A fully-discrete scheme for systems of nonlinear Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equations

We consider a system of Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov (FPK) equations, where the dependence of the coefficients is nonlinear and nonlocal in time with respect to the unknowns. We extend the numerical scheme proposed and studied recently by the authors for a single FPK equation of this type. We analyse the convergence of the scheme and we study its applicability in two examples. The first one concerns a population model involving two interacting species and the second one concerns two populations Mean Field Games

IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF NEEM LEAVES ON EXTENDED-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASE AND AMBLER CLASS C COPRODUCERS FROM SKIN AND SOFT-TISSUE INFECTIONS.

 Objective: Clinical isolates coproducing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and Ambler Class C (AmpC) beta-lactamase are a therapeutic challenge. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Azadirachta indica methanolic leaf extract against lactose fermenting coproducers of ESBL and AmpC isolated from skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs).Methods: A total of 88 non-duplicate lactose fermenting strains isolated from SSTIs specimens were tested for their antibiotic susceptibility pattern by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Ceftazidime and cefoxitin-resistant strains were screened for coproduction of ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamase by phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test and E-test. Antibacterial activity of methanolic neem leaf (NLM) extract was examined by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NLM was determined by the agar dilution technique.Results: Thirty-seven lactose fermenting strains were confirmed to be coproducers of ESBL and AmpC, out of which 27 were Escherichia coli and 10 were Klebsiella spp. The nimbin content in the neem leaf extract was found to be 0.007% (w/w) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The NLM extract showed inhibitory activity against all the 37 lactose fermenting isolates from SSTIs, coproducing ESBL and AmpC. The MIC of NLM extract was determined to be in the range of 4–8% (40–80 mg/ml) against the selected isolates.Conclusion: It can be stated that NLM extract might have therapeutic significance against coproducers of ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamase isolated from SSTIs

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF HONEY AGAINST ESBL PRODUCING KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE FROM BURN WOUND INFECTIONS

Objective: The present study compares the effect of Manuka and Jambhul honey on ten clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae producing Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) from burn wound infections. Methods: The isolated organisms were identified and screened for ESBL production, which was further confirmed by Confirmatory Phenotypic Disc diffusion test and E-test. The antibacterial activity of Manuka and Jambhul honey was analysed using Agar cup method for varying concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Manuka and Jambhul honey against the isolates was determined using Agar dilution method. Results: MIC was found to be in the range of 30%-40% (v/v) for both honey. The average MIC of Manuka for all the 10 isolates was estimated to be 34% whereas that of Jambhul, was 36.5% and this difference was found to be statistically insignificant (P>0.05 t test). Total phenolic content (TPC) in Manuka and Jambhul honey was estimated using Folin's Ciocalteau method and was found to be 1.22 mg TA/gm in Manuka honey and 1.18 mg TA/gm in Jambhul honey. Conclusion: Thus, the study showed that honey may be an effective antimicrobial agent against ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from burn wound infections. It also proved that antimicrobial activity of Indian Jambhul honey is comparable to New Zealand's Manuka honey

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS GARLIC EXTRACT ON BETA-LACTAMASE PRODUCING ACINETOBACTER ISOLATES FROM SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS

Objective: The present study evaluates the antibacterial effect of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) on beta-lactamase producing Acinetobacter strains isolated from skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).Methods: A total of 41 non-duplicate strains of Acinetobacter isolated from SSTIs specimens were tested for their antibiotic susceptibility pattern by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Ceftazidime-resistant Acinetobacter strains were screened for beta-lactamase production by Phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test (PCDDT) and E-test. Antibacterial activity of AGE was examined by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AGE and Cefotaxime was determined by the agar dilution technique. The combined activity of AGE and Cefotaxime was evaluated by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index by the checkerboard method.Results: 21 Acinetobacter strains were confirmed to be beta-lactamase producers, out of which 6 were Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producers, 3 were Ambler Class C (AmpC) and 12 were multiple beta-lactamase producers. AGE exhibited significant antibacterial activity as the observed zones of inhibition ranged from 18 - 31 mm against the test strains. The MIC of AGE was in the range of 0.5% - 2% (2.5 mg/ml – 10 mg/ml) with a mean of 0.86% (4.28 mg/ml). 11 test strains showed synergism, 5 strains exhibited additive and indifferent effect, each. By HPLC analysis the concentration of allicin was found to be 0.20, expressed as percentage w/w.Conclusion: It can be stated that aqueous garlic extract might have therapeutic value against beta-lactamase producing Acinetobacter isolates from SSTIs

Prevalência de Doença Carotídea na Patologia Cérebro-Vascular Isquémica. O Papel do Eco-Doppler

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic carotid disease represents approximately 20% of the causes of ischemic stroke. Effective treatment options, such as endovascular or surgical revascularization procedures, are available. Doppler Ultrasound (DUS) is a non-invasive, inexpensive, routine exam used to evaluate the presence of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. We retrospectively analysed the prevalence of severe atherosclerotic carotid disease in a population of patients with acute ischemic stroke/transitory ischemic attacks (TIAs), and the role of DUS in the detection of ICA stenosis and treatment decisions in these patients. METHODS: A total of 318 patients with ischemic stroke or TIAs was admitted to our stroke unit, and 260 patients were studied by DUS. ICA stenosis was evaluated by DUS according to peak systolic velocity. All DUS exams were performed by the same operator. ICA stenosis was further assessed in 43 patients by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using NASCET criteria. RESULTS: Of the total 318 patients, 260 (82%) had DUS evaluation. Of the total 520 ICAs studied by DUS, degrees of ICA stenosis were: 0-29% n= 438 (84%); 30-49% n= 8 (2%); 50-69% n= 27 (5%); 70-89% n= 15 (3%); 90-99% n= 20 (4%); oclusão n= 14 (2%). Of the total 260 patients studied, 43 (16.5%) underwent DSA. Sensibility and specificity of DUS in the diagnosis of carotid stenosis over 70% were, respectively, 91% e 84%. Of the total 31 patients with significant carotid stenosis (70-99%), 23 (74%) underwent subsequent carotid revascularization procedures. DISCUSSION: DUS is an important screening test in our stroke unit, justifying its use as a routine exam for all patients with ischemic stroke/TIAs. Moreover, our results show the relevance of severe carotid disease in a population with acute ischemic stroke/TIAs (16.5%), with a total of 9% of patients being submitted to carotid revascularization procedures

A Experiência de Um Ano na Monitorização de Estenose Intracraniana nas Crianças com Anemia de Células Falciformes (Depranocitose) por Ecodoppler Transcraniano

O Laboratório de Neurossonologia do Hospital de S. José do CHLC, EPE propôs-se avaliar os registos velocimétricos obtidos na realização de Ecodoppler Transcraniano aos doentes em idade pediátrica portadores de Drepanocitose, durante o ano de 2010, verificando-se uma baixa incidência de estenose intracraniana

Parvovirus B19 Infection Associated with Hemolytic Anemia and Cranial Polyneuropathy

Parvovirus B19 (PB19) is a common, widespread, small, single-stranded DNA virus which has been linked with a broad spectrum of clinical illnesses, including a variety of neurological complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, myelitis, stroke, cerebellar ataxia, and neuropathy. The authors describe a case of PB19 infection associated with hemolytic anemia and cranial polyneuropathy involving the second and third cranial nerves in a 23-year-old immunocompetent woman. The diagnosis of acute PB19 infection was established with detection of positive DNA and anti-PB19 IgM antibodies in blood samples. Antiganglioside antibody studies were performed and serum anti-GD1b IgG was strongly positive. Further investigation was normal or negative, excluding other infectious or autoimmune disorders. The patient was initially treated with a 5-day course of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV). Because of incomplete neurological recovery, methylprednisolone was also administered 7 days after IGIV therapy initiation. Complete resolution of clinical symptoms was observed 3 months after disease onset at follow-up visit, despite the persistence of PB19 DNA and anti-PB19 IgM antibodies in serum 5 months after the initial presentation. Our report provides evidence that PB19 could affect both the central and peripheral nervous system, possibly by triggering an autoimmune mechanism that leads to autoantibody production.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

IgG4-Related Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - A New Variant of a Well Known Disease

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) has been characterized for many years as a well-defined clinicopathologic entity, but is now considered a heterogeneous disease. IgG4-related HT is a new subtype characterized by thyroid inflammation rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells and marked fibrosis. It may be part of the systemic IgG4-related disease. We report a case of a 56-year-old Portuguese man who presented with a one-month history of progressive neck swelling and dysphagia. Laboratory testing revealed increased inflammatory parameters, subclinical hypothyroidism and very high levels of thyroid autoantibodies. Cervical ultrasound (US) demonstrated an enlarged and heterogeneous thyroid gland and two hypoechoic nodules. US-guided fine needle aspiration cytology was consistent with lymphocytic thyroiditis. The patient was submitted to total thyroidectomy and microscopic examination identified typical findings of HT, marked fibrosis limited within the thyroid capsule and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, with >50 IgG4-positive plasma cells per high-power field and an IgG4/IgG ratio of >40%. After surgery, serum IgG4 concentration was high-normal. Symptoms relief and reduction in laboratory inflammatory parameters were noticed. Thyroid function is controlled with levothyroxine. To our knowledge we report the first case of IgG4-related HT in a non-Asian patient. We also perform a review of the literature regarding IgG4-related disease and IgG4-related HT. Our case highlights this new variant of the well known HT, and helps physicians in recognizing its main clinical features, allowing for proper diagnosis and treatment

Mismatch repair SNPs and thyroid cancer susceptibility: a potential role for the MSH6 rs1042821 (Gly39Glu) polymorphism

Abstract of the Poster presented at the 3rd ESPT Conference (European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Personalised Therapy / European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Theranostics), 7-9 October 2015, Budapest