Differences between [18F]FLT and [18F]FDG Uptake in PET/CT Imaging in CC Depend on Vaginal Bacteriology.

This study aims to investigate if vaginal bacteriology obtained prior to treatment influences the 3'-deoxy-3 18F-fluorothymidine (FLT) [18F]FLT and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) [18F]FDG parameters in positron emission tomography (PET/CT) in cervical cancer (CC) patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on 39 women with locally advanced histologically confirmed cervical cancer who underwent dual tracer PET/CT examinations. The [18F]FLT and [18F]FDG PET parameters in the primary tumor, including SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, heterogeneity, before radiotherapy (RT) were analyzed, depending on the bacteriology. The p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the vaginal and/or cervical smears, there were 27 (79.4%) positive results. In seven (20.6%) cases, no opportunistic pathogen growth was observed (No Bacteria Group). In positive bacteriology, eleven (32%) Gram-negative bacilli (Bacteria group 2) and fifteen (44%) Gram-positive bacteria (Bacteria group 1) were detected. Five patients with unknown results were excluded from the analysis. Data analysis shows a statistically significant difference between the SUVmax, and SUVmin values for three independent groups for the [18F]FLT. CONCLUSIONS: The lowest values of SUVmax and SUVmin for [18F]FLT are registered in Gram-negative bacteria, higher are in Gram-positive, and the absence of bacteria causes the highest [18F]FLT values.

The incidence of inflammation among patients suffering from cervix cancer with positive beta haemolytic streptococci cultures from genital tract.

AIM: The main goal of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of positive beta haemolytic streptococci culture from the genital tract on patients receiving radiation therapy who suffer from cervical cancer. The other aim was to observe radiation therapy complications. BACKGROUND: Group B streptococci (GBS), group C streptococci (GCS) and group G streptococci (GGS) have been described as frequent invasive pathogens in elderly patients, often in association with underlying medical conditions including immunodeficiency and cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the years 2006-2015, vaginal swabs from 452 patients were examined. A total of 118 women with positive beta haemolytic streptococci (BHS) groups A, B, C, F, G cultures were analysed, of whom 111 were diagnosed with cervix cancer of IB to IVA degree according to the FIGO 1988 clinical classification. RESULTS: Of the 452 patients suffering from cervix cancer 26.1% were positive for A, B, C, F or G group BHS isolated from the genital tract. All of the 114 examined strains were sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics. The antimicrobials for which resistance was noted were erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS: Positive cultures of BHS from the genital tract were demonstrated to occur in patients with cervix cancer. Complications were found during radiotherapy in 30 (27%) of these patients, including 20 (18%) patients suffering from clinical symptoms of inflammation. When beta-lactam antibiotics are not recommended because of allergy, sensitivity tests to other drugs are necessary.

Three chlorotoluene-degrading bacterial strains: Differences in biodegradation potential and cell surface properties.

Pollution of the environment with chlorinated aromatic compounds is a problem of increasing importance, which has stimulated the search for efficient methods for the remediation of contaminated soil and water. Additionally, for better understanding of the significance of bioavailability to biodegradation, investigation of the cell surface properties is necessary. Hence, this study concerns the properties and possible application, in chlorotoluene removal, of three newly isolated environmental bacterial strains from the genera Pseudomonas, Raoultella and Rahnella. The results show the differences in the biochemical profiles of the isolated strains, their cellular fatty acid composition and their hemolytic properties. However, all three strains exhibit high biodegradation potential, degrading not less than 60% of each monochlorotoluene isomer in 21-day experiments. What is more, observations of changes in the cell surface properties indicate the possible adaptation mechanisms of the strains that enable efficient biodegradation of hydrophobic pollutants such as monochlorotoluenes.

Properties and potential application of efficient biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas sp. KZ1 strain.

Increasing use of biosurfactants has stimulated the search for new and efficient biosurfactant-producing bacterial strains, preferably nonpathogenic ones. The aim of the present study was to characterize a new isolated Pseudomonas sp. KZ1 strain and its exocellular surface active compounds. After examining several mineral media of different compositions, the bioreactor-scale production of biosurfactants under optimum conditions was tested. Then, the composition of the isolated biosurfactants was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and their surface active properties were characterized by adsorption parameters. The results indicated that the Pseudomonas sp. KZ1 biosurfactant had the critical micelle concentration of 0.12 g L-1 and decreased the surface tension decreased to 31.7 mN m-1. Moreover, the biosurfactant increased the rate of biodegradation of diesel oil by the strains: Pseudomonas sp. KZ1, Pseudomonas sp. OS4 and Achromobacter sp. KW1. The obtained biosurfactant showing attractive properties is a promising and much 'greener' alternative in the application for surfactant-enhanced biodegradation of hydrocarbons.

Environmental biodegradation of halophenols by activated sludge from two different sewage treatment plants.

Halophenols make a group of aromatic compounds that are resistible to biodegradation by environmental microorganisms. In this study, the biodegradation of 4-bromo-, 4-chloro- and 4-fluorophenols was studied with two types of activated sludges (from a small rural plant and from a bigger municipal plant) as an inoculum. Because of their wide use, surfactants are present in the wastewater and inhibitors enhance the biodegradation of different pollutants; the influence of natural surfactants on halophenols' biodegradation was also tested. Both types of activated sludge contained bacterial strains which were active in the halophenols' biodegradation process. The coexistence of surfactants and halophenols in the wastewater does not prevent microorganisms from effective halophenols' biodegradation. Moreover, surfactants can enhance the effectiveness of halophenols' removal from the environment. Different cell surface modifications of two isolated bacterial strains were observed in the same system of halophenols with or without surfactants. Halophenols and surfactants may also induce changes in bacteria cell surface properties.

Combination of microbiological culture and multiplex PCR increases the range of vaginal microorganisms identified in cervical cancer patients at high risk for bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginitis in cervical cancer patients might becaused by mixed aerobic, anaerobic, and atypical bacteria. Since genital tract infections can be complicated, early and accurate identification of causal pathogens is vital. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was i) to determinate if currently used aerobic culture methods are sufficiently sensitive to identify pathogens that can appear in the cervix of women after cancer treatment; ii) to investigate if molecular methods can improve the diagnostic process of BV and vaginitis, as well as broaden the range of detectable pathogens that would otherwise be difficult to cultivate. METHODS: A one-year hospital-based study was conducted in 2011/2012. Cervical swabs from 130 patients were examined by microbiological culture and multiplex PCR. RESULTS: Swab samples were positive for 107 and 93 women by microbiological culture and multiplex PCR, respectively The most common bacteria isolated from culture were: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Staphylococcus aureus, and using the molecular technique were: Gardnerella vaginalis, Bacteroides fragilis, Ureoplasma ureoliticum/parvum, Mobiluncus curtisii and Atopobium vaginae. CONCLUSIONS: Multiplex PCR might contribute to the diagnosis of genital tract infections and it broadens the number of detectable microorganisms responsible for BV. Combination of these two methods may become the basis for standardized diagnosis of BV and vaginitis.

Impact of Alkyl Polyglucosides Surfactant Lutensol GD 70 on Modification of Bacterial Cell Surface Properties.

Alkyl polyglucosides, due to their low toxicity and environmental compatibility, could be used in biodegradation of hydrophobic compounds. In this study, the influence of Lutensol GD 70 on the cell hydrophobicity and zeta potential was measured. The particle size distribution and surfactant biodegradation were also investigated. Microbacterium sp. strain E19, Pseudomonas stutzeri strain 9, and the same strain cultivated in stress conditions were used in studies. Adding surfactant to the diesel oil system resulted in an increase of the cell surface hydrophobicity and the formation of cell aggregates (a high polydispersity index). The correlation between cell hydrophobicity and zeta potential in examined samples was not found. The results showed a significant influence of Lutensol GD 70 on the changes in cell surface properties. Moreover, a high biodegradation of a surfactant (over 50 %) by tested strains was observed. The biodegradation of Lutensol GD 70 depends on the length of both polar and nonpolar chains. A long-term contact with diesel oil of stressed strain modifies not only cell surface properties but also its ability to a surfactant biodegradation.

Lung surgery for metastatic epithelial tumours.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes following the surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases in patients with different types of epithelial cancers, as well as to identify prognostic factors after metastasectomy. MATERIAL/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data for 61 patients who underwent 76 curative resections of pulmonary metastases from epithelial tumours during 1997-2002 at our department. Potential prognostic factors affecting survival after lung metastasectomy were analysed: disease-free interval (DFI), gender, age, the size and number of metastases, mono- or bilateral tumour, number of operations and the extent of pulmonary resection. RESULTS: The median survival was 36 months. Three factors were identified as prognostic for survival after metastasectomy: DFI<24 (p=0.0045), unilateral pulmonary metastases (p=0.0062) and no more than one operation (p=0.0065). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that: i) Resection of epithelial pulmonary metastases may offer a significant survival benefit for selected patients. ii) Good surgical candidates for pulmonary resection are those with a disease-free interval greater than 24 months. iii) The total number of thoracotomies, and metastases confined to one lung are factors defining patients who experience a better outcome after surgery. iv) Lung metastasectomy by conventional surgery is a safe procedure with low perioperative morbidity and mortality rates.

The anti-cancer actions of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase in relation to colon polyps.

BACKGROUND: Genetic variability in DNA repair genes may contribute to differences in DNA repair capacity and susceptibility to colon polyps and cancer. In this study, we examined the role of MGMT polymorphisms in colon polyps formation. METHODS: PCR-SSCP analysis was performed included 254 patients with colon polyps and 330 controls. RESULTS: The homozygous F84F genotype was significantly more prevalent in study group than in controls. The polymorphic allele 84F was more frequent appeared in group of older patients and in group of smoking patients. On the other hand, there were no association between 84F and gender, size of polyps, cancer family history. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that high frequency of 84F allele in the group of patients may suggest the role of the MGMT variant in colon polyps etiology.

Usability application of multiplex polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of microorganisms isolated from urine of patients treated in cancer hospital.

BACKGROUND: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS STUDY WAS: i) to compare the results of urine culture with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based detection of microorganisms using two commercially available kits, ii) to assess antimicrobial susceptibility of urine isolates from cancer patients to chosen antimicrobial drugs and, if necessary, to update the recommendation of empirical therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A one-year hospital-based prospective study has been conducted in Greater Poland Cancer Centre and Genetic Medicine Laboratory CBDNA Research Centre in 2011. Urine cultures and urine PCR assay from 72 patients were examined. RESULTS: Urine cultures and urine PCR assay from 72 patients were examined. Urine samples were positive for 128 strains from which 95 (74%) were identical in both tests. The most frequently isolated bacteria in both culture and PCR assay were coliform organisms and Enterococcus spp. The Gram negative bacilli were most resistant to cotrimoxazol. 77.2% of these bacilli and 100% of E. faecalis and S. agalactiae were sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. 4.7% of Gram positive cocci were resistant to nitrofurantoin. CONCLUSIONS: The PCR method quickly finds the causative agent of urinary tract infection (UTI) and, therefore, it can help with making the choice of the proper antimicrobial therapy at an early stage. It appears to be a viable alternative to the recommendations made in general treatment guidelines, in cases where diversified sensitivity patterns of microorganisms have been found.

Biodegradation of alkyl derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons and cell surface properties of a strain of Pseudomonas stutzeri.

Pseudomonas stutzeri strain 9 was isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil. The main purpose of this study was to investigate how the long-term contact of this strain with diesel oil influences its surface and biodegradation properties. The experiments showed that the tested strain was able to degrade aromatic alkyl derivatives (butylbenzene, sec-butylbenzene, tert-butylbenzene and isobutylbenzene) and that the storage conditions had an influence on the cell surface properties. Also greater agglomeration of the cells was observed in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs and confirmed in particle size distribution results. The results also indicated that the addition of rhamnolipids to the hydrocarbons led to modification of the surface properties of P. stutzeri strain 9, which could be observed in the zeta potential and hydrophobicity values.

Complication of radiation therapy among patients with positive S. aureus culture from genital tract.

AIM: The main goal of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of positive Staphylococcus aureus culture from the genital tract on patients receiving radiation therapy, suffering from carcinoma of the uterus. The other aim was to observe radiation therapy complications. BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy of patients suffering from cervical cancer can be connected with inflammation of the genitourinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In years 2006-2010 vaginal swabs from 452 patients were examined. 39 women with positive S. aureus cultures were analysed. RESULTS: Complications and interruptions during radiation therapy were observed in 7 (18.9%) of 37 patients with positive vaginal S. aureus culture. One of them, a 46-year-old woman developed pelvic inflammatory disease. None of the six patients who received palliative radiotherapy showed interruption in this treatment. Isolated S. aureus strains were classified into 13 sensitivity patterns, of which 8 were represented by 1 strain, two by 2 strains and three by 13, 8 and 6 strains. One strain was diagnosed as methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that S. aureus may generally be isolated from the genital tract of female patients with neoplastic disease of uterus but is not often observed as inflammation factor of this tract. Comparison of species' resistance patterns may be used in epidemiological studies in order to discover the source of infections and therefore be of profound significance in the prevention of nosocomial infections.

[Phenotypic characteristics of Pseudomonas putida isolated from different environments]. / Fenotypowe cechy paleczek Pseudomonas putida izolowanych z rónych srodowisk.

Various typing methods have been suggested to differentiate isolates of P. putida species with the aim of developing epidemiological tools. 34 P putida strains were isolated from the samples of crude oil and oil derivates contaminated soil (n=27), biopreparates used for biodegradation of soil contamination (n=3) and hospital materials (n=4). The biochemical typing was assessed using ID32GN tests (bio-Merieux). The strains were grouped into 11 biotypes. Antibiotic-containing discs were used for routine antibiogramsby disc diffusion assay. The strains were most resistant to cefoperazone and ticarcillin (29.4% and 26.5% of strains, respectively). The intracellular esterases of P. putida were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and stained with Fast Blue using alpha-naphthyl acetate, beta-naphthyl propionate and indoxyl acetate as substrates. On the basis of the indicators dye migration the electrophoresis process was observed. By calculating the RF (retention factor) the distribution of stripes was obtained with great accuracy. The use of biochemical tests, sensitivity tests and zymotyping provides the possibility to inter- and intraspecies differentiation of P. putida.

[The presence of Candida spp and rods of Enterobacteriaceae family in the vaginal swab specimens]. / Wystepowanie grzybów z rodzaju Candida i paleczek Enterobacteriaceae w wymazach z pochwy.

The aim of the present work was to determine the presence and quantity of yeasts (Candida) and rods of Enterobacteriaceae family in the ontocenosis of vagina in women. Also, we aimed at finding which species of Enterobacteriaceae accompany the yeasts. Furthermore we aimed at determining the etiological factor (Candida yeasts or Enterobacteriaceae rods) causing identical clinical symptoms such as burn, itch, leucorrhea. Vagina secretion collected from 649 patients constituted the material for examination Candida. In 137 patients (which constituted 21.1%) Candida yeasts were found (group I). These patients were additionally divided into 2 subgroups (I a and I b). Group I a consisted of 92 patients (14.2%) who exhibited the presence of Candida without the accompanying rods of Enterobacteriaceae and group I b consisting of 45 patients (6.9%), in whom Candida was found together with the rods. 171 patients (26.3%) were classified to group II, who had only Enterobacteriaceae rods in the vagina. Among Candida yeasts, the most common species were C. albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis. The most common rods of Enterobacteriaceae family were E. coli and P. mirabilis. The bacterium which most frequently accompanied the yeasts was E. coli. Considering the fact that patients in group I and patients in group II reported similar problems, the role of the etiological factor in the vaginal inflammatory processes should be analyzed.

Enzyme production and biotypes of vaginal Candida albicans.

Candidial vulvovaginitis is one of the most common forms of vaginal infection. However, the origin of the infecting organism is sometimes doubtful. Therefore, epidemiological investigation can help to recognize routes of infection spreading. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability to produce esterases by clinical isolates of C. albicans and to find the relationship between their serotypes. Also, it was intended to determine the ability of these strains to produce proteases and lipases as well as the ability of the strains to assimilate carbohydrates. 46 strains of C. albicans isolates from the vagina of women suffering from vulvovaginitis were examined. Three main kinds of esterases were distinquished by their spectra of hydrolytic activity toward alpha-naphthyl acetate, beta-naphthyl propionate and indoxyl acetate. The strains were grouped into four categories: three categories in which esterase patterns were observed and one category in which esterase bands were not observed. On the basis of the 20 carbon sources assimilated, the C. albicans strains were categorized into 11 biotypes with the major biotype accounting for 21 (45.7%) strains. The examination of proteolytic activity using casein and albumin enabled to divide the strains into four groups. All of the examined strains belonged to serotype A and all of them expressed lipolytic activity. Esterase electrophoretic patterns and biotypes based on proteolytic activities were compared with the ability to assimilate carbon from various sources.

[The presence of bacteria and yeast like fungi in specimens from surgical patients]. / Mikroflora grzybicza i bakteryjna w próbkach materialu klinicznego u chorych operowanych.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Candida spp. strains in specimens obtained from surgically treated patients as well as to analyze the accompanying bacterial flora, both aerobic and anaerobic. The material came from two groups of patients. In the first group consisting of patients operated for colon and rectum carcinoma, the samples included peritoneal fluid, colon or rectum bioptates, pus, blood, and wound swabs. In the other group, biopsy material and smears from post operation wounds were taken from patients who underwent a surgical treatment of larynx carcinoma. Altogether, 282 various clinical specimens from 165 patients were analysed, and 41 Candida spp. strains were isolated: 39 strains of C. albicans and 2 strains of C. tropicalis. In 20 out of 41 specimens infected with Candida spp. (48.8%) the co-infection with bacterial aerobic flora was found. In 10 cases (24.4%), the fungi were isolated together with aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora, whereas in 2 specimens (4.9%) the anaerobes and Candida albicans were diagnosed. The remaining 9 samples showed only the presence of Candida spp. (21.9%). From among aerobic bacterial flora Enterococcus spp. strains (n = 17) and Gram negative rods from Enterobacteriaceae family (n = 13) were the most frequently isolated. The bacterial strains of Streptococcus spp. (n = 5), Pseudomonas spp. (n = 3), Staphylococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. (2 strains, both) were identified more rarely. Bacteroides spp. were the most frequent members of bacterial anaerobic flora (n = 10). Other isolated anaerobic bacteria were classified as Fusobacterium spp. or Peptostreptococcus spp. (1 strain each). E. coli and Enterococcus spp. strains of aerobic bacterial flora were more frequently isolated together with Candida spp. CONCLUSIONS: (i) Mixed bacterial flora was found to predominate in the clinical material from the patients after surgery. (ii) Candida spp. were most frequently found together with aerobic bacterial flora.