bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Acinetobacter spp. in Blood Cultures by an Improved Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization Assay
Authors: Asaadi Hanieh , Naeimi Behrouz , Gharibi Somayyeh , Khosravi Abdalnaser , Dobaradaran Sina , Taherkhani Reza , Tajbakhsh Saeed
Published: March 2018

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) allows rapid detection of microorganisms. We aimed (i) to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FISH for the detection of Acinetobacter spp. in blood culture specimens and (ii) to test the simultaneous application of two genus-specific probes labeled with the same fluorochrome to increase the fluorescent signal intensity and improve the detection of Acinetobacter spp. Three hundred and twenty blood culture specimens were tested via both the conventional laboratory methods and FISH to detect Acinetobacter spp. The specimens were examined separately with each genus-specific probe Aci and ACA, and also using a mixture of the both probes Aci and ACA. In all examinations, probe EUB338 was used accompanied by Aci and ACA. The specificity of FISH was 100% (97.5% confidence interval [CI] = 98.7% – 100%). The sensitivity of FISH by the use of probe Aci was 96.4% (95% CI = 81.7% – 99.9%), whereas, the sensitivity of this technique by the use of probe ACA as well as by the combination of both probes Aci and ACA was 100% (97.5% CI = 87.7% – 100%). Moreover, simultaneous hybridization by probes Aci and ACA increased the fluorescent signal of Acinetobacter spp. cells to 3+ in 13 specimens. In conclusion, FISH, particularly using a combination of Aci and ACA, is a highly accurate method for the detection of Acinetobacter spp. in blood cultures. Furthermore, simultaneous hybridization by the both probes Aci and ACA can increase the fluorescent signal intensity of Acinetobacter spp. cells in some blood culture specimens and facilitate the detection of these microorganisms.
Molecular Characterization of the cry Gene profile of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolated from a Caribbean Region of Colombia
Authors: Fragoso Pedro , Armijo Alicia , Gómez Doris , Gómez Claudio , Bugueño Marco , Sánchez Gittith , Venegas Juan
Published: March 2018

In order to characterize native strains of Bacillus thuringiensis of the Colombian Caribbean with toxic effect against insect vectors, 28 samples of bacteria identified as B. thuringiensis were isolated from different soils and muds around the city of Valledupar. Using a biological test, five isolates of B. thuringiensis showed toxic effect against larvae of Aedes aegypti. PCR methods were used to detect cry1, cry2, cry4B, cry10 and cyt1 genes. Cry1 and cry2 genes were detected in 35.7% and 32.1% of the 28 isolates analyzed, respectively. Surprisingly, reduced lengths of cry4B gene segments were detected in 28.6% of B. thuringiensis samples. The presence of cry10 or cyt1 was not detected in any of the 28 samples of B. thuringiensis, despite the high sensitivity of the assays used. The results show that B. thuringiensis samples from the Colombian Caribbean have atypical characteristics compared to those of Latin America and elsewhere in the world, which is consistent with the idea that the geographic origin of B. thuringiensis samples is associated with their biological and genetic characteristics.
High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis of Endophytic Bacteria Diversity in Fruits of White and Red Pitayas from Three Different Origins
Authors: Ren Zhen , Tang Shukun , Jiang Yi , Jiang Mingxing , Zheng Shangyong , Liu Wenjing , Yang Zhili , Sang Shuping , Chen Zebin , Xia Tiyuan , Yin Min
Published: March 2018

Pitaya contains various types of polyphenols, flavonoid and vitamins which are beneficial for health and it is among the most important commercial tropical fruits worldwide. Endophytic bacteria might be beneficial for plant growth and yield. However, bacterial diversity in pitaya is poorly characterized. In this study, fruits of white and red pitayas from three different origins (Thailand, Vietnam and China) were chosen for endophytic bacteria diversity investigation by using Illumina HiSeq second-generation high-throughput sequencing technology. Large number of endophytic bacteria were detected and 22 phyla, 56 classes, 81 orders, 122 families and 159 genera were identified. Endophytic bacteria diversity was uneven among pitaya fruits from different origins and bacteria structure was different between white pitaya group and red pitaya group. Phylum Bacteroidetes, classes Bacteroidia and Coriobacteriia, orders Bacteroidales and Coriobacteriales, families Prevotellaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Paraprevotellaceae, Rikenellaceae, Alcaligenaceae and Coriobacteriaceae, genera Prevotella, Bacteroides, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium and Sutterella were statistically significant different species (P < 0.05) between white and red pitayas. These findings might be useful for growth improvement, fruit preservation and processing of different pitaya species from different origins.
Natural Attenuation Potential of Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Polluted Marine Sediments
Authors: Aldhafiri Sarah , Mahmoud Huda , Al-Sarawi Mohammed , Ismail Wael A.
Published: March 2018

The marine environment in Kuwait is polluted with various hazardous chemicals of industrial origin. These include petroleum hydrocarbons, halogenated compounds and heavy metals. Bioremediation with dedicated microorganisms can be effectively applied for reclamation of the polluted marine sediments. However, information on the autochthonous microbes and their ecophysiology is largely lacking. We analyzed sediments from Shuwaikh harbor to detect polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs). Then we adopted both culture-dependent and culture-independent (PCR-DGGE) approaches to identify bacterial inhabitants of the polluted marine sediments from Shuwaikh harbor. The chemical analysis revealed spatial variation among the sampling stations in terms of total amount of PCBs, TPHs and the PCB congener fingerprints. Moreover, in all analyzed sediments, the medium-chlorine PCB congeners were more abundant than the low-chlorine and high-chlorine counterparts. PCR-DGGE showed the presence of members of the Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the analyzed sediments. However, Chloroflexi-related bacteria dominated the detected bacterial community. We also enriched a biphenyl-utilizing mixed culture using the W2 station sediment as an inoculum in chemically defined medium using biphenyl as a sole carbon and energy source. The enriched mixed culture consisted mainly of the Firmicute Paenibacillus spp. Sequences of genes encoding putative aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases were detected in sediments from most sampling stations and the enriched mixed culture. The results suggest the potential of bioremediation as a means for natural attenuation of Shuwaikh harbor sediments polluted with PCBs and TPHs.
Isolation and Characteristics of Biotechnologically Important Antagonistic Thermophilic Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Haloxylon salicornicum
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Nasim Faiz-Ul-Hassan , Ruhi Rana , Murad Hassan , Ejaz Samina , Choudhary Muhammad Shafiq , Mustafa Ghulam , Ashraf Muhammad , Rehman Jameel
Published: March 2018

Rhizobacteria are an active part of microbial population in the rhizosphere of plants. In this study, twenty rhizobacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of a perennial grass, Haloxylon salicornicum, found in Cholistan desert, an arid landmass near Bahawalpur Pakistan, in one set of experimental conditions. Colony characteristics, biochemical and molecular analyses of these isolates were performed. All isolates were bacilli, gram positive with off-white colonies and exhibited typical bacilli colony morphology. None of the isolates was gelatinase, urease, indole, H2S and catalase producer. Eleven isolates were amylase producers and 8 isolates were acid producers. All isolates fermented glucose, 3 fermented lactose and 19 fermented fructose. Molecular data revealed that out of twenty isolates, 14 isolates showed 91–99% identity with Brevibacillus borstelensis, 4 with Bacillus subtilis (97–98%) and 2 with Bacillus licheniformis (94–99%) through BLAST analysis. All identified bacterial isolates cladded with their respective groups in the phylogenetic tree. Many (11–15 out of 20) of the isolates were more effective in inhibiting growth of the tested bacterial strains as compared to the positive control (Ampicillin 50 μg/disc). We conclude that bacilli are the predominant form populating rhizosphere of this desert grass. Among the isolated bacteria Brevibacillus borstelensis, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis are the most predominant species.
A Low-Tech Bioreactor System for the Enrichment and Production of Ureolytic Microbes
Authors: Aoki Masataka , Noma Takuya , Yonemitsu Hiroshi , Araki Nobuo , Yamaguchi Takashi , Hayashi Kazuyuki
Published: March 2018

Ureolysis-driven microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has recently received attention for its potential biotechnological applications. However, information on the enrichment and production of ureolytic microbes by using bioreactor systems is limited. Here, we report a low-tech down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) bioreactor system for the enrichment and production of ureolytic microbes. Using this bioreactor system and a yeast extract-based medium containing 0.17 M urea, ureolytic microbes with high potential urease activity (> 10 μmol urea hydrolyzed per min per ml of enrichment culture) were repeatedly enriched under non-sterile conditions. In addition, the ureolytic enrichment obtained in this study showed in vitro calcium carbonate precipitation. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed the existence of bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes in the bioreactor system. Our data demonstrate that this DHS bioreactor system is a useful system for the enrichment and production of ureolytic microbes for MICP applications.
MALDI-TOF MS Detection of Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Great Nettle (Urtica dioica L.), Grown in Algeria
Authors: Toubal Souheyla , Bouchenak Ouahiba , Elhaddad Djillali , Yahiaoui Karima , Boumaza Sarah , Arab Karim
Published: March 2018

Any plant with a vascular system has a specific endophytic microflora. The identification of bacteria is essential in plant pathology. Although identification methods are effective, they are costly and time consuming. The purpose of this work is to isolate and to identify the different bacteria from the internal tissues of Urtica dioica L. and to study their diversity. This last is based on the different parts of the plant (stems, leaves and roots) and the harvest regions (Dellys and Tlamcen). The identification of bacteria is done by biochemical tests and confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS. Seven genus and eleven species were isolated from the Great Nettle. They belong to the genera Bacillus, Escherichia, Pantoea, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Paenibacillus. The majority of these bacteria were isolated from Tlemcen which makes this region the richest in endophytic bacteria compared to that harvested from Dellys. The results show also that the leaves are the most diversified in endophytic bacteria. Bacillus pumilus-ME is the common species of the three parts of the plant harvested in both regions. From this work, it emerges that the Great Nettle can be settled by various endophytic bacteria which are differently distributed within the same plant harvested in different regions.
The Very Low Frequency of Epstein-Barr JC and BK Viruses DNA in Colorectal Cancer Tissues in Shiraz, Southwest Iran
Authors: Sarvari Jamal , Mahmoudvand Shahab , Pirbonyeh Neda , Safaei Akbar , Hosseini Seyed Younes
Published: March 2018

Viruses including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), JCV and BKV have been reported to be associated with some cancers. The association of these viruses with colorectal cancers remains controversial. Our objective was to investigate their infections association with adenocarcinoma and adenomatous polyps of the colon. Totally, 210 paraffin-embedded tissue specimens encompassing 70 colorectal adenocarcinoma, 70 colorectal adenomatous and 70 colorectal normal tissues were included. The total DNA was extracted, then qualified samples introduced to polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The EBV, JCV and BKV genome sequences were detected using specific primers by 3 different in-house PCR assays. Out of 210 subjects, 98 cases were female and the rest were male. The mean age of the participants was 52 ± 1.64 years. EBV and JCV DNA was detected just in one (1.42%) out of seventy adenocarcinoma colorectal tissues. All adenomatous polyp and normal colorectal tissues were negative for EBV and JCV DNA sequences. Moreover, all the patients and healthy subjects were negative for BKV DNA sequences. The results suggested that EBV and JCV genomes were not detectable in the colorectal tissue of patients with colorectal cancer in our population. Hence, BKV might not be necessitated for the development of colorectal cancer. The findings merit more investigations.
Isolation of Sabin-like Polioviruses from Sewage in Poland
Authors: Figas Agnieszka , Wieczorek Magdalena , Żuk-Wasek Anna , Litwińska Bogumiła
Published: March 2018

As a complement to the active search for cases of acute flaccid paralysis, environmental sampling was conducted from January to December 2011, to test for any putative polio revertants and recombinants in sewage. A total of 165 environmental samples were obtained and analyzed for the presence of polioviruses by use of cell culture (L20B, RD and Caco-2) followed by neutralization and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Out of the 31 CPE positive samples, 26 contained one and 5 two different serotypes, yielding a total of 36 PVs. The microneutralization test revealed the presence of 7, 10 and 19 strains belonging to poliovirus serotype 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The genomic variability of 36 poliovirus strains was examined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (RFLP). By combined analyses of two distant, polymorphic segments of the viral genome, one situated in the capsid protein VP1 coding region and the other in the 3D-polymerase coding region, we screened for the putative poliovirus revertants and recombinants. All detected PVs were classified as vaccine strains on the basis of RFLP-VP1 test. None of wild-type PVs or vaccine derived polioviruses were detected. RFLP assay also revealed the presence of 11 recombinants in 3D-polymerase coding region. Nine isolates appeared to be S3/S2, one S3/S1 and S1/S2 recombinant in analyzed 3Dpol region. This study revealed, through environmental monitoring, the introduction of SL PVs into the population associated with the routine use of OPV in Poland before the April 2016. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of environmental surveillance in the overall polio eradication program.
Evaluation of the Carba NP Test for the Detection of Carbapenemase Activity in Bacteroides Species
Authors: Akyar Isin , Ayas Meltem , Karatuna Onur , Besli Yesim
Published: March 2018

We evaluated the usefulness of the Carba NP test for rapid detection of carbapenemase activity in Bacteroides spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for imipenem was determined with gradient test strips, and cfiA gene was investigated by polymerase chain reaction for 27 clinical Bacteroides spp. isolates. Carba NP test was performed according to recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Among three cfiA gene harboring clinical isolates, two imipenem resistant isolates were Carba NP test positive, while the imipenem intermediate isolate was negative. Our preliminary results suggest that the Carba NP test can be useful as a rapid test to detect carbapenemases in Bacteroides species.
Rapid Detection of Bloodstream Pathogens in Oncologic Patients with a FilmArray Multiplex PCR Assay: a Comparison with Culture Methods
Authors: Szymankiewicz Maria , Nakonowska Beata
Published: March 2018

The results of the FilmArray® Blood Culture Identification Panel (BCID) (BioFire Diagnostics) and the culture with susceptibility testing of 70 positive blood cultures from oncologic patients were compared. The multiplex PCR assay (BCID) identified 81 of the 83 isolates (97.6%), covered by the panel. The panel produced results in significantly shorter time than standard identification methods, when counted from receiving positive blood cultures bottles to the final results. It is an accurate method for the rapid identification of pathogens and resistance genes from blood culture in oncologic patients
Changes of Microbial Diversity During Swine Manure Treatment Process
Authors: Kim Minseok , Yun Jung-Im , Won Seung-Gun , Park Kyu-Hyun
Published: March 2018

We investigated microbial diversity in a manure storage tank (MST) storing untreated manure and an aeration tank (AT) during swine manure treatment process using the next-generation sequencing in order to find the aeration effect on microbial diversity. Proteobacteria were more abundant in the AT group than in the MST group and may include denitrifying bacteria contributing to nitrous oxide (N2O) emission or aerobic bacteria stimulated by oxygen. The opposite held true for the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes that may include anaerobic bacteria inhibited under aerobic conditions in the AT group.
Comparative Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A And E Viruses in Blood Donors from Wielkopolska Region, West-Central Poland
Authors: Bura Maciej , Łagiedo-Żelazowska Małgorzata , Michalak Michał , Sikora Jan , Mozer-Lisewska Iwona
Published: March 2018

The objective of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of HAV and HEV in Polish blood donors (BDs). One hundred and ten randomly selected healthy BDs, living in Wielkopolska Region were tested for anti-HAV IgG and anti-HEV IgG with commercial assays. The seroprevalence of anti-HAV was 11.8%; anti-HEV were detected in 60.9% of BDs (p < 0.0001). Consumption of risky food was more common in anti-HEV-positive BDs (59.1% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.01). Twelve out of 20 BDs (60%) with no history of travel abroad were exposed to HEV. Wielkopolska Region, Poland should be regarded as a new HEV infection-hyperendemic area in Europe.
The Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in Polish Poultry Meat
Authors: Szosland-Fałtyn Anna , Bartodziejska Beata , Królasik Joanna , Paziak-Domańska Beata , Korsak Dorota , Chmiela Magdalena
Published: March 2018

The prevalence, count and molecular identification of Campylobacter spp. in Polish poultry meat were analysed. 181 samples of meat from chicken (70), turkey (47), duck (54) and goose (10) were studied. Campylobacter spp. was found in 64% of meat samples. The highest prevalence of this pathogen was detected for duck meat. On average 80% of duck samples were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. The counts of Campylobacter spp. in positive samples remained under ten colony forming units per gram of product in 59% of poultry meat. C. jejuni was more frequently detected in poultry meat than C. coli.
Effects of regular meditative practice on psychological measures of healthy subjects
Authors: Rocha Kelly Cristina Fernandes , Rocha Kliger Kissinger Fernandes , Da Silva Regina Helena , Ribeiro Alessandra Mussi
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Meditation is described as a method for improving attention and promoting psychological and emotional stability, presenting favorable results on cognitive functions and stress tolerance as well. Recently, studies have shown differences on psychological measurements between meditators and non-meditators. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of regular practice of meditation on psychological measures of healthy participants in basal conditions or after experimental stress-induction. Methods: Forty-four healthy participants (20 meditators and 24 non-meditators) were evaluated by inventories of life quality, anxiety, mood, sleep quality, depression, and stress. Furthermore, all participants were submitted to working memory tasks (Hanoy tower and Digit Spam) before and after two stress-induction procedures: Stroop Color-word and Serial Subtraction tests. The research protocol was approved by the institutional ethics committee (204/09 - CEP/UFRN, CAAE 0221.0.051.000-09). Results: Our results showed that meditators presented better inventories scores when compared with non-meditators in parameters such as life quality (score 15.6 versus 14.9, p = 0.04), mood (score 6.0 versus 22.5, p = 0.02), and depression (score 2.5 versus 7.0, p = 0.01). Regarding stress levels, 10 % of meditators (against 37.5% of non-meditators) presented low levels of stress (p = 0.04). Moreover, there was an improvement in performance of meditators (23.3 ± 0.8) in relation to non-meditators (19.0 ± 1.0) on digit span task and in Hanoi tower of meditators (165.2 ± 6.1 ) in relation to non-meditation (224.1 ± 13.1) after stress induction. Conclusion: These findings corroborate other studies showing that meditation can provide an improvement in general quality of life as well as the performance of practitioners in memory tasks.
O cuidado e o ensino das práticas integrativas: relato de experiência
Authors: Buógo Miriam , Kruno Rosimery Barão , Soares Ana Lúcia , Stroschein Karina Amadori
Published: March 2018

Introdução: O ensino das práticas integrativas busca, em consonância com a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares do SUS (Ministério da Saúde, 2006), uma visão ampliada do processo saúde-doença e a promoção global do cuidado humano. Objetivo: Relatar as experiências docentes no ensino das práticas integrativas e complementares de um curso de graduação em enfermagem. Método: Desde o ano de 2007 vem-se desenvolvendo o ensino das práticas integrativas no cuidado de enfermagem. Inicialmente, em disciplinas específicas, são oportunizadas vivências individuais e em grupos para o desenvolvimento da autoconsciência e do cuidado de si, acompanhadas de narrativas individuais escritas que buscam dar significado à experiência e seu aprendizado. Gradativamente, as terapias como respiração consciente, relaxamento, massagem, visualização criativa, terapia comunitária, arteterapia, uso da música, entre outras,vão sendo incorporadas às práticas do cuidado em enfermagem, junto aos usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde. Paralelamente são realizados estudos teóricos, utilizando a metodologia da problematização. Resultados: A partir da inserção destas disciplinas no curso de Enfermagem observou-se que os acadêmicos passaram a valorizar de forma mais consistente seu espaço de autocuidado. Com relação ao cuidado do outro, percebeu-se um olhar diferenciado, que transpassa a observação puramente clínica e à prática técnica, contemplando também a intuição e a sensibilidade, a escuta atenta e o acolhimento. Com relação ao relacionamento interpessoal, verificou-se maior união entre os estudantes, exercitando a ética, a compreensão dos limites individuais, a descoberta de potencialidades antes adormecidas. Nesse ínterim, houve também maior interesse de cunho científico, resultando em um crescimento significativo no número de trabalhos acadêmicos. Considerações finais: Na prática docente do curso de enfermagem, percebeu-se que no caminho de “educar para cuidar”, se fez emergente estimular a integração entre o sentir, o pensar e o intuir, em consonância com o agir. Não obstante, considera-se o ensino das praticas integrativas no cuidado de enfermagem uma possibilidade valiosa para a construção de profissionais de saúde mais conscientes, reflexivos, comprometidos consigo, com o próximo e com o planeta.
Uso de mudras terapêuticos na redução da dor e no controle da pressão arterial
Authors: Barros Miriam Regina Xavier de , Triana Amarylis Zaldua
Published: March 2018

Introdução: Mudras são gestos realizados com as mãos na prática de Hatha Yoga, que contribuem para a realização de asanas, pranayamas e meditação. Os mudras são também utilizados na medicina ayurvédica. Os efeitos terapêuticos dos mudras são pouco conhecidos no ocidente, porém são muito utilizados na Índia em hospitais ayurvédicos. Na visão ayurvédica, o corpo humano é percorrido por milhares de meridianos de energia, denominados nadis, sendo que um grande número destes começa ou termina nas mãos. Estes canais de energia foram fisicamente identificados e são denominados dutos de Bonghan. Estes dutos foram mapeados e foi confirmada a existência de uma rede de canais correspondente aos meridianos de energia. A prática dos mudras permite unir as pontas destes meridianos, estabelecendo um circuito contínuo para que a energia possa fluir de forma equilibrada no corpo. Assim, os mudras permitem a eliminação de bloqueios de energia, trazendo saúde e bem estar ao seu praticante. Dependendo das partes das mãos e dos dedos que se tocam, um ou mais meridianos são ativados, promovendo alívio ou melhoria em um aspecto específico da saúde. Objetivos: Avaliação do efeito do mudraMukula na redução da dor e de desconfortos físicos e do mudraApanaVayu no controle da pressão arterial. Método: Para a avaliação do Mukula, selecionamos pacientes que manifestavam algum tipo de dor. O mudra foi aplicado pelo terapeuta ou pelo próprio paciente na região dolorida. A dor foi avaliada em uma escala de 1 a 5 antes e depois da aplicação. O tempo de aplicação foi determinado pelo paciente, até melhoria dos sintomas. Para avaliação do ApanaVayu, os pacientes hipertensos realizaram o mudra e a pressão foi medida antes e após a prática. Resultados: Todos os 23 pacientes relataram redução ou supressão da dor após a aplicação do Mukula. Em alguns casos houve um período de agravamento ou modificação do desconforto, seguido de redução da dor. O tempo de aplicação não excedeu 15 minutos. No uso do ApanaVayu em hipertensos, houve redução da pressão em 15 vezes que foi utilizado para os 4 pacientes avaliados, chegando sempre a um nível normal de pressão. A redução foi de até 30 mmHg. Conclusão: O equilíbrio dos fluxos de energia no corpo através da prática dos mudras é um método efetivo para alívio da dor e redução da pressão arterial, além de trazer um aumento da tranquilidade ao paciente. A prática de mudras promove o autocuidado e o aprimoramento da autopercepção.
Urged Nephrectomy in a Renal Transplant Recipient
Authors: KOUL Ajaz , RAFEEQ Aadil , WANİ İmtiyaz , WANİ M. Salim , KASANA Basharat , HAMİD Arif
Published: March 2018

Urged Nephrectomy in a Renal

Transplant Recipient

Ajaz Koul,

Aadil Rafeeq, Imtiyaz Wani, M. Salim Wani, Basharat Kasana, Arif Hamid

Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases),

Nephrology and Urology, Sher-i Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar,

Kashmir India

 

ABSTRACT

Acute

UTI not only affects a patient well-being but also gives rise to several issues

like Interaction of antibiotics with immunosuppressive drugs, isolation of

resistant strains, recurrent UTI, fungal UTI and most importantly Urosepsis,

with impairment of graft function. We present the case of a patient with End

stage renal disease. After successful allograft renal transplant the patient

had multiple admissions with urosepsis. Received sensitive antibiotics for a

prolonged period of time, almost six months but still persisted with infection.

At last native kidney nephrectomy was done which removed the possible source

and relieved the patient from antibiotics. This focuses the need for some

pretransplant screening methods to gauge the possibility of getting serious

urinary tract infections, better surgical techniques like early removal of

urinary stents and highlights a huge void in understanding of UTIs in this

group and lack of research work. J

Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(1):27-29

Keywords:

Urosepsis, Kidney transplant,

Nephrectomy
Quardicuspid Aortic Valve as Risk Factor for Infective Endocarditis
Authors: ISLAMOGLU Yahya , TOKAT Cansu , UYSAL Sumeyra
Published: March 2018

Quardicuspid Aortic Valve as Risk

Factor for Infective Endocarditis

Yahya

Islamoglu1, Cansu Tokat2, Sumeyra Uysal3

1Dicle University Faculty of

Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Diyarbakir, Turkey

2Uludag University Faculty of

Medicine, Bursa, Turkey

3Düzce University Faculty of

Medicine, Düzce, Turkey

 

ABSTRACT

Quardicuspid

aortic valve, an infective endocarditis’s risk factor, has the property inborn

aortic valve disease but disease development not up to enough understood.

Infective endocarditis is together with 1, 4% of the cases. Aortic

regurgitation may be seen together and transesophageal echocardiography is

important for these patients because of diagnosis. Our case, a thirty nine

years old woman, was asymptomatic quardicuspid aortic valve with aort valve

regurgitation and we diagnosed via transesophageal echocardiography. We

recommended antibiotic prophylaxis and annual follow to the patient. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(1):30-32

Keywords:

Infective endocarditis, quadricuspid

aortic valve, aortic regurgitation
Pulmonary Embolism an Uncommon First Presenting Symptom of an Undiagnosed Case of HIV
Authors: JHA Anil , GHOZ Hassan , JAMES Nicholas
Published: March 2018

Pulmonary Embolism an Uncommon

First Presenting Symptom of an Undiagnosed Case of HIV

Anil Jha1,

Hassan Ghoz1, Nicholas James2

1Division of Internal Medicine,

Steward Carney Hospital, Tufts School of Medicine, Dorchester, MA, USA

2Division of Critical Care and

Pulmonology, Steward Carney Hospital, Tufts School of Medicine, Dorchester, MA,

USA

ABSTRACT

A 32

years old male who presented to our emergency department with shortness of

breath, cough and weight loss, all started less than a month time and later

diagnosed with HIV infection with very high viral load and low CD4 count. His

presenting history was lead the diagnostic workup toward malignancy as there

was large hilar masses and concern of metastasis to different place mainly

abdomen. Suspicion of HIV arouses as the biopsy from the hilar mass came back

negative for malignancy but was positive for tuberculosis. HIV serology came

back positive. The literature review showed pulmonary embolism as the very rare

first presentation of HIV, and only four cases reported so far. Although venous

thromboembolism is very common in chronic cases of HIV. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(1):33-36

Keywords:

HIV, pulmonary embolism, cough, chest

pain, tuberculosis
Staphylococcus lugdunensis Endocarditis in a Patient Being Treated for Pyelonephritis
Authors: PEAKE Christopher M , FAURE-WALKER Nicholas , DEMERTZİ Elli
Published: March 2018

Staphylococcus lugdunensis

Endocarditis in a Patient Being Treated for Pyelonephritis

Christopher

M Peake1, Nicholas Faure-Walker2, Elli DeMertzi2

1St George’s University Hospital,

Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London, UK

2Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road,

Kingston-upon-Thames, UK

 

ABSTRACT

A 35

years old female with known chronic left pelvo-ureteric junction (PUJ)

obstruction presented with recurrent pyrexia and left loin pain and was treated

for pyelonephritis. She had a history of severe aortic valve (AV)

regurgitation. After five days of broad spectrum antibiotics and a percutaneous

nephrostomy, her fevers persisted. Staphylococcus

lugdunensis was isolated from her blood culture and she was diagnosed with

mitral valve endocarditis following an echocardiogram. She was transferred to a

tertiary cardiothoracic unit where she underwent a mitral and aortic mechanical

valve repair. After 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotic treatment she was

discharged without signs of infection but with poor cardiac function. S. lugdunensis is a virulent organism

which is thought to be underdiagnosed and is associated with aggressive and

destructive endocarditis. An awareness of the organism as well as prompt

diagnosis and treatment with effective multi-disciplinary management is needed

to avoid substantial morbidity in these patients.

Whilst

S. lugdunensis is known to cause

invasive endocarditis, it has never been reported following pyelonephritis. The

significance of this case is that despite receiving appropriate and timely

treatment the patient was left with deteriorating cardiac function. This is an

important reminder that this organism must be taken seriously when isolated in

the context of infection. J Microbiol

Infect Dis 2018; 8(1):37-40

Keywords: Staphylococcus lugdunensis, endocarditis,

pyelonephritis, heart valves, urinary tract
A Cervical Mass in an HIV-Positive Patient
Authors: MOUSAVİ Seyed Alireza , ASADOLLAHİ-AMİN Ali
Published: March 2018

A Cervical Mass in an HIV-Positive
Patient

Seyed
Alireza Mousavi, Ali Asadollahi-Amin

Department of Infectious Disease,
Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

 

ABSTRACT

We
describe an HIV-infected man with a left side cervical swelling which finally
diagnosed with tuberculosis.In contrast to HIV-negative persons, nearly all
tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula), the most kind of extrapulmonary
tuberculosis, in patients with AIDS is multifocal. Constitutional symptoms such
as fever, weight loss, and evidence of the lung involvement (parenchyma, nodes,
or pleura) or elsewhere are seen in this setting. Positive findings on
aspiration material are more frequently seen than HIV-negative population. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(1):41-42

Keywords:
Tuberculosis, HIV, cervical mass,
clinical image
Costs and renumeration of osteomyelitis treatment involving free flaps: implications of return to theatre
Authors: Shirley Rebecca , Fazekas Janka , McNally Martin , Ramsden Alex
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Aim: This study aimed to define the costs of surgical management of chronic osteomyelitis where free tissue transfer was required in addition to debridement of bone, particularly the increased costs incurred by a return to theatre. We hypothesised that there would be a significantly greater cost when patients required re-exploration for vascular compromise.Method: We retrospectively analysed the costs of a consecutive series of sixty patient episodes treated at the Bone Infection Unit in Oxford from 2012 to 2015. Treatment involved excision of osteomyelitis with free tissue transfer for immediate soft tissue cover. We compared the costs of uncomplicated cases with those who returned to theatre and determined the profit / loss for the hospital from renumeration through the UK National Health Service Tariff Structure.Results: Hospital income according to UK HRG tariff was compared to the actual cost of treatment and these 60 cases were significantly underfunded overall (P < 0.005). In just 1 case, the cost to the hospital was completely covered by tariff.Six patients (10%) returned to theatre for urgent flap re-exploration with five flaps salvaged and one failed, requiring another free flap reconstruction (1.7%). These six patient episodes had a significantly higher mean cost compared to the uncomplicated cases. The average financial loss to the hospital for patients who did return to theatre was £19401 (range £8103 to £48380) and in those who did not was £9600 (range - £600 to £23717). The case requiring further free tissue transfer cost a total of £74158, £48380 more than the hospital was paid: the most extreme discrepancy. The overall loss for this group of 60 patients was £610 090.Conclusions: Surgery for chronic osteomyelitis is multidisciplinary, complex and therefore expensive with a significant risk of complications. However, this study demonstrates that the hospital currently makes a financial loss on almost all patients but especially if flap complications occur. This study has implications for the long term viability of specialist units treating this important disease.
Outcomes and Risk Factors for Polymicrobial Posttraumatic Osteomyelitis
Authors: Jorge Luciana Souza , Fucuta Patrícia Silva , L. Maria Gabriele , Nakazone Marcelo Arruda , de Juliana Arruda , Chueire Alceu Gomes , Costa Mauro José
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Background: We hypothesized that polymicrobial posttraumatic osteomyelitis (PTO) may be associated with worse outcomes when compared to monomicrobial PTO. We therefore attempted to show the outcomes and predisposing factors associated with polymicrobial PTO.Methods: A single-center case-control study was carried out from 2007 to 2012. The outcome variables analyzed were: the need for additional surgical and antibiotic treatments, rates of amputation, and mortality associated with the infection. Univariate and multivariable analyses using multiple logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors associated with polymicrobial PTO, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Among the 193 patients identified, polymicrobial PTO was diagnosed in 37.8%, and was significantly associated with supplementary surgical debridement (56.1% vs. 31%; p < 0.01), a higher consumption of antibiotics, and more amputations (6.5% vs 1.3%; p < 0.01). Factors associated with polymicrobial PTO in the multivariable analysis were older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01 to 1.03, p = 0.04), working in agriculture (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.05 to 7.79, p = 0.04), open fracture Gustilo type III (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.02 to 5.56, p = 0.04), need for blood transfusion (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.07 to 4.32, p = 0.03), and need for supplementary debridement (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.29 to 5.16, p = 0.01).Conclusions: PTO is polymicrobial in more than one-third of patients, associated with extra surgical and clinical treatment, and worse outcomes including higher rates of amputation.
Combined Staining Techniques for Demonstration of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm in Routine Histopathology
Authors: Jensen Louise Kruse , Henriksen Nicole Lind , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Kragh Kasper Nørskov , Jensen Henrik Elvang
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Aim: Visualization of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm using histochemical staining and combined histochemistry (HC) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).Methods: The ability of S. aureus S54F9 to form biofilm was tested in vitro. Hereafter, infected bone tissue was collected from two different porcine models of osteomyelitis inoculated with S. aureus strain S54F9. The infection time was five and fifteen days, respectively. Twenty-five different histochemical staining protocols were tested in order to find the stains that could identify extracellular biofilm matrix. Protocols with an optimal visualization of biofilm extracellular matrix were combined with an immunohistochemical protocol based on a specific antibody against S. aureus. The combined protocols were applied to the tissue from the porcine models and to infected bone tissue from a child suffering from chronic staphylococcal osteomyelitis for more than a year.Results: S. aureus S54F9 showed an ability to form biofilm in vitro. Visualization of biofilm, i.e. bacterial cells and extracellular matrix in different colours, was seen when the immunohistochemical protocol was combined with Alcian Blue pH3, Luna and Methyl-pyronin green. The bacterial cells were red to light brown and the extracellular matrix either light blue, blue or orange depending on the histochemical stain. In the porcine models and the human case 10 and 90 percent, respectively, of the bacterial aggregates in a 100x magnification field displayed both the extracellular matrix and the bacterial cells simultaneously in two different colours.Conclusions: A combination of HC and IHC can be used to diagnose and characterise biofilm infections on a routine basis.
Diagnosis of Persistent Infection in Prosthetic Two-Stage Exchange: Evaluation of the Effect of Sonication on Antibiotic Release from Bone Cement Spacers
Authors: Mariaux Sandrine , Tafin Ulrika Furustrand , Borens Olivier
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Introduction: When treating periprosthetic joint infection with a two-stage procedure, antibiotic-impregnated spacers can be used in the interval between prosthetic removal and reimplantation. In our experience, cultures of sonicated spacers are most often negative. The objective of the study was to assess whether that sonication causes an elution of antibiotics, leading to elevated antibiotic concentrations in the sonication fluid inhibiting bacterial growth and thus causing false-negative cultures.Methods: A prospective monocentric study was performed from September 2014 to March 2016. Inclusion criteria were a two-stage procedure for prosthetic infection and agreement of the patient to participate in the study. Spacers were made of gentamicin-containing cement to which tobramycin and vancomycin were added. Antibiotic concentrations in the sonication fluid were determined by mass-spectometry (LC-MS).Results: 30 patients were identified (15 hip and 14 knee and 1 ankle arthroplasties). No cases of culture positive sonicated spacer fluid were observed in our serie. In the sonication fluid median concentrations of 13.2µg/ml, 392 µg/ml and 16.6 µg/ml were detected for vancomycin, tobramycin and gentamicin, respectively. According to the European Committee on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (EUCAST), these concentrations released from cement spacer during sonication are higher than the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for most bacteria relevant in prosthetic joint infections.Conclusion:Spacer sonication cultures remained sterile in all of our cases. Elevated concentrations of antibiotics released during sonication could explain partly negative-cultured sonicated spacers. Indeed, the absence of antibiotic free interval during the two-stages can also contribute to false-negative spacers sonicated cultures.
Source-sink dynamics and forest refuges in Atlantic Forest Central Corridor
Authors: Simon Sabrina S , Schoereder José H , Teixeira Marcos C
Published: March 2018

Background. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the most diverse and threatened biomes in the world. The fragmentation and deforestation have strong impacts upon biodiversity, and many ecological theories have been brought in discussion in order to predict its consequences. Many approaches, such as Pleistocene Refuges Hypothesis, Metapopulation and Source-Sink Theories, Island Biogeography Theory, Stepping-stones and SLOSS debate have been extremely useful in this issue, but not in practice as much as in theory. In this scenario, the aim of this study is to present simple tools to apply those theories in practical measurements, classification and knowledge about the role of conservations unities and small fragments in the landscape of the Central Corridor of Atlantic Forest. Methods. Ten forest fragments were selected over the Atlantic Forest Central Corridor territory to sample different sizes, altitudes and legal protection categories. Physical attributes and measures were taken using GIS data (as area, shape, connectivity, core area and edge). Results. There is a vast variety of connectivity among fragments in the Central Corridor landscape. Most of the federal conservation units act as a source patch in the metapopulation, while the private areas act as sink patches. However, some source patches are too isolated to participate in the metapopulation system, acting as an isolated refuge. In addition, both source and sink fragments suffer strong edge effect, and some of them are not suitable for sustain species adapted to core area. Discussion. Edge effect is a real threat over any fragment, mostly because of the small area or the irregular shape. Efforts must be directed to minimize this impact. Small private patches are not capable to sustain many endangered and endemic species and are not suitable for releasement of rescued wildlife, but they are very important for the metapopulation and source-sink system, relieving the competition effects inside source patches, and acting as stepping-stones. Governmental incentives to preservation of every small natural area may act as a vital component of greater conservational strategies. Maintenance of large federal conservation units alone is not enough to decrease the danger of extinctions. Some of these conservation units are isolated fragments that may represent the only remain of the Pleistocene refuges, and they need small fragments around to keep the biologic flow of the metapopulation dynamics.
Benthic biodiversity and food web structure in the European sector of the Arctic Ocean during spring time
Authors: Oleszczuk Barbara , Grzelak Katarzyna , Kędra Monika
Published: March 2018

Arctic marine ecosystems are currently facing sea ice decrease. Changes in the sea ice cover will influence the Organic Matter (OM) fluxes to the bottom and thus benthic communities. We aimed to examine meio- and macrobenthic biodiversity and community structure, and food web, with use of stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), in relation to depth, sea ice type, and bloom stage. Benthic samples were collected in Svalbard area during spring time in 2015 and 2016 along with samples of particulate and sediment OM. Svalbard fjords, Storfjorden, Barents Sea shelf, continental slope, and Nansen Basin were characterized by different environmental settings including various sea ice conditions, bloom stage, sediment OM and particulate OM in bottom water. The highest biodiversity and biomass were found at the shelf and slope stations where intensive bloom was observed and was related to higher concentrations of fresh, high-quality OM. Low benthic infaunal diversity, abundance, and biomass were noted in fjords and deep stations where quality and quantity of OM was markedly lower. Deposit feeders were the only feeding guild sampled in the deep stations while at other stations 3-4 trophic levels were found.
Effects of Dynamic Topography on the Cenozoic Carbonate Compensation Depth
Authors: Campbell Siobhan M. , Moucha Robert , Derry Louis A. , Raymo Maureen E.
Published: March 2018

Reconstructions of the carbonate compensation depth (CCD) in the past have been used to inform hypotheses about the nature of weathering, tectonics, climate change, and the major ion content of the world's oceans over the Cenozoic. These reconstructions are sensitive to uncertainties in the input data, in particular, the paleodepth estimates of sediment cores. Here we propose that a significant, previously unconsidered contributor to uncertainties in paleodepth estimates is from dynamic topography produced by radial stresses exerted on the Earth's surface by the convecting mantle; these stresses can warp the ocean floor by hundreds of meters over broad regions and also vary significantly over millions of years. We present new reconstructions of the equatorial Pacific and Indian Ocean CCDs over the last 30 and 23 Myr, respectively, which demonstrate an overall deepening trend since the Miocene, and illustrate the possible effect of long‐term changes in dynamic topography on these reconstructions.
Temporal Correlation Between Seismic Moment and Injection Volume for an Induced Earthquake Sequence in Central Oklahoma
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Haffener Jackson , Goebel Thomas H. W. , Meng Xiaofeng , Peng Zhigang , Chang Jefferson C.
Published: March 2018

The rapidly increased earthquake rate in the central United States has been linked with wastewater injection. While the overall understanding appears clear at large scales, the interaction between injection and faulting at smaller scales within individual sequences is still not clear. For an earthquake sequence in central Oklahoma, we conduct finer‐scale analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of seismicity and pore pressure modeling. The pore pressure modeling suggests that nearby wells show much stronger correlation with earthquake sequence evolution. Detailed temporal analysis found correlation between earthquake rate, seismic moment, and injection rates from wells in close proximity. However, the observed maximum magnitude (Mmax) is about 1 order of magnitude smaller than expected based on a theoretical relationship between Mmax and cumulative volume. This discrepancy may point toward additional parameters, such as fault size and stress, which influence Mmax. The lower Mmax is consistent with the truncated Gutenberg‐Richter distribution observed from matched filter detected catalog. Overall, the detailed observations suggest that it is possible to resolve relationships between individual disposal wells and induced earthquake sequences.