Microbiological studies of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) from the Puck Bay, southern Baltic Sea.

In summer 2017 numerous dead round gobies ( Neogobius melanostomus) and individuals covered with white coating were observed in the Puck Bay. The aim of our research was to determine the microbiological composition of the round goby from the Puck Bay, focusing on the presence of pathogens. Bacteria were identified by biochemical methods and, by sequencing of 16S rRNA. The dominant bacterial species were Shewanella baltica, Pseudomonas spp. and Aeromonas spp. - opportunistic pathogens, commonly present in many fish species, which may become harmful for the organism in unfavorable conditions. It was the first trial to determine the composition of the bacterial flora of N. melanostomus from that area.

Saduria entomon infected with Hysterothylacium aduncum found in situ in the stomach of cod (Gadus morhua) from the Baltic Sea.

The parasite fauna of cod (Gadus morhus) is well described, but the life cycles of Baltic cod parasites are known only in general terms. Invertebrates commonly found in the stomach of cod are recognized as intermediate hosts in the life cycles of nematodes or acanthocephalans. The aim of this study was to determine the source of infection of Baltic cod with parasites found in situ in invertebrates present in the cod stomach. Our results indicate that Saduria entomon is both a source of infection of Baltic cod with parasites and an intermediate host in the life cycle of Hysterothylacium aduncum in the Baltic Sea.

Postantibiotic effect and postantibiotic sub-MIC effect of LTX-109 and mupirocin on Staphylococcus aureus blood isolates.

The development of new synthetic antimicrobial peptides like LTX-109 provides a new class of drugs for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections. We evaluated LTX-109 and mupirocin for pharmacodynamic parameters against 10 methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates. The postantibiotic effect (PAE) is defined as the length of time that bacterial growth is suppressed following a brief exposure to an antibiotic. We also determined the sub-MIC effect (SME) which measures the direct effect of subinhibitory levels on strains that have not previously been exposed to antibiotics. The postantibiotic sub-MIC effect (PA-SME) is a combination of the PAE and SME. LTX-109 had an average PAE of 5·51 h vs 1·04 h for mupirocin. The PA-SME of LTX-109 ranged from 2·51 to 9·33 h as the concentration increased from 0·2 to 0·4 times the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The PA-SME range for mupirocin was 0·93-2·58 h. LTX-109, as compared to mupirocin, demonstrated prolonged time of effect for these pharmacodynamic parameters, which supports persistent activity for several hours after the drug is no longer present or is below the MIC. The pharmacodynamic parameters studied here suggest that LTX-109 is less likely than mupirocin to generate resistance to S. aureus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Resistant bacterial infections continue to be a challenge for clinicians. Identification of antibiotics with pharmacodynamic advantages may be beneficial in the treatment of these infections. An antibiotic with a longer postantibiotic effect may be able to be administered less frequently resulting in improved adherence. In this study, a new synthetic antimicrobial peptide, LTX-109, demonstrated a more prolonged time for LTX-109 than mupirocin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Correlative light and electron microscopy reveals discrepancy between gold and fluorescence labelling.

Electron microscopy (EM) is traditionally employed as a follow-up to fluorescence microscopy (FM) to resolve the cellular ultrastructures wherein fluorescently labelled biomolecules reside. In order to translate the information derived from FM studies to EM analysis, biomolecules of interest must be identified in a manner compatible with EM. Although fluorescent signals can serve this purpose when FM is combined with EM in correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), the traditional immunogold labelling remains commonly used in this context. In order to investigate how much these two strategies relate, we have directly compared the subcellular localization of on-section fluorescence labelling with on-section immunogold labelling. In addition to antibody labelling of LAMP-1, bioorthogonal click labelling was used to localize soluble cysteine cathepsins or membrane-associated sialylated glycans. We reveal and characterize the existence of inherent discrepancies between the fluorescence signal and the distribution of gold particles in particular in the case of membrane-associated antigens.

Personality traits as an endophenotype in genetic studies on suicidality in bipolar disorder.

Introduction The influence of personality traits on suicidal behaviour risk has been well documented. Personality traits and suicidal behaviour are partially genetically determined and personality has been described as an endophenotype of suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between personality traits with suicidal behaviour and selected serotonergic gene polymorphisms. METHODS: In the study we included 156 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder (BP) and 93 healthy controls. The personality dimensions were assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). We genotyped two selected polymorphisms of the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene (rs1800532 218A>C and rs1799913 779A>C) and polymorphism in the promoter region of serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR, rs25531) related to serotoninergic neurotransmission. Multiple poisson regression, logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied. RESULTS: We found numerous differences between the BP patients and the control group in terms of their TCI dimensions/subdimensions. Significant differences were found between patients with, and without, suicidal attempts in fatigability and asthenia (Ha4), as well as in harm avoidance (Ha). We also found that the interactions between TCI subdimensions (the interaction of disordiness (Ns4) and spiritual acceptance (St3), disordiness (Ns4) and integrated conscience (C5), extravagance (Ns3) and resourcefulness (Sd3)) were significantly contributing for suicidal behaviour risk. We found association between all studied genetic polymorphisms and several TCI dimensions and subdimensions. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that personality traits are partially determined by genes. Both personality traits and the interactions between temperament and character traits, may be helpful in predicting suicidal behaviour.

Cardiovascular effects of exogenous adrenomedullin and CGRP in Ramp and Calcrl deficient mice.

Adrenomedullin (AM) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are potent vasodilator peptides and serve as ligands for the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR/Calcrl). Three GPCR accessory proteins called receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) modify the ligand binding affinity of the receptor such that the CLR/RAMP1 heterodimer preferably binds CGRP, while CLR/RAMP2 and CLR/RAMP3 have a stronger affinity for AM. Here we determine the contribution of each of the three RAMPs to blood pressure control in response to exogenous AM and CGRP by measuring the blood pressure of mice with genetic reduction or deletion of the receptor components. Thus, the cardiovascular response of Ramp1-/-, Ramp2+/-, Ramp3-/-, Ramp1-/-/Ramp3-/- double-knockout (dKO), and Calcrl+/- mice to AM and CGRP were compared to wildtype mice. While under anesthesia, Ramp1-/- male mice had significantly higher basal blood pressure than wildtype males; a difference which was not present in female mice. Additionally, anesthetized Ramp1-/-, Ramp3-/-, and Calcrl+/- male mice exhibited significantly higher basal blood pressure than females of the same genotype. The hypotensive response to intravenously injected AM was greatly attenuated in Ramp1-/- mice, and to a lesser extent in Ramp3-/- and Calcrl+/- mice. However, Ramp1-/-/Ramp3-/- dKO mice retained some hypotensive response to AM. These results suggest that the hypotensive effect of AM is primarily mediated through the CLR/RAMP1 heterodimer, but that AM signaling via CLR/RAMP2 and CLR/RAMP3 also contributes to some hypotensive action. On the other hand, CGRP's hypotensive activity seems to be predominantly through the CLR/RAMP1 heterodimer. With this knowledge, therapeutic AM or CGRP peptides could be designed to cause less hypotension while maintaining canonical receptor-RAMP mediated signaling.

Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae colonisation in respiratory tract secretions of military personnel.

Respiratory tract infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae are an important cause of morbidity and mortality among military personnel. A sensitive method is needed to determine the prevalence of S. pneumoniae colonisation in respiratory secretions, as well as its role in pneumonia without an established aetiology. This study investigated the efficacy of two PCR assays in screening military personnel for S. pneumoniae colonisation. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 200 military personnel and tested for S. pneumoniae by culture and PCR. S. pneumoniae was cultured from three (1.5%) of the 200 samples. PCR for the lytA gene detected S. pneumoniae in 11% of the samples, while PCR for the pneumolysin gene detected S. pneumoniae in 3% of the samples. The sensitivity and negative predictive values were 100% for both PCR assays when compared to culture; the specificity and positive predictive values for the lytA PCR were 90.4% and 13.6%, respectively, compared with 98.5% and 50%, respectively, for the pneumolysin gene PCR. It was concluded that respiratory tract colonisation of military personnel with S. pneumoniae can be identified rapidly and reliably by PCR assays. The use of this technique may greatly enhance the ability to identify a microbial aetiology for pneumonia when compared with conventional culture methods.

Recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in patients after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease that progresses to end-stage liver disease. There are several specific problems related to the posttransplantation period in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze a single center experience with 17 orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) due to PSC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients were included (10 men, 7 women). Actuarial patient and graft survival rates and the incidence of recurrent sclerosing cholangitis were determined at 1, 5, and 7 years. RESULTS: Fifteen patients received single grafts, whereas two patients required retransplants. Patients received either cyclosporine (n = 7) or tacrolimus (n = 10) based immunosuppression. The 1-, 5-, and 7-year patient survival rates were 80%, 60%, and 60%, respectively, whereas the graft survival rates were 88%, 65%, and 65%, respectively. Two patients had cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) diagnosed during OLT; both recurred within 6 months and had a fatal outcome. Two patients (12%) developed recurrent sclerosing cholangitis, as assessed by liver histology and imaging of biliary tree. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplantation provides good patient and graft survival rates in cases affected with PSC. CCA is associated with poor recipient survival. Recurrent PSC occurs in approximately 12% of cases but does not significantly affect patient survival.

Apoptosis phenomenon in the selected neoplasms of the glial origin.

Gliomas cause a therapeutic problem because of their localization and asymptomatic growth in the initial phase. Neoplastic growth is connected with disturbance between proliferation and apoptosis. In the study, we assessed the Bcl-2 family proteins involved in apoptosis in gliomas. The study comprised 61 patients with gliomas and based on tissue material sent for the diagnosis. Apoptosis was assessed in various types of gliomas and was defined by the apoptotic index (IA) and shown immunohistochemically with using Bcl-2, Bax and Bcl-x antibodies. The data were statistically analyzed. We found an increased percentage of the Bax (+) cells in less matured gliomas. A reverse dependence was revealed for Bcl-x. It was found that, probably in gliomas, the assessment of the Bcl-2 family proteins may serve only as an additional parameter for the evaluation of the disease course and the therapeutic success.

Expression of Ki-67, PCNA and MPM2 antigens in follicular cells of the thyroid gland after iodotherapy.

Hyperfunctional nodular goitre is the most common thyroid non-neoplastic condition in endemic areas. Iodotherapy is the basic method in thyroid gland hyperfunction treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate proliferation of thyroid follicular cells in nodular goitre after iodotherapy. The study was carried out on 32 women, 30-76 years old. Cytological and immunohistochemical evaluations were based on the material, obtained by Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB). Proliferative activity was immunohistochemically assessed. The influence of radioiodine on thyroid follicular cells was evaluated as a difference between the proliferation of follicular cells before and after its application. It was concluded that the proliferative activity of thyroid follicular cells decreased considerably after radioiodine therapy.

Intracerebral varicella-zoster virus reactivation in congenital varicella syndrome.

Patients with congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) typically present with clinical symptoms consisting of skin lesions, neurological defects, eye diseases, and/or limb hypoplasia. In rare cases, isolated manifestations in the brain or eye have been reported. The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), as the causative agent of CVS, could only be detected in a few infants with CVS. In addition, there is little in the literature on antiviral treatment of infants born with signs of CVS. We report a case of CVS in a male infant who presented with generalized clonic cerebral seizures at age 4 months. An endogenous intracerebral viral reactivation following intrauterine VZV infection was assumed. After the diagnosis was confirmed virologically, acyclovir was administered intravenously for 10 days and afterwards orally for 3 weeks. This antiviral treatment was aimed at preventing progression of the disease. We concluded from this case that infants with intrauterine VZV infection can suffer intracerebral VZV reactivations that require antiviral treatment.

Biochemical assessment of the early liver graft function in relation to selected donor parameters.

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of liver grafts procured from "marginal donors." Among 62 liver transplants in 2002, almost half were harvested from donors who were not deemed acceptable by other transplant units. The authors compared the data concerning the donor's status with the function of the transplanted liver. The relations between individual parameters were estimated, as well as the differences between two groups of recipients: those who received a graft from the "poorer" donors versus those who received "better" grafts. Regardless of the relations between particular parameters a statistical analysis revealed that differences of liver function that were detected during the first 5 days after transplantation disappeared thereafter.

Comparison of the results of liver transplantation for elective versus urgent indications.

The authors present an analysis of early and remote liver transplantation outcomes related to the presence of emergent indications among 196 of the 209 operations performed from 1989 to April 2003; namely 178 elective and 18 emergent transplantations. Perioperative mortality was 15%. The survival rate during the first 12 months was 79.8% and within 3 years 73.5% among patients operated on an elective basis (UNOS 3 and 2B). In contrast, patients with acute liver failure (UNOS 1 and 2A) showed rates of 45%, 50%, and 47%, respectively. Liver transplant outcomes depend primarily on the urgency of an operation. Longterm results are much better among patients operated on electively. Liver transplantation in patients with acute hepatic insufficiency is burdened with a high 45% mortality.

Results of liver transplantation according to indications for orthotopic liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the results of liver transplantation in patients with a variety of different indications. METHODS: From 1989 to April 2003, 209 orthotopic liver transplantations (OLTx) were performed on 196 patients, including 178 cases. The diagnoses were: PBC (n = 34); PSC (n = 13); elective postinflammatory cirrhosis in the course of hepatitis C (n = 29); hepatitis B (n = 16); postalcoholic cirrhosis (n = 23), autoimmune cirrhosis (n = 11); Wilson's disease (n = 6); cirrhosis of unknown etiology (n = 10); secondary biliary cirrhosis (n = 5); Budd-Chiari syndrome (n = 6); and benign liver neoplasms (n = 7). RESULTS: The 3-year survival rate in the group of patients transplanted electively was 74.1%. In other groups it was: PBC, 91.4%; PSC, 69.2%; hepatitis C, 69.6%; hepatitis B, 55.5%; postalcoholic cirrhosis, 80%; autoimmune cirrhosis, 81.8%; Wilson's disease, 57.1%; secondary biliary cirrhosis, 40%; Budd-Chiari syndrome, 66.6%; hemochromatosis, 100%; benign neoplasms of the liver, 87.5%; and liver cysts, 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Results of liver transplantation were closely related to the urgency of the procedure. Better results were achieved in patients operated upon routinely compared with in those operated upon emergently (74.1% vs 50%). The best results of liver transplantation were achieved in patients transplanted on a routine basis with a diagnosis of PBC (91.4%), autoimmunologic cirrhosis (81.1%), postalcoholic cirrhosis (80%), or hemochoromatosis (100%). Patients with liver insufficiency due to hepatitis B and Wilson's disease have an increased risk of graft destruction, and the rate of survival in these patients is significantly lower than in other patients.

The impact of experience of a transplantation center on the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplantation.

The so-called learning factor has been disregarded for many years in analyzing the causes of surgical complications and post-operative mortality; it is also the case for OLT. In our center until April 2003, 209 OLT were performed in 196 patients. We evaluated the impact of experience of the transplantation team on the outcomes of liver transplantation. Thirty-four patients died (mortality rate, 16%) and 1-year survival rate, 64%. Mortality rates varied during different periods of observation due to increasing experience of the transplantation team. The causes of mortality were assessed for a series of 34 patients: it was 75% at the beginning of transplantation procedures while recent deaths have not recently exceeded 10% of cases.

Resistance of gram-positive pathogens to antibiotics is a therapeutic challenge after liver transplantation: clinical experience in one center with linezolid.

BACKGROUND: Orthotopic liver transplantation has become an established therapeutic option for a large variety of fulminant and chronic liver diseases. Postoperative infections are the major cause of morbidity and the leading cause of mortality. The microbes responsible for these severe infections are predominantly gram-positive. METHODS: This article reviews results of linezolid therapy based on the clinical characteristics, microbial features, and outcomes of severe bacterial infections due to known or suspected resistant gram-positive species in selected liver allograft recipients. RESULTS: Among the 7 patients who received linezolid, methacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. was isolated from 3, no pathogen from 2 patients, and serious pulmonary infection in 2 patients, 1 of whom had to be reintubated due to of respiratory failure. Cholangitis observed in 5 of 7 patients was caused by enterococci and staphylococci with septicemia in 1 subject. All patients demonstrated clinical improvement; microbiological eradication was observed in 4 patients. The majority of reported adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity. No potential drug interactions were observed between linezolid and concomitant medication. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, linezolid proved to be effective and well tolerated. In summary, linezolid may represent an effective and safe antimicrobial agent for the treatment of infections due to susceptible and resistant gram-postive bacteria after solid organ transplantation.

Vascular complications after liver transplantation.

Vascular complications following liver transplantation is reviewed based upon literature data and our own results. Our study conclusions are mostly based on literature data, because our center does not have the liver transplantation experience of other centers worldwide. Thus, we may conclude, that the number and character of complications does not differ from those reported by other centers. The enbloc technique used in liver harvesting minimizes the risk of arterial damage in case of vascular anomalies. Recipient retransplantation is the most effective treatment method in cases of hepatic arterial occlusion. Doppler ultrasound examinations are effective to monitor vascular blood flow in the transplanted liver.

Biliary tract complications following liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Biliary tract complications, which occur in 5.8% to 24.5% of adult liver transplant recipients, remain one of the most common problems following transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate these problems and analyze methods of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1989 to 2003, 36 (18.7%) among 193 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantations in our center developed biliary complications. Biliary strictures that developed in 18 cases (9.3%) were the most common complications. Clinical manifestations of strictures developed at 2 to 24 months after transplantation. Bile leaks occurred in 10 patients (5.2%), and were diagnosed in along the T-tube 4 cases and was not accompanied by any clinical manifestation. Bile leak to the peritoneum after T-tube removal occurred in 2 patients (1.1%). Solitary gallstone formation in one case (0.5%) was removed with the use of ECPW. One patient required retransplantation within 3 months after transplantation, because of the most severe complication-ischemic necrosis of biliary tract. RESULTS: Uneventful recovery was achieved in 34 patients in the analyzed group (94.4%). There was no case of recurrence during outpatient follow up. Two patients died in late follow-up of unrelated causes: namely, gastrointestinal bleeding due to a duodenal ulcer and multi-organ failure (MOF) due to a third severe episode of acute liver transplant rejection. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary complications remain an important problem in liver transplantation. Endoscopic and radiologic management are effective in the majority of cases. Surgical intervention is obligatory in selected cases.

Assessment of early graft function in relation to different preservation fluids--preliminary results.

The parameters of transplanted liver functions were exposed to a retrospective analysis during the past year. A group of 51 patients out of 223 were thoroughly examined, all of them having undergone orthotopic liver transplant in Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw until 1.09.2003. With transplants, two types of preservation fluids: UW (Viaspan) and Celsior were used alternatively. Liver function was assessed on the basis of the clinical feature and biochemical data. The results obtained were statistically verified. The way of fluid perfusion during the operation and the rinsing effectiveness were also evaluated, additionally the level of marked K during the reperfusion was checked. There were no statistically significant differences noticeable between both groups of recipients. Among all the liver and kidneys effectiveness parameters assessed with the recipients after OLTx, the considerable difference statistically, was visible only with the levels of AspAt, AlAt, INR and APTT during the first days and nights after the operations. Later the difference was gradually disappearing. However, in accordance with the harvesting teams' opinions, the usage of Celsior, owing to lower viscosity, allowed for faster and more exact blood rinsing from a vascular bed of the organ transplanted. The organ's even penetration was also possible. The lack of necessity to use additional stabilizers also simplified radically the harvesting technique. Celsior--the preservation fluid used in the authors' clinic meets all the requirements necessary to efficacious preservation and storage of a to be transplanted liver.