Traces 2018 : trayectorias académicas estudiantiles : "metas claras… objetivo asegurado"

Es una propuesta de trabajo en red entre la Secretaría Académica de la UNCuyo,- Facultades, Institutos y diversas áreas y servicios de nuestra universidad, que posibilita acompañar a los estudiantes desde el ingreso hasta el egreso, articulando la tarea con las etapas previas y posteriores del sistema: escuela media, mundo laboral y formación permanente, con el fin de garantizar el derecho a una educación superior pública, inclusiva y de calidad. Está destinado a sostener y promover las trayectorias estudiantiles.Fil: Guida, Valeria. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de OdontologíaFil: Biscaro, Amalia Teresa. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de OdontologíaFil: Parra, Judith. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de OdontologíaFil: Haist, Evelina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Odontologí

Occurrence of Legionella spp. in thermal environments: Virulence factors and biofilm formation in isolates from a spa☆ , ☆☆

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of Legionella spp. in the water system of a spa in the city of Naples by analyzing water, air and surface samples. On the whole, 312 samples were collected and analyzed in the course of 10 months. Legionella CYE Agar Base and Legionella Latex Test (Oxoid©) were used to identify and serotype presumptive Legionella pneumophila strains. A further identification was carried out by rDNA16S and ITS region amplification followed by a sequence analysis by DNA Sequencing Analysis software (Applied Biosystems). Similarity search was performed using BLAST algorithm against the GenBank database (NCBI GenBank). Specific in-vitro tests aimed to evaluate the production of esoenzymes (hemolysins, collagenases, mucinases, lipases, proteinases, DNAses, elastases) on GC-FC Agar were also carried out. Finally, a crystal violet staining method (absorbance at 570 nm) was used to evaluate the ability of the strains to produce biofilm in a 96-multiwell polyethylene plate. All samples were negative for L. pneumophila. Six different Legionella strains were isolated from water samples and identified as Legionella londiniensis and Legionella spp. A significant (from 1000 to 10,000 CFU/L) and a low to moderate (from 100 to 1000 CFU/L) contamination were detected respectively in the 5% and 4% of samples; 91% of water samples showed a Legionella spp. amount less than 100 CFU/L. Two Legionella londiniensis isolates showed collagenases, caseinases, proteinases and gelatinases activities, being classified as potentially pathogenic bacteria. None of the isolates were classified as strong biofilm producer but they showed a moderate to weak ability to form biofilm on polyethylene. This result is significant because large part of the spa pipelines is plastic-coated. The highest frequency of isolation of Legionella spp. was detected in the unit for Thermal Mud Therapy, which showed a relative risk value equal to 1.69 (CI 95% 0.60–4.70). Although our results proved a moderate contamination in different water samples, the presence of potentially pathogenic environmental strains of Legionella spp. should not be underestimated because most part of costumers attending the spa are old and sick people, and Legionella strains can represent a real risk

Candida albicans identification: comparison among nine phenotypic systems and a multiplex PCR

Background. Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen isolated from clinical samples and is also the most common yeast species carried as a commensal by healthy individuals although some non-C. albicans species account for an important number of infections. Objectives. To compare nine phenotypic systems for C. albicans identification [API 20C AUX; RapID Yeast Identification panel (RYIP); Vitek2 ID-YST system; chromogenic media, CHROMagar, Oxoid Chromogenic Candida Agar (OCCA), Candida ID2, Candida Identification Agar, CandiSelect 4, and Chromalbicans Agar] with multiplex PCR. Patients/Methods. A collection of 390 yeast strains was obtained by routine isolation from oral and vaginal swabs. All of the yeasts isolated were tested for germ tube formation, and then submitted to a multiplex PCR protocol tested in previous studies, and to nine phenotypical commercial methods, together with the reference ATCC strains. Comparison was limited to the ability of the tests to identify C. albicans. Results. 253 isolates were provisionally identified as C. albicans by germ tube, and their identities were further confirmed with the multiplex PCR. Sensitivity of phenotypical systems ranged from 81.9% (Vitek2) to 87.7% (Candida ID2 e CHROMagar). For specificity, the highest value was 96.8% for Candida ID2, and the lowest value (75.1%) was for Chromalbicans Agar. Conclusions. Although with differences in discriminatory power, the methods tested showed overall acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity respect to the multiplex PCR; therefore, all could be useful for C. albicans identification where molecular differentiation is not available

Screening and isolation of microbes from a Mud Community of Ischia Island Thermal Springs: preliminary analysis of a bioactive compound

Introduction: Balneotherapy centers of Ischia island (Italy) offer treatments for different dermatological diseases (psoriasis, acne, atopic dermatitis) and upper respiratory tract infections. In this study, we integrated morphological and molecular approaches to give bacterial diversity of microbial mat samples collected from the thermae of Ischia. Methods: Samples were collected during 2019 at four sites. Some bacterial strains ATCC for antibacterial and antibiofilm Activity were tested. After morphological characterization, screening for antagonistic isolates was made. The colonies isolated from thermal mud samples were submitted to molecular characterization. Susceptibility testing by dilution spotting was carried out and antibacterial efficacies of most active isolate were evaluated with a Minimal inhibition concentration assay. Biofilm formation, inhibition, eradication were examined. Statistical analyses were carried out utilizing Microsoft® Excel 2016/XLSTAT©-Pro. Results: We isolated a natural compound with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study are discussed in the context of how hydrothermal systems are important environmental source of uncharted antimicrobial and antibiofilm compounds. This is, to our knowledge, the first view of a spring water microbiome analysis of Ischia

Practical Clues to recognize Melanoma incognito

Introduction & Objectives: To avoid missing melanoma, the current practice is to biopsy all lesions that are suspicious based on clinical and dermoscopic ground. Although most cases of melanoma exhibit clinical clues leading to the correct diagnosis, melanoma can mimic benign melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions. Confocal microscopy has been shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy for melanoma diagnosis, but little is known about its ability to detect melanoma in the context of lesions that appear dermoscopically benign. Materials & Methods: We present 10 difficult-to-diagnose melanomas, in which additional clues provided by confocal microscopy increased the index of suspicion and prompt us to perform an excisional biopsy. Results: Our cases highlight the following 3 management rules. Confocal microscopy should be used: 1) in newly appearing lesions in high-risk patients; 2) lesions referred by the patient himself as growing lesions even if they are clinically banal 3) Biopsy lesions with unspecific confocal pattern that does not permit to classify the lesion as clear-cut benign. Conclusions: Our case series highlight that melanoma diagnosis is a complex process in which several factors such as patient-related information, clinical history, dermoscopic and confocal features along with “gut” feelings may influence patient’s management. Confocal microscopy in conjunction with dermoscopy can increase the index of suggestion to perform biopsy in difficult-to-diagnose melanomas

Environmental microbial contamination in dental setting: a local experience

ntroduction. Patients and operators are exposed during dental practice to an infective risk, which derives especially from micro- organisms suspended in aerosols. Environmental microbiologi- cal monitoring in dental settings represents a good instrument to detect critical situations. Methods. In order to investigate environmental microbial contami- nation level in a local reality, we analyzed water, air and surfaces samples of a community-based dental facility by using protocol and threshold values proposed in a recent multicenter study carried out by the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (S.It.I.) working group ?Hygiene in Dentistry?. Microbial contamination was assessed in the same room for 4 non-consecu- tive weeks during all the five working days, before and at the end of the daily activity. Air was sampled also during clinical activity, through both active and passive sampling systems. Results. Contamination of water showed a decrease during activ- ities, while a decrease in air contamination was registered only at the end of the day. Passive sampling values resulted more often above threshold values adopted. At the same time, surfaces con- tamination increases at the end of the activity. It seems that in the dental clinic analyzed microbial buildup represents the higher critical element. No differences have been registered among the different days of the week. Discussion. Our study highlights the need to improve disinfection procedures and air treatment systems in the considered environ- ment. Microbiological monitoring could represent an important element to detect the presence of risk factors and to adopt control measures

Disinfection by-Products and Ecotoxic Risk Associated with Hypochlorite Treatment of Tramadol

In recent years, many studies have highlighted the consistent finding of tramadol (TRA) in the effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) and also in some rivers and lakes in both Europe and North America, suggesting that TRA is removed by no more than 36% by specific disinfection treatments. The extensive use of this drug has led to environmental pollution of both water and soil, up to its detection in growing plants. In order to expand the knowledge about TRA toxicity as well as the nature of its disinfection by-products (DBPs), a simulation of the waste treatment chlorination step has been reported herein. In particular, we found seven new by-products, that together with TRA, have been assayed on different living organisms (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna), to test their acute and chronic toxicity. The results reported that TRA may be classified as a harmful compound to some aquatic organisms whereas its chlorinated product mixture showed no effects on any of the organisms tested. All data suggest however that TRA chlorination treatment produces a variety of DBPs which can be more harmful than TRA and a risk for the aquatic environment and human health

Allium ursinum and Allium oschaninii against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans Mono- and Polymicrobic Biofilms in In Vitro Static and Dynamic Models

The present study assesses the in vitro antibiofilm potential activity of extracts of wild Allium ursinum and Allium oschaninii. The active ingredients of the extracts were obtained with a technique named Naviglio (rapid solid–liquid dynamic extraction, RSLDE) which is based on an innovative and green solid–liquid extraction methodology. The extracts were tested against models of mono‐ and polymicrobial biofilm structures of clinically antibiotic‐resistant pathogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10031 and Candida albicans ATCC 90028. Biofilms were studied using a static and a dynamic model (microtiter plates and a CDC reactor) on three different surfaces reproducing what happens on implantable medical devices. Antimicrobic activities were determined through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), while antibiofilm activity was assessed by minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) using a crystal violet (CV) biofilm assay and colony forming unit (CFU) counts. Results showed that both Allium extracts eradicated biofilms of the tested microorganisms well; biofilms on Teflon were more susceptible to extracts than those on polypropylene and polycarbonate, suggesting that when grown on a complex substrate, biofilms may be more tolerant to antibiotics. Our data provide significant advances on antibiotic susceptibility testing of biofilms grown on biologically relevant materials for future in vitro and in vivo applications

Multidosing Intramuscular Administration of Methotrexate in Interstitial Pregnancy With Very High Levels of β-hCG: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the implantation of an embryo outside the endometrial cavity of the uterus. Signs and symptoms of EP may arise between the 6th and the 8th week of gestation and include vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal and pelvic pain. Frequently EPs implant in the fallopian tubes. A rare EP is the interstitial pregnancy, a life-threatening condition being responsible for nearly 20% of all deaths caused by EPs. Because of its unique location, the diagnosis is difficult and based on signs and specific criteria together with measuring of serum β-hCG. Usually, EP is treated by surgical approach, which is associated with increased morbidity, decreased fertility and increased likelihood of hysterectomy and uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy. Early diagnosis is crucial to life saving and allowing alternative therapeutic interventions such as pharmacological treatments. Methotrexate (MTX) represents the mainstay therapy. There is no standard care for the interstitial pregnancy for what concerns either surgical or pharmacological approaches. We reported a case of a 36-year-old woman admitted to the Hospital of Salerno-Italy with a value of serum β-hCG of 35,993 IU/L. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed an empty uterine cavity and a mass of 35.7 mm in diameter characterized by a hypoechoic central area. The patient was in stable haemodynamic condition and no haematologic, renal and hepatic impairments were recorded. Despite the high serum β-hCG levels, a pharmacological approach was preferred to a surgical one. The patient was treated with intramuscular administration of MTX in daily dose of 1 mg/Kg alternated with 0.1 mg/kg folinic acid for 5 days. The patient remained hospitalized for 20 days and no side effects were reported. The decrease of the serum β-hCG was monitored and more than 15% reduction was detected between the 4th and the 7th day after the beginning of the treatment. The serum β-hCG became undetectable 35 days after. A multidosing intramuscular administration of MTX was effective and safe even in the presence of very high serum β-hCG levels. Together with similar cases reported in literature, the present results can contribute to improve the decision making in the treatment of the interstitial pregnancy

Emergency contraception: an updated review

Emergency contraception is a common practice now. Many categories of drugs are marketed with modifications in dosage, in combination and even in the timing of administration. Recent re-analysis suggests that there is still no uniformity of opinion on the actual mechanism of action and this has often fueled the ethical controversy. This review analyzes the most common emergency contraception drugs: levonorgestrel, mifepristone and ulipristal acetate about their action underlining that the hormonal products, when used in emergency contraception, play different roles depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle during which they are administered.This review aims to examine rigorously the most accredited literature to verify if a evidence-based uniformity of opinions has been achieved about the biological effects of hormones administered after the sexual intercourse