Failure of sterilization in a dental outpatient facility: Investigation, risk assessment, and management.

In 2017, an incident of failed sterilization of dental instruments occurred at a large dental outpatient facility in Singapore. We aim to describe findings of the investigation of the sterilization breach incident, factors related to risk of viral transmission to the potentially affected patients, and the contact tracing process, patient management, and blood test results at a 6-month follow-up. A full assessment of the incident was immediately carried out. The factors related to risk of viral transmission due to affected instruments were analyzed using 3 keys points: breached step(s) and scale of the incident, prevalence of underlying bloodborne diseases and immunity in the Singapore population, health status of potential source patients, and type of dental procedure performed, and health status of affected patients and type of dental procedure received. Up to 72 affected instrument sets were used in 714 potentially affected patients who underwent noninvasive dental procedures. The investigation revealed that there was a lapse in the final step of steam sterilization, resulting in the use of incompletely sterilized items. The assessment determined that there was an extremely low risk of bloodborne virus transmission of diseases to the patients. At the 6-month follow-up, there were no infected/colonized cases found related to the incident. Lapses in the sterilization process for medical and dental instruments can happen, but a risk assessment approach is useful to manage similar incidents. Quick response and proper documentation of the sterilization process can prevent similar incidents.

A general experimental system for the development of acoustic logging tools.

Laboratory testing is a pre-requisite for the practical application of new methods and techniques, and it is crucial in the research and development of acoustic well-logging tools. Various tools have been developed based on different acoustic logging theories and methods. Thus, these tools are equipped with different acoustic sonde structures. To meet the test requirements of different tools in a laboratory environment, we designed a general experimental system that includes hardware platform, software platform, and model wells according to the common structure of actual logging tools. Similar to the internal electrical structure of downhole tools, the hardware platform consists of several main parts, such as power supply, control and telemetering, acoustic emission, and data acquisition. The functions of this hardware platform include controlling the working sequence of the experiment, exciting the transmitter sonde, and collecting the acoustic signals received by the receiver sonde. The software platform installed in the host computer provides a human-computer interface for the experimental system to complete the data transmission between the host computer and the hardware platform, store measured data, and process the data in real time. The model wells approximate the actual engineering environment and stratum condition for system testing. A series of practical laboratory experiments is conducted in the model wells by using this experimental system. The process proves that the hardware and software of the experimental system can work in coordination, and the experimental system meets the basic testing requirements of conventional acoustic logging tools.

Donor-Derived Candida dubliniensis Resulting in Perigraft Abscesses in a Liver Transplant Recipient Proven by Whole Genome Sequencing: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The transmission of fungi via transplant, although well-known, has not often been molecularly proven. We describe a case of donor-derived candidiasis verified by whole genome sequencing. CASE DESCRIPTION: The multiorgan donor was a 42-year-old woman with subdural hemorrhage. Procurement of the thoracic organs was performed followed by the abdominal organs. Tissue from the left bronchus grew Candida dubliniensis. The liver recipient was a 63-year-old woman with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis. She was noted to have worsening leukocytosis on postoperative day (POD) 9. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed multiple rim-enhancing collections around the graft. Percutaneous drainage was performed. Fluid cultures grew C dubliniensis. C dubliniensis isolated from the donor's left bronchus and the liver recipient's abscesses were verified to be related by whole genome sequencing. We postulate that C dubliniensis colonizing the donor's transected trachea could have contaminated the inferior vena cava when the former was left open after explant of the donor's lungs. A portion of the donor's contaminated inferior vena cava was transplanted along with the liver graft, resulting in the infected collections in the recipient. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report highlights the importance of maintaining a sterile field during organ procurement, especially in a multiorgan donor whose organs are explanted in succession.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of invasive mould infections: A multicenter, retrospective analysis in five Asian countries.

Formal, large-scale, multicenter studies of invasive mould infection (IMI) in Asia are rare. This 1-year, retrospective study was designed to assess the incidence and clinical determinants of IMI in centers in five countries (Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, China, India). Patients treated in a single year (2012) were identified through discharge diagnoses, microbiology, and histopathology logs, and entered based on published definitions of IMI. A total of 155 cases were included (median age 54 years; 47.7% male). Of these, 47.7% had proven disease; the remainder had probable IMI. The most frequent host factors were prolonged steroid use (39.4%) and recent neutropenia (38.7%). Common underlying conditions included diabetes mellitus (DM; 30.9%), acute myeloid leukemia (19.4%), and rheumatologic conditions (11.6%). DM was more common in patients with no recent history of neutropenia or prolonged steroid use (P = .006). The lung was the most frequently involved site (78.7%), demonstrating a range of features on computed tomography (CT). Aspergillus was the most common mould cultured (71.6%), primarily A. fumigatus and A. flavus, although proportions varied in different centers. The most often used antifungal for empiric therapy was conventional amphotericin. Ninety-day mortality was 32.9%. This is the first multicenter Asian study of IMI not limited to specific patient groups or diagnostic methods. It suggests that DM and rheumatologic conditions be considered as risk factors for IMI and demonstrates that IMI should not be ruled out in patients whose chest features on CT do not fit the conventional criteria.

Recurrent trichosporonosis with central nervous system involvement in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient.

Trichosporon is an ubiquitous yeast that has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen in the immunocompromised host. We describe a case of invasive trichosporonosis in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipient while on caspofungin antifungal prophylaxis. She developed disseminated trichosporonosis in the pre-engraftment period and was successfully treated with voriconazole. She later developed 2 further episodes of invasive trichosporonosis involving the central nervous system. This case highlights the challenges of managing trichosporonosis in allo-HSCT recipients and suggests the need for lifelong therapy in some patients.

Deep branch of the radial nerve in lateral surgical approaches to the radial head - A cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: The traditional Kocher approach for lateral radial head exposure may be complicated by injury to the deep branch of the radial nerve (DBRN) and the radial collateral ligament. Kaplan approach is less commonly used, due to its known proximity to the DBRN. Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) splitting approach allows possible wide surgical exposure and low risk of radial collateral ligament injury. The comparison of the proximity of the DBRN to the surgical dissection at the level of radial head among approaches to the radial head has not previously been evaluated. We aimed to determine the anatomical proximity of the DBRN in these 3 common radial head approaches and to define a safe zone of dissection for the surgical exposure. METHODS: Cadaveric dissections of 9 pairs of fresh frozen upper extremities were performed using EDC splitting, Kaplan and Kocher approach to the radial head sequentially in a randomized order. A mark was made on the radial head upon initial exposure during dissection. Measurements from the marked point of the radial head to the DBRN were made at the level of radial head. RESULTS: The distance of DBRN to the radial head was 20 (17-22) mm in EDC splitting approach, 7 (3-11) mm in Kaplan approach and 29 (25-33) mm in Kocher approach. The EDC splitting approach was associated with a significantly lower chance of encountering the DBRN at the level of radial head as compared to the Kaplan approach (P<0.001). In all cases, lateral ligamentous complex was not exposed in Kaplan and EDC approaches, but were encountered in Kocher approach, risking injury to the radial collateral ligament. CONCLUSIONS: The EDC splitting approach provides adequate exposure without the need to elevate or retract the EDC and ECU muscle mass that could risk injuring the DBRN. The Kaplan approach should be done by experienced surgeons who are familiar with the anatomy in this region, with extreme caution due to proximity of the DBRN to the surgical dissection at the level of the radial head. Caution of the DBRN should be taken during anterior elevation and retraction of the muscle mass in Kocher approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Incidence and species distribution of candidaemia in Asia: a laboratory-based surveillance study.

The epidemiology of candidaemia varies between hospitals and geographic regions. Although there are many studies from Asia, a large-scale cross-sectional study across Asia has not been performed. We conducted a 12-month, laboratory-based surveillance of candidaemia at 25 hospitals from China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. The incidence and species distribution of candidaemia were determined. There were 1601 episodes of candidaemia among 1.2 million discharges. The overall incidence was 1.22 episodes per 1000 discharges and varied among the hospitals (range 0.16-4.53 per 1000 discharges) and countries (range 0.25-2.93 per 1000 discharges). The number of Candida blood isolates and the total number of fungal isolates were highly correlated among the six countries (R² = 0.87) and 25 hospitals (R² = 0.77). There was a moderate correlation between incidence of candidaemia and the intensive care unit (ICU)/total bed ratio (R² = 0.47), although ICUs contributed to only 23% of candidaemia cases. Of 1910 blood isolates evaluated, Candida albicans was most frequently isolated (41.3%), followed by Candida tropicalis (25.4%), Candida glabrata (13.9%) and Candida parapsilosis (12.1%). The proportion of C. tropicalis among blood isolates was higher in haemato-oncology wards than others wards (33.7% versus 24.5%, p 0.0058) and was more likely to be isolated from tropical countries than other Asian countries (46.2% versus 18.9%, p 0.04). In conclusion, the ICU settings contribute, at least in part, to the incidence variation among hospitals. The species distribution is different from Western countries. Both geographic and healthcare factors contribute to the variation of species distribution.

Ulnar fractures with bisphosphonate therapy: a systematic review of published case reports.

SUMMARY: A systematic review of eight ulnar fractures in seven patients with bisphosphonate therapy was performed to describe the characteristics and predisposing factors. The proximal ulna is likely to be fractured, especially in the dominant limb of elderly female patients using walking aids after 7 to 15 years of bisphosphonate use. INTRODUCTION: Long-term bisphosphonate use has been suggested to result in decreased bone remodelling and increased risk of atypical fractures. While the relationship between bisphosphonate use and atypical femoral fractures has been extensively studied, there is relative rarity and unawareness of these fractures in the forearm. We conducted a systematic review of existing case reports to better describe the characteristics and predisposing factors for fractures occurring in patients with bisphosphonate therapy. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies with ulnar fractures in individuals with history of bisphosphonate use were included, with data extracted and analysed in totality. RESULTS: Seven patients with eight fractures are included. Predisposing factors include elderly females requiring walking aids. There is a propensity for the proximal ulna to be fractured, especially in the dominant limb used for ambulation or transfer. All patients were on bisphosphonate for 7 to 15 years. All fractures were atraumatic, non-comminuted, transverse in configuration, had localised periosteal or endosteal thickening at the fracture site and generalised cortical thickening of the diaphysis. CONCLUSION: Ulnar fractures in patients with bisphosphonate therapy demonstrate features similar to those described for atypical femoral fractures, suggesting that these fractures could also possibly be due to bisphosphonate use. However, the ulna appears to be able to tolerate longer periods of alendronate use prior to fracture development. The mechanism and characteristics of these fractures additionally suggest the presence of repetitive stress that accumulates over time due to suppressed bone remodelling in patients on bisphosphonates, eventually resulting in these fractures.

Sarcopenia is associated with toxicity in patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for oesophago-gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with potentially curative oesophago-gastric cancer typically undergo neo-adjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. The majority of anti-cancer drugs have a narrow therapeutic index. The aim of this study was to determine if features of body composition, assessed using computed tomography (CT) scans, may be predictive of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for oesophago-gastric cancer. The influence of sarcopenia and DLT on overall survival was also evaluated. METHODS: 89 Patients having potentially curative oesophago-gastric cancer surgery were studied. Patients studied had histologically confirmed oesophago-gastric cancer with no evidence of distant metastasis on pre-operative staging. CT scan was performed in all cases at diagnosis. DLT was defined as toxicity leading to postponement of treatment, a drug dose reduction or definitive interruption of drug administration. RESULTS: DLT occurred in 37 out of 89 patients (41.6%) undergoing chemotherapy. Sarcopenia (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-7.09; p = 0.015) was associated with DLT on multivariate analysis. Median overall survival for patients who were sarcopenic was 569 days (IQ range: 357-1230 days) vs. 1013 days (IQ range: 496-1318 days) for patients who were not sarcopenic (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in overall survival in patients who experienced DLT compared with those that did not (p = 0.665). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is a significant predictor of DLT in oesophago-gastric cancer patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. These results raise the potential for use of assessment of skeletal muscle mass using CT scans to predict toxicity and individualize chemotherapy dosing.

Evolution and emergence of a new era of antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health burden associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The approval of telaprevir and boceprevir for use with interferon and ribavirin in chronic HCV infection significantly increased viral eradication but has been accompanied by increased adverse events and therefore inferior clinical tolerance. Newer classes of antiviral agents, such as directly acting antiviral and host-targeting agents, offer a combination of drugs without the need for interferon and can achieve better response rates with a shorter duration of treatment. This offers an exciting prospect in the new era of antiviral treatment for HCV infection.

Genetic basis of interindividual susceptibility to cancer cachexia: selection of potential candidate gene polymorphisms for association studies.

Cancer cachexia is a complex and multifactorial disease. Evolving definitions highlight the fact that a diverse range of biological processes contribute to cancer cachexia. Part of the variation in who will and who will not develop cancer cachexia may be genetically determined. As new definitions, classifications and biological targets continue to evolve, there is a need for reappraisal of the literature for future candidate association studies. This review summarizes genes identified or implicated as well as putative candidate genes contributing to cachexia, identified through diverse technology platforms and model systems to further guide association studies. A systematic search covering 1986-2012 was performed for potential candidate genes / genetic polymorphisms relating to cancer cachexia. All candidate genes were reviewed for functional polymorphisms or clinically significant polymorphisms associated with cachexia using the OMIM and GeneRIF databases. Pathway analysis software was used to reveal possible network associations between genes. Functionality of SNPs/genes was explored based on published literature, algorithms for detecting putative deleterious SNPs and interrogating the database for expression of quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). A total of 154 genes associated with cancer cachexia were identified and explored for functional polymorphisms. Of these 154 genes, 119 had a combined total of 281 polymorphisms with functional and/or clinical significance in terms of cachexia associated with them. Of these, 80 polymorphisms (in 51 genes) were replicated in more than one study with 24 polymorphisms found to influence two or more hallmarks of cachexia (i.e., inflammation, loss of fat mass and/or lean mass and reduced survival). Selection of candidate genes and polymorphisms is a key element of multigene study design. The present study provides a contemporary basis to select genes and/or polymorphisms for further association studies in cancer cachexia, and to develop their potential as susceptibility biomarkers of cachexia.

Disseminated Mycobacterium marinum infection in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient.

Mycobacterium marinum is a photochromogenic mycobacterium that is ubiquitous in the aquatic environment. In the general population, exposure to aquaria is the most common cause of M. marinum infection. Known as "swimmer's granuloma" or "fish tank granuloma," M. marinum is an occupational hazard for aquarium cleaners and fishermen. There are several reports in the literature of M. marinum infection in immunocompromised hosts, including those with solid organ transplants, but none in patients who have received stem cell transplants (SCTs). To our knowledge, this is a first report of disseminated M. marinum infection in an SCT recipient who continued to develop new skin lesions even after months of targeted therapy. The implications are that elderly patients who receive T-cell-depleted SCTs may be at prolonged risk for pathogens dependent on cellular immunity, and the presentation of illness with such pathogens may be more severe and widely disseminated than might otherwise be expected.

Intravenous zanamivir in critically ill patients due to pandemic 2009 (H1N1) influenza A virus.

INTRODUCTION: The 2009 (H1N1) influenza A pandemic started in April 2009 and has since spread globally. We have noticed that critically ill patients with confirmed pandemic 2009 (H1N1) influenza A require mechanical ventilation. This paper describes the use of intravenous zanamivir in this group of patients. METHODS: Patients who had severe pneumonia with 2009 (H1N1) influenza A and required intravenous zanamivir were referred to the Infectious Diseases Department of our institution. Clinical data was collected from these patients. Clinical samples were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for sequencing. RESULTS: A total of five patients used intravenous zanamivir from April 8 to May 8, 2010. Only one death was reported. There were no side effects attributable to the use of intravenous zanamivir. H275 mutation, which confers resistance to oseltamivir, was seen in a subpopulation of the virus in one case. CONCLUSION: Physicians can consider using intravenous zanamivir for the treatment of critically ill patients with 2009 (H1N1) influenza A infection.

Stable dispersions of hybrid nanoparticles induced by stereocomplexation between enantiomeric poly(lactide) star polymers.

We report the formation and characterization of stable dispersions of hybrid nanoparticles in solution formed via stereocomplexation of enantiomeric poly(lactide) hybrid star polymers. The hybrid starlike polymers, having polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocages as the core and either poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) or poly(D-lactide) (PDLA) as the arms, are synthesized via ring-opening polymerization of lactide using octafunctional POSS as the macroinitiator. In the solid state, differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements confirmed the formation of the stereocomplex in the mixture of POSS-star-PLLA and POSS-star-PDLA (50:50, wt %). In a solution of the same mixture in tetrahydrofuran (THF), sterocomplexation leads to formation of hybrid nanaoparticles. Detailed accounts of the nanoparticle formation and influence of aging and concentration have been presented. It was observed that at low concentration the stereocomplexed nanaoparticles remain stable over 45 days and are not sensitive to dilution, suggesting the formation of a stable hybrid nanoparticle dispersion in solution. In contrast, the aggregates of the individual POSS-star-PLLA or POSS-star-PDLA in THF, formed via weak solvophobic interactions, tended to disintegrate into smaller aggregates on dilution. Exploiting the PLLA-PDLA stereocomplexation with an appropriate molecular design can be a versatile route to develop stable organic/inorganic hybrid nanoparticle dispersions.

Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis: endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration as a method of diagnosis and assessment.

We report a case of a healthy 78-year-old indonesian man who presented with chronic weight loss, poor appetite and lethargy. CT abdomen showed bilateral adrenal masses. EUS-guided FNA was performed on the left adrenal gland. Histopathology report was Histoplasma Capsulatum. He recovered well with antifungal treatment without any complication. In this case, we found that the role of EUS -guided FNA was not only limited to diagnosis but also helped in the prognosis of the disease since the method was able to assess the general anatomy of the adrenal gland better than other imaging modalities due to its close proximity and direct visualization.