PTK2 and PTPN11 expression in myelodysplastic syndromes

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of protein tyrosine kinase 2 and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 11, which respectively encode focal adhesion kinase protein and src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 2, in hematopoietic cells from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

METHODS:

Protein tyrosine kinase 2 and tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 11 expressions were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow cells from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and healthy donors.

RESULTS:

Protein tyrosine kinase 2 and tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 11 expressions did not significantly differ between normal cells and myelodysplastic cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that despite the relevance of focal adhesion kinase and src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 2 in hematopoietic disorders, their mRNA expression do not significantly differ between total bone marrow cells from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and healthy donors.     

Experimental Study on the Optimization of Extraction Process of Garlic Oil and its Antibacterial Effects

Background

Garlic oil which is the main active constituent of garlic has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and a broad antibacterial spectrum. It also has a strong anti-cancer activity, and can significantly inhibit a variety of tumors such as liver cancer, gastric cancer and colon cancer. The objective is to study the extraction process of garlic oil and its antibacterial effects.

Materials and Methods

CO₂ Supercritical extraction was used to investigate the optimal processing conditions for garlic oil extraction; filter paper test and suspension dilution test were applied to determine the bacteriostatic action of garlic oil.

Results

In the CO₂ supercritical extraction experiment, factors influencing the yield of garlic oil were: extraction pressure > extraction temperature > extraction time in descending order. Range analysis showed that the optimal experimental conditions for CO₂ supercritical extraction of garlic oil were extraction pressure of 15 Mpa, temperature of 40 °C, and duration of 1 h. Different concentrations of garlic oil could all inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, suggesting that garlic oil has an antibacterial effect.

Conclusion

The optimal experimental conditions for CO₂ supercritical extraction of garlic oil were: extraction pressure of 15 Mpa, temperature of 40 °C, and duration of 1 h; garlic oil has an antibacterial effect.     

Establishment of the bacterial fecal community during the first month of life in Brazilian newborns

OBJECTIVE:

The establishment of the intestinal microbiota in newborns is a critical period with possible long-term consequences for human health. In this research, the development of the fecal microbiota of a group of exclusively breastfed neonates living in low socio-economic conditions in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, during the first month of life, was studied.

METHODS:

Fecal samples were collected from ten neonates on the second, seventh, and 30^th days after birth. One of the neonates underwent antibiotic therapy. Molecular techniques were used for analysis; DNA was extracted from the samples, and 16S rRNA libraries were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed after construction. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the samples taken from the 30^th day to amplify DNA from Bifidobacterium sp.

RESULTS:

The primary phylogenetic groups identified in the samples were Escherichia and Clostridium. Staphylococcus was identified at a low rate. Bifidobacterium sp. was detected in all of the samples collected on the 30^th day. In the child who received antibiotics, a reduction in anaerobes and Escherichia, which was associated with an overgrowth of Klebsiella, was observed throughout the experimental period.

CONCLUSION:

The observed pattern of Escherichia predominance and reduced Staphylococcus colonization is in contrast with the patterns observed in neonates living in developed countries.     

Colonization pressure as a risk factor for colonization by multiresistant Acinetobacter spp and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE:

To determine factors associated with colonization by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multiresistant Acinetobacter spp.

METHODS:

Surveillance cultures were collected from patients admitted to the intensive care unit at admission, on the third day after admission and weekly until discharge. The outcome was colonization by these pathogens. Two interventions were implemented: education and the introduction of alcohol rubs. Compliance with hand hygiene, colonization pressure, colonization at admission and risk factors for colonization were evaluated.

RESULTS:

The probability of becoming colonized increased during the study. The incidence density of colonization by carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and multiresistant Acinetobacter spp. and colonization pressure were different between periods, increasing gradually throughout the study. The increase in colonization pressure was due to patients already colonized at admission. The APACHE II score, colonization pressure in the week before the outcome and male gender were independent risk factors for colonization. Every 1% increase in colonization pressure led to a 2% increase in the risk of being colonized.

CONCLUSION:

Colonization pressure is a risk factor for carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and multiresistant Acinetobacter spp. colonization. When this pressure reaches critical levels, efforts primarily aimed at hand hygiene may not be sufficient to prevent transmission.     

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Sambucus Ebulus and Urtica Dioica Against Clinical Isolates of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Background

Increase in the emergence of drug -resistant pathogens led to the development of natural antimicrobials. In this study the antimicrobial effect of methanolic extracts of Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica on 16 skin and wound infections isolates of methicillin resistant S. aureus have been studied.

Material and Methods

Solvent extraction procedure was done using soxhlet apparatus for extracting antimicrobial agents from freeze dried plants. Antibacterial activity was measured using agar well diffusion method.

Results

The MIC of Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica extracts against the standard strain of S. aureus ATCC 6538 were determined using the micro dilution method at 15 mg and 20 mg respectively. All the test bacteria were found sensitive to the Sambucus ebulus extract and only one isolate was resistant to Urtica dioica extract.

Conclusion

Extracts of Sambucus ebulus and Urtica dioica possess antibacterial potency against MRSA isolates and may be used as a natural antiseptics and antimicrobial agents in medicine.     

Clinical review of endogenous endophthalmitis in Korea: a 14-year review of culture positive cases of two large hospitals

Purpose

To identify the clinical features and outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis in Korea.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 18 patients with endogenous endophthalmitis at 2 Korean hospitals, treated over a 14 year period between January 1993 and December 2006.

Results

The comorbidities observed in these cases were diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis. The most common pathogens, which were found in 7 patients each (38.9%), were Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All patients were treated with systemic antibiotics and fortified topical antibiotics. A surgical approach including vitrectomy was performed in 9 cases (50.0%). The prognosis was generally poor, and visual acuity improved slightly in 6 patients (33.3%).

Conclusion

In this study, diabetes mellitus and Klebsiella pneumonia showed a close relationship with endogenous endophthalmitis, respectively. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a serious risk to sight and careful attention to establishing the diagnosis and management may decrease the ocular morbidity.     

Evaluation of Three Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Plasmodium Falciparum and Selected Microganisms

Background

A great revival of scientific interests in drug discovery has been witnessed in recent years from medicinal plants for health maintenance. The aim of this work was to investigate three Nigerian medicinal plants collected in Nigeria for their in vitro antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities.

Materials and Methods

Extracts obtained from parts of Persea americana, Jatropha podagrica and Picralima nitida and their fractions were evaluated for in vitro antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activity.

Result

The methanol extract of P. nitida demonstrated activity against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum clones with IC₅₀ values of 6.3 and 6.0 µg/mL, respectively. Methanol and chloroform extracts of P. americana seed showed antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans IC₅₀ less than 8 and 8.211 µg/mL respectively. Finally, the petroleum ether extract of P. americana had activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with an IC₅₀ value of 8.7 µg/mL.

Conclusion

The study revealed the antibacterial and antiplasmodial activities of the plants extracts at the tested concentrations.     

Hypermethylation of p16 and DAPK promoter gene regions in patients with non-invasive urinary bladder cancer

Introduction

The aim of the study was to examine the frequency of methylation status in promoter regions of p16 and DAPK genes in patients with non-invasive bladder cancer.

Material and methods

Forty-two patients (92.9% men, 73.8% smokers, 71.4% T1G1, 19.1% T1G2, 9.5% T1G3) and 36 healthy controls were studied. Isolation of genomic DNA from blood serum and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) were applied. Methylation status – methylated and unmethylated promoter regions of p16 and DAPK genes were analysed.

Results

Seventeen out of 42 patients (40.5%) had the methylated p16 gene, while methylation of the DAPK gene was seen in 27 of 42 cases (64.3%). In 12 patients (28.6%) both analysed genes were methylated. A statistically significant (p = 0.046) higher frequency of DAPK gene methylation (71.4%) was observed in patients with lower grade (G1) bladder cancer.

Conclusions

Detection of the aberrant hypermethylation of DAPK and p16 genes in blood DNA from non-invasive bladder cancer patients might offer an effective means for earlier auxiliary diagnosis of the malignancy.     

The search for stability: bar displacement in three series of pectus excavatum patients treated with the Nuss technique

OBJECTIVES:

To compare bar displacement and complication rates in three retrospective series of patients operated on by the same surgical team.

METHOD:

A retrospective medical chart analysis of the three patient series was performed. In the first series, the original, unmodified Nuss technique was performed. In the second, we used the “third point fixation” technique, and in the last series, the correction was performed with modifications to the stabilizer and stabilizer position.

RESULTS:

There were no deaths in any of the series. Minor complications occurred in six (4.9%) patients: pneumothorax with spontaneous resolution (2), suture site infection (2), and bar displacement without the reoperation need (2). Major complications were observed in eight (6.5%) patients: pleural effusion requiring drainage (1), foreign body reaction to the bar (1), pneumonia and shock septic (1), cardiac perforation (1), skin erosion/seroma (1), and displacement that necessitated a second operation to remove the bar within the 30 days of implantation (3). All major complications occurred in the first and second series.

CONCLUSION:

The elimination of fixation wires, the use of shorter bars and redesigned stabilizers placed in a more medial position results in a better outcome for pectus excavatum patients treated with the Nuss technique. With bar displacement and instability no longer significant postoperative risks, the Nuss technique should be considered among the available options for the surgical correction of pectus excavatum in pediatric patients.     

The prevalence of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes (aac (6')-I, aac (6')-II, ant (2")-I, aph (3')-VI) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

INTRODUCTION:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is one of the primary opportunistic pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections. Aminoglycosides are an important component of antipseudomonal chemotherapy. The inactivation of drugs by modifying enzymes is the most common mechanism of aminoglycoside resistance.

OBJECTIVES:

The inactivation of aminoglycosides by modifying enzymes is the primary resistance mechanism employed by P. aeruginosa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of aminoglycoside resistance and the prevalence of four important modifying enzyme genes (aac (6′)-I, aac (6′)-II, ant (2″)-I, aph (3′)-VI) in P. aeruginosa in Iran.

METHODS:

A total of 250 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from several hospitals in seven cities in Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests (using the disk diffusion method and E-tests) were performed for all 250 isolates. In addition, all isolates were screened for the presence of modifying enzyme genes by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS:

The resistance rates, as determined by the disk diffusion method, were as follows: gentamicin 43%, tobramycin 38%, and amikacin 24%. Of the genes examined, aac (6′)-II (36%) was the most frequently identified gene in phenotypic resistant isolates, followed by ant (2″)-I, aph (3′)-VI, and aac (6′)-I.

CONCLUSIONS:

Aminoglycoside resistance in P. aeruginosa remains a significant problem in Iran. Therefore, there is considerable local surveillance of aminoglycoside resistance.     

Evaluation of persistent antimicrobial effects of an antimicrobial formulation

Context:

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming more prevalent in healthy athletic populations. Various preventive measures have been proposed, but few researchers have evaluated the protective effects of a prophylactic application of a commercially available product.

Objective:

To compare the persistent antimicrobial properties of a commercially available antimicrobial product containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) with those of a mild, nonmedicated soap (Dr. Bronner''s Magic Soap).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Microbiology laboratory, contract research organization.

Patients or Other Participants:

Twenty healthy human volunteers.

Intervention(s):

The test and control products were randomly assigned and applied to both forearms of each participant. Each forearm was washed for 2 minutes with the test or control product, rinsed, and dried. At, 1, 2, and 4 hours after application, each forearm was exposed to MRSA for approximately 30 minutes.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Differences in numbers of MRSA recovered from each forearm, test and control, at each postapplication time point were compared.

Results:

Fewer MRSA (P < .0001) were recovered from the forearms treated with the test product (4% chlorhexidine gluconate) than from the forearms treated with the control product (nonmedicated soap).

Conclusions:

The 4% chlorhexidine gluconate product demonstrated persistent bactericidal activity versus MRSA for up to 4 hours after application.     

Expectorant and Antitussive Effect of Hedera helix and Rhizoma coptidis Extracts Mixture

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the additive effect of the Hedera helix (HH) and Rhizoma coptidis (RC) extracts mixture on antitussive and expectorant activities in animals.

Materials and Methods

The expectorant assay was performed with phenol red secretion in mice trachea. Mice or guinea pigs were randomly divided into groups of 8 each, including negative and positive control groups. After gastric administration of the test extracts in mice, 2.5% phenol red solution (0.2 mL) was intraperitoneally injected. Trachea was dissected and optical density of tracheal secretion was measured. After gastric administration of the test extracts in guinea pigs, the antitussive activities were assessed using a citric acid-induced cough measurement.

Results

The extracts of HH and RC significantly increased tracheal secretion and inhibited cough. The mixture of HH and RC extracts in a 1:1 concentration at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed a more potent effect on phenol red secretion (25.25±3.14) and cough inhibition (61.25±5.36) than the individual use of each extracts [phenol red secretion; HH 13.39±4.22 (p=0.000), RC 20.78±2.50 (p=0.010), cough inhibition; HH 9.89±4.14 (p=0.010), RC 30.25±7.69 (p=0.000)]. A 3:1 ratio mixture of HH to RC demonstrated an optimal expectorant effect (p<0.001), and this mixture showed expectorant and antitussive effects in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for antitussive and expectorant effect of a 3:1 mixture of HH and RC, which may be a useful therapeutic option for respiratory diseases.     

Interleukin-10 but not interleukin-18 may be associated with the immune response against well-differentiated thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the interleukin-18 +105A/C and interleukin-10 -1082A/G germline polymorphisms in the development and outcome of differentiated thyroid carcinoma associated or not with concurrent thyroiditis.

METHODS:

We studied 346 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas, comprising 292 papillary carcinomas and 54 follicular carcinomas, who were followed up for 12-298 months (mean 76.10±68.23 months) according to a standard protocol. We genotyped 200 patients and 144 control individuals for the interleukin-18 +105A/C polymorphism, and we genotyped 183 patients and 137 controls for the interleukin-10 -1082A/G polymorphism.

RESULTS:

Interleukin-18 polymorphisms were not associated with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or any clinical or pathological feature of tumor aggressiveness. However, there was an association between the presence of interleukin-10 variants and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis was present in 21.74% of differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients, most frequently affecting women previously diagnosed with Hashimoto''s thyroiditis who had received a lower ¹³¹I cumulative dose and did not present lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that the inheritance of a G allele at the interleukin-10 -1082A/G polymorphism may favor a concurrent thyroid autoimmunity in differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients, and this autoimmunity may favor a better prognosis for these patients.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of commelina africana and ageratum conyzoides in relation to their mineral composition

Background

Many plants with antidiabetic properties probably act in part through their content of fibre, vitamins, bioactive or mineral content

Objectives

This study investigated the mineral, proximate, phytochemical compositions and hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana and Ageratum conyzoides extracts in diabetic rats, and the likely relationship between this property and the mineral, proximate and phytochemical compositions of the plants.

Methods

The plants were subjected to mineral, proximate composition and phytochemical analysis. Attempt was made to see (if any) the relationship between the hypoglycaemic effect and the mineral, proximate compositions and phytochemistry of the plants. Alloxan-induced diabetic animals were administered 500mg/kg body weight aqueous extracts of the plants and glibenclamide as the reference hypoglycaemic agent.

Results

Aqueous extract of Ageratum conyzoides reduced fasting blood glucose of experimental animals by 39.1% while Commelina africana reduced the same by 78.0%. Alkaloids, cardenolides, saponins, and tannins were detected in both plants. Anthraquinones was absent in C. africana but a trace of it was detected in A. conyzoides. The hypoglycaemic effect of Commelina africana was comparable with the reference hypoglycaemic agent. Ageratum conyzoides showed comparably weaker hypoglycaemic effect than exhibited by reference hypoglycaemic agent. Comparatively, Commelina africana had higher mineral concentrations (except Na) than Ageratum conyzoides.

Conclusions

Plants'' extracts minerals (magnesium, potassium and iron) and bioactive components (alkaloids and cardenolides) seemingly enhanced their hypoglycaemic effect. Furthermore, these minerals, alkaloids and cardenolides could be helpful in ameliorating complications of diabetes like hypertension and cardiovascular disease.     

Cancer incidence and mortality in the municipality of Pasto, 1998 - 2007

Introduction:

In Colombia, information on cancer morbidity at the population level is limited. Incidence estimates for most regions are based on mortality data. To improve the validity of these estimates, it is necessary that other population-based cancer registries, as well as Cali, provide cancer risk information.

Objective:

To describe the incidence and cancer mortality in the municipality of Pasto within the 1998-2007 period.

Methods:

The study population belongs to rural and urban areas of the municipality of Pasto. Collection, processing, and systematization of the data were performed according to internationally standardized parameters for population-based cancer registries. The cancer incidence and mortality rates were calculated by gender, age, and tumor

Results:

During the 1998-2007 period 4,986 new cases of cancer were recorded of which 57.7% were in female. 2,503 deaths were presented, 52% in female. Neoplasm-associated infections are the leading cause of cancer morbidity in Pasto: stomach cancer in males and cervical cancer in females.

Discussion:

Cancer in general is a major health problem for the population of the municipality of Pasto. The overall behavior of the increasing incidence and cancer mortality in relation to other causes of death show the need to implement and strengthen prevention and promotion programs, focusing especially on tumors that produce greater morbidity and mortality in the population.     

Whole-Genome Analysis in Korean Patients with Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis

Purpose

The underlying cause of myasthenia gravis (MG) is unknown, although it likely involves a genetic component. However, no common genetic variants have been unequivocally linked to autoimmune MG. We sought to identify the genetic variants associated with an increased or decreased risk of developing MG in samples from a Korean Multicenter MG Cohort.

Materials and Methods

To determine new genetic targets related to autoimmune MG, a whole genome-based single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) analysis was conducted using an Axiom™ Genome-Wide ASI 1 Array, comprising 598375 SNPs and samples from 109 MG patients and 150 neurologically normal controls.

Results

In total, 641 SNPs from five case-control associations showed p-values of less than 10^-5. From regional analysis, we selected seven candidate genes (RYR3, CACNA1S, SLAMF1, SOX5, FHOD3, GABRB1, and SACS) for further analysis.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that a few genetic polymorphisms, such as in RYR3, CACNA1S, and SLAMF1, might be related to autoimmune MG. Our findings also encourage further studies, particularly confirmatory studies with larger samples, to validate and analyze the association between these SNPs and autoimmune MG.     

The Antibacterial Activity of Traditionally Used Salvadora Persica L. (Miswak) and Commiphora Gileadensis (Palsam) in Saudi Arabia

Background

Nowadays there is a need to find naturally occurring substances from plants with antimicrobial activity as an alternative to available used antibiotics.

Materials and Methods

Salvadora persica (miswak) and Commiphora gileadensis were collected, dried and extracted with either methanol or warm water and the obtained extracts were assessed for their antibacterial activity against 5 different genera of bacteria using agar well diffusion method. The tested bacteria included some human pathogens.

Results

The obtained extracts exhibited considerable inhibitory effects against all the tested bacteria with various degrees of growth inhibition. It was shown that methanol extract was more effective compared to water extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the methanol extracts ranged from 50–100 °g/ml. No toxicity was found using Artimia salina as test organism and no antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.

Conclusion

S. persica and C. gileadensis showed moderate to high inhibitory activity on pathogenic bacteria with no toxicity and can be used traditionally as alternative medicine     

Antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of resistance genes in intestinal Bacteroidales strains

OBJECTIVE:

This study examined the antimicrobial resistance profile and the prevalence of resistance genes in Bacteroides spp. and Parabacteroides distasonis strains isolated from children''s intestinal microbiota.

METHODS:

The susceptibility of these bacteria to 10 antimicrobials was determined using an agar dilution method. β-lactamase activity was assessed by hydrolysis of the chromogenic cephalosporin of 114 Bacteriodales strains isolated from the fecal samples of 39 children, and the presence of resistance genes was tested using a PCR assay.

RESULTS:

All strains were susceptible to imipenem and metronidazole. The following resistance rates were observed: amoxicillin (93%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (47.3%), ampicillin (96.4%), cephalexin (99%), cefoxitin (23%), penicillin (99%), clindamycin (34.2%) and tetracycline (53.5%). β-lactamase production was verified in 92% of the evaluated strains. The presence of the cfiA, cepA, ermF, tetQ and nim genes was observed in 62.3%, 76.3%, 27%, 79.8% and 7.8% of the strains, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results indicate an increase in the resistance to several antibiotics in intestinal Bacteroides spp. and Parabacteroides distasonis and demonstrate that these microorganisms harbor antimicrobial resistance genes that may be transferred to other susceptible intestinal strains.     

Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis by a direct-current,cold atmospheric-pressure air plasma microjet

Objective

A direct-current, cold atmospheric-pressure air plasma microjet (PMJ) was performed to inactivate Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in air. The process of sterilization and morphology of bacteria was observed. We wish to know the possible inactivation mechanisms of PMJ and explore a potential application in dental and other temperature sensitive treatment.

Methods

In this study, we employed a direct current, atmospheric pressure, cold air PMJ to inactivate bacterias. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to evaluate the morphology of S. aureus and showed rupture of cell walls after the plasma treatment and Optical emission spectrum (OES) were used to understand the possible inactivation mechanisms of PMJ.

Results

The inactivation rates could reach 100% in 5 min. When the distance between the exit nozzle of the PMJ device and Petri dish was extended from 1 cm to 3 cm, effective inactivation was also observed with a similar inactivation curve.

Conclusion

The inactivation of bacteria is attributed to the abundant reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as ultroviolet radiation in the plasma. Different life spans and defensibilities of these killing agents may hold the key to understanding the different inactivation curves at different treatment distances.