensitivity

As biological force-sensing systems mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels present the best example of coupling molecular dynamics of membrane proteins to the mechanics of the surrounding cell membrane. In animal cells MS channels have over the past two decades been very much in focus of mechanotransduction research. In recent years this helped to raise awareness of basic and medical researchers about the role that abnormal MS channels may play in the pathophysiology of diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, muscular dystrophy or polycystic kidney disease. To date a large number of MS channels from organisms of diverse phylogenetic origins have been identified at the molecular level; however, the structure of only few of them has been determined. Although their function has extensively been studied in a great variety of cells and tissues by different experimental approaches it is, with exception of bacterial MS channels, very little known about how these channels sense mechanical force and which cellular components may contribute to their function. By focusing on MS channels found in animal cells this article discusses the ways in which the connections between cytoskeleton and ion channels may contribute to mechanosensory transduction in these cells. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Reciprocal influences between cell cytoskeleton and membrane channels, receptors and transporters. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Reciprocal influences between cell cytoskeleton and membrane channels, receptors and transporters. Guest Editor: Jean Claude Hervé.     

Biomolecular Engineering

Cover illustration: Biotechnology Journal's latest Special Issue on “Biomolecular Engineering” is based peer-reviewed papers derived from some of the best presentations at the 4^th International Conference on Biomolecular Engineering. The cover is a snapshot of solvated HER4/ErbB4 kinase domain with juxtamembrane region; image provided by Ravi Radhakrishnan.     

Systems Metabolic Engineering

Cover illustration Special Issue: Systems Metabolic Engineering. Metabolic engineering combines a mix of approaches, including in silico modeling, omics studies, synthetic biology and protein engineering to improve microorganism strains for increased yields and reduced production costs of desirable chemicals. Such an achievement is exemplified on this Special Issue's cover, which shows an electron microscopy image of Corynebacterium glutamicum that has been engineered to produce a sustainable bio-nylon monomer from hemicellulose sugar found in the cell walls of plants. Image provided by Buschke et al.     

News & ISN

• The 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Stefan W. Hell, Eric Betzig and William E. Moerner for the development of a superresolution imaging technique, STED (stimulated emission depletion). The technique opens up new possibilities in imaging nanostructures, and has been featured in a review article in the Journal of Neurochemistry, entitled “STED microscopy of living cells ‐ new frontiers in membrane and neurobiology” by Christian Eggeling, Kathrin I. Willig and Francisco J. Barrantes: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jnc.12243/abstract
• A Virtual Issue on Neuroinflammation in Nervous System Disorders: Diversity in Insults and Outcomes, edited by Deputy Chief Editor Tammy Kielian ( http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1471-4159/homepage/virtual_issues.htm#neuroinflammation ), will shortly be followed by a Special Issue on neuroinflammation.
• The Journal of Neurochemistry now has a new page for special Article Series and/or reviews solicited at ISN meetings such as the 5th Special ISN Conference 2012 .
• The Committee for Aid and Education in Neurochemistry ( CAEN ) provides funds for travelling to another laboratory to develop new technical or conceptual expertise, purchasing research supplies, attending workshops/training courses/satellite meetings or organizing a workshop/small school. The ISN‐CAEN application deadlines for this year are on April 30, August 31 and December 31.

     

Climate change, global food supply and risk of hunger

This paper reports the results of a series of research projects which have aimed to evaluate the implications of climate change for food production and risk of hunger. There are three sets of results: (a) for IS92a (previously described as a 'business-as-usual' climate scenario); (b) for stabilization scenarios at 550 and 750 ppm and (c) for Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES). The main conclusions are: (i) the region of greatest risk is Africa; (ii) stabilization at 750 ppm avoids some but not most of the risk, while stabilization at 550 ppm avoids most of the risk and (iii) the impact of climate change on risk of hunger is influenced greatly by pathways of development. For example, a SRES B2 development pathway is characterized by much lower levels of risk than A2; and this is largely explained by differing levels of income and technology not by differing amounts of climate forcing.     

EC/US workshop report: assessment of genetic risks associated with exposure to ethylene oxide, acrylamide, 1,3-butadiene and cyclophosphamide

The EC/US Workshop on Risk Assessment: ‘Human Genetic Risks from Exposure to Chemicals, Focusing on the Feasibility of a Parallelogram Approach’ had as its main objective the identification of the methodology, data requirements and mechanistic research to understand the human health impact of germ cell mutagens. Specifically, it represented an evaluation of current knowledge and the identification of future research needs for a more precise assessment of human genetic risks from exposure to mutagenic chemicals. Four chemicals were selected for review at the Workshop and in this Special Issue: ethylene oxide, 1,3-butadiene, acrylamide, and cyclophosphamide. The first three are important industrial chemicals with substantial use worldwide and, therefore, considerable potential for human exposure. The fourth, cyclophosphamide, is a commonly used cancer chemotherapeutic agent. This Special Issue contains the major scientific reports from the workshop. These include four Introductory Papers (on the parallelogram concept, alternative genetic risk assessment approaches, regulatory data needs, and the research background for risk assessment of ethylene oxide), four Working Group Reports on the specific compounds mentioned above and, finally, three Crosscutting Papers pertinent to the issue of germ-line mutagenesis and genetic risk estimation.     

Gold and silver nanoparticles for clinical diagnostics - From genomics to proteomics

Nanotechnology has prompted researchers to develop new and improved materials aimed at biomedical applications with particular emphasis in diagnostics and therapy. Special interest has been directed at providing enhanced biomolecular diagnostics, including SNP detection gene expression profiles and biomarker characterisation. These strategies have focused on the development of nanoscale devices and platforms that can be used for single molecule characterisation of nucleic acid, DNA or RNA, and protein at an increased rate when compared to traditional techniques. Also, several advances have been reported on DNA analysis in real time, at both high resolution and very high throughputs, suitable for biomedical diagnostics. Here, we shall provide a review of available nanotechnology-based platforms for biomolecular recognition, and their application to molecular diagnostics and genome analysis, with emphasis on the use of noble metal nanoparticles for simple and specific analysis systems. Particular focus will be put on those already being translated into clinical settings. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteomics: The clinical link.     

Blood/plasma secretome and microvesicles

A major but hitherto overseen component of the blood/plasma secretome is that of extracellular vesicles (EVs) which are shed from all blood cell types. These EVs are made up of microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes. MVs, 100 nm–1 μm in diameter, are released from the cell surface, and are a rich source of non-conventionally secreted proteins lacking a conventional signal peptide, and thus not secreted by the classical secretory pathways. Exosomes are smaller vesicles (≤ 100 nm) having an endocytic origin and released upon multivesicular body fusion with the plasma membrane. Both vesicle types play major roles in intercellular cross talk and constitute an important component of the secretome especially in the area of biomarkers for cancer. The release of EVs, which are found in all the bodily fluids, is enhanced in cancer and a major focus of cancer proteomics is therefore targeted at EVs. The blood/plasma secretome is also a source of EVs, potentially diagnostic of infectious disease, whether from EVs released from infected cells or from the pathogens themselves. Despite the great excitement in this field, as is stated here and in other parts of this Special issue entitled: An Updated Secretome, much of the EV research, whether proteomic or functional in nature, urgently needs standardisation both in terms of nomenclature and isolation protocols. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: An Updated Secretome.     

Methodologies to decipher the cell secretome

The cell secretome is a collection of proteins consisting of transmembrane proteins (TM) and proteins secreted by cells into the extracellular space. A significant portion (~ 13–20%) of the human proteome consists of secretory proteins. The secretory proteins play important roles in cell migration, cell signaling and communication. There is a plethora of methodologies available like Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE), DNA microarrays, antibody arrays and bead-based arrays, mass spectrometry, RNA sequencing and yeast, bacterial and mammalian secretion traps to identify the cell secretomes. There are many advantages and disadvantages in using any of the above methods. This review aims to discuss the methodologies available along with their potential advantages and disadvantages to identify secretory proteins. This review is a part of a Special issue on The Secretome. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: An Updated Secretome.