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Global Heart 2024Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is the most common cause of valvular heart disease worldwide. Undiagnosed or untreated RHD can complicate pregnancy and lead to poor... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is the most common cause of valvular heart disease worldwide. Undiagnosed or untreated RHD can complicate pregnancy and lead to poor maternal and fetal outcomes and is a significant factor in non-obstetric morbidity. Echocardiography has an emerging role in screening for RHD. We aimed to critically analyse the evidence on the use of echocardiography for screening pregnant women for RHD in high-prevalence areas.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and Embase to identify the relevant reports. Two independent reviewers assessed the reports against the eligibility criteria in a double-blind process.
RESULTS
The searches (date: 4 April 2023) identified 432 records for screening. Ten non-controlled observational studies were identified, five using portable or handheld echocardiography, comprising data from 23,166 women. Prevalence of RHD varied across the studies, ranging from 0.4 to 6.6% (I, heterogeneity >90%). Other cardiac abnormalities (e.g., congenital heart disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction) were also detected <1% to 2% of cases. Certainty of evidence was very low.
CONCLUSION
Echocardiography as part of antenatal care in high-prevalence areas may detect RHD or other cardiac abnormalities in asymptomatic pregnant women, potentially reducing the rates of disease progression and adverse labor-associated outcomes. However, this evidence is affected by the low certainty of evidence, and lack of studies comparing echocardiography versus standard antenatal care.
PROSPECTIVE REGISTRATION
PROSPERO 2022 July 4; CRD42022344081 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=344081.
RESEARCH QUESTION
'In areas with a high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, should handheld echocardiography be added to routine antenatal care?'
Topics: Humans; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Female; Pregnancy; Echocardiography; Prevalence; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Prenatal Care
PubMed: 38681969
DOI: 10.5334/gh.1318 -
Journal of Environmental Sciences... Oct 2024Tri (2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was an emerging contaminant of global concern because of its frequent occurrence, potential toxic effects, and persistence in the...
Tri (2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) was an emerging contaminant of global concern because of its frequent occurrence, potential toxic effects, and persistence in the environment. Microbial degradation might be an efficient and safe removal method, but limited information was available. In this study, Providencia rettgeri was isolated from contaminated sediment and showed it could use TCPP as unique phosphorus source to promote growth, and decompose 34.7% of TCPP (1 mg/L) within 5 days. The microbial inoculation and the initial concentration of TCPP could affect the biodegradation efficient. Further study results indicated that TCPP decomposition by Providencia rettgeri was mainly via phosphoester bond hydrolysis, evidenced by the production of bis (2-chloropropyl) phosphate (CHClPO) and mono-chloropropyl phosphate (CHClPO). Both intracellular and extracellular enzymes could degrade TCPP, but intracellular degradation was dominant in the later reaction stage, and the presence of Cu ions had a promoting effect. These findings developed novel insights into the potential mechanism of TCPP microbial degradation.
Topics: Providencia; Biodegradation, Environmental; Phosphates; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 38802235
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.07.023 -
Psychiatry Research Aug 2023Physical activity is associated with better global functioning in the general population and in people with physical conditions. However, there is no meta-analytic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Physical activity is associated with better global functioning in the general population and in people with physical conditions. However, there is no meta-analytic evidence on the associations between daily physical activity levels and global functioning in people with mental disorders. The objective of the present meta-analysis therefore was to evaluate the associations between daily physical activity levels and global functioning in individuals with mental disorders. Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO and SPORTdiscus were searched from inception to August 1st, 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Ten studies were identified and six were meta-analyzed including 251 adults (39.2 ± 11.9 years, 33.6% of women). The pooled results from six studies found a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.39, 95% CI 0.242 to 0.528, p<0.001, I²=49.3%) between daily physical activity and global functioning. Three out of four studies not included in the meta-analysis also found significant associations between physical activity and global functioning. The current meta-analysis demonstrated a moderate association between daily physical activity and global functioning in individuals with mental disorders. However, the evidence is based on cross-sectional studies and a causal relationship cannot be established. High-quality longitudinal studies aiming to address this relationship should be conducted.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Mental Disorders; Exercise
PubMed: 37364506
DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115312 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023The current challenges in the food packaging field are, on one side, replacing plastic from non-renewable sources with biopolymers and, on the other hand, generating a... (Review)
Review
The current challenges in the food packaging field are, on one side, replacing plastic from non-renewable sources with biopolymers and, on the other hand, generating a packaging material with attractive properties for the consumer. Currently, the consumer is ecologically concerned; the food packaging industry must think ahead to satisfy their needs. In this context, the utilization of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) in this industry presents itself as an excellent candidate for fulfilling these requirements. PECs possess enticing characteristics such as encapsulation, protection, and transportation, among others. On the other hand, diverse types of biopolymers have been used in the formation of PECs, such as alginate, cellulose, gelatin, collagen, and so on. Hence, this paper reviews the use of PECs in food packaging where chitosan forms polyelectrolyte complexes.
Topics: Polyelectrolytes; Chitosan; Food Packaging; Biopolymers; Cellulose
PubMed: 37511293
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411535 -
Microbiology Spectrum Feb 2024This study investigated resistance genes corresponding to the fosfomycin resistance phenotype in clinical isolate W986, as well as characterizing the enzymatic activity...
This study investigated resistance genes corresponding to the fosfomycin resistance phenotype in clinical isolate W986, as well as characterizing the enzymatic activity of FosA11 and the genetic environment. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the agar microdilution method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The whole genomic sequence of W986 was obtained using Illumina sequencing and the PacBio platform. The gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into the pUCP20 vector. The recombinant strain pCold1--BL21 was expressed to extract the target protein, and absorbance photometry was applied for enzymatic parameter determination. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests showed that W986 conferred fosfomycin resistance and was inhibited by phosphonoformate, thereby indicating the presence of a FosA protein. A novel resistance gene designated as was identified by whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and it shared 54.41%-64.23% amino acid identity with known FosA proteins. Cloning into obtained a significant increase (32-fold) in the MIC with fosfomycin. Determination of the enzyme kinetics showed that FosA11 had a high catalytic effect on fosfomycin, with = 18 ± 4 and = 56.1 ± 3.2. We also found that was located on the chromosome, but the difference in the GC content between the chromosome and was dubious, and thus further investigation is required. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel fosfomycin inactivation enzyme called FosA11. The origin and prevalence of the gene in other bacteria require further investigation.IMPORTANCEFosfomycin is an effective antimicrobial agent against Enterobacterales strains. However, the resistance rate of fosfomycin is increasing year by year. Therefore, it is necessary to study the deep molecular mechanism of bacterial resistance to fosfomycin. We identified a novel chromosomal fosfomycin glutathione S-transferase, FosA11 from , which shares a very low identity (54.41%-64.23%) with the previously known FosA and exhibits highly efficient catalytic ability against fosfomycin. Analysis of the genetic context and origin of displays that the gene and its surrounding environments are widely conserved in and no mobile elements are discovered, implying that FosA11 may be broadly important in the natural resistance to fosfomycin of species.
Topics: Fosfomycin; Providencia; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Escherichia coli; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Chromosomes
PubMed: 38149860
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02542-23 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2024Houseflies, Musca domestica L., are an ubiquitous pest that can transmit numerous diseases and threaten human health. Increasing insecticide resistance shown by...
BACKGROUND
Houseflies, Musca domestica L., are an ubiquitous pest that can transmit numerous diseases and threaten human health. Increasing insecticide resistance shown by houseflies necessitates the develop new control alternatives. The housefly gut is densely colonized with microorganisms that interact with each other dynamically and benefit the host's health. However, the impact of multiple symbiotic bacteria on the composition of housefly gut microbiota and the host's activities remains unclear.
METHODS
We isolated and cultured 12 bacterial species from the intestines of housefly larvae. We also isolated seven bacteriophages to precisely target the regulation of certain bacterial species. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing, we analyzed the bacterial diversity after orally administering bacteria/phage cocktails to houseflies.
RESULTS
Our results showed that larval growth was promoted, the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Klebsiella and Enterobacter, was increased and the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Providencia, Morganella and Pseudomonas, was decreased in housefly larvae fed with the beneficial bacteria cocktail. However, oral administration of both beneficial and harmful bacterial phage cocktails inhibited larval growth, probably due to the drastic alteration of gut flora. Untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that disturbances in gut microbiota changed the larval metabolite profiles. Feeding experiments revealed that disrupting the intestinal flora suppressed the beneficial bacteria and increased the harmful bacteria, causing changes in the metabolites and inhibiting larval growth.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our results, bacteria/phage cocktails are effective tools for regulating the intestinal flora of insects and have a high potential as a biological control agent for incorporation into an integrated pest management program.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Houseflies; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Larva
PubMed: 38233948
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06082-8 -
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Oct 2023Acalculia, an acquired disability following a brain injury, involves difficulty processing numerical information and/or calculations. Acalculia is not routinely screened...
Acalculia, an acquired disability following a brain injury, involves difficulty processing numerical information and/or calculations. Acalculia is not routinely screened for, and as a result there is a lack of understanding about the nature and prevalence and the impact of the condition. This qualitative study was initiated by stroke survivors with a strong interest in acalculia. Sixteen stroke/brain injury survivors with acalculia and seven carers were interviewed using semi-structured online interviews. Participants ranged in age, gender, time post-onset, country of residence and numeracy level prior to brain injury. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes were identified: Awareness and Diagnosis; Emotional and Practical Impact (independence); Support, Coping Strategies and Self-training. Participants and carers repeatedly referred to the lack of awareness and treatment for acalculia and the impact acalculia has had on their lives and independence. Practical impacts included managing money, making appointments, using timetables, organizing social activities and employment, and managing medication. Our results highlight the urgent need to develop suitable assessments and interventions for acalculia and the scope for this to be Patient, Carer and Public involvement (PCPI)-led. The data also reveal useful strategies and suggestions regarding effective timing, targets and approaches for intervention.
Topics: Humans; Dyscalculia; Stroke; Brain Injuries; Stroke Rehabilitation; Qualitative Research; Caregivers
PubMed: 35959752
DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2108065 -
Microbial Ecology Dec 2023Sugar beet is the most important crop for sugar production in temperate zones. The plant microbiome is considered an important factor in crop productivity and health....
Sugar beet is the most important crop for sugar production in temperate zones. The plant microbiome is considered an important factor in crop productivity and health. Here, we investigated the bacterial diversity of seeds, roots, and rhizosphere of five sugar beet hybrids named Eduarda (ED), Koala (KO), Tibor (T), Tajfun (TF), and Cercospora-resistant (C). A culture-independent next-generation sequencing approach was used for the further investigation of seed-borne endophytes. Hybrid-associated bacteria were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, antagonistic activity towards Cercospora beticola and several Fusarium strains in dual culture assays, and drought and salinity tolerance. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the Proteobacteria phylum was most dominant in the seeds of all hybrids, followed by Cyanobacteria and Actinobacteriota. The predominant genus in all hybrids was Pantoea, followed by Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Chalicogloea, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Glutamicibacter, Kosakonia, and Marinilactibacillus. Unique genera in the hybrids were Pleurocapsa and Arthrobacter (T), Klebsiella (TF), Apibacter (ED), and Alloscardovia (KO). The genera that were most represented in one hybrid were Weissella and Staphylococcus (TF); Streptococcus (T); Gardnerella, Prevotella, and Rothia (KO); and Gilliamella, Lactobacillus, and Snodgrassella (ED). Thirty-two bacteria out of 156 isolates from the rhizosphere, roots, and seeds were selected with respect to various plant growth-promoting activities in vitro, i.e., nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, indole-3-acetic acid production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase activity, hydrogen cyanide production, exoenzymatic activity (amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, xylanase, mannanases, gelatinase, and pectinase), mitigation of environmental stresses, and antifungal activity. Mixta theicola KO3-44, Providencia vermicola ED3-10, Curtobacterium pusillum ED2-6, and Bacillus subtilis KO3-18 had the highest potential to promote plant growth due to their multiple abilities (nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, production of siderophores, and IAA). The best antagonistic activity towards phytopathogenic fungi was found for Bacillus velezensis C3-19, Paenibacillus polymyxa C3-36 and Bacillus halotolerans C3-16/2.1. Only four isolates B. velezensis T2-23, B. subtilis T3-4, B. velezensis ED2-2, and Bacillus halotolerans C3-16/2.1 all showed enzymatic activity, with the exception of xylanase production. B. halotolerans C3-16/2.1 exhibited the greatest tolerance to salinity, while two B. subtilis strains (C3-62 and TF2-1) grew successfully at the maximum concentration of PEG. The current study demonstrates that sugar beet-associated bacteria have a wide range of beneficial traits and are therefore highly promising for the formulation of biological control and PGP agents.
Topics: Beta vulgaris; Plant Development; Bacillus subtilis; Endophytes; Plant Roots; Phosphates
PubMed: 38148389
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02329-0 -
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease Apr 2024The global food trade provides a means of disseminating antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria and genes. Using selective media, carbapenem-resistant species of...
The global food trade provides a means of disseminating antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria and genes. Using selective media, carbapenem-resistant species of Enterobacterales ( sp. and sp.), were detected in a single package of imported frozen shrimp purchased from a grocery store in Ohio, USA. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed that both isolates harbored genes. Following PacBio long read sequencing, the sequences were annotated using the NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline. The genes were found in IncC plasmids, each with different antimicrobial resistance island configuration. We found that the AMR islands had close relationships with previously reported environmental, food, and clinical isolates detected in Asia and the United States, highlighting the importance of the food chain in the global dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
PubMed: 38563789
DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0161 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Feb 2024Although guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) are regularly published, many controversial issues remain, limiting their implementation. We aim to...
Current management of atrial fibrillation in routine practice according to the last ESC guidelines: an EHRA physician survey-how are we dealing with controversial approaches?
AIMS
Although guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) are regularly published, many controversial issues remain, limiting their implementation. We aim to describe current clinical practice among European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) community according to last guidelines.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A 30 multiple-choice questionnaire covering the most controversial topics related to AF management was distributed through the EHRA Research Network, National Societies, and social media between January and February 2023. One hundred and eighty-one physicians responded the survey, 61% from university hospitals. Atrial fibrillation screening in high-risk patients is regularly performed by 57%. Only 42% has access to at least one programme aiming at diagnosing/managing comorbidities and lifestyle modifications, with marked heterogeneity between countries. Direct oral anticoagulants are the preferred antithrombotic (97%). Rhythm control is the preferred strategy in most AF phenotypes: symptomatic vs. asymptomatic paroxysmal AF (97% vs. 77%), low vs. high risk for recurrence persistent AF (90% vs. 72%), and permanent AF (20%). I-C drugs and amiodarone are preferred while dronedarone and sotalol barely used. Ablation is the first-line therapy for symptomatic paroxysmal AF (69%) and persistent AF with markers of atrial disease (57%) and is performed independently of symptoms by 15%. In persistent AF, 68% performs only pulmonary vein isolation and 32% also additional lesions.
CONCLUSION
There is marked heterogeneity in AF management and limited accordance to last guidelines in the EHRA community. Most of the discrepancies are related to the main controversial issues, such as those related to AF screening, management of comorbidities, pharmacological treatment, and ablation strategy.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Comorbidity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sotalol; Anticoagulants; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38227804
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae012