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BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2024Acinetobacter lwoffii (A. lwoffii) is a Gram-negative bacteria common in the environment, and it is the normal flora in human respiratory and digestive tracts. The...
BACKGROUND
Acinetobacter lwoffii (A. lwoffii) is a Gram-negative bacteria common in the environment, and it is the normal flora in human respiratory and digestive tracts. The bacteria is a zoonotic and opportunistic pathogen that causes various infections, including nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to identify A. lwoffii strains isolated from bovine milk with subclinical mastitis in China and get a better understanding of its antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profile. This is the first study to analyze the drug resistance spectrum and corresponding mechanisms of A. lwoffii isolated in raw milk.
RESULTS
Four A. lwoffii strains were isolated by PCR method. Genetic evolution analysis using the neighbor-joining method showed that the four strains had a high homology with Acinetobacter lwoffii. The strains were resistant to several antibiotics and carried 17 drug-resistance genes across them. Specifically, among 23 antibiotics, the strains were completely susceptible to 6 antibiotics, including doxycycline, erythromycin, polymyxin, clindamycin, imipenem, and meropenem. In addition, the strains showed variable resistance patterns. A total of 17 resistance genes, including plasmid-mediated resistance genes, were detected across the four strains. These genes mediated resistance to 5 classes of antimicrobials, including beta-lactam, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and chloramphenicol.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicated that multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter lwoffii strains exist in raw milk of bovine with subclinical mastitis. Acinetobacter lwoffii are widespread in natural environmental samples, including water, soil, bathtub, soap box, skin, pharynx, conjunctiva, saliva, gastrointestinal tract, and vaginal secretions. The strains carry resistance genes in mobile genetic elements to enhance the spread of these genes. Therefore, more attention should be paid to epidemiological surveillance and drug resistant A. lwoffii.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Mastitis, Bovine; Female; Acinetobacter; Milk; China; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Acinetobacter Infections; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
PubMed: 38918815
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04119-3 -
Veterinary Microbiology Jun 2024Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) causes significant economic losses to the swine industry. Antibiotic treatment can be challenging due to its clinical urgency and...
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) causes significant economic losses to the swine industry. Antibiotic treatment can be challenging due to its clinical urgency and the turnover of antimicrobial susceptibility results from the diagnostic laboratory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vertical transmission of APP within integrated systems as a criterion for optimising antimicrobial treatment in the field, using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Additionally, the genetic variability of Spanish APP isolates has been assessed to decipher antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants, toxin presence, serotype, and phenotype/genotype concordance of AMR. A total of 169 isolates from clinical cases of porcine pleuropneumonia with known antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were sequenced. Additionally, 48 NCBI assemblies were included to perform a phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed high association between phylogenetic clusters, serotypes, and presence of toxins that are associated within vertically integrated systems by its epidemiological link. Concordance between presence of AMR determinants (genotype) vs in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility pattern (phenotype) was acceptable for amoxicillin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, and enrofloxacin using epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFFs), but low concordance was observed for doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (T/S). On the other hand, using CLSI clinical breakpoints (CBPs), concordance was acceptable for florfenicol and enrofloxacin and not evaluated for doxycycline, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (T/S), and amoxicillin because no CBP are available for them. Finally, WGS has demonstrated the clonality between isolates that shared a common origin (grandmother's farm) and resistance phenotype, suggesting vertical transmission of this pathogen and supporting the use of the epidemiological approach as a good criterion to optimise the antimicrobial use.
PubMed: 38917664
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110157 -
PloS One 2024Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived into neurons offer a powerful in vitro model to study cellular processes. One method to characterize functional...
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived into neurons offer a powerful in vitro model to study cellular processes. One method to characterize functional network properties of these cells is using multielectrode arrays (MEAs). MEAs can measure the electrophysiological activity of cellular cultures for extended periods of time without disruption. Here we used WTC11 hiPSCs with a doxycycline-inducible neurogenin 2 (NGN2) transgene differentiated into neurons co-cultured with primary human astrocytes. We achieved a synchrony index ∼0.9 in as little as six-weeks with a mean firing rate of ∼13 Hz. Previous reports show that derived 3D brain organoids can take several months to achieve similar strong network burst synchrony. We also used this co-culture to model aspects of blood-brain barrier breakdown by using human serum. Our fully human co-culture achieved strong network burst synchrony in a fraction of the time of previous reports, making it an excellent first pass, high-throughput method for studying network properties and neurodegenerative diseases.
Topics: Humans; Astrocytes; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; Coculture Techniques; Neurons; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Electrodes; Blood-Brain Barrier
PubMed: 38917115
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303901 -
Radiology Jun 2024A 15-year-old male patient presented with a 3-week history of inner left thigh pain provoked by activity and experienced occasionally at rest. The patient denied...
A 15-year-old male patient presented with a 3-week history of inner left thigh pain provoked by activity and experienced occasionally at rest. The patient denied nighttime pain, fever, or chills. Laboratory investigation revealed the following normal values: hemoglobin level of 15.6 g/dL (normal range, 13-16 g/dL), platelet count of 240 × 103/µL (normal range, 140-440 × 103/µL), and total leukocyte count of 7100 cells/µL (normal range, 4500-11 000 cells/µL). The percentage of neutrophils was considered low at 44% (normal range, 54%-62%), and the percentage of eosinophils was slightly high at 3.7% (normal range, 0%-3%). An anteroposterior radiograph of the left hip is shown. Physical therapy was initiated, with no improvement after 2 weeks of therapy. The patient was referred to an orthopedist for further evaluation. At physical examination, the patient endorsed marked left hip pain with hip flexion to 90°, limited internal and external rotation (5° and 15°, respectively), and antalgic gait favoring the left leg. Hip MRI and further serologic analysis were requested for further evaluation. Although the serologic testing was performed at an outside laboratory, the physician reported positive immunoglobulin-G Lyme titers, normal C-reactive protein level, and normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Pelvic CT was requested. The patient was prescribed a course of doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 28 days), with reported resolution of symptoms 2 weeks after initiation of treatment. Three weeks later, the patient presented to our department with recurrent left hip pain, which was similar in severity compared with the initial presentation. A second MRI examination of the left hip was performed 4 months after the initial presentation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adolescent; Osteoma, Osteoid; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Diagnosis, Differential; Bone Neoplasms; Hip Joint
PubMed: 38916512
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.230629 -
Cardiovascular Research Jun 2024Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction plays a key role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. However, studying these disorders in ECs from patients is...
AIMS
Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction plays a key role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. However, studying these disorders in ECs from patients is challenging, hence the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and their in vitro differentiation into ECs represents a very promising approach. Still, the generation of hiPSC-derived ECs (hECs) remains demanding as a cocktail of growth factors and an intermediate purification step are required for hEC enrichment. Therefore, we probed the utility of a forward programming approach using transgenic hiPSC lines.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We have used the transgenic hiPSC line PGP1 ETV2 iso2 to explore the in vitro differentiation of hECs via doxycycline-dependent induction of the transcription factor ETV2 and compared these with a standard differentiation protocol for hECs using non-transgenic control hiPSCs. The transgenic hECs were highly enriched without an intermediate purification step and expressed - as non-transgenic hECs and HUVECs - characteristic EC markers. The viability and yield of transgenic hECs were strongly improved by applying EC growth medium during differentiation. This protocol was successfully applied in two more transgenic hiPSC lines yielding reproducible results with low line-to-line variability. Transgenic hECs displayed typical functional properties, such as tube formation and LDL uptake, and a more mature phenotype than non-transgenic hECs. Transgenic hiPSCs preferentially differentiated into the arterial lineage, this was further enhanced by adding a high VEGF concentration to the medium. We also demonstrate that complexing lentivirus with magnetic nanoparticles and application of a magnetic field enables efficient transduction of transgenic hECs.
CONCLUSIONS
We have established a highly efficient, cost-effective, and reproducible differentiation protocol for the generation of functional hECs via forward programming. The transgenic hECs can be genetically modified and are a powerful tool for disease modelling, tissue engineering, and translational purposes.
PubMed: 38916487
DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae129 -
International Journal of... Apr 2024Mycobacterium welchii (Mycobacterium w) vaccine was one of the many strategies used to both treat and prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We report...
BACKGROUND
Mycobacterium welchii (Mycobacterium w) vaccine was one of the many strategies used to both treat and prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We report the results of a retrospective analysis of 15 cases with vaccine-site granulomas after administration of prophylactic Mycobacterium w vaccine as part of a trial for COVID-19 and our experience in managing those cases.
METHODS
This was a retrospective analysis of 15 patients with vaccine-site granulomas who were given the vaccine as a prophylactic measure as part of a trial with informed consent.
RESULTS
The mean average age of cases was 37 and the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.87. All of the patients developed erythematous tender nodules over the injection sites within a month of receiving the inoculations. Mycobacterial cultures and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification tests yielded negative results. Skin biopsy revealed granulomatous dermatitis with acid-fast bacilli positivity. A diagnosis of noninfective granulomatous dermatitis was made. Treatment started with analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents. Systemic antibiotics were required in 9/15 patients. Patients are being followed up with no reported recurrence till date.
CONCLUSION
The possibility of injection-site granuloma should be taken into the risk-benefit analysis for the administration of Mycobacterium w vaccine and the patients should be counseled as such. Patients with persistent ulceration respond to combinations of doxycycline, ofloxacin, and clarithromycin.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Granuloma; Middle Aged; Bacterial Vaccines; COVID-19; Injection Site Reaction; Young Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38916389
DOI: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_50_24 -
Acta Tropica Jun 2024A 26-year-old woman presented an eyelid lesion, after being scratched by a cat that had a similar skin lesion. It evolved into a cervical lymph node enlargement. With a...
A 26-year-old woman presented an eyelid lesion, after being scratched by a cat that had a similar skin lesion. It evolved into a cervical lymph node enlargement. With a hypothesis of Parinaud´s oculoglandular syndrome (POS) due to cat scratch disease (CSD), doxycycline was prescribed. After two weeks of treatment without improvement, a biopsy and blood sample were obtained. Itraconazole was prescribed and the skin lesion improved, but not the lymph node enlargement. A Sporothrix schenckii complex was isolated from the skin sample. Also, a specie-specific polymerase chain reaction detected Bartonella henselae DNA in her blood sample. Azithromycin was included to treat the bacterial infection, whereupon the lymph node also receded successfully. Sporotrichosis and CSD are zoonoses that can be transmitted to humans by traumatic inoculation due to scratches or bites from cats. Both can evolve with POS. Patients who present skin lesions and/or POS after being wounded by a cat should be investigated for both diseases.
PubMed: 38914413
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107297 -
Heliyon Jun 2024A 71-year-old male had disseminated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Following treatment with cefotaxime and piperacillin-tazobactam, his symptoms have...
A 71-year-old male had disseminated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Following treatment with cefotaxime and piperacillin-tazobactam, his symptoms have worsened instead. Multiple organ failure caused by Japanese Spotted Fever (JSF) was diagnosed based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), we rapidly treated the patient with doxycycline. Thereafter, his symptoms gradually improved. In this report, we emphasized the importance of rapid microbial diagnostic tools and the early use of tetracyclines for the treatment of JSF.
PubMed: 38912444
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32647 -
The Indian Journal of Radiology &... Jul 2024A widely accepted set of imaging criteria or classification has not yet been adopted to evaluate response to treatment by percutaneous sclerotherapy for aneurysmal...
A widely accepted set of imaging criteria or classification has not yet been adopted to evaluate response to treatment by percutaneous sclerotherapy for aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). In this article, we described and illustrated the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) scoring system which is a new, reproducible, and objective tool to evaluate the radiological response. We also reported our institutional experience in the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided sclerotherapy for treating such lesions. A retrospective analysis was conducted for 19 patients who underwent CT-guided sclerotherapy with doxycycline and albumin to treat ABC. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, at a minimum of 12 months, was assessed according to the four ROH scoring system parameters: cystic component, fluid-fluid level, presence of consolidation, and cortical integrity. The cumulative score was used to grade response as either: excellent, good, equivocal, or poor. Out of 19 patients with a mean age of 17.8 years, 11 cases occurred in the long bones, 5 cases in the pelvis, and 1 in each of the C3 vertebral body, scapula, and talus. The mean parameter of response score for cystic component was 2, fluid-fluid level was 1.3, consolidation was 2, and cortical integrity was 2.1. Four cases showed excellent response, 12 cases showed good response, 2 cases showed equivocal response, and 1 case showed poor response. Interrater reliability was excellent (κ = 0.9). The ROH scoring system provides the radiologist and surgeon with an objective method to score imaging parameters of response independently and achieve a grade based on the cumulative score.
PubMed: 38912248
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779266 -
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic... Jun 2024Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the pilosebaceous follicle. Its pharmacological treatment involves topical and systemic medications, but a...
OBJECTIVE
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the pilosebaceous follicle. Its pharmacological treatment involves topical and systemic medications, but a heterogeneous group of drugs may exacerbate or induce skin lesions. The aim of this study was to identify the pharmacological management and medications related to the exacerbation of skin lesions in patients diagnosed with acne.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study that identified the outpatient medication prescription patterns of patients with acne from a dispensing database of 8.5 million members of the Colombian Health System. Sociodemographic and pharmacological variables and the identification of prescriptions that were potentially inappropriate due to the risk of worsening acne were considered.
RESULTS
A total of 21,604 patients with acne were identified. Median age was 20.8 years (interquartile range: 17.3-27.3 years), and 60.7 percent were female. Treatment mainly involved antibiotics (79.9% of patients), especially doxycycline (66.0%), and retinoids (55.7%). A total of 17.2 percent of patients had potentially inappropriate prescriptions, predominantly progestogens with androgenic properties (8.9%). Female patients (odds ratio [OR]: 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]:3.24-3.90) and patients with pathologies such as systemic lupus erythematosus (OR: 18.61; 95% CI: 7.23-47.93) and rheumatoid arthritis (OR: 10.80; 95% CI: 5.02-23.23) were more likely to receive inappropriate prescriptions, and the risk increased with each year of life (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.02-1.03).
LIMITATIONS
Access to medical records was not obtained to verify clinical characteristics of acne.
CONCLUSION
Patients with acne are excessively treated with systemic antibiotics, counter to clinical practice guidelines. Approximately one-fifth of these patients received some potentially inappropriate medication that could exacerbate their skin lesions.
PubMed: 38912194
DOI: No ID Found