Showing papers by "University of the Philippines published in 2010"

Human papillomavirus genotype attribution in invasive cervical cancer: a retrospective cross-sectional worldwide study

Abstract: Summary Background Knowledge about the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in invasive cervical cancer is crucial to guide the introduction of prophylactic vaccines. We aimed to provide novel and comprehensive data about the worldwide genotype distribution in patients with invasive cervical cancer. Methods Paraffin-embedded samples of histologically confirmed cases of invasive cervical cancer were collected from 38 countries in Europe, North America, central South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Inclusion criteria were a pathological confirmation of a primary invasive cervical cancer of epithelial origin in the tissue sample selected for analysis of HPV DNA, and information about the year of diagnosis. HPV detection was done by use of PCR with SPF-10 broad-spectrum primers followed by DNA enzyme immunoassay and genotyping with a reverse hybridisation line probe assay. Sequence analysis was done to characterise HPV-positive samples with unknown HPV types. Data analyses included algorithms of multiple infections to estimate type-specific relative contributions. Findings 22 661 paraffin-embedded samples were obtained from 14 249 women. 10 575 cases of invasive cervical cancer were included in the study, and 8977 (85%) of these were positive for HPV DNA. The most common HPV types were 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58 with a combined worldwide relative contribution of 8196 of 8977 (91%, 95% CI 90–92). HPV types 16 and 18 were detected in 6357 of 8977 of cases (71%, 70–72) of invasive cervical cancer. HPV types 16, 18, and 45 were detected in 443 of 470 cases (94%, 92–96) of cervical adenocarcinomas. Unknown HPV types that were identified with sequence analysis were 26, 30, 61, 67, 69, 82, and 91 in 103 (1%) of 8977 cases of invasive cervical cancer. Women with invasive cervical cancers related to HPV types 16, 18, or 45 presented at a younger mean age than did those with other HPV types (50·0 years [49·6–50·4], 48·2 years [47·3–49·2], 46·8 years [46·6–48·1], and 55·5 years [54·9–56·1], respectively). Interpretation To our knowledge, this study is the largest assessment of HPV genotypes to date. HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58 should be given priority when the cross-protective effects of current vaccines are assessed, and for formulation of recommendations for the use of second-generation polyvalent HPV vaccines. Our results also suggest that type-specific high-risk HPV-DNA-based screening tests and protocols should focus on HPV types 16, 18, and 45. Funding Spanish grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Agencia de Gestio d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, Marato de TV3 Foundation, and unrestricted grants from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, and Merck.

Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea

Abstract: Background Probiotics may be effective in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhoea. Objectives To assess the effects of probiotics in proven or presumed acute infectious diarrhoea. Search methods We searched the trials register of the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, MEDLINE, and Embase from inception to 17 December 2019, as well as the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 12, 2019), in the Cochrane Library, and reference lists from studies and reviews. We included additional studies identified during external review. Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials comparing a specified probiotic agent with a placebo or no probiotic in people with acute diarrhoea that is proven or presumed to be caused by an infectious agent. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently applied inclusion criteria, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. Primary outcomes were measures of diarrhoea duration (diarrhoea lasting ≥ 48 hours; duration of diarrhoea). Secondary outcomes were number of people hospitalized in community studies, duration of hospitalization in inpatient studies, diarrhoea lasting ≥ 14 days, and adverse events. Main results We included 82 studies with a total of 12,127 participants. These studies included 11,526 children (age < 18 years) and 412 adults (three studies recruited 189 adults and children but did not specify numbers in each age group). No cluster‐randomized trials were included. Studies varied in the definitions used for "acute diarrhoea" and "end of the diarrhoeal illness" and in the probiotic(s) tested. A total of 53 trials were undertaken in countries where both child and adult mortality was low or very low, and 26 where either child or adult mortality was high. Risk of bias was high or unclear in many studies, and there was marked statistical heterogeneity when findings for the primary outcomes were pooled in meta‐analysis. Effect size was similar in the sensitivity analysis and marked heterogeneity persisted. Publication bias was demonstrated from funnel plots for the main outcomes. In our main analysis of the primary outcomes in studies at low risk for all indices of risk of bias, no difference was detected between probiotic and control groups for the risk of diarrhoea lasting ≥ 48 hours (risk ratio (RR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 to 1.09; 2 trials, 1770 participants; moderate‐certainty evidence); or for duration of diarrhoea (mean difference (MD) 8.64 hours shorter, 95% CI 29.4 hours shorter to 12.1 hours longer; 6 trials, 3058 participants; very low‐certainty evidence). Effect size was similar and marked heterogeneity persisted in pre‐specified subgroup analyses of the primary outcomes that included all studies. These included analyses limited to the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii. In six trials (433 participants) of Lactobacillus reuteri, there was consistency amongst findings (I² = 0%), but risk of bias was present in all included studies. Heterogeneity also was not explained by types of participants (age, nutritional/socioeconomic status captured by mortality stratum, region of the world where studies were undertaken), diarrhoea in children caused by rotavirus, exposure to antibiotics, and the few studies of children who were also treated with zinc. In addition, there were no clear differences in effect size for the primary outcomes in post hoc analyses according to decade of publication of studies and whether or not trials had been registered. For other outcomes, the duration of hospitalization in inpatient studies on average was shorter in probiotic groups than in control groups but there was marked heterogeneity between studies (I² = 96%; MD ‐18.03 hours, 95% CI ‐27.28 to ‐8.78, random‐effects model: 24 trials, 4056 participants). No differences were detected between probiotic and control groups in the number of people with diarrhoea lasting ≥ 14 days (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.53; 9 studies, 2928 participants) or in risk of hospitalization in community studies (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.89; 6 studies, 2283 participants). No serious adverse events were attributed to probiotics. Authors' conclusions Probiotics probably make little or no difference to the number of people who have diarrhoea lasting 48 hours or longer, and we are uncertain whether probiotics reduce the duration of diarrhoea. This analysis is based on large trials with low risk of bias.

Bat Coronaviruses and Experimental Infection of Bats, the Philippines

Abstract: Fifty-two bats captured during July 2008 in the Philippines were tested by reverse transcription–PCR to detect bat coronavirus (CoV) RNA. The overall prevalence of virus RNA was 55.8%. We found 2 groups of sequences that belonged to group 1 (genus Alphacoronavirus) and group 2 (genus Betacoronavirus) CoVs. Phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene showed that groups 1 and 2 CoVs were similar to Bat-CoV/China/ A515/2005 (95% nt sequence identity) and Bat-CoV/ HKU9–1/China/2007 (83% identity), respectively. To propagate group 2 CoVs obtained from a lesser dog-faced fruit bat (Cynopterus brachyotis), we administered intestine samples orally to Leschenault rousette bats (Rousettus leschenaulti) maintained in our laboratory. After virus replication in the bats was confi rmed, an additional passage of the virus was made in Leschenault rousette bats, and bat pathogenesis was investigated. Fruit bats infected with virus did not show clinical signs of infection.

Trajectories of desistance and continuity in antisocial behavior following court adjudication among serious adolescent offenders.

Abstract: Because many serious adolescent offenders reduce their antisocial behavior after court involvement, understanding the patterns and mechanisms of the process of desistance from criminal activity is essential for developing effective interventions and legal policy. This study examined patterns of self-reported antisocial behavior over a 3-year period after court involvement in a sample of 1,119 serious male adolescent offenders. Using growth mixture models, and incorporating time at risk for offending in the community, we identified five trajectory groups, including a "persister" group (8.7% of the sample) and a "desister" group (14.6% of the sample). Case characteristics (age, ethnicity, antisocial history, deviant peers, a criminal father, substance use, psychosocial maturity) differentiated the five trajectory groups well, but did not effectively differentiate the persisting from desisting group. We show that even the most serious adolescent offenders report relatively low levels of antisocial activity after court involvement, but that distinguishing effectively between high-frequency offenders who desist and those who persist requires further consideration of potentially important dynamic factors related to this process.

Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in Asia.

Abstract: In this paper we aim to review the prevalence, incidence and disease presentation of lupus patients in Asian populations. The database of the National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) through PUBMED up to September 2009 was searched for relevant articles using the search terms 'systemic lupus erythematosus', 'epidemiology', and 'Asia'. Articles on lupus prevalence, incidence, and clinical manifestations were retrieved and their bibliographies further screened for relevant articles. Proceedings of national, regional, and international rheumatology and SLE conferences were likewise searched for relevant abstracts. Retrieval rate of relevant articles was approximately 80%. Prevalence and incidence figures are expressed per 100,000 populations. Among the articles reviewed, epidemiologic information was usually obtained through population surveys or hospital cohorts. Prevalence data are available from 24 countries, and generally fall within 30-50/100,000 population. However, one survey showed a higher prevalence of 70 (Shanghai), while three others showed a lower prevalence of 3.2-19.3 (India, Japan, Saudi Arabia). Only three countries have recorded incidence rates and these varied from 0.9 to 3.1 per annum. Thirty articles from 21 countries describe lupus disease presentation. Common manifestations include mucocutaneous lesions (seen in 52-98% of patients) and arthritis/musculoskeletal complaints (36-95%). Antinuclear antibodies were generally positive in 89-100% of patients, except for two studies. Renal involvement ranged from 18% to 100% with most articles reporting this in >50% of their patients. Discoid lesions, serositis, and neurologic involvement were the least frequently seen symptoms. There is varying epidemiologic information regarding systemic lupus erythematosus among countries in Asia. Prevalence rates usually fall within 30-50/100,000 population. Incidence rates, as reported from three countries, varied from 0.9/100,000 to 3.1% per annum. It is difficult to make generalizations about how the epidemiologic character of the disease varies from country to country. However, similarities in disease manifestations can be observed. .

Modeling the structural deterioration of urban drainage pipes: the state-of-the-art in statistical methods

Abstract: Wastewater and stormwater collection and conveyance systems are undergoing aging and deterioration, leaving cities vulnerable to their ill-effects, e.g. collapse and flooding. To avoid such problems, utilities began implementing some sort of urban drainage infrastructure asset management systems. One of the key components of these systems is the ability to predict the infrastructure's future performance. This paper discusses the different statistical models used in predicting the structural deterioration of urban drainage pipes. The concepts behind the models, along with their data requirements and applications in infrastructure asset management, are presented. Finally, a discussion is also made on the issues and challenges related to the developments of these models.

Production and properties of agar from the invasive marine alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

Abstract: The utilization potential, in terms of agar production, of the invasive alga, Gracilaria vermiculophylla, collected at Ria de Aveiro, northwestern Portugal was investigated. The agar yield ranged from 15% to 33%, with pre-extraction treatment with alkali generally increasing the yield. The gel quality (gel strength and apparent Young’s modulus) was best (>600 g cm−2 and >1,000 kPa, respectively) when alkali treatment with 6% NaOH for 3.5 h was performed. At these pretreatment conditions, the effect of extraction time was also investigated and highest yield and best gel quality were obtained with a 2 h extraction time. By employing these extraction conditions, G. vermiculophylla can be a source of industrial food-grade agar. The structure of agar from G. vermiculophylla was determined through chemical techniques and FTIR and NMR spectrometry. It is mainly composed of alternating 3-linked d-galactose and 4-linked 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose, with methyl substitution occurring at 16–19 mol% of C-6 in 3-linked units and 2–3 mol% of C-2 in 4-linked units. A minor sulfation on C-4 of 3-linked units was also detected; while precursor units (6-sulfated 4-linked galactosyl moieties) were found in the native extract.

Different antibiotic regimens for treating asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy.

Abstract: Background Asymptomatic bacteriuria occurs in 5% to 10% of pregnancies and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.

Poor Household Participation in Payments for Environmental Services: Lessons from the Silvopastoral Project in Quindío, Colombia

Abstract: As the use of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) approaches in developing countries has grown, concern has arisen over the ability of poorer households to participate. This paper uses data from a PES project implemented in Quindio, Colombia, to examine the extent to which poorer households that are eligible to participate are in fact able to do so. The project provides a strong test of the ability of poorer households to participate in a PES program as it required participants to make substantial and complex land use changes. The results show that poorer households are in fact able to participate at levels that are broadly similar to those of better-off households. Moreover, their participation was not limited to the simpler, least expensive options. Transaction costs may be greater obstacles to the participation of poorer households than household-specific constraints.

Dysglycaemia and the risk of acute myocardial infarction in multiple ethnic groups: an analysis of 15,780 patients from the INTERHEART study

Abstract: Aims/hypothesis Although diabetes is an established risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), disease control may vary. HbA1c is a reliable index of ambient glucose levels and may provide more information on MI risk than diabetes status.

Pulicatins A—E, Neuroactive Thiazoline Metabolites from Cone Snail-Associated Bacteria

Abstract: The cone snail Conus pulicarius from the Philippines provides a specific habitat for actinomycetes and other bacteria. A phenotypic screen using primary cultures of mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons revealed that one C. pulicarius associate, Streptomyces sp. CP32, produces a series of natural products that enhance or diminish whole-cell Ca(2+) flux. These compounds include known thiazoline compounds and a series of new derivatives, pulicatins A-E (6-10). Individual compounds were shown to bind to a series of human receptors, with selective binding to the human serotonin 5-HT(2B) receptor. Here, we report the structure elucidation of the new compounds and results of the neurological assays.

The Impact of Parents’ Overseas Employment on Educational Outcomes of Filipino Children

Abstract: Family structure, household resources, numbers of siblings competing for those resources, and parents’ own educational attainment are often important predictors of children’s education outcomes. Overseas migration of parents from the Philippines has resulted in increasing numbers of long-term separations of parents from each other and from their children. Western-based analyses might predict negative education outcomes for children as a result of parental absence. We find that separations caused by overseas migration often are either neutral or can have positive effects on schooling outcomes, at least among older children. Girls fare better in terms of educational attainment than do boys overall. Boys are often more affected by background variables, including parents’ international migration.

Symptom monitoring and self-care practices among Filipino cancer patients.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess patient-reported symptoms and self-care methods used during cancer treatments, using checklists. A descriptive study was performed at the cancer institute of a national medical center in Manila on 100 patients undergoing combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, n = 37, or chemotherapy alone, n = 63. Instruments used were (a) 25-item patient-reported Therapy-Related Symptoms Checklist (TRSC), (b) Self-care Methods (with the 25 TRSC items) tool, (c) Karnofsky Scale, (d) Demographic form, and (e) Health form. The TRSC (Philippine version) Cronbach alpha = .83. The TRSC scores inversely, significantly correlated with nurse-rated Karnofsky measure of functional status (r = -0.45; P < .001)-all evidences of internal consistency reliability, construct, and concurrent validity; similar findings were found in Midwestern United States and 2 other Asian settings. Compared with those receiving chemotherapy alone, patients who had combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy reported more symptoms with greater severity on several TRSC subscales. Self-care methods most used were in 2 categories: (a) diet/nutrition/lifestyle change (eg, modify food/eating habits; eat vegetables and fruits (papaya); use nutritional supplements; have naps, rest, sleep) to manage eating, oropharynx, nausea, and fatigue subscale symptoms; and (b) mind/body control (eg, prayer, praying the rosary, music) to relieve fatigue subscale, other symptoms. The TRSC (Philippine version) and Self-care Methods assess patient-reported symptoms and patients' self-care use. Oncology symptom management is enhanced by a valid clinical assessment tool.

PD1 as a common candidate susceptibility gene of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Abstract: Although the exact pathogenesis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) remains to be determined, our previous data suggested a genetic contribution to the host susceptibility to SSPE. During chronic viral infection, virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes display poor effector functions. Since co-inhibitory molecules are involved in the suppression of T lymphocytes, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes encoding co-inhibitory molecules contributed to a susceptibility to SSPE. Association studies on a total of 20 SNPs in 8 genes (CTLA4, CD80, CD86, PD1, PDL1, PDL2, BTLA and HVEM) and subsequent haplotype analysis of 4 SNPs in the PD1 genes were performed in Japanese and Filipino SSPE patients and controls. Then, we investigated a functional difference in promoter activity of two haplotypes and compared the expression levels of PD1 between SSPE and controls. The frequency of GCG(C) haplotype of PD1 containing −606G allele was significantly higher in SSPE patients than in controls both in Japanese and in Filipinos. The promoter activity was significantly higher in the construct with −606G allele than in that with −606A allele. The expression levels of PD1 were significantly higher in SSPE patients than in the controls. Our results suggested that the PD1 gene contributed to a genetic susceptibility to SSPE.

Enhancing the food security of upland farming households through agroforestry in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Abstract: The impact of agroforestry on food security of upland farmers is least recognized and appreciated given that the linkage between them is quite complex and not well understood. The crucial role of agroforestry in enhancing food supply and augmenting family income is commonly ignored. This study aimed to get a deeper understanding of the role of agroforestry in ensuring food security of farming households in the Philippine uplands. A combination of participatory approaches including participatory rural appraisal, household survey, focused group discussions, field experiments and simulation modeling were used for the study conducted in Claveria, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. The first major finding was that the prime responsibility for ensuring adequacy of food production and supply for the farming households rested on the husband and wife. The second major finding based on the simulation results was that agroforestry increased and stabilized corn yields under hedgerow system. Moreover, fruits from perennial crops and trees served as secondary food crops especially during lean months of food supply. The last major finding was that the adoption of agroforestry significantly increased the level of benefits by around 42–137%, compared with the low income from continuous annual monocropping. The key to making upland farm households food secure is to increase the productivity of their farms and home gardens. A good start is to promote the agroforestry system in upland areas, and it is thereby recommended that both national and local government units mainstream their policies and efforts toward promotion of agroforestry adoption in the Philippine uplands.

Influence of Dietary Fucoidan Supplementation on Growth and Immunological Response of Juvenile Marsupenaeus japonicus

Abstract: A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of dietary supplementation of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan on growth performance and immunological response of juvenile Marsupenaeus japonicus. Four semipurified diets supplemented with graded levels of fucoidan (0.0, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg diet) were fed to juvenile shrimp for 8 wk. Each diet was fed to three replicate groups of shrimp. At the end of the feeding trial, enhanced growth performance was generally observed in shrimp fed the fucoidan-supplemented diets when compared with the shrimp fed the control diet. Significantly higher weight gains, specific growth rates, protein retentions, and lower feed conversion ratios were observed in treatment groups fed the 500 and 1000 mg/kg dietary fucoidan supplementation when compared with the treatment groups receiving 100 mg/kg fucoidan supplementation and the control diet. Total hemocyte counts, phenol oxidase activity, and serum antibacterial activity were also significantly enhanced in shrimp fed diets supplemented with 500 and 1000 mg/kg fucoidan supplementation. These results suggest that U. pinnatifida fucoidan at a dose of 500 mg/kg diet could be used as an immunostimulant and a growth-promoting dietary supplement for juvenile M. japonicus.

Matrix representation of spiking neural P systems

Abstract: Spiking neural P systems (SN P systems, for short) are a class of distributed parallel computing devices inspired from the way neurons communicate by means of spikes. In this work, a discrete structure representation of SN P systems with extended rules and without delay is proposed. Specifically, matrices are used to represent SN P systems. In order to represent the computations of SN P systems by matrices, configuration vectors are defined to monitor the number of spikes in each neuron at any given configuration; transition net gain vectors are also introduced to quantify the total amount of spikes consumed and produced after the chosen rules are applied. Nondeterminism of the systems is assured by a set of spiking transition vectors that could be used at any given time during the computation. With such matrix representation, it is quite convenient to determine the next configuration from a given configuration, since it involves only multiplication and addition of matrices after deciding the spiking transition vector.

Positron emission tomography imaging of tissue P‐glycoprotein activity during pregnancy in the non‐human primate

Abstract: Background and purpose: Changes in tissue P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity during pregnancy could affect the pharmacokinetics and thus the efficacy and toxicity of many drugs. Therefore, using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we tested whether gestational age affects tissue P-gp activity in the pregnant non-human primate, Macaca nemestrina. Experimental approach: Mid-gestational (day 75 ± 13, n= 7) and late-gestational (day 150 ± 10, n= 5) age macaques were imaged after administration of a prototypic P-gp substrate, 11C-verapamil (13.7–75.4 MBq·kg−1), before and during intravenous infusion of a P-gp inhibitor, cyclosporin A (CsA) (12 or 24 mg·kg−1·h−1). Accumulation of radioactivity in the fetal liver served as a reporter of placental P-gp activity. P-gp activity was expressed as CsA-induced percent change in the ratio of the area (0–9 min) under the 11C-radioactivity concentration–time curve in the tissue (AUCtissue) to that in the maternal plasma (AUCplasma). Key results: The CsA-induced change in AUCfetal liver/AUCmaternalplasma of 11C-radioactivity significantly increased from mid- (35 ± 25%) to late gestation (125 ± 66%). Likewise, the CsA-induced change in AUCmaternal brain/AUCplasma increased from mid- (172 ± 80%) to late gestation (337 ± 148%). The AUC ratio for the other maternal tissues was not significantly affected. Neither the CsA blood concentrations nor the level of circulating 11C-verapamil metabolites were significantly affected by gestational age. Conclusions and implications: P-gp activity at the blood–brain barrier and the placental barrier in the macaque increased with gestational age. If replicated in humans, the exposure of the fetus and maternal brain to P-gp substrate drugs, and therefore their efficacy and toxicity, will change during pregnancy.

Vibration of reinforced concrete viaducts under high-speed train passage: measurement and prediction including train–viaduct interaction

Abstract: This study investigates the dynamic interactions between high-speed trains and reinforced concrete viaducts using field measurements and numerical simulations. The dynamic responses of a 40 year old viaduct under high-speed train passage are measured. Using general finite-element method software, a new numerical vibration prediction scheme for a train–bridge system is developed. Following the Newmark scheme, a decoupling algorithm is derived through the contact force between a train and viaduct. Track irregularity is also taken into account. The proposed numerical scheme is verified through a comparison between calculated responses and in situ measured responses. This approach is expected to provide not only an accurate simulation tool for train-induced vibration, but also instructive information for the retrofit of railway structures, especially at higher speeds.

Vibrio sp. causing Porites ulcerative white spot disease

Abstract: The causative agent of the Indo-Pacific coral disease, Porites ulcerative white spot syndrome (PUWS), that affects Porites spp. and a few other coral genera has so far remained unidentified. Inoculation of thiosulphate citrate bile sucrose (TCBS) agar with tissue material from Porites cylindrica infected with white spot produced colonies of approximately 3 mm diameter consisting of Gram-negative, motile, non-sucrose-fermenting, slightly curved rods with a minimum NaCl requirement of 0.3%. Three of these putative Vibrio sp. isolates were used for infection trials that included different stages of cell growth. Four modes of inoculation and 3 stages of bacterial cell growth were considered for testing Koch's postulates. Stationary phase cells proved more consistently infectious than did exponentially growing or starved cells using a 1-step immersion technique at cell concentrations of 10(4) cells ml(-1). A 1-step immersion technique proved more reliable in producing signs of white spot than did other techniques, such as injection, smearing and 2-step immersion of the inoculum. At inoculum densities >10(4) cells ml(-1) further signs of disease, such as tissue degradation and bleaching, also became evident. At elevated temperatures (>29 degrees C) bleaching remained absent for at least 2 mo from non-inoculated corals serving as controls, but was observed in artificially infected coral fragments. Of the 9 seawater aquaria containing healthy specimens of P. cylindrica, 6 showed signs of white spot 15 d after infection with an isolate tentatively identified as Vibrio sp. Based on 99% similarity of its 16S rRNA gene sequence and selected phenotypical features, this isolate revealed a close relationship to V. natriegens and V. parahaemolyticus.

Comparison of LNA Topologies for WiMAX Applications in a Standard 90-nm CMOS Process

Abstract: This paper presents the design of low-noise amplifiers intended for WiMAX applications. Three low-noise amplifier topologies are implemented namely: (1) cascoded common-source amplifier, (2) folded cascode amplifier, and (3) shunt feedback amplifier. The amplifiers were implemented in a standard 90-nm CMOS process and were operated with a 1-V supply voltage. Low-noise amplifier measurements were taken for parameters such as power gain, noise figure, input matching, output matching, reverse isolation, stability, and linearity. Based on the employed figure-of-merit, the cascoded common-source low-noise amplifier achieved the best performance among the three with a simulated gain of 13.8 dB and noise figure of 1.7 dB, which makes it comparable to previously published works.