Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Aeromonas allosaccharophila recovered from a Swiss lake

Objectives To search for plasmid-mediated qnr genes among waterborne environmental Aeromonas spp. recovered from Switzerland. Methods Isolates presenting MICs of nalidixic acid or ciprofloxacin ≥1 mg/L were screened for qnr genes by a multiplex PCR approach followed by sequencing. Plasmids were transferred by transformation, and further analysis of the genetic structures surrounding the qnrS2 gene was carried out by PCR and sequencing. Results A qnrS2 gene was identified from a single Aeromonas allosaccharophila isolate (Lugano lake, Lugano), as part of a mobile insertion cassette located on a broad host range IncU-type plasmid. This plasmid co-harboured a class 1 integron containing the aac(6′)-Ib-cr, blaOXA-1, catB3 and arr-3 gene cassettes. Conclusions These findings strengthen further the role of Aeromonas spp. as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance determinants in the environmen

Lo strano caso della mummia di Ankhpakhered: datazione al radiocarbonio di campioni organici

ItLa mummia scoperta nel sarcofago ligneo di Ankhpakered, sacerdote del dio Min, è stata studiata presso il CEDAD (Centro di Datazione e Diagnostica) dell'Università del Salento, Italia. La TC, eseguita sulla mummia dal team multidisciplinare del Mummy Project di Milano, ha evidenziato caratteristiche insolite, facendo ipotizzare un riutilizzo del sarcofago. Diversi campioni sono stati prelevati per via endoscopica per essere sottoposti ad analisi AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) per la datazione al radiocarbonio, effettuate presso il CEDAD, e ad analisi FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared).EnThe mummy discovered in the wooden coffin of Ankhpakered, priest of Min god, has been studied at CEDAD (Centre for Dating and Diagnostics) at the University of Salento, Italy. The CT analyses, performed by the multidisciplinary team of the Mummy Project of Milan, highlighted unusual features of the mummy, suggesting a re-use of the sarcophagus. Furthermore, specimens were taken via endoscopy for AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) radiocarbon dating and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) analyses which have been carried out at CEDAD

Nevirapine prophylaxis to prevent HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission: pharmacokinetic considerations in preterm infants

Prophylaxis with zidovudine and 3 doses of nevirapine (NVP) is recommended for infants born to HIV-1 infected untreated mothers to prevent HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission. However little is known about NVP pharmacokinetics in neonates, mostly in preterm infants. We performed therapeutic monitoring of NVP plasma concentrations in a 32-week preterm HIV-1 exposed infant born to an infected untreated mother. With the recommended regimen, an intense NVP exposure was observed, with NVP plasma levels exceeding the target concentration by up to 40 times, suggesting that when a laboratory assessment of NVP plasma concentrations is available, it may be useful to monitor and optimize drug exposure.Prophylaxis with zidovudine and 3 doses of nevirapine (NVP) is recommended for infants born to HIV-1 infected untreated mothers to prevent HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission. However little is known about NVP pharmacokinetics in neonates, mostly in preterm infants. We performed therapeutic monitoring of NVP plasma concentrations in a 32-week preterm HIV-1 exposed infant born to an infected untreated mother. With the recommended regimen, an intense NVP exposure was observed, with NVP plasma levels exceeding the target concentration by up to 40 times, suggesting that when a laboratory assessment of NVP plasma concentrations is available, it may be useful to monitor and optimize drug exposure

Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in Aeromonas allosaccharophila recovered from a Swiss lake

Objectives: To search for plasmid-mediated qnr genes among waterborne environmental Aeromonas spp. recovered from Switzerland.Methods: Isolates presenting MICs of nalidixic acid or ciprofloxacin >= 1 mg/L were screened for qnr genes by a multiplex PCR approach followed by sequencing. Plasmids were transferred by transformation, and further analysis of the genetic structures surrounding the qnrS2 gene was carried out by PCR and sequencing.Results: A qnrS2 gene was identified from a single Aeromonas allosaccharophila isolate (Lugano lake, Lugano), as part of a mobile insertion cassette located on a broad host range IncU-type plasmid. This plasmid co-harboured a class 1 integron containing the aac(6 ')-Ib-cr, bla(OXA-1), catB3 and arr-3 gene cassettes.Conclusions: These findings strengthen further the role of Aeromonas spp. as a reservoir of antimicrobial resistance determinants in the environment

The Strange Case of the Ankhpakhered Mummy: Results of AMS 14C Dating

The ancient Egyptian mummy discovered in the wooden coffin of Ankhpakhered, priest of the god Min, has been studied at CEDAD (Centre for Dating and Diagnostics) at the University of Salento, Italy. The CT scan, performed by the multidisciplinary team of the Mummy Project of Milan, highlighted unusual features of the mummy, suggesting a reuse of the sarcophagus. Furthermore, specimens were taken via endoscopy for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses, which have been carried out at CEDAD