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“The complete mitochondrial genome was obtained from the assembled genome data sequenced by next generation sequencing (NGS) technology from the monogonont rotifer Brachionus koreanus. The mitochondrial genome of B. koreanus was composed of two circular chromosomes designated as mtDNA-I (10,421 bp) and mtDNA-II (11,923 bp). The gene contents of B. koreanus were identical with previously reported B. plicatilis mitochondrial genomes. However, gene orders of B. koreanus showed one rearrangement between the two species. Of 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 3 genes (ATP6, ND1, and ND3) had an incomplete stop codon. The A + T base composition of B. koreanus mitochondrial

genome was high (68.81%). They also showed anti-G bias (12.03% and 10.97%) on the second and third position of PCGs as well as slight AZD7762 purchase anti-C bias (15.96% and 14.31%) on the first and third position of PCGs.”
“Background: There is a large and growing body of evidence that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening programs are cost effective, but such screening represents a significant cost burden for hospitals. This study investigates the clinical, patient experience and cost impacts of performing active surveillance on known methicillin-resistant S aureus positive (MRSA+) patients admitted

to 7 medical-surgical units of a large regional hospital, specifically to allow discontinuation of contact isolation. Methods: Selleckchem Staurosporine We conducted mixed-methods retrospective evaluation of a process improvement project that screened admitted patients with known MRSA+ status for continued MRSA colonization. Results: Of those eligible patients on our institution’s MRSA+ list who did complete testing, 80.2% (130/162) were found to be no longer colonized, and only 19.8% (32/162) were still colonized. Forty-one

percent ERK inhibitor (13/32) of interviewed patients in contact isolation for MRSA reported that isolation had affected their hospital stay, and 28% (9/32) of patients reported emotional distress resulting from their isolation. Total cost savings of the program are estimated at $101,230 per year across the 7 study units. Conclusion: Our findings provide supporting evidence that a screening program targeting patients with a history of MRSA who would otherwise be placed in isolation has the potential to improve outcomes and patient experience and reduce costs. Copyright (C) 2014 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Background Concerns have emerged about the adverse effect of phthalates on human health. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the association between di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure and atopic dermatitis (AD) in Korean children, focusing on the potential dose-response relationship. Methods A matched case-control study was conducted from May to October 2012.