Characterization of TEM-1 β-Lactamase-Producing Kingella kingae Clinical Isolates

Kingella kingae is a human pathogen that causes pediatric osteoarticular infections and infective endocarditis in children and adults. The bacterium is usually susceptible to β-lactam antibiotics, although β-lactam resistance has been reported in rare isolates. This study was conducted to identify β-lactam-resistant strains and to characterize the resistance mechanism. Screening of a set of 90 K. kingae clinical isolates obtained from different geographic locations revealed high-level resistance to penicillins among 25% of the strains isolated from Minnesota and Iceland. These strains produced TEM-1 β-lactamase and were shown to contain additional ≥50-kb plasmids. Ion Torrent sequencing of extrachromosomal DNA from a β-lactamase-producing strain confirmed the plasmid location of the bla_TEM gene. An identical plasmid pattern was demonstrated by multiplex PCR in all β-lactamase producers. The porin gene''s fragments were analyzed to investigate the relatedness of bacterial strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the por gene fragment, resulting in two major clusters with 11 allele types forming bacterial-strain subclusters. β-Lactamase producers were grouped together based on por genotyping. Our results suggest that the β-lactamase-producing strains likely originate from a single plasmid-bearing K. kingae isolate that traveled from Europe to the United States, or vice versa. This study highlights the prevalence of penicillin resistance among K. kingae strains in some regions and emphasizes the importance of surveillance for antibiotic resistance of the pathogen.     

Neonatal rhabdomyoma causing right ventricular inflow obstruction with duct-dependent pulmonary blood flow: successful stenting of PDA.

We describe an infant with the antenatal diagnosis of a large intracardiac rhabdomyoma causing tricuspid inflow obstruction. Postnatal cyanosis and arterial hypoxemia prompted commencement of intravenous prostaglandin E1 with immediate improvement in saturations. Clinical and genetic testing confirmed diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. To secure ductal patency, two tandem coronary stents were implanted via an antegrade approach. Several episodes of long RP atrio-ventricular re-entrant tachycardia were observed. At 7(1/2) months of age, the tumor was no longer obstructive to tricuspid inflow, ductal flow was highly restrictive and there was no recurrence of supraventricular tachycardia.     

Development and implementation of a photographic atlas for parental instruction and guidance after outpatient penile surgery

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate a visual tool to assist parents in assessing healing after surgical circumcision or revision circumcision (SCRC).MethodsAmong children undergoing SCRC, photographs were taken on postoperative days 0-1-2-3-5-7-10-14-21, and compiled into an atlas. Atlas utility was assessed during two 1-month periods. During the first period (M1) families received routine postoperative instructions only; during the second period (M2), families received the atlas in addition to routine instructions. Families were surveyed by phone and calls/contacts were tracked.Results33 families (among 83 SCRCs) were surveyed during M1, vs 39 families (among 77 SCRCs) during M2 (p = 0.17). Nearly all reported the atlas helpful (59% very helpful, 27% moderately helpful, 9% somewhat helpful). All but one family used the atlas. There was a trend toward families receiving the atlas being more comfortable (64% vs 82% very comfortable, p = 0.12). Survey scores were similar between M1 and M2 for total score, satisfaction, and the number whose expectations were met (58% vs 55%, p = 0.21). Phone contacts decreased between M1 and M2, both in absolute number (M1 = 24 calls vs M2 = 12 calls), and as a proportion of total cases performed (29% vs 16%, p = 0.04).ConclusionsThe circumcision atlas was well received by families and was associated with a significant decrease in post-surgical telephone calls. The atlas has been put into routine clinical use with excellent response.     

Frequency of known gene rearrangements in endometrial stromal tumors

Translocations resulting in gene fusion are characteristic of endometrial stromal tumors (ESTs). Rearrangements of JAZF1, SUZ12, PHF1, and EPC1 have been reported in endometrial stromal nodules (ESNs), endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs), and rarely in undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas (UESs). Detection of JAZF1, SUZ12, EPC1, and PHF1 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed on tissue microarrays consisting of 94 ESTs of classic and variant morphology (20 ESNs, 43 primary uterine ESSs, 15 metastatic uterine ESSs, 4 primary extrauterine ESSs, 7 primary uterine UESs, and 5 unclassified ESTs), 16 Müllerian adenosarcomas, 2 malignant mixed Müllerian tumors, 2 uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex-cord tumors, 2 highly cellular leiomyomas, 1 leiomyosarcoma, and 7 polypoid endometriosis. Rearrangements were detected in 42 of 78 (54%) uterine ESTs, with JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion found in 50% of ESNs and in 33% of ESSs and JAZF1-PHF1 and EPC1-PHF1 fusions found in 1% and <1% of ESSs, respectively. PHF1 and JAZF1 were rearranged with unknown partners in 8 uterine ESTs. JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion, EPC1-PHF1 fusion, and PHF1 rearrangement were found in 3 extrauterine ESSs, whereas no rearrangements were observed in UESs or in any other non-EST studied. Our data confirm that gene rearrangements are present in more than 50% of uterine ESTs, with JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion being the most common, followed by rare EPC1-PHF1 and JAZF1-PHF1 fusions. The presence of identical gene rearrangements in both uterine and extrauterine ESTs suggests a similar pathogenesis. The presence of detectable gene rearrangements in uterine ESS may predict better patient outcome.     

Medication beliefs and perceived barriers in adolescent renal transplant patients and their parents

Understanding patient beliefs about medications and perceived barriers is important for optimal medical management. Differentiating adolescent views from parents?? perceptions would enhance care by increasing communication about regimens and reducing obstacles. This study explored beliefs about medications and perceived barriers among 40 adolescent kidney transplant patients and their parents. Younger adolescents reported greater concern about medication harmfulness (t(38)?=?2.190, p?<?0.05) and more barriers, particularly for practical problems including forgetfulness, organization, and coordination (t(38)?=?2.049, p?<?0.05). Fathers with a lower education reported their children having greater challenges with medications due to taste and size (t(37)?=?2.933, p?<?0.01). Families with incomes in the low and high levels expressed that their children need more medication reminders (F (2, 35)?=?7.815, p?<?0.005), and adolescents from lower-income families perceived medication to be more harmful (F (2, 36)?=?3.815, p?<?0.05). Adolescents expressed challenges with practical aspects of medication taking, whereas parents were more focused on medications being necessary for their health. Adolescent renal patients experience challenges to medication management that may differ from their parents, findings that can help tailor interventions to improve medication management.     

The cardioprotective effect of uridine and uridine-5'-monophosphate: the role of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel

The activity of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channel (mitoKATP) of rat heart and liver mitochondria was shown to decrease during aging. This partially explains the increase of risk of ischemia at a mature age since mitoKATP activation provides cardioprotection. We demonstrated that uridine-5'-diphosphate (UDP) possesses the property to activate mitoKATP. At a concentration of 30 microM, it reactivated mitoKATP in mitochondria, and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) eliminated this effect. In experimental animals, UDP precursors uridine and uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) (both 30 mg/kg, administered intravenously 5 min before coronary occlusion) decreased the myocardium ischemic alteration index (1.9 and 3.5 times, respectively) and the T-wave amplitude within 60 min after occlusion. Both effects were inhibited by Glibenclamide (Glib) and 5-HD. UMP and uridine decreased the number of premature ventricular beats 5.6 and 1.9 times and the duration of ventricular tachycardia 9.4 and 4.1 times, respectively. Glib and 5-HD inhibited the anti-arrhythmic parameters, 5-HD being less effective. Uridine and UMP decreased the duration of fibrillation 10.8 and 3.6 times, respectively, and this effect was not abolished by Glib and 5-HD. Thus, uridine and UMP, which are the precursors of UDP in the cell, possess cardioprotective properties. MitoKATP prevents mainly ischemic injuries and partially rhythm disorders.