Bacterial Isolates Of The Respiratory Tract Infection And Their Current Sensitivity Pattern Among Patients Admitted In Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background & Objectives: This study was aimed to observe the susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from respiratory tract infection (RTI). Respiratory tract infection is considered as one of the major public health problems and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Respiratory tract is the part of the human system that plays a vital role in breathing processes. In human, the respiratory system can be subdivided into an Upper respiratory tract and a Lower respiratory tract based on anatomical features. The respiratory tract is constantly exposed to microbes due to the extensive surface area. The present study was conducted retrospectively for a periodMethods: of one year November 2021 to October 2022. All respiratory specimens included Sputum, BAL, throat swab; endotracheal aspirate specimens were collected aseptically from patients and cultured on the appropriate bacteriological media (Blood agar, MacConkey agar & Chocolate Agar). Bacterial isolates were identified by biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility performed by standard methods as per CLSI 2022. 152Results: (72.3%) of total 210 samples were positive for bacterial culture. 126 (82.8%) were gram negative bacilli (GNB) and 26 (17.1%) were gram positive cocci (GPC). The predominant pathogen isolated was K. pneumoniae 46 (30.2%) followed by Escherichia coli 28 (18.4%).The overall susceptibility of GNB was highest towards Imipenem, Meropenem followed by Piperacillin tazobactam and Amikacin. Gram positive organisms exhibited highest susceptibility towards Vancomycin and Linezolid. Imipenem is the most sensitive antibiotic followed by Piperacillin tazobactamConclusion: and Amikacin which can be used for empirical therapy for respiratory tract infections (RTI). The antibiotic therapy should be modified as per the culture and sensitivity report. Regular determinations of the type of bacterial pathogens and updation of antibiogram must be followed in every institution to aid in better patient management by helping the clinician in the judicious use of antibiotics.

Effect of physical parameters in enhancing prodigiosin production and anti-MRSA activity of marine bacterium, Serratia marcescens IBRL USM84

Aims@#Marine bacteria have been reported to produce potential natural pigment with pharmaceutical properties and their growth can be manipulated in the laboratory to increase pigment production and their antimicrobial activity. Hence, this study aimed to enhance the prodigiosin production in Serratia marcescens IBRL USM84 by improving physical conditions.@*Methodology and results@#The quantification of the pigment produced by S. marcescens IBRL USM84, bacterial cell growth, and its antibacterial activity in the broth medium were determined using a spectrophotometry method. Meanwhile, the antibacterial effect of red pigment on MRSA cells was observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This marine isolate produced the highest yield of prodigiosin (6.95 μg/mL) when cultivated in marine broth with the addition of 0.2% of agar, 25 °C incubation temperature, initial medium pH of 7, 150 rpm of agitation speed for 48 h of cultivation time under light illumination. There was an increment of 151.81% in prodigiosin production after enhancement compared to before the enhancement of cultural conditions. SEM observations revealed that severe damage to the cell’s morphologies was exposed to red pigment as indicated by the formation of small dents, which led to completely collapse and eventually, cell death.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#A positive correlation between pigment production and antibacterial activity was observed in the present study. The results supported the fact that marine bacteria are a reservoir of various pigments with antimicrobial properties. Also, the pigment production by S. marcescens and its antibacterial activity were significantly influenced by physical parameters.

Efectos de la proteína whey, leucina y entrenamiento de fuerza en la composición corporal / Effects of whey protein, leucine and resistance training on body composition

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los deportistas y las personas activas que entrenan la fuerza para lograr un aumento de su masa muscular tienen requerimientos calóricos y proteicos aumentados, por esta razón emplean diversas estrategias como la suplementación con proteína whey aislada y aminoácidos aislados como la leucina después del entrenamiento sustentados en la premisa de que promueven el incremento en la síntesis de proteínas musculares, y por ende un aumento de la masa magra. OBJETIVO: Comparar cambios de la composición corporal aplicando el método de Absorciometría Dual de Rayos X (DEXA) en personas físicamente activas expuestas a un programa de entrenamiento de la fuerza con la suplementación de proteína whey aislada y/o leucina durante 12 semanas. METODOLOGÍA: estudio aleatorizado prospectivo longitudinal en un grupo de 10 varones físicamente activos, los cuales fueron asignados al azar en 3 grupos de suplementación con proteína whey aislada, leucina o la mezcla de ambas bajo el mismo protocolo de entrenamiento de la fuerza. Se evaluó la composición corporal en 3 momentos: semana 0, semana 6 y semana 12 de la intervención. RESULTADOS: En las condiciones evaluadas no se observaron cambios estadísticamente significativos de las variables de composición corporal y fuerza en los diferentes protocolos de suplementación: leucina, proteína whey aislada con leucina y proteína whey aislada. CONCLUSIONES: Se observaron resultados superiores de la masa magra y la fuerza en el grupo de la suplementación de proteína whey aislada con leucina con respecto a los demás grupos, cabe aclarar que por el tamaño de muestra no alcanzó a ser estadísticamente significativo.

INTRODUCTION: Athletes and active people who work hard to increase their muscle mass have increased caloric and protein requirements. For this reason, they use different strategies such as whey protein isolate supplementation and/or branched-chain amino acids after sustained training on the premise that they promote an increase in muscle protein synthesis, and therefore an increase in lean mass. OBJECTIVE: To compare body composition changes in physically active people exposed to a strength training program withwhey protein isolate and/or leucine supplementation for 12 weeks. METHODS: Longitudinal prospective randomized study in a group of 10 physically active males, which were randomly assigned to 3 supplementation groups with whey protein isolate, leucine, or a mixture of both, under the same strength training protocol. Body composition was evaluated in 3 moments: week 0, week 6 and week 12 of the intervention. RESULTS: In the evaluated conditions, no statistically significant changes were observed in the variables of body composition and strength based on the different supplementation protocols: Leucine, protein with leucine and protein. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the other groups, higher results were observed in lean mass and strength in group using the whey protein isolate supplementation with leucine. It should be noted that due to the size of the sample, the difference was not statistically significant.

An overview of Zika virus genotypes and their infectivity

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus. It was first isolated from a sentinel monkey in Uganda in 1947. More recently, ZIKV has undergone rapid geographic expansion and has been responsible for outbreaks in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and America. In this review, we have highlighted the influence of viral genetic variants on ZIKV pathogenesis. Two major ZIKV genotypes (African and Asian) have been identified. The Asian genotype is subdivided into Southwest Asia, Pacific Island, and American strains, and is responsible for most outbreaks. Non-synonymous mutations in ZIKV proteins C, prM, E, NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, and NS4B were found to have a higher prevalence and association with virulent strains of the Asian genotype. Consequently, the Asian genotype appears to have acquired higher cellular permissiveness, tissue persistence, and viral tropism in human neural cells. Therefore, mutations in specific coding regions of the Asian genotype may enhance ZIKV infectivity. Considering that mutations in the genomes of emerging viruses may lead to new virulent variants in humans, there is a potential for the re-emergence of new ZIKV cases in the future.

Bacterial distribution and drug resistance in blood samples in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, 2018-2020 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To understand the distribution and drug resistance of bacteria in clinical blood culture specimens in Ningxia in recent years, and to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of bloodstream infection diseases. 　　　Methods　The blood culture isolation bacteria and drug resistance of Ningxia bacterial resistance monitoring network hospitals from 2018 to 2020 were statistically analyzed by WHONET5.6 software. Results　In the past three years, a total of 6 757 strains of bacteria were isolated from blood samples, including 3 697 strains (54.7%) of gram-negative bacteria and 3 060 (45.3%) of gram-positive bacteria. Among the gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (2 074 strains,30.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (696 strains), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (139 strains), and Acinetobacter baumannii (121 strains). Among the gram-positive bacteria, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (1 691 strains,25.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (442 strains), Streptococcus spp. (431 strains), Enterococcus spp. (379 strains). Resistance to Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 56.6% and 22.6% against third-generation cephalosporins, and resistance to carbapenems was 1.0% and 3.7%, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were resistant to carbapenems at 9.0%（12/139） and 80.7%（71/121）. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected at 26.8%, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was detected at 70%, and no Staphylococcus bacteria resistant to vancomycin and linezolid were found. For three years, only 1 strain of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis was detected, and no linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus and Enterococcus were detected. Conclusions　Ningxia clinical blood specimen isolates of Escherichia coli, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae are more common. Among them, the resistance rate of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to the third generation of cephalosporins is relatively stable, and the resistance rate to carbapenems is low. Acinetobacter baumannii is highly resistant to carbapenems, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus detection rates are on the rise and should be closely monitored.

Analysis of the relationship between Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin-associated gene A, Helicobacter pylori isolate vacuole-forming toxin gene A and gastric cancer occurrence and clinicopathological factors / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori(HP) cytotoxin-associated gene A (HP-CagA), HP isolate vacuole-forming toxin gene A (HP-VacA) and gastric cancer occurrence and clinical pathological factors.Methods:Eighty-eight patients with gastric cancer from January 2018 to January 2020 in Suzhou Hospital Affiliated of Anhui Medical University was selected as the observation group, 80 patients with benign gastric lesions during the same period was selected as the benign control group, and 80 healthy patients was selected as the healthy control group. The clinical data, HP-CagA, HP-VacA positive expression rates of the three groups were compared, the risk factors of gastric cancer were analyzed, and the relationship between HP-CagA, HP-VacA and gastric cancer clinicopathological factors were evaluated.Results:Family history of gastric cancer, high-salt diet, preference for hot food, decreased pepsinogen (PG)Ⅰ/PGⅡ, combined with fatty liver, increased triglyceride, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterin, smoking and depression were risk factors of gastric cancer ( P<0.05). The positive rate of HP-CagA, HP-VacA in the observation group were higher than those in the benign control group and the healthy control group: 82.93%(73/88) vs. 62.50%(50/80) and 26.25%(21/80), 30.68%(27/88) vs. 7.50%(6/80) and 0, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The positive of HP-CagA and HP-VacA had correlation with age, pathological type, and degree of differentiation of gastric cancer ( P<0.05). The 1-year survival rate of HP-CagA and HP-VacA positive patients was lower than that of negative patients by Kaplan-Meier analysis ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The positive of HP-CagA and HP-VacA in HP infections are closely related togastric cancer. Strengthening the treatment of HP infection patients with positive HP-CagA and HP-VacA has important clinical value and social significance for cutting off the early stage of gastric cancer and improving prognosis.

Evaluation of hybrids and single spore isolates of paddy straw mushroom Volvariella volvacea (Bull.) Singer for fruiting body yield and nutritional quality

Aim: Developing high yielding single spore isolates and hybrid strains of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) with superior nutritional composition of the fruiting bodies.Methodology: Two contrasting high yielding strains (DMRO-463 and DMRO-484) of V. volvacea previously released for higher fruiting body yield were used for isolation of single spore isolates (SSIs). The slow growing SSIs were used for developing the hybrid strains by mating on Malt Extract Agar Medium Petri dishes. Conversely, the fast growing SSIs and the developed hybrid strains were screened for downward mycelial growth on paddy straw filled in wide mouth test tubes. Based upon downward mycelial growth, only eight SSIs and ten hybrid strains with numerically higher downward mycelial growth compared to two parents' checks were further evaluated for fruiting body yield on composted cotton ginning mill waste substrate under indoor conditions. Results: In successive yield evaluation trials (one preliminary and three full scale), hybrid strains VvH-11, VvH-13 and VvH-18 gave fruiting body yield higher than the two parents. Out of these hybrids, the yield distribution at different height (selves) in growing room was consistent in hybrid VvH-13 in trial-2, while rest two hybrids and parents showed significantly lower yield in lowest self (30 cm above floor level). The fruiting body weight also showed similar trend. The fruiting bodies from the highest yielding hybrid VvH-11 exhibited highest level of crude fiber (2.07%) and ash (10.95%) contents, while the hybrid VvH-13 giving consistent yield across growing room exhibited higher level of crude fiber (2.00 %), vitamin C (52.35 mg 100 g-1) and vitamin D (1434.7 µg 100 g-1). The third hybrid VvH-18 was superior in crude fiber (1.74%), manganese (22.46 ppm), selenium (0.26 ppm) and vitamin C (43.13 mg 100 g-1). All three hybrids exhibited lower fat (1.54 to 1.86 %) content compared to parents (2.54 to 2.59 %). Interpretation: High yielding hybrid strains can be developed in paddy straw mushroom (V. volvacea) through mating of slow growing SSIs, and their screening involving downward mycelial growth on paddy straw and repetitive grow out trials.

Purification and biochemical characterization of pectinase produced by Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from soil of decomposing plant materials

This study isolated, screened, and identified a pectinase-producing fungus from a decomposing plant material. Italso cultured the isolated fungus under optimized conditions to obtain crude pectinase enzyme as well as purifiedand investigated the biochemical characteristics of the purified enzyme. The fungal strain was isolated on pectinasescreening agar medium containing 1% pectin and obtained a clear zone. It was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus andcultivated for enzyme production using banana, plantain, and orange peels as the solid substrate. Under optimizedconditions, a maximum of 3.52 U/ml pectinase activity was obtained at 65% moisture content after 144 h (6 days)of incubation period on orange peel, 1.5 ml inoculum, and 3% salt content. A. fumigatus pectinase was purified4.45-fold and a yield of 26.16% with a specific activity of 38.88 U/mg. The molecular weight determined on sodiumdodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) was 31.6 kDa. The pectinase exhibited maximum activity at 60°C, optimum pH of 5.0,and stability at 40–50°C. The enzyme showed a preference for polygalacturonic acid as its primary substrate with aKM 3.08 mg/ml and Vmax of 1.61 U/ml. The enzyme was activated by 0.5 mM Na+, K+, and 1–5% toluene. The enzymeactivity was inhibited by metal cations; 20% ethanol, 4.0 mM SDS, and L-cysteine. The obtained results showed thatA. fumigatus pectinase could be a candidate for potential industrial and biotechnological application

Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Bacterial Isolates from Endotracheal Aspirate of Ventilated Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Respiratory infections among critically ill Patient are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Mechanically ventilated patients are at a high risk of acquiring respiratory infections due to complex interplay between the endotracheal tube, host immunity and virulence of invading bacteria. Irrational use of antibiotics increases the emergence of drug – resistant bacteria. Objectives: The aim of study was to investigate the bacterial isolates in the endotracheal aspirates of mechanically ventilated patients in ICU and see the antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacterial isolates. Methods: Analysis of E.T aspirates of 459 patients over a period of 1 year (Aug 14 to Aug 15) was done. Aspirates were cultured on Blood and MacConkey agar isolation and identification was done using conventional techniques and biochemical reactions. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. Results: Out of 459 Samples 365 was found to be positive. Acinetobacter sp (44.65%) was the most common isolate followed by Klebsiella sp (18.63%), Pseudomonas sp (11.23%), Candida (10.46%), Escherichia Coli (7.94%), COPS (3.28%), CONS (2.46%), Enterococci (0.82%), and Citrobacter (0.54%). The gram-negative bacilli were mostly sensitive to Tigecycline, Colistin, Imipenem, Meropenem, Amikacin and Piperacillin/Tazobactam. Gram positive Cocci were mostly sensitive to Vancomycin, Linezolid and Gentamicin. Conclusion: The isolation and antimicrobial resistance pattern of the microorganisms is necessary for their effective management. Endotracheal intubation is one of the major risk factors in causing iatrogenic infections to patients. A local antibiogram for each hospital, based on bacteriological patterns and susceptibility is essential to initiate empirical therapy.

Obtención de hidrolizados proteicos bajos en fenilalanina a partir de suero dulce de leche y chachafruto (Erythrina edulis Triana) / Obtaining protein products low in phenylalanine from milk whey and chachafruto (Erythrina edulis Triana)

La fenilcetonuria (PKU) es causada por una actividad deficiente de la enzima fenilalanina hidroxilasa. En los pacientes con esta deficiencia la fenilalanina (Phe) no puede ser convertida en tirosina, aumentando sus niveles en sangre y de otros metabolitos neurotóxicos, provocando un retraso mental irreversible. El tratamiento fundamentalmente se basa en una dieta controlada de Phe. Sin embargo, los alimentos libres o bajos en Phe son escasos. El objetivo de esta investigación es obtener hidrolizados proteicos con bajo contenido de Phe a partir del suero dulce de leche en polvo y harina de E. edulis Triana. El aislado proteico (96,01% proteína cruda) se obtuvo por solubilización y precipitación de las proteínas de la harina, mientras que las proteínas del suero (15,69% proteína cruda) fueron tratadas en su matriz original. Las proteínas del suero y el asilado fueron hidrolizadas enzimáticamente con pepsina y proteasa de Streptomyces griseus. La concentración de Phe se determinó por fluorometría y por HPLC, de lo cual la Phe de las proteínas del suero es liberada una hora antes que las del chachafruto, debido a que las proteínas del suero en parte fueron hidrolizadas en la elaboración del queso. Además, los resultados de la utilización del carbón activados como captor de Phe indican la reducción total del contenido de este aminoácido en los hidrolizados y la reducción de la concentración de otros aminoácidos(AU)

henylketonuria (PKU) is caused by a low activity of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. In patients with this deficiency, phenylalanine (Phe) cannot be converted to tyrosine, increasing blood levels and other neurotoxic metabolites, causing irreversible mental retardation. The treatment is fundamentally based on a controlled diet of Phe. However, free or low-Phe foods are scarce. The objective of this research is to obtain protein hydrolysates with low Phe content from sweet milk powder and E. edulis Triana flour. The protein isolate (96.01% crude protein) was obtained by solubilization and precipitation of the flour proteins, while the whey proteins (15.69% crude protein) were treated in their original matrix. Serum and asylated proteins were enzymatically hydrolyzed with pepsin and Streptomyces griseus protease. The concentration of Phe was determined by fluorometry and by HPLC, from which the Phe of whey proteins is released one hour earlier than those of chachafruto, due to the fact that the whey proteins were partially hydrolyzed in the elaboration of the cheese. In addition, the results of the use of charcoal activated as Phe captor indicate the total reduction of the content of this amino acid in the hydrolysates and the reduction of the concentration of other amino acids(AU)

Characterization, In Vitro Antioxidant And Hepatoprotective Activity Of Fungal Endophytic Extracts Of Andrographis Paniculata Leaves In Ccl4 Induced Hepatotoxicity

Objective: To isolate and characterize the endophytic fungi from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata for free radical scavenging antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity Methods: Two fungal endophytes, APLF-3 (Andrographis paniculata leaf fungi-3) and APLF-4 (Andrographis paniculata leaf fungi-4) were isolated from leaves of Andrographis paniculata to get chloroform (A3C, A4C), ethyl acetate (A3EA, A4EA) and n butanol (A3nB, A4nB) extracts. rDNA sequencing by PCR technique was carried out for identification of APLF-3 and APLF-4. All the APLF-3 and APLF-4 extracts were assayed for in vitro free radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical and reducing power. Then, A4EA and A4nB were screened for hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity at 50 mg/kg and100 mg/kg doses. Results: The endophytic fungi, APLF-3 and APLF-4, were identified as Phyllosticta sp. ZLY-2010 isolate M13 and Aspergillus tubingensis strain Cs/7/2 respectively based on their morphological and molecular characterization. A4EA and A4nB showed significant in vitro free radical scavenging activity as compared to other extracts. A4EA and A4nB (50 mg/kg and100 mg/kg) reversed the increased serum biochemical parameters as compared to CCl4 treated group (p<0.001). A4EA and A4nB (100 mg/kg p. o) also restored the LPO, SOD and CAT levels. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the extracts (A4EA and A4nB) obtained from endophytic fungi APLF-4 contributed towards hepatoprotective activity.

PCR-based identification of Mycobacterium murphy causing Canine Leproid Granuloma Syndrome in Niterói, southeast Brazil - case report / Identificação baseada em PCR de Mycobacterium murphy causando Síndrome do Granuloma Lepróide Canino em Niterói, sudeste do Brasil ˗ Relato de Caso

Canine Leproid Granuloma Syndrome (CLGS), also known as canine leprosy, is a cutaneous nodular infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium sp.. Despite being reported worldwide, it is still quite unknown and underdiagnosed. Diagnosis may be achieved by cytopathology or histopathology of skin lesions, but identification of the infectious agent is complex, since bacterial in vitro growth is not possible, relying upon molecular techniques such as PCR to confirm Mycobacterium DNA in the sample. We report a CLGS case in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, diagnosed by cytopathology and submitted to molecular identification of the agent. PCR amplification of hsp65 gene was performed and revealed 100% genetic homology to M. murphy strain. This is the first CLGS report with molecular identification in Rio de Janeiro state, and this finding should raise awareness about CLGS as a differential diagnosis among granulomatous skin diseases in this region.(AU)

A síndrome de granuloma leproide canino (SGLC), também conhecida como lepra canina, é uma doença infecciosa cutânea nodular causada por Mycobacterium sp. Apesar de ser relatada mundialmente, ainda é bastante desconhecida e subdiagnosticada. O diagnóstico pode ser conseguido por citopatologia ou histopatologia de lesões cutâneas, mas a identificação do agente infeccioso é complexa, uma vez que o crescimento in vitro bacteriano não é possível, dependendo de técnicas moleculares como a PCR para confirmar o DNA de Mycobacterium na amostra. Relatou-se um caso da SGLC em Niterói, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, diagnosticado por citopatologia e submetido à identificação molecular do agente. Foi realizada amplificação por PCR do gene hsp65, que revelou 100% de homologia genética com a cepa M. murphy. Este é o primeiro relato da SGLC com identificação molecular no estado do Rio de Janeiro, o que mostra a importância de se acrescentar a SGLC ao diagnóstico diferencial das doenças granulomatosas de pele nessa região.(AU)

Relationships between Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance among Escherichia coli Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections and Commensal Isolates in Tehran, Iran

OBJECTIVES: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are the major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Here, we determined whether sensitivity to antibiotics was related to the prevalence of iron scavenging genes, or to biofilm and hemolysis formation. METHODS: A total of 110 UPEC and 30 E coli isolates were collected from the urine of UTI patients and feces of healthy individuals without UTI, respectively. The presence of iron receptor genes and phenotypic properties were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and phenotypic methods, respectively. Susceptibility to routine antibiotics was evaluated using the disc diffusion method. RESULTS: The prevalence of iron scavenging genes ranged from 21.8% (ireA) to 84.5% (chuA) in the UPEC. Resistance to ceftazidime and cefotaxime was significantly correlated with the presence of fyuA and iutA iron genes. Biofilm production was significantly associated with the prevalence of fyuA and hma iron genes. A higher degree of antibiotic resistance was exhibited by isolates that produced biofilms than by their non-biofilm producing counterparts. CONCLUSION: Our study clearly indicates that biofilm production is associated with antibiotic resistance, and that iron receptors and hemolysin production also contribute to reduced antibiotic sensitivity. These results further our understanding of the role that these virulence factors play during UPEC pathogenesis, which in turn may be valuable for the development of novel treatment strategies against UTIs.

Study on the techniques of purification flavones from Gnaphalium japonicum Thunb. by D-101 macroporous adsorption resin / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigate the optimal isolation and purification conditions of flavonoids in Gnaphlium affine Thunb. and the content of flavonoids in different parts of Gnaphlium affine Thunb. was measured. Methods The separation and purification abilities of D-101 macroporoue adsorbing resins for flavonoids in Gnaphlium affine Thunb. were studied with adorption and desorption as index. The static adsorption and dynamic adsorption methods were used to analyze the effects of static saturated adsorption, static elution rate, sample concentration, sample pH value, eluent concentration and amount of eluent. The flavonoids concentrations were determined with rutin as standard. Results The D-101 macroporous adsorption resin had good effect on the separation and purification of flavonoids from Gnaphlium affine Thunb.; The optimal conditions for purification were: sample concentration 1.0 mg/ml, sample pH=4, 60％ ethanol as desorption solvent, washing flow 2 BV/h, with these parameters. With such condition, the purity of flavonoids in Gnaphlium affine Thunb. was 60.92％; The content of flavonoids in Gnaphlium affine Thunb. showed the highest content was in the stem, the second in the flower, and the least in the root. Conclusions The purification of flavonoids from the D-101 macroporous adsorption resin increased in the best purified separation conditions and the content of flavonoids was the highest in the leaf.

Molecular characterisation of rice tungro bacilliform virus isolated from Bario, Sarawak

Aims@#Rice tungro disease is one of the most damaging and destructive diseases of rice in South and Southeast Asia. The disease is caused by the co-infection of two viruses, the Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) and Rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV). The symptoms and severity of the disease depend on these two viral agents, if rice is coinfected by both viruses, it will show the typical severe symptoms of yellow-orange leaf discoloration, plant stunting and reduced in yield. On the other hand, if rice is infected only with RTBV, it shows milder symptoms and in contrast, rice plants will show no symptoms if they are infected only with RTSV. The disease had been detected in Malaysia since the 1930s. However, the first incursion of the disease was only reported in Sarawak in 2012. Since the disease was not seen in the Sarawak until recently, very little information on local virus isolate is available. This study was conducted to obtain and record the nucleotide sequence of partial coat protein gene of two primary isolates of RTBV collected from Bario, Sarawak in 2012 and 2013.@*Methodology and results@#Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the isolates cluster with the Southeast Asia group with sequence identity at nucleotide and amino acid level of 91.1 to 95.1% and 98.6 to 99.5% respectively.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study provide the first genetic information on RTBV isolates from Sarawak. This data is important for future reference of the virus variants and diversity for epidemiological and diagnosis purposes.

Reaction of common bean lines derived from recurrent selection for white mold resistance and aggressiveness of Sclerotinia sclerotirum isolates / Reação de linhagens de feijão comum derivadas de seleção recorrente para resistência ao mofo branco e agressividade de isolados de Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The objectives of this study were to verify the resistance of common bean lines derived from recurrent selection for white mold resistance and to identify those more stable to different isolates; to compare the aggressiveness of different Sclerotinia sclerotiorum isolates; and to verify isolates x lines interaction. Fifteen common bean lines were evaluated, twelve derived from recurrent selection for white mold resistance, one non-adapted source of resistance (Cornell 605), one moderately resistant and adapted (VC-16) and one susceptible to white mold (Corujinha). Ten isolates were used to inoculate the common bean lines through the straw test. A total of ten experiments were performed, one for each isolate. The randomized complete block design with three replications was used in each experiment. Each plot had five plants inoculated in two main branches, therefore the plot data was the average of the ten evaluations through a scale of nine grades. Diallel analysis were used to estimate the general reaction capacity (lines) and general aggressiveness capacity (isolates) to measure the resistance to white mold and the aggressiveness of the isolates, respectively. The GGE biplot analysis was used to group the common bean lines based on their resistance alleles and identify those more instable to the isolates. The resistance of the lines P4 and P10 was similar to Cornell 605, and they had stable reaction to different isolates and "Carioca" grain type. The lines of the advanced cycles of recurrent selection accumulated more favorable alleles than those of the first cycles, confirming the efficiency of the recurrent selection to increase white mold resistance in common bean. In addition, it was identified more aggressive isolates, UFLA 109 and UFLA 116, and a small magnitude of isolates x lines interaction, indicating a predominance of the horizontal resistance of the lines.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram verificar a resistência de linhagens de feijoeiro derivadas de diferentes ciclos de seleção recorrente para resistência ao mofo branco e identificar aquelas mais estáveis quando inoculadas com diferentes isolados; comparar a agressividade de diferentes isolados de Sclerotinia sclerotiorum e verificar se há interação isolados x linhagens. Quinze linhagens de feijoeiro comum foram avaliadas, doze derivadas de seleção recorrente para mofo branco, uma fonte de resistência não adaptada (Cornell 605), uma moderadamente resistente e adaptada (VC-16) e uma suscetível ao mofo branco (Corujinha). Dez isolados foram utilizados para inocular as linhagens de feijoeiro através do straw test. Foram realizados dez experimentos, um para cada isolado. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Em cada parcela, cinco plantas foram inoculadas em dois ramos principais, portanto, os dados da parcela foram a média de dez avaliações utilizando uma escala de nove notas. A análise dialélica foi utilizada para estimar a capacidade geral de reação (linhagens) e capacidade geral de agressividade (isolados) para medir, respectivamente, a resistência das linhagens e a agressividade dos isolados. A análise GGE biplot foi utilizada para agrupar as linhagens baseado em seus alelos de resistência e identificar as mais estáveis aos isolados. A resistência das linhagens P4 e P10 foi semelhante à Cornell 605, com reação estável e grãos tipo "Carioca". Como esperado, as linhagens dos ciclos mais avançados de seleção recorrente acumularam mais alelos favoráveis que aquelas dos primeiros ciclos confirmando a eficiência da seleção. Além disso, foram identificados isolados mais agressivos, UFLA109 e UFLA 116 e interação isolados x linhagens de pequena magnitude, indicando um predomínio da resistência horizontal.

Distribution and antimicrobial resistance of the bacterial strains isolated from lower respiratory tract in children / 中国感染与化疗杂志

Objective To study the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of the bacterial strains isolated from lower respiratory tract in children,to provide evidence for better clinical management.Methods The medical data of children (0-5 years of age) with lower respiratory tract infection were retrospectively reviewed.The children were treated during the period from September 2014 to September 2016.Results Of the 4815 sputum samples collected from the lower respiratory tract of children,1582 (32.86％) had a positive bacterial culture.A total of 1614 strains of pathogens were identified.The most common bacterial pathogen was Haemophilus influenzae (9.66％),followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.12％) and Moraxella catarrhalis (5.15％).The bacterial detection rate varied greatly with season and the age of children (P＜0.01).H.influenzae,M.catarrhalis and S.pneumoniae isolates showed lower resistance rate to cefotaxime,all ＜20.0％.Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates showed lower resistance rate to cefotetan,imipenem and piperacillin tazobactam,all ＜ 10％.Less than 20％ of the S.aureus strains were resistant to oxacillin.Conclusions H.influenzae is the most frequently isolated pathogen from lower respiratory tract in children aged 0 to 5 years in Neijiang Sichuan Province,followed by S.pneumoniae and M.catarrhalis.The detection rate of bacterial pathogens varies with season and the age of children.Antimicrobial agents should be selected rationally based on the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing to reduce the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in clinical pathogens.

Distribution and antibiotic resistance of the pathogens isolated from blood of the inpatients in hematology ward / 中国感染与化疗杂志

Objective To investigate the distribution and antibiotic resistance of the pathogens isolated from blood of the inpatients in hematology ward.Methods Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out using Kirby-Bauer method.The data were analyzed by WHONET 5.6 software.Results Of the 521 microbial isolates collected,gram-negative bacilli accounted for 47.2％,grampositive cocci 45.7％ and fungi (7.1％).The most frequently isolated microorganisms were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (154),E.coli (88),K.pneumoniae (51),P.aeruginosa (39) and Enterococcus spp (34).ESBLs were produced in about 40.4％ of the K.pneumoniae isolates and 63.4％ of the E.coli isolates.At least 90％ of the E.coli isolates were susceptible to imipenem and meropenem,and at least 70％ susceptible to piperacillin-tazobactam.At least 85％ of the K.pneumoniae strains were susceptible to imipenem and meropenem,and at least 70％ susceptible to levofloxacin,piperacillin-tazobactam and cefoperazone-sulbactam.The percentage of the P.aeruginosa susceptible to ciprofloxacin and tobramycin was at least 90％,and higher than 70％ to levofloxacin,meropenem,imipenem,piperacillin-tazobactam,cefepime,and cefoperazone-sulbactam.More than 90％ strains of the coagulase negative Staphylococcus and Enterococcus were susceptible to linezolid and teicoplanin.Overall,82.5％ of the coagulase negative Staphylococcus isolates were resistant to methicillin.Three E.coli isolates and 4 K.pneumoniae isolates were found resistant to carbapenems,and 14 Enterococcus isolates were resistant to vancomycin.Conclusions Gram-negative bacilli are the major pathogens from blood samples in hematology ward,which show high susceptibility to piperacillin-tazobactam and cefoperazone-sulbactam,imipenem and meropenem.The grampositive cocci show high susceptibility to linezolid and teicoplanin.These data are helpful for empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Effective inhibition of human cytomegalovirus UL148 gene expression by external guide sequences in vitro / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the UL148 gene function of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) low passage clinic isolate and new strategies for anti-HCMV treatment, the DNA-based external guide sequences (EGSs) were designed to inhibit UL148 RNA expression.@*Methods@#UL148 RNA secondary structure was analyzed by RNA structure technique, an appropriate region was chosen for DNA-based EGS57 synthesis, targeted the UL148 RNA. The M1RNA and UL148 RNA were generated by PCR for transcription in vitro. The UL148 RNA and M1RNA were transcribed in vitro under the function of T7 RNA polymerase. The UL148 was labelled by 32P. The cleavage reactions were carried out by mixing up EGS, M1RNA with UL148 RNA for 1 h. The products were separated by urea denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and detected with Typhoon Phosphor Imager.@*Results@#UL148 RNA ranged from 58 to 72 sites was the binding position, and 57 was a cleavage site. EGS57 was designed and synthesized. EGS57 was combined with UL148 RNA to form the natural substrate of M1RNA. UL148 RNA and M1RNA were synthesized through T7 RNA polymerase catalyzing, and the products were conformed. After cleaving reactions, DNA-based EGS57 was shown to be able to cleave UL148 RNA efficiently in vitro by a complex with M1RNA.@*Conclusions@#UL148 RNA was cleaved efficiently by EGS57, and the cleaving site was conformed as expectation. It will provide the gene silent tool effectively for further study the function of UL148 gene.