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Open Forum Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to infectious disease control, particularly among recently hospitalized children. We sought to determine the prevalence...
BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to infectious disease control, particularly among recently hospitalized children. We sought to determine the prevalence and mitigating factors of resistance in enteric among children discharged from health facilities in western Kenya.
METHODS
Between June 2016 and November 2019, children aged 1 to 59 months were enrolled at the point of discharge from the hospital. was isolated by microbiological culture from rectal swabs at baseline. β-Lactamases and macrolide resistance-conferring genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A modified Poisson regression model was used to assess the predictors (A) and CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL).
RESULTS
Of the 238 children whose isolates were tested, 91 (38.2%) and 109 (45.8%) had detectable CTX-M-type ESBL and (A) genes, respectively. Antibiotic treatment during hospitalization (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 2.47; 95% CI, 1.12-5.43; = .025), length of hospitalization (aPR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.00-2.01; = .052), and the practice of open defecation (aPR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.40-4.36; = .002) were independent predictors for CTX-M-type ESBL and (A) genes. Pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a 43% lower likelihood of CTX-M-type ESBL (aPR, 0.57; 95% CI, .38-.85; = .005), while measles vaccination was associated with a 32% lower likelihood of (A) genes (aPR, 0.68; 95% CI, .49-.93; = .017) in isolates.
CONCLUSIONS
Among children discharged from the hospital, history of vaccination, shorter hospital stay, lack of in-hospital antibiotic exposure, and improved sanitation were associated with a lower likelihood of AMR genes. To mitigate the continued spread of AMR, AMR control programs should consider strategies beyond antimicrobial stewardship, including improvements in sanitation, increased vaccine coverage, and the development of novel vaccines.
PubMed: 38938894
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae307 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Accurate identification of the etiology of orthopedic infection is very important for correct and timely clinical management, but it has been poorly studied. In the...
INTRODUCTION
Accurate identification of the etiology of orthopedic infection is very important for correct and timely clinical management, but it has been poorly studied. In the current study we explored the association of multiple bacterial pathogens with orthopedic infection.
METHODS
Hospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled in a rural hospital in Qingdao, China. Wound or exudate swab samples were collected and tested for twelve bacterial pathogens with both culture and multiplex real time PCR.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A total of 349 hospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled including 193 cases presenting infection manifestations upon admission and 156 with no sign of infection. Orthopedic infection patients were mainly male (72.5%) with more lengthy hospital stay (median 15 days). At least one pathogen was detected in 42.5% (82/193) of patients with infection while 7.1% (11/156) in the patients without infection ( < 0.001). was the most prevalent causative pathogen (15.5%). Quantity dependent pathogen association with infection was observed, particularly for and , possibly indicating subclinical infection. Most of the patients with detected pathogens had a previous history of orthopedic surgery (odds ratio 2.8, = 0.038). Pathogen specific clinical manifestations were characterized. Multiplex qPCR, because of its high sensitivity, superior specificity, and powerful quantification could be utilized in combination with culture to guide antimicrobial therapy and track the progression of orthopedic infection during treatment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; China; Adult; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Hospitalization; Aged, 80 and over; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Hospitals, Rural
PubMed: 38938882
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1394352 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Kuwayama is the leading vector of Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the causative agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The...
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Kuwayama is the leading vector of Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the causative agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The distribution and dynamics of Las within ACP are critical to understanding how the transmission, spread and infection of Las occurs within its host vector in nature. In this study, the distribution and titer changes of Las in various tissues of ACP 5 instar nymphs and adults were examined by (FISH) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques. Results demonstrated that 100% of ACP 5 instar nymphs and adults were infected with Las following feeding on infected plants, and that Las had widespread distribution in most of the tissues of ACP. The titers of Las within the midgut, salivary glands and hemolymph tissues were the highest in both 5 instar nymphs and adults. When compared with adults, the titers of Las in these three tissues of 5 instar nymphs were significantly higher, while in the mycetome, ovary and testes they were significantly lower than those of adults. FISH visualization further confirmed these findings. Dynamic analysis of Las demonstrated that it was present across all the developmental ages of ACP adults. There was a discernible upward trend in the presence of Las with advancing age in most tissues of ACP adults, including the midgut, hemolymph, salivary glands, foot, head, cuticula and muscle. Our findings have significant implications for the comprehensive understanding of the transmission, dissemination and infestation of Las, which is of much importance for developing novel strategies to halt the spread of Las, and therefore contribute to the efficient prevention and control of HLB.
Topics: Animals; Hemiptera; Insect Vectors; Plant Diseases; Nymph; Citrus; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Rhizobiaceae; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Salivary Glands; Hemolymph
PubMed: 38938879
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1408362 -
Open Veterinary Journal May 2024infections are considered the most common foodborne pathogens responsible for zoonotic infections and food poisoning in humans and animal species such as birds....
BACKGROUND
infections are considered the most common foodborne pathogens responsible for zoonotic infections and food poisoning in humans and animal species such as birds. Antimicrobial resistance is considered a global anxiety because it causes human public health repercussions, as well as leads to an increase in animal morbidity and death.
AIM
The aims of this study are the isolation and identification of , as well as to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) and the molecular characteristics using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequences for isolates from chicken products (eggs, livers, and minced meat) and human in the Wasit Governorate of Iraq.
METHODS
A total of 300 samples (150 chicken product samples including eggs, livers, and minced meat, and 150 human fecal samples) were collected from the Wasit governorate of Iraq from January to December 2022. The bacterial isolation was done according to recommendations of ISO 6579 standard and the Global Foodborne Infections Network laboratory protocol. Serotyping test and AST were done by using 19 antibiotic agents according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 2022 by using disc diffusion susceptibility test and Vitik 2 test. Finally, the suspected isolates were confirmed using the conventional PCR method and sequencing for a unique gene.
RESULTS
The results showed that the isolation percentage of in chicken products was 8.66% (12% eggs, 6% livers, and 8% minced meat), while in humans it was 4.6%. Also, showed 100% of in humans. While, in chicken eggs , and were 50%, 33.33%, and 16.66%, respectively. Also, showed 100% of in both livers and minced meat. The AST in human isolates showed resistance to Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Ceftriaxone, while no resistance to Amoxicillin, Pipracillin, Ertapenem, Imipenem, Meropenem, Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim, Azithromycin, and Tetracycline. In chicken products, isolates were resistant with different percentages to Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, and Trimethoprim; while no resistance to Amoxicillin, Pipracillin, Ertapenem, Imipenem, Meropenem, Fosfomycin, Azithromycin, and Ceftriaxone. Sequencing by using gene was done for four PCR products.
CONCLUSION
This study showed the presence of genetic mutations for which led to variations in the molecular characteristics, and antimicrobial drug resistance of isolated from chicken products and humans.
Topics: Animals; Salmonella enterica; Humans; Chickens; Iraq; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Meat; Feces; Poultry Products; Salmonella Infections
PubMed: 38938436
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i5.5 -
Biology Methods & Protocols 2024Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) is a powerful tool for the precise quantification of nucleic acids in various applications. In cancer management, the...
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) is a powerful tool for the precise quantification of nucleic acids in various applications. In cancer management, the monitoring of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from liquid biopsies can provide valuable information for precision care, including treatment selection and monitoring, prognosis, and early detection. However, the rare and heterogeneous nature of ctDNA has made its precise detection and quantification challenging, particularly for ctDNA containing hotspot mutations. We have developed a new real-time PCR tool, PROMER technology, which enables the precise and sensitive detection of ctDNA containing cancer-driven single-point mutations. The PROMER functions as both a PRObe and priMER, providing enhanced detection specificity. We validated PROMER technology using synthetic templates with known KRAS point mutations and demonstrated its sensitivity and linearity of quantification. Using genomic DNA from human cancer cells with mutant and wild-type KRAS, we confirmed that PROMER PCR can detect mutant DNA. Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of PROMER technology to efficiently detect mutation-carrying ctDNA from the plasma of mice with human cancers. Our results suggest that PROMER technology represents a promising new tool for the precise detection and quantification of DNA containing point mutations in the presence of a large excess of wild-type counterpart.
PubMed: 38938409
DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae041 -
Journal of Experimental & Clinical... Jun 2024Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by its high metastatic potential, which results in poor patient survival. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are...
BACKGROUND
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by its high metastatic potential, which results in poor patient survival. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial in facilitating TNBC metastasis via induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. However, how to inhibit CAF-conferred mitochondrial biogenesis is still needed to explore.
METHODS
We investigated metastasis using wound healing and cell invasion assays, 3D-culture, anoikis detection, and NOD/SCID mice. Mitochondrial biogenesis was detected by MitoTracker green FM staining, quantification of mitochondrial DNA levels, and blue-native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The expression, transcription, and phosphorylation of peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) were detected by western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, dual-luciferase reporter assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoprecipitation, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The prognostic role of PGC-1α in TNBC was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database and clinical breast cancer tissue samples.
RESULTS
We demonstrated that PGC-1α indicated lymph node metastasis, tumor thrombus formation, and poor survival in TNBC patients, and it was induced by CAFs, which functioned as an inducer of mitochondrial biogenesis and metastasis in TNBC. Shikonin impeded the CAF-induced PGC-1α expression, nuclear localization, and interaction with estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα), thereby inhibiting PGC-1α/ERRα-targeted mitochondrial genes. Mechanistically, the downregulation of PGC-1α was mediated by synthase kinase 3β-induced phosphorylation of PGC-1α at Thr295, which associated with neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4e1 recognition and subsequent degradation by ubiquitin proteolysis. Mutation of PGC-1α at Thr295 negated the suppressive effects of shikonin on CAF-stimulated TNBC mitochondrial biogenesis and metastasis in vitro and in vivo.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that PGC-1α is a viable target for blocking TNBC metastasis by disrupting mitochondrial biogenesis, and that shikonin merits potential for treatment of TNBC metastasis as an inhibitor of mitochondrial biogenesis through targeting PGC-1α.
Topics: Humans; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha; Mice; Animals; Organelle Biogenesis; Phosphorylation; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; Naphthoquinones; Female; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice, SCID; Neoplasm Metastasis; Mice, Inbred NOD; Mitochondria; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 38937832
DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03101-z -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Jun 2024Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the most common skin lesions observed due to infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome...
BACKGROUND
Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the most common skin lesions observed due to infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are pseudochilblains (or coronavirus disease toes). However, this pathology remains infrequent and difficult to diagnose, as no specific test exists.
CASE PRESENTATION
Two Caucasian women, 30 and 22 years old, presented to our General Medicine Unit with perniosis lesions on the feet during the first two waves of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. They did not have respiratory or general symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swabs was negative, and the serology was positive only in the first case. The clinical presentation differed for the two cases, as the second patient suffered from swelling and burning after cold application. The diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, temporality, exclusion of other differential diagnoses, and blood test results (positive serology in the first case and high level of CXCL13 and VEGF in the second), supported by current literature. Lesions resolved spontaneously in the first patient. The second case was hospitalized for pain management and received corticosteroid therapy with resolution of the symptoms.
CONCLUSION
These two cases with different clinical presentations illustrate the diagnostic approach to coronavirus disease 2019, a challenging disease with diverse manifestations, including, in some cases, coronavirus disease toes. We present a literature review that illustrates the progression of scientific research. Skin lesions associated with coronavirus disease 2019 infection could be the expression of an important interferon type 1 response and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a primary care setting.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Adult; Toes; SARS-CoV-2; Chilblains; Young Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; Outpatients
PubMed: 38937799
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04626-9 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion of Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis yeasts to...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion of Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis yeasts to disk-shaped resin materials produced from resin which used in the production of surgical guide with 0, 45 and 90-degrees printing orientations by Liquid Crystal Display additive manufacturing technology.
METHODS
Disk-shaped specimens were printed with surgical guide resin using the Liquid Crystal Display production technique in 3 printing orientations (0, 45 and 90-degrees). Surface roughness and contact angle values were evaluated. Real-Time PCR analysis was performed to evaluate Candida adhesion (C. glabrata, C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis) Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images of the materials were obtained.
RESULTS
Specimens oriented at 45-degrees demonstrated higher surface roughness (P < .05) and lower contact angle values than other groups. No significant difference was found in the adhesion of C. glabrata, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis among specimens printed at 0, 45, and 90-degrees orientations (P > .05). A higher proportion of C. krusei and C. tropicalis was found in the specimens printed at orientation degrees of 45 = 90 < 0 with statistical significance. Analyzing the adhesion of all Candida species reveals no statistical disparity among the printing orientations.
CONCLUSIONS
The surface roughness, contact angle, and adhesion of certain Candida species are affected by printing orientations. Hence, careful consideration of the printing orientation is crucial for fabricating products with desirable properties. In 45-degree production, roughness increases due to the layered production forming steps, whereas in 0-degree production, certain Candida species exhibit high adhesion due to the formation of porous structures. Consequently, considering these factors, it is advisable to opt for production at 90-degrees, while also considering other anticipated characteristics.
Topics: Surface Properties; Candida; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Candida glabrata; Candida tropicalis; Candida parapsilosis; Humans; Candida albicans; Materials Testing; Cell Adhesion; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Resins, Synthetic; Wettability
PubMed: 38937749
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04505-1 -
Lipids in Health and Disease Jun 2024Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes neuroinflammation and can lead to long-term neurological dysfunction, even in cases of mild TBI (mTBI). Despite the substantial...
BACKGROUND
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes neuroinflammation and can lead to long-term neurological dysfunction, even in cases of mild TBI (mTBI). Despite the substantial burden of this disease, the management of TBI is precluded by an incomplete understanding of its cellular mechanisms. Sphingolipids (SPL) and their metabolites have emerged as key orchestrators of biological processes related to tissue injury, neuroinflammation, and inflammation resolution. No study so far has investigated comprehensive sphingolipid profile changes immediately following TBI in animal models or human cases. In this study, sphingolipid metabolite composition was examined during the acute phases in brain tissue and plasma of mice following mTBI.
METHODS
Wildtype mice were exposed to air-blast-mediated mTBI, with blast exposure set at 50-psi on the left cranium and 0-psi designated as Sham. Sphingolipid profile was analyzed in brain tissue and plasma during the acute phases of 1, 3, and 7 days post-TBI via liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry. Simultaneously, gene expression of sphingolipid metabolic markers within brain tissue was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Significance (P-values) was determined by non-parametric t-test (Mann-Whitney test) and by Tukey's correction for multiple comparisons.
RESULTS
In post-TBI brain tissue, there was a significant elevation of 1) acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) at 1- and 3-days, 2) neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase) at 7-days, 3) ceramide-1-phosphate levels at 1 day, and 4) monohexosylceramide (MHC) and sphingosine at 7-days. Among individual species, the study found an increase in C18:0 and a decrease in C24:1 ceramides (Cer) at 1 day; an increase in C20:0 MHC at 3 days; decrease in MHC C18:0 and increase in MHC C24:1, sphingomyelins (SM) C18:0, and C24:0 at 7 days. Moreover, many sphingolipid metabolic genes were elevated at 1 day, followed by a reduction at 3 days and an absence at 7-days post-TBI. In post-TBI plasma, there was 1) a significant reduction in Cer and MHC C22:0, and an increase in MHC C16:0 at 1 day; 2) a very significant increase in long-chain Cer C24:1 accompanied by significant decreases in Cer C24:0 and C22:0 in MHC and SM at 3 days; and 3) a significant increase of C22:0 in all classes of SPL (Cer, MHC and SM) as well as a decrease in Cer C24:1, MHC C24:1 and MHC C24:0 at 7 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Alterations in sphingolipid metabolite composition, particularly sphingomyelinases and short-chain ceramides, may contribute to the induction and regulation of neuroinflammatory events in the early stages of TBI, suggesting potential targets for novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies in the future.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Sphingolipids; Brain; Ceramides; Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase; Sphingosine; Disease Models, Animal; Male; Sphingomyelins; Brain Concussion; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Lysophospholipids
PubMed: 38937745
DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02186-x -
Scientific Data Jun 2024The UK COVID-19 Vocal Audio Dataset is designed for the training and evaluation of machine learning models that classify SARS-CoV-2 infection status or associated...
The UK COVID-19 Vocal Audio Dataset is designed for the training and evaluation of machine learning models that classify SARS-CoV-2 infection status or associated respiratory symptoms using vocal audio. The UK Health Security Agency recruited voluntary participants through the national Test and Trace programme and the REACT-1 survey in England from March 2021 to March 2022, during dominant transmission of the Alpha and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants and some Omicron variant sublineages. Audio recordings of volitional coughs, exhalations, and speech were collected in the 'Speak up and help beat coronavirus' digital survey alongside demographic, symptom and self-reported respiratory condition data. Digital survey submissions were linked to SARS-CoV-2 test results. The UK COVID-19 Vocal Audio Dataset represents the largest collection of SARS-CoV-2 PCR-referenced audio recordings to date. PCR results were linked to 70,565 of 72,999 participants and 24,105 of 25,706 positive cases. Respiratory symptoms were reported by 45.6% of participants. This dataset has additional potential uses for bioacoustics research, with 11.3% participants self-reporting asthma, and 27.2% with linked influenza PCR test results.
Topics: Humans; Cough; COVID-19; Exhalation; Machine Learning; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Speech; United Kingdom
PubMed: 38937483
DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03492-w