Temporal Transcriptomics of Gut Escherichia coli in Caenorhabditis elegans Models of Aging.

Host-bacterial interactions over the course of aging are understudied due to complexities of the human microbiome and challenges of collecting samples that span a lifetime. To investigate the role of host-microbial interactions in aging, we performed transcriptomics using wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans (N2) and three long-lived mutants (daf-2, eat-2, and asm-3) fed Escherichia coli OP50 and sampled at days 5, 7.5, and 10 of adulthood. We found host age is a better predictor of the E. coli expression profiles than host genotype. Specifically, host age was associated with clustering (permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA], P = 0.001) and variation (Adonis, P = 0.001, R2 = 11.5%) among E. coli expression profiles, whereas host genotype was not (PERMANOVA, P > 0.05; Adonis, P > 0.05, R2 = 5.9%). Differential analysis of the E. coli transcriptome yielded 22 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and 100 KEGG genes enriched when samples were grouped by time point [LDA, linear discriminant analysis; log(LDA), ≥2; P ≤ 0.05], including several involved in biofilm formation. Coexpression analysis of host and bacterial genes yielded six modules of C. elegans genes that were coexpressed with one bacterial regulator gene over time. The three most significant bacterial regulators included genes relating to biofilm formation, lipopolysaccharide production, and thiamine biosynthesis. Age was significantly associated with clustering and variation among transcriptomic samples, supporting the idea that microbes are active and plastic within C. elegans throughout life. Coexpression analysis further revealed interactions between E. coli and C. elegans that occurred over time, building on a growing literature of host-microbial interactions. IMPORTANCE Previous research has reported effects of the microbiome on health span and life span of Caenorhabditis elegans, including interactions with evolutionarily conserved pathways in humans. We build on this literature by reporting the gene expression of Escherichia coli OP50 in wild-type (N2) and three long-lived mutants of C. elegans. The manuscript represents the first study, to our knowledge, to perform temporal host-microbial transcriptomics in the model organism C. elegans. Understanding changes to the microbial transcriptome over time is an important step toward elucidating host-microbial interactions and their potential relationship to aging. We found that age was significantly associated with clustering and variation among transcriptomic samples, supporting the idea that microbes are active and plastic within C. elegans throughout life. Coexpression analysis further revealed interactions between E. coli and C. elegans that occurred over time, which contributes to our growing knowledge about host-microbial interactions.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in acute coronary syndrome: Routine screening in intensive coronary care units.

INTRODUCTION: Increased evidence has shown that, despite the maximum care afforded to patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), a residual risk of mortality remains, in which obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) appears to be a largely undiagnosed factor, particularly in the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU). The purpose of this study is to determine whether the systematic screening for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is feasible and may be recommended. The aims of our study are to determine: (1) The estimated prevalence of OSA in patients admitted to the ICCU for ACS determined by a validated, user-friendly portable screening device; (2) The feasibility of the screening in this context; (3) To assess any negative impact of OSA on the severity of ACS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is an observational study of 101 patients admitted to the ICCU for ACS showing no clinical evidence of heart failure (HF). In the 24-72hours following admission, they underwent an overnight sleep study using a 3-channel portable screening device with automatic analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-two out of the 101 patients proved positive to the screening test, and its feasibility was acceptable. OSA patients tended to have greater peak levels of hs-cTnT (3685±3576ng/L versus 2830±3333ng/L, P=0.08) than the non-OSA group. Compared with the non-OSA group, OSA patients presented more severe ACS, with a greater average GRACE score at admission of 112.2±26.3 (versus 98.4±19.2, P<0.001). In the OSA group, we found a statistically significant inverse correlation between the apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the linear regression analysis (r=-0.26; P=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: A systematic screening of patients in the ICCU is acceptable. OSA is frequently found in the acute phase of ischaemic heart disease and its presence is associated with more severe ACS and a poorer left ventricle systolic function.

[Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci carriage: Are actual isolation and identification techniques sufficient?]. / Portage d'entérocoques résistants aux glycopeptides : les techniques d'isolement et d'identification actuelles sont-elles suffisantes ?

UNLABELLED: The monitoring of infection by glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) is one of the main elements of hospital hygiene policy. It involves systematic rectal swabs in clinics at risk (asymptomatic carriage). AIM: We compare two GRE screening methods and evaluate a new kit associating multiplex PCR and hybridization (Génotype(®) Enterococcus, Hain Lifescience) on a panel of 448 samples collected over a 4-month period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The first method is based on direct inoculation of the sample; the second one involves a preliminary enrichment phase followed by molecular diagnosis allowing the identification of species of enterococci as well as glycopeptide resistance genes. RESULTS: All the resistant strains were isolated using the enrichment technique. The incidence of GRE (VanA) carriage was 0,55% (two out of 362 patients, two out of 448 isolates) with two Enterococcus faecium VanA. Six Enterococcus gallinarum VanC1 and two Enterococcus casseliflavus VanC2/C3 were also isolated and identified. The main clinics concerned are intensive care and hematology. The two patients with E. faecium VanA had been previously given glycopeptides for 10 days. For three strains, the molecular method allowed to correct prior erroneous results based on rapid identification (RapidID32Strep V2.0). CONCLUSION: The method using direct samples inoculation underestimates real incidence of GRE carriage. The performances of Génotype(®) Enterococcus molecular method, evaluated for other parameters using reference strains and DNA sequencing, offer new possibilities applicable to routine laboratory.

Haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) in a litter of Weimaraners.

Inherited coagulopathies are reported in a number of dog breeds. However, to date, there is no report of Weimaraners suffering factor VIII deficiency (haemophilia A). We report the discovery of haemophilia A in both males from a single litter of Weimaraners. Haemophilia A in human beings often results from a de novo stochastic mutation. We found no evidence using currently available screening tests of haemophilia A in relatives as far back as three generations making a stochastic mutation possible in this litter.

[Staphylococcus aureus infections carrying Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes in hospitals: which statute should be given to these strains?]. / Infections à Staphylococcus aureus porteurs du gène codant la leucocidine de Panton-Valentine à l'hôpital: quel statut donner à ces souches?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence Staphylococcus aureus infections carrying Panton-Valentine leukocidin (LPV) genes in our hospital by screening patients that are hospitalised or admitted for consultation, as well as to study the characteristics of these strains and the respectively infected patients. METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective study over the course of a 14 month period was conducted. The isolates of S. aureus were tested for antimicrobial resistance, in which detection of the virulence gene was performed by way of PCR, such as is the case for gene luk-PV which encoding the LPV. The genetic diversity of the strains carrying gene, luk-PV, was determined by way of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and by the MLVA (Multiple Loci VNTR Analysis; VNTR, Variable Number of Tandem Repeats) method. RESULTS: 7.14% of the S. aureus isolates carried genes for LPV, which are primarily sourced from surgery, emergency, and outpatient consultation services. The nature of the reported infections is often surface, immediately collected, and more rarely deep. Genotyping revealed three principal clones that were gathering 55% of the strains, which in turn highlighted transmission to the nursing staff. COMMENTS: These strains of S. aureus LPV+ have the capacity for diffusion and pathogenicity, which leads to the need to take some specific measures at hospitals: the tracking of the LPV during repeat or deep infections with S. aureus, possibly the search for conveyance and individual measures for the eradication of the strain. Lastly, it is necessary to increase the nursing staff's awareness of the appropriate hygiene measures when they come into contact with these patients.

[Diagnostic and prognostic significance of CK-MB, troponins, CRP, BNP and/or NT-proBNP in coronary angioplasty. Elevation mechanisms and clinical implications]. / Intérêt diagnostique et pronostique des marqueurs biologiques dans l'angioplastie coronaire en cas d'angor stable et de syndrome coronaire aigu ST-. Quelle stratégie biologique en routine?

The recommendations from respected bodies concerning the treatment and follow up of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty for stable angina or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are essential for reducing the risks related to the procedure, and for preventing the occurrence of long term complications. Measuring the levels of troponin and CK-MB is part of the diagnostic and prognostic strategy during the coronary angioplasty procedure. In this context, the frequent elevation of markers following uncomplicated angioplasty is a sign of minor irreversible myocardial damage, the prognostic significance of which remains under discussion. Recent data suggest that only a basal troponin elevation (more so than CK-MB) prior to angioplasty has a long term prognostic value in ACS ST- patients, and that troponin elevation occurring after the procedure in the presence of normal basal concentrations, is only associated with in-hospital complications. Determining the basal level of troponin would appear to be essential for interpreting any elevation in concentrations following angioplasty. The recommendations should integrate this fundamental point, if it is confirmed. On the other hand, the question has been raised whether other markers (CRP, BNP and/or NT-proBNP) should be systematically measured as a routine prior to angioplasty. An elevation of CRP before and/or after angioplasty is an unfavourable short and long term prognostic factor. Elevation of NT-proBNP before angioplasty is also an unfavourable long term prognostic factor. Recommending a multi-marker strategy might represent a future direction for identifying at risk patients prior to coronary angioplasty, thus enabling specific treatment to be proposed.

DT5aP-Hib-IPV and MCC vaccines: preterm infants' response to accelerated immunisation.

AIMS: To describe the immune response of preterm infants to combined diphtheria/tetanus/5 component acellular pertussis-Haemophilus influenzae type b inactivated polio vaccine (DT5aP-Hib-IPV) and meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine (MCC) under accelerated schedule. To compare results with term infants immunised with DT5aP-Hib-IPV and with historical data from preterm infants immunised with a DT3 component aP-Hib vaccine. METHODS: Prospective observational study in preterm infants born at <32 weeks gestation with comparison to contemporary cohort of term infants. DT5aP-Hib-IPV and MCC vaccines were given at 2, 3, and 4 months. RESULTS: Fifty preterm infants (mean gestational age 28.5 weeks) completed the study. After three doses of vaccines Hib polysaccharide IgG geometric mean concentration (GMC) was 1.21 microg/ml with 80% > or =0.15 microg/ml; MCC serum bactericidal assay geometric mean titre (GMT) was 1245 with 100% > or =8. All infants achieved protective titres to diphtheria, tetanus, and the three poliovirus types with > or =80% achieving protective rises in IgG against the five pertussis antigens. CONCLUSION: Preterm infants immunised with DT5aP-Hib-IPV and MCC vaccines show IgG responses to Hib and MCC greater than seen historically in both term and preterm infants with a DT3aP-Hib vaccine, and for pertussis antigens and poliovirus type 1 responses similar to that seen in term infants immunised with DT5aP-Hib-IPV. Responses to poliovirus types 2 and 3 are reduced, but all infants achieved protective titres.

Bartter's syndrome: a rare cause of a severe metabolic abnormality in a pre-term neonate.

A premature neonate with a severe form of Bartter's Syndrome is presented. Clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Bartter's Syndrome are discussed.

Needle localization and fine-needle aspiration biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions with use of standard and stereotactic equipment.

Recent development of mammographic stereotactic localization devices has created considerable interest in the possibility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of non-palpable breast lesions. The results of FNAB performed during the course of 50 breast lesion localizations were evaluated. The authors compared two methods of lesion localization, one using a standard mammographic unit and localization technique and the other a stereotactic unit and localization technique. The results of FNAB were similar regardless of technique. With all inadequate specimens considered benign, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for the standard technique were 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively, and for the stereotactic technique, 80%, 100%, and 95%. Although these results are preliminary and the number of cases is small, the findings suggest that needle placement for FNAB with the standard localization technique may be as accurate as that with the stereotactic technique.

Two techniques to improve adherence to dietary sodium restriction in the treatment of hypertension.

To improve adherence to dietary sodium restriction, we validated two simple techniques for providing rapid and accurate estimated of urinary content-overnight urine collections and an immediate analysis of urine sodium content. These techniques were then applied in a trial with a group of patients with hypertension who were considered to be resistant to the adoption of dietary changes. After six months, 68% of the patients on the lower-sodium diet reduced their urine sodium content by one third or more. They had an 11-mm Hg fall in mean BP compared with a 3-mm Hg rise in the control group, who were not on a lower-sodium diet, and a lesser fall in plasma potassium levels.