Intramuscular therapeutic doses of enrofloxacin affect microbial community structure but not the relative abundance of fluoroquinolones resistance genes in swine manure.

Livestock manure is a major source of veterinary antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Elucidation of the residual characteristics of ARGs in livestock manure following the administration of veterinary antibiotics is critical to assess their ecotoxicological effects and environmental contamination risks. Here, we investigated the effects of enrofloxacin (ENR), a fluoroquinolone antibiotic commonly used as a therapeutic drug in animal husbandry, on the characteristics of ARGs, mobile genetic elements, and microbial community structure in swine manure following its intramuscular administration for 3 days and a withdrawal period of 10 days. The results revealed the highest concentrations of ENR and ciprofloxacin (CIP) in swine manure at the end of the administration period, ENR concentrations in swine manure in groups L and H were 88.67 ± 45.46 and 219.75 ± 88.05 mg/kg DM, respectively. Approximately 15 fluoroquinolone resistance genes (FRGs) and 48 fluoroquinolone-related multidrug resistance genes (F-MRGs) were detected in swine manure; the relative abundance of the F-MRGs was considerably higher than that of the FRGs. On day 3, the relative abundance of qacA was significantly higher in group H than in group CK, and no significant differences in the relative abundance of other FRGs, F-MRGs, or MGEs were observed between the three groups on day 3 and day 13. The microbial community structure in swine manure was significantly altered on day 3, and the altered community structure was restored on day 13. The FRGs and F-MRGs with the highest relative abundance were qacA and adeF, respectively, and Clostridium and Lactobacillus were the dominant bacterial genera carrying these genes in swine manure. In summary, a single treatment of intramuscular ENR transiently increased antibiotic concentrations and altered the microbial community structure in swine manure; however, this treatment did not significantly affect the abundance of FRGs and F-MRGs.

Changes in the Human Gut Microbiome during Dietary Supplementation with Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound.

This study investigated the effects of a modified rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) as a dietary supplement on the gut microbiota of healthy adults. Ten volunteers supplemented their diet with 1 g of RBAC for six weeks and 3 g of RBAC for another six weeks, with a three-week washout period. Faecal samples were collected every 3 weeks over 21 weeks. Microbiota from faecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Assessment of alpha and beta microbiota diversity was performed using the QIIME2 platform. The results revealed that alpha and beta diversity were not associated with the experimental phase, interventional period, RBAC dosage, or time. However, the statistical significance of the participant was detected in alpha (p < 0.002) and beta (weighted unifrac, p = 0.001) diversity. Explanatory factors, including diet and lifestyle, were significantly associated with alpha (p < 0.05) and beta (p < 0.01) diversity. The individual beta diversity of six participants significantly changed (p < 0.05) during the interventional period. Seven participants showed statistically significant taxonomic changes (ANCOM W ≥ 5). These results classified four participants as responders to RBAC supplementation, with a further two participants as likely responders. In conclusion, the gut microbiome is highly individualised and modulated by RBAC as a dietary supplement, dependent on lifestyle and dietary intake.

Analysis of the polysaccharide fractions isolated from pea (Pisum sativum L.) at different levels of purification.

Crude pea (Pisum sativum L.) polysaccharides (CPPs) were extracted under ultrasound assistance, and CPP yield was highest to 6.27381%, which optimized using response surface methodology. Enzymatic method was more effective in deproteinization than Trichloroacetic acid and Sevag method, when considering the polysaccharide retention value as well as the protein clearance. Three-phase partitioning deproteinization indicated that the combination of the enzyme and Sevag method was more effective than their single use. Pea polysaccharide fractions were obtained by diethylaminoethyl-52 cellulose (W-DE-PP, N-DE-PP1, and N-DE-PP2) and Sephadex G-100 size-exclusion chromatography (W-DE-GPP, N1-DE-GPPa, and N1-DE-GPPb) in that order. Polysaccharide fractions W-DE-GPP and N1-DE-GPPa were showed a smooth surface with many cavities by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in 1,000 folds. All polysaccharides, characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and mannose, with the highest concentrations of galactose and glucose. Compared with different purification levels, N-DE-GPP showed the strongest activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radicals and the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power, which were similar to the results of W-DE-GPP. Therefore, W-DE-GPP and N-DE-GPP may be promising natural sources of antioxidants. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Recently, numerous studies on the extraction, purification, characteristics, and bioactivities of polysaccharides have been conducted. We mainly focused on the functional compounds of legumes. Comprehensive studies on pea polysaccharides are limited. Therefore, in the present study, extraction of CPPs was performed to optimize conditions using response surface methodology. Polysaccharide fractions were obtained from different purification levels and were chemically characterized using HPLC and SEM. Antioxidant activities of polysaccharides with different purification levels were determined. All the conventional methods, described in previous studies, were applied in the study. Furthermore, we analyzed and compared the characteristics of polysaccharides at different purification levels. We believe that our results would likely supplement the fundamental studies on pea polysaccharides.

Narratives on why pregnant women delay seeking maternal health care during delivery and obstetric complications in rural Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Despite the many maternal healthcare policy programmes in Ghana such as free the antenatal care (ANC) and the fee-exemption policy under the National Health Insurance Scheme, among others, the country has yet to make substantial improvements in addressing low skilled care utilisation in pregnancy and delivery. From previous studies, maternal mortality has been linked to women's healthcare decision-making power at the household level in many low and middle-income countries. Thus, a pregnant women's ability to choose a healthcare provider, act on her preferences, and to be sufficiently financially empowered to take the lead in deciding on reproductive and pregnancy care has significant effects on service utilisation outcomes. Therefore, we explored rural community-level barriers to seeking care related to obstetric complications and delivery from the perspectives of mothers, youth, opinion leaders and healthcare providers in Nadowli-Kaleo and Daffiama-Bussie-Issa districts in the Upper West Region of Ghana. METHODS: This exploratory qualitative study was based on the narratives of women, health providers and community stakeholders regarding the expectant women's autonomy to decide and utilise maternal care. To achieve maximal diversity of responses, purposive sampling procedures were followed in selecting 16 health professionals, three traditional birth attendants and 240 community members (opinion leaders, youth and non-pregnant women) who participated in individual depth interviews and focus group discussions. RESULTS: Women's lack of autonomy to seek care without prior permission, perceived quality care of traditional birth attendants, stigmatisation of unplanned pregnancies and cultural beliefs associated with late disclosure of childbirth labour all delayed mothers timely use of skilled care in the study communities. These barriers compounded problems arising from communities that are geographically isolated from hospital care. CONCLUSIONS: Decisions about seeking maternal care were usually made by the expectant woman's husband and family without providing adequate support to pregnant women during the latter stages of pregnancy and delivery. We conclude that this is primarily a cultural issue. The study recommends a change in the approach to community-level health education campaigns for maximum impacts through the increased involvement of men and families in health service delivery and utilisation.

[Evaluation of the efficacy of acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen on delayed neuropathological sequelae after carbon monoxide poisoning by using mTI-ASL imaging].

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative assessment of white blood flow in semi-oval center of patients with delayed neuropathological sequelae (DNS) after carbon monoxide poisoning treated with acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) based on magnetic resonance multi-inversion time arterial spin labeling imaging (mTI-ASL), and to evaluate its efficacy indirectly. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with clinically diagnosed DNS were randomly divided into an observation group (13 cases) and a control group (13 cases). The conventional therapy combined with HBO were given in the control group. In the observation group,on the base of the treatment, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture was applied, the main acupoints were Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6), Baihui (GV 20), Shangxing (GV 23), Yintang (GV 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on the affected side, Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Fenglong (ST 40), Lianquan (CV 23) and Jinjin (EX-HN12) for slurred speech, Jianyu (LI 15), Waiguan (TE 5) and Shousanli (LI 10) for upper limb pain, Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Yinlingquan (SP 9) for lower limb pain, the treatment was given once every day, 5 days as one course, with an interval of 2 days between the course. The treatment for 6 courses was required. The conventional head MR scan, mTI-ASL and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans before and 1 week after treatment were adopted, Matlab (R2014b), Mricron and Syngo.via software were adopted to measure the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and anisotropy (FA) values of the semi-oval center. The correlation between the parameters was evaluated by Pearson method. And the simple intelligent mental state examination scale (MMSE) was uesd to assess cognitive function. RESULTS: After treatment, the CBF, MMSE scores in both groups and FA values in the observation group were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the CBF, FA and MMSE scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between CBF, FA and MMSE scores (P<0.05), and the correlation between CBF and MMSE was the best (r =0.822). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen can significantly improved early white matter hypoperfusion and improved cognitive function score in patients with DNS. The curative effect is better than that of hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone. The mTI-ASL imaging can quantitatively evaluate its curative effect.

Perceived barriers to maternal and newborn health services delivery: a qualitative study of health workers and community members in low and middle-income settings.

OBJECTIVES: In considering explanations for poor maternal and newborn health outcomes, many investigations have focused on the decision-making patterns and actions of expectant mothers and families, as opposed to exploring the 'supply side' (health service provider) barriers. Thus, we examined the health system factors impacting on access to and delivery of quality maternal and newborn healthcare in rural settings. DESIGN: A semistructured qualitative study using face-to-face in-depth interviews with health professionals, and focus group sessions with community members, in eight project sites in two districts of Upper West Region, Ghana, was employed. Participants were purposively selected to generate relevant data to help address the study objective. The survey was guided by WHO standard procedures and Ghana Health Ministry's operational work plan for maternal and newborn care. SETTING: Nadowli-Kaleo and Daffiama-Bussie-Issa districts in Upper West Region, Ghana. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and fifty-three participants were engaged in the study through convenient and purposive sampling: healthcare professionals (pharmacist, medical doctor, two district directors of health services, midwives, community health and enrolled nurses) (n=13) and community members comprising opinion leaders, youth leaders and adult non-pregnant women (n=240 in 24 units of focus groups). RESULTS: Results show significant barriers affecting the quality and appropriateness of maternal and neonatal health services in the rural communities and the Nadowli District Hospital. The obstacles were inadequate medical equipment and essential medicines, infrastructural challenges, shortage of skilled staff, high informal costs of essential medicines and general limited capacities to provide care. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the birth preparedness and complication readiness strategy is in its infancy at the health facility level in the study areas. Increasing the resources at the health provider level is essential to achieving international targets for maternal and neonatal health outcomes and for bridging inequities in access to essential maternal and newborn healthcare.

Maternal health care initiatives: Causes of morbidities and mortalities in two rural districts of Upper West Region, Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities have received much attention over the years in sub-Saharan Africa; yet addressing them remains a profound challenge, no more so than in the nation of Ghana. This study focuses on finding explanations to the conditions which lead to maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities in rural Ghana, particularly the Upper West Region. METHOD: Mixed methods approach was adopted to investigate the medical and non-medical causes of maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities in two rural districts of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Survey questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were employed to collect data from: a) 80 expectant mothers (who were in their second and third trimesters, excluding those in their ninth month), b) 240 community residents and c) 13 healthcare providers (2 district directors of health services, 8 heads of health facilities and 3 nurses). RESULT: Morbidity and mortality during pregnancy is attributed to direct causes such urinary tract infection (48%), hypertensive disorders (4%), mental health conditions (7%), nausea (4%) and indirect related sicknesses such as anaemia (11%), malaria, HIV/AIDS, oedema and hepatitis B (26%). Socioeconomic and cultural factors are identified as significant underlying causes of these complications and to morbidity and mortality during labour and the postnatal period. Birth asphyxia and traditional beliefs and practices were major causes of neonatal deaths. CONCLUSION: These findings provide focused targets and open a window of opportunity for the community-based health services run by Ghana Health Service to intensify health education and promotion programmes directed at reducing risky economic activities and other cultural beliefs and practices affecting maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic action of a potent platinum metallointercalator.

UNLABELLED: Platinum-based DNA metallointercalators are structurally different from the covalent DNA binders such as cisplatin and its derivatives but have potent in vitro activity in cancer cell lines. However, limited understanding of their molecular mechanisms of cytotoxic action greatly hinders their further development as anticancer agents. In this study, a lead platinum-based metallointercalator, [(5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) (1S,2S-diaminocyclohexane)platinum(II)](2+) (56MESS) was found to be 163-fold more active than cisplatin in a cisplatin-resistant cancer cell line. By using transcriptomics in a eukaryotic model organism, yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified 93 genes that changed their expressions significantly upon exposure of 56MESS in comparison to untreated controls (p ≤ 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis of these genes demonstrated that iron and copper metabolism, sulfur-containing amino acids and stress response were involved in the cytotoxicity of 56MESS. Follow-up experiments showed that the iron and copper concentrations were much lower in 56MESS-treated cells compared to controls as measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Deletion mutants of the key genes in the iron and copper metabolism pathway and glutathione synthesis were sensitive to 56MESS. Taken together, the study demonstrated that the cytotoxic action of 56MESS is mediated by its ability to disrupt iron and copper metabolism, suppress the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids and attenuate cellular defence capacity. As these mechanisms are in clear contrast to the DNA binding mechanism for cisplatin and its derivative, 56MESS may be able to overcome cisplatin-resistant cancers. These findings have provided basis to further develop the platinum-based metallointercalators as anticancer agents. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12154-011-0070-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.