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The reduction of cobalt molybdenum oxide under an ammonia atmosphere resulting in the formation of ternary interstitial nitride Co3Mo3N was studied. Intermediate phases were identified by an in situ powder X-ray diffraction using a reaction chamber. It was supplemented by a thermogravimetric analysis of the process. The presence of intermediate phases, CoMoO4, Co2Mo3O8, Mo2N, metallic cobalt, and Co2Mo3N, was observed. A synthesis route of Co3Mo3N by an ammonolysis method was proposed.
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BACKGROUND: This study examines the dual role of Escherichia coli in the course of ulcerative colitis (UC). The intestinal microbiota is considered to play an important role in UC pathogenesis, but how E. coli contributes to inflammation in UC is still unknown. On the one hand, we demonstrated that there was a significant increase in the number of E. coli at the sites of inflammation in patients with UC, which can lead to immune system activation, whilst, on the other hand, E. coli may contribute to the resolution of inflammatory reactions since E. coli can inhibit hydroxyl radical formation by eliminating substrates of the Fenton reaction, by assimilating ferrous iron (Fe2+) and inducing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). On this way, E. coli may affect the initiation and/or prolongation of remission stages of UC. METHODS: Ten E. coli strains were isolated from the colonic mucosa of patients in the acute phase of UC. Using PCR, we examined the presence of genes encoding catalases (katG and katE) and proteins participating in iron acquisition (feoB, fepA, fhuA, fecA, iroN, fyuA, and iutA) in these E. coli strains. To determine if iron ions influence the growth rate of E. coli and its ability to decompose H2O2, we grew E. coli in defined culture media without iron (M9(-)) or with ferrous ions (M9(Fe2+)). Expression levels of genes encoding catalases were examined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: All investigated E. coli strains had catalase genes (katG, katE), genes coding for receptors for Fe2+ (feoB) and at least one of the genes responsible for iron acquisition related to siderophores (fepA, fhuA, fecA, iroN, fyuA, iutA). E. coli cultured in M9(Fe2+) grew faster than E. coli in M9(-). The presence of Fe2+ in the media contributed to the increased rate of H2O2 decomposition by E. coli and induced katG gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: E. coli eliminates substrates of the Fenton reaction by assimilating Fe2+ and biosynthesizing enzymes that catalyze H2O2 decomposition. Thus, E. coli can inhibit hydroxyl radical formation, and affects the initiation and/or prolongation of remission stages of UC.
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Colitis Ulcerosa/microbiología , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/fisiología , Adulto , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/análisis , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/metabolismo , Catalasa/análisis , Catalasa/genética , Catalasa/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte de Catión/análisis , Proteínas de Transporte de Catión/metabolismo , Colitis Ulcerosa/patología , Colon/microbiología , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Escherichia coli/enzimología , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/crecimiento & desarrollo , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/análisis , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Humanos , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/metabolismo , Mucosa Intestinal/microbiología , Hierro/metabolismo , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Remisión Espontánea , Sideróforos/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine and characterize S. aureus (SA) isolated from infections in newborns for antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, genotypes, epidemiology and antibiotic consumption. METHODS: Prospective surveillance of infections was conducted. Data about antibiotic treatment were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed. PCR amplification was used to detect resistance and virulence genes. Typing methods such as PFGE, spa-typing and SCCmec were used. RESULTS: SA was found to be associated with 6.5% of infections. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 32.8% of SA-infections. An incidence of MRSA-infections was 1.1/1000 newborns. MRSA-infections were diagnosed significantly earlier than MSSA-infections in these newborns (14th day vs. 23rd day (p=0.0194)). MRSA-infections increased the risk of newborn's death. Antibiotic consumption in both group was similar, but a high level of glycopeptides-usage for MSSA infections was observed. In the MRSA group, more strains were resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin and amikacin than in the MSSA group. Hla gene was present in 93.9% of strains, and seg and sei in 65.3% of strains, respectively. One dominant clone was found among the 14 MRSA isolates. Fifteen strains belonging to SCCmec type IV were spa-t015 and one strain belonging to SCCmec type V was spa-t011. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained in the study point at specific epidemiological situation in Polish NICU (more detailed studies are recommended). High usage of glycopeptides in the MSSA infections treatment indicates the necessity of antimicrobial stewardship improvement and introducing molecular screening for early identification of infections.
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ADN Bacteriano/genética , Farmacorresistencia Microbiana/genética , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/genética , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/epidemiología , Factores de Virulencia/genética , Amicacina/uso terapéutico , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Técnicas de Tipificación Bacteriana , Clindamicina/uso terapéutico , Estudios de Cohortes , Eritromicina/uso terapéutico , Femenino , Gentamicinas/uso terapéutico , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Recien Nacido Extremadamente Prematuro , Recién Nacido , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Recién Nacido de muy Bajo Peso , Masculino , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/aislamiento & purificación , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/fisiología , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Epidemiología Molecular , Polonia/epidemiología , Estudios Prospectivos , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Staphylococcus aureus/genética , Staphylococcus aureus/aislamiento & purificación , Staphylococcus aureus/fisiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to determine whether the use of oral probiotic preparation (prOVag®) containing three Lactobacillus strains together with standard metronidazole treatment and also targeted antibiotic treatment (following the failure of metronidazole therapy) could reduce the recurrence rates of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV). METHODS: Patients at private gynaecological clinics in Poland with histories of recurrent BV/AV and current symptoms were randomly allocated to receive metronidazole and probiotic or placebo, and assessed monthly on visits II and III-V. The total number of study visits was 5-6 (I, II, II bis - if applicable, III, IV, V). One probiotic or placebo capsule was administered with metronidazole/targeted antibiotic twice daily for 10 days; during follow up, patients took one capsule daily for 10 days perimenstrually. Clinical examination and vaginal swabbing were performed at each visit. Primary outcomes were clinical or microbiological BV/AV recurrence and probiotic safety. Secondary outcomes were vaginal pH, Nugent score, and Lactobacillus counts in the vaginal microbiota. Safety analysis was performed in 578 (probiotic, n = 285; placebo, n = 293) 18-50-year-old women who were randomised. RESULTS: BV/AV was confirmed microbiologically in 241 (probiotic, n = 118; placebo, n = 123) participants, who continued the trial. Data from 154 (probiotic, n = 73; placebo, n = 81) participants who completed the study were analysed to determine the efficacy of prOVag. Additional analyses included 37 (probiotic, n = 22; placebo, n = 15) participants who received targeted antibiotics and probiotics or placebo. prOVag lengthened the time to clinical relapse of BV/AV symptoms up to 51 % (p < 0.05) compared with placebo; AV relapse was delayed by up to 76 % (p < 0.05). Probiotic use also reduced and maintained low vaginal pH and Nugent score, and increased vaginal Lactobacillus counts following standard treatment. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that oral probiotics lengthened remission in patients with recurrent BV/AV and improved clinical and microbiological parameters. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01993524 ; 20 November 2013.
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Probióticos/uso terapéutico , Vaginosis Bacteriana/tratamiento farmacológico , Administración Intravaginal , Adulto , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Suplementos Dietéticos/estadística & datos numéricos , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Humanos , Metronidazol/efectos adversos , Metronidazol/uso terapéutico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Polonia , Probióticos/farmacología , Vagina/microbiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from long-term care facilities (LTCF) residents and to analyze the potential risk factors for MRSA occurrence, defined as MRSA colonization and/or infection. METHODS: Point prevalence (PPS) and prospective incidence continuous study (CS) was carried out on a group of 193 residents in 2009-2010. RESULTS: Overall MRSA occurred (with or without infection) among 17.6% of residents. There was 16 cases of infections with SA aetiology, of which 10 (58.8%) were caused by MRSA. The MRSA prevalence in PPS was 12.9%, in CS infection incidence rate was 5.2%. Factors associated with MRSA occurrence were: general status of patients, limited physical activity, wound infections (odds ratio, OR 4.6), ulcers in PPS (OR 2.1), diabetes (OR 1.6), urinary catheterization (OR 1.6) and stool incontinence (OR 1.2). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate a need for screening of MRSA before hospitalization or transfer to rehabilitation centres, especially in a group of residents with limitations in physical activity - i.e. with the highest risk of MRSA. Results also suggest the need for contact precautions in patients with high risk of MRSA occurrence, only. Focus on the high-risk population might be a solution for the cost-effective surveillance.
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Cuidados a Largo Plazo/estadística & datos numéricos , Resistencia a la Meticilina , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Actividad Motora , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/epidemiología , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Estudios de Cohortes , Ejercicio Físico , Femenino , Instituciones de Salud , Humanos , Incidencia , Control de Infecciones , Masculino , Meticilina , Análisis Multivariante , Polonia/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Conducta SedentariaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Late-Onset Bloodstream Infections (LO-BSI) continue to be one of the most important complications associated with hospitalization of infants born with very low birth weight (VLBW). The aims of this study were to assess the epidemiology of LO-BSI together with the risk factors and the distribution of causative pathogens at six Polish neonatal intensive care units that participated in the Polish Neonatology Surveillance Network from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011. METHODS: The surveillance covered 1,695 infants whose birth weights were <1501 grams (VLBW) in whom LO-BSI was diagnosed >72 hours after delivery. Case LO-BSI patients were defined according to NeoKISS. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty seven episodes of LO-BSI were diagnosed with a frequency of 25.3% and an incidence density of 6.7/1000 patient-days (pds). Results of our multivariate analysis demonstrated that surgical procedures and lower gestational age were significantly associated with the risk of LO-BSI. Intravascular catheters were used in infants with LO-BSI significantly more frequently and/or for longer duration: Central venous cathters (CVC) (OR 1.29) and Peripheral venous catheters (PVC) (OR 2.8), as well as, the total duration of total parenteral nutrition (13 vs. 29 days; OR 1.81). Occurrence of LO-BSI was significantly associated with increased the length of mechanical ventilation (MV) (OR 2.65) or the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (OR 2.51), as well as, the duration of antibiotic use (OR 2.98). The occurrence of more than one infection was observed frequently (OR 9.2) with VLBW with LO-BSI. Microorganisms isolated in infants with LO-BSI were dominated by Gram-positive cocci, and predominantly by coagulase-negative staphylococci (62.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Independent risk factor for LO-BSI in VLBV infants are: low gestational age and requirement for surgery. The incidence rates of LO-BSI especially CVC-BSI were higher in the Polish NICUs surveillance than those of other national networks, similar to the central- and peripheral utilization ratio.
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Bacteriemia/epidemiología , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Infección Hospitalaria/epidemiología , Recién Nacido de muy Bajo Peso/sangre , Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal , Bacteriemia/sangre , Bacteriemia/microbiología , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , Infección Hospitalaria/sangre , Infección Hospitalaria/microbiología , Monitoreo Epidemiológico , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Neonatología , Polonia , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Infections in newborns remain one of the most significant problems in modern medicine. Escherichia coli is an important cause of neonatal bloodstream and respiratory tract infections and is associated with high mortality. The aim of our study was to investigate the epidemiology of E. coli infection in Polish neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and resistance to antibiotics, with particular reference to the safety of very low birth weight infants. METHODS: Continuous prospective infection surveillance was conducted in 2009-2012 in five NICUs, including 1,768 newborns whose birth weight was <1.5 kg. Escherichia coli isolates from different diagnostic specimens including blood, tracheal/bronchial secretions and others were collected. All isolates were tested using disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility methods. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to determine the possible horizontal transfer of E. coli among patients. RESULTS: The incidence of E. coli infections was 5.4% and 2.0/1,000 patient-days. The occurrence of E. coli infections depended significantly on the NICU and varied between 3.9% and 17.9%. Multivariate analysis that took into account the combined effect of demographic data (gender, gestational age and birth weight) and place of birth showed that only the place of hospitalisation had a significant effect on the E. coli infection risk. The highest levels of resistance among all E. coli isolates were observed against ampicillin (88.8%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.2%). Among E. coli isolates, 17.7% were classified as multidrug resistant. Escherichia coli isolates showed different pulsotypes and dominant epidemic clones were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that antibiotic prophylaxis in the presence of symptoms such as chorioamnionitis and premature rupture of membranes did not help reduce the risk of E. coli infection. Multivariate analysis demonstrated only one significant risk factor for E. coli infection among infants with a birth weight <1.5 kg, that is, the impact of the NICU, it means that both neonatal care and care during pregnancy and labour were found to be significant.
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Parto Obstétrico , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/epidemiología , Recién Nacido de muy Bajo Peso , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Cuidados Críticos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/prevención & control , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Recién Nacido , Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal , Análisis Multivariante , Polonia/epidemiología , Embarazo , Atención Prenatal , Estudios Prospectivos , Calidad de la Atención de Salud , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
The largest rivers in developed countries have usually been turned into waterways by straightening them and removing large bedforms hampering navigation. For river restoration and their sustainable management it is important to know how large bedforms support biodiversity, whether they could be protected and what potential conflicts in river management they can pose. We have addressed these questions by studying the role of large bedforms in supporting populations of two inland tern species Sternula albifrons and Sterna hirundo. We spatially analysed the behaviour of these two species with reference to the bedform structure mapped over a long semi-natural reach of the River Wisla (Vistula) (S. Poland). The results show that radiotagged terns breed on islands within the aggradation reaches, foraging in the adjacent shallows inhabited by populations of small fish. For Little Terns, the more complex the water line of emergent forms, the greater their foraging intensity. The islands do not pose any flood risk to human settlements. The whole geofeature forms an integral habitat for fish and birds; it is maintained by its geographic settings and so is stable over long periods of time (over 200 years). Protection of such habitats is thus feasible.
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Ecosistema , Ríos , Animales , Telemetría , Polonia , Sedimentos Geológicos , Charadriiformes/fisiología , Cruzamiento , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales/métodos , BiodiversidadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: This study investigated a possible role of Escherichia coli in propagation and perpetuation of the chronic inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC). The lesions of UC are located superficially on the rectal and/or colonic mucosa. It is suggested that the commensal bacteria of the digestive tract may play a role in the pathogenesis of UC. Several studies have demonstrated proliferation of E. coli in the gut of UC patients. An increase in the number of E. coli in the inflamed tissue is most probably related to the abundance of iron ions produced by the bacteria. METHODS: Colon mucosal biopsies were collected from 30 patients with acute-phase UC, both from tissues with inflammatory changes (n = 30) and unchanged tissue with no inflammatory changes (n = 30) from the same patient. Biopsies were also taken from 16 patients with irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea who comprised the control group. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the biopsy specimens was performed using culture methods and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotyping of the E. coli isolates was done using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Multiplex PCR was used to compare the E. coli strains for the presence of genes responsible for synthesis of iron acquisition proteins: iroN, iutA, iha, ireA, chuA, and hlyA. RESULTS: We demonstrated that there was a significant increase in the number of E. coli at the sites of inflammation in patients with UC compared to the control group (P = 0.031). Comparative analysis of the restriction patterns of E. coli isolated from inflammatory and unchanged tissues showed that the local inflammatory changes did not promote specific E. coli strains. There was a significant difference in the frequency of the iroN gene in E. coli isolated from patients with UC as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the numbers of E. coli in the inflammatory tissues is related to the presence of chuA and iutA genes, which facilitate iron acquisition during chronic intestinal inflammatory processes.
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Colitis Ulcerosa/microbiología , Colon/microbiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/complicaciones , Escherichia coli/genética , Mucosa Intestinal/microbiología , Adulto , Colitis Ulcerosa/patología , Colon/patología , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Proteínas de Escherichia coli/genética , Frecuencia de los Genes , Genotipo , Humanos , Mucosa Intestinal/patología , Hierro/metabolismo , Síndrome del Colon Irritable/microbiología , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and extended-spectrum â-lactamases (ESBL) pathogens isolated from asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and the relationship between the phylogeny, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence among isolates in residents of 3 long-term care facilities (LTCF) in Krakow, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was point prevalence study and prospective infection control in a group of 217 people. Urine samples were examined with standard microbiological methods and screened for the presence of blaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM. E. coli isolates were screened for 6 common virulence factors (VFs) and classified according to the rapid phylogenetic grouping technique. RESULTS: Among all the strains tested, 14 isolates (13.9%) expressed ESBL activity. A significant proportion of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (32.7%, n=33). Resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was identified among 45 isolates (44.5%). Independent risk factors for the presence of an ESBL-producing strain were: UTI, urinary and/or fecal incontinence, bedridden, and low values of the Barthel and Katz Indexes. Gene sequencing identified 8 blaCTX-M-15, 1 blaCTX-M-3, 9 blaTEM-1, and 1 blaSHV-12. Among E. coli, no relationship between number of VF genes and phylogeny was found. The most prevalent virulence factor was fimH (82.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study emphasize the need for further research on the epidemiology of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) and ESBL in LTCF, including transmission patterns, rates of infection, and factors associated with infections. It may be necessary to extend the requirements and precautions to MDRO and ESBL-producers.
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Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/microbiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/orina , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Cuidados a Largo Plazo , Instituciones Residenciales , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Cuidados a Largo Plazo/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Polonia/epidemiología , Instituciones Residenciales/estadística & datos numéricos , Factores de Riesgo , beta-Lactamasas/metabolismoRESUMEN
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci, GBS) constitutes a risk factor for infections of the newborns born by colonized mothers. The adherence of GBS to epithelial cells has been proved to be an important factor in the colonization of mucus membranes of both human rectum and vagina. The objective of the study was to assess the adhesion of the selected GBS strains to the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) and human epidermoid vulvo-vaginal cells (A-431) in relation to the capsular polysaccharides and alpha-like protein genes. GBS strains from the human sources belonging to Ia, Ib, II, III and V serotypes possessing different surface alpha-like protein genes such as the alp 2, alp 3, bca, epsilon and rib in the conventional adherence assay were examined. The adherence of GBS strains to the HT-29 cell line was considerably higher than to the A-431 cell line. For GBS serotype Ia and III, a significant difference between the adhesion to the HT-29 and A-431 cell lines was presented. The adhesion of GBS strains to the HT-29 cell line depended on alpha-like protein genes. The most adhesive ones were the GBS strains containing the rib and alp 2 genes. The adherence of GBS strains to the A-431 cell line depended on both their serotype and alpha-like protein genes. Serotype III adhered to the A-431 cells most tightly, particularly the strains containing the rib and alp 2 genes. GBS strains containing the rib gene adhered to the HT-29 and A-431 cell lines more firmly than GBS strains containing other alpha-like protein genes.
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Adhesión Bacteriana/fisiología , Células Epiteliales/microbiología , Polisacáridos Bacterianos/fisiología , Recto/química , Streptococcus agalactiae/fisiología , Vagina/química , Cápsulas Bacterianas , Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Femenino , Humanos , Proyectos PilotoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to investigate the detection rates of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis, showing no clinical signs of an ongoing, acute inflammatory state of the vagina and/or the cenrvix, in fertile and infertile women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study encompassed 161 women, including 101 women treated for infertility and 60 fertile women who had already given birth to healthy children. The material for the presence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum was collected from the cervical canal and analyzed by PCR. Furthermore, BD ProbeTec ET system was used to detect C. trachomatis infection. Vaginal swabs were collected for classification of bacterial vaginosis and aerobic vaginitis and assessed according to the Nugent score, as well as by traditional culture methods. RESULTS: U. urealyticum was identified in 9% of the infertile women and in 8% of controls. Presence of M. hominis was demonstrated only in the former (4%) and C. trachomatis only in latter (3%). N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium were not found in any of the examined women. The frequency of aerobic vaginitis in both groups was estimated at 12%. There were 7% bacterial vaginosis cases in the study group, and none in the control group (p=0.0096). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having no symptoms of an ongoing acute inflammation of the reproductive tract, many women may experience permanent or periodic shifts of equilibrium of the vaginal and/or cervical microflora. BV develops more frequently in infertile patients when compared to the fertile women.
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Infecciones por Chlamydia/diagnóstico , Infertilidad Femenina/microbiología , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/diagnóstico , Infecciones del Sistema Genital/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Ureaplasma/diagnóstico , Vagina/microbiología , Adulto , Causalidad , Infecciones por Chlamydia/epidemiología , Comorbilidad , Femenino , Fertilidad , Humanos , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/epidemiología , Polonia/epidemiología , Infecciones del Sistema Genital/epidemiología , Infecciones por Ureaplasma/epidemiología , Uretra/microbiología , Salud de la Mujer , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The commensal microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. We examined the horizontal structure of the fecal microbiota in the colon in adolescents with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis and a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fecal samples were collected in 3 fractions from patients with Crohn disease (nâ=â22), ulcerative colitis (nâ=â12), and controls (nâ=â24) during preparation for colonoscopy. Additionally, biopsies from colon tissue were taken. Samples were examined using a culture technique and a fluorescent in situ hybridization method. The mucin degradation assay was carried out. RESULTS: Quantitative composition of the microbiota was different in the consecutive 3 fecal fractions and in the colon tissue of the study groups, but in patients from the control group, the composition of microbiota in the consecutive fractions was similar. Statistical analyses showed that the total distribution of the studied bacterial taxons in the contents in all 3 fecal fractions and in the colon tissue in the given disease group, and in the control group was characteristic for the studied patient group. Differences in species distribution among the cohorts studied were highly significant (Pâ<â0.0001). Moreover, it was shown that in the fecal fraction I and in the colon tissue samples, there is no significant difference for any of the analyzed bacterial groups, using the culture methods or fluorescent in situ hybridization, but significant results were demonstrated in the II and III fractions for specific bacterial groups. The bacterial flora attached to the mucus layer in the UC group had significantly more degraded mucus in comparison with the control group (Pâ=â0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of the microbiota in the colon is layered, which can be called horizontal distribution of the fecal flora. Only in the ulcerative colitis group, the bacterial flora attached to the mucous layer exerts action on the mucin.
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Bacterias/clasificación , Colitis Ulcerosa/microbiología , Colon/microbiología , Enfermedad de Crohn/microbiología , Heces/microbiología , Mucosa Intestinal/microbiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Niño , Estudios de Cohortes , Colitis Ulcerosa/metabolismo , Colon/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Crohn/metabolismo , Humanos , Hibridación Fluorescente in Situ , Mucosa Intestinal/metabolismo , Masculino , Metagenoma , Mucinas/metabolismo , Moco/metabolismo , Especificidad de la Especie , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Understanding metapopulation structures is very important in the context of ecological studies and conservation. Crucial in this respect are the abundances of both the whole metapopulation and its constituent subpopulations. In recent decades, capture-mark-recapture studies have been considered the most reliable means of calculating such abundances. In butterfly studies, individual insects are usually caught with an entomological net. But the effectiveness of this method can vary for a number of reasons: differences between fieldworkers, in time, between sites etc. This article analyses catch effectiveness data with respect to two subpopulations of the Apollo butterfly (Parnassius apollo) metapopulation in the Pieniny National Park (Polish Carpathians). The results show that this parameter varied significantly between sites, probably because of differences in microrelief and plant cover. In addition, a method is proposed that will include information on catch effectiveness for estimating the sizes of particular subpopulations and will help to elucidate the structure of the entire metapopulation.
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Mariposas Diurnas , Animales , PoloniaRESUMEN
Distribution of serotypes and alpha-like surface protein (Alp) of Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci - GBS) vary with geographical region, ethnic origin and the virulence of clinical isolates. Demonstration of different genotypes based on surface protein genes improves the potential of GBS subtyping, is essential in research on new vaccines against invasive neonatal infections and may be useful in epidemiological studies. The molecular characterization of protein gene profile of GBS isolates was the main aim of this study. We evaluated the applicability of multiplex PCR for the identification of GBS protein genes from Alp family, such as: epsilon, bca, rib, alp2, alp3, alp4 and evaluated presence of these genes in the group of GBS isolates originating from vaginal or rectal carriage in pregnant women. For statistical analysis the G2 (Likelihood ratio) test was used. P values of < 0.05 were considered significant. The surface protein genes were found in all investigated strains. The epsilon gene dominated (27%) in GBS isolates originating from healthy pregnant women. The other genes were detected with the following frequency: rib (21%), alp2 (21%), bca (17%) and alp3 (14%). In the analyzed population, GBS strains with alp4 gene were not found. A statistically significant relationship between surface protein genes and capsular polysaccharides was demonstrated (p < 0.0001). The results of our study show immense diagnostic usefulness of multiplex PCR for identification of genes encoding GBS surface proteins from Alp family.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Proteínas Bacterianas/aislamiento & purificación , Proteínas de la Membrana/genética , Proteínas de la Membrana/aislamiento & purificación , Embarazo , Streptococcus agalactiae/genética , Adulto , Antígenos Bacterianos/genética , Antígenos Bacterianos/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Humanos , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa Multiplex , Recto/microbiología , Vagina/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococci--GBS) is one of the coexistent components of vaginal microflora. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are the predominant bacteria in the physiological flora of vagina. The production of antagonistic substances like short chain fatty acids, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocin-like substances protects against multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms. However, during pregnancy there is a disturbance of vaginal microflora and there are optimal conditions for bacterial or candidal vaginitis. Despite sufficient protection of LAB during pregnancy, Streptococcus agalactiae is one of the microorganisms, which can multiply and it is dangerous for newborns. The aim of the study was the assessment of antagonistic activity of chosen species of LAB to GBS strains. Antagonism between LAB and GBS was tested in a mixture of fluid 24 hrs cultures and the results were determined quantitatively by serial dilutions. Susceptibility of GBS strains to LAB activity was analyzed according to serotypes of GBS strains (Ia, Ib-V) and to place of isolation of GBS strains (there are three groups: GBS strains isolated from vagina of carriers; vaginal GBS strains isolated from women, who had clinical symptoms of vaginitis and GBS strains isolated from blood of children, who were ill with sepsis). The obtained results indicated strong inhibitory activity of Lactobacillus species to GBS strains after 2 hrs duration. Statistically significant dependence was found in the susceptibility of GBS strains to Lactobacillus. L. plantarum has shown the strongest activity against GBS strains. There were no statistically significant relationship found in the susceptibility of GBS to LAB activity between serotypes of GBS and between investigated groups of GBS.
Asunto(s)
Lactobacillus/metabolismo , Embarazo/fisiología , Streptococcus agalactiae/crecimiento & desarrollo , Vagina/microbiología , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Bacterianos , Femenino , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Pruebas de Sensibilidad MicrobianaRESUMEN
This article discusses the influence of phenology-related intraseasonal asynchrony on metapopulation dynamics and stability. As the part played by intraseasonal asynchrony is as yet unclear and poorly described, greater account of it should be taken in both metapopulation research and conservation practice. The subpopulations of the Parnassius mnemosyne metapopulation studied here are strongly isolated because of the phenological shift between them, despite the relatively small physical distances between them. This isolation is the result of a significant temporal shift in the species' flight periods in the main metapopulation centers: in some seasons its flight times in the different subpopulations did not overlap at all. The predicted results of such strong intraseasonal asynchrony are not altogether clear. On the one hand, they reduce the vulnerability of the entire metapopulation to the effects of short-term random disasters. On the other, the ever-greater isolation of subpopulations may cause the metapopulation to become a nonequilibrium one, which will have a serious impact on its long-term survival.
Asunto(s)
Mariposas Diurnas/clasificación , Mariposas Diurnas/fisiología , Dinámica Poblacional , Estaciones del Año , Migración Animal , Animales , Femenino , Vuelo Animal , Masculino , PoloniaRESUMEN
Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida provide important ecosystem functions and services. Unfortunately, some previously widespread species are now seriously endangered. To restore the historical range of the population of Unio crassus in the Biala River, southern Poland, the species was reintroduced into a series of 'stepping stones' joining two remnant populations. During the first phase of the study, the relationships between the abundance of U. crassus, physical habitat, and water quality were studied to assess reintroduction potential. In general, chemical water quality improved upstream from the existing population, favouring the decision for reintroduction, whereas morphological variables worsened. Mussel abundance was correlated negatively with the elevation and slope of channel, organic matter contents, and pH (exceeding 8.0), but positively with silt presence, water conductivity, and concentrations of HCO3-, Ca2+, and NO3-. During the second phase, adult individuals were introduced into one type of functional habitat-marginal channel sectors with still water and fine sediment. Despite the initial very high rate of reproduction in some parts of the upper reach of the river, the juveniles were ultimately recruited only in the lower part of the restored range, resulting in a very rapid change in recruitment at a channel slope of 1.8. Recruitment was positively related to silt content, conductivity, and Ca2+ and HCO3- ions, negatively to channel elevation and slope, and water pH. The host fish species showed no correlation with abiotic habitat features within the studied reach. These results imply that most of the habitat traits related to U. crassus occurrence depended on the river's longitudinal profile, not on the chemical water quality, and that final success of introduction should be evaluated after several years.