RESUMO
Candida glabrata is one of the most common causes of systemic candidiasis, often resistant to antifungal medications. To describe the genomic context of emerging resistance, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 82 serially collected isolates from 33 patients from population-based candidemia surveillance in the United States. We used whole-genome sequencing to determine the genetic relationships between isolates obtained from the same patient. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that isolates from 29 patients were clustered by patient. The median SNPs between isolates from the same patient was 30 (range: 7-96 SNPs), while unrelated strains infected four patients. Twenty-one isolates were resistant to echinocandins, and 24 were resistant to fluconazole. All echinocandin-resistant isolates carried a mutation either in the FKS1 or FKS2 HS1 region. Of the 24 fluconazole-resistant isolates, 17 (71%) had non-synonymous polymorphisms in the PDR1 gene, which were absent in susceptible isolates. In 11 patients, a genetically related resistant isolate was collected after recovering susceptible isolates, indicating in vivo acquisition of resistance. These findings allowed us to estimate the intra-host diversity of C. glabrata and propose an upper boundary of 96 SNPs for defining genetically related isolates, which can be used to assess donor-to-host transmission, nosocomial transmission, or acquired resistance. IMPORTANCE In our study, mutations associated to azole resistance and echinocandin resistance were detected in Candida glabrata isolates using a whole-genome sequence. C. glabrata is the second most common cause of candidemia in the United States, which rapidly acquires resistance to antifungals, in vitro and in vivo.
Assuntos
Candidemia , Equinocandinas , Humanos , Equinocandinas/farmacologia , Equinocandinas/uso terapêutico , Fluconazol/farmacologia , Fluconazol/uso terapêutico , Candida glabrata , Candidemia/microbiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Filogenia , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/uso terapêutico , Mutação , Genômica , Farmacorresistência Fúngica/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 infection on hospitalized trauma patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of hospitalized trauma patients at a level I trauma center was performed from March-December 2020. Data pertaining to patient demographics, presentation and hospital course was compared between COVID positive and negative trauma patients. RESULTS: There were 4,912 patients and 179 (3.64%) were COVID-19 positive. Demographics and clinical presentation did not differ significantly between those with and without concomitant COVID-19. However, COVID positive trauma patients had higher rates of acute kidney injury (p = 0.016), sepsis (p = 0.016), unplanned intubation (p = 0.002) and unplanned return to the ICU (p = 0.01). The COVID positive cohort also had longer hospital stays (p < 0.01) with no significant difference in mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of an ongoing pandemic, awareness of the complications COVID positive trauma patients are predisposed to is important for providers.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , COVID-19/complicações , Humanos , Tempo de Internação , Pandemias , Estudos Retrospectivos , Centros de TraumatologiaRESUMO
AIMS: To obtain quantitative efficacy data of two ultraviolet light (UVC) technologies for surface inactivation of Bacillus anthracis Ames and Bacillus atrophaeus spores. METHODS AND RESULTS: Spores were deposited onto test coupons and controls of four different materials, via liquid suspension or aerosol deposition. The test coupons were then exposed to UVC light from either a low-pressure mercury vapor lamp or a system comprised of light emitting diodes, with a range of dosages. Positive controls were held at ambient conditions and not exposed to UVC light. Following exposure to UVC, spores were recovered from the coupons and efficacy was quantified in terms of log10 reduction (LR) in the number of viable spores compared to that from positive controls. CONCLUSIONS: Decontamination efficacy varied by material and UVC dosage (efficacy up to 5·7 LR was demonstrated). There was no statistical difference in efficacy between the two species or between inoculation methods. Efficacy improved for the LED lamp at lower relative humidity, but this effect was not observed with the mercury vapor lamp. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study will be useful in determining whether UVC could be used for the inactivation of B. anthracis spores on different surface types.
Assuntos
Bacillus anthracis , Mercúrio , Bacillus , Descontaminação , Esporos Bacterianos , Raios UltravioletaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Studies considering emotional disturbances in the setting of stroke have primarily focused on depression and been conducted in high-income countries. Anxiety in stroke survivors, which may be associated with its own unique sets of risk factors and clinical parameters, has been rarely investigated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We assess the characteristics of anxiety and anxiety-depression comorbidity in a SSA sample of recent stroke survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed baseline data being collected as part of an intervention to improve one-year blood pressure control among recent (≤1 month) stroke survivors in SSA. Anxiety in this patient population was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while the community screening instrument for dementia was used to evaluate cognitive functioning. Independent associations were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 391 participants, clinically significant anxiety (HADS anxiety score≥11) was found in 77 (19.7%). Anxiety was comorbid with depression in 55 (14.1%). Female stroke survivors were more likely than males to have anxiety (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.5-4.0). Anxiety was significantly associated with the presence of cognitive impairment after adjusting for age, gender and education (OR=6.8, 95% CI=2.6-18.0). CONCLUSIONS: One in five recent stroke survivors in SSA has clinically significant anxiety, and well over 70% of those with anxiety also have depression. Future studies will need to determine what specific impact post-stroke anxiety may have on post-stroke clinical processes and outcomes.
Assuntos
Ansiedade/epidemiologia , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/psicologia , Sobreviventes/psicologia , África Subsaariana , Idoso , Ansiedade/etiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prevalência , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In order to optimally integrate the use of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) as a tool in clinical diagnostics of likely monogenic disorders, we have created a multidisciplinary "Genome Clinic Task Force" at the University Hospitals of Geneva, which is composed of clinical and molecular geneticists, bioinformaticians, technicians, bioethicists, and a coordinator. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have implemented whole exome sequencing (WES) with subsequent targeted bioinformatics analysis of gene lists for specific disorders. Clinical cases of heterogeneous Mendelian disorders that could potentially benefit from HTS are presented and discussed during the sessions of the task force. Debate concerning the interpretation of identified variants and the content of the final report constitutes a major part of the task force's work. Furthermore, issues related to bioethics, genetic counseling, quality control, and reimbursement are also addressed. CONCLUSIONS: This multidisciplinary task force has enabled us to create a platform for regular exchanges between all involved experts in order to deal with the multiple complex issues related to HTS in clinical practice and to continuously improve the diagnostic use of HTS. In addition, this task force was instrumental to formally approve the reimbursement of HTS for molecular diagnosis of Mendelian disorders in Switzerland.
Assuntos
Exoma/genética , Doenças Genéticas Inatas/diagnóstico , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/normas , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/normas , Doenças Genéticas Inatas/genética , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala/economia , Humanos , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/economia , Administração em Saúde Pública , Mecanismo de Reembolso , Análise de Sequência de DNA , SuíçaRESUMO
This study aimed to determine how small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) protect myofibrillar proteins from µ-calpain degradation during ageing. Immunoprecipitation experiments with M. longissimus dorsi (LD) from Angus heifers (n = 14) examined the interaction between αß-crystallin, desmin, titin, HSP20, HSP27 and µ-calpain. Results showed that αß-crystallin associated with desmin, titin, HSP20, HSP27 and µ-calpain. Exogenous αß-crystallin reduced desmin and titin degradations in myofibrillar extracts and attenuated µ-calpain activity. In a second experiment, bull LD (n = 94) were aged at -1.5°C for up to 28 days post mortem. µ-Calpain autolysed faster in high ultimate pH (pH(u)) meat (pH(u)≥6.2) and this was concomitant with the more rapid degradation of titin and filamin in this pH(u) group. Desmin stability in intermediate pH(u) meat (pH(u) 5.8 to 6.19) may be due to the protection of myofibril-bound sHSPs combined with the competitive inhibition of µ-calpain by sHSPs.
Assuntos
Calpaína/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico Pequenas/metabolismo , Carne/análise , Proteínas Musculares/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Miofibrilas/metabolismo , Animais , Autólise , Cruzamento , Bovinos , Conectina/metabolismo , Cristalinas/metabolismo , Desmina/metabolismo , Feminino , Filaminas/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP20/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP27/metabolismo , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Masculino , Mudanças Depois da Morte , ProteóliseRESUMO
Elevated nerve growth factor (NGF) is believed to play a role in many types of pain. An NGF-blocking antibody (muMab 911) has been shown to reduce pain and hyperalgesia in pain models, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach for pain management. Since NGF also plays important roles in peripheral nervous system development and sensory nerve outgrowth, we asked whether anti-NGF antibodies would adversely impact peripheral nerve regeneration. Adult rats underwent a unilateral sciatic nerve crush to transect axons and were subcutaneously dosed weekly for 8weeks with muMab 911 or vehicle beginning 1day prior to injury. Plasma levels of muMab 911 were assessed from blood samples and foot print analysis was used to assess functional recovery. At 8-weeks post-nerve injury, sciatic nerves were prepared for light and electron microscopy. In a separate group, Fluro-Gold was injected subcutaneously at the ankle prior to perfusion, and counts and sizes of retrogradely labeled and unlabeled dorsal root ganglion neurons were obtained. There was no difference in the time course of gait recovery in antibody-treated and vehicle-treated animals. The number of myelinated and nonmyelinated axons was the same in the muMab 911-treated crushed nerves and intact nerves, consistent with observed complete recovery. Treatment with muMab 911 did however result in a small decrease in average cell body size on both the intact and injured sides. These results indicate that muMab 911 did not impair functional recovery or nerve regeneration after nerve injury in adult rats.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais/farmacologia , Fator de Crescimento Neural/antagonistas & inibidores , Regeneração Nervosa/fisiologia , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica/efeitos dos fármacos , Nervo Isquiático/fisiologia , Envelhecimento , Animais , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Compressão Nervosa , Regeneração Nervosa/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Nervo Isquiático/lesõesRESUMO
Atp10c is a strong candidate gene for diet-induced obesity and type 2 diabetes. To identify molecular and cellular targets of ATP10C, Atp10c expression was altered in vitro in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes by transient transfection with an Atp10c-specific siRNA. Glucose uptake assays revealed that insulin stimulation caused a significant 2.54-fold decrease in 2-deoxyglucose uptake in transfected cells coupled with a significant upregulation of native mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), p38, and p44/42. Additionally, glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) was significantly upregulated; no changes in glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) expression were observed. The involvement of MAPKs was confirmed using the specific inhibitor SB203580, which downregulated the expression of native and phosphorylated MAPK proteins in transfected cells without any changes in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Results indicate that Atp10c regulates glucose metabolism, at least in part via the MAPK pathway, and, thus, plays a significant role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
RESUMO
Musculoskeletal complaints are the second most frequent reason for medical treatments. Within these diseases rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and, especially, osteoarthritis (OA) are common. Although the causes of arthritis are multifactorial and not fully understood, clinical trials have generally shown benefit from dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This has usually been attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties. Recently we have used in vitro model systems to study the molecular mechanism(s) by which n-3 PUFAs may act to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. These experiments showed that n-3 PUFAs reduce expression of cartilage-degrading proteinases, cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory cytokines. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was more effective than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or alpha-linolenic acid. The data provide a scientific rationale for the consumption of n-3 fatty acids as part of a healthy diet and perhaps in treating arthritis.
Assuntos
Artrite/tratamento farmacológico , Ácidos Docosa-Hexaenoicos/uso terapêutico , Ácido Eicosapentaenoico/uso terapêutico , Ácido alfa-Linolênico/uso terapêutico , Animais , Artrite/metabolismo , Artrite Reumatoide/tratamento farmacológico , Artrite Reumatoide/metabolismo , Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Gorduras na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Ácidos Docosa-Hexaenoicos/administração & dosagem , Ácido Eicosapentaenoico/administração & dosagem , Humanos , Metaloproteinases da Matriz/metabolismo , Osteoartrite/tratamento farmacológico , Osteoartrite/metabolismo , Resultado do Tratamento , Ácido alfa-Linolênico/administração & dosagemRESUMO
Exercise-induced oxidative stress is instrumental in achieving the health benefits from regular exercise. Therefore, inappropriate use of fruit-derived products (commonly applied as prophalytic antioxidants) may counteract the positive effects of exercise. Using human exercise and cellular models we found that 1) blackcurrant supplementation suppressed exercise-induced oxidative stress, e.g., plasma carbonyls (0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.1 nmol/mg protein, placebo vs. blackcurrant), and 2) preincubation of THP-1 cells with an anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract inhibited LPS-stimulated cytokine secretion [TNF-alpha (16,453 +/- 322 vs. 10,941 +/- 82 pg/ml, control vs. extract, P < 0.05) and IL-6 (476 +/- 14 vs. 326 +/- 32 pg/ml, control vs. extract, P < 0.05)] and NF-kappaB activation. In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, we found that postexercise plasma collected after blackcurrant supplementation enhanced the differential temporal LPS-stimulated inflammatory response in THP-1 cells, resulting in an early suppression of TNF-alpha (1,741 +/- 32 vs. 1,312 +/- 42 pg/ml, placebo vs. blackcurrant, P < 0.05) and IL-6 (44 +/- 5 vs. 36 +/- 3 pg/ml, placebo vs. blackcurrant, P < 0.05) secretion after 24 h. Furthermore, by using an oxidative stress cell model, we found that preincubation of THP-1 cells with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) prior to extract exposure caused a greater suppression of LPS-stimulated cytokine secretion after 24 h, which was not evident when cells were simultaneously incubated with H(2)O(2) and the extract. In summary, our findings support the concept that consumption of blackcurrant anthocyanins alleviate oxidative stress, and may, if given at the appropriate amount and time, complement the ability of exercise to enhance immune responsiveness to potential pathogens.
Assuntos
Antocianinas/administração & dosagem , Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Antioxidantes/administração & dosagem , Suplementos Nutricionais , Exercício Físico , Inflamação/prevenção & controle , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Ribes , Adulto , Antocianinas/isolamento & purificação , Anti-Inflamatórios/isolamento & purificação , Antioxidantes/isolamento & purificação , Linhagem Celular , Estudos Cross-Over , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Método Duplo-Cego , Esquema de Medicação , Feminino , Frutas , Humanos , Proteínas I-kappa B/metabolismo , Inflamação/imunologia , Interleucina-6/sangue , Lipopolissacarídeos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Monócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Monócitos/imunologia , Inibidor de NF-kappaB alfa , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Carbonilação Proteica/efeitos dos fármacos , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Ribes/química , Fatores de Tempo , Fator de Transcrição RelA/metabolismo , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/sangueRESUMO
Seven international laboratories tested the recently proposed single-locus typing strategy for Aspergillus fumigatus subtyping for interlaboratory reproducibility. Comparative sequence analyses of portions of the locus AFUA_3G08990, encoding a putative cell surface protein (denoted CSP), was performed with a panel of Aspergillus isolates. Each laboratory followed very different protocols for extraction of DNA, PCR, and sequencing. Results revealed that the CSP typing method was a reproducible and portable strain typing method.
Assuntos
Aspergillus fumigatus/classificação , Aspergillus fumigatus/genética , DNA Fúngico/genética , Técnicas de Tipagem Micológica/métodos , Técnicas de Tipagem Micológica/normas , Análise de Sequência de DNA/métodos , Análise de Sequência de DNA/normas , Genótipo , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative efficacy of three different omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in suppressing the mRNA levels for important proteins involved in the etiology of osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A model cell culture system (bovine chondrocytes) was used. Inflammatory factors and enzymes involved in OA were induced by exposure of the chondrocyte cultures to interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha). The effect of pre-incubating cultures with various amounts of exogenous fatty acids on subsequent levels of mRNAs was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Exposure of cultures to IL-1alpha induced expression of the cartilage proteinases A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4 and ADAMTS-5, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). n-3 PUFAs were able to reduce the levels of mRNA for ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5, MMP-3, MMP-13, COX-2 (but not COX-1), IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was the most effective, followed by docosahexaenoic (DHA) and then alpha-linolenic (ALA) acid. The n-6 PUFA, arachidonic acid (AA) had no effect. CONCLUSION: These results show that omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs cause a reduction in the mRNA levels for various proteins known to be important in the pathology of OA. They provide a molecular explanation, at least in part, for beneficial effects of dietary omega-3 PUFAs for the amelioration of symptoms of the disease. The relative efficacy of EPA suggests that this omega-3 PUFA may be especially useful for dietary supplementation in patients with OA.
Assuntos
Condrócitos/metabolismo , Ácidos Graxos Ômega-3/farmacologia , Osteoartrite/metabolismo , Peptídeo Hidrolases/metabolismo , Proteínas ADAM/metabolismo , Animais , Carpo Animal , Cartilagem Articular/metabolismo , Bovinos , Células Cultivadas , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Interleucina-1alfa/farmacologia , Ácido Láctico/biossíntese , Metaloproteinases da Matriz/metabolismo , Osteoartrite/etiologia , Osteoartrite/prevenção & controle , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismoRESUMO
Growing data on the socioeconomic determinants of health pose a challenge to analysis and application of fairness in health. In Just health: meeting health needs fairly, Norman Daniels argues for a change in the population end of our thinking about just health. What about clinical care? Given our knowledge of the importance of wealth, education or social status to health, is fairness in medicine served better by continuing to avoid considering our patients' social status in setting clinical priorities, or by attempting to equalise existing health inequalities by giving priority to the socioeconomically disadvantaged at the point of care? In this article, I argue that doctors should not attempt the latter. Granted, giving priority to low status would go some way towards compensating unjust health inequalities and the impression of being left aside in other social spaces. It would represent reverse discrimination, but could still be justified inasmuch as disadvantaged groups could be identifiable, and as long as the intent was compensation rather than retribution. However, under current circumstances such priority would risk being attributed arbitrarily, would represent a form of medical proselytising, risk leaving the worst-off with less by alienating the powerful, and require teaching doctors to act in strongly counter-cultural ways--possibly at great cost. Crucially, however, we protect both equal health and equal regard by treating all alike: priority to low status would promote the first somewhat, but at the expense of sacrificing the second.
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde/ética , Política de Saúde/legislação & jurisprudência , Classe Social , Justiça Social/ética , Atenção à Saúde/legislação & jurisprudência , Ética Médica , Política de Saúde/economia , Humanos , Seleção de Pacientes/ética , Relações Médico-Paciente , Justiça Social/legislação & jurisprudênciaRESUMO
In the present work, a new process for depositing nanoparticle layers onto glass has been developed by using one of the most interesting nanoparticle generation technologies at the moment, which is based on the pyrolysis induced by laser of vapours combined with CVD of the particles onto glass. Nanoparticles prepared by this method were deposited into a hot silica substrate obtaining new nanocomposites with unique properties. The coated glasses present new specific functionalities such as colour, and interesting magnetic and optical properties. Control of the thickness and the iron oxide phase, either magnetic or not, has been achieved by adjusting the experimental conditions. Thus, thickness is controlled by the glass and the precursor temperature, while the iron phase is controlled by the precursor temperature and the nature and the flow of the carrier gas. This process is inexpensive, adaptable to current glass production technologies and takes place at atmospheric pressure.