Nasotracheal enterococcal carriage and resistomes: detection of optrA-, poxtA- and cfrD-carrying strains in migratory birds,livestock, pets,and in-contact humans in Spain

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases - This study determined the carriage rates and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of enterococci from...     

Laser Peening Process and Its Impact on Materials Properties in Comparison with Shot Peening and Ultrasonic Impact Peening

The laser shock peening (LSP) process using a Q-switched pulsed laser beam for surface modification has been reviewed. The development of the LSP technique and its numerous advantages over the conventional shot peening (SP) such as better surface finish, higher depths of residual stress and uniform distribution of intensity were discussed. Similar comparison with ultrasonic impact peening (UIP)/ultrasonic shot peening (USP) was incorporated, when possible. The generation of shock waves, processing parameters, and characterization of LSP treated specimens were described. Special attention was given to the influence of LSP process parameters on residual stress profiles, material properties and structures. Based on the studies so far, more fundamental understanding is still needed when selecting optimized LSP processing parameters and substrate conditions. A summary of the parametric studies of LSP on different materials has been presented. Furthermore, enhancements in the surface micro and nanohardness, elastic modulus, tensile yield strength and refinement of microstructure which translates to increased fatigue life, fretting fatigue life, stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and corrosion resistance were addressed. However, research gaps related to the inconsistencies in the literature were identified. Current status, developments and challenges of the LSP technique were discussed.     

Lactone-rich fraction from Vernonia blumeoides: antitrypanosomal activity and alleviation of the parasite-induced anemia and organ damage

The anti-Trypanosoma brucei brucei activity in vitro and in vivo of a lactone-rich fraction of Vernonia blumeoides leaves (VBLF) and its potential in alleviating trypanosome-induced anemia and organ damage were investigated. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of VBLF revealed the presence of a number of lactone-containing compounds. In an in vitro study, VBLF showed concentration-dependent activity and was further used to treat T. brucei brucei-infected rats. The VBLF treatments, especially at 300 mg/kg body weight (BW), significantly (P < 0.05) kept the parasites reduced during the entire experimental period compared with the infected untreated group. At the end of the experiment, the trypanosome-induced anemia and hepatic damage were significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated in all the VBLF treatment groups, but renal damage was only prevented in the 200 and 300 mg/kg BW treatment groups. Furthermore, the trypanosome-induced increase in the relative weights of liver, spleen and kidney were significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated by the 300 mg/kg BW VBLF treatment. It was concluded that orally administered VBLF, especially at 300 mg/kg BW, possessed antitrypanosomal activity and could alleviate parasite-induced anemia and organ damage.     

Effect of exchange blood transfusion on oxygen saturation of neonates with severe neonatal jaundice by pulse oximetry

Objective: To determine if there was any difference in SpO2 readings during exchange blood transfusion (EBT).Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of neonates with severe neonatal jaundice requiring EBT was conducted. Oxygen saturation was recorded before, immediately and 15 minutes after EBT by using a pulse oximeter. Results: This study included 30 neonates with 20 males and 10 females. The age ranged from 1 to 12 days with a mean of (5.4 ± 2.9) days. Pre-EBT SpO2 ranged from 90％ to 98％ with a mean value of (94.3 ± 2.2)％; SpO2 in the end of EBT ranged from 85％ to 99％ with a mean value of (94.1 ± 3.2)％; SpO2 at 15 minutes after EBT ranged from 77％ to 99％ with a mean value of (94.8 ± 4.1)％. There was no significant difference between SpO2 values at onset of EBT and either immediately or 15 minutes after EBT (P=0.770 and 0.422, respectively). SpO2 showed no significant difference between neonates who were infused with blood of different storage times (<24 h or ≥24 h) at the onset of EBT (P=0.584), immediately (P>0.999) and 15 minutes after EBT (P=0.887). Besides, SpO2 values were compariable in neonates with hematocrit <45％ or ≥45％ at the onset of EBT (P=0.284), immediately (P=0.118) and 15 minutes after EBT (P=0.868). Conclusions: EBT does not affect SpO2 in neonates.     

Effect of physiological concentrations of vitamin C on gastric cancer cells and Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND: Gastric juice vitamin C may be protective against gastric carcinogenesis but concentrations are significantly reduced by Helicobacter pylori infection. We investigated the in vitro effects of vitamin C at concentrations comparable with those found in gastric juice on gastric cancer cells and H pylori. METHODS: Gastric cancer cell lines and various H pylori strains were treated with L-ascorbic acid for up to 72 hours. Cell viability, and protein and DNA synthesis were determined. Flow cytometry was used for assessment of H pylori adherence, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. H pylori growth and its haemagglutination activity were determined using viability count and microtitration assay. RESULTS: Vitamin C induced a significant dose dependent growth inhibition of gastric AGS and MKN45 cells but this effect was significantly reduced at levels similar to those in gastric juice of H pylori infected patients (<50 microM). Although vitamin C had no obvious effect on H pylori growth, haemagglutination activity, or adherence ability to gastric AGS cells compared with untreated controls, it significantly enhanced H pylori associated apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest in these cells. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C may inhibit gastric cancer cell growth and alter H pylori induced cell cycle events at concentrations comparable with those in gastric juice, but has no effect on H pylori growth or pathogenicity. However, the inhibitory effect on gastric cancer cells was lost at vitamin C concentrations found in patients with H pylori infection.     

Investigating a Non-Mesh Mosquito Net among Outdoor Sleeping Nomadic Communities in Kenya

Rising reports of exophagic malaria vectors make even more pressing the need for alternatives to traditional, mesh, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) designed for indoor sleeping and often inadequate in the protection of outdoor-sleeping populations. This study tests and evaluates the retention, utilization, and durability of novel, non-mesh nets designed for outdoor use. Longitudinal, cross-sectional surveys were conducted, the physical condition of nets was assessed, and bio-efficacy and insecticide content were tested. At 22 months, retention was 98.0%; 97.1% of nets fell within the World Health Organization (WHO) category of being in “good” condition; none were in the “torn” category. At 18 months post-distribution, 100% of nets had at least WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES)-acceptable levels of insecticide, this proportion was 66.7% at 22 months. This novel mosquito net has the potential to provide a durable and context-specific tool to prevent malaria among traditionally hard-to-protect and highly vulnerable populations.     

Profiles of acute bacterial meningitis isolates in children in National Hospital,Abuja

Background:

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. It is an acute medical emergency that requires urgent rational antibiotic therapy, especially in neonates and young infants. Determining the pattern and susceptibility of isolates of ABM among children for prompt treatment of this important cause of mortality and morbidity is very important. This study determined the types and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ABM isolates among children at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective study carried out at the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), Nigeria. Laboratory data for a period of 3 years, January 2010-December 2013 were reviewed, and all bacterial isolates and their antibiotics sensitivity testing results for children aged 0-15 years, and other relevant information extracted and analyzed. Study center was the NHA.

Results:

Twenty-eight bacterial pathogens were isolated from a total of 542 cerebrospinal specimens over the study period, giving a yield of 5.2%. The four most common pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (32.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (17.6%), and Escherichia coli (14.3%). Whereas, 28.6% of all the infections occurred in neonates alone, children 2 years and below had 85.7% of all the infections, with male preponderance. Isolates of S. aureus and S. pneumonia tested were both 100% susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and Cefuroxime; S. pneumoniae was equally sensitive to Ceftriaxone. K. pneumoniae was 100% sensitive to Imipenem, but 83% to ceftriaxone. 75% of the isolated E. coli strains were sensitive to ceftriaxone, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and amikacin, 100% sensitive to imipenem.

Conclusion:

Meningitis in children as seen in the National hospital is almost equally caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, predominantly by S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli. Available drugs remain active against these organisms.