Occurrence of high level methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureusin patients from health facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Background:Methicillin resistant S. aureus(MRSA) has become a major public health predicament worldwide. This is owing to its involvement in the evolution of MDR strains and difficulty in therapeutic management of infected patients. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureusamong patients in two health facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:Clinical isolates of patients from University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo and General Hospital, Ikot Abasi (GHIA) were investigated based on the strategic location of the hospitals. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Three hundred clinical samples were collected from male and female in and out-patients of all ages and processed using standard bacteriological methods. Detection of Staphylococcus aureusand MRSAstrains were done according to standard protocols while antibiotic susceptibility testing of MRSAisolates was conducted using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted following the CLSI 2021 guidelines. Results:The prevalence of MRSAstrains in this study was 42.9%. Majority of patients with MRSAwere from UUTH (44%) closely followed by patients from GHIA(40%). High antibiotics resistant rates of MRSAwere recorded for ampicillin (96.6%), ciprofloxacin (73.3%), erythromycin (63.3%) and cotrimoxazole (60%). Gentamicin and ceftriaxone sensitivity rates were 53.3% and 63.4%, respectively. Conclusion:Health facilities in the state should institute effective antimicrobial stewardship, intensify surveillance and screening of Staphylococcus aureusfor MRSAstrains to guard against dissemination of multidrug resistant strains in both hospital and community settings because of the clinical implications.

gDNA extraction from Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis in subgingival samples in Argentina. Evaluation of different methods / Evaluación de diferentes métodos de extracción de gADN en Candida albicans y Candida dubliniensis en muestras subgingivales en Argentina

ABSTRACT The oral cavity constitutes a unique ecosystem with highly variable ecological niches that harbor a great variety of microorganisms, including yeasts. Molecular methods are currently considered the gold standard for identifying species, although they involve limitations associated with the disruption of yeast cell walls to release the genomic DNA (gDNA) for amplification. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of different methods for extracting gDNA from Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis, subsequently amplifying DNA by PCR. Materials and Method: Fifty-two isolates (16 C. albicans and 36 C. dubliniensis) were obtained from subgingival biofilm of HIV+ patients with clinical signs of periodontal disease. The study evaluated 6 gDNA extraction methods and two PCR amplification methods. Furthermore, the presence of alleles of HWP1 gene was determined in C. albicans. Results: Comparisons of six methods show statistically significant differences (p<0.001) except for C. albicans in two of them. For C. dubliniensis, statistical differences were observed in all comparisons. Commercial methods were more efficient for concentrating gDNA than in-house methods, and both PCRs were effective. Ten heterozygous C. albicans isolates for this allele were positive for the HWP1-1 / HWP1-2 allele, one was homozygous for Wild Type HWP1-1 allele, and 5 were homozygous for novel/rare HWP1-2 allele. Conclusions: This study aims to provide simple, inexpensive strategies for phenotypic identification and molecular confirmation of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis for non-reference laboratories with low complexity and/or low budgets.

RESUMEN La cavidad oral constituye un ecosistema único con nichos ecológicos muy variables, capaz de albergar una gran variedad de microorganismos, incluidas las levaduras. Los métodos moleculares son considerados actualmente los métodos de identificación definitivos ya que a diferencia de los anteriores, nos brindan una correcta sensibilidad y especificidad. Sin embargo, existen limitaciones asociadas con la ruptura de las paredes celulares de estas levaduras para liberar el ADN genómico (gADN) necesario para la amplificación. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el rendimiento de diferentes métodos de extracción de gADN de Candida albicans y Candida dubliniensis, amplificando posteriormente por PCR. Materiales y Método: Se estudiaron 52 aislamientos, 16/52 de Candida albicans y 36/52 de Candida dubliniensis obtenidos de biofilm subgingival de pacientes VIH+ con signos clínicos de enfermedad periodontal. Se evaluaron seis métodos de extracción de gADN y la posterior amplificación se realizó por dos técnicas de PCR. Además en C. albicans se determinó la presencia de alelos para el gen HWP1. Resultados: Las comparaciones de seis métodos son estadísticamente significativas (p<0,001) excepto para C. albicans en dos de ellos. Para C. dubliniensis se observaron diferencias estadísticas en todas las comparaciones. Los métodos comerciales mostraron una mayor eficiencia en la concentración de gADN que los métodos caseros y ambos fueron efectivos en las dos PCR. 10 aislados de C. albicans resultaron positivos para el alelo HWP1-1/HWP1-2, siendo heterocigotos para este alelo. Solo un aislamiento fue homocigoto para el alelo HWP1-1 de tipo salvaje y 5 eran homocigotos para el alelo HWP1-2 nuevo/raro. Conclusiones: Este estudio tiene como objetivo proporcionar estrategias simples y económicas para la identificación fenotípica y confirmación molecular de Candida albicans y Candida dubliniensis para laboratorios de no referencia con baja complejidad y/o bajo presupuesto económico.

Presença do alérgeno de soja Gly m 1 no ar em Maringá - PR / Levels of airborne soy allergen Gly m 1 in Maringá, PR, Brazil

Introdução: O conhecimento da aerobiologia local é fundamental para o alergista. Os aeroalérgenos são capazes de sensibilizar e levar ao desenvolvimento de doenças respiratórias alérgicas, portanto devem ser monitorados rotineiramente, tendo em vista possíveis mudanças locais conforme alterações climáticas, poluição e atividades agroindustriais. Objetivo: Verificar a presença e concentração do alérgeno principal da poeira da casca da soja (Gly m 1) na atmosfera da cidade de Maringá-PR e possíveis associações aos fatores climáticos. A escolha da soja deve-se a alta prevalência desta cultura no Brasil e nesta região do país. Até o presente momento, há apenas um estudo piloto feito por este mesmo grupo avaliando a presença deste alérgeno no Brasil. Métodos: Foram realizadas coletas de material atmosférico, durante o período de março de 2017 a março de 2018, durante 24 ou 48 horas distribuídas no decorrer do período, totalizando 70 amostras, das quais 10 foram excluídas por problemas técnicos de coleta. As amostras foram avaliadas pelo método ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay ) para Gly m 1, sendo que todas as amostras apresentaram níveis detectáveis do alérgeno. Resultados: A mediana de concentração de Gly m 1 foi de 4,89 ng/m3. Os valores encontrados variaram de 0,66 ng/ m3 a 1826,1 ng/m3. Das 60 amostras analisadas, 23% delas apresentaram valores superiores a 90 ng/m3, sendo os meses de junho/2017 e março/2018 com concentrações mais elevadas. Houve correlação positiva das concentrações de Gly m 1 com as temperaturas máxima, média e mínima, umidade relativa, vento e insolação. Conclusão: Os dados evidenciam exposições constantes da população ao alérgeno do Gly m 1, por vezes em níveis elevados possivelmente capazes de gerar sensibilização e sintomas.

Introduction: Knowledge of local aerobiology is essential for allergists. Because airborne allergens can sensitize the population and lead to allergic respiratory diseases, they must be routinely monitored for the effects of climate change, pollution, and agroindustry. Objective: To verify the airborne presence and concentration of the main soy hull dust allergen (Gly m 1) in Maringá, PR, Brazil and possible associations with climatic factors. Soybeans were selected due to the high prevalence of this crop in this region. To date, only 1 pilot study (conducted by our group) has evaluated this allergen's presence in Brazil. Methods: Atmospheric material was collected between March 2017 and March 2018 in 24- or 48-hour intervals, totaling 70 samples, of which 10 were excluded due to technical problems. The samples were tested for Gly m 1 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and all samples showed detectable levels of the allergen. Results: The median concentration of Gly m 1 was 4.89 ng/m3, with values ranging from 0.66 ng/m3 to 1826.1 ng/m3. Of the 60 samples, 23% showed values > 90 ng/m3, with June 2017 and March 2018 having the highest concentrations. There was a positive correlation between Gly m 1 concentration and maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures, relative humidity, wind, and insolation. Conclusion: The data show that the population is constantly exposed to the Gly m 1 allergen, sometimes at high levels, which may lead to sensitization and symptoms.

Genome of a husavirus from Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT New viruses of the Picornavirales order have been discovered with the increase in the number of sequences obtained by high-throughput sequencing, as well as human stool-associated RNA virus (husavirus [HuV]), found in human stool samples. However, there is much to be clarified about HuV. Its cellular host, evolutionary history, and other biological characteristics are still unknown. Therefore, samples collected from human beings and environmental samples in a watershed in Southern Brazil were processed for the metagenomic library. Upon metagenomic analysis, we identified a HuV (husavirus LMM_67754 OP019707) genome with 8,846 bp, which was reported for the first time in Southern Brazil. The new genome presents only 37% of nucleotide identity with Brazilian strains and more than 90% with genomes from China, Vietnam, Venezuela, and the Netherlands. The HuV phylogeny presents significant differences among genomes, probably because multiple introductions of the virus may have occurred. Many questions still need to be answered about HuV. Therefore, more sequences and studies on this virus are necessary to improve the comprehension of the unknown origin of Picornavirales.

High prevalence of hepatitis A and E viruses in environmental and clinical samples from West Argentina

ABSTRACT Environmental surveillance of water sources is important to monitoring viral hepatitis transmission in clinical settings. This study investigated the circulation of hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses in sewage and clinical samples from Argentina. Between 2016 and 2017, 80 raw sewage samples and 86 clinical samples (stool and serum) from suspected cases of hepatitis A and hepatitis E were obtained. HAV and HEV were tested by both real-time and nested PCR. Positive samples were sequenced for genotype determination and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, HAV was recovered in 39% of sewage samples and 61.1% of clinical samples. HEV was detected in 22.5% of sewage samples and 15.9% of clinical samples. HAV was found more frequently in sewage during the winter and in clinical samples in spring; HEV was more prevalent in sewage during summer and in clinical samples in autumn. All HAV isolates belonged to genotype IA and HEV isolates belonged to genotype 3, the most prevalent genotypes in South America. High prevalence of HAV and HEV in environmental and clinical samples in Mendoza, Argentina was observed. These findings reinforce the importance of environmental surveillance and implementation of health strategies to control the spread of HAV and HEV in developing countries.

Measurement of 239Pu in fecal samples based on inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To establish a method for measurement of 239Pu in fecal samples based on inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and to provide a novel method for assessing the internal exposure of workers. Methods Fecal samples were collected from workers and labeled. The samples were pretreated with carbonization ashing and microwave digestion devices, purified on TEVA resin, and measured using ICP-MS. Results The detection limit of 239Pu in fecal samples based on ICP-MS was 1.91 × 10−4 Bq. Conclusion In the routine monitoring of class S substances characterized by a 5 μm aerodynamic diameter during 12 months, the committed effective dose corresponding to the detection limit is 0.17 mSv. This value meets the requirements of relevant national standards and ICP-MS can be used as a novel means for accurate evaluation of internal exposure for workers.

Automatic transfer of diversion pouches among Blood Transfusion Departments: a multicenter observation and study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the significance of automatic transfer of diversion pouches in blood transfusion departments on improving the standardization of quality management. 【Methods】 A total of 16 548 diversion pouches of suspended red blood cells (sRBC) were collected from Blood Transfusion Departments of ten tertiary hospitals in China. The sRBC was supplied by local blood centers from January to March 2021. The diversion pouches were randomly divided into experimental group (n=8 274, using DS-6800A automatic for transferring) and control group (n=8 274, manual transfer). The transfer duration of diversion pouches labels, whole process operation time of diversion pouches, label accuracy after transferring, table cleanliness and accurate transfer rate of diversion pouches of the two groups were recorded and compared. 【Results】 The results of experimental group and control group were as follows: transfer duration(s) of diversion pouch labels was 0.67±0.3 vs 3.67±0.6(P<0.05); whole process operation time was 16.93±0.5 vs 19.85±1 (P<0.05); label accuracy after transferring was 100% (8 274/8 274) vs 97.91% (8 101/8 274); table cleanliness was 99.19% (8 207/8 274) vs 94.39% (7 810/8 274); transfer accuracy was 100%(8 274/8 274) vs 95.85% (7 931/8 274). 【Conclusion】 Automatic transfer of diversion pouches of blood samples can improve the efficiency and quality of the sample transfer, and is conductive to the standardization of internal quality evaluation and control of blood transfusion departments.

Statistical process control methods for quality inspection of blood component samples: a case study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the analytical methods for detecting data in the process of quality inspection of blood component samples. 【Methods】 The quality inspection data of blood component samples from 2018 to 2022 in our center were collected. Based on the principles of statistical process control, control charts were created using Minitab software to analyze key test items. 【Results】 The P control chart was used to analyze the pass rate of platelet content and revealed one out-of-control point. The normality test was performed on plasma protein content to analyze the causes of data fluctuations for further improvement. The mean and range control chart was utilized for hematocrit measurement, with abnormal data trends detected. Further analysis of the normality test and process capability analysis was conducted, resulting in a Cpk value of 0.67. 【Conclusion】 By applying statistical process control methods, the study employed P control charts to analyze count data in the quality inspection of blood component samples, conducted normality tests for measurement data, and utilized mean and range control charts to identify abnormal data trends. For data conforming to a normal distribution, the process capability index (Cpk) was calculated to explore effective monitoring methods for ensuring stability in the blood supply process.

False positive reaction of COVID-19 antibody ELISA screening: internal logic of various methods / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the results of different methods for reactive samples screened by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in blood donors. 【Methods】 From March to April 2020, a total of 8 632 blood samples in Shenzhen were screened for SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (TAb, including IgG, IgM, IgA) in plasma using ELISA(PC group), the antibody reactivity samples and their follow up plasma samples (FC group), and samples of disease control group(DC group) from January to April 2020 were detected using the following methods: 1) ELISA method for detecting IgG, IgM, and (or without detection) TAb; 2) pseudovirus neutralizing antibody test(pVNT); 3) western blot (WB) of SARS-CoV-2 antibody. The negative control group(NC group) from February to April 2020 performed ELISA and WB testing. 【Results】 Among the 34 total antibody positive samples, 2 were positive for pVNT test, and the total antibody, IgG and WB in the initial screening and tracking testing were positive. Thereafter, it was determined to be confirmed positive. The other 2 cases were positive for pVNT test, while the samples with positive WB results were in the follow-up stage. The TAb, IgG, and pVNT results did not conform to the dynamic evolution of antibodies, and cannot be determined as confirmed positive. 【Conclusion】 The infection status of antibody reactivity samples screened by SARS-CoV-2 ELISA can be judged by the logic of pVNT, WB and the dynamic change of antibody.

Comparison of pretreatment techniques for single-cell RNA sequencing of airway aspirate specimens / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the appropriate pretreatment methods for single cell RNA sequencing of airway aspirate cells.Methods:Four fresh airway aspirate specimens were collected from four patients with acute respiratory tract infections. These specimens were digested with airway aspirate digester and prepared into single cell suspension. The cells were used for library construction directly (DE), or fixed with 10×Genomics Chromium Next GEM Single Cell Fixed RNA Sample Preparation Kit and then mixed to construct the library (DF), or cryopreserved, thawed, fixed (FF) before mixed to construct the library. All three methods were treated with oil emulsion using 10 4 cells and subjected to single-cell sequencing using the 10×Genomics platform. The number of obtained cells, data quality, annotated cell types and expression of marker genes were analyzed. Differences in the expression of highly variable genes (HVGs) of the same cell subsets obtained by the three pretreatment methods were compared using Pearson correlation. Expression of the differentially expressed genes in the same cell subpopulation obtained by different pretreatment methods was also compared. The correlation of the expression of differentially expressed genes between the same cell subsets obtained by the three pretreatment methods was analyzed by Pearson correlation. Results:The median numbers of single cells obtained using DE, FF and DF methods were 2 733, 1 140 and 5 897 ( P>0.05). The unique molecular identifiers were higher than 500. The median numbers of genes obtained using the three methods were 801, 887 and 1 259 ( P>0.05). The cells with novelty score over 0.8 accounted for 99%, 87% and 93%, respectively. There were nine cell subsets obtained by the three methods, including squamous cells, secretory cells, ciliated cells, T cells, B cells, macrophages, plasma cells and neutrophils. DF and FF methods could obtain more basal cells with specific high expression of keratin 5 than DE method. The differentially expressed and highly variable genes in the same cell subsets obtained by the three pretreatment methods showed high consistency in their expression with a significant correlation ( P<0.001). Conclusions:Under the same sequencing data volume, the quality of data obtained from fixed airway aspirate single-cell suspensions using the method of probe hybridization and transcriptome sequencing was comparable to that obtained directly from fresh cells. This method was more suitable for the pretreatment of clinical samples used for single-cell RNA sequencing.

Relationships of habitual daily alcohol consumption with all-day and time-specific average glucose levels among non-diabetic population samples

BACKGROUND@#Alcohol consumption is a prevalent behavior that is bi-directionally related to the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the effect of daily alcohol consumption on glucose levels in real-world situations in the general population has not been well elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and all-day and time-specific glucose levels among non-diabetic individuals.@*METHODS@#We investigated 913 non-diabetic males and females, aged 40-69 years, during 2018-2020 from four communities across Japan. The daily alcohol consumption was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. All-day and time-specific average glucose levels were estimated from the interstitial glucose concentrations measured using the Flash glucose monitoring system for a median duration of 13 days. Furthermore, we investigated the association between all-day and time-specific average glucose levels and habitual daily alcohol consumption levels, using never drinkers as the reference, and performed multiple linear regression analyses after adjusting for age, community, and other diabetes risk factors for males and females separately.@*RESULTS@#All-day average glucose levels did not vary according to alcohol consumption categories in both males and females. However, for males, the average glucose levels between 5:00 and 11:00 h and between 11:00 and 17:00 h were higher in moderate and heavy drinkers than in never drinkers, with the difference values of 4.6 and 4.7 mg/dL for moderate drinkers, and 5.7 and 6.8 mg/dL for heavy drinkers. Conversely, the average glucose levels between 17:00 and 24:00 h were lower in male moderate and heavy drinkers and female current drinkers than in never drinkers; the difference values of mean glucose levels were -5.8 for moderate drinkers, and -6.1 mg/dL for heavy drinkers in males and -2.7 mg/dL for female current drinkers.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Alcohol consumption was associated with glucose levels in a time-dependent biphasic pattern.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Resumo Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Diversity of fungi obtained from bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Diversidade de fungos em morcegos de fragmentos florestais urbanos de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

Resumo Os morcegos apresentam grande importância na homeostasia dos ecossistemas e são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus e fungos com potencial patogênico. Portanto, este estudo visou isolar fungos presentes em amostras biológicas de morcegos na cidade de Sinop - MT, que possui grandes áreas de desmatamento devido à urbanização e agricultura. Foram capturados 48 morcegos de diferentes espécies, em onze fragmentos florestais urbanos definidos de acordo com fluxo de pessoas e animais domésticos, para obtenção de amostras biológicas. Essas amostras foram processadas e submetidas aos cultivos microbiológicos, para isolamento e identificação dos gêneros dos fungos. Dos 48 morcegos, 34 (70,83%) foram positivos para pelos menos um gênero de fungo, sendo 18 (37,5%) fêmeas e 16 (33,33%) machos, e os gêneros isolados a partir das amostras biológicas foram Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp. e Candida sp., que podem ser causadores de infecções oportunistas. Desse total, a espécie que apresentou maior positividade para pelo menos um gênero de fungo foi Molossus molossus com 21 (43,8%). Nossos resultados demonstram que os morcegos capturados nos fragmentos florestais urbanos na cidade de Sinop - MT, podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, aumentando assim o risco de exposição e aquisição de infecções fúngicas oportunistas por pessoas e animais domésticos.

Drug resistance analysis of Enterobacter cloacae isolated from blood samples in Hebei, 2016-2021 / 中国热带医学

@# Objective　To investigate the drug resistance of Enterobacter cloacae isolated from blood samples in 75 member units of the Bacterial Drug Resistance Monitoring Network in Hebei, 2016- 2021, so as to provide a basis for rational drug use in clinic. Methods　WHONET 5.6 software was used to retrospectively analyze drug susceptibility of Enterobacter cloacae isolated from 32 secondary hospitals and 43 tertiary hospitals. SPSS19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results After removing the duplicate strains, 1 225 strains of E. cloacae were isolated from blood samples of 75 hospitals during 6 years, including 157 strains from secondary hospitals and 1 068 strains from tertiary hospitals. In this study, the resistance of Enterobacter cloacae to 16 kinds of antibiotics was analyzed. The drug resistance rates to cefuroxime (52.4%-67.8%), piperacillin (27.4%-31.2%), ceftazidime (27.8%-35.5%), ceftriaxone (29.5%-45.0%), aztreonam (22.2%-32.3%), cotrimoxazole (21.6%-28.7%) were higher; the resistance rates to amikacin and tobramycin were lower than 15.0%. The resistance rates to imipenem and meropenem were 3.6%-12.3% and 5.1%-11.4%, respectively. The resistance rate to ciprofloxacin in tertiary hospitals was 22.4%, and the resistance rate to cotrimoxazole was 23.9%. Except for these two antimicrobials, the resistance rates to other antimicrobial drugs in tertiary hospitals were higher than that in secondary hospitals. A total of 121 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae strains were detected in the past 6 years, with an increasing detection rate (χ2trend=6.305, P=0.012). Conclusions　Enterobacter cloacae has great differences in antimicrobial resistance to different antibiotics, and is sensitive to carbapenems. The drug resistance in tertiary hospitals is generally higher than that in secondary hospitals. Drug resistance monitoring and drug resistance mechanism research should be strengthened to better guide clinical drug use and curb the rise of drug resistance.

Qualitative Analysis of Metabolites of Aristolochiae Fructus Aqueous Extract in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE） technique， we identified qualitatively the metabolites of aristolochic acid（AAs） in rat in order to analyze the metabolic differences between water extract of Aristolochiae fructus（AFE） and Aristolochic acid Ⅰ（AAⅠ）. MethodSD rats were selected and administered AFE（110 g·kg-1·d-1） or AAⅠ（5 mg·kg-1·d-1） by oral for 5 days， respectively. Serum， urine and feces were collected after administration. Through sample pretreatment， ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column（2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 μm） was used with the mobile phase of 0.01% formic acid methanol（A）-0.01% formic acid water（B， containing 5 mmol·L-1 ammonium acetate） for gradient elution（0-1 min， 10%B； 1-7 min， 10%-75%B； 7-7.2 min， 75%-95%B； 7.2-10.2 min， 95%B； 10.2-10.3 min， 95%-10%B； 10.3-12 min， 10%B） at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1. Positive ion mode of electrospray ionization（ESI+） was performed in the scanning range of m/z 100-1 200. In combination with UNIFI 1.9.4.053 system， the Pathway-MSE was used to qualitatively analyze and identify the AAs prototype and related metabolites in biological samples（serum， urine and feces）， and to compare the similarities and differences of metabolites in rats in the subacute toxicity test between AFE group and AAⅠ group. ResultCompared with AAⅠ group， 6， 10， 13 common metabolites and 14， 20， 30 unique metabolites were identified in biological samples（serum， urine and feces） of AFE group， respectively. Moreover， the main AAs components always followed the metabolic processes of demethylation， nitrate reduction and conjugation. Compared with common metabolites in AAⅠ group， prototype components of AAⅠ in serum and most metabolic derivatives of AAⅠ［AAⅠa， aristolochic lactam Ⅰ（ALⅠ）a， 7-OHALⅠ and its conjugated derivatives］ in biological samples were significantly increased in AFE group（P<0.05， P<0.01）， except that the metabolic amount of ALⅠ in feces of AFE group was remarkably lowed than that of AAⅠ group（P<0.01）. In addition， a variety of special ALⅠ efflux derivatives were also identified in the urine and feces of the AFE group. ConclusionAlthough major AAs components in AFE all show similar metabolic rules as AAⅠ components in vivo， the coexistence of multiple AAs components in Aristolochiae Fructus may affect the metabolism of AAⅠ， and achieve the attenuating effect by increasing the metabolic effection of AAⅠ and ALⅠ.

Analysis on Quality Attribute of Substance Benchmarks of Shentong Zhuyutang Based on Supramolecular "Imprinting Template" Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBased on the supramolecular "imprinting template" theory， the autonomous action law of the component groups of Shentong Zhuyutang in the preparation process of medicinal materials-decoction pieces-formulas was studied to clarify the quantitative transfer law of its quality attributes. MethodUltra performance liquid chromatography（UPLC） fingerprint of Shentong Zhuyutang was established with mobile phase of 0.4% phosphoric acid aqueous solution（A）-acetonitrile（B） for gradient elution（0-2.5 min， 100%A； 2.5-6 min， 100%-96%A； 6-15 min， 96%-92%A； 15-25 min， 92%-88%A； 25-35 min， 88%-75%A； 35-50 min， 75%-65%A； 50-60 min， 65%-50%A； 60-65 min， 50%-30%A； 65-70 min， 100%A） and detection wavelength of 235 nm， and the total statistical moments， information entropy and primary feeding amount of fingerprint of medicinal materials， decoction pieces and benchmark samples were calculated. Dry extract rate of the benchmark samples， the transfer rates and the addition parameters of medicinal materials-decoction pieces-formulas were calculated. ResultSimilarities of the total statistical moments of UPLC fingerprint of 15 batches of medicinal materials and decoction pieces were>0.89， the relative standard deviations（RSDs） of information entropy of UPLC fingerprint of 12 medicinal materials and decoction pieces were<10%. RSDs of total first-order moment（MCRTT） and information entropy of Shentong Zhuyutang（medicinal materials） were 5.5% and 2.3%， while the RSDs of MCRTT and information entropy of Shentong Zhuyutang（decoction pieces） were 4.8% and 2.6%， respectively. The dry extract rate of 45 batches of Shentong Zhuyutang was 17.2%-20.2%. The transfer rate of medicinal materials to decoction pieces was within the range of data fluctuation， which was 70%-130% of the average value. The overall transfer rates of medicinal materials to decoction pieces and decoction pieces to benchmark samples were 101.8% and 83.0%， respectively. ConclusionThe quality properties of Shentong Zhuyutang benchmark samples can be studied by total statistical moment analysis and primary feeding amount analysis， which can confirm the supramolecular "imprinting template" theory to a certain extent.

Establishment of Specific Chromatogram and TLC Identification for Qingxin Lianziyin / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram and thin layer chromatography（TLC） of Qingxin Lianziyin（QXLZY） benchmark samples， in order to clarify the key quality attributes and provide a reference for the quality evaluation of QXLZY. MethodHigh performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） specific chromatogram of QXLZY benchmark samples was developed by using a YMC Hydrosphere C18 column（4.6 mm×250 mm， 5 μm） with the mobile phase of acetonitrile（A）-0.2% formic acid aqueous solution（B） for gradient elution（0-10 min， 5%-20%A； 10-20 min， 20%A； 20-25 min， 20%-24%A； 25-40 min， 24%-30%A； 40-55 min， 30%-50%A； 55-65 min， 50%-100%A； 65-75 min， 100%A； 75-75.1 min， 100%-5%A； 75.1-90 min， 5%A）， and the detection wavelength was 360 nm. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap/orbitrap mass spectrometry（UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS） with electrospray ionization（ESI） was used to identify the components of QXLZY benchmark samples by accurate relative molecular weight and multilevel MS fragment ion information， the detection conditions were positive and negative ion modes and data dependency scanning mode. TLC identification methods for Ophiopogonis Radix， Lycii Cortex， Nelumbinis Semen， Poria， Astragali Radix and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma in QXLZY were established. ResultA total of 15 characteristic peaks were identified from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， Plantaginis Semen and Scutellariae Radix， and the relative standard deviations of the retention times of 15 characteristic peaks in 15 batches of QXLZY benchmark samples were≤3% with peak 8（baicalin） as the reference peak. A total of 100 compounds， including flavonoids， organic acids， saponins， amino acids and others， were identified in the benchmark samples by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS. The established TLC had good separation and was suitable for the identification of Ophiopogonis Radix， Lycii Cortex， Nelumbinis Semen， Poria， Astragali Radix and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma in QXLZY. ConclusionThe material basis of QXLZY benchmark samples is basically determined by MS designation and source attribution. The established specific chromatogram and TLC of QXLZY are simple， stable and reproducible， which can provide a reference for the development and quality control of QXLZY.

Key quality attributes of benchmark samples of famous classical formula Kaixin Powder / 中国中药杂志

We prepared 15 batches of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples with the decoction pieces of different batches. Further, we established the specific chromatograms and index component content determination method of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples and analyzed the peaks and similarity of the chromatograms. With sibiricose A5, sibiricose A6, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, ginsenoside Rb_1, β-asarone, α-asarone, and dehydropachymic acid as index components, the index component content determination method was established and 70%-130% of the mean content of each component was set as the range. The chromatograms of 15 batches of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples had a total of 22 characteristic peaks, among which 8 peaks were identified, which represented sibiricose A5, sibiricose A6, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, ginsenoside Rb_1, β-asarone, α-asarone, and dehydropachymic acid, respectively. The chromatograms shared the similarity of 0.992-0.999. The 15 batches of benchmark samples had sibiricose A5 of 0.34-0.55 mg·g~(-1), sibiricose A6 of 0.43-0.57 mg·g~(-1), polygalaxanthone Ⅲ of 0.12-0.19 mg·g~(-1), 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose of 1.08-1.78 mg·g~(-1), ginsenoside Rb_1 of 0.33-0.62 mg·g~(-1), β-asarone of 2.34-3.72 mg·g~(-1), α-asarone of 0.11-0.22 mg·g~(-1), and dehydropachymic acid of 0.053-0.079 mg·g~(-1). This study established the specific chromatograms and index component content determination method of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples, and the method was simple, feasible, reproducible, and stable. This study provides a scientific basis for further research on the key chemical properties of the benchmark samples and preparations of Kaixin Powder.

Accuracy of a raw saliva-based COVID-19 RT-LAMP diagnostic assay

ABSTRACT The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic demanded rapid diagnosis to isolate new COVID-19 cases and prevent disease transmission. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) rapidly became the gold standard for diagnosis. However, due to the high cost and delay of the results, other types of diagnosis were implemented, such as COVID-19 Ag Rapid Tests and Reverse Transcription Technique followed by Loop-Mediated isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP). In this work, we validated the use of RT-LAMP in saliva samples rather than nasopharyngeal swabs, as the collection is more comfortable. First, we selected 5 primer sets based on the limit of detection for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, then validated their sensitivity and specificity in patient samples. A total of 117 samples were analyzed by fluorometric RT-LAMP and compared with qRT-PCR results. Our results show that the use of a high-sensitive primer ORF1-a, together with a low-sensitive primer set Gene E (time to threshold of 22.9 and 36.4 minutes, respectively, using 200 copies of viral RNA), achieved sensitivity in purified RNA from saliva samples of 95.2% (95% CI 76.1-99.8) with 90.5% specificity (95% CI 69.6-98.8) (n = 42).As RNA purification increases the turnaround time, we tested the outcome of RT-LAMP utilizing raw saliva samples without purification. The test achieved a sensitivity of 81.8% (95% CI 59.7-94.8) and a specificity of 90.9% (95% CI 70.8-98.8). As a result, the accuracy of 92.9% (95% CI 80.5-98.5) in purified RNA-saliva samples was lowered to an acceptable level of 86.4% (95% CI 72.6-94.8) in raw saliva. Although mass vaccination has been implemented, new strains and low vaccination progress helped to spread COVID-19. This study shows that it is feasible to track new COVID-19 cases in a large population with the use of raw saliva as sample in RT-LAMP assay which yields accurate results and offers a less invasive test.