Detection of osteomyelitis using FDG and positron emission tomography

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan with 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)FDG) was performed on a patient with clinical and laboratory signs of infection after a removed hip prosthesis but with indistinct signs on the bone scan and radiographs. The PET scan confirmed the clinical and laboratory signs and revealed an unidentified focus of infection in the distal area of the right femur.     

Comparison of different sampling techniques and of different culture methods for detection of group B streptococcus carriage in pregnant women

Background  

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus; GBS) is a significant cause of perinatal and neonatal infections worldwide. To detect GBS colonization in pregnant women, the CDC recommends isolation of the bacterium from vaginal and anorectal swab samples by growth in a selective enrichment medium, such as Lim broth (Todd-Hewitt broth supplemented with selective antibiotics), followed by subculture on sheep blood agar. However, this procedure may require 48 h to complete. We compared different sampling and culture techniques for the detection of GBS.     

Migration Status, Work Conditions and Health Utilization of Female Sex Workers in Three South African Cities

Intersections between migration and sex work are underexplored in southern Africa, a region with high internal and cross-border population mobility, and HIV prevalence. Sex work often constitutes an important livelihood activity for migrant women. In 2010, sex workers trained as interviewers conducted cross-sectional surveys with 1,653 female sex workers in Johannesburg (Hillbrow and Sandton), Rustenburg and Cape Town. Most (85.3 %) sex workers were migrants (1396/1636): 39.0 % (638/1636) internal and 46.3 % (758/1636) cross-border. Cross-border migrants had higher education levels, predominately worked part-time, mainly at indoor venues, and earned more per client than other groups. They, however, had 41 % lower health service contact (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; 95 % confidence interval = 0.40–0.86) and less frequent condom use than non-migrants. Police interaction was similar. Cross-border migrants appear more tenacious in certain aspects of sex work, but require increased health service contact. Migrant-sensitive, sex work-specific health care and health education are needed.     

Mechanism of hydrogen peroxide oxidation reaction at a glassy carbon electrode in alkaline solution

The voltammetric behavior of hydrogen peroxide at a glassy carbon electrode in alkaline solution was studied. An anodic prewave, preceding the well-known transport controlled oxidation reaction of hydrogen peroxide, was observed. The voltammetric current in this wave is independent of the rotation speed of the glassy carbon disc electrode, even in what looks like a limiting current plateau, denoted by a pseudo limiting current. This current is dependent strongly on pH and temperature, does not vary linearly with hydrogen peroxide concentration and the reaction orders, with respect to hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl ions (pH), are dependent on the hydrogen peroxide concentration. A mechanism that can explain these experimental results has been proposed. It consists of two submechanisms, occurring simultaneously at the electrode surface, which are in competition with each other. Their relative predominance is controlled by the hydrogen peroxide concentration, which can explain the varying reaction orders with respect to hydroxyl ions and hydrogen peroxide. The current equation resulting from the proposed mechanism shows the possibility of using the studied electrode reaction for the amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide up to high concentrations.     

Determinants of cervical cancer screening in a poor area: results of a population-based survey in Rivas,Nicaragua

OBJECTIVE: To obtain baseline information for designing a community-based intervention programme aimed at increasing the cervical cancer screening coverage of women most at risk. METHODS: A population-based survey, using proportional stratified two-stage cluster sampling in Rivas, one of the 16 Departments of Nicaragua. The individuals selected were interviewed at home by one of 26 interviewers, using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to elicit (1) knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning sexual and reproductive health and behaviour, (2) risk factors for cervical cancer and (3) the use of health and cervical cancer screening services. RESULTS: A total of 612 men and 634 women participated in the survey. Of the women who had been sexually active at least 3 years, only 41.1% had undergone screening within that period and were considered adequately screened. Correlates of inadequate screening status included low educational level, exclusive use of public health facilities and lack of knowledge about prevention and symptoms of cervical cancer. Negligence, absence of medical problems, fear, lack of knowledge and economic reasons were the main reasons given for not being screened. Reluctance to be screened in the future was related to lack of knowledge of the disease, inadequate screening status, older age and low educational level. CONCLUSIONS: The current screening programme is not effective in reaching the majority of the population. Complementary activities such as education and information, as well as a more pro-active approach to invite women for screening are necessary.     

Bone Metabolism after Total Hip Revision Surgery with Impacted Grafting: Evaluation using H<Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>15</Superscript>O and [<Superscript>18</Superscript>F]fluoride PET; A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate bone blood flow and bone formation in patients after total hip revision surgery with impacted bone grafting using H(2) (15)O and [(18)F]fluoride positron emission tomography (PET). PROCEDURES: To asses bone blood flow and bone metabolism in bone allograft after impaction grafting, four patients treated with total hip revision surgery were enrolled prospectively in this study. Six patients scheduled for primary hip arthroplasties were included as a control group. The study protocol consisted of three H(2) (15)O and [(18)F]fluoride PET scans in each patient. RESULTS: Bone blood flow increased significantly compared to the preoperative state in patients treated for primary hip arthroplasty. In patients undergoing revision surgery, bone blood flow was twofold to threefold higher compared to the preoperative state, but did not reach significance. Bone metabolism in patients undergoing revision was threefold higher 2 weeks postoperatively compared to the primary hip group. We found a significant correlation between Ki and bone blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: Allogeneic bone grafts induce a higher rate of local periprosthetic bone formation compared to periprosthetic bone formation after a primary total hip placement. In vivo coupling between bone blood flow and bone metabolism suggests that bone metabolism in allogeneic bone grafts may partly rely on bone blood flow adaptations.     

Antibiotic susceptibility of Atopobium vaginae

Background  

Previous studies have indicated that a recently described anaerobic bacterium, Atopobium vaginae is associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Thus far the four isolates of this fastidious micro-organism were found to be highly resistant to metronidazole and susceptible for clindamycin, two antibiotics preferred for the treatment of BV.     

Discovery of a cholecystokinin-gastrin-like signaling system in nematodes

Members of the cholecystokinin (CCK)/gastrin family of peptides, including the arthropod sulfakinins, and their cognate receptors, play an important role in the regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. Despite many efforts after the discovery of CCK/gastrin immunoreactivity in nematodes 23 yr ago, the identity of these nematode CCK/gastrin-related peptides has remained a mystery ever since. The Caenorhabditis elegans genome contains two genes with high identity to the mammalian CCK receptors and their invertebrate counterparts, the sulfakinin receptors. By using the potential C. elegans CCK receptors as a fishing hook, we have isolated and identified two CCK-like neuropeptides encoded by neuropeptide-like protein-12 (nlp-12) as the endogenous ligands of these receptors. The neuropeptide-like protein-12 peptides have a very limited neuronal expression pattern, seem to occur in vivo in the unsulfated form, and react specifically with a human CCK-8 antibody. Both receptors and ligands share a high degree of structural similarity with their vertebrate and arthropod counterparts, and also display similar biological activities with respect to digestive enzyme secretion and fat storage. Our data indicate that the gastrin-CCK signaling system was already well established before the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes.