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Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions, including liver steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis (AH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). microRNAs (miRNAs) have garnered significant interest as potential biomarkers for ALD. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) systemically from inception to June 2024. All extracted data was stratified according to the stages of ALD. The vote-counting strategy performed a meta-analysis on miRNA expression profiles. We included 40 studies. In serum of individuals with alcohol-use vs. no alcohol-use, miRNA-122 and miRNA-155 were upregulated, and miRNA-146a was downregulated. In patients with ALD vs. healthy controls, miRNA-122 and miRNA-155 were also upregulated, and miRNA-146a was downregulated. However, in patients with AH vs. healthy individuals, only the serum miRNA-122 level was upregulated. Due to insufficient data on diagnostic accuracy, we failed to conclude the ability of miRNAs to distinguish between different stages of ALD-related liver fibrosis. The results for ALD-related HCC were also insufficient and controversial. Circulating miRNA-122 was the most promising biomarker to manage individuals with ALD. More studies were needed for the diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs in ALD. This protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) () with registration number CRD42023391931. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency authorities are concerned with how to effectively deliver patients to different hospitals for treatment while not overwhelming any single hospital during emergencies. This study proposes an optimization model for the real-time dispatching and treating schedule to evaluate the seismic resilience of the interdependent transportation-healthcare system. The functionality of the road network, the service of hospitals, and emergency management are comprehensively considered in the model. A series of case studies were used to test the applicability of the method and quantify the resilience under three seismic intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to investigate quality properties of Chinese Sichuan-style (CSS) sausages treated with Chinese red wine (RW), yellow rice wine (YR) and Chinese beer (CB). The CSS sausages treated with 13% Chinese liquor as the control, and other three groups treated with 6.5% Chinese red wine as the RW group, 6.5% Chinese yellow rice wine as the YR group, and 6.5% Chinese beer as the CB group on the basis of 6.5% Chinese liquor addition were prepared. Results showed that RW, YR and CB group CSS sausages displayed higher L⁎(39.46–43.44) and Aw, lower pH (5.78–5.91) and protein content (33.75–37.44%) compared with those of the control. The YR group sausages had higher b⁎ value (23.25), total area% of aldehydes (3.09%) as well as flavor score (6.72), while the CB group CSS sausages showed higher a* value (24.29), total area% of aldehydes (3.94%) and kenones (2.13%), as well as lower free thiol groups (10.88 nmol/mg protein) relative to those of the control group. No significant difference in overall quality scores were detected between YR and CB group CSS sausages. The PCA showed that RW group CSS sausages achieved similar effects as CB group for volatile, color and sensory properties, which could separate CB/YR group CSS sausages from those of the other two groups. The results of this study indicated that it was applicable to improve quality properties of CSS sausages by using 6.5% Chinese yellow rice wine or beer on the basis of adding 6.5% Chinese liquor during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recruitment of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) facilitates physiological and pathological processes involved in new blood vessel synthesis. Glucocerebroside, an extract of Cordyceps militaris, inhibits inflammatory cytokine production and monocyte migration, although its anti-angiogenic properties in human EPCs has remained largely unknown up until now. We describe how glucocerebroside reduces migration as well as tube formation induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation in human EPCs, without affecting cell viability. This inhibitory effect was achieved through the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/c-Src pathways. We also found that glucocerebroside reduced VEGF-promoted upregulation of the transcription factor Runx2 in the EPCs. The in vivo chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model demonstrated that glucocerebroside reduces new vessel formation. Our investigation is the first to show that glucocerebroside reduces angiogenesis in human EPCs and to describe the underlying mechanisms. Further investigations are needed to examine the effects of glucocerebroside in other angiogenesis-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects the synovial joint and is characterized by degradation of articular cartilage, which is largely mobilized by increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Soya-cerebroside, an extract of Cordyceps militaris, inhibits inflammatory cytokine production and monocyte migration in human synovial fibroblasts, although its effects are uncertain on MMP expression in chondrocytes and cartilage degradation. In this study, soya-cerebroside antagonized interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)-induced MMP-1 production in chondrocytes, without cytotoxic effects. Functional genomic data confirm high levels of MMP-1 expression in OA tissue compared with normal tissue. Soya-cerebroside reduced MMP-1 expression via the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AP-1 signalling pathways. In addition, soya-cerebroside suppressed IL-1β-promoted MMP-1 expression and cartilage degradation in animal models. Our report is the first to reveal that soya-cerebroside reduces MMP-1 production in chondrocytes and protects cartilage degradation through the FAK, MEK, ERK, and AP-1 signalling cascade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study was performed on the petrography, geochemistry and geochronology of charnockite and granulite in the Xiwulanbulang (XWLBL) area, northern margin of the North China Craton, NW China. Inclusions within garnet in the charnockite are used to identify the mineral assemblage in the granulite during peak metamorphism. The formation of charnockite is attributed to the anatectic of the protolith, as a result of granulite-facies metamorphism during the same tectono-thermal event. Anatexis occurred mainly during the post-peak isothermal depressurization stage (granulite and charnockite yield peak P-T conditions of 800-850°C and 1.0-1.2 GPa, and 750°C and 0.9-1.0 GPa, respectively), as inferred from the metamorphic evolution and P-T conditions derived from analyses of metamorphic minerals by electron microprobe (EMP). The garnets in the charnockite were a residual or peritectic mineral facies during anatexis, and the charnockite was the product of crystallization from melt with abundant residual minerals. Charnockite has similar geochemical characteristics to felsic granulite, although it differs in having 1) an uneven distribution of major and trace elements; 2) strong depletions in the large-ion lithophile element Cs, the heat-producing elements U and Th, and the high-field-strength elements Nb, Ta, P and Ti; and 3) both Eu-enriched and Eu-depleted patterns that are characteristic of granite formed by largely in situ anatectic. The geochemical data indicate that the XWLBL charnockite formed in a subduction-related volcanic arc setting. On the basis of our results, combined with geological data on the Neoarchean structural evolution of the Yinshan Block and εHf(t) values of 1.60-7.81, we propose that the anatectic of charnockite was related to slab break-off during mid-ocean-ridge subduction, which resulted in the ascent of mantle magma through the slab window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeast (NE) China is characterized by large areas of Mesozoic and Paleozoic granitoids, whereas Cenozoic granitoids are scarce. This paper reports LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages and whole-rock geochemical data for late Paleocene-early Eocene granitoids from the Jiamusi Massif, NE China, in order to determine their petrogenesis and tectonic implications. Geochronological data indicate that the granodiorite and dioritic porphyry from the Wudingshan pluton formed at 51.5 ± 0.3 Ma and 56.3 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively. The biotite-quartz diorite, biotite granodiorite, and dioritic porphyry have high SiO2 (68.38-70.06 wt.%), Al2O3 (15.34-15.79 wt.%), and Na2O (3.96-4.49 wt.%) contents, low MgO contents (1.10-1.26 wt.%), A/CNK ratios of 0.99-1.11, and are classified as medium- to high-K calc-alkaline and weakly peraluminous I-type granitoids. They are enriched in LREEs and LILEs, and depleted in HFSEs, with Nb/Ta ratios of 10.4-15.0. Moreover, they have negative Nb-Ta-Ti anomalies, indicating that they were derived from continental crust. Combining with the previously published isotopic data and regional geological results, we suggest that the late Paleocene-early Eocene granitoids (56-52 Ma) were probably derived from partial melting of juvenile lower crust, and formed in an active continental margin setting, possibly related to subduction slab rollback of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in growth and distribution of inorganic mineral elements and organic active substances in seedlings ofA. verawere examined under treatments of −0.44 and −0.88 MPa polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) and corresponding isosmotic sodium chloride (NaCl). All stress treatments inhibited plant growth, with NaCl severely inhibiting the growth of the seedlings than PEG. However, leaf biomass did not change significantly. The nitrogen concentration under PEG was maintained higher than that under NaCl. Salinity caused more severe ionic imbalance than dehydration. However, when the concentration of NaCl was increased, ion homeostasis was maintained. Stressors induced an increase in aloin concentration in leaves, especially in young leaves. Polysaccharide concentrations in leaves did not change under dehydration. However, the polysaccharide concentration decreased in the middle and base leaves under NaCl.A. veraexhibited high adaptability to suitable osmotic stress, which increases its main active ingredients in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Andrographolide is a major bioactive labdane diterpenoid isolated from Andrographis paniculata and has protective effects against cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung injury. This study was done to determine whether such protective effects were mediated through modulation of microRNA (miR)-218 expression. Therefore, we exposed human alveolar epithelial A549 cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) with or without andrographolide pretreatment and measured the level of glutathione, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and miR-218 expression. We found that andrographolide pretreatment significantly restored the glutathione level in CSE-exposed A549 cells, coupled with reduced inhibitor κB (IκB)-α phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation and interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 secretion. The miR-218 expression was significantly upregulated by andrographolide pretreatment. To determine the biological role of miR-218, we overexpressed and downregulated its expression using miR-218 mimic and anti-miR-218 inhibitor, respectively. We observed that miR-218 overexpression led to a marked reduction in IκB-α phosphorylation, p65 nuclear accumulation, and NF-κB-dependent transcriptional activity in CSE-treated A549 cells. In contrast, miR-218 silencing enhanced IκB-α phosphorylation and p65 nuclear accumulation in cells with andrographolide pretreatment and reversed andrographolide-mediated reduction of IL-6 and IL-8 production. In addition, depletion of miR-218 significantly reversed the upregulation of glutathione levels in A549 cells by andrographolide. Taken together, our results demonstrate that andrographolide mitigates CSE-induced inflammatory response in A549 cells, largely through inhibition of NF-κB activation via upregulation of miR-218, and thus has preventive benefits in CS-induced inflammatory lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragrant plantain lily (Hosta ventricosa) is an ornamental plant and widely cultivated in China due to its environmental adaptability. Here, the complete chloroplast genome of the H. ventricosa has been constructed from the Illumina sequencing data. The circular cp genome is 155,322 bp in size, and comprises a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 24,912 bp each, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,113 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 20,782 bp. The total GC content is 38.0%, while the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR region are 36.2%, 32.5%, and 43.4%, respectively. The chloroplast genome contains 135 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 39 transfer RNA genes. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic analysis showed a strong sister relationship with Hosta capitata in Hosta. Our findings provide a foundation for further investigation of chloroplast genome evolution in ornamental plant Hosta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Statistical and clinical reports indicate that betel nut chewing is strongly associated with progression of oral cancer because some ingredients in betel nuts are potential cancer promoters, especially arecoline. Early diagnosis for cancer biomarkers is the best strategy for prevention of cancer progression. Several methods are suggested for investigating cancer biomarkers. Among these methods, gel-based proteomics approach is the most powerful and recommended tool for investigating biomarkers due to its high-throughput. However, this proteomics approach is not suitable for screening biomarkers with molecular weight under 10 KDa because of the characteristics of gel electrophoresis. Objective: This study investigated biomarkers with molecular weight under 10 KDa in rats with arecoline challenge. Materials and methods: The centrifuging vials with membrane (10 KDa molecular weight cut-off) played a crucial role in this study. After centrifuging, the filtrate (containing compounds with molecular weight under 10 KDa) was collected and spotted on a sample plate for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. Results: Compared to control, three extra peaks ( m/z values were 1553.1611, 1668.2097 and 1740.1832, respectively) were found in sera and two extra peaks were found in heart tissue samples (408.9719 and 524.9961, respectively). These small compounds should play important roles and may be potential biomarker candidates in rats with arecoline. Discussion and conclusions: This study successfully reports a mass-based method for investigating biomarker candidates with small molecular weight in different types of sample (including serum and tissue). In addition, this reported method is more time-efficient (1 working day) than gel-based proteomics approach (5~7 working days). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modifications in cell wall ultrastructure, cell wall polysaccharides, and the activities of some enzymes involved in cell wall degration were evaluated during the development and ripening of 'Honey' peach (Prunus persica L., 'Yuhuasanhao') fruit from Stage I (very immature) to Stage V (over-ripe). Ultrastructural changes in the mesocarp of peach fruit were followed over the same time-course. The results showed that the decrease in fruit firmness was accompanied by an increase in ethylene production during peach ripening. Major changes in cell wall structure were noted, beginning with degradation of the middle lamella and the eventual disruption of the primary cell wall. During peach fruit softening, the trans-1, 2-cyclohexane-diamine-N, N, N', N'-tetra-acetate (CDTA)-1 fraction decreased slightly during the initial ripening stage, then increased rapidly, whereas the contents of all other cell wall materials (CWM), namely the CDTA-2, Na2CO3-1, Na2CO3-2, KOH-1, KOH-2, and CWM-residue fractions decreased gradually during ripening. An analysis of sugar components suggested that not only did the main chains of pectin degrade, but the arabinose and galactose residues in the side-chains of pectin, hemicellulose, or cellulose were also degraded. β-Galactosidase activity was high in immature peach fruit, then declined during peach ripening. However, the activity of α-L-arabinofuranosidase was low from Stage I to Stage III, then increased rapidly in the later Stages (IV - V). These results demonstrate the dynamic changes that occur in cell wall components, and in some cell wall-modifying enzymes during 'Honey' peach fruit development and ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of process conditions on properties of nanoscale organic pigment red 122 encapsulated by poly(styrene-maleic acid) dispersion were evaluated. The results revealed that sodium hydroxide provided the dispersion superior performance as compared with other additives, regardless of it being taken as dispersant or hydrolysis reagent. An optimal process was attained by using sodium hydroxide with a dosage of 0.6-0.68 times of molar amount of -COOH groups in poly(styrene-maleic acid) when the pigment/poly(styrene-maleic acid) was hydrolyzed at 45°C for 30 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new coumarin glycosides, praerosides VI (1) and VII (2), were isolated from the roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. Their structures were elucidated by chemical reaction and NMR spectroscopic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron chelators deferoxamine (DFO) and deferiprone (L1) have demonstrated their ability to normalize cardiac function in patients with iron overload-induced cardiac disease. However, conventional chelation with subcutaneous DFO fails to prevent iron deposition in two-thirds of thalassemia major patients, placing them at risk of heart failure and its complications. Deferiprone appears to be more effective in cardiac iron removal. The detection and management of heart complications have improved dramatically over the last 7 years. Non invasive techniques of quantifying iron burden via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been validated. A better understanding of cardiac pathophysiology and improved ability to detect at-risk populations are yielding better outcomes and reduced morbidity. We continue to appraise readily available bedside tools for monitoring thalassemia patients with heart complications, and here we summarize studies from the literature and our own findings. Deferiprone chelation was found to be of statistically significant benefit in upgrading cardiac function and reducing iron accumulation. The use of echocardiography and MRI to closely monitor cardiac functions associated with iron overload complications and mortality has proved quite practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While hypertransfusion and subcutaneous iron chelation therapy have increased longevity of patients with β-thalassemia (thal) major, endocrinopathies have become more common and impair the quality of their lives. Additionally, subcutaneous iron chelation therapy is an uncomfortable experience and can prevent patients from regular compliance with iron chelation therapy. We compared the efficacy of oral deferiprone (L1) to subcutaneous desferrioxamine (DFO) chelation therapy for the prevention of major endocrinopathies (growth hormone insufficiency, diabetes mellitus and gonadal dysfunction) among patients with β-thal major to see we could offer these patients an easier and more painless way to reduce their body iron load and related endocrine complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deferiprone (L1) is an orally active iron-chelation agent that is being evaluated as a treatment for iron overload in thalassemia major. Although some reports have concluded that L1 may exacerbate hepatic fibrosis and the deterioration of liver function in thalassemia patients, other studies have reported no detrimental effects. In view of these serious concerns regarding the hepatic toxicity of L1, a Taiwanese group of β-thalassemia (thal) patients with the longest known duration of L1 therapy and who had provided liver biopsies, were enrolled in this study. From April 1999 to July 2004, the 17 enrolled thalassemia major patients had been on L1 therapy for as long as 19 to 60 months. Two liver biopsies from each of the 17 patients were received at the China Medical University Hospital, Taichung Taiwan. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), viral serological studies for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, iron scores and fibrosis scores were available at the beginning of the study and at the time of the second biopsy. Overall, the 17 patients received L1 therapy continuously for a mean period of 3.3 years. With the exception of two patients, fibrosis scores decreased in all patients after therapy. Three patients had increased iron scores after therapy of L1 and 11 patients had increased ALT levels; increased ALT levels occurred more frequently in hepatitis C positive patients. In this study, most thalassemia major patients had no progression of hepatic fibrosis or increased liver iron stores during long-term L1 therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effects of liver iron overload and fibrosis after treatment with a chelating agent in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected thalassemia, from April 1999 to July 2004, 45 patients with thalassemia major (age range 9-33 years, mean 19.3) received daily deferiprone (L1)for 23-60 months (75 mg/kg). The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of their hepatitis status (27 with, 18 without). Their serum was analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), bilirubin (total/direct), r-glutamyl transpeptidase (r-GT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P), and ferritin. Liver iron overload and fibrosis were defined by a senior pathologist. No significant differences were demonstrated in serum levels of GPT, GOT, bilirubin, r-GT, Alk-P or ferritin; comparison was made for each group before and after L1 treatment. Iron scores were 2.3 ± 0.9 and 2.8 ± 0. 9 for the hepatitis C negative and positive groups, respectively (p = 0.07), with liver fibrosis scores of 1.0 ± 0.5 and 0.4 ± 0.52 (p = 0.56). The two scores were not higher for the positive group. There was no evidence of: 1) greater iron overload and fibrosis in the HCV-infected thalassemic patients; 2) L1 inducing progressive hepatic fibrosis or worsening iron overload in HCV-infected thalassemic patients after long-term therapy; 3) further damage to liver cells associated with L1 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Oral Chelation in the Treatment of Thalassemia and Other Diseases in Taichung, Taiwan on April 22-26, 2005. It is estimated that around 250-300 delegates attended the conference. One of the major aims of the conference was to identify and discuss much information regarding the complications of the disease.

Two new ent -kaurane-type diterpenoids, E -semiaquilegin (1) and Z -semiaquilegin (2), together with eight known compounds (3–10) were isolated from the dried roots of Semiaquilegia adoxoides (DC.) Makino. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated mainly by 2D NMR techniques including 1 H– 1 H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY as 16α-hydroxy- ent -kaurane-17,20-di-(3,4-dihydroxy- E -cinnamoyl) ester and its ( Z )-isomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion Patients who carry the T/T homozygote of CYP17 C/T gene polymorphism may have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Objective Cancer of the oral cavity is the most commonly seen malignancy in Taiwan, and its rising incidence poses a formidable challenge to oncologists. The CYP17 gene encodes P450c17alpha, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of steroid hormones. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is one of the cytokines produced by macrophages, and its function has been postulated to play a role in cancer formation. We investigated whether polymorphisms of CYP17 and TNF-α genes are associated with oral cancer. Material and methods Polymorphisms of CYP17 and TNF-α genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis in 137 patients with oral cancer and 102 normal controls. Results The results for the CYP17 gene revealed a significant difference between oral cancer patients and normal controls ( p =0.0063), but there was no significant difference for the TNF-α gene ( p =0.4753). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the body figure and serum lipid profiles of aboriginal students living in rural side in Nantou and Chinese students living in Taichung City. METHODS: Body figure and blood lipid profile was examined in elementary school fifth grade aboriginal students in Nantou and Chinese students in Taichung City, aged 10-year-10-month old to 11-year-6-month old. RESULTS: In girls, aboriginal students in Nantou have higher body mass index (BMI) (20.7 vs. 17.83 kg/m2, p < 0.01) and percentage of overweight (46.43% vs. 21.28%, p < 0.05) than Chinese students in Taichung City. However, Chinese girls have higher levels of total cholesterol (175.17 vs. 150.36 mg/dL, p < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (104.31 vs. 92.78 mg/dL, p < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (54.96 vs. 43.49 mg/dL, p < 0.01) than aboriginal girls. In boys, body height of Chinese students in Taichung city is significantly higher (144.37 vs. 139.71 cm, p < 0.01) than aboriginal students but other body figure and blood lipid profile have no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that in Taiwan BMI and blood lipid profile differ in female children by race and geographical location but this is not so for male children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a period of 7 months, 23 patients hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) developed nosocomial Enterobacter cloacae bacteraemia. Contaminated saline for preparing heparin solution was initially identified as the common source of E. cloacae bacteraemia. Although environmental sanitation was enforced, the outbreak continued. E. cloacae has always been isolated from various cultures of the environmental specimens, from the hands of personnel and from the faeces of patients. All of the 23 bacteraemic isolates and 8 stool isolates from infected infants, as well as the 17 isolates from environmental specimens were found to be of the same genotype using the polymerase chain reaction-based DNA fingerprinting method. After various infection control methods were instituted, the outbreak eventually came under control. For epidemiological investigation, 23 neonates without E. cloacae bacteraemia were matched for case-control study. Nineteen (83%) of the case-patients were premature. The significant risk factors leading to E. cloacae bacteraemia in the NICU included small gestation age, low birthweight, exposure to personnel with contaminated hands and the presence of E. cloacae in the stool carriage (p=0.003, 0.007, 0.018 and 0.040, respectively). The gastrointestinal tracts of the patients and environmental surfaces appeared to be the principal sites of bacterial reservoir. In conclusion, the outbreak of E. cloacae bacteraemia was caused by a particular strain and possibly via multiple modes of transmission, including a bottle of contaminated saline as an initial common source, endogenous spread from the gastrointestinal tract and successive cross-infections between patients, hands of personnel and the environment. Effective infection control requires a multidisciplinary approach and reinforcement of infection control procedures, including aseptic technique, hand washing, proper isolation and disinfection of environmental surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]