RESUMO
A procedure for reconstructing the central axis from diagnostic image processing is presented here, capable of solving the widespread problem of stepped shape effect that characterizes the most common algorithmic tools for processing the central axis for diagnostic imaging applications through the development of an algorithm correcting the spatial coordinates of each point belonging to the axis from the use of a common discrete image skeleton algorithm. The procedure is applied to the central axis traversing the vascular branch of the cerebral system, appropriately reconstructed from the processing of diagnostic images, using investigations of the local intensity values identified in adjacent voxels. The percentage intensity of the degree of adherence to a specific anatomical tissue acts as an attraction pole in the identification of the spatial center on which to place each point of the skeleton crossing the investigated anatomical structure. The results were shown in terms of the number of vessels identified overall compared to the original reference model. The procedure demonstrates high accuracy margin in the correction of the local coordinates of the central points that permits to allocate precise dimensional measurement of the anatomy under examination. The reconstruction of a central axis effectively centered in the region under examination represents a fundamental starting point in deducing, with a high margin of accuracy, key informations of a geometric and dimensional nature that favours the recognition of phenomena of shape alterations ascribable to the presence of clinical pathologies.
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Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, represents the greatest global health threat. Most people infected by the virus present mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and recover with supportive treatments. However, certain susceptible hosts develop an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), associated with an inflammatory "cytokine storm", leading to lung damage. Despite the current availability of different COVID-19 vaccines, the new emerging SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants represent a major concern worldwide, due to their increased transmissibility and rapid spread. Indeed, it seems that some mutations or combinations of mutations might confer selective advantages to the virus, such as the ability to evade the host immune responses elicited by COVID-19 vaccines. Several therapeutic approaches have been investigated but, to date, a unique and fully effective therapeutic protocol has not yet been achieved. In addition, steroid-based therapies, aimed to reduce inflammation in patients with severe COVID-19 disease, may increase the risk of opportunistic infections, increasing the hospitalization time and mortality rate of these patients. Hence, there is an unmet need to develop more effective therapeutic options. Here, we discuss the potential use of natural immunomodulators such as Thymosin α1 (Tα1), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and lactoferrin (LF), as adjunctive or preventive treatment of severe COVID-19 disease. These agents are considered to be multifunctional molecules because of their ability to enhance antiviral host immunity and restore the immune balance, depending on the host immune status. Furthermore, they are able to exert a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by means of direct interactions with cellular or molecular targets of pathogens or indirectly by increasing the host immune response. Thus, due to the aforementioned properties, these agents might have a great potential in a clinical setting, not only to counteract SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also to prevent opportunistic infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Assuntos
Tratamento Farmacológico da COVID-19 , COVID-19/imunologia , Fatores Imunológicos/imunologia , Fatores Imunológicos/uso terapêutico , SARS-CoV-2/efeitos dos fármacos , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , Animais , Antivirais/farmacologia , Antivirais/uso terapêutico , Síndrome da Liberação de Citocina/tratamento farmacológico , Síndrome da Liberação de Citocina/imunologia , Humanos , Fatores Imunológicos/farmacologia , Lactoferrina/imunologia , Lactoferrina/farmacologia , Lactoferrina/uso terapêutico , Tretinoína/imunologia , Tretinoína/farmacologia , Tretinoína/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC) are responsible for 30% of anaerobic infections. Parvimonas micra is an emergent pathogen that is part of the oral and gastrointestinal commensal flora, and its role in several infection processes has recently emerged thanks to the improvement of diagnostic techniques. P. micra bacteraemia is reported in immunocompromised patients and is often complicated by abscesses. Here, we present a case study of multiple hepatic and brain abscesses caused by P. micra bacteraemia in a patient with complicated diverticulitis.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Abscesso Encefálico/etiologia , Firmicutes/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Positivas/complicações , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Positivas/diagnóstico , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Positivas/tratamento farmacológico , Abscesso Hepático/etiologia , Idoso , Abscesso Encefálico/tratamento farmacológico , Feminino , Humanos , Abscesso Hepático/tratamento farmacológico , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
AIM: This prospective clinical study evaluated the incidence of instrument fracture observed after single-file root canal treatment of molars using WaveOne Gold instruments. METHODOLOGY: Three standardized, experienced and calibrated specialists treated 750 maxillary and mandibular molars with curvatures less than 45° (2691 root canals) over a 12-month period. All the treatments were performed in a single session. A total of 1104 WaveOne Gold instruments were used, including 38 small, 750 primary, 228 medium and 88 large instruments. Intracanal procedures were performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and each instrument was used in a single clinical case. The instruments were examined after their removal from the canal, under an operating microscope at 8× magnification. RESULTS: No fractures were observed in any of the 1104 instruments used. CONCLUSIONS: No fractures of WaveOne Gold reciprocating instruments occurred during root canal preparations performed in maxillary and mandibular molars with curvatures less than 45° when used strictly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and applied in a single clinical case.
Assuntos
Ouro , Preparo de Canal Radicular , Cavidade Pulpar , Desenho de Equipamento , Incidência , Dente Molar , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates from patients with haematological malignancies or who were undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to identify the molecular mechanism of resistance. METHODS: In this 28-month prospective study involving 18 Italian centres, Aspergillus isolates from surveillance cultures were collected and screened for azole resistance, and mutations in the cyp51A gene were identified. Resistant isolates were genotyped by microsatellite analysis, and the allelic profiles were compared with those of resistant environmental and clinical isolates from the same geographical area that had been previously genotyped. RESULTS: There were 292 Aspergillus isolates collected from 228 patients. The isolates belonged mainly to the section Fumigati (45.9%), Nigri (20.9%), Flavi (16.8%) and Terrei (4.8%). Three isolates showed itraconazole resistance: Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto, Aspergillus lentulus (section Fumigati) and Aspergillus awamori (section Nigri). The itraconazole resistance rates were 1% and 1.48% considering all Aspergillus spp. isolates and the Aspergillus section Fumigati, respectively. The prevalence of azole resistance among all the patients was 1.3%. Among patients harbouring A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates, the resistance rate was 0.79%. The A. fumigatus isolate, with the TR34/L98H mutation, was genotypically distant from the environmental and clinical strains previously genotyped. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the Aspergillus azole resistance rate was 1% (3/292). In addition to A. fumigatus sensu stricto, A. lentulus and A. awamori azole-resistant isolates were identified. Therefore, it is important have a correct identification at the species level to address a rapid therapy better, quickly understand the shift towards cryptic species and have an updated knowledge of the local epidemiology.
Assuntos
Azóis , Farmacorresistência Fúngica , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/uso terapêutico , Aspergillus/genética , Azóis/farmacologia , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
The possibility to detect fast neutrons as a distinct signal from that one of γ-rays background is surely of great importance for several topics, spanning from homeland security to radiation monitoring in nuclear physics research plants. Nowadays, Helium-3 based detectors are extremely expensive, while the use of large volume liquid scintillators presents serious concerns related to spillage risks and waste disposal. A very attractive alternative is the use of commercially available solid scintillators, which exploits an aromatic polymer matrix entrapping very high loadings of primary dye, thereby enabling the use of pulse shape analysis (PSA) to discriminate between fast neutrons and γ-rays. In this work, we analyse in detail the optical features of a solid scintillator composed by polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS) as base polymer loaded with moderate amounts of 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO). Furthermore, fluorescence decay kinetics have been correlated to the observed pulse shape discrimination capabilities of this radiation and thermally resistant scintillator, whose performances have been discussed in terms of conformational features and excimers formation revealed by the optical analyses.
RESUMO
To characterize the influence of hypothyroidism on the endocrine activity of mesenteric and omental adipose tissue (MOAT) and the peripheral regulation of energy balance (EB) in rats, we analyzed food intake (FI); basal metabolic rate (BMR); locomotor activity; body weight (BW); serum hormone concentrations and the expression of their receptors in MOAT. We evaluated the morphology and differentiation of adipocytes. Hypothyroidism decreased FI, BMR and BW. The percentage of visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) depots and the morphology of adipocytes were similar to euthyroid rats. Serum leptin and adiponectin expression in MOAT were altered by hypothyroidism. The expression of Perilipin 1, HSL, UCP1 and PRDM16 was significantly lower in MOAT of hypothyroid animals. Hypothyroidism in rats leads to a compensated EB by inducing a white adipocyte dysfunction and a decrease in BW, BMR, FI and adipokine secretions without changing the percentage of WAT depots and the morphology of the MOAT.
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Tecido Adiposo/patologia , Hipotireoidismo/patologia , Mesentério/patologia , Omento/patologia , Adipócitos/metabolismo , Adipocinas/sangue , Tecido Adiposo Branco/metabolismo , Tecido Adiposo Branco/patologia , Animais , Metabolismo Basal , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Peso Corporal , Corticosterona/metabolismo , Ingestão de Alimentos , Ácidos Graxos/metabolismo , Feminino , Glucose/metabolismo , Hipotireoidismo/sangue , Insulina/metabolismo , Atividade Motora , Ovário/metabolismo , Propiltiouracila/farmacologia , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
Environmental factors during perinatal life can lead to changes in the mammary gland, making it susceptible to cancer in adulthood. Breastfeeding has a special importance since it takes place at a critical period of growth and development of the newborn. We aimed to analyze if an appropriate lactation protects the offspring against mammary carcinogenesis during adult life and explore the mechanisms involved in the protective effect. One-day-old Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly distributed in litters of three (L3), eight (L8) or 12 (L12) pups per dam, to induce a differential consumption of breast milk. At 55 days of age, the animals were treated with a single dose of dimethylbenzanthracene to study tumor latency, incidence and progression. Histological, immunohistochemical and Western blot studies were performed. We observed lower incidence and higher latency in L3 compared to the other groups. The mitotic index and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was significantly augmented in tumors of L12 rats compared to L3 and L8, while the apoptotic index was augmented in tumors of L3 v. L12. Cleaved caspase 8 was significantly higher in tumors from L3 compared to L12. Tumors developed in L3 have a greater number of apoptotic bodies and a greater expression of caspase 8. These results demonstrate that the animals that maintained a higher intake of maternal milk (L3) presented lower incidence and greater tumor latency. Lower consumption of breast milk (L12) would increase tumor mitosis and the expression of PCNA, explaining the higher tumor incidence observed in this group.
Assuntos
Aleitamento Materno/estatística & dados numéricos , Neoplasias Mamárias Animais/prevenção & controle , Leite/química , Envelhecimento , Animais , Apoptose , Feminino , Incidência , Lactação , Neoplasias Mamárias Animais/epidemiologia , Leite/estatística & dados numéricos , Mitose , Gravidez , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate factors associated with recurrence in patients with 027+ and 027- Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). METHODS: Patients with CDI observed between January and December 2014 in six hospitals were consecutively included in the study. The 027 ribotype was deduced by the presence of tcdB, tcdB, cdt genes and the deletion Δ117 in tcdC (Xpert® C. difficile/Epi). Recurrence was defined as a positive laboratory test result for C. difficile more than 14 days but within 8 weeks after the initial diagnosis date with reappearance of symptoms. To identify factors associated with recurrence in 027+ and 027- CDI, a multivariate analysis was performed in each patient group. Subdistributional hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 238 patients with 027+ CDI and 267 with 027- CDI were analysed. On multivariate analysis metronidazole monotherapy (sHR 2.380, 95%CI 1.549-3.60, p <0.001) and immunosuppressive treatment (sHR 3.116, 95%CI 1.906-5.090, p <0.001) were factors associated with recurrence in patients with 027+ CDI. In this patient group, metronidazole monotherapy was independently associated with recurrence in both mild/moderate (sHR 1.894, 95%CI 1.051-3.410, p 0.033) and severe CDI (sHR 2.476, 95%CI 1.281-4.790, p 0.007). Conversely, non-severe disease (sHR 3.704, 95%CI 1.437-9.524, p 0.007) and absence of chronic renal failure (sHR 16.129, 95%CI 2.155-125.000, p 0.007) were associated with recurrence in 027- CDI. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to vancomycin, metronidazole monotherapy appears less effective in curing CDI without relapse in the 027+ patient group, independently of disease severity.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Clostridioides difficile/genética , Infecções por Clostridium/epidemiologia , Metronidazol/uso terapêutico , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Toxinas Bacterianas/genética , Clostridioides difficile/classificação , Clostridioides difficile/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecções por Clostridium/microbiologia , Infecções por Clostridium/patologia , Humanos , Recidiva , Proteínas Repressoras/genéticaRESUMO
Photodynamic therapy has emerged as an alternative treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis, and compounds with photocatalytic behavior are promising candidates to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this parasitic disease. Titanium dioxide TiO2 is a semiconductor ceramic material that shows excellent photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity under Ultraviolet irradiation. Due to the harmful effects of UV radiation, many efforts have been made in order to enhance both photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of TiO2 in the visible region of the spectrum by doping or through modifications in the route of synthesis. Herein, Fe-, Zn-, or Pt- doped TiO2 nanostructures were synthesized by solution-combustion route. The obtained compounds presented aggregates of 100â¯nm, formed by particles smaller than 20â¯nm. Doping compounds shift the absorption spectrum towards the visible region, allowing production of reactive oxygen species in the presence of oxygen and molecular water when the system is irradiated in the visible spectrum. The Pt (EC50â¯=â¯18.2⯱â¯0.8⯵g/mL) and Zn (EC50â¯=â¯16.4⯱â¯0.3⯵g/mL) -doped TiO2 presented the higher antileishmanial activities under visible irradiation and their application as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) strategies for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis should be considered.
Assuntos
Leishmania/efeitos dos fármacos , Nanopartículas Metálicas/toxicidade , Fármacos Fotossensibilizantes/farmacologia , Titânio/química , Raios Ultravioleta , Animais , Antracenos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos da radiação , Dano ao DNA/efeitos dos fármacos , Dano ao DNA/efeitos da radiação , Ferro/química , Leishmania/metabolismo , Leishmania/efeitos da radiação , Leishmaniose/tratamento farmacológico , Leishmaniose/parasitologia , Macrófagos Peritoneais/citologia , Macrófagos Peritoneais/efeitos dos fármacos , Macrófagos Peritoneais/metabolismo , Macrófagos Peritoneais/efeitos da radiação , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , Nanopartículas Metálicas/uso terapêutico , Camundongos , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão , Perileno/análogos & derivados , Perileno/química , Perileno/farmacologia , Perileno/uso terapêutico , Fotoquimioterapia , Fármacos Fotossensibilizantes/química , Fármacos Fotossensibilizantes/uso terapêutico , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Espectrometria de Fluorescência , Difração de Raios X , Zinco/químicaRESUMO
Experimental hypothyroidism retards mammary carcinogenesis promoting apoptosis of tumor cells. ß-catenin plays a critical role in cell adhesion and intracellular signaling pathways conditioning the prognosis of breast cancer. However, the mechanistic connections associated with the expression of ß-catenin in thyroid status and breast cancer are not known. Therefore, we studied the relationship between the expression and localization of ß-catenin and apoptosis in mammary tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in hypothyroid (Hypot) and euthyroid (EUT) rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were treated with a dose of DMBA (15 mg/rat) at 55 days of age and were then divided into two groups: HypoT (0.01% 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil in drinking water, n = 54) and EUT (untreated control, n = 43). Latency, incidence and progression of tumors were determined. At sacrifice, tumors were obtained for immunohistological studies and Western Blot. The latency was longer (p < 0.05), the incidence was lower (p < 0.0001) and tumor growth was slower (p < 0.01) in HypoT rats compared to EUT. The expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-3 was significantly higher in tumors of HypoT than in EUT (p < 0.05) indicating the activation of the intrinsic pathway. In this group, ß-catenin was expressed in the plasma membrane and with less intensity, while its expression was nuclear and with greater intensity in the EUT (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of survivin was reduced in tumors of HypoT rats (p < 0.05). In conclusion, decreased expression of ß-catenin and its normal location in membrane of mammary tumors are associated with augmented apoptosis via activation of the intrinsic pathway in HypoT rats.
Assuntos
Apoptose , Progressão da Doença , Hipotireoidismo/metabolismo , Neoplasias Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , beta Catenina/metabolismo , Animais , Feminino , Hipotireoidismo/induzido quimicamente , Propiltiouracila , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyAssuntos
Clostridioides difficile/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Clostridium/epidemiologia , Diarreia/epidemiologia , Casas de Saúde , Ribotipagem , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Clostridioides difficile/classificação , Clostridioides difficile/genética , Infecções por Clostridium/microbiologia , Diarreia/microbiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Itália/epidemiologia , Masculino , Epidemiologia Molecular , Prevalência , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
AIM: To evaluate changes in the resident microbial population in the cranial vaginal mucosa induced by a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) compared to the vaginal microbiota of cows with reproductive disorders. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vaginal discharge was evaluated by clinical examination and a Vaginitis Diagnosis Score was performed by exfoliative cytology. All samples classified as positive and some classified as negative by clinical evaluation were later diagnosed as positive for vaginitis by cytological analysis. Bacterial diversity profiles were performed by PCR-DGGE and clustered according to the reproductive health status of the specimens, revealing a correspondence between the structures of the communities in the vagina and the clinical profile. Representative bands from each group were sequenced and identified as Ruminococcus sp., Dialister sp., Escherichia sp./Shigella sp., Virgibacillus sp., Campylobacter sp., Helcoccoccus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Actinopolymorpha sp., Exiguobacterium sp., Haemophilus sp./Histophilus sp., Aeribacillus sp., Porphyromonas sp., Lactobacillus sp. and Clostridium sp. CONCLUSION: Our results contribute to the knowledge of the vaginal microbiome in synchronized heifers showing positive or negative clinical vaginitis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study contributes to the understanding of a dynamic vaginal colonization by bacterial consortiums during the synchronization with a widely used PRID protocol. Also, the results reveal the presence of well-known metritis-related pathogens as well as emerging uterine opportunistic pathogens. The provided information will allow to carry out further studies to elucidate functional roles of these native micro-organisms in the bovine reproductive tract.
Assuntos
Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Doenças dos Bovinos/microbiologia , Sincronização do Estro , Vagina/microbiologia , Vaginite/veterinária , Animais , Bovinos , Feminino , Microbiota , Progesterona/administração & dosagem , Vaginite/microbiologiaRESUMO
UNLABELLED: Spontaneous fermented sourdoughs prepared from amaranth flour were investigated for the presence of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) predominating microbiota. The doughs were fermented with daily backslopping on a laboratory scale at 30°C for 10 days. LAB counts ranged from 2·60 to 8·54 log CFU g(-1) with a pH declined from 6·2 to 3·8 throughout fermentation. The combined use of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR analysis and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA was applied for LAB intraspecies differentiation and taxonomic identification, respectively. Enterococcus, Pediococcus and Lactobacillus species were present in amaranth sourdoughs (AS). After the first refreshment step, Lactobacillus plantarum dominated AS until the end of fermentation. In coincidence, when DGGE analysis was performed, the occurrence of a progressive change in bacterial communities allowed the selection of Lact. plantarum as a dominant species. Moreover, technological, functional and safety characteristics of representative RAPD-biotypes were investigated. Lact. plantarum CRL1898 was selected as a potential candidate for gluten-free amaranth sourdough starter. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in ancient noncereal gluten-free (GF) crops such as amaranth, due to their reported nutritional and health benefits. However, the use of these grains is still limited to traditional foods and bread making processes that are not yet well standardized. Results on the dynamics of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) microbiota during laboratory spontaneous amaranth sourdoughs (AS) fermentation will contribute to overcome challenges for GF-fermented products development. In addition, knowledge about LAB diversity involving Enterococcus, Pediococcus and Lactobacillus species, with Lactobacillus plantarum predominating during AS fermentation, and their technological and functional properties provides the basis for the selection of autochthonous strains as starters cultures for novel gluten-free bakery products with enhanced nutritional, sensory and/or safety quality.
Assuntos
Amaranthus/microbiologia , Enterococcus/classificação , Farinha/microbiologia , Lactobacillus plantarum/classificação , Pediococcus/classificação , Técnicas de Tipagem Bacteriana , Biodiversidade , Reatores Biológicos/classificação , Reatores Biológicos/microbiologia , Pão/microbiologia , Dieta Livre de Glúten , Enterococcus/isolamento & purificação , Enterococcus/metabolismo , Fermentação , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Ácido Láctico/metabolismo , Lactobacillus plantarum/isolamento & purificação , Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolismo , Microbiota/genética , Pediococcus/isolamento & purificação , Pediococcus/metabolismo , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Técnica de Amplificação ao Acaso de DNA PolimórficoRESUMO
The purpose of this study was to assess the main clinical predictors and microbiological features of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) environment. This work is a retrospective analysis over one year from September 2010 to September 2011. Patients' risk factors, causes of admission, comorbidities and respiratory specimens collected in six Italian ICUs were reviewed. Incidence and case fatality rate of VAP were evaluated. After stratification for VAP development, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact of patients' conditions on the onset of this infection. A total of 1,647 ICU patients (pts) were considered. Overall, 115 patients (6.9 %) experienced at least one episode of VAP. The incidence rate for VAP was 5.82/1,000 pts-days, with a case fatality rate of 44.3 %. Multivariate analysis showed that admission for neurological disorders (aIRR 4.12, CI 1.24-13.68, p = 0.02) and emergency referral to ICU from other hospitals (aIRR 2.11, CI 1.03-4.31, p = 0.04) were associated with higher risk of VAP, whereas a tendency to a higher risk of infection was detected for admission due to respiratory disease, cardiac disease, trauma and for having obesity or renal failure. A total of 372 microbiological isolates from respiratory specimens were collected in VAP patients. The most common species were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showing high resistance rates to carbapenems. Neurological disorders and emergency referral at the admission into the ICU are significantly associated with the onset of VAP. A high incidence of multi-drug resistant Gram- species was detected in the respiratory specimens.
Assuntos
Bactérias/classificação , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Candida/isolamento & purificação , Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica/epidemiologia , Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica/microbiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Hospitais , Humanos , Incidência , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva , Itália/epidemiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Mortalidade , Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica/patologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
AIMS: To analyse lactic acid bacteria (LAB) diversity and technological-functional and safety properties of strains present during spontaneous fermented quinoa sourdoughs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fermentation was performed by daily backslopping at 30°C for 10 days. Autochthonous LAB microbiota was monitored by a biphasic approach combining random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR and rRNA gene sequencing with PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. Identification and intraspecies differentiation allowed to group isolates within nine LAB species belonging to four genera. A succession of LAB species occurred during 10-days backslopping; Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis were detected as dominant species in the consortium. The characterization of 15 representative LAB strains was performed based on the acidifying capacity, starch and protein hydrolysis, γ-aminobutyric acid and exopolysaccharides production, antimicrobial activity and antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: Strains characterization led to the selection of Lact. plantarum CRL1905 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides CRL1907 as candidates to be assayed as functional starter culture for the gluten-free (GF) quinoa fermented products. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Results on native LAB microbiota present during quinoa sourdough fermentation will allow the selection of strains with appropriate technological properties to be used as a novel functional starter culture for GF-fermented products.
Assuntos
Biodiversidade , Chenopodium quinoa/microbiologia , Lactobacillaceae/classificação , Pão/microbiologia , Fermentação , Microbiologia de Alimentos , Ácido Láctico/metabolismo , Lactobacillaceae/isolamento & purificação , Lactobacillaceae/metabolismo , Técnica de Amplificação ao Acaso de DNA Polimórfico , Ácido gama-Aminobutírico/metabolismoRESUMO
The nature of occupational risks and hazards in industries that produce or use synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) nanoparticles is still under discussion. Manufactured SAS occur in amorphous form and can be divided into two main types according to the production process, namely, pyrogenic silica (powder) and precipitated silica (powder, gel or colloid). The physical and chemical properties of SAS may vary in terms of particle size, surface area, agglomeration state or purity, and differences in their toxicity potential might therefore be expected. The aim of this study was to compare the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of representative manufactured SAS samples in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells). Five samples from industrial SAS producers were evaluated, that is, two pyrogenic SAS powders (with primary particle sizes of 20 nm and 25/70 nm), one precipitated SAS powder (20 nm) and two precipitated SAS colloids (15 and 40/80 nm). V79 cell cultures were treated with different concentrations of SAS pre-dispersed in bovine serum albumin -water medium. Pyr (pyrogenic) 20, Pre (precipitated) 20 and Col (colloid) 15 significantly decreased the cell viability after 24 h of exposure, whilst Pyr 25/70 and Col 40/80 had negligible effects. The cytotoxicity of Pyr 20, Pre 20 and Col 15 was revealed by the induction of apoptosis, and Pyr 20 and Col 15 also produced DNA damage. However, none of the SAS samples generated intracellular reactive oxidative species, micronuclei or genomic mutations in V79 cells after 24 h of exposure. Overall, the results of this study show that pyrogenic, precipitated and colloidal manufactured SAS of around 20 nm primary particle size can produce significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in V79 cells. In contrast, the coarser-grained pyrogenic and colloid SAS (approximately 50 nm) yielded negligible toxicity, despite having been manufactured by same processes as their finer-grained equivalents. To explain these differences, the influence of particle agglomeration and oxidative species formation is discussed.
Assuntos
Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Dano ao DNA , Poluentes Ambientais/toxicidade , Mutagênicos/toxicidade , Nanoestruturas/toxicidade , Mucosa Respiratória/efeitos dos fármacos , Dióxido de Silício/toxicidade , Animais , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Caspase 3/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Fenômenos Químicos , Ensaio Cometa , Cricetinae , Poluentes Ambientais/química , Testes para Micronúcleos , Mutagênicos/química , Nanoestruturas/química , Nanoestruturas/ultraestrutura , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Tamanho da Partícula , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Mucosa Respiratória/metabolismo , Dióxido de Silício/química , Propriedades de SuperfícieRESUMO
Rapid detection of microorganisms in respiratory specimens is of paramount importance to drive the proper antibiotic regimen to prevent complications and transmission of infections. In the present study, the respiFISH® HAP Gram (-) Panel (miacom diagnostics GmbH, Duesseldorf, Germany) for the etiological diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia was compared with the traditional culture method for the detection of major Gram-negative pathogens in respiratory specimens. respiFISH® combined the classical fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technology with fluorescence-labeled DNA molecular beacons as probes. From September 2011 to January 2012, 165 samples were analyzed: the sensitivity and specificity were 94.39 and 87.93%, respectively. Only six pathogens (3.6%) were not identified with respiFISH®, while seven specimens (3%) provided false-positive results. This beacon-based identification shortens the time to result by at least one work day, providing species-level identification within half an hour. Considering the high sensitivity and specificity and the significant time saving, the introduction of bbFISH® assays could effectively complement traditional systems in microbiology laboratories.
Assuntos
Técnicas de Cultura , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/classificação , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Negativas/diagnóstico , Hibridização in Situ Fluorescente , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/métodos , Pneumonia/diagnóstico , Pneumonia/microbiologia , Humanos , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
We report the first genome sequence for Leucobacter sp. 4J7B1, a newly described desiccation-tolerant strain. The complete genome sequence of Leucobacter sp. 4J7B1 has been sequenced and is estimated to be around 3.5 Mb in size, with an average GC content of 62.18%. We predict 2,953 protein-coding sequences.