“
“The structure of the temporalis muscle was examined in detail from cadaveric specimens (32 specimens from 16 subjects: 5 males, average age 80.6 years; 11 females, average age 88.6 years) and Computerized Tomography (CT) and T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance (MR) images from normal clinical patients (10 females: average age 45.0 years). Three parts of the muscle were clearly delineated in all cadaveric specimens: (1) the classically recognized superficial part, (2) a zygomatic part, and (3) a complex deep part. In one female

specimen, the superficial selleck inhibitor temporalis demonstrated extensive insertions into the zygomatic process and temporomandibular joint. The zygomatic temporalis originates from the zygomatic arch to insert into the superficial part of the temporalis as it inserts into the lateral surface of the coronoid process. In all specimens, the deep temporalis contained muscle bundles that originated from various crests

along the anterior surface of the temporal fossa and inserted into the internal aspect of the coronoid process and retromolar triangle, inter-digitating with the buccinator, mylohyoid, and superior constrictor muscles. The confluence of muscle fibers into the buccinator muscle was confirmed in all CT/MRI images. The deep and zygomatic parts described were regarded as accessory muscle bellies previously, but are demonstrably part of the temporalis muscle as a whole. Clin. Anat. 22:655-664, 2009. (C) click here 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.”
“We report a case of alien hand sign in a male with stroke and briefly discuss

the pathogenesis of this rare condition symptom.”
“PurposeThis Alvocidib article investigates the safety of radiofrequency induced local thermal hotspots within a 1.5T body coil by assessing the transient local peak temperatures as a function of exposure level and local thermoregulation in four anatomical human models in different Z-positions. MethodsTo quantize the effective thermal stress of the tissues, the thermal dose model cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 degrees C was employed, allowing the prediction of thermal tissue damage risk and the identification of potentially hazardous MR scan-scenarios. The numerical results were validated by B-1(+)- and skin temperature measurements. ResultsAt continuous 4 W/kg whole-body exposure, peak tissue temperatures of up to 42.8 degrees C were computed for the thermoregulated model (60 degrees C in nonregulated case). When applying cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 degrees C damage thresholds of 15 min (muscle, skin, fat, and bone) and 2 min (other), possible tissue damage cannot be excluded after 25 min for the thermoregulated model (4 min in nonregulated). ConclusionThe results are found to be consistent with the history of safe use in MR scanning, but not with current safety guidelines. For future safety concepts, we suggest to use thermal dose models instead of temperatures or SAR. Special safety concerns for patients with impaired thermoregulation (e.g.

We also find that all but one of the chondrule data sets tested are consistent with being drawn from the TC distribution.”
“Breast cancer and prostate cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed in women and men, respectively, in the UK, and radiotherapy is used extensively in the treatment of both. In vitro data suggest that tumours in the breast and prostate have unique properties that make a hypofractionated radiotherapy treatment schedule advantageous

in terms of therapeutic index. Many clinical trials of hypofractionated radiotherapy treatment schedules have been completed to establish the extent to which hypofractionation can improve patient outcome. Here we present a concise description selleck chemicals of hypofractionation, the mathematical description of converting between conventional and hypofractionated schedules, and the motivation for using SB203580 ic50 hypofractionation

in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, we summarise the results of important recent hypofractionation trials and highlight the limitations of a hypofractionated treatment regimen. (C) 2015 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd.”
“Lactose has been hydrolyzed using covalently immobilized beta-galactosidase on thermally stable carrageenan coated with chitosan (hydrogel). The hydrogel’s mode of interaction was proven by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Schiff’s base formation. The DSC thermogram

proved the formation of a strong polyelectrolyte complex between carrageenan and chitosan followed by glutaraldehyde as they formed one single peak. The modification of carrageenan improved the gel’s thermal stability in solutions from 35 degrees C to 95 degrees C. The hydrogel has been PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3 datasheet proven to be efficient for beta-galactosidase immobilization where 11 U/g wet gel was immobilized with 50% enzyme loading capacity. Activity and stability of free and immobilized beta-galactosidase towards pH and temperature showed marked shifts in their optimum pH from 4.5-5 to 5-5.5 and temperature from 50 degrees C to 45-55 degrees C after immobilization, which reveals higher catalytic activity and reasonable stability at wider pHs and temperatures. The apparent K(m) of the immobilized enzyme increased from 13.2 to 125 mM, whereas the V(max) increased from 3.2 to 6.6 mu mol/min compared to the free enzyme, respectively. The free and immobilized enzymes showed lactose conversion of 87% and 70% at 7 h, respectively. The operational stability showed 97% retention of the enzyme activity after 15 uses, which demonstrates that the covalently immobilized enzyme is unlikely to leach. The new carrier could be suitable for immobilization of other industrial enzymes.”
“In melanoma, at least four major signaling abnormalities have been described.

Eleven isolates were identified as non-Listeria spp., the remaining ten L. monocytogenes isolates were nontypeable. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the antibiotic that isolates displayed the most resistance

to was gentamicin (5%) followed by sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (2%), tetracycline and ciprofloxacin (1 center dot 5%).\n\nConclusions:\n\nThe subtyping has indicated the diversity of the Listeria spp. The presence of serotype 1/2a, 1/2b and 4b in both raw and cooked ready-to-eat food products is a public health concern, AZD1208 supplier as these serotypes are frequently associated with foodborne outbreaks and sporadic cases of human listeriosis. In addition, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant L. monocytogenes isolates could have serious therapeutic consequences.\n\nSignificance and Impact of Study:\n\nThe molecular subtyping and the further characterization of these isolates may be valuable particularly in the context of a suspected common source outbreak in the future.”
“Introduction. – Konzo is a neuromyelopathy characterized by permanent spastic paraparesis, linked to a subacute poisoning by cyanide GSK2126458 datasheet found in cassava. The purpose of the study is to describe the epidemiological aspects of konzo in health region No. 2 in

the Central African Republic.\n\nMethod. – A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients collected during a one-month period (July 16 to August 16, 2007) of active surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis.\n\nResults. – Eighty-one cases of konzo were identified during the study period, representing a prevalence of 10 per 100,000. Mean age of patients was 10.7 +/- 7.7 years. Children and women were most affected. The

main warning signs were fatigability (97.6%), tremor (88.9%), walking difficulty (100.0%), dysarthria (67.9%) and a loss of visual acuity (65.4%). The predominant neurological signs were lower limb paresis (90.0%) and hyperesthesia (66.7%).\n\nConclusion. – Konzo is a serious public health problem in this region of the Central African Republic. A prevention program should be set-up. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“In conformational diseases, native protein conformers convert GW786034 mw to pathological intermediates that polymerize. Structural characterization of these key intermediates is challenging. They are unstable and minimally populated in dynamic equilibria that may be perturbed by many analytical techniques. We have characterized a forme fruste deficiency variant of alpha(1)-antitrypsin (Lys154Asn) that forms polymers recapitulating the conformer-specific neo-epitope observed in polymers that form in vivo. Lys154Asn alpha(1)-antitrypsin populates an intermediate ensemble along the polymerization pathway at physiological temperatures.

“
“The compressive strength of heavyweight concrete which is produced

using baryte aggregates has been predicted by artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy logic (FL) models. For these models 45 experimental results were used and trained. Cement rate, water rate, periods (7-28-90 days) and baryte (BaSO(4)) rate (%) were used as inputs and compressive strength (MPa) was used as output while developing both ANN and FL models. In the models, training and testing results have shown that ANN and FL systems have strong potential for predicting compressive strength of concretes containing baryte (BaSO(4)).”
“Skin sensitization is an important aspect of safety assessment. The mouse local lymph node assay (LLNA) developed in the 1990s is an in vivo test used for skin ‘sensitization

hazard identification and characterization. More recently a reduced version of the LLNA (rLLNA) P505-15 price has been developed as a means of identifying, but not quantifying, sensitization hazard. The work presented here is aimed at enabling rLLNA data to be used to give quantitative potency information that can be used, inter alia, in modeling and read-across approaches to non-animal SHP099 smiles based potency estimation. A probit function has been derived enabling estimation of EC3 from a single dose. This has led to development of a modified version of the rLLNA, whereby as a general principle the SI value at 10%, or at a lower concentration if 10% is not testable, is used to calculate the EC3. This version of the rLLNA has been evaluated against a selection of chemicals for which full WZB117 order LLNA data are available, and has been shown to give EC3 values in good agreement with those derived from the full LLNA. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Very few studies have investigated dose response of aspirin and agreement of different platelet function assays in children. One hundred five children were studied at baseline and after interventional cardiac catheterization during aspirin treatment and, in cases of aspirin resistance (AR), after dose increase. Results from arachidonate-induced aggregation (AA) were compared with aggregation induced

by ADP, PFA-100 closure times (CTs), urinary 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (urinary 11-dhTxB2) levels, and Impact-R % surface coverage. Aspirin at 2-5 mg/kg/day inhibited platelet function in a large majority. While 19 % showed bruising and mild epistaxis, no thrombotic complications were recorded. AR was detected by AA in seven children (6.7 %). After dose increase, the majority showed inhibition by aspirin. Infants had higher urinary 11-dhTxB2 baseline levels; this assay showed some correlation with AA. Both assays manifested high sensitivity and specificity for aspirin while inferior results were found for the other assays. With the PFA-100, 15.2 % of patients were found to have AR, but this corresponded to AR by AA in only one of seven children.

g., promoting cell migration and proliferation, but inhibiting cell adhesion). This study investigated the inhibitory effects of ILK gene knockdown on the regulation of click here in vivo tumorigenesis of human ovarian carcinoma cells in nude mouse xenografts. HO-8910 cells were transfected with an ILK antisense

oligonucleotide (ILK-AS 0) to silence the ILK gene. Expression of ILK mRNA and protein was evaluated by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometric analysis. Cells with or without ILK-ASO transfection were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. The mouse body weight, tumor formation, tumor size and tumor weight were determined up to 30 days after inoculation. Tumor cells transfected with ILK-ASO had significantly decreased ILK mRNA and protein expression (P<0.01) when compared to the control cells. ILK gene silencing significantly increased the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase (67.61 vs. 43.29%, chi(2)=1197.15, P<0.01). After tumor cell inoculation, tumor cells transfected with ILK-ASO showed significantly delayed tumor formation when SRT2104 purchase compared to control (9.10 +/- 0.74 vs.

5.30 +/- 0.67 days, respectively; P<0.01). In addition, tumor growth was suppressed in the 30 days following inoculation (P<0.01 compared with the controls). The average tumor weight in the ILK-ASO group was statistically lower than that of the control group (1.29 +/- 0.11 vs. 1.57 +/- 0.13 g, respectively; P<0.01). This study demonstrated that ILK-ASO transfection efficiently downregulated ILK expression in human ovarian carcinoma PRT062607 order HO-8910 cells and that ILK gene silencing suppressed tumor growth in nude mice xenografts.”
“Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a recently characterized chronic, allergic, gastrointestinal disorder. Using the

Pediatric Health Information System, we report trends in diagnostic codes related to EoE in inpatients from 1999 through 2010. Esophagitis not elsewhere classifiable, EoE, and dysphagia have increased over time. Similar to other allergic disorders, EoE appears to be increasing across the United States.”
“Kinetics of the solid-solid II-I phase transition of isotactic polybutene-1 was investigated. The fraction 1411 of phase I as a function of time t(tr) during the phase transition was measured by X-ray diffraction at various temperatures T(tr), The Avrami indices n of the W(I)-t(tr) plots are approximately unity for T(tr) > 288 K. A bell-shaped temperature dependence of the transition rate V with the maximum transition rate at 285 K was obtained. The V-T(tr) curve and the Avrami index n = 1 suggest that the rate-determining process is primary nucleation. The dependence of V on T(tr) for T(tr) < 283 K is described by the William-Landel-Ferry (WLF) equation, which shows that the glass transition affects the transition rate.

It is necessary to understand the amplitude of electrostatic interactions between aminoglycosides and their rRNA targets to introduce aminoglycoside modifications that would enhance their binding or to design new scaffolds. Here, we calculated the electrostatic

energy of interactions and its per-ring contributions between aminoglycosides and their primary rRNA binding site. We applied either the methodology based on the exact potential multipole moment (EPMM) or classical molecular mechanics force field single-point partial charges with Coulomb formula. For EPMM, we first reconstructed the aspherical electron density of 12 aminoglycoside-RNA learn more complexes from the atomic parameters deposited in the University at Buffalo Databank. The University at Buffalo Databank concept assumes transferability of electron density between atoms in chemically equivalent vicinities and allows reconstruction of the electron densities from experimental structural data. From the electron density, we then calculated the electrostatic energy of interaction using EPMM. Finally, we compared the two approaches. FK228 Cytoskeletal Signaling inhibitor The calculated electrostatic interaction

energies between various aminoglycosides and their binding sites correlate with experimentally obtained binding free energies. Based on the calculated energetic contributions of water molecules mediating the interactions between the antibiotic and rRNA, we suggest possible modifications that

could enhance aminoglycoside binding affinity.”
“Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase alpha (PI3K alpha) is an important target in cancer due to the deregulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in many tumors. In this study, we designed [3,5-d]-7-azaindole analogs as PI3K alpha inhibitors through the fragment-growing strategy. By varying groups at the 3,5-positions Baf-A1 order of azaindole, we developed the SAR (Structure-activity relationship) and identified a series of potent PI3K alpha inhibitors. Representative azaindole derivatives showed activity in a cellular proliferation and apoptosis assays. Moreover, B3 exhibited strong antiangiogenic effects on cancer cells. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system induces a necrotic-type cell death. Earlier findings suggested that Bcl-2 protects cells from MAC-induced necrosis. Here we examined the involvement of Bid, a proapoptotic protein, in MAG induced cytotoxicity. Bid knockout (Bid-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) and primary fibroblasts were damaged by complement but to a significantly lower extent than wild-type (WT) fibroblasts. Bid silencing with small interfering RNA duplexes led to elevated resistance of mouse fibroblasts, human K562, and Jurkat cells to lysis by complement. Bid-/- MEF were also resistant to toxic doses of streptolysin 0, melittin, and A23187.

“
“Hydroxyapatite (HAP) has excellent biocompatibility and bone bonding ability, but it is mechanically weak and brittle. To overcome this problem, we prepared a graded composite with calcium phosphide (CaP, decomposed from HAP during sintering) find more coating on the surface of zirconia (ZrO(2)) ceramics. The mechanical properties and microstructure characteristics were studied with various techniques. The biocompatibility of graded ZrO(2)-CaP composite was examined with rat osteoblast cells (OB cells) in vitro. Its effects on the production of alkaline phosphatase

(ALP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Growth-transforming Factor-beta (TGF-beta) by the OB cells were measured. The results showed that the mean tensile strength of the graded ZrO(2)-CaP Nutlin 3 12 composites was 17.8 MPa, the maximum

bending strength was 1112.24 MPa, and K(IC) was 7.3-11.4 MPa m(1/2), indicating that the composite was physically strong for use as an implant material. The ALP activity, IL-6 and TGF-beta concentrations of the graded composite treated OB cells were much higher than that of the pure ZrO(2) treated group. There was no significant difference in ALP activity, the IL-6 and TGF-beta concentrations between the graded ZrO(2)-CaP composite group and HAP. The cytotoxicity of the composite material to rat fibroblast cells was insignificant. The graded zirconia-CaP composite greatly facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of rat OB cells in vitro, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify effects of acute maximal workload on oxidative stress of obesity. This study investigates PF-6463922 the differences in expression of oxidative stresses between an obese group and a group with normal health after an acute maximal workload.[Subjects] Eighteen men were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an obese group (n=8), and a normal group (n=8). All members of the acute maximal load that participated

in the study were between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. The baseline level of obesity was determined as 25% of the fat and body mass index (BMI) 25. [Methods] The treadmill grade was increased 2% every 1 minute (Balke protocol) while speed (3.3mph) was kept constant. The speed was individualized so that exhaustion occurred in approximately 8-12 minutes. Standard criteria for an acceptable VO(2)max test included a leveling off of VO2 with increasing workload, a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) above 1.15 and a peak HR similar to age-predicted maximal values. Both groups stopped eating, smoking, drinking and exercising 21 hours before the test concerning circadian rhythm. After 50 minutes, 10 ml of blood was collected at three different times at rest, at exhaustion, and after 30 minutes of recovery.

The physicochemical quality of the raw sewage and treated effluents was also determined. Free-living Listeria were more prevalent (96%), compared to plankton-associated Listeria species (58-67%). Listeria pathogens were sensitive to 11 (55%) of the 20 tested antibiotics, and showed varying (7-71%) levels of resistance to eight antibiotics. Turbidity, COD, NO(3), PO(4) and Listeria density fell short of recommended

standards after treatment; while pH, temperature, TDS, DO and NO(2) were compliant with target quality after treatment. We conclude that final effluents of wastewater treatment plants are potential sources of Listeria pathogens in the aquatic milieu of South Africa.”
“Objective-To evaluate the efficacy of vaccination with the Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo type hardjoprajitno GSK690693 supplier component of a pentavalent Leptospira bacterin against a virulent experimental challenge with Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Z-VAD-FMK cell line hardjo type hardjo-bovis strain 203 in cattle.\n\nAnimals-Fifty-five 6-month-old Holstein heifers.\n\nProcedures-Heifers that were negative for persistent infection with bovine viral

diarrhea virus determined via immunohistochemical testing and negative for Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona, Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo, Leptospira interrogans serovar grippotyphosa, Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava, Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola, and Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae determined via microscopic agglutination assay were enrolled in the study. Two heifers were separated and used for the challenge passage. The remaining heifers were vaccinated twice with a commercial pentavalent bacterin or a sham vaccine 21 days apart and subsequently challenged with L borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis strain

203. Urinary shedding, antibody titers, and clinical signs of leptospirosis infection were recorded for 8 weeks after challenge.\n\nResults-Heifers that received the pentavalent bacterin did not shed the organism in urine after challenge Kinesin inhibitor and did not have renal colonization at necropsy. Heifers that were sham vaccinated shed the organism in urine and had renal colonization.\n\nConclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results provided evidence that a pentavalent Leptospira vaccine containing L interrogans serovar hardjo type hardjoprajitno can provide protection against challenge with L borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis strain 203. It is important to demonstrate cross-protection that is vaccine specific against disease-causing strains of organisms that are prevalent under field conditions. (Am J Vet Res 2012;73:735-740)”
“In oral pathology, laser devices can provide important advantages, especially in the treatment of certain lesions. However, there is controversy about the use of some wavelengths in the analysis of suspected dysplastic or neoplastic lesions, raising doubt about the laser’s suitability for use in biopsy procedures.

In this study, the performance of the DPPS diffusion model is evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations and phantom measurements. It GSI-IX order is found that the DPPS geometry is advantageous over the conventional planar source illumination geometry in interrogating superficial volumes of samples. In addition, our simulation results have shown that

the DPPS geometry is capable of accurately recovering the optical properties of 50-mu m thick epidermis and could be very useful in detecting cutaneous melanoma that has a radius as small as 250 mu m. (C) 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.3609821]“
“The advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and advanced sonographic selleck chemical techniques has led to a resurgence

of interest in the role of imaging in the evaluation and management of spondyloarthritis. Radiography remains the cornerstone of diagnosis although MRI is more sensitive in early stages of the disease. Inflammatory changes in the sacroiliac joints and spine can now be reliably quantified and can also predict the subsequent development of radiographic changes in the corresponding locations. MRI-based scoring systems for inflammation are highly responsive, facilitating proof-of-concept studies of new therapies for spondyloarthritis. Assessment of chronic changes is much less reliable using MRI, while assessment using radiography lacks sensitivity to

change. Assessment of disease modification therefore JAK inhibitor remains a principle challenge in the development of new therapies for ankylosing spondylitis. Ultrasound may be the preferred approach to the assessment of peripheral inflammation, especially enthesitis. Scintigraphy and computed tomography offer few advantages over MRI.”
“Background: The extent and magnitude of mortality risk among patients splenectomised for a variety of indications is not well-described in the literature. We assessed mortality risk among splenectomised patients compared to the general population and to un-splenectomised patients with similar underlying medical conditions.\n\nMethods: We conducted a historical population-based cohort study in Denmark between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2005. Mortality risk was evaluated within 90 days, 91-365 days, and >365 days post-splenectonry, controlling for age, sex. and comorbid conditions using Cox proportional hazards models for a splenectomised cohort compared to the general Danish population and a matched indication cohort.\n\nResults: We identified a total of 3812 splenectomised patients, 38,120 population comparisons, and 8310 matched indication comparisons. Within 90 days post-splenectomy, the adjusted relative risk (RR) for death, regardless of indication, was highly elevated compared to the general population: RR 33.6 [95% confidence interval (Cl): 6.9, 35.0].

Modern postnatal management of suprasellar arachnoid cyst consists of endoscopic cystoventriculostomy.

(C) 2014 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The prevalence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS ) diagnoses has significantly increased as a result of active radiographic screening. Surgical resection and hormone and radiation therapies are effective treatments, but not all DCIS will progress to invasive breast cancer. Therefore, markers are needed to define tumors at low risk NVP-LBH589 of recurrence and progression that can be treated by surgery alone rather than by adjuvant therapies. Initial analyses indicate that retinoblastoma (RB)-pathway perturbations occur at high frequency in DCIS and mirror the molecular alterations observed in invasive breast cancer. Particularly, the elevated expression of p16ink4a in DCIS was associated with loss of RB function and estrogen receptor negative biology. Furthermore, high expression of p16ink4a in conjunction with Ki-67 was associated with increased risk of DCIS recurrence and progression to invasive disease in multivariate analyses. These data are consistent with a functional role for RB in modulating the invasive behavior of mammary epithelial cells. The tissue microenvironment is particularly relevant to the behavior of DCIS , and, surprisingly, elevated expression of p16ink4a in nonproliferative stroma was observed in

a substantial fraction of cases. In this tissue compartment, p16ink4a expression was strongly associated with disease recurrence, independent of standard histopathologic features. AZD9291 mouse AC220 nmr Together, the data herein describe dual aspects of RB-pathway biology that are associated with disease recurrence through the epithelial or stromal compartment of DCIS. (Am J Pathol 2011. 179:1171-1178; DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.05.043)”
“The cell surface glycoprotein CD44 enhances phorbol-12-myristate

13-acetate (TPA)-induced expression of p21(WAF1) by stabilizing its mRNA and enhancing the protein’s half-life in several cell lines. Only the plasma membrane-anchored cytoplasmic tail of CD44 and its interacting ezrin, radixin, moesin (ERM) proteins are required for this effect. A mitogen activated kinase (MEK) inhibitor abolishes the action of CD44 on p21. Down-regulation of p21 dramatically decreased anchorage-independence of a cancer cell line, whereas CD44 expression in this background could partially rescue the phenotype. (C) 2013 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Tank-forming bromeliads, suspended in the rainforest canopy, possess foliage arranged in compact rosettes capable of long-term retention of rainwater. This large and unique aquatic habitat is inhabited by microorganisms involved in the important decomposition of impounded material. Moreover, these communities are likely influenced by environmental factors such as pH, oxygen, and light.