Molecular characterization and susceptibility of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospitals and the community in Vladivostok, Russia

AbstractA prospective study was conducted during an 8-month period, from August 2006 to April 2007, to describe the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus-associated infections. In addition, the molecular characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibilities and antibiotic resistance determinants were identified in S. aureus isolates from hospitals and the community in Vladivostok, Russia. Among the 63 S. aureus isolates eligible for this study, methicillin resistance was observed in 48% (n = 30). Hospital-acquired strains accounted for 93% (28/30) of all methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. The major MRSA clone (sequence type (ST) 239, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type III, Panton--Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-negative, with two related staphylococcal protein A gene (spa) types (types 3 and 351)) represented 90% of all of the MRSA isolates. This clone was multidrug-resistant, and 41% of isolates showed resistance to rifampicin. Community-acquired MRSA isolates (n = 2) were categorized as ST30, SCCmecIV, spa type 19, and PVL--positive, and as ST8, SCCmecIV, of a novel spa type 826, and PVL-negative. Eight different STs were detected among methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates, of which 55% were PVL--positive. One MSSA clone, which was categorized as ST121, spa type 273, and PVL--positive, caused fatal community-acquired pneumonia infections. The strains predominantly isolated in hospitals in Russia belonged to the multidrug-resistant Brazilian/Hungarian ST239 MRSA clone; however, this clone has new antibiotic susceptibilities. Additionally, the emergence of PVL--positive MSSA strains with enhanced virulence was observed, warranting continued surveillance

Control of the bias tilt angles in nematic liquid crystals

This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and AIP Publishing. This article appeared in S. V. Yablonskii, K. Nakayama, S. Okazaki, M. Ozaki, K. Yoshino, S. P. Palto, M. Yu. Baranovich, and A. S. Michailov, Journal of Applied Physics 85, 2556 (1999) and may be found at https://doi.org/10.1063/1.369574

Факторы риска типичного трепетания предсердий у пациентов после изоляции устьев легочных вен

Highlights. Cavatricuspid isthmus ablation with pulmonary vein isolation is indicated to all patients with documented or intraoperatively induced typical atrial flutter. The preventive cavatricuspid isthmus ablation remains an issue of concern. The article discusses the risk factors for the onset of typical atrial flutter pulmonary vein isolation.Aim. To determine the need for preventive ablation of the cavatricuspid isthmus in patients referred to elective pulmonary vein isolation.Methods. 632 patients (the mean age of 63 years) were enrolled in a single-center retrospective study between 2015 to 2018. The inclusion criteria were as follows: paroxysmal AF, absence of documented AFL. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation. The exclusion criteria were as follows: a history of typical or AFL. The endpoints included major cardiovascular events, reoperations, occurrence of AFL. The primary endpoint was the absence of paroxysms of AF and AFL during the blind period. The secondary endpoint was the absence of AF paroxysms documented on the ECG or according to Holter monitoring data. The follow-up period was 12 months.Results. During the blind period, AF paroxysms were recorded in 148 (23.7%) patients. The efficiency of the operation within one year was 78.2% (494 patients). 138 patients (21.8%) had recurrent tachycardia. Of them, 28 patients (4.4%) were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and others (17.4%) had AFL. Risk factors for AFL included COPD found in 18 patients (64.29%) (OR 25.4; CI 95%; 10.991-58.609), chronic heart failure in 20 patients (71.43%) (OR 7.434; CI 95%; 3.209-17.225), prolonged pr interval in 18 patients (64.29%) (OR 5.77; CI 95%; 2.288-14.5), a history of myocardial infarction in 6 patients (28.57%) (OR 6.591; CI 95%; 2.447-17.751), and smoking in 7 patients (67.86%) (OR 11.034; CI 95%; 4.849-25.112).Conclusion. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, a history of myocardial infarction, and smoking prolong right atrial conduction time, thereby increasing the risk of AFL in the postoperative period. Preventive cavatricuspid isthmus ablation should be considered in patients with risk factors for developing AFL.Основные положения. Создание блока в кавотрикуспидальном перешейке одновременно с изоляцией легочных вен показано всем пациентам с документированным в анамнезе или индуцированным интраоперационно типичным трепетанием предсердий. Вопрос о выполнении превентивной аблации кавотрикуспидального перешейка в настоящее время открыт. В работе проанализированы факторы риска возникновения типичного трепетания предсердий после изоляции устьев легочных вен.Цель. Определить необходимость превентивной аблации кавотрикуспидального перешейка пациентам, которым планируют проведение изоляции устьев легочных вен; оценить связь факторов риска трепетания предсердий (ТП) и отдаленных результатов изоляции устьев легочных вен.Материалы и методы. Исследование является одноцентовым ретроспективным, выполнено с 2015 по 2018 г. Критерии включения: пароксизмальная форма фибрилляции предсердий (ФП), отсутствие документированного ТП. Критерии исключения: типичное или атипичное ТП в анамнезе. Конечные точки: основные сердечно-сосудистые события, повторные операции, возникновение типичного ТП. В исследование вошли 632 пациента. Первичная конечная точка: отсутствие пароксизмов ФП и ТП во время «слепого» периода. Вторичная конечная точка: отсутствие пароксизмов ФП, задокументированных по данным электрокардиографии или Холтеровского мониторирования. Период наблюдения составил 12 мес. Всем больным выполнена изоляция легочных вен.Результаты. В течение «слепого» периода (3 мес.) пароксизм ФП зарегистрирован у 148 (23,7%) пациентов. Эффективность операции в течение года составила 78,2% (n = 494) случаев, в 21,8% (n = 138) случаев возник рецидив тахикардии: у 28 пациентов (4,4%) выявлено ТП, у 110 (17,4%) пациентов - ФП. Факторы риска ТП: хроническая обструктивная болезнь легких отмечена у 18 (64,29%) пациентов (отношение шансов, ОШ, 25,4; 95% доверительный интервал, ДИ, 10,991-58,609), хроническая сердечная недостаточность - у 20 (71,43%) больных (ОШ 7,434; 95% ДИ 3,209-17,225), удлиненный интервал p-r - у 18 (64,29%) (ОШ 5,77; 95% ДИ 2,288-14,5), у 6 (28,57%) пациентов выявлен инфаркт миокарда в анамнезе (ОШ 6,591; 95% ДИ 2,447-17,751) и у 7 (67,86%) - курение (ОШ 11,034; 95% ДИ 4,849-25,112).Заключение. По нашим данным, хроническая обструктивная болезнь легких, хроническая сердечная недостаточность, инфаркт миокарда в анамнезе, а также курение увеличивают время правопредсердного проведения, тем самым повышая риск возникновения ТП в послеоперационном периоде. Пациентам с факторами риска ТП следует рассмотреть вопрос о проведении превентивной аблации кавотрикуспидального перешейка

Синдром Мэя - Тернера: современные методы диагностики и лечения

May-Turner syndrome is a condition where the left common iliac vein is compressed between the lumbar spine and the overlying right common iliac artery. Left iliac vein compression is common (up to 24%) in the general population, but clinical manifestations occur in a few patients. This syndrome should be considered in case of unexplained edema of the left lower extremity since routine duplex ultrasound does not possess optimal sensitivity and specificity in the study of the iliac veins and the inferior vena cava. Intravascular ultrasound is the most accurate diagnostic method. However, the advent of computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography providing high-quality images of the vasculature have become a promising alternative to invasive intravascular ultrasound. Treatment for May-Turner syndrome usually involves stenting of the left common iliac vein along with medical therapy, including antithrombotic (anticoagulant and antiplatelet) therapy combined with phlebotonics. Our review reports modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of May-Turner syndrome.Синдром Мэя - Тернера (СМТ) является симптомокомплексом, который возникает при сдавлении левой общей подвздошной вены между поясничным отделом позвоночника и правой общей подвздошной артерией. Компрессия левой общей подвздошной вены распространена в общей популяции (24%), однако клинические проявления наступают у значительно меньшего количества пациентов. Заподозрить данный синдром следует при необъяснимом отеке левой нижней конечности, так как классическое ультразвуковое дуплексное сканирование не обладает необходимыми чувствительностью и специфичностью при исследовании подвздошных вен и нижней полой вены. Внутрисосудистое ультразвуковое исследование (ВСУЗИ) является наиболее точным методом диагностики, однако компьютерная томографическая и магнитно-резонансная ангиографии с высоким качеством изображения представляют эффективную альтернативу инвазивному ВСУЗИ. Основным методом лечения СМТ является стентирование левой общей подвздошной вены на фоне приема медикаментозной терапии, включающей антитромбо-тическую (антикоагулянтную и антиагрегантную) терапию в комбинации с флеботонизирующими препаратами. Цель данного обзора состоит в описании современных методов диагностики и лечения синдрома Мэя - Тернера

Two Birds with One Stone? Possible Dual-Targeting H1N1 Inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine

The H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009 has claimed over 18,000 lives. During this pandemic, development of drug resistance further complicated efforts to control and treat the widespread illness. This research utilizes traditional Chinese medicine Database@Taiwan (TCM Database@Taiwan) to screen for compounds that simultaneously target H1 and N1 to overcome current difficulties with virus mutations. The top three candidates were de novo derivatives of xylopine and rosmaricine. Bioactivity of the de novo derivatives against N1 were validated by multiple machine learning prediction models. Ability of the de novo compounds to maintain CoMFA/CoMSIA contour and form key interactions implied bioactivity within H1 as well. Addition of a pyridinium fragment was critical to form stable interactions in H1 and N1 as supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Results from MD, hydrophobic interactions, and torsion angles are consistent and support the findings of docking. Multiple anchors and lack of binding to residues prone to mutation suggest that the TCM de novo derivatives may be resistant to drug resistance and are advantageous over conventional H1N1 treatments such as oseltamivir. These results suggest that the TCM de novo derivatives may be suitable candidates of dual-targeting drugs for influenza.National Science Council of Taiwan (NSC 99-2221-E-039-013-)Committee on Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy (CCMP100-RD-030)China Medical University and Asia University (CMU98-TCM)China Medical University and Asia University (CMU99-TCM)China Medical University and Asia University (CMU99-S-02)China Medical University and Asia University (CMU99-ASIA-25)China Medical University and Asia University (CMU99-ASIA-26)China Medical University and Asia University (CMU99-ASIA-27)China Medical University and Asia University (CMU99-ASIA-28)Taiwan Department of Health. Clinical Trial and Research Center of Excellence (DOH100-TD-B-111-004)Taiwan Department of Health. Cancer Research Center of Excellence (DOH100-TD-C-111-005

A Field Guide to Pandemic, Epidemic and Sporadic Clones of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a truly global challenge. In addition to the long-known healthcare-associated clones, novel strains have also emerged outside of the hospital settings, in the community as well as in livestock. The emergence and spread of virulent clones expressing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an additional cause for concern. In order to provide an overview of pandemic, epidemic and sporadic strains, more than 3,000 clinical and veterinary isolates of MRSA mainly from Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Malta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago as well as some reference strains from the United States have been genotyped by DNA microarray analysis. This technique allowed the assignment of the MRSA isolates to 34 distinct lineages which can be clearly defined based on non-mobile genes. The results were in accordance with data from multilocus sequence typing. More than 100 different strains were distinguished based on affiliation to these lineages, SCCmec type and the presence or absence of PVL. These strains are described here mainly with regard to clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance- and virulence-associated markers, but also in relation to epidemiology and geographic distribution. The findings of the study show a high level of biodiversity among MRSA, especially among strains harbouring SCCmec IV and V elements. The data also indicate a high rate of genetic recombination in MRSA involving SCC elements, bacteriophages or other mobile genetic elements and large-scale chromosomal replacements

A Field Guide to Pandemic, Epidemic and Sporadic Clones of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a truly global challenge. In addition to the long-known healthcare-associated clones, novel strains have also emerged outside of the hospital settings, in the community as well as in livestock. The emergence and spread of virulent clones expressing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an additional cause for concern. In order to provide an overview of pandemic, epidemic and sporadic strains, more than 3,000 clinical and veterinary isolates of MRSA mainly from Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Malta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago as well as some reference strains from the United States have been genotyped by DNA microarray analysis. This technique allowed the assignment of the MRSA isolates to 34 distinct lineages which can be clearly defined based on non-mobile genes. The results were in accordance with data from multilocus sequence typing. More than 100 different strains were distinguished based on affiliation to these lineages, SCCmec type and the presence or absence of PVL. These strains are described here mainly with regard to clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance- and virulence-associated markers, but also in relation to epidemiology and geographic distribution. The findings of the study show a high level of biodiversity among MRSA, especially among strains harbouring SCCmec IV and V elements. The data also indicate a high rate of genetic recombination in MRSA involving SCC elements, bacteriophages or other mobile genetic elements and large-scale chromosomal replacements

Structure-based drug discovery for combating influenza virus by targeting the PA?PB1 interaction

Influenza virus infections are serious public health concerns throughout the world. The development of compounds with novel mechanisms of action is urgently required due to the emergence of viruses with resistance to the currently-approved anti-influenza viral drugs. We performed in silico screening using a structure-based drug discovery algorithm called Nagasaki University Docking Engine (NUDE), which is optimised for a GPU-based supercomputer (DEstination for Gpu Intensive MAchine; DEGIMA), by targeting influenza viral PA protein. The compounds selected by NUDE were tested for anti-influenza virus activity using a cell-based assay. The most potent compound, designated as PA-49, is a medium-sized quinolinone derivative bearing a tetrazole moiety, and it inhibited the replication of influenza virus A/WSN/33 at a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.47?μM. PA-49 has the ability to bind PA and its anti-influenza activity was promising against various influenza strains, including a clinical isolate of A(H1N1)pdm09 and type B viruses. The docking simulation suggested that PA-49 interrupts the PA?PB1 interface where important amino acids are mostly conserved in the virus strains tested, suggesting the strain independent utility. Because our NUDE/DEGIMA system is rapid and efficient, it may help effective drug discovery against the influenza virus and other emerging viruses

On occurrence of some avian bacterial diseases and biosafety provision

The proportion of infectious diseases in general avian pathology is known to vary significantly, while bacterial infections play a critical role in avian disease occurrence and incidence. Most of them are registered in the country’s large-scale poultry holdings, poultry farms and backyards and pose a serious risk in terms of epidemic and veterinary-sanitary aspects. This paper presents the results of analysis of avian colibacillosis and salmonellosis occurrence in 2018–2022, taking into account the number of outbreaks and diseased poultry for each disease. A retrospective analysis showed that these infections are registered annually in poultry farms of the Russian Federation, within a 5-year-period the number of poultry with colibacillosis ranged from 66.18% in 2018 to 0.15% in 2021 of the total number of diseased birds, and the number of Salmonella-infected poultry ranged from 65.91% in 2019 to 0.57% in 2021. In 2018–2020 219,020 samples of poultry meat and poultry products were tested for Salmonella, while Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella infantis were detected in 0.80% cases. It should be noted that in accordance with the requirements of Technical Regulations TR CU 021/2011 and TR EAEU 051/2021, no Salmonella is allowed in 25 g of poultry meat. According to the VESTA automated system, during the study period, incompliances with microbiological safety parameters were detected in 16.11% of poultry meat and poultry product samples, of which 10.98% of the samples contained mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms, and 5.13% contained Escherichia coli. The data obtained indicate the need for a retrospective analysis of the occurrence of some avian bacterial infections in order to study the animal disease situation in poultry farms for the purpose of improving the set of measures to ensure the disease freedom in poultry industry, while addressing the laboratory test results

SURGICAL PROCEDURES IN PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTED PACEMAKERS

The article presents preventive measures aimed at surgical treatment of patients with artificial rhythm drivers. The relationship between the regime and the duration of electrocoagulation and the disturbances in the work of the ECS was revealed