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Cureus May 2024An uncommon congenital hamartomatous disorder called Proteus syndrome is characterized by multifocal tissue expansion originating from all three germinal layers....
An uncommon congenital hamartomatous disorder called Proteus syndrome is characterized by multifocal tissue expansion originating from all three germinal layers. Diagnosis mainly relies on clinical and radiological criteria. Here, we present a case of a 13-year-old female child exhibiting bony, soft tissue, and vascular abnormalities, along with developmental delay. We conclude by highlighting the importance of imaging studies in conjunction with physical examination, which are characterized by general and specific criteria to diagnose this rare condition until a specific gene test becomes available.
PubMed: 38860105
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60072 -
Pharmaceutics Jul 2023Oncolytic bacteria are a classification of bacteria with a natural ability to specifically target solid tumors and, in the process, stimulate a potent immune response.... (Review)
Review
Oncolytic bacteria are a classification of bacteria with a natural ability to specifically target solid tumors and, in the process, stimulate a potent immune response. Currently, these include species of , , , / (Coley's Toxin), , , and . Advancements in techniques and methodology, including genetic engineering, create opportunities to "hijack" typical host-pathogen interactions and subsequently harness oncolytic capacities. Engineering, sometimes termed "domestication", of oncolytic bacterial species is especially beneficial when solid tumors are inaccessible or metastasize early in development. This review examines reported oncolytic bacteria-host immune interactions and details the known mechanisms of these interactions to the protein level. A synopsis of the presented membrane surface molecules that elicit particularly promising oncolytic capacities is paired with the stimulated localized and systemic immunogenic effects. In addition, oncolytic bacterial progression toward clinical translation through engineering efforts are discussed, with thorough attention given to strains that have accomplished Phase III clinical trial initiation. In addition to therapeutic mitigation after the tumor has formed, some bacterial species, referred to as "prophylactic", may even be able to prevent or "derail" tumor formation through anti-inflammatory capabilities. These promising species and their particularly favorable characteristics are summarized as well. A complete understanding of the bacteria-host interaction will likely be necessary to assess anti-cancer capacities and unlock the full cancer therapeutic potential of oncolytic bacteria.
PubMed: 37514190
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072004 -
European Review For Medical and... Aug 2023The aim of our study is to determine the uropathogenic causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their incidences, assess their antibiotic resistance, and determine an...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study is to determine the uropathogenic causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their incidences, assess their antibiotic resistance, and determine an appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment strategy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the culture and antibiogram results of urine cultures of 49,706 patients aged 1 day to 18 years who applied to Diyarbakır Children's Hospital between March 2018 and October 2022.
RESULTS
A total of 4,064 cases meeting the study criteria were recorded. Girls comprised 76.7% of the study population. While reproduction in urine culture was more common in boys in the 0-1 age group, there was a decrease in the number of boys with increasing age, and the most common culture growth was seen in girls in the 5-10 age group (p<0.001). Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections were more common in girls, while non-E. coli infections were more common in boys (p<0.001). Gram-negative bacterial growth in urine cultures was the most common growth type. In descending order, E. coli was grown in 68.1% of all cultures, Klebsiella spp in 12.6%, and Proteus spp in 3.9%. Less commonly, Pseudomonas spp (2.8%), Enterobacter spp (1.5%), and fungi (1.1%) were grown. Antibiotic resistance/sensitivity tests revealed resistance patterns most commonly against ampicillin (73.2%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (57.9%), cefuroxime axetil (46.7%), cefixime (51%), and ceftriaxone (40.5%), and less commonly against meropenem (1.7%), amikacin (2.4%), and nitrofurantoin (9.8%). Escherichia coli showed resistance most commonly against ampicillin (69.8%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (59.7%), and cefixime (51.3%), while non-E.coli bacteria showed resistance most commonly against ampicillin (84.6%), amoxicillin (52.0%), and cefixime (50%). Resistance against nitrofurantoin was lower in E. coli infections than non-E. coli infections, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (3.7% and 27%, respectively; p=0.149). In contrast, resistance against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was more common in E. coli infections than non-E. coli infections, although the difference was not statistically significant (42% and 29.7%, respectively; p=0.093).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study revealed that resistance has developed at very high rates against many oral and parenteral antibiotics that we use in the treatment of UTIs. If our rate of antibiotic use continues to increase this way, it is predicted that UTIs will, unfortunately, become untreatable with oral antibiotics. This upsetting point reached by our country, which is the state that uses antibiotics the most in Europe, exemplifies the importance of rational antibiotic use for the whole world.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Child; Infant, Newborn; Infant; Child, Preschool; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cefixime; Nitrofurantoin; Retrospective Studies; Urinary Tract Infections; Ampicillin; Amoxicillin; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Escherichia coli
PubMed: 37667945
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202308_33421 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) encompasses diverse clinical phenotypes, including Cowden syndrome (CS), Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS), Proteus syndrome... (Review)
Review
PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) encompasses diverse clinical phenotypes, including Cowden syndrome (CS), Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS), Proteus syndrome (PS), and Proteus-like syndrome. This autosomal dominant genetic predisposition with high penetrance arises from heterozygous germline variants in the PTEN tumour suppressor gene, leading to dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, which promotes the overgrowth of multiple and heterogenous tissue types. Clinical presentations of CS range from benign and malignant disorders, affecting nearly every system within the human body. CS is the most diagnosed syndrome among the PHTS group, notwithstanding its weak incidence (1:200,000), for which it is considered rare, and its precise incidence remains unknown among other important factors. The literature is notably inconsistent in reporting the frequencies and occurrences of these disorders, adding an element of bias and uncertainty when looking back at the available research. In this review, we aimed to highlight the significant disparities found in various studies concerning CS and to review the clinical manifestations encountered in CS patients. Furthermore, we intended to emphasize the great significance of early diagnosis as patients will benefit from a longer lifespan while being unceasingly advised and supported by a multidisciplinary team.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hamartoma Syndrome, Multiple; Proteus Syndrome; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Male
PubMed: 38792950
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050767 -
Biomaterial Investigations in Dentistry 2023The aim of this study was the development of a complex multispecies endodontic biofilm using , and on a biofilm of in a dentinal substrate design. The endodontic...
The aim of this study was the development of a complex multispecies endodontic biofilm using , and on a biofilm of in a dentinal substrate design. The endodontic pathology is a biofilm-mediated infection, and the aim of root canal therapy is to reduce, as much as possible, the bacterial population. Thus, it is important to develop a laboratory endodontic biofilm to test the effect of new irrigation and obturation techniques on reduction of bacterial count. The culture of from ATCC 29212 began with aerobic cultivation on blood agar, followed by transfer to Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth with 5% sucrose. Incubation occurred in a shaker at 37 °C for 24 h, followed by an additional 24-h static phase. After 10 d, , , and Candida albicans were introduced sequentially in three distinct groups. Group 1: the order of addition was , , and ; Group 2: the order was , , and ; and Group 3: , , and After 16 days, the biofilm was carefully extracted, transferred to sterile BHI, and dissected using a sterile needle technique. Subsequently, an optical density test, bacterial counts, and colony enumeration were performed on various agar plates. Group 2 in which was added directly after followed and showed significantly greater total bacterial count than the other two groups.
PubMed: 38204478
DOI: 10.1080/26415275.2023.2281091 -
Biomolecules & Therapeutics Jul 2023Parkinson's disease (PD) which has various pathological mechanisms, recently, it is attracting attention to the mechanism via microbiome-gut-brain axis. 6-Shogaol, a...
Parkinson's disease (PD) which has various pathological mechanisms, recently, it is attracting attention to the mechanism via microbiome-gut-brain axis. 6-Shogaol, a representative compound of ginger, have been known for improving PD phenotypes by reducing neuroinflammatory responses. In the present study, we investigated whether 6-shogaol and ginger attenuate degeneration induced by () on the intestine and brain, simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice received for 5 days. Ginger (300 mg/kg) and 6-shogaol (10 mg/kg) were treated by gavage feeding for 22 days including the period of treatment. Results showed that 6-shogaol and ginger improved motor dysfunction and dopaminergic neuronal death induced by treatment. In addition, they suppressed -induced intestinal barrier disruption, pro-inflammatory signals such as toll-like receptor and TNF-α, and intestinal α-synuclein aggregation. Moreover, ginger and 6-shogaol significantly inhibited neuroinflammation and α-synuclein in the brain. Taken together, 6-shogaol and ginger have the potential to ameliorate PD-like motor behavior and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons induced by in mice. Here, these findings are meaningful in that they provide the first experimental evidence that 6-shogaol might attenuate PD via regulating gut-brain axis.
PubMed: 37337830
DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.098 -
European Journal of Ophthalmology Sep 2023In this report we illustrate the ophthalmologic assessment of two patients affected by Proteus Syndrome (PS), an extremely rare genetic disorder. Case #1 describes a 26...
In this report we illustrate the ophthalmologic assessment of two patients affected by Proteus Syndrome (PS), an extremely rare genetic disorder. Case #1 describes a 26 year old male patient followed for multiple ophthalmic anomalies: a limbal dermoid cyst, a unilateral cataract, bilateral nystagmus, severe myopia and unilateral optic nerve head drusen. Case #2 describes a 20 year old female patient referred to our Ophthalmology Department for a routine ophthalmologic evaluation after being treated for 3 years with Miransertib (an experimental AKT-pathway inhibitor). Both patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination and a multimodal imaging evaluation. The multimodal imaging approach has revealed useful to evaluate both cases in detail and to keep track of disease evolution over time, moreover providing helpful features to further characterize this rare syndrome.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Proteus Syndrome; Eye Abnormalities; Nystagmus, Pathologic; Diagnostic Imaging; Myopia; Abnormalities, Multiple
PubMed: 36113118
DOI: 10.1177/11206721221125852 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023The aim of this study was to investigate the compounds in the hexane extract of (Savi.) Ten. and to determine the antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities...
The aim of this study was to investigate the compounds in the hexane extract of (Savi.) Ten. and to determine the antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities of different extracts. The (NGBB 7229) plant was collected from Turkey's Trakya region. Crude extracts were obtained using different solvents. The chemical composition of was determined in hexane extract using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), the β-carotene bleaching method, and the determination of superoxide anion scavenging activities. The antibacterial activity was tested against , , , , , and , whereas the antifungal activity was tested against , , and by applying microdilution methods. A total of 41 bioactive compounds were identified using the GC-MS library. Terpenoids were found to be dominant (52.89%), and lup-20(29)-en-3-yl-acetate and lupeol were the most abundant terpenoids. The highest total flavonoid content (25.73 mg catechin/g) and antioxidant capacity were found in the methanolic extract. The highest antibacterial activity was detected against in the ethyl acetate extract, and the highest antifungal activity was found against and in the hexane extract. The observed antioxidant characteristics of the extracts could be attributed to the presence of flavonoids. The high antifungal activity of the hexane extract against all fungal strains can be attributed to its constituents, i.e., terpenoids. This study discloses the potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, including some bioactive components, of and implies that holds possible applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.
Topics: Antioxidants; Antifungal Agents; Cirsium; Hexanes; Plant Extracts; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Flavonoids; Terpenes; Candida albicans
PubMed: 37894654
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207177 -
International Wound Journal Apr 2024Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have become increasingly common in recent years due to the increased prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We carried... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have become increasingly common in recent years due to the increased prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We carried out a meta-analysis aimed at investigating the prevalence of MDR bacteria isolated from DFUs and analysing the risk factors for MDR bacterial infection in patients with DFUs. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched for studies published up to November 2023 on the clinical outcomes of MDR bacteria in DFUs. The main outcome was the prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs. A total of 21 studies were included, representing 4885 patients from which 2633 MDR bacterial isolates were obtained. The prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs was 50.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 41.92%-59.78%). The prevalence of MDR gram-positive bacteria (GPB) in DFUs was 19.81% (95% CI: 14.35%-25.91%), and the prevalence of MDR gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in DFUs was 32.84% (95% CI: 26.40%-39.62%). MDR Staphylococcus aureus (12.13% (95% CI: 8.79%-15.91%)) and MDR Enterococcus spp. (3.33% (95% CI: 1.92%-5.07%)) were the main MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR Escherichia coli, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR Enterobacter spp., MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Proteus mirabilis were the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. The prevalence rates were 6.93% (95% CI: 5.15%-8.95%), 6.01% (95% CI: 4.03%-8.33%), 3.59% (95% CI: 0.42%-9.30%), 3.50% (95% CI: 2.31%-4.91%), and 3.27% (95% CI: 1.74%-5.21%), respectively. The clinical variables of diabetic foot ulcer patients infected with MDR bacteria and non-MDR bacteria in the included studies were analysed. The results showed that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization and previous use of antibacterial drugs were significantly different between the MDR bacterial group and the non-MDR bacterial group. We concluded that there is a high prevalence of MDR bacterial infections in DFUs. The prevalence of MDR-GNB was greater than that of MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR S. aureus was the main MDR-GPB in DFUs, and MDR E. coli was the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. Our study also indicated that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization, and previous use of antibacterial drugs were associated with MDR bacterial infections in patients with DFUs.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Foot; Escherichia coli; Prevalence; Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Osteomyelitis; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Bacterial Infections; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38619084
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14864