Telomerase stability and evaluation of real-time telomeric repeat amplification protocol.

Telomerase is RNA directed polymerase which acts as reverse transcriptase based on its own RNA component. It is considered to be involved in the pathology of many diseases and is recognized as a potential biomarker. The aims were to determine the sample storage conditions and the time frame for samples analysis, then to prove reliability of enzyme activity measurement with real-time telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) and to evaluate the suitable standard samples for telomerase activity measurements. Samples used for stability and freeze-thaw study were peripheral blood leukocytes, obtained from apparently healthy persons, patients with diagnosed cancer and cell lines. Telomerase activity was measured using TRAP method, while standard evaluation was done using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. Storage at -20 °C preserved telomerase activity in samples from cancer patients for at least 14 days (21.46 ± 0.135 versus 21.84 ± 0.357, p = .756), while samples obtained from healthy persons should be stored at -80 °C. We observed significant decrease of telomerase activity at freeze thaw cycle 5 in cancer patients' samples (21.46 ± 0.135 versus 23.09 ± 0.316, p < .05), and in healthy persons' ones already at cycle 3 (22.74 ± 0.107 versus 24.85 ± 0.151, p < .05). Telomerase activity from cell lines samples showed overall greater stability regarding the storage period and freeze-thaw cycles and it was considered for standard sample, which was confirmed by NMR analysis. Telomerase enzyme had adequate stability while efficacy, linearity, and reproducibility of TRAP method were acceptable for bio-analytical methods. All this indicated that telomerase could be a reliable biomarker.

Detection and characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in wounded Syrian patients admitted to hospitals in northern Israel.

Since 2013, four hospitals in northern Israel have been providing care for Syrian nationals, primarily those wounded in the ongoing civil war. We analyzed carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) isolates obtained from these patients. Isolate identification was performed using the VITEK 2 system. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the presence of bla KPC, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48. Susceptibility testing and genotyping were performed on selected isolates. During the study period, 595 Syrian patients were hospitalized, most of them young men. Thirty-two confirmed CPE isolates were grown from cultures taken from 30 patients. All but five isolates were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Nineteen isolates produced NDM and 13 produced OXA-48. Among a further 29 isolates tested, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that ST278 and ST38 were the major sequence types among the NDM-producing K. pneumoniae and OXA-48-producing E. coli isolates, respectively. Most were resistant to all three carbapenems in use in Israel and to gentamicin, but susceptible to colistin and fosfomycin. The source for bacterial acquisition could not be determined; however, some patients admitted to different medical centers were found to carry the same sequence type. CPE containing bla NDM and bla OXA-48 were prevalent among Syrian wounded hospitalized patients in northern Israel. The finding of the same sequence type among patients at different medical centers implies a common, prehospital source for these patients. These findings have implications for public health throughout the region.

Probiotics in addition to antibiotics for the treatment of acute tonsillitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The probiotic Streptococcus salivarius has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of recurrent pharyngeal infections in children and adult populations. However, probiotics have not yet been evaluated in the treatment of acute pharyngotonsillitis in adults. We aimed to examine whether the addition of S. salivarius probiotics to the routine therapy of acute pharyngotonsillitis in adult patients may shorten disease duration and reduce symptom severity. This study was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study comparing treatment with probiotics to placebo in addition to antibiotics in patients who were hospitalized with severe pharyngotonsillitis. Laboratory results, pain levels, body temperature, and daily volume of fluids consumed were recorded for both groups. Sixty participants were recruited, 30 for each group. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding any of the major clinical and laboratory parameters examined. Supplement probiotic treatment with S. salivarius in patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis treated with penicillin is ineffective in relation to the parameters examined in this study and we cannot, therefore, recommend the use of S. salivarius during active pharyngotonsillar infection treated with penicillin.

Fungal spore concentrations in two haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) units containing distinct air control systems.

Invasive fungal diseases have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in haematological patients. In this study air samples were collected in two haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) units, in which distinct air-control systems were in place. In hospital 1 no high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter was available whereas in hospital 2 HSCT rooms were equipped with HEPA filters, with positive air pressure in relation to the corridor. A total of 117 samples from rooms, toilets and corridors were obtained during December 2009 to January 2011, using a six-stage Andersen sampler. In both hospitals, the concentration of potentially pathogenic fungi in the air was reduced in patients' rooms compared to corridors (P < 0·0001). Despite the presence of a HEPA filter in hospital 2, rooms in both hospitals showed similar concentrations of potentially pathogenic fungi (P = 0·714). These findings may be explained by the implementation of additional protective measures in hospital 1, emphasizing the importance of such measures in protected environments.

What is the clinical relevance of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis?: findings from a multi-center, prospective study.

Acute bronchiolitis (AB) is caused primarily by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Recent laboratory tools have implicated a variety of other pathogens; however, their clinical relevance has not been clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the etiological agents of AB affect its course. A multicenter prospective study was performed in previously healthy children <24 months of age who presented with <4 days duration of AB. Subjects were divided into the following groups: "only RSV," "also RSV," "no RSV," and "no pathogen." The clinical severity score on admission as well as the overall severity of disease was assessed. RSV was the most common cause of AB (77.5 %). "Only RSV" or "also RSV" patients had a higher clinical score on admission compared to those with "no RSV," p < 0.001 and p < 0.02, respectively. "Only RSV" and "also RSV" patients had a higher disease severity score when compared to patients with "no RSV," 5.9 ± 1.4 vs. 5.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.001, and 5.6 ± 1.4 vs. 5.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.02, respectively. Disease severity did not vary as a function of transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or duration of supplemental oxygen, yet, "only RSV" was associated with a longer length of stay (LOS) than "no RSV," p < 0.02. "Only RSV"-related AB was associated with a more severe initial clinical presentation and a longer LOS. There appears to be little immediate clinical benefit to diagnosing RSV AB to the individual patient, but the application of these diagnostic methods may have significant cost-saving implications and, thus, deserves consideration by medical professionals and health policy analysts.

Novel use of the wild species Cephalaria joppensis for silage preparation and its nutritive value for feeding lactating dairy cows.

This study presents a novel method for use of the wild plant species Cephalaria joppensis (CJ) as agricultural forage for ruminants. Domesticated CJ tends to have higher crop mass yield per hectare than a commercial wheat variety (W) but is similar in in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility. This study was composed of 3 experiments. Experiment 1 aimed to measure effects of ensiling CJ versus W in packed polyethylene-wrapped bales. Three types of ensiled bales were produced for each plant: 1) direct-cut CJ versus W packed solely; 2) direct-cut CJ versus W mixed as sole roughage source together with dietary ingredient and packed in bales to create CJ total mixed ration (CJ-TMR) or W-TMR; 3) CJ silage versus W silage mixed as one-third of dietary roughage source together with two-thirds sorghum (S) silage and additional dietary ingredients and packed in bales to create CJ-S-TMR or W-S-TMR. Data showed that packing and wrapping created anaerobic conditions within the 4 types of TMR bales while reducing pH (4.12 to 4.37). Dry matter loss during ensilage was higher for the 2 types of TMR containing W compared with CJ. Ensilage decreased soluble nitrate content as well as yeast and mold contamination, and the 4 types of TMR bales were characterized by a long outdoor shelf life (3 mo) and high stability under aerobic exposure. Experiment 2 aimed to measure the intake and digestibility by sheep of the 4 types of packed TMR after 90 d of ensiling. Data demonstrated higher voluntary intake of the CJ-TMR compared with the other TMR types. The CJ-TMR was characterized by higher digestibility of DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber components compared with the CJ-S-TMR. Experiment 3 examined intake, digestibility, and milk production by 21 pairs of lactating cows individually fed CJ-S-TMR versus W-S-TMR. Similar intake (21.6 to 22.0 kg/d) and digestibility of DM and crude protein were observed in cows fed the 2 TMR types (68 to 69% and 66 to 68%, respectively). However, neutral detergent fiber and cellulose digestibility were slightly higher in the cows fed W-S-TMR and this was reflected in a small increase in their milk and energy-corrected milk yield (36.5 and 31.4 kg/cow per day, respectively) compared with cows fed CJ-S-TMR (35.5 and 30.4 kg/cow per day, respectively). Results demonstrate that direct-cut CJ used as is, or CJ silage can be included and ensiled in TMR bales for feeding productive ruminants as a substitute for wheat silage.

Microparticles containing lemongrass volatile oil: preparation, characterization and thermal stability.

Lemongrass volatile oil (LVO) is an important ingredient in cosmetics, presenting antimicrobial properties, in particular antifungal activity, and it is a promising raw material for the development of pharmaceutical products. However, its volatility and susceptibility to degradation are the major drawbacks for the use of Cymbopogon citratus oil in pharmaceutical compounding. Thus, the aim of this work was to develop and to characterize microparticles containing this oil viewing the stabilization of LVO. Two techniques of preparation were evaluated; spray drying and precipitation, and two encapsulation materials, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) were tested. The microparticles were characterized in terms of content of water, yield, percentage of inclusion, infrared spectroscopy. Morphology was evaluated by scanning electronic microscopy. Studies of stability were also conducted. The content of citral (neral and geranial), major component of the oil, present in microparticles was assayed by a validated HPLC method. The percentage of inclusion of LVO into the microparticles was 56-60% and 26-29% using beta-CD and HP-beta-CD, respectively. The results showed that the use of the beta-CD as encapsulant material was more efficient. Additionally, an increased inclusion of lemongrass oil was observed with the precipitation technique.

Quick identification of febrile neonates with low risk for serious bacterial infection: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the possible usefulness of simple and quick criteria for identifying febrile neonates with low risk for serious bacterial infection (SBI). DESIGN: All febrile neonates who were admitted between August 1998 and August 2003 to the Pediatric Emergency Department, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula, Israel, and to the Poriya Hospital, Tiberias, Israel, were included in the study. The recommended evaluation of each neonate included details of medical history and a complete physical examination, including blood culture, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white cell count (WBC), and analysis and culture of urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Other tests were carried out as necessary. Patients who met all the following criteria were considered to have low risk for SBI: (1) unremarkable medical history; (2) good appearance; (3) no focal physical signs of infection; (4) ESR <30 mm at the end of the first hour; (5) WBC 5000-15 000/mm(3); (6) a normal urine analysis by the dipstick method. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 386 neonates. SBI was documented in 108 (28%) neonates, of whom 14% had a urinary tract infection, 9.3% had acute otitis media, 2.3% had pneumonia, 1.3% had cellulitis, 0.5% had bacterial meningitis and 0.5% had bacterial gastroenteritis. The overall incidence of SBI was 1 in 166 (0.6%) neonates who fulfilled the criteria compared with 107 in 220 (48.6%) in the neonates who did not fulfil the criteria (p<0.001). The negative predictive value for SBI of the combination of the low-risk criteria was 99.4% (95% confidence interval 99.35% to 99.45%). CONCLUSIONS: Fulfillment of the criteria for low risk might be a reliable and useful tool for excluding SBI in febrile neonates.

The variable clinical phenotype of liver glycogen synthase deficiency.

We report two new cases of liver glycogen synthase deficiency (GSD0). The first patient presented at the age of 8 months with recurrent hypoglycemic seizures. The second patient presented at 14 months with asymptomatic incidental hyperglycemia. Glucose monitoring in both patients revealed daily fluctuations from fasting hypoglycemia to postprandial hyperglycemia. Genetic analysis of the GYS2 gene confirmed the diagnosis. GSD0 is more common than previously assumed. Recognition of the variable phenotype spectrum of GSD0 and routine analysis of GYS2 are essential for the correct diagnosis.

"Modified Oblique Le Fort III Osteotomy" New Concepts.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the surgical technique for the correction of midfacial deformities; vertical excess and posteroanterior hypoplasia. This situation obligates the need to move the whole osseous structure in an oblique posteroanterior movement that should correct both midfacial deformities. This should also correct the lip incompetence while improving the malar projection on a profile view of the patient. We also present a mathematical formula that gives the angulation needed for moving the midface complex in a simultaneous vertical and posteroanterior direction. Once given the correct angulation for the desired oblique movement, the surgeon can reproduce this angulation with custom made surgical guides over the stereolithographic model, that can then be used during surgery to achieve the desired movement accurately. This technique exemplified on this paper will give maxillofacial surgeons a new and affordable tool for the correction of midfacial deformities in an accurate and easily reproducible manner and amplifying the surgical repertoire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients seen in the specialty hospital "Dr. Bernardo Sepulveda" National Medical Center XXI Century, IMSS, during the period from February 2013 to November 2014 with Modified Oblique Le Fort III osteotomies, with the application of two trigonometric formulas for the accuracy of the technique. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the formulas give accurate results as well as the enlargement of the upper airway and esthetic results.

Impact of PCV7/PCV13 introduction on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in young children: Comparison between meningitis and non-meningitis IPD.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) into National Immunization Programs resulted in rapid and substantial reduction of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) rates in children. However, the reduction of meningitis vs. non-meningitis IPD (nm-IPD) was not yet fully elucidated. We compared 7-valent and 13-valent PCV (PCV7 and PCV13) impact on pneumococcal-meningitis vs. nm-IPD in Israeli children <5years. METHODS: We conducted an ongoing nationwide, prospective, population-based, active surveillance. PCV7 and PCV13 were implemented in Israel in July 2009 and November 2010, respectively. All pneumococcal isolates (blood and/or CSF) from IPD episodes in children <5years from July 2000 through June 2015 were included. Extrapolation for missing serotypes (34.7% of all isolates) was conducted. RESULTS: 4163 IPD cases were identified; 3739nm-IPD (89.8%) and 424 meningitis (10.2%). During the pre-PCV period (2000-2008), children <12months constituted 52.1% and 33.7% of meningitis and nm-IPD, respectively (p<0.001). The respective proportions of non-PCV13 serotypes (non-VT) were 18.2% vs. 10.1%, (p<0.001). Comparing the last study year (2014-2015) to the mean of pre-PCV period, meningitis incidence in children <5years decreased non-significantly by 27%, while nm-IPD decreased significantly by 69%. Dynamic rates of meningitis and nm-IPD caused by PCV13 serotypes were similar, with 93% and 95% overall reductions, respectively. However, non-VT increased in meningitis relatively to nm-IPD, mainly in children <24months. Serotype 12F rose sharply and significantly since 2009-2010 through 2014-2015 (28.6% of all non-VT meningitis in children <24m). CONCLUSIONS: The overall impact of PCV7/PCV13 in children <5years in Israel was less prominent in meningitis than in nm-IPD. This could be attributed to the younger age of children with meningitis and differences in causative serotypes between the two groups, as the decline of the incidence of meningitis and nm-IPD caused by vaccine-serotypes is similar. Continuous monitoring of meningitis and nm-IPD is warranted.

A 1-year trial of nasal mupirocin in the prevention of recurrent staphylococcal nasal colonization and skin infection.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of nasal mupirocin in preventing recurrent staphylococcal nasal colonization and skin infection has been examined in immunodeficient patients and in healthy staphylococcal carriers but not in immunocompetent staphylococcal carriers who experience recurrent skin infections. We studied 34 such patients. METHODS: After an initial 5-day course of nasal mupirocin ointment for all patients, 17 patients continued to apply a 5-day course of nasal mupirocin every month for 1 year, and the other 17 patients applied a placebo ointment. Nasal cultures were obtained monthly, and all episodes of skin infection were recorded. RESULTS: The overall number of positive nasal cultures was 22 in the mupirocin group and 83 in the placebo group (P < .001), and the number of skin infections was 26 and 62, respectively (P < .002). Eight of the 17 mupirocin-treated patients but only 2 in the placebo group remained free of positive staphylococcal nasal cultures. One of the 10 patients who were free of colonization during the 12-month treatment period had skin infections, in contrast to all 24 of the patients with positive cultures (P < .01). Staphylococci resistant to mupirocin were observed in 1 patient. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A monthly application of mupirocin ointment in staphylococcal carriers reduces the incidence of nasal colonization, which in turn lowers the risk of skin infection.

Once daily dosing of gentamicin in infants and children.

BACKGROUND: Aminoglycosides are frequently used in children. The standard daily dosing (SDD) in infants and children is twice or three times daily depending on age. The aim of this paper is to review the current data regarding the safety and effectiveness of once daily dosing (ODD) of gentamicin in children. METHODS: A Medline search was conducted for comparison studies between ODD and SDD of gentamicin in children in term of pharmacokinetic indices and toxicity. RESULTS: Overall 13 studies describing ODD of gentamicin in children were found suitable for this review. In most studies steady state peak serum gentamicin concentrations were significantly higher in the ODD groups. Steady state trough concentrations >2 microg/ml were documented in 5 to 55% of patients treated with the SDD as compared with 0 to 24% in the ODD groups. The mode of dosing did not affect the volume of distribution; however, the t1/2 was significantly longer in the ODD groups. ODD was found to be cost-saving. In a few studies the efficacy of ODD was similar to that of SDD. CONCLUSIONS: These studies suggest that ODD compared with SDD of gentamicin is theoretically more efficacious and has no higher toxicity at 48 to 96 h in neonates and at 3 to 10 days of therapy in older infants and children.

Calves as a source of an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis among young children in an agricultural closed community.

Transmission of Cryptosporidium from animals to humans, originating mainly in calves, had been suggested previously but has remained unproved. An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis that started among calves was transmitted to multiple pediatric groups living in close contact through one family who had close contact with the calves. Eleven of 19 (58%) infants and young children ages 10 to 15 months had Cryptosporidium compared with 3 of 27 (11%) of those ages 36 to 60 months and none of those ages 16 to 35 months. None of the asymptomatic children was positive for Cryptosporidium. These data emphasize that an extensive human to human transmission does not rule out the zoonotic nature of cryptosporidiosis.

Once daily cefixime compared with twice daily trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for treatment of urinary tract infection in infants and children.

We conducted a randomized prospective multicenter study to compare the safety and efficacy of once daily oral cefixime (8 mg/kg) to twice daily oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (8/40 mg/kg/day) for the treatment of acute urinary tract infection in children ages 6 months to 13 years. Seventy-six patients (38 in each group) were studied. Thirty-seven percent were younger than 3 years of age. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate in both groups (85%). Eighty-five percent of all Gram-negative organisms were susceptible to TMP/SMX and all were susceptible to cefixime. Seventy-two percent of all patients were febrile at the time of diagnosis. Both groups were treated for 7 to 10 days. Peripheral white blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, body temperature and urinalysis returned to normal at the same rate in both groups. No failures were observed and relapse occurred in 3 cases within the 4 weeks after treatment (2 in the cefixime group and one in the TMP/SMX group). Side effects were observed in 14% of the cefixime group and 16% of the TMP/SMX group and were all mild enough not to necessitate discontinuation of therapy. We conclude that the efficacy and safety of cefixime administered once daily compared favorably with TMP/SMX administered twice daily for acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection.

Listeria monocytogenes cross-contamination in a nursery [corrected].

Molecular evidence of Listeria monocytogenes cross-contamination in a nursery is presented. Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b was isolated from the blood and the conjunctiva of a baby with neonatal sepsis who was born after septic amnionitis and premature rupture of membrane. Nine days later, the same bacterium was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a second baby presenting with meningitis. Cervical cultures from the second baby's healthy mother were negative for Listeria sp. An in-depth epidemiologic investigation revealed that the same nurse administered routine treatments to both babies in the nursery during a 1-hour interval of time [corrected]. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis of both strains with 2 different restriction enzymes demonstrated that they were identical and differ from other wild strains of L monocytogenes serotype 4b isolated in Israel. This fact strongly suggests that the second baby was infected during admittance to the nursery as a result of a hospital cross-contamination.

Whole-saliva secretion rates in old and young healthy subjects.

Resting and stimulated whole-saliva secretion rates were compared in old and young healthy volunteers. The stimulated secretion rate was similar in both age groups, while the resting flow rate was significantly lower in the old females and males as compared with rates in the young.

The use of systemic antibiotics in seven community hospitals in Northern Israel.

This study evaluated and compared the usage and costs of antibiotics in seven hospitals in the North of Israel and was the first of its kind. We also attempted to determine whether the presence of an Infectious Diseases Unit or Consultant affects antibiotic usage and costs.

Urine polymerase chain reaction as a screening tool for the detection of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

OBJECTIVES: To define the incidence of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a defined population in Israel as diagnosed by urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and to assess the utility of this method for screening for congenital CMV infection. DESIGN: A convenient sample of urine specimens from asymptomatic newborns were subjected to CMV PCR. Positive results were validated by urine tube culture and by determination of serum CMV IgM antibodies. Maternal CMV IgG was determined in a representative sample of mothers. Newborns with positive urine specimens underwent full clinical evaluation. Epidemiological characteristics of the mothers were extracted from the medical records. SETTINGS: Two medical centres in Israel with different population characteristics. PATIENTS: A total of 2000 newborns (1000 in each medical centre). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Presence of CMV DNA in the urine. RESULTS: Despite significant epidemiological differences between the populations in the two hospitals, the CMV seroprevalence was similar, 80.5% and 85%. Fourteen of the 2000 newborns screened (0.7%) were PCR positive. Urine culture was positive in nine of 10 specimens; IgM was positive in only two of 13 newborns with positive PCR. Eleven newborns underwent full or partial evaluation, and only one (9%) was symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of congenital CMV infection in the study population was 0.7%; over 90% were asymptomatic. Urinary CMV PCR is a reliable, rapid, and convenient method, and thus may serve as a screening tool for the detection of congenital CMV infection.

Sacroiliitis as a sole manifestation of Brucella melitensis infection in a child.

A case of a 12-year-old boy with sacroiliitis documented by positive Tc-99m MDP and Ga-67 scans is described. Isolation of brucella melitensis from the blood and bone marrow established the diagnosis. He responded promptly to docycycline therapy. Throughout the course of his disease this boy had neither fever nor other signs of brucellosis, and x-ray was normal.