[Cranial suture ultrasound for reducing radiation exposure in diagnosis of craniosynostosis in young children]. / Ul'trazvukovoe issledovanie shvov cherepa kak mera snizheniya luchevoi nagruzki v diagnostike kraniosinostozov u detei rannego vozrasta.

Currently, there are no standards for examining patients with suspected craniosynostosis. CT of the brain with 3D skull reconstruction is a common approach to diagnose craniosynostosis in many hospitals. This technique in pediatric patients is associated with a high dose of ionizing radiation and prompts searching for other diagnostic methods. OBJECTIVE: To generalize an experience of cranial suture ultrasound and compare diagnostic capabilities of various ultrasound devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of cranial suture ultrasound in 49 patients under the age of 14 months with a suspected craniosynostosis. All patients underwent expert-class ultrasound. Of these, 10 patients underwent middle-class ultrasound. Age of these patients ranged from 2 to 10 months. RESULTS: According to ultrasound data, we have found 48 synostotic sutures in 42 patients. There were 2 inaccurate results among these 48 sutures. In both cases, expert-class ultrasound confirmed partial closure of cranial sutures while 3D CT revealed their complete closure. Sensitivity and specificity of technique were 95.8% and 100%, respectively. Both expert- and middle-class ultrasound revealed synostotic sutures in 10 children under 1 year old. CONCLUSION: Our data have shown that ultrasound of cranial sutures may be a first-line imaging technique. This method has high sensitivity and specificity in pediatric patients. Moreover, middle-class ultrasound devices may be used for diagnosis.

Dynamic interactions of lactic acid bacteria in Korean sourdough during back-slopping process.

AIMS: This study aimed to clarify the cause of quality reduction in Korean sourdough after successive back-slopping. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the dynamic changes in lactic acid bacteria during the back-slopping process using genetic fingerprinting techniques. During the initial propagation phases, the dominant lactic acid bacteria were Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis (<5 log CFU per g sourdough), Latilactobacillus curvatus (9·5 log CFU per g sourdough) and Levilactobacillus brevis (6·5 log CFU per g sourdough). However, after the 11th propagation, F. sanfranciscensis became more prominent (>9·0 log CFU per g sourdough), whereas L. curvatus and L. brevis rapidly decreased. Monitoring these bacteria in the co-culture system revealed that acid-tolerant F. sanfranciscensis rapidly utilized maltose (1·65 g l-1  h-1 ) and produced large amounts of lactic acid, whereas L. brevis and L. curvatus consumed maltose slowly and L. curvatus was poorly tolerant to lactic acid. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that competition exists between the lactic acid bacteria in sourdough during the back-slopping process, and microbial succession by acid-tolerant species results in quality reduction of sourdough. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study uncovered the cause of microbial changes during the propagation of Korean sourdough and proposed a strategy to develop starters to produce high-quality bakery products.

[Neuroendoscopic interventions using an Nd-YAG laser for multilevel hydrocephalus: treatment results for 10 patients]. / Neiroéndoskopicheskie vmeshatel'stva s ispol'zovaniem Nd-YAG-lazera pri mnogourovnevoi gidrotsefalii: rezul'taty lecheniia 10 patsientov.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment or multilevel hydrocephalus is a complex problem. Neuroendoscopic interventions, make it possible to combine minimal invasiveness with the possibility of fenestration of several cysts during one procedure and thereby eliminate multi-level occlusion. We present our the experience of using a neodymium YAG laser (Nd-YAG laser) as an additional tool to improve the treatment results of patients with non-communicating hydrocephalus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 10 patients aged from 5 months to 8 years who underwent endoscopic interventions with the use of rigid endoscope with frameless navigation. A surgical laser with a radiation wavelength of 1.064 µm was used as the main tool for fenestrating the walls of the cysts. RESULTS: 13 endoscopic laser interventions were performed in 10 patients with multilevel hydrocephalus. In 3 children, the two-stage treatment was chosen in due to the impossibility of simultaneous fenestration of all cysts. The interval between procedures was 1 month in two cases and 11 months in one case. We managed to compensate for cerebrospinal fluid disturbances in each patient, positive dynamics in the condition was noted. The duration of postoperative stay averaged 8 days (from 4 to 13 days). There were no deaths in the study group. All patients were discharged in good condition. Average follow-up duration was 14 months (from 8 to 25 months). During the observation, the condition of the patients remained stable; there was no need for repeated operations. CONCLUSION: Combined use of bypass operations, endoscopic techniques and neural navigation may improve the results of treatment of patients with multilevel hydrocephalus. Data presented in this article demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of the clinical use of laser radiation as an additional tool for interventions in patients with this condition.

[Intracranial meningiomas in children]. / Vnutricherepnye meningiomy detskogo vozrasta.

Meningiomas are rare in children and distinguished from the tumors in adults by clinical and biological aspects. Moreover, some histological forms and localizations are even casuistic in adults. There were 178 patients younger 18 years old with brain tumors. All patients underwent surgery at the pediatric department for 5-year period. Meningiomas were diagnosed in 5 cases that accounted for 2.8% of the total number of brain tumors in children. The authors reported children with intracranial meningiomas and discussed certain features of the course of disease in these patients.

Synergistic cranberry juice combinations with natural-borne antimicrobials for the eradication of uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilm within a short time.

Urinary tract infections (UTI), one of the most common diseases in humans, are caused primarily by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Cranberry juice (CB) is a widely known prophylaxis for UTI, but the treatment of CB alone could not effectively eradicate preformed UPEC biofilms. The aim of this study was to develop enforced CB composites within a short time by adding a small quantity of natural borne antimicrobials. UPEC biofilms (initial: 6·0 log CFU per cm2 ), formed on silicone coupons in artificial urine medium, were exposed to CB (4-8%), caprylic acid (CAR; 0·025-0·05%) and thymol (TM; 0·025-0·05%) at 37°C for 1 min. Individual treatment of each compound did not show the significant antibacterial effect on UPEC biofilms (P > 0·05). Otherwise, the survivor counts of biofilms were synergistically reduced with CB containing any of the antimicrobials. For example combined treatment with CB (8%) + CAR (0·05%) + TM (0·05%) resulted in a 6 log reduction in UPEC populations in the biofilm (no detectable bacteria remained) with 4·6 log of synergistic bactericidal effect. The confocal laser scanning microscope images indicated that any composites including TM might result in biofilm detachment from the surface. The present method is cost-effective and more acceptable to consumers as it is based on the synergistic interaction of natural borne antimicrobials. The results of this study could be widely applicable in the functional food, medical and healthcare field. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Anti-biofilm effect of cranberry juice (CB) has been focused mainly on inhibiting biofilm formation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC); however, combined treatment with natural borne antimicrobials derived from coconut oil (caprylic acid) and oregano essential oil (thymol) could synergistically enhance its eradicating activity against biofilms. This study developed novel CB composites showing marked anti-biofilm effects (complete eradication of UPEC biofilms within just 1 min).

Plasmid curing resulted in improved heterologous gene expression in Leuconostoc citreum EFEL2700.

Leuconostoc citreum EFEL2700 isolated from kimchi was used as a host strain for genetic and metabolic engineering in our previous studies, but the cells of EFEL2700 contained a cryptic plasmid (P-cells). Thus, we created plasmid-free cells (F-cells) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. In this study, we compared the microbial characteristics of P- and F-cells in terms of growth rate, biochemical properties, transformation efficiency, plasmid copy number and protein expression level. When the growth rate was measured in MRS medium at 30°C, no significant difference (P > 0·01) was observed. Biochemical properties, tested using an API 50CHL kit, showed no differences. Transformation efficiency of F-cells, measured using pCB4270, was higher (1·3 × 104 CFU per µg DNA) than that of P-cells (5·0 × 103 CFU per µg DNA). Copy number after transformation of pCBBgl was 4-fold higher for F-cells than for P-cells. When ß-glucosidase activity was assayed in the above experiment, F-cells showed 3·4-fold higher values than P-cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that plasmid curing in L. citreum EFEL2700 improves its characteristics as a gene expression host. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Leuconostoc citreum EFEL2700 (P-cell) isolated from kimchi is a useful food-grade host for expressing heterologous genes. The presence of a cryptic plasmid is thought to limit efficient gene expression. In this study, we compared the microbial and genetic changes after plasmid curing in this strain. The plasmid-free strain showed improved levels of transformation efficiency, copy number and heterologous gene expression without alterations in phenotypes such as the growth rates and biochemical properties. The resulting strain of L. citreum EFEL2701 (F-cell) can be used as an efficient host for genetic engineering.

[Endoscopic treatment of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis in dizygotic twins. A case report and literature review]. / Éndoskopicheskoe lechenie nesindromal'nogo sagittal'nogo kraniosinostoza u dizigotnykh bliznetsov (dvoinia). Klinicheskii sluchai i obzor literatury.

The article presents a rare clinical case of isolated sagittal craniosynostosis in dichorionic diamniotic twins. The review addresses issues of epidemiology, etiology, and pathogenesis of craniosynostosis in this group of patients.

Nonlinear association between bone mineral density and all-cause mortality: the Dong-gu study.

There was a U-shaped association between hip BMD and all-cause mortality, with the lowest mortality in the 90th percentile in males. However, there was an inverse linear relationship in females. In contrast, the association between lumbar spine BMD and mortality was less evident in males, with no association in females. INTRODUCTION: Bone mineral density (BMD) is reported inversely associated with mortality. Although some previous studies provided evidence for nonlinear associations, these were not adequately assessed in most previous works. METHODS: We evaluated the nonlinear relationship between BMD and mortality in Asians. Our study involved 8629 participants in the Dong-gu study from 2007 to 2010. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) according to BMD categories after adjusting for potential confounders. During a follow-up of 6.7 ± 1.4 years, 712 participants died. RESULTS: There was a U-shaped association between hip BMD and all-cause mortality, with the lowest mortality in the 90th percentile in males. However, there was an inverse linear relationship in females. In males, compared with the 75th to 95th percentile group, the < 2.5th percentile group had a 3.89 (95% CI 2.41-6.28)-fold higher risk and the 2.5th to 5th percentile group had a 2.51 (95% CI 1.25-5.04)-fold higher risk. The HR was 2.51 (95% CI 1.25, 5.04) in the > 97.5th percentile group. In females, compared with that in the 75th to 95th percentile group, the HR was 2.33 (95% CI 1.24, 4.39) in the < 2.5th percentile group. In contrast, the association between lumbar spine BMD and mortality was less evident in males, with no association in females. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study shows that the association between BMD and mortality varies by gender and that high and low BMD are predictors of all-cause mortality in males.

Molecular-based identification and detection of Salmonella in food production systems: current perspectives.

Salmonella remains a prominent cause of foodborne illnesses and can originate from a wide range of food products. Given the continued presence of pathogenic Salmonella in food production systems, there is a consistent need to improve identification and detection methods that can identify this pathogen at all stages in food systems. Methods for subtyping have evolved over the years, and the introduction of whole genome sequencing and advancements in PCR technologies have greatly improved the resolution for differentiating strains within a particular serovar. This, in turn, has led to the continued improvement in Salmonella detection technologies for utilization in food production systems. In this review, the focus will be on recent advancements in these technologies, as well as potential issues associated with the application of these tools in food production. In addition, the recent and emerging research developments on Salmonella detection and identification methodologies and their potential application in food production systems will be discussed.

Development and clinical application of an evidence-based pharmaceutical care service algorithm in acute coronary syndrome.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Drug therapies are critical for preventing secondary complications in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this study was to develop and apply a pharmaceutical care service (PCS) algorithm for ACS and confirm that it is applicable through a prospective clinical trial. METHODS: The ACS-PCS algorithm was developed according to extant evidence-based treatment and pharmaceutical care guidelines. Quality assurance was conducted through two methods: literature comparison and expert panel evaluation. The literature comparison was used to compare the content of the algorithm with the referenced guidelines. Expert evaluations were conducted by nine experts for 75 questionnaire items. A trial was conducted to confirm its effectiveness. Seventy-nine patients were assigned to either the pharmacist-included multidisciplinary team care (MTC) group or the usual care (UC) group. The endpoints of the trial were the prescription rate of two important drugs, readmission, emergency room (ER) visit and mortality. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The main frame of the algorithm was structured with three tasks: medication reconciliation, medication optimization and transition of care. The contents and context of the algorithm were compliant with class I recommendations and the main service items from the evidence-based guidelines. Opinions from the expert panel were mostly positive. There were significant differences in beta-blocker prescription rates in the overall period (P = .013) and ER visits (four cases, 9.76%, P = .016) in the MTC group compared to the UC group, respectively. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We developed a PCS algorithm for ACS based on the contents of evidence-based drug therapy and the core concept of pharmacist services.

[Factors of endoscopic third ventriculostomy efficacy in infants with obstructive hydrocephalus under one year of age]. / Faktory éffektivnosti éndoskopicheskoi ventrikulostomii dna III zheludochka u detei do odnogo goda s okkliuzionnoi gidrotsefaliei.

Endoscopic surgery for obstructive hydrocephalus in children is an alternative to shunts. Currently, the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in infants up to one year of age is increasingly discussed among neurosurgeons. To increase the efficacy of ETV, many surgeons raise the question: what factors may affect the efficacy of this procedure in the younger age group? OBJECTIVE: To study the factors affecting the efficacy of ETV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 88 ETVs were performed in infants under one year of age in our clinic in 2012-2016. Subsequently, 43 (48.9%) children underwent CSF shunting, and one child underwent repeated ETV. The mean time until the appearance of clinical signs of stoma closure was 3.9 months (116 days). RESULTS: The procedure was most effective in the case of congenital obstructive hydrocephalus (64.5% of successful operations) and also in children over the age of 6 months (63.6% of successful operations). The efficacy in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus was 40%. The efficacy in grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhage was lowest and amounted to 25%. The total efficacy of ETV in children under one year of age in our study was 51.1%. CONCLUSION: In the case of congenital obstructive hydrocephalus, the efficacy of ETV is maximal and amounts to 64.5%. To achieve the highest efficacy of ETV in infants under one year of age, careful selection of patients at the preoperative stage is necessary, with allowance for many factors affecting treatment outcome.

Rapid and simple method by combining FTA™ card DNA extraction with two set multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains and virulence genes in food samples.

The aim of this research was to optimize two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays that could simultaneously detect six non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as well as the three virulence genes. We also investigated the potential of combining the FTA™ card-based DNA extraction with the multiplex PCR assays. Two multiplex PCR assays were optimized using six primer pairs for each non-O157 STEC serogroup and three primer pairs for virulence genes respectively. Each STEC strain specific primer pair only amplified 155, 238, 321, 438, 587 and 750 bp product for O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145 respectively. Three virulence genes were successfully multiplexed: 375 bp for eae, 655 bp for stx1 and 477 bp for stx2. When two multiplex PCR assays were validated with ground beef samples, distinctive bands were also successfully produced. Since the two multiplex PCR examined here can be conducted under the same PCR conditions, the six non-O157 STEC and their virulence genes could be concurrently detected with one run on the thermocycler. In addition, all bands clearly appeared to be amplified by FTA card DNA extraction in the multiplex PCR assay from the ground beef sample, suggesting that an FTA card could be a viable sampling approach for rapid and simple DNA extraction to reduce time and labour and therefore may have practical use for the food industry. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were optimized for discrimination of six non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and identification of their major virulence genes within a single reaction, simultaneously. This study also determined the successful ability of the FTA™ card as an alternative to commercial DNA extraction method for conducting multiplex STEC PCR assays. The FTA™ card combined with multiplex PCR holds promise for the food industry by offering a simple and rapid DNA sample method for reducing time, cost and labour for detection of STEC in food and environmental samples.

[Shunt-induced craniosynostosis: topicality of the problem, choice of the approach, and features of surgical treatment]. / Shunt-indutsirovannyi kraniosinostoz: aktual'nost' problemy, vybor taktiki, osobennosti khirurgicheskogo lecheniia.

RATIONALE: Shunt-induced craniosynostosis is one of the late complications of CSF shunting surgery, which affects the patient's condition, clinical picture, and treatment approach. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the prevalence rate and clinical significance of this disease, define the indications for surgery, and choose the optimal surgical approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 59 children with shunt system dysfunction, aged 1 to 14 years, who were treated at the Department in the period from 2014 to 2016. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) age at the time of examination is older than 1 year; 2) implantation of a shunt system in the first 12 months of life. The state of cranial sutures was assessed using three-dimensional reconstruction of patient's computerized tomography images. Images obtained before or in the first months after primary implantation of a shunt system were used to exclude cases of primary craniosynostosis. RESULTS: Premature synostosis of the cranial sutures was detected in 27 (46%) cases. Of these, 3 (11%) patients with clinical symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and radiographic signs of craniocerebral disproportion underwent cranial vault remodeling surgery: two biparietal craniotomies and one fronto-parieto-occipital reconstruction. In two cases, simultaneous replacement of a valve with a programmable one was performed. There were no complications after reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSION: Shunt-associated craniosynostosis is one of the late complications of CSF shunting surgery. However, its presence is not an indication for surgery and should not be a reason for surgical aggression. Surgery for increasing the intracranial volume is indicated only for secondary craniosynostosis combined with signs of craniocerebral disproportion. In these cases, reconstructive surgery is an effective treatment option for improving the patient's condition.

Bactericidal effects of triclosan in soap both in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVES: On December 2013, the US FDA proposed a rule stating that manufacturers must provide data to demonstrate that antibacterial soap is more effective than plain soap or water. The objective of the present study was to examine the in vitro and in vivo bactericidal effect of triclosan (the most widely used antiseptic agent in soap) in soap. METHODS: Twenty bacterial strains (proposed by the FDA) were exposed to plain and antibacterial soaps (the same formulation as plain soap, but containing 0.3% triclosan) for 20 s at 22°C (room temperature) and 40°C (warm temperature). The temperature and time were selected to simulate the hand washing conditions and procedures used by consumers. The triclosan concentration of 0.3% is the maximum allowed by law. The decontamination efficacy of plain soap and antibacterial soap was also examined in vivo: the hands of volunteers were artificially inoculated with Serratia marcescens. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in bactericidal activity between plain soap and antibacterial soap at either test temperature. However, antibacterial soap showed significantly greater bactericidal effects after 9 h. These results suggest that although triclosan-containing soap does have antibacterial activity, the effects are not apparent during the short time required for hand washing. CONCLUSIONS: Antibacterial soap containing triclosan (0.3%) was no more effective than plain soap at reducing bacterial contamination when used under 'real-life' conditions. The present study provides practical information that may prove useful for both industry and governments.

Use of caprylic acid to control pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium) in apple juice at mild heat temperature.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of caprylic acid (CA) on pathogens in apple juice having intrinsic organic acids, and to determine any synergistic effects. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bactericidal effects of CA were examined against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium present in apple juice at mild heating temperatures. Apple juice containing each of the pathogens was treated with CA (0·1, 0·2, 0·4, 0·6 or 0·8 mmol l(-1)) at 50 or 55°C. Treatment with 0·8 mmol l(-1) (0·013%) CA at 50°C for 5 min or with 0·6 mmol l(-1) (0·010%) CA at 55°C for 5 min resulted in the complete eradication of E. coli O157:H7 (initial population: 7·25-7·34 log CFU ml(-1)). Salmonella Typhimurium were more sensitive than E. coli O157:H7: all bacteria (7·81-7·55 log CFU ml(-1)) were eradicated by treatment with 0·2 mmol l(-1) (0·0032%) CA at 55°C for 5 min or with 0·6 mmol l(-1) CA at 50°C for 5 min. By contrast, when pH-adjusted apple juice (pH 7·0) was treated with 0·8 mmol l(-1) CA, there was no significant difference in bactericidal effects between CA-treated samples and controls (heat treatment alone or heat + 0·1% ethanol treatment). This result suggested that acidic pH in the apple juice boost the antibacterial effects of CA. CA treatment did not affect (P > 0·05) the pH, colour or °Brix of the apple juice. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the utility of CA as a natural antibacterial agent that can eliminate micro-organisms from apple juice at very low concentrations (≤0·013%) and temperatures (≤55°C) within a short time (≤10 min). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of our study may contribute to the development of an efficient method for improving the microbiological safety of apple juice.

Childhood facial vitiligo: how intractable is it?

BACKGROUND: Following the recent elucidation of its pathogenic mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species, use of vitamins, folic acid and antioxidants as adjuvant therapy has been suggested. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of childhood facial vitiligo who were treated with nutritional education, vitamin E (α-tocopherol 100-400 IU/day), folic acid (1-2 mg/day) and multivitamin intake and antioxidant cosmetics as the mainstay of treatment as well as the conventional therapies including oral, topical and/or intralesional corticosteroid, topical macrolactam, Excimer laser and epidermal graft. METHODS: Medical data and photographs of 111 paediatric facial vitiligo patients who had been followed up for longer than 1 year from March 1, 2003 to June 30, 2013 were extracted from data warehouse of electric medical records. Photographic evaluation and final visual outcome assessment was performed. RESULT: By investigator's assessment, 9% of patients demonstrated no improvement regardless of treatment modality, whereas 91% showed improvement of lesions. Among the latter, 33.3% resulted in >75% improvement; 18% in 50%-75% improvement; 26.1% in 25%-50% improvement; and 13.5% in <25% improvement. In the final visual outcome assessment, 'Looking excellent' was seen in 42.3%; 'looking very good' in 30.6%; 'looking good' in 17.1%; 'looking fair' in 9.0%; and 'looking bad' in 0.9%. CONCLUSION: Although childhood facial vitiligo is quite refractory to treatment, the long-term outcome of this condition is not dismal with conventional vitiligo therapy along with basic nutritional therapeutic regimen.

Synergistic antimicrobial activity of caprylic acid in combination with citric acid against both Escherichia coli O157:H7 and indigenous microflora in carrot juice.

The identification of novel, effective, and non-thermal decontamination methods is imperative for the preservation of unpasteurized and fresh vegetable juices. The aim of this study was to examine the bactericidal effects of caprylic acid + citric acid against the virulent pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 and the endogenous microflora in unpasteurized fresh carrot juice. Carrot juice was treated with either caprylic acid, citric acid, or a combination of caprylic acid + citric acid at mild heating temperature (45 °C or 50 °C). The color of the treated carrot juice as well as microbial survival was examined over time. Combined treatment was more effective than individual treatment in terms of both color and microbial survival. Caprylic acid + citric acid treatment (each at 5.0 mM) at 50 °C for 5 min resulted in 7.46 and 3.07 log CFU/ml reductions in the E. coli O157:H7 and endogenous microflora populations, respectively. By contrast, there was no apparent reduction in either population following individual treatment. A validation assay using a low-density E. coli O157:H7 inoculum (3.31 log CFU/ml) showed that combined treatment with caprylic acid (5.0 mM) + citric acid (2.5 mM) at 50 °C for >5 min or with caprylic acid + citric acid (both at 5.0 mM) at either 45 °C or 50 °C for >5 min completely destroyed the bacteria. Combined treatment also increased the redness of the juice, which is a perceived indication of quality. Taken together, these results indicate that combined treatment with low concentrations of caprylic acid and citric acid, which are of biotic origin, can eliminate microorganisms from unpasteurized carrot juice.

[Changes in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity in chronic renal failure (experimental study)].

Methods of light microscopy were used to study the morphological changes of the oral cavity mucosa in rats (n = 48) in chronic renal failure (CRF) of various degrees. It was found that after 6 months of modeling of mild and moderate CRF, lamina propria of the oral cavity mucous membranes was diffusely infiltrated with leukocytes. At the same time, relative density of the distribution of the components of blood and lymphatic vascular bed was increased. In severe CRF, the atrophy and hyperkeratosis of the epithelium of the oral cavity mucous membrane developed, while the lamina propria demonstrated sclerosis and significant increase of leukocyte (primarily neutrophil and monocyte) and macrophage numerical density with the formation of small leukocyte infiltrates. In addition, in moderate and severe CRF, the number of eosinophils and plasma cells was increased in the lamina propria which indicates the possible presence of allergic component in the initiation and maintenance of its inflammation.

[The use of frameless navigation during endoscopic interventions in children with multilocular hydrocephalus].

INTRODUCTION: The use of the endoscopic technique largely improves treatment outcomes in patients with multilocular hydrocephalus. However, impaired anatomy and the lack of usual landmarks often cause problems in planning and intraoperative identification of changed structures. The use of frameless navigation during endoscopic interventions can significantly facilitate surgeon tasks and increases the efficacy of surgery. During surgery, the neuronavigation system visualizes a rigid endoscope that interconnects separated ventricles and cysts. Surgery can be completed with guiding a stent through an operating channel of the endoscope and implanting a shunt system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten children underwent 11 endoscopic interventions using frameless intraoperative navigation at our clinic in 2013-2014. The number of surgically interconnected compartments ranged from 3 to 5. Simultaneous placement of a shunt system was performed in 8 of 11 interventions. RESULTS: Clinical improvement as a result of the operation was achieved in all children. 2 patients underwent re-operations 5 months and 1 year after endoscopic intervention. CONCLUSION: Thus, the use of frameless navigation during endoscopic interventions makes their implementation most efficient and safe for the patient.

Bacterial diversity in the indoor air of pharmaceutical environment.

AIMS: To monitor bacterial diversity of ISO Class 8 pharmaceutical clean room environment using conventional culture-based methods and pyrosequencing analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacterial isolates were obtained through viable particulate air monitoring, passive air monitoring and surface-monitoring procedures. A total of 157 bacterial isolates were obtained and assigned to four different phyla, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Deinococcus-Thermus, encompassing 52 species of 24 genera based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The genera Micrococcus and Staphylococcus were found as the main bacterial groups among the isolates. However, a big discrepancy was found between the culture based and pyrosequencing results. A total of 11 409 quality reads were obtained from the pyrosequencing analysis, and the subsequent phylogenetic analysis indicated that Proteobacteria was the most abundant group at phylum level, followed by Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Bacillus, Propionibacterium and Acinetobacter were identified as the most abundant genera by the pyrosequencing analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The culture-based results were in line with previous reports on the airborne bacterial composition of various environments, but the pyrosequencing analysis revealed a unique diversity of bacteria in this case. No significant pathogens above Riskgroup 2 were found from either culture based or pyrosequencing studies. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The presence of various bacterial taxa including a number of groups, whose presence in air is previously unknown, was confirmed through this analysis. The main source of bacteria in the indoor air environment of pharmaceutical processes is likely human, but no significant primary pathogens were detected. Culture-based analysis may give limited information on the bacterial diversity of air environment.