Clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with enterococcal liver abscess.

Epidemiology of bacteria isolated from pyogenic liver abscesses change, and an increase in enterococci has been reported in European hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of enterococcal PLA. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with microbiologically confirmed PLA at three German university centers. Indicators of enterococcal PLA were determined using binary logistic regression, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier statistics and Cox regression analysis. Enterococci were isolated in 51/133 (38%) patients with PLA. Patients with enterococcal PLA had smaller abscess diameter (4.8 vs. 6.7 cm, p = 0.03) than patients with non-enterococcal PLA, but had more frequent polymicrobial culture results. In univariate logistic regression analysis, alcohol abuse (OR 3.94, 95% CI 1.24-12.49, p = 0.02), hepatobiliary malignancies (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.86-8.18, p < 0.001) and cirrhosis (OR 6.36, 95% CI 1.27-31.96, p = 0.02) were associated with enterococcal PLA. Patients with enterococcal PLA had a higher mortality than patients with non-enterococcal PLA (hazard ratio 2.92; 95% confidence interval 1.09-7.80; p = 0.03), which remained elevated even after excluding patients with hepatobiliary malignancies, cirrhosis, and transplant recipients in a sensitivity analysis. The increased mortality was associated with non-fecal enterococci but not in patients with Enterococcus faecalis. In this retrospective, multicenter study, enterococcal PLA was common and indicated an increased risk of mortality, underscoring the need for close clinical monitoring and appropriate treatment protocols in these patients.

[Benign prostatic hyperplasia : New and treatment-relevant aspects from the DGU guidelines]. / Benignes Prostatasyndrom : Neues und Praxisrelevantes aus den DGU-Leitlinien.

The diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement plays an important role in daily urological practice. Therefore, a targeted and resource-saving approach is essential. A rational base-line work-up of our patients provides the necessary information for obtaining the diagnosis and only needs to be expanded in individual cases. In addition to drug therapy, the modification of lifestyle and the possibility of watchful waiting must not be underestimated. Simple measures such as a timed fluid intake, double micturition in the case of residual urine development, but also bladder reconditioning can significantly improve the quality of life of our patients. Regarding surgical treatment, laser procedures have found their way into many departments and have established themselves in daily routine as a reference procedure in addition to transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) and simple open prostatectomy. New, minimally invasive procedures-such as prostatic artery embolization (PAE), the Rezum™- (NxThera Inc., Maple-Grove, MN, USA) or the Aquabeam® (Procept, Redwood City, CA, USA) procedure, but also nonablative procedures such as iTind© (TIND, Medi-Tate, Or Akiva, Israel) or Urolift® (Neotract Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA)-offer new treatment options to those affected, with the potential to maintain patient's sexual function. As a result, individual risk assessment and advice on the advantages and disadvantages of all available treatment options-even more than today-will be an important part of LUTS treatment. An individual approach, similar to that used in the treatment of oncological disease, will become standard also in the treatment of benign prostatic syndrome.

Microbial Spectrum of Intra-Abdominal Abscesses in Perforating Crohn's Disease: Results from a Prospective German Registry.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal abscesses [IAAs] are common life-threatening complications in patients with Crohn's disease [CD]. In addition to interventional drainage and surgical therapy, empirical antibiotic therapy represents a cornerstone of treatment, but contemporary data on microbial spectra and antimicrobial resistance are scarce. METHODS: We recruited 105 patients with CD and IAAs from nine German centres for a prospective registry in order to characterize the microbiological spectrum, resistance profiles, antibiotic therapy and outcome. RESULTS: In 92 of 105 patients, microbial investigations of abscess material revealed pathogenic microorganisms. A total of 174 pathogens were isolated, with a median of 2 pathogens per culture [range: 1-6]. Most frequently isolated pathogens were E. coli [45 patients], Streptococcus spp. [28 patients], Enterococci [27 patients], Candida [13 patients] and anaerobes [12 patients]. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, penicillins with beta-lactamase inhibitors and quinolones were observed in 51, 36 and 35 patients, respectively. Seven patients had multiple-drug-resistant bacteria. Thirty patients received inadequate empirical treatment, and this was more frequent in patients receiving steroids or immunosuppression [37%] than in patients without immunosuppression [10%: p = 0.001] and was associated with a longer hospital stay [21 days vs 13 days, p = 0.003]. CONCLUSION: Based on antimicrobial resistance profiles, we herein report a high rate of inadequate empirical first-line therapy for IAAs in CD, especially in patients receiving immunosuppression, and this is associated with prolonged hospitalization.

A prospective multicentre study of the epidemiology and outcomes of bloodstream infection in cirrhotic patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the current epidemiology of bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with cirrhosis; and to analyse predictors of 30-day mortality and risk factors for antibiotic resistance. METHODS: Cirrhotic patients developing a BSI episode were prospectively included at 19 centres in five countries from September 2014 to December 2015. The discrimination of mortality risk scores for 30-day mortality were compared by area under the receiver operator risk and Cox regression models. Risk factors for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) were assessed with a logistic regression model. RESULTS: We enrolled 312 patients. Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and Candida spp. were the cause of BSI episodes in 53%, 47% and 7% of cases, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 25% and was best predicted by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Chronic Liver Failure-SOFA (CLIF-SOFA) score. In a Cox regression model, delayed (>24 hours) antibiotic treatment (hazard ratio (HR) 7.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.29-18.67; p < 0.001), inadequate empirical therapy (HR 3.14; 95% CI 1.93-5.12; p < 0.001) and CLIF-SOFA score (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.28-1.43; p < 0.001) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Independent risk factors for MDRO (31% of BSIs) were previous antimicrobial exposure (odds ratio (OR) 2.91; 95% CI 1.73-4.88; p < 0.001) and previous invasive procedures (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.48-4.24; p 0.001), whereas spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as BSI source was associated with a lower odds of MDRO (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.12-0.73; p 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: MDRO account for nearly one-third of BSI in cirrhotic patients, often resulting in delayed or inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy and increased mortality rates. Our data suggest that improved prevention and treatment strategies for MDRO are urgently needed in the liver cirrhosis patients.

Motivation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease to participate in a clinical trial.

Background: Clinical trials are designed to investigate innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients. However, factors that influence patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and willingness to participate in a clinical trial are unknown. Methods: We developed a questionnaire and asked IBD patients about their willingness to hypothetically participate in a clinical trial and their current health-related quality of life by using the IBDQ. Results: Of 201 distributed questionnaires, 166 were returned and included in the analysis. One-hundred-one (61 %) patients declared their willingness to participate in a clinical trial hypothetically offered in their current situation, whereas 65 (39 %) declined. Among all patients, a trustful relationship between patient and doctor was most important for trial participation. The willingness to help others and to support medical progress were other key issues mentioned. In contrast, those patients inclined to refuse trial participation feared impairment of their current health status, potential side effects, medical examinations, and the expenditure of time and effort. Conclusion: In our cohort of IBD patients, approximately two-thirds were willing to participate in a clinical trial. We were able to identify a number of factors that should help physicians to directly address fears and break down barriers in order to increase the number of patients willing to participate in clinical trials.

Vedolizumab provides clinical benefit over 1 year in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease - a prospective multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND: Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the α4ß7-integrin, is effective in inducing and maintaining clinical remission in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis according to randomised clinical trials. AIM: To determine the long-term effectiveness of vedolizumab in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: This observational registry assessed the clinical outcome in patients treated with vedolizumab for clinically active Crohn's disease (n = 67) or ulcerative colitis (n = 60). Primary endpoint was clinical remission (HBI ≤ 4/pMayo ≤ 1) at week 54. Secondary endpoints included clinical response rates (HBI/pMayo score drop ≥3) and steroid-free clinical remission at weeks 30 and 54. RESULTS: Vedolizumab was stopped in 69/127 (56%) patients after a median time of 18 weeks (range 2-49) predominantly owing to lack or loss of response. Using nonresponder imputation analysis, clinical remission and steroid-free remission rates were 21% and 15% in Crohn's disease and 25% and 22% in ulcerative colitis, respectively. Lack of clinical remission was associated with prior treatment with anti-TNF or with steroids for more than 3 months in the last 6 months in ulcerative colitis. At week 14, the absence of remission in Crohn's disease or nonresponse in ulcerative colitis indicated a low likelihood of clinical remission at week 54 [2/31 (7%) in Crohn's disease, 4/41 (10%) in ulcerative colitis]. Accordingly, declining C-reactive protein in inflammatory bowel disease and/or lower faecal calprotectin in ulcerative colitis at week 14 predicted remission at week 54. CONCLUSION: Among patients who started vedolizumab for active inflammatory bowel disease, clinical remission rates are 21-25% after 54 weeks.

Miniaturized modules for light sheet microscopy with low chromatic aberration.

Two miniaturized fibre-coupled modules for light sheet-based microscopy are described and compared with respect to image quality, chromatic aberration and beam alignment. Whereas in one module the light sheet is created by an achromatic cylindrical lens, reflection by a spherical mirror and concomitant astigmatic distortion are used to create the light sheet in the second module. Test experiments with fluorescent dyes in solution and multicellular tumour spheroids are reported, and some details on construction are given for both systems. Both modules are optimized for imaging individual cell layers of 3D biological samples and can be adapted to fit commercial microscopes.

Chamber bioaerosol study: human emissions of size-resolved fluorescent biological aerosol particles.

Humans are a prominent source of airborne biological particles in occupied indoor spaces, but few studies have quantified human bioaerosol emissions. The chamber investigation reported here employs a fluorescence-based technique to evaluate bioaerosols with high temporal and particle size resolution. In a 75-m(3) chamber, occupant emission rates of coarse (2.5-10 µm) fluorescent biological aerosol particles (FBAPs) under seated, simulated office-work conditions averaged 0.9 ± 0.3 million particles per person-h. Walking was associated with a 5-6× increase in the emission rate. During both walking and sitting, 60-70% or more of emissions originated from the floor. The increase in emissions during walking (vs. while sitting) was mainly attributable to release of particles from the floor; the associated increased vigor of upper body movements also contributed. Clothing, or its frictional interaction with human skin, was demonstrated to be a source of coarse particles, and especially of the highly fluorescent fraction. Emission rates of FBAPs previously reported for lecture classes were well bounded by the experimental results obtained in this chamber study. In both settings, the size distribution of occupant FBAP emissions had a dominant mode in the 3-5 µm diameter range.

Sample holder for axial rotation of specimens in 3D microscopy.

In common light microscopy, observation of samples is only possible from one perspective. However, especially for larger three-dimensional specimens observation from different views is desirable. Therefore, we are presenting a sample holder permitting rotation of the specimen around an axis perpendicular to the light path of the microscope. Thus, images can be put into a defined multidimensional context, enabling reliable three-dimensional reconstructions. The device can be easily adapted to a great variety of common light microscopes and is suitable for various applications in science, education and industry, where the observation of three-dimensional specimens is essential. Fluorescence z-projection images of copepods and ixodidae ticks at different rotation angles obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy and light sheet fluorescence microscopy are reported as representative results.

External ventricular drain infections: risk factors and outcome.

External ventricular drainage (EVD) is frequently used in neurosurgery to drain cerebrospinal fluid in patients with raised intracranial pressure. We performed a retrospective single center study in order to evaluate the incidence of EVD-related infections and to identify underlying risk factors. 246 EVDs were placed in 218 patients over a 30-month period. EVD was continued in median for 7 days (range 1-44). The cumulative incidence of EVD-related infections was 8.3% (95% CI, 5.3-12.7) with a device-associated infection rate of 10.4 per 1000 drainage days (95% CI, 6.2-16.5). The pathogens most commonly identified were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (62%) followed by Enterococcus spp. (19%). Patients with an EVD-related infection had a significantly longer ICU (11 versus 21 days, P < 0.01) and hospital stay (20 versus 28.5 days, P < 0.01) than patients without. Median total duration of external drainage was twice as long in patients with EVD-related infection (6 versus 12 days, P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the duration between first EVD placement and the occurrence of EVD-related infection and EVD removal in patients without EVD-related infection (6 versus 7 days, P = 0.87), respectively. Interestingly no risk factor for EVD-related infection could be identified in our cohort of patients.

Metatranscriptomic analysis of ectomycorrhizal roots reveals genes associated with Piloderma-Pinus symbiosis: improved methodologies for assessing gene expression in situ.

Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi form symbiotic associations with plant roots that regulate nutrient exchange between forest plants and soil. Environmental metagenomics approaches that employ next-generation sequencing show great promise for studying EM symbioses; however, metatranscriptomic studies have been constrained by the inherent difficulties associated with isolation and sequencing of RNA from mycorrhizae. Here we apply an optimized method for combined DNA/RNA extraction using field-collected EM fungal-pine root clusters, together with protocols for taxonomic identification of expressed ribosomal RNA, and inference of EM function based on plant and fungal metatranscriptomics. We used transcribed portions of ribosomal RNA genes to identify several transcriptionally dominant fungal taxa associated with loblolly pine including Amphinema, Russula and Piloderma spp. One taxon, Piloderma croceum, has a publically available genome that allowed us to identify patterns of gene content and transcript abundance. Over 1500 abundantly expressed Piloderma genes were detected from mycorrhizal roots, including genes for protein metabolism, cell signalling, electron transport, terpene synthesis and other extracellular activities. In contrast, Piloderma gene encoding an ammonia transporter showed highest transcript abundance in soil samples. Our methodology highlights the potential of metatranscriptomics to identify genes associated with symbiosis and ecosystem function using field-collected samples.

[Spontaneous and secondary bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites]. / Spontan-bakterielle und sekundäre Peritonitis bei Patienten mit Leberzirrhose und Aszites.

Peritonitis is one of the most frequent infectious complications in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. In more than 95 % it occurs as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) as a result of bacterial translocation from intestinal bacteria and bacterial products into mesenteric lymph nodes and subsequent systemic circulation. Identified risk factors that justify antibiotic prophylaxis for SBP include a prior episode of SBP, gastrointestinal haemorrhage and low ascitic fluid protein in combination with renal or advanced liver failure. SBP requires conservative therapy, which should be empirically performed using third-generation cephalosporins and adjunctive albumin therapy under consideration of individual and nosocomial risk factors for antimicrobial resistance. In contrast to SBP, secondary bacterial peritonitis is a rare ( < 5 % of all cases of peritonitis) and more unfavourable disease. It occurs as a result of hollow organ perforation or intra-abdominal inflammatory or ischaemic processes. Analysis of ascitic fluid may help substantiating the suspicion of secondary peritonitis and should entail a meticulous diagnostic work-up including abdominal computed tomography. Because of the high mortality rate (60 - 80 %) of secondary peritonitis antibiotic regimens with anti-anaerobic activity, prompt surgical treatment and interdisciplinary postoperative care are necessary to improve patient outcomes.

[Empirical antibiotic therapy in intra-abdomial infections: cases and evidence-based therapeutic recommendations]. / Kalkulierte Antibiotikatherapie bei intraabdominellen Infektionen - Fallbeispiele und evidenzbasierte Therapieempfehlungen.

Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) are a common problem in visceral medicine. In Germany more than 150 000 patients are treated each year for IAI with courses ranging from uncomplicated disease to severe life-threatening manifestations. IAI represent the second most common cause of septic shock and the second most common cause of infection-related mortality in intensive care. Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance, changes in pathogen spectra and increasing patient co-morbidities, recommendations for empirical antibiotic therapy have to be continuously updated: Whereas inadequate empirical treatment is associated with poor prognosis, unselected broad-spectrum therapy may increase antimicrobial resistances. Illustrated by clinical cases of typical intra-abdominal infections, this article reviews recommendations for antibiotic therapy based on national and international guidelines under consideration of local resistance rates and patient-specific factors to provide a basis for improved therapy of this common problem.

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is compartmentally regulated in decompensated cirrhosis and indicates immune activation and short-term mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with decompensated cirrhosis are susceptible to bacterial infections, which are associated with organ failure and a high mortality rate. Reliable biomarkers are needed to identify patients who require intensified treatment. Our objective was to study the regulation and prognostic relevance of elevated concentrations of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in patients with advanced cirrhosis. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We examined the associations between serum and ascitic fluid (AF) suPAR and liver function, bacterial infection, and short-term mortality in 162 consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis undergoing diagnostic paracentesis in a tertiary health care centre in Germany. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Twenty-eight-day mortality. RESULTS: Circulating suPAR levels were increased in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and correlated with the severity of liver dysfunction and systemic inflammation but were not indicative of bacterial infection. Circulating suPAR levels >14.4 ng mL(-1) predicted 28-day mortality, even after adjustment for liver function and confounders [HR = 3.05 (1.35-6.90); P = 0.0076] equal to the MELD score (AUC = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.61-0.81; P < 0.001). Cut-off levels derived from cohorts without liver disease were not applicable due to the low specificity. AF suPAR levels were elevated during spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), but not during episodes in which bacteria or bacterial DNA was translocated into the ascites. AF suPAR levels correlated poorly with systemic suPAR but were associated with a more severe course of SBP and a worse outcome. In vitro experiments revealed that monocytes, and to a lesser extent neutrophils, secrete suPAR after Toll-like-receptor ligation, which led to rapid urokinase plasminogen activator receptor cleavage followed by increased synthesis. CONCLUSION: Blood and ascitic suPAR levels provide distinct, but relevant prognostic information on the severity of complications in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Autoimmune hepatitis in an HIV-infected patient: an intriguing association.

Abnormal levels of liver enzymes are common in HIV-infected patients and may be caused by multiple factors, including co-infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and in the majority of cases by antiretroviral drug-related liver injury. This report, however, describes a patient with HIV infection and abnormal liver function tests where further diagnostics revealed concomitant autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The association of immune dysfunction in patients with HIV infection/AIDS and the development of autoimmune diseases is intriguing. The precise mechanism causing the emergence or unmasking of autoimmune conditions in HIV infection remains unclear, but it is important to demonstrate that autoimmune diseases do occur in HIV-infected patients. Therefore, clinicians should include AIH in the differential diagnosis of increased liver enzymes when there is no improvement despite changing antiretroviral therapy.