109 research outputs found
Growth in glucose-based medium and exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of imipenem induce biofilm formation in a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Acinetobacter baumannii </it>is emerging as an important nosocomial pathogen. Multidrug resistance, as well as ability to withstand environmental stresses, makes eradication of <it>A. baumannii </it>difficult, particularly from hospital settings.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Over a six-year period, 73 isolates of <it>A. baumannii </it>were collected from infected patients in two hospitals in Italy. While 69 out of the 73 isolates displayed identical multidrug antibiotic resistance pattern, they were susceptible to carbapenems. Genetic profiles of these 69 isolates, determined by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), indicated that they were genetically related and could be clustered in a specific clone, called SMAL. We tested the ability of the SMAL clone to form biofilm, an important determinant for bacterial colonization of the human host and for persistence in the hospital environment. Biofilm formation by <it>A. baumannii </it>SMAL, measured as surface adhesion to polystyrene, is strongly affected by growth conditions, being impaired in rich growth media such as LB, while being favoured in glucose-based medium. Surface adhesion in glucose-based media is inhibited by treatment with cellulase, suggesting that it depends on production of cellulose or of a chemically related extracellular polysaccharide. Exposure of <it>A. baumannii </it>SMAL to subinhibitory concentrations of imipenem resulted in biofilm stimulation and increased production of iron uptake proteins. Growth in iron-supplemented medium also stimulated surface adhesion, thus suggesting that increased intracellular iron concentrations might act as an environmental signal for biofilm formation in <it>A. baumannii </it>SMAL.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results indicate that exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of imipenem can stimulate biofilm formation and induce iron uptake in a pathogenic strain of <it>A. baumannii</it>, with potential implications on antibiotic susceptibility and ability to persist in the human host.</p
Elevated soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome and positive cardiac troponin I
Objectives High levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) have been shown to have an atheroprotective role; however, no data are available on this molecule in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We evaluated sRAGE levels in patients with non-ST segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) or with chronic stable angina. Methods We studied 265 patients, 190 of whom had NSTE-ACS and 75 had chronic stable angina. Results Plasma sRAGE values were comparable in the two groups (P= 0.19). However, in the patients with NSTEACS,sRAGE levels were significantly higher in patients with cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) of more than or equal to 0.04 lg/l compared with those with cTnI of less than 0.04 lg/l [758 pg/ml (493-1536 pg/ml) vs. 454 pg/ml (167-899 pg/ml); P = 0.0037]. A significant correlation(r= 0.323, P = 0.0045) was found between sRAGE and cTnI levels in patients with NSTE-ACS.Conclusion Plasma sRAGE levels are elevated in patients with NSTE-ACS with positive cTnI, suggesting that they could be related to myocardial cell damage
Climate variability and change in the Euro-Mediterranean Region: results from a global AOGCM coupled with an interactive high-resolution model of the Mediterranean Sea
In this work we present and discuss the results obtained from a set of present and future climate simulations performed with a high-resolution model able to represent the dynamics of the Mediterranean Sea. The ability of the model to reproduce the basic features of the observed climate in the Mediterranean region and the beneficial effects of both atmospheric improved resolution and interactive Mediterranean Sea are assessed. In particular, the major characteristics of the variability in the Mediterranean basin and its connection with the large-scale circulation are investigated. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which global warming might affect the regional features of the climate are explored, focusing especially on the characteristics of the hydrological cycle
EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES ON OCEAN HEAT TRANSPORT AS SIMULATED BY A HIGH RESOLUTION COUPLED GENERAL CIRCULATION MODEL
In this study the interplay between Tropical Cyclones (TCs) and the Northern hemispheric Ocean Heat Transport (OHT) is investigated. In particular, results from a numerical simulation of the 20th and 21st Century climate, following the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) 20C3M and A1B scenario protocols respectively have been analyzed. The numerical simulations have been performed using a state-of-the-art global atmosphere-ocean-sea-ice coupled general circulation model - CGCM (CMCC-MED, Gualdi et al. 2010, Scoccimarro et al. 2010) with relatively high-resolution (T159) in the atmosphere. The model is an evolution of the INGV-SXG (Gualdi et al. 2008, Bellucci et al. 2008) and the ECHAM-OPA-LIM (Fogli et al. 2009, Vichi et al. 2010) The simulated TCs exhibit realistic structure, geographical distribution (Fig.2) and interannual variability, indicating that the model is able to capture the basic mechanisms linking the TC activity with the large scale circulation. The cooling of the surface ocean observed in correspondence of the TCs is well simulated by the model (Fig.3). TC activity is shown to significantly affect the poleward OHT out of the tropics, and the heat transport into the deep tropics (Fig.4). This effect, investigated by looking at the 100 most intense Northern Hemisphere TCs, is strongly correlated with the TC-induced momentum flux at the ocean surface (Fig.7). TCs frequency and
intensity appear to be substantially stationary through the whole 1950-2069 simulated period as well as the effect of the TCs on the meridional OHT
Effect of Tropical Cyclones on Ocean Heat Transport as  simulated by a High Resolution Coupled GCM
This study investigates the Tropical Cyclone (TC) effect on the northern hemisphere Ocean Heat Transport (OHT) and the possible changes that greenhouse induced global warming might generate in the characteristics of the TC-induced OHT (TCiOHT). The analysis has been performed using 20C3M (20th Century) and A1B (21st Century) IPCC scenario climate simulations obtained running a fully coupled high-resolution global general circulation model named CMCC_MED. The Atmospheric model component has a T159 horizontal resolution and 31 vertical levels. The Ocean model component has a horizontal resolution ranging from 2 degrees to 0.5 degrees near the equator and 31 vertical levels. The capability of the model to reproduce a reasonably realistic TC climatology has been assessed by comparing the model results from the simulation of the 20th Century with observations. TC detection method has been implemented thanks to the TC-MIP project. The model appears to be able to simulate tropical cyclone-like vortices with many features similar to the observed TCs. The simulated TC activity exhibits realistic structure, geographical distribution and interannual variability, suggesting that the model is able to reproduce the major basic mechanisms that link the TC activity with the large scale circulation. The TC-induced ocean cooling is well represented and the resulting column-integrated ocean heating makes the poleward OHT larger in the subtropics and decreases the poleward heat transport out of the deep tropics. This effect, investigated looking at the 100 most intense Northern Hemisphere TCs, is strongly correlated to the TC-induced momentum flux at the surface of the ocean: the winds associated to the TCs significantly weaken the trade winds in the 5-18N latitude belt and reinforce them in the 18-30N band.
TCs frequency and intensity appear to be substantially stationary through the whole 1950-2069 period. The effect of the TCs on the OHT is overall less pronounced in the 21st century when compared to the 20th century
Subtle visuomotor difficulties in preclinical Alzheimer's disease
Background: Individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease (Pre-AD) present nonimpaired cognition, as measured by standard neuropsychological tests. However, detecting subtle difficulties in cognitive functions may be necessary for an early diagnosis and intervention. Objectives: A new computer-based visuomotor coordination task (VMC) was developed to investigate the possible presence of early visuomotor difficulties in Pre-AD individuals. Associations between VMC task performance and AD biomarkers were studied. The influence of ApoE status on participants' performance was addressed, as well as the relationship between performance and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Methods: Sixty-six cognitively normal (CN) elders (19 Pre-AD and 47 control participants [CTR]) and 15 patients with AD performed the VMC task, which consisted in executing visually guided goal-directed movements that required the coordination of the visual and motor systems. All participants underwent ApoE analysis and lumbar puncture. CN participants also completed an extensive standard neuropsychological battery. Results: Despite presenting normal cognition in standard tests, Pre-AD participants exhibited higher response times (RTs) to complete the VMC task than CTR (p < .01). Besides, patients with AD showed higher RTs than CTR (p < .001) and Pre-AD (p < .05), and more errors than CTR (p < .005). RTs in ApoE4 carriers were higher than that observed in ApoE4 noncarriers (p < .01). In CN individuals, RTs were related to amyloid β-protein 42 (AB42) biomarker (p < .01) and informant-rated SCD (p < .01). Conclusions: The VMC task is able to discriminate Pre-AD from CTR individuals. Moreover, VMC results are associated with AB42 levels in CN individuals, suggesting that visuomotor dysfunction may be a sensitive marker of Pre-AD
Colistin resistance in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from a high specialization rehabilitation facility
The worldwide rapid spread of KPC carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) represents an increasing problem in clinical settings. Reports on KPC-Kp epidemic spread in Italian hospitals began to appear since 2010; colistin (COL) represents one of the few remaining therapeutic options available for the treatment of such multi drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Here we report the presence and diffusion of COL resistant KPC-Kp isolates from a High Specialization Rehabilitation Facility located in Northern Italy. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibilities were obtained by NBC46/NM40 Microscan panels (Siemens); imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem MICs were also evaluated by Etest and broth microdilution method; blaKPC-like genes PCR were performed. PFGE (XbaI) was used to investigate clonal relatedness; epidemiological data were collected from the hospital database. Seventy-five carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from the Fondazione S. Maugeri hospital during the period January-June 2011. Seven out of 75 MDR KPC-Kp isolates by Microscan System showed COL resistance (MIC >2 mg/L). Among them, 5/7 were collected from coma and 2/7 from cardiology and rehabilitation cardiology wards. Most of these strains were from urine (5/7); the remaining 2/7 were from blood and bronco-alveolar lavage. The 85.7% of the strains showed susceptibility to tigecycline and fosfomycin; 71.4% only to gentamicina, 28.5% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and 14.2% to amikacin. The PFGE profiles obtained analyzing 5/7 isolates from patients hospitalized from almost 10 days, showed clonal relatedness between 4/5 isolates, thus confirming the high epidemic potential of almost one KPC-Kp clinical strain collected from 4 different wards.The emergence of COL resistance in KPC-Kp, dramatically reduces the available therapeutic options. These results underline the ability of a COL resistant KPC-producing clone to rapidly spread within this Rehabilitation Facility
Kajian Perbedaan Konsentrasi Larutan Garam Pada Perendaman Rgh Dan Vaksin Terhadap Kelulushidupan Dan Pertumbuhan Benih Ikan Lele Sangkuriang (Clarias Gariepinus)
Berdasarkan data KKP (2013), pencapaian produksi ikan lele pada tahun 2013 mampu melampaui target. Ikan lele merupakan ikan yang mudah dibudidayakan, sehingga banyak dilakukan penelitian agar didapatkan benih lele dengan pertumbuhan dan kelulushidupan yang lebih baik, serta tahan terhadap serangan penyakit. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh konsentrasi larutan garam yang berbeda dan konsentrasi yang terbaik pada perendaman rGH dan vaksin terhadap kelulushidupan dan pertumbuhan benih lele sangkuriang. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada tanggal 13 November 2014 – 15 Februari 2015 di Satuan Kerja Pembenihan dan Budidaya Ikan Air Tawar (SATKER PBIAT), Siwarak, Ungaran, Semarang. Ikan uji yang digunakan adalah benih lele sangkuriang umur 12 hari. Metode yang digunakan adalah eksperimental dengan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) 4 perlakuan dan 3 ulangan, yaitu: (A) perlakuan tanpa larutan garam, (B) konsentrasi 0,5%, (C) konsentrasi 1,0% dan (D) konsentrasi 1,5%. Pemeliharaan ikan dilakukan selama 42 hari. Variabel data yang diamati meliputi kelulushidupan, SGR, panjang mutlak, FCR, EPP dan kelulushidupan setelah uji tantang. Analisa data dengan menggunakan anova untuk mengetahui pengaruh perlakuan yang berbeda nyata, apabila hasil yang didapatkan berbeda nyata, maka dilanjutkan dengan uji duncan untuk mengetahui perlakuan yang terbaik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan terbaik adalah perlakuan C, dengan nilai kelulushidupan (87,00±1,00%), SGR (7,79±0,03%), nilai panjang mutlak (6,75±0,15cm), nilai FCR (0,71±0,01) dan nilai EPP (140,28±1,25%), sedangkan untuk kelulushidupan setelah uji tantang didapatkan hasil yang tidak berbeda nyata, dimana: A (93,33±5,77%), B (96,67±5,77%), C (96,67±5,77%) dan D (96,67±5,77%). Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini ialah pemberian konsentrasi larutan garam yang berbeda berpengaruh sangat nyata terhadap kelulushidupan, SGR, panjang mutlak, FCR dan EPP, namun tidak berpengaruh nyata terhadap kelulushidupan setelah uji tantang. Konsentrasi larutan garam terbaik pada penelitian ini adalah 1,0%. Based on data from KKP (2013), the achievement of the production of catfish in 2013 was able of exceeding the target. Catfish is a fish that easily cultivated, so a lot of research done to get catfish\u27s seed with better survival and growth, and it can resistant to attack of deseases. This research was aimed to find out the effect of different salt solution concentrations and the best concentration from immersion of rGH and vaccine for survival rate and growth of sangkuriang catfish\u27s seed. This research was conducted on November 13th, 2014 – February 15th, 2015 at Satuan Kerja Pembenihan dan Budidaya Ikan Air Tawar (SATKER PBIAT), Siwarak, Ungaran, Semarang. The fish that used for this research is sangkuriang catfish\u27s seed aged 12 days. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used in this research with four treatments and three replication, which treatments are: (A) without salt solution concentration, (B) Using concentration 0.5%, (C) Concentration 1.0% and (D) Concentration 1.5%. The Fishes are maintained for 42 days. Observational variable are survival rate, SGR, absolute length, FCR, EPP and survival rate after challenge test. Data analysis using anova to know the effect of treatment is significantly different, if the result is significantly different, then continue with duncan test to know the best treatment. The best result is treatment C, with survival rate (87.00±1.00%), SGR (7.79±0.03%), absolute length (6.75±0.15cm), FCR (0.71±0.01), EPP (140.28±1.25%), and for survival rate after challenge test are not significantly different, where: treatment A (93.33±5.77%), B (96.67±5.77%), C (96.67±5.77%) and D (96.67±5.77%). The conclusion of this research is giving of salt solution with different concentration take significantly effect for survival rate, SGR, absolute length, FCR and EPP, but did not take significantly effect for survival rate after challenge test. The best salt solution concentration is 1.0%
Switch to maraviroc with darunavir/r, both QD, in patients with suppressed HIV-1 was well tolerated but virologically inferior to standard antiretroviral therapy: 48-Week results of a randomized trial
Objectives
Primary study outcome was absence of treatment failure (virological failure, VF, or treatment interruption) per protocol at week 48.
Methods
Patients on 3-drug ART with stable HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL and CCR5-tropic virus were
randomized 1:1 to maraviroc with darunavir/ritonavir qd (study arm) or continue current ART
(continuation arm).Results
In June 2015, 115 patients were evaluable for the primary outcome (56 study, 59 continuation arm). The study was discontinued due to excess of VF in the study arm (7 cases,
12.5%, vs 0 in the continuation arm, p = 0.005). The proportion free of treatment failure was
73.2% in the study and 59.3% in the continuation arm. Two participants in the study and 10
in the continuation arm discontinued therapy due to adverse events (p = 0.030). At VF, no
emergent drug resistance was detected. Co-receptor tropism switched to non-R5 in one
patient. Patients with VF reported lower adherence and had lower plasma drug levels. Femoral bone mineral density was significantly improved in the study arm.
Conclusion
Switching to maraviroc with darunavir/ritonavir qd in virologically suppressed patients was
associated with improved tolerability but was virologically inferior to 3-drug therap
Novel sensitive, specific and rapid pharmacogenomic test for the prediction of abacavir hypersensitivity reaction: HLA-B*57:01 detection by real-time PCR.
Aim: International HIV treatment guidelines recommend HLA-B*57:01 typing before abacavir administration, in order to reduce the incidence of abacavir hypersensitivity reactions, the major cause
of early therapy discontinuation. A fast, sensitive and specific test for HLA-B*57:01 detection has been
developed in the present study. Materials & methods: Two sets of sequence-specific primers were designed, and amplification rapidly detected by real-time PCR. Results: A total of 108 samples were analyzed in a single-blind fashion, and 41 samples were identified as positive. Complete agreement, with k = 1 (standard error = 0.0962, p < 0.0001), was found, with a validated methodology used in the EPI109367 clinical trial funded by GlaxoSmithKline, and consisting of low-resolution sequence-specific oligonucleotide PCR, followed by high-resolution sequence-specific oligonucleotide PCR carried out on the HLA-B*57-positive samples. Conclusion: We provided a detailed characterization of a novel HLA-B*57:01 screening test, which can be easily implemented by those laboratories already involved in the detection of viral load and virus genotyping
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