Haematological and acute-phase response of dogs with experimental skin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas aeruginosa</Emphasis> infection to treatment with antibiotic and parthenolide

Changes in white blood cells, leukogram patterns, the positive acute-phase protein (APP) fibrinogen and negative APPs (albumin and arylesterase) were monitored to evaluate their potential as sensitive indicators throughout the course of therapy in canine skin Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The study was performed on 15 male mixed-breed dogs, divided in three groups of 5 dogs each. Dogs from group A were injected subcutaneously with P. aeruginosa bacterial culture (1?×?10⁸ CFU/mL) at a dose of 0.3 mL/kg and treated with enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.) on post infection hour 48 for 10 consecutive days. Dogs from group B were infected and treated with a combination of enrofloxacin (at above-mentioned dose and intervals) and parthenolide (feverfew extract 90 mg, 0.7 % parthenolide). The schedule consisted of daily oral intake of two capsules of feverfew beginning on post infection hour 4 and continued for 6 days. The control group C included healthy dogs, injected s.c. with 0.3 mL/kg physiological saline. The haematological indices and APPs were assayed before infection and on 4th, 24th, 48th and 72nd hours and on 7th, 10th and 14th days after infection. Infected and antibiotic-treated dogs responded with significant leukocytosis, left shift, eosinopaenia and lymphopaenia between hours 24 and 72. In this group, fibrinogen increased substantially by post infection hours 24 (p?<?0.01 vs 0 h; p?<?0.05 vs group C), 48 (p?<?0.001 vs 0 h; p?<?0.05 vs group C) and 72 (p?<?0.001 vs 0 h; p?<?0.01 vs group C) while albumin reduction was marked by hours 48 (p?<?0.05 vs 0 h) and 72 (p?<?0.05 vs 0 h; p?<?0.001 vs group C) and day 7 (p?<?0.01 vs 0 h; p?<?0.001 vs group C). The combination of enrofloxacin and parthenolide modified, at a significant extent, the deviations in studied parameters except for eosinophil percentage, which persisted low.     

Evaluation of the effects of methanol leaf extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Palisota hirsuta</Emphasis> on the biochemical and hematological parameters of rats

The effects of 28-day oral administration of the methanol leaf extract of Palisota hirsuta (MLEPH) on biochemical, hematological parameters, and relative organ weights (ROWs) in albino rats were investigated. There were no significant (p?>?0.05) variations in the ROW of the heart, kidney, spleen, and liver on days 14 and 28 in all the rats given the different doses of MLEPH. The hematology showed that there were no significant (p?>?0.05) alterations of the packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, total white blood cell (tWBC), and differential WBC counts by MLEPH at 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg when compared with control. The serum biochemistry also revealed no significant (p?>?0.05) variations in the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, total bilirubin, and creatinine when the groups that received the extract at the different doses were compared with the control. Therefore, MLEPH did not cause significant toxicity after 28 days of oral administration.     

Application the mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF technique for detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia canis canis</Emphasis> infection in dogs

The aim of this study was to use rapid mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics analyses for diagnosis of Babesia canis canis infections in dogs. The study was conducted on two groups of dogs—healthy dogs and dogs infected with B. canis canis which demonstrated symptoms of babesiosis. The matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS technique revealed the presence of a protein fraction of 51–52 kDa in the blood serum of all the animals infected with the protozoa, which was not found in the serum of healthy dogs. The proteins are suspected to be disease markers, whereas the MALDI-TOF technique itself has high specificity and sensitivity and can be applied in analytical laboratories in the diagnosis of canine babesiosis.     

Measurements of cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase myocardium isoform in dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) which may cause cardiac injury. The study aimed to compare concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase myocardium isoform (CK-MB) in DKA and normal dogs and determine the relationship between cTnI and CK-MB concentrations and blood profile values, complications, and the risk of death. Plasma samples from 20 normal and 24 DKA dogs were collected. The cTnI concentration of DKA dogs (0.053 [0.034–0.200] ng/ml) was higher than those of normal dogs (0.020 [0.015–0.043] ng/ml) (p < 0.0001). Dogs with higher cTnI concentration had a higher risk of death than those with lower cTnI concentrations (HR 12.34; 95 % CI 1.66, 91.97). DKA dogs (203.5 [142.8–290.0] U/l) had higher CK-MB concentrations than normal dogs (90 [78–134.5] ng/ml) (p = 0.008). In conclusion, cTnI and CK-MB concentrations increase in DKA dogs. With higher cTnI concentrations, dogs have a higher risk of death.     

Impact of selective digestive decontamination on respiratory tract <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida</Emphasis> among patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia. A meta-analysis

The purpose here is to establish the incidence of respiratory tract colonization with Candida (RT Candida) among ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation within studies in the literature. Also of interest is its relationship with candidemia and the relative importance of topical antibiotic (TA) use as within studies of selective digestive decontamination (SDD) versus other candidate risk factors towards it. The incidence of RT Candida was extracted from component (control and intervention) groups decanted from studies of various TA and non-TA ICU infection prevention methods with summary estimates derived using random effects. A benchmark RT Candida incidence to provide overarching calibration was derived using (observational) groups from studies without any prevention method under study. A multi-level regression model of group level data was undertaken using generalized estimating equation (GEE) methods. RT Candida data were sourced from 113 studies. The benchmark RT Candida incidence is 1.3; 0.9–1.8 % (mean and 95 % confidence intervals). Membership of a concurrent control group of a study of SDD (p?=?0.02), the group-wide presence of candidemia risk factors (p?<?0.001), and proportion of trauma admissions (p?=?0.004), but neither the year of study publication, nor membership of any other component group, nor the mode of respiratory sampling are predictive of the RT Candida incidence. RT Candida and candidemia incidences are correlated. RT Candida incidence can serve as a basis for benchmarking. Several relationships have been identified. The increased incidence among concurrent control groups of SDD studies cannot be appreciated in any single study examined in isolation.     

Evaluation of serum total protein concentration and protein fractions in sheep naturally infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia ovis</Emphasis>

Serum electrophoresis in cellulose acetate strip is a technique commonly used to separate the protein fractions. This technique allows detecting quantitative and qualitative changes in the serum proteins associated with different diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the changes of the serum protein fractions produced in sheep suffering from babesiosis. Blood samples were collected from 52 healthy and naturally infected sheep with Babesia ovis. Serum total proteins were calculated, and serum electrophoresis was performed. The parasitological diagnosis was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction assay by amplifying a partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence of B. ovis. Mean values from total proteins and globulin fractions were significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than that observed for the healthy group. Compared to the healthy group, significant decrease (P?<?0.05) in the mean percentage of albumin in the infected group was determined. Results obtained in this study showed that B. ovis infection has caused albumin reduction and increased serum total protein and globulin level.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrullus vulgaris</Emphasis> on some functional indices of selected tissues of Wistar rats

Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon) is a fruit with prophylactic and therapeutic potentials. In an attempt to maximize these potentials, the seed and rind are now often consumed together with the pulp. This study aimed at evaluating the implications of such consumption. Study involved the use of 35 Wistar rats grouped into seven with a control group administered distilled water, and the other groups administered varying concentrations of the pulp and whole fruit for 28 days. Alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT, AST) were assayed in the serum and liver. Total protein of the serum and selected tissues was determined and malondialdehyde (MDA) level measured. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids in both whole fruit and pulp. Significant increases (p < 0.05) were seen in the liver ALT levels while there was a decreased (p < 0.05) intestinal total protein in the treatment groups. No significant (p ? 0.05) difference was seen in the serum and pancreas MDA levels while an increased (p < 0.05) intestinal MDA level was observed. Increased liver ALT levels in all the treatment groups might be due to high glutamate levels of C. vulgaris. Decreased (p ? 0.05) intestinal total protein might be indicative of protein loss, while elevated (p < 0.05) intestinal MDA levels in the groups administered whole fruit is suggestive of a defect in absorption at the intestinal epithelium. Hence, whole fruit consumption of C. vulgaris should be done with caution as it has potential to cause intestinal oxidative stress.     

Evaluation of selected biochemical parameters and hepatic enzymes activity in serum of cattle naturally infected with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicrocoelium dendriticum</Emphasis> in Semnan Province,Iran

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Dicrocoelium dendriticum on some biochemical parameters and hepatic enzymes activity in serum of cattle during the subclinical phase (asymptomatic) of the disease. Blood samples and liver of 33 indigenous cattle of Mazandarani breed, slaughtered in the period from September to November 2013, were collected. Based on parasitological findings in the liver, all animals were divided into two groups: control (n?=?16) and infected group (n?=?17). Biochemical analysis of tested parameters showed a significant elevation (P?≤?0.001) of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine (CREAT), and moderate increase (P?≤?0.05) of serum total protein (TP) in infected cattle group comparing with the control group. No significant differences were observed for serum concentrations of albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) between groups. The result of this study indicated that D. dendreticum infection in cattle could be associated with marked alterations in activity of hepatic enzymes and some biochemical parameters which could be used in early diagnosis of cattle dicrocoeliasis and to determine the effectiveness of anthelmintic therapy.     

A novel inhibition ELISA for the detection and monitoring of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium marneffei</Emphasis> antigen in human serum

The thermally dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei is a causative agent of penicilliosis marneffei, a disease considered to be an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illness in Southeast Asia and southern China. We have developed an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (inh-ELISA) incorporating the yeast phase specific mannoprotein-binding monoclonal antibody 4D1 for the detection of P. marneffei infection. In our sample set, the test detected antigenemia in all 45 (100 %) patients with P. marneffei, with a mean antigen concentration of 4.32 μg/ml. No cross-reactivity in this assay was found using serum from 44 additional patients with other fungal infections, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans, as well as 44 patients with bacterial infections, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus suis. Additionally, no reactivity occurred using serum from 31 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients without a history of fungal infections and 113 healthy controls residing in endemic areas. To investigate the potential of the inh-ELISA for disease monitoring, we followed the reduction in antigenemia in six patients who clinically responded to itraconazole and P. marneffei was no longer isolated from their blood or tissues. In contrast, we correlated increased concentrations of antigenemia in patients with relapsed P. marneffei infection with the progression of their clinical symptoms and the isolation of P. marneffei from their clinical specimens. In summary, the P. marneffei inh-ELISA is a promising new assay for the rapid diagnosis of P. marneffei, as well as a tool for evaluating clinical response and clearance of the fungus during treatment.     

Replication of RNA of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in New Transferable Cell Lines of the Natural Host <Emphasis Type="Italic">Apodemus peninsulae</Emphasis>

Cell lines derived from natural virus hosts are one of the most promising tools in virological research. The aim of this work is to establish the dynamics of RNA replication of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in new transferable cell line of kidney of the Korean field mouse Apodemus peninsulae (ApnK) and compare it with replication in the traditional culture of fetal porcine kidney cells (SPEVs). The transplantable ApnK cell line was obtained in the laboratory of transmissive infections of the Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems (Irkutsk), the identity of the culture was established by the analysis of nucleotide sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome B gene (mtCytB, GenBank access number KT983422), and the D-loop sequence of the mitochondrial genome (KT983423). Cells were inoculated with TBEV strain of the Siberian subtype 92M and the total RNA was isolated from them 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after infection. In addition, RNA was also isolated 1, 4, 7, and 19 days after infection. The amount of intracellular RNA of the positive polarity (+RNA) was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. At the initial stage of infection (0 h after infection) in ApnK cells, the intracellular +RNA concentration was significantly lower than in SPEV, 4.5 lg versus 5.5 lg of genome-equivalents/μL (p = 0.01). After 8 h, in ApnK cells there were no significant difference with points 0 and 4 (p = 0.5 and p = 0.1, respectively), whereas in SPEV at this stage the concentration of RNA was significantly higher than at points 0 and 4 (p = 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). In general, during the first day of infection, the concentration of +RNA in ApnK cells was almost ten times less than in SPEV (p = 0.001). By the fourth day after infection, ApnK cells showed maximum concentrations of +RNA, 7.8 lg of genome-equivalents/μL, with no differences with SPEV (p = 0.06). Subsequently, the amount of RNA in ApnK cells remained at the same level for 19 days, and in SPEV in late terms there was a tendency to decrease in the concentration of +RNA. The results obtained suggest that TBEV in A. peninsulae has an intracellular mechanism for controlling viral infection, which acts both at the stage of the entrance of virion into the cell and by regulating the rate of synthesis of genomic and/or replicative forms of viral RNA.     

Is there a relationship between the presence of the binary toxin genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clostridium difficile</Emphasis> strains and the severity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. difficile</Emphasis> infection (CDI)?

Some strains of Clostridium difficile produce a binary toxin, in addition to the main C. difficile virulence factors (toxins A and B). There have been conflicting reports regarding the role of binary toxin and its relationship to the severity of C. difficile infection (CDI). Samples, isolates and clinical data were collected as part of a prospective multicentre diagnostic study. Clostridium difficile isolates (n = 1259) were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect binary toxin genes cdtA and cdtB. The PCR binary toxin gene results were compared with clinical severity and outcome data, including 30-day all-cause mortality. The 1259 isolates corresponded to 1083 different patients (October 2010 to September 2011). The prevalence of binary toxin positive strains was significantly higher in faecal samples with detectable toxin A/B than in those without toxin but that were positive by cytotoxigenic culture (26.3% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001). The presence of binary toxin correlated moderately with markers of CDI severity (white cell count, serum albumin concentration and serum creatinine concentration). However, the risk ratio for all-cause mortality was 1.68 for binary toxin positive patients and patients were significantly less likely to survive if they had CDI caused by a binary toxin gene positive strain, even after adjusting for age (p < 0.001). The presence of binary toxin genes does not predict the clinical severity of CDI, but it is significantly associated with the risk of all-cause mortality.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capnocytophaga canimorsus</Emphasis>: an emerging cause of sepsis,meningitis, and post-splenectomy infection after dog bites

Newly named in 1989, Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacterial pathogen found in the saliva of healthy dogs and cats, and is transmitted to humans principally by dog bites. This review compiled all laboratory-confirmed cases, animal sources, and virulence attributes to describe its epidemiology, clinical features, and pathogenesis. An estimated 484 patients with a median age of 55 years were reported, two-thirds of which were male. The case-fatality rate was about 26 %. Its clinical presentations included severe sepsis and fatal septic shock, gangrene of the digits or extremities, high-grade bacteremia, meningitis, endocarditis, and eye infections. Predispositions were prior splenectomy in 59 patients and alcoholism in 58 patients. Dog bites before illness occurred in 60 %; additionally, in 27 %, there were scratches, licking, or other contact with dogs or cats. Patients with meningitis showed more advanced ages, higher male preponderance, lower mortality, and longer incubation periods after dog bites than patients with sepsis (p?<?0.05). Patients with prior splenectomy presented more frequently with high-grade bacteremia than patients with intact spleens (p?<?0.05). The organism possesses virulence attributes of catalase and sialidase production, gliding motility, cytotoxin production, and resistance to killing by serum complement due to its unique lipopolysaccharide. Penicillin is the drug of choice, but some practitioners prefer third-generation cephalosporins or beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations. C. canimorsus has emerged as a leading cause of sepsis, particularly post-splenectomy sepsis, and meningitis after dog bites.     

Asthma and Hypogammaglobulinemia: an Asthma Phenotype with Low Type 2 Inflammation

Purpose

Little is known about hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG) in asthma patients. No data are available on the characteristics of adult patients with asthma and HGG.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective monocentric study between January 2006 and December 2012. Asthma patients with a serum immunoglobulin (Ig) quantitative analysis were included and classified into two groups depending on their serum IgG concentration: presence or absence of HGG. Clinical, biological, functional, and radiologic characteristics were compared in univariate and multivariate analysis, using a logistic regression model.

Results

In univariate analysis, asthma patients with HGG (n?=?25) were older (58 years old?±?18 vs 49?±?18, p?=?0.04) and more frequently active or former smokers as compared to patients with normoglobulinemia (n?=?80) (56.0 vs 35.0 %, p?=?0.01). Total IgE?<?30 kUI/L was more frequently observed in patients with HGG (53.0 vs 18.3 %, p?=?0.01). HGG asthma patients had lower fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (p?=?0.02), blood eosinophilia (p?=?0.0009), and presented with more severe composite score for bronchiectasis (p?=?0.01). In multivariate analysis, asthma patients with HGG had increased risk of being smokers [OR?=?6.11 (IC 95 %?=?1.16–32.04)], having total IgE concentration?<?30 kUI/L [OR?=?12.87 (IC 95 %?=?2.30–72.15)], and a more severe composite score of bronchiectasis [OR?=?20.65 (IC 95 %?=?2.13–199.74)].

Conclusion

Asthma patients with HGG are older and more often tobacco smoker than asthma patients without HGG. These patients have low type-2 inflammation markers.

     

Safety evaluation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acalypha wilkesiana</Emphasis> in albino rats and BHK-21 cell line

Acalypha wilkesiana is a member of the spurge family, genus Acalypha, that is widely used in folklore medicine. The aim of this study was to screen aqueous leaf extract of A. wilkesiana for toxic effects in vitro and in vivo. We examined the phytochemical profile, cytotoxic effects on baby hamster kidney cell line (BHK-21), and oral subacute toxicity of A. wilkesiana leaf decoction in rats. Rats were given 0, 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg body weight of A. wilkesiana leaf extract, daily, orally for 14 days. The phytochemical profile showed the presence of flavonoids, saponin, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. It caused apoptosis in BHK-21 cell line at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml. There was significant increase in the levels of serum AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^? levels in all the test groups compared to the control. Histology of the liver revealed centrilobular degeneration and necrosis with sinusoidal dilatation as well as polymorphonuclear and mononuclear infiltration. The kidney showed severe glomerular and tubular degeneration and necrosis with hemorrhage at all doses administered. We conclude that the plant was toxic at the doses tested in vitro and in vivo, and care should be exercised in its use in herbal medicine.     

Success of benznidazole chemotherapy in chronic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trypanosoma cruzi</Emphasis>-infected patients with a sustained negative PCR result

Cure assessment in chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection is controversial, mainly because of the lack of reliable tests to ensure parasite elimination. Here, we assess the impact of benznidazole therapy on the conventional serology and parasitaemia in chronic Chagas disease. A total of 455 patients with long-term Trypanosoma cruzi infection underwent specific chemotherapy with benznidazole. Their parasitological status was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of T. cruzi DNA. Drops in the titres of antibody levels were serially measured by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFI) and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Patients were monitored during the treatment period and for a further 90, 150 and 240 days. Controls were repeated yearly during the 7-year follow-up. The PCR result was negative in all patients between 60-day (n?=?22) and 90-day (n?=?294) controls. Treatment failure was detected in 45 patients and was significantly more frequent in those who did not complete the therapy [12 out of 13 (92 %) vs. 33 out of 442 (7 %)] (p?=?0.0001). A significant drop in serum titres was detected after the first follow-up year in patients with sustained negative PCR results: 2nd year (p?=?0.029 by IFI; p?=?0.002 by CMIA), 5th year (p?=?0.036 by IFI; p?=?0.039 by CMIA) and 6th year (p?=?0.028 by IFI; p?=?0.019 by CMIA). The results point to a beneficial effect of benznidazole and may be the cure of chronic patients who had a consistently negative PCR result throughout the follow-up period.     

Disturbance of thyroid function in canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis associated with oxidative stress

Canine babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are endemic in India. The effect of these diseases on hematological and clinical biochemistry is well established; however, the association with thyroid function and oxidative stress is not known. Accordingly, we assessed the thyroid function and oxidative stress in the dogs with babesiosis (n = 8) and ehrlichiosis (n = 10) based on the blood smear examination. Non-infected dogs (n = 8) served as control. Assay of plasma free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NOx) were done by spectrophotometric method. Hematology was done in the blood using Na₂ ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na₂ EDTA) as anticoagulant. Plasma FT3 and FT4 were significantly decreased by 1.79 to 1.82 pg/mL and 0.85 to 0.88 ng/dL, respectively, in the dogs with babesiosis or ehrlichiosis (P < 0.01). In contrast, plasma MDA and NOx were significantly increased by 2.904 to 3.576 nM/mL and 3.725 to 5.04 μM/mL, respectively, in the presence of infection (P < 0.01). Hematology showed anemia (P < 0.01), leukocytosis (P < 0.01), and lymphopenia (P < 0.01) in the presence of either Babesia gibsoni or Ehrlichia canis as compared to non-infected dog. The results indicated that hypothyroidism with concurrent oxidative stress might be responsible for pathophysiology in dogs with B. gibsoni and E. canis infection besides hematological crisis.     

Effect of Colchicine on Platelet-Platelet and Platelet-Leukocyte Interactions: a Pilot Study in Healthy Subjects

The cardioprotective mechanisms of colchicine in patients with stable ischemic heart disease remain uncertain. We tested varying concentrations of colchicine on platelet activity in vitro and a clinically relevant 1.8-mg oral loading dose administered over 1 h in 10 healthy subjects. Data are shown as median [interquartile range]. Colchicine addition in vitro decreased light transmission platelet aggregation only at supratherapeutic concentrations but decreased monocyte- (MPA) and neutrophil-platelet aggregation (NPA) at therapeutic concentrations. Administration of 1.8 mg colchicine to healthy subjects had no significant effect on light transmission platelet aggregation but decreased the extent of MPA (28 % [22–57] to 22 % [19–31], p?=?0.05) and NPA (19 % [16–59] to 15 % [11–30], p?=?0.01), platelet surface expression of PAC-1 (370 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) [328–555] to 333 MFI [232–407], p?=?0.02) and P-selectin (351 MFI [269–492] to 279 [226–364], p?=?0.03), and platelet adhesion to collagen (10.2 % [2.5–32.6] to 2.0 % [0.2–9.5], p?=?0.09) 2 h post-administration. Thus, in clinically relevant concentrations, colchicine decreases expression of surface markers of platelet activity and inhibits leukocyte-platelet aggregation but does not inhibit homotypic platelet aggregation.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Staphylococcus aureus</Emphasis> colonization related to severity of hand eczema

Knowledge on Staphylococcus aureus colonization rates and epidemiology in hand eczema is limited. The aim of this study was to clarify some of these issues. Samples were collected by the “glove juice” method from the hands of 59 patients with chronic hand eczema and 24 healthy individuals. Swab samples were taken from anterior nares and throat from 43 of the 59 patients and all healthy individuals. S. aureus were spa typed and analysed by DNA-microarray-based genotyping. The extent of the eczema was evaluated by the hand eczema extent score (HEES). The colonization rate was higher on the hands of hand eczema patients (69 %) compared to healthy individuals (21 %, p?<?0.001). This was also seen for bacterial density (p?=?0.002). Patients with severe hand eczema (HEES?≥?13) had a significantly higher S. aureus density on their hands compared to those with milder eczema (HEES?=?1 to 12, p?=?0.004). There was no difference between patients and healthy individuals regarding colonization rates in anterior nares or throat. spa typing and DNA-microarray-based genotyping indicated certain types more prone to colonize eczematous skin. Simultaneous colonization, in one individual, with S. aureus of different types, was identified in 60–85 % of the study subjects. The colonization rate and density indicate a need for effective treatment of eczema and may have an impact on infection control in healthcare.     

Serum levels of P-glycoprotein and persistence of disease activity despite treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Around 25% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) could be refractory to conventional therapies. P-glycoprotein expression on cell surface has been implied on drug resistance, however, to date, it is unknown if P-gp serum levels are associated with SLE disease activity. Evaluate the association of serum P-gp levels and SLE with disease activity despite treatment. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 female SLE patients, all receiving glucocorticoids at stable doses for the previous 6 months before to baseline. SLE patients were classified into two groups: (a) patients with active disease [SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) ≥ 3] despite treatment, and (b) patients with inactive disease (SLEDAI < 3) after treatment. Forty-three healthy females comprised the control group. Serum P-gp, anti-DNA, and both anti-nucleosome antibody levels were measured using ELISA. Active-SLE patients despite treatment had higher P-gp levels compared with inactive-SLE after treatment (78.02 ng/mL ± 114.11 vs. 33.75 ng/mL ± 41.11; p = 0.018) or versus reference group subjects (30.56 ng/mL ± 28.92; p = 0.011). P-gp levels correlated with the scores of SLEDAI (r = 0.26; p = 0.01), Mexican-SLEDAI (MEX-SLEDAI) (r = 0.32; p = 0.002), SLICC/ACR damage index (r = 0.47; p < 0.001), and with prednisone doses (r = 0.33; p = 0.001). In the multivariate model, the high P-gp levels were associated with SLICC/ACR score (p = 0.001), and SLEDAI score (p = 0.014). Our findings support a relationship between serum P-gp levels and SLE with disease activity despite treatment, but it requires further validation in longitudinal studies.