Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam and cefiderocol against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from Türkiye.

PURPOSE: Carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA) is escalating worldwide and leaves clinicians few therapeutic options in recent years, ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitor combinations (ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam) and a new siderophore cephalosporin (cefiderocol) have been approved for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection and have shown potent activity against isolates defined as carbapenem resistant. The aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic profile of these agents against CR-PA in the emerging setting of carbapenemases. METHODS: CR-PA clinical isolates were collected from three teaching hospitals in different geographical regions between January 2017-December 2021. All isolates were subjected to phenotypic carbapenemase testing using modified carbapenem inactivation method. MICs were determined by reference broth microdilution and evaluated according to EUCAST standards, while genotypic profiling was determined using PCR methods. RESULTS: 244 CR-PA sourced most frequently from the respiratory tract (32.2%), blood (20.4%) and urine (17.5%) were evaluated. Of all isolates, 32 (13.1%) were phenotypically and 38 (15.6%) were genotypically defined as carbapenemase-positive. The most common carbapenemase was GES (63.1%), followed by VIM (15.8%). The MIC50/90(S%) of ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam and cefiderocol in all CR-PA isolates were 4 and 32 (80%), 1 and > 64 (69%) and 0.25 and 1 mg/L (96%), respectively. Cefiderocol was also the most active agent in carbapenemase-positive isolates (90%). CONSLUSION: While ceftolozane/tazobactam and ceftazidime/avibactam remained highly active against CR-PA devoid of carbapenemases, cefiderocol provided potent in vitro activity irrespective of carbapenemase production. When considering the potential clinical utility of newer agents against CR-PA, regional variations in carbapenemase prevalence must be considered.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the transition of primiparas becoming mothers scale.

BACKGROUND: The transition to motherhood is an important life event in a woman's life and represents an important developmental process that brings physical, psychological and social changes to gain a new role. However, research on the transition to motherhood in Turkish society is scarce. There is a need for a comprehensive, practical and reliable tool to evaluate the transition to motherhood in primiparous mothers. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Transition of Primiparous Becoming Mothers Scale (TMP-S) to evaluate the transition process of primiparous mothers to motherhood. METHODS: This methodological research was carried out in obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics, pediatric outpatient clinics, and family health centers of a hospital in Türkiye. The sample consisted of primiparous mothers of 0 to 6- month-old babies who visited clinics and family health centers for routine postnatal examinations (n ​​= 305). After evaluating the language equivalence and content validity of the scale, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were examined. Factor analysis, Pearson's correlation, retest reliability, and Cronbach's alpha were employed to evaluate structural validity and reliability. RESULTS: The final TPM-S had two dimensions with 25 items. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution, which accounted for 59.276% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit of the two-factor model also reached a satisfactory model ft after modification. The comparative fit index was 0.894, the Tucker‒Lewis index was 0.882, and the root mean square error of approximation was 0.079. The content validity index of the scale ranged from 0.56 ~ 0.77. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.93 for the total scale, and the test-retest reliability was 0.96. CONCLUSIONS: It is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the transition to motherhood among primiparous mothers of 0 to 6 month-old babies in Türkiye. Turkish researchers and healthcare professionals can routinely apply this measurement tool to primiparous mothers in the first six months after birth to evaluate their transition to motherhood.

Effect of kangaroo mother care and white noise on physiological-stress parameters in heel lancing: randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Newborns are exposed to varying degrees of stressful interventions due to procedures such as heel lancing used in routine metabolic screenings. It is an examination of the effects of white noise and kangaroo care on some physiological parameters and stress markers (cortisol and glucose-regulated protein 78-GRP78) in heel lancing in newborns. METHODS: Randomized controlled study was conducted at a gynecology service of a hospital between January and September 2023. 90 babies were divided into three groups: 30 babies in the Kangaroo Care Group (KCG), 30 babies in the White Music Group (WMG), and 30 babies in the Control Group (CG). All babies were randomly divided into groups. Stress parameters were measured by saliva collection method and physiological parameters by saturation device. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the total crying time, pulse and saturation values ​​according to the groups (p < 0.001; p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the mean values ​​of cortisol and GRP78 measurements according to group and time interaction (p < 0.001). KCG was more effective in reducing total crying time and stabilizing pulse, saturation, salivary cortisol, GRP-78 values compared to WNG and CG. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that white noise and kangaroo care help reduce newborns' stress in the case of heel lancing. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practice of kangaroo care and the use of white noise methods may assist healthcare professionals as supportive methods in stress management during invasive procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06278441, registered on 19/02/2024.

Investigation of emotion regulation skills, salivary apelin, and serotonin levels in children in Türkiye: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the relationship between apelin and serotonin in emotion regulation. This study aimed to examine children's emotional regulation skills and salivary apelin and serotonin levels. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study performed in Türkiye. The research was completed with the participation of 146 children, 8-10 years old, from the general population. Emotion Regulation Skills Scale for Children (CERS) was used to assess children's levels of emotion regulation skills. Apelin and serotonin levels were examined by ELISA technique in saliva samples obtained from children. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was found between the mean total score of the CERS and the mean apelin and serotonin levels (p ˂ .01). We found that females had higher emotion regulation skills compared to males, older higher than younger ones (p ˂ .01). The regression analysis results show that age and gender together explain 50.5% of the variance in CERS scores, while apelin and serotonin together explain 35.8% of the variance. When all four variables (age, gender, apelin, and serotonin) are included in the model, they explain 51.3% of the variance in CERS scores. CONCLUSION: Older age and female gender explained most of emotion regulations skills.Key pointsIt was determined that the average salivary apelin and serotonin levels increased with increased age, and with increased age ERS also increased.More research is needed as this is the first time that the relationship between emotion regulation skills and serotonin and apelin levels has been examined.

[A New Case of Fournier's Gangrene Caused by Actinotignum schaalii]. / Actinotignum schaalii'nin Etken Oldugu Yeni Bir Fournier Gangreni Olgusu.

Actinotignum schaalii (formerly known as Actinobaculum schaalii) is an anaerobic or facultative anaerobic gram-positive bacillus that can be found commensally in the urogenital region. It can be overlooked because it grows slowly and is difficult to identify with classical microbiology laboratory techniques. Colonies become visible after 48-72 hours of incubation on blood agar in anaerobic or CO2-rich media. While it typically causes urinary tract infection in older individuals, cases of bacteremia, vertebral osteomyelitis, endocarditis and cellulitis have been reported. Fournier's gangrene caused by A.schaalii has been reported very rarely so far. Fournier's gangrene has been defined as necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia, perineal and perianal region. Diabetes, immunosuppression, peripheral vascular disease, urethral anomalies, chronic alcoholism and smoking are important predisposing factors. In addition, approximately 25% of the cases have no known or identifiable etiology. The bacteria causing the infection may originate from skin, urogenital or intestinal microbiota. In this case report, a new case of Fournier's gangrene caused by A.schaalii was presented. A 65-year-old male patient admitted to the emergency department with the complaints of pain, swelling, redness in the left testis and also nausea, vomiting and chills that started three days ago. Physical examination revealed increased diameter of the scrotum, intense hyperemia of the skin and foci of necrosis. It was learned that the patient had no known chronic disease other than benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patient reported smoking of 25 packs of cigarettes per year. Routine laboratory tests revealed leukocyte= 32.41 x 109/L, neutrophil= 89.9%, procalcitonin= 1.62 ug/L, CRP= 265.07 mg/L and the patient was operated with the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene. Gram staining of the abscess specimen obtained during the operation showed gram-positive bacilli both inside and outside the leukocytes. After 24 hours, grampositive bacilli were detected in the Gram staining of thin, transparent/gray colonies grown on 5% sheep blood and chocolate agar. The isolate was identified as A.schaalii by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) VITEK® MS (bioMérieux, France) microbial identification system. VITEK®2 ID ANC (bioMérieux, France) bacterial identification card was also used for comparison but the bacteria could be identified. As a result of the sequence analysis performed for confirmation, it was shown to be 100% homologous with Actinobaculum schaalii (GenBank accession no: FJ711193.1). For susceptibility tests, 5% sheep blood Schaedler agar was used and incubated in anaerobic environment. According to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) results evaluated after 48 hours, penicillin was found to be 0.032 mg/L, clindamycin 0.125 mg/L, ciprofloxacin 0.19 mg/L, ceftazidime 4 mg/L, and amoxicillin 0.19 mg/L. The primary cause that initiated the infection in the case could not be identified, but it was thought that the presence of prostatic hyperplasia and smoking history may have contributed to the occurence or the progress of the disease. It is noteworthy that the ciprofloxacin MIC result was quite low compared to other studies. In addition, this study revealed the value of MALDI-TOF MS based methods in identification. In conclusion, it is thought that a significant proportion of A.schaalii infections may be overlooked due to the difficulty in growth and identification. Increasing the diagnostic power of clinical microbiology laboratories for poorly identified bacteria and renewing the databases of commercial identification systems are important for the early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of serious infections that may occur with such agents.

The prognostic role of polypharmacy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with regorafenib.

Aim: To evaluate polypharmacy (PP) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving regorafenib. Methods: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving regorafenib were included and divided into two categories by their PP status: PP- (<5 regular drug use/day) and PP+ (≥5 regular drug use/day). Results: 80 patients were included. 31 (38.7%) patients had PP. The median number of drugs used was three and seven in PP- and PP+ patients, respectively. Antiemetics (26.5%) and antacids (48.4%) were the most common drugs used by PP- and PP+ patients, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the risk of death was higher in PP+ patients (hazard ratio: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2-3.7; p = 0.005). Conclusion: PP was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving regorafenib.

Regorafenib is a targeted therapy option that is used in patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Because of the chemotherapy-refractory stage of the disease, patients are prone to use more medications for symptom palliation. Polypharmacy (PP) refers to the drug burden in an individual, and the use of five or more drugs in a day is usually considered to represent PP. In this study, the authors assessed the impact of PP in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with regorafenib. The authors' study found that PP had a negative impact on survival outcomes in these patients. This is why inappropriate drug use should be assessed at each visit and the medication discontinued if it is not an essential part of the treatment.

Elevated MICs of Susceptible Antipseudomonal Cephalosporins in Non-Carbapenemase-Producing, Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Implications for Dose Optimization.

The present study evaluated the in vitro potency of ceftazidime and cefepime among carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected as part of a global surveillance program and assessed the pharmacodynamic implications using previously published population pharmacokinetics. When susceptible, MICs resulted at the high end of distribution for both ceftazidime and cefepime, thus 6 g/day was required to achieve optimal pharmacodynamic profiles. These findings should be considered in the clinic and for the application of CLSI susceptibility breakpoints.

Dosimetric evaluation of left ventricle and left anterior descending artery in left breast radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the dosimetric results of the identification of the left ventricle (LV) and left anterior descending artery (LAD) as organs at risk (OARs) in adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients who had previously received RT in our center were evaluated retrospectively. All patients had undergone BCS operation for left breast cancer. LV and LAD were contoured as OARs on the same simulation CTs for these patients whose treatment was previously completed in which LV and LAD were not defined as OARs. Complying with the initial plans, intensity-modulated RT plans with 7-9 fields were made on the computer. Planning target volume (PTV), homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), monitor unit (MU) values, and doses of OARs were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in PTV 50 (D 50% and D 98%), PTV 60 (D 2% and D 50%), HI, CI, and MU values when treatment plans and control plans were compared (p > 0.05). While it was possible to protect the heart, LAD, and LV better, LAD and LV were not contoured in the treatment plans, and they received higher doses compared to the control plans (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the other OARs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it is essential to define the lower anatomical regions of the heart as OARs. Otherwise, the doses taken by these regions are ignored and may be maintained less than possible. In our study, it was shown that LV and LAD doses were significantly reduced even in the same center and planning by the same team.

[The Importance of Mycological Diagnosis: A Scedosporium apiospermum Complex Mycetoma Case Neglected For 20 Years]. / Mikolojik Taninin Önemi: 20 Yil Ihmal Edilen Bir Scedosporium apiospermum Kompleks Miçetoma Olgusu.

Scedosporium apiospermum complex members are opportunistic fungi that can be found in environments such as soil and polluted water. In this report, we aimed to present a case of mycetoma caused by Scedosporium apiospermum complex that developed in a 40-year-old female patient with immunocompetent system and diagnosed by fungal culture. In the anamnesis of the patient who admitted in 2015 with the complaint of more than one fistulized discharge wound, pain and swelling in the dorsal of the right hand and wrist; it was learned that her complaints started about 20 years ago with a slight swelling on the back of the wrist, and when it worsened, the abscess was drained and antibiotic treatment was initiated in a private surgical center. However, it was learned that she did not benefit from the treatments, and over time, fistulized, yellow-discharged wounds appeared on the back of her hand and wrist, and she had undergone various surgical interventions and used antibiotics. Routine laboratory tests of the patient, who did not have an underlying chronic disease, were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray findings were compatible with osteomyelitis and 'dot in circle' sign seen on MRI was characteristic for mycetoma. Pathological examination was interpreted as active chronic inflammatory reaction in the soft tissue and chronic osteomyelitis. Mycobacteria, bacteriological and fungal cultures of the two biopsy samples taken during surgical debridement and one month later were performed. Bacteriological and mycobacterial cultures were negative, while Scedosporium genus grew in the fungal cultures of the both samples. Isolates were identified as Scedosporium apiospermum/Pseudallescheria boydii with MALDI Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany) system and Scedosporium boydi by sequence analysis of the ITS region. The antifungal susceptibility tests were performed according to CLSI M38-A2 criteria, and were evaluated at the 72nd hour. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of fluconazole, caspofungin, amphotericin B, itraconazole, vorikonazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole were > 64 µg/ml, 16 µg/ml, 4 µg/ml, 16 µg/ml, 0.25 µg/ml, 2 µg/ml and 0.25 µg/ml, respectively. Voriconazole and terbinafine treatment was initiated. In the control performed in the 9th month of the treatment, it was observed that the complaints of discharge, pain and swelling were resolved, pain and swelling complaints were recovered, fistula tracts were closed and joint movements were painless. In the control MRI performed at 15th and 18th months, it was observed that there was no soft tissue involvement and the findings were compatible with osteoarthritis after infective osteomyelitis. This case whose longterm complaints improved with mycological diagnosis and appropriate treatment; reveals the importance of keeping mycological diagnosis in mind in chronic bone and soft tissue infections. Identifying the fungus to the genus and species level and arranging the treatment according to the antifungal susceptibility test results are very important in patient management.

The importance of diffusion apparent diffusion coefficient values in the evaluation of soft tissue sarcomas after treatment.

PURPOSE: In our study, we aimed to show the efficiency of diffusion-weighted images at different b-values and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the differentiation of recurrent tumours from post-treatment tissue changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The conventional and diffusion magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 42 patients operated for soft tissue sarcomas between June 2012 and March 2015 followed up with MRIs that were evaluated by 2 radiologists retrospectively. Diffusion MRIs were acquired at 4 different b-values (50, 400, 800, 1000 s/mm2). The lesions were classified according to conventional MRI findings as post-treatment changes and recurrent tumours. RESULTS: When the patient group with recurrent tumours was compared with the patient group with postoperative changes the ADC calculations were statistically significantly lower for the recurrent tumours at all b-levels (p < 0.001 for all b-levels). The sensitivity of b-50 values lower than 3.01 × 103 mm2/s in showing recurrent tumours was 100% and the specificity was 77.78%. The sensitivity of b-400 values lower than 2.1 × 103 mm2/s in showing recurrent tumours was 80% and the specificity was 96.3%. The sensitivity of b-800 values lower than 2.26 × 103 mm2/s in showing recurrent tumours was 100% and the specificity was 88.89%. The sensitivity of b-1000 values lower than 2 × 103 mm2/s in showing recurrent tumours was 93.3% and the specificity was 92.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The ADC values obtained from diffusion-weighted images have high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating recurring soft tissue sarcomas during monitoring after treatment from postoperative changes.

Evaluation of Teicoplanin Resistance Detected by Automated System in Coagulase Negative Staphylococci: A Comparison with Gradient Test and Broth Microdilution Methods.

Upon the observation of an increase in teicoplanin resistance rates in coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates determined by the automated system, we aimed to compare the automated system and gradient test methods with the gold standard broth microdilution method. In addition, the effect of standard antimicrobial susceptibility guidelines on teicoplanin susceptibility test results in CoNS was investigated. A total of 81 CoNS isolates, 52 resistant and 29 susceptible to teicoplanin determined by automated system (Phoenix, Becton Dickinson, USA), were tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined by gradient test (M.I.C. Evaluators, OXOID, UK) and broth microdilution methods. Susceptibility categories were determined according to EUCAST and CLSI criteria and the results were compared. Among 29 isolates found to be susceptible by automated system, one isolate was found resistant by gradient and broth microdilution tests. Of the 52 resistant isolates determined by automated system, 12 (23%) were found to be resistant by gradient test and 22 (42.3%) were resistant by broth microdilution. According to CLSI criteria, no resistant isolates were detected by broth microdilution and six isolates were intermediately susceptible while, two isolates were detected to be resistant and five isolates were found to be intermediately susceptible by the gradient test. In conclusion, compared to microdilution, teicoplanin resistance was detected at a higher rate in CoNS isolates by the automated system used. On the other hand, the gradient test method which is frequently used for confirmation was not reliable in MIC values close to the EUCAST breakpoint values (4 µg/mL). In addition, lower resistance rates were observed when the CLSI breakpoints were used in gradient test and broth microdilution methods.

[Investigation of high-risk ST131 clone in ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates isolated from urine and non-urinary clinical specimens with MALDI-TOF MS and real time PCR]. / Idrar ve idrar disi klinik örneklerden izole edilen GSBL üreten Escherichia coli izolatlarinda yüksek riskli ST131 klonunun MALDI-TOF MS ve gerçek zamanli PCR ile arastirilmasi.

In recent years, the ST131 clone was identified as a high risk pandemic clone among Escherichia coli isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) studies and has been associated with extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production (often with CTX-M-15) and antibiotic resistance especially against fluoroquinolones. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of high risk ST131 clone in ESBL producing E.coli isolates in our region, to investigate the sensitivity of MALDI-TOF MS in the detection of ST131 clone, and to compare the frequency of antimicrobial resistance among ST131 and non-ST131 isolates. A total of 251 urinary and 50 non-urinary E.coli isolates identified in our hospital central laboratory between February 2016-February 2017 were included in the study. Real-time PCR and MALDI-TOF MS methods were used for the detection of E.coli ST131 clone. For the statistical evaluation of the rate of antibiotic resistance among isolates of ST131 and non-ST131 clones, chi-square test was used. p value under 0.05 was considered as significant. Of the 301 isolates, 110 (36.6%) and 92 (30.6%) isolates were identified as ST131 clone by real-time PCR and MALDI-TOF MS, respectively. According to real-time PCR results, 91 (36.3%) of 251 urinary isolates and 19 (38%) of 50 non-urinary isolates were found as ST131 clone; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Ciprofloxacin resistance was found to be significantly higher in ST131 isolates than the non-ST131 isolates (78.2%, n= 86 vs. 53.4%, n= 102). No statistically significant difference was determined for the other antibiotics tested. For the detection of E.coli ST131 clone; sensitivity of MALDI-TOF MS was 84%, specificity was 100% while positive predictive value was 100% and negative predictive value was 92%. In conclusion, further investigation of the high risk E.coli ST131 clone in our country, in which ESBL ratios and antibiotic resistance rates, especially in fluoroquinolones, are high, is important for the development of new strategies to control antibiotic resistance. MALDI-TOF MS method is particularly useful for easy and fast detection of the high risk E.coli ST131 clone.

The use of rapid antigen testing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry in the diagnosis of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci in throat swab samples

Background/aim: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a rapid antigen test in detecting group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS) in throat samples in comparison with the culture method and to compare the efficiency of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and traditional methods in identifying GAS in cultures. Materials and methods: A total of 3668 throat samples from patients with a prediagnosis of tonsillopharyngitis were assessed by the QuickVue+Strep A antigen test and culture. For GAS identification from cultures, bacitracin sensitivity, PYR, and latex agglutination tests and MALDI-TOF MS were used. Results: A total of 567 (15.5%) and 536 (14.6%) of the samples were positive for GAS culture and rapid antigen testing, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the rapid antigen test compared to culture was 89.07% and 99%, respectively, while positive and negative predictive values were 94.22% and 98.02%. Traditional methods were in full concordance with MALDI-TOF-MS for all 567 isolates. In all densities of growth in culture, the time to diagnosis with MALDI-TOF MS was significantly lower than with traditional identification tests. Conclusion: This study shows that both the rapid antigen testing of samples and bacterial identification with MALDI-TOF MS contribute much to the rapid diagnosis of GAS tonsillopharyngitis.

High Genetic Diversity among Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolates from Single Hospital: Nosocomial Outbreaks or Genotypic Profile Changes during Subcultures.

BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a non-fermentative gram-negative bacillus which is widely recognised as an important nosocomial pathogen causing pneumonia, blood-stream, wound and urinary tract infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate a nosocomial outbreak of by S. maltophilia in an intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital and evaluate unexpected multiclonality. METHODS: A total of 11 isolates from respiratory cultures in intensive care unit of a 24 bed tertiary hospital obtained over a one months period and one isolate obtained from the nebuliser during environmental screening were investigated. The bacteria were identified by Phoenix 100 system. The clonal relatedness was evaluated by PFGE and semi-automated repetitive sequence-based PCR. Genotyping tests were repeated for 10 serial subcultures. RESULTS: PFGE and DiversiLab yielded 10 genotypic profiles for 12 isolates. Four to eight different genotypes were observed from 10 subcultures of the same isolate. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, high genetic diversity and supposed multiclonal appearance of the outbreak isolates may be due to changing profiles during subcultures most probably depending on hypermutation.

[Evaluation of Mascia Brunelli rapid antigen test in the diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis]. / A grubu beta-hemolitik streptokok farenjiti tanisinda Mascia Brunelli hizli antijen testinin degerlendirilmesi.

Pharyngitis in most cases is due to viral microorganisms however drug therapy without the detection of etiological agent leads to unnecessary use of antibiotics. On the other hand, when the etiologic agent is group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS) it is important to identify the etiologic agent rapidly which will guide the treatment with appropriate antibiotics. The use of highly sensitive rapid tests will contribute significantly to early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Mascia Brunelli rapid antigen test for the detection of GAS in throat swab samples. A total of 833 throat swab samples submitted to our laboratory with pre-diagnosis of pharyngitis were assessed between June 2016 and August 2016. The samples were simultaneously cultured and tested by rapid Mascia Brunelli Strep-A Card (Mascia Brunelli S.p.a, Italy). For identification, bacitracin sensitivity, PYR test and latex agglutination test in addition to Bruker MALDI-TOF MS (Daltonics, Germany) system were used. The density of GAS growth in the culture was noted. The samples that were false negative with Mascia Brunelli test were re-tested with QuickVue + Strep A Test (Quidel Corporation, San Diego, USA) rapid antigen test. A total of 833 patients, 376 (45.2%) female and 457 (54.8%) male were included in the study. The age range was between 0-94 years with a mean value of 7.86 ± 6.72. 125 (15%) and 94 (11.28%) of the samples were positive with culture and rapid antigen test, respectively. Mascia Brunelli antigen test gave negative results for 31 culture positive samples. Of these 31 samples, 28 were found positive by QuickVue + Strep A antigen test. As a result, the sensitivity of the test was found to be independent of the inoculum effect. The culture positivity rate in patients between 5-15 years was 18.4%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and the accuracy of Mascia Brunelli antigen test, with respect to culture, were 75.2%, 100%, 100%, 95.81% and 96.28%, respectively. In conclusion, the selection of rapid antigen tests with high sensitivity in the diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis will contribute to the prevention of resistance development by appropriate use of antibiotics as well as early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, confirmation of negative rapid antigen test results by culture is very important in terms of false diagnosis and prevention of incomplete treatment.

[Femoral hemodialysis catheter-related bacteremia due to Globicatella sanguinis: challenges in species identification]. / Femoral hemodiyaliz kateteri ile iliskili Globicatella sanguinis bakteremisi: tür düzeyinde tanimlamada karsilasilan sorunlar.

In this case, catheter-related bacteremia due to Globicatella sanguinis in a 43 years old female patient undergoing hemodialysis with the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy was presented and the methods in the laboratory diagnosis of the rare opportunistic pathogen, Globicatella cins, were nvestigated. A set of peripheral blood cultures and simultaneous catheter culture was obtained from the patient in third of May 2016. Biochemical tests, Phoenix (Becton Dickinson, USA) and MicroScan (Beckman Coulter, USA) automated systems and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) based Microflex MS (Bruker, Daltonics, Germany) and VITEK MS (database v2.0) (bioMérieux, France) systems were used for the identification of the cultured bacteria. Partial 16S rDNA sequencing was done by using specific p8FPL 5'-AGT TTG ATC ATG GCT CAG-3' and p806R 5'-GGA CTA CCA GGG TAT CTA AT-3' primers. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for vancomycin, erythromycin, imipenem, cefotaxime and benzypenicillin were determined by agar gradient method. The blood and catheter cultures yielded the same type of bacterial colonies. Alfa-hemolytic, catalase negative colonies observed on blood agar plates after an over night incubation yielded gram-positive cocci on Gram staining. In Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Hospital, the isolate was identifed as G.sulfidifaciens (score value > 2) by Bruker MS system and as G.sanguinis by Phoenix automated system. In Inönü University, the isolate could not be identified by Microscan automated system while VITEK MS named the isolate as 99.9% G.sanguinis and 98.3% G.sulfidifaciens. The 16S rDNA sequencing identifed the isolate as 100% G.sanguinis (GenBank accessionno. KJ680157.1). The MIC values were 0.38 µg/ml, 1.5 µg/ml, 0.38 µg/ml, > 32 µg/ml and 64 µg/ml for vancomycin, eryrthromycin, imipenem, cefotaxime and benzylpenicillin, respectively. The patient was diagnosed as catheter-related bacteremia and vancomycin (1 x 1 g IV/72 h) was used for up to 10 days. No fever and bacterial growth in cultures were present in her control visits. As G.sanguinis is not among the commonly encountered pathogens and due to difficulties in laboratory diagnosis, it may be missedor mis-identified in clinical laboratories. BD Phoenix and Bruker MS data bases lack G.sulfidifaciens and G.sanguinis, respectively, while the Globicatella genus is not present in MicroScan database. The increased number of medical implementations and the increasing number of immunosuppressed patient populations in recenty ears will lead to the emergence of rare bacteria. Increasing the diagnostic power of clinical microbiology laboratories by conventional and molecular methods and renewal of the databases of commercial identification systems by expanding the pathogen spectrum are significantly important for the prevention and control of infections caused by these agents.

[Results of a multicenter study investigating plasmid mediated colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 and mcr-2) in clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from Turkey]. / Ülkemizde klinik Enterobacteriaceae izolatlarinda plazmit aracili kolistin direnç genlerini (mcr-1 ve mcr-2) arastiran çok merkezli çalismaya ait sonuçlar.

Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic which is considered as one of the last line agents against infections due to multidrug resistant or carbapenem resistant gram-negative pathogens. Colistin resistance is associated with chromosomal alterations which can usually cause mutations in genes coding specific two component regulator systems. The first plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene, mcr-1 was described in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in December 2015 and followed by another plasmid-mediated colistin resistance gene mcr-2 in 2016. The rapid and interspecies dissemination of plasmid-mediated resistance mechanisms through horizontal gene transfer, have made these genes considerably threatening. After the first reports, although mcr-1/mcr-2 producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates have been reported from many countries, there have been no reports from Turkey. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mcr-1/mcr-2 in clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates from different parts of our country. A total of 329 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from 22 laboratories were collected which were isolated between March, 2015 and February, 2016. mcr-1/mcr-2 were investigated by polymerase chain reaction during February-March, 2016. Two hundred and seventeen of Klebsiella pneumoniae (66%), 75 of Salmonella spp. (22.8%), 31 of Esherichia coli (9.4%), 3 of Enterobacter cloacae (0.9%), 2 of Klebsiella oxytoca (0.6%) and 1 of Enterobacter aerogenes (0.3%) isolates were included to the study. Agarose gel electrophoresis results of PCR studies have shown expected band sizes for positive control isolates as 309 bp for mcr-1 and 567 bp for mcr-2. However, the presence of mcr-1/mcr-2 genes was not detected among the tested study isolates of Enterobacteriaceae. Although mcr-1/mcr-2 were not detected in our study isolates, it is highly important to understand the mechanism of resistance dissemination and determine the resistant isolates by considering that colistin is a last-line antibiotic against infections of multidrug or carbapenem resistant gram-negative bacteria. Thus, it is suggested that these mechanisms should be followed-up in both clinical and non-clinical (e.g. isolates from food animals, raw meats and environment) isolates of special populations.

Platelet and mean platelet volume kinetics in adult patients with sepsis.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the kinetics of platelet counts and mean platelet volume (MPV) in adults with sepsis and to determine whether the responses are infection-specific. This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to a tertiary-care teaching hospital with microbiologically proven nosocomial sepsis between January 2006 and January 2011. Platelet counts and MPV measurements were examined daily for 5 days after the onset of sepsis. During the study period, 151 of the 214 sepsis episodes were associated with thrombocytopenia. Gram-positive microorganisms were the most frequently isolated. The decrease in platelet counts was statistically significant for the first 3 days of sepsis in Gram-positive septic patients, for 4 days in Gram-negative septic patients and for all 5 days in fungal septic patients (p < 0.001). The increase in MPV values was statistically significant for the first 3 days of sepsis in Gram-positive septic patients and for all 5 days in the other groups (p < 0.001). We conclude that fungal sepsis has a stronger association with thrombocytopenia and increased MPV.

MRI analysis of coracohumeral interval width and its relation to rotator cuff tear.

OBJECTIVE: Coracoid impingement is an uncommon cause of the shoulder pain. It is stimulated by adduction, internal rotation and forward flexion. These positions decrease the width of the coracohumeral interval. Owing to restriction of movement, rotator cuff tendons may be overloaded. Thus, in this study, we aimed to determine whether coracoid impingement increase the tendency of rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Routine clinical MRI sequences of 117 shoulders were reviewed, and axial coracohumeral interval measurements were taken. Rotator cuff tendon integrity was evaluated. Relation between rotator cuff tear and coracohumeral interval width was commented statically. RESULTS: Seventy-nine of the patients were women, 38 of them men. The average age was 44.8 ± 14.2 (14-75). The mean age of patients with rotator cuff tear was significantly higher than patients without tear (p = 0.001). The mean value of coracohumeral interval width was 8.853 ± 2.491 mm (min: 2.9-max: 15.8). There were no significant differences between coracohumeral interval width of women and men (p = 0.139). The mean value of coracohumeral interval width with rotator cuff tear was 8.362 ± 2.382, and without tear was 9.351 ± 2.520. There was a significant differences between them (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: According to our study, there was a relationship between coracohumeral interval width and rotator cuff tear, so decreasing coracohumeral interval width may increase tendency of rotator cuff tear.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Childhood Period Nasopharynx Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rarely seen tumor in childhood. It is mostly detected late as the clinical features are similar to other childhood tumors which affect the nasopharynx and adenoidal hypertrophy. Therefore, the radiological features of childhood tumors of the nasopharynx must be well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of MR imaging features of childhood nasopharynx cancer. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study included 10 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients under the age of 18 years who presented at hospital between February 2008 and March 2014 and who had tissue diagnosis and MRI of the nasopharynx region. The MRI scans were evaluated by two radiologists. Loco-regional spread, asymmetry, signal intensity of the tumors, and lymph nodes were evaluated. RESULTS: In all the patients there was a mass which narrowed the nasopharynx. In all cases, unilateral mastoid opacification was observed. In 9 cases (90%), parapharyngeal extension was found. In 8 cases (80%), the mass showed an extension into the nasal cavity or oropharynx. In 5 cases (50%), there was an involvement of the skull base. In 3 patients (30%), an extension to the masticator space and pterygopalatine fossa was found. There were enlarged cervical lymph nodes bilaterally in 10 cases (100%). In 4 cases (40%), a lateral retropharyngeal lymph node was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood nasopharyngeal cancers are often diagnosed at an advanced stage. MR imaging can be helpful in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of childhood nasopharynx cancer from other diseases of the nasopharynx.