Characterization of Bacillus velezensis TJS119 and its biocontrol potential against insect pathogens.

Introduction: The white-spotted flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis), which is widely distributed in Asian countries, is traditionally used in oriental medicine. However, its larvae are prone to severe damage by green muscardine disease (caused by Metarhizium anisopliae) during breeding. The aim of this study was to characterize Bacillus velezensis TJS119, which has been isolated from freshwater, and investigate its potential as a biocontrol agent against M. anisopliae in insects. Methods: TJS119 was obtained from freshwater samples in the Republic of Korea and was classified as B. velezensis. We evaluated its in vitro antifungal effect, sequenced the bacterial whole genome, mined genes responsible for the synthesis of secondary metabolites, performed secondary metabolite analysis Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and conducted bioassays for determining green muscardine disease control ability. Results: Bacillus velezensis TJS119 inhibited the mycelial growth of M. anisopliae in vitro. The size of the B. velezensis TJS119 genome was estimated to be 3,890,913 bp with a GC content of 46.67% and 3,750 coding sequences. Biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites with antifungal activity were identified in the genome. Lipopeptides, including fengycin secreted by TJS119 exhibit antifungal activity. Application of TJS119 for the biocontrol against green muscardine disease increased the viability of white-spotted flower chafer by 94.7% compared to the control. Discussion: These results indicate that B. velezensis TJS119 is a potential biocontrol agent for insect pathogens.

Efficacy of pulse oximetry for early diagnosis of pulmonary embolism after total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) are crucial for preventing severe complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to examine the efficacy of measuring oxygen saturation (SpO2) using a pulse oximeter for early diagnosis of PE after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We consecutively examined 1645 patients who underwent TKA between January 2015 and November 2019. Postoperative SpO2 was measured with a pulse oximeter, which was stopped if SpO2 was maintained at ≥ 95% until postoperative day 2 (POD2). To diagnose PE, computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) was performed for specific indications, including persistently low SpO2 < 95% (group 1), sudden decrease in SpO2 (group 2), and decrease in SpO2 after POD3 with presenting symptoms (group 3). Also, we divided the patients into unilateral, simultaneous and sequential TKA groups and compared the results with specific statistical techniques. RESULTS: Of the 1645 patients who underwent TKA, there were 20 patients with PE (1.2%), and symptomatic PE was observed in only 4 patients (0.24%). CTPA was performed in 58 (3.5%) patients, of whom 20 were diagnosed with PE. In groups 1 (n = 34), 2 (n = 21), and 3 (n = 3), CTPA was performed 2.4, 2.6, and 8.3 days after TKA, respectively, and 12, 8, and 0 patients were diagnosed with PE, respectively. Of the 782, 416, and 447 unilateral, simultaneous, and sequential (done in same admission with interval 1 or 2 weeks) patients with TKA, 38, 18, and 2 received CTPA, and 13, 6, and 1 were diagnosed with PE, respectively. All patients diagnosed with PE have persistently low SpO2 < 95% (group 1), or sudden decrease in SpO2 (group 2) until POD2. Of the patients diagnosed with PE, SpO2 decreased without the presentation of symptoms in 16 patients (11 and 5 from groups 1 and 2, respectively) and with the presentation of symptoms, such as mild dyspnea and chest discomfort, in 4 patients (1 and 3 from groups 1 and 2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring SpO2 using a pulse oximeter until POD2 was an effective method for early diagnosis of PE after TKA. No case of morbidity or mortality was observed after early diagnosis with early stage CTPA and management of PE. We recommend measuring SpO2 with a pulse oximeter for early diagnosing of PE in TKA.

Fibrinous pleuritis associated with Streptococcus canis in a leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus).

Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is a small wild cat assessed as an endangered wildlife in Korea. There have been very few reports of their diseases. Herein, we describe fibrinous pleuritis caused by Streptococcus canis infection with excessive pleural effusion, hydropericardium, mild ascites, and liver fibrosis in a leopard cat. S. canis is a commensal microflora in domestic cats and often affects the upper respiratory tract inducing chronic and severe respiratory diseases. However, there is no literature regarding the S. canis in leopard cats. Therefore, we first report fibrinous pleuritis associated with an S. canis infection in a leopard cat.

The Incidence Rate, Microbiological Etiology, and Results of Treatments of Prosthetic Joint Infection following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains among the most challenging and costly complications. PJI rates vary from 0.39% to 3.9% after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to identify the causative microorganisms involved and to report our experience of subsequent treatment of PJI following over 7000 TKAs performed over 19 years. A retrospective study was conducted on 4547 patients (7019 cases) from March 2000 to September 2019. The incidence rate of PJI was 0.5%. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 88.8% (n = 16) of the 18 cases, and S. aureus was the most commonly isolated pathogen (n = 7, 38.8%). There were six cases of MSSA and one case of MRSA. Streptococcus species (n = 7, 38.8%) also showed the same pattern. The CoNS species (n = 2, 11.1%) and Gram-negative bacteria (n = 1, 5.5%) were also reported. Candida species were isolated from 1 patient (5.5%). Successful I&D and implant retention (DAIR procedures) was achieved at the final follow-up in 19 patients (82.6%). The incidence of causative microorganisms was different for each PJI onset type. The overall infection rate of PJI was less than 1%. Although the success rate of DAIR procedures is lower than the two-stage exchange arthroplasty in this study, it is possible to achieve acceptable success rates if DAIR procedures are carefully selected considering the virulence of the microorganism, duration since symptom onset, and early-onset infection.

Joint Replacement Surgery in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in South Korea: Analysis of a Large National Database.

Background: We aimed to investigate the current trend of joint replacement surgery incidence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in South Korea and to compare the incidence of joint replacement surgery in each affected joint. Methods: We performed this big data analysis to investigate the current trend of joint replacement surgery incidence in patients with RA in South Korea and to compare the incidence of joint replacement surgery in each affected joint. This retrospective study was based on data from the Korea National Health Insurance claims database. Results: The prevalence of RA increased every year (0.13% in 2008, 0.25% in 2016). The number of newly diagnosed patients increased from 29,184 in 2010 to 38,347 in 2016. The incidence rate of joint replacement surgery in patients with RA increased from 0.72% in 2010 to 4.03% in 2016. The knee (68.3%) was the most commonly replaced joint. The relative risk (RR) of additional joint replacement surgery was highest for the shoulder joint (RR,1.454; 95% confidence interval, 0.763-2.771). The median time from diagnosis to surgery was the shortest in the elbow joint (379 days) and the longest in the shoulder joint (955 days). The median time for each joint was short in order of the elbows, ankles, hips, knees, and shoulders (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The most frequently and initially replaced joints were different, but the prevalence and incidence of RA, as well as those of joint replacement surgery, have recently increased in South Korea. Joint replacement surgery in RA was the highest for the knee joint. The median time from diagnosis to surgery was shortest for the elbow, followed by the ankle, hip, knee, and shoulder. Regardless of whether patients are symptomatic, evaluation of large joints such as the knee, elbow, ankle, and hip should be considered from an early stage.

Combined PCL and PLC Reconstruction Improves Residual Laxity in PCL Injury Patients with Posterolateral Knee Laxity Less Than Grade III.

PURPOSE: To compare the short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction to those of isolated PCL reconstruction (PCLR) for patients with posterolateral knee laxity less than grade III. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients (51 knees) who underwent PCLR between January 2008 and December 2015. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included and divided into two groups (group A, isolated PCLR; group B, combined PCL and PLC reconstruction). Clinical outcomes were evaluated as the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, Lysholm, and Tegner activity scale scores. Radiologic outcomes were also assessed using the side-to-side differences in posterior tibial translation via stress radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 30 cases were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the Lysholm and Tegner activity scale scores between the two groups preoperatively and at the final follow-up. However, group B showed a higher IKDC subjective score compared to group A at the final follow-up (group A, 72.8±8.9; group B, 77.7±10.1; p<0.05). Regarding the radiologic outcomes, group B also showed a significantly less side-to-side difference in posterior tibial translation compared to group A at the final follow-up (group A, 4.8±2.3 mm; group B, 3.8±2.1 mm; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined PCL and PLC reconstruction resulted in improved clinical and radiologic outcomes than isolated PCLR in patients who have less than grade III posterolateral laxity of the knee. In cases of PCL rupture with ambiguous PLC injury, combined PCL and PLC reconstruction may help to improve posterior residual laxity of the knee.

Identification of Metastatic Lymph Nodes Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging.

Indocyanine green (ICG) has been used to detect several types of tumors; however, its ability to detect metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) remains unclear. Our goal was to determine the feasibility of ICG in detecting metastatic LNs. We established a mouse model and evaluated the potential of ICG. The feasibility of detecting metastatic LNs was also evaluated in patients with lung or esophageal cancer, detected with computed tomography (CT) or positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT, and scheduled to undergo surgical resection. Tumors and metastatic LNs were successfully detected in the mice. In the clinical study, the efficacy of ICG was evaluated in 15 tumors and fifty-four LNs with suspected metastasis or anatomically key regional LNs. All 15 tumors were successfully detected. Among the fifty-four LNs, eleven were pathologically confirmed to have metastasis; all eleven were detected in ICG fluorescence imaging, with five in CT and seven in PET/CT. Furthermore, thirty-four LNs with no signals were pathologically confirmed as nonmetastatic. Intravenous injection of ICG may be a useful tool to detect metastatic LNs and tumors. However, ICG is not a targeting agent, and its relatively low fluorescence makes it difficult to use to detect tumors in vivo. Therefore, further studies are needed to develop contrast agents and devices that produce increased fluorescence signals.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterium, Alcaligenes faecalis Strain NLF5-7, Isolated from Livestock Wastewater.

The complete genome sequence of Alcaligenes faecalis strain NLF5-7, which was isolated from livestock wastewater, is reported. The genome of strain NLF5-7 contains genes for assimilatory sulfate reduction, dissimilatory sulfate reduction and oxidation, and an SOX system, based on its functional genetic characteristics.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacterium, Aquamicrobium lusatiense NLF2-7, Isolated from Livestock Wastewater.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Aquamicrobium lusatiense NLF2-7, a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellum-forming, rod-shaped bacterium that was isolated from livestock wastewater in South Korea. The assembled genome sequence is 5,201,486 bp, with 4,972 protein-coding sequences in 12 contigs, and possess the genes for the sulfur oxidation pathway.

Combined PCL and PLC Reconstruction Improves Residual Laxity in PCL Injury Patients with Posterolateral Knee Laxity Less Than Grade III

Purpose@#To compare the short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction to those of isolated PCL reconstruction (PCLR) for patients with posterolateral knee laxity less than grade III. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients (51 knees) who underwent PCLR between January 2008 and December 2015. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included and divided into two groups (group A, isolated PCLR; group B, combined PCL and PLC reconstruction). Clinical outcomes were evaluated as the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, Lysholm, and Tegner activity scale scores. Radiologic outcomes were also assessed using the side-to-side differences in posterior tibial translation via stress radiographs. @*Results@#A total of 30 cases were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the Lysholm and Tegner activity scale scores between the two groups preoperatively and at the final follow-up. However, group B showed a higher IKDC subjective score compared to group A at the final follow-up (group A, 72.8±8.9; group B, 77.7±10.1; p<0.05). Regarding the radiologic outcomes, group B also showed a significantly less side-to-side difference in posterior tibial translation compared to group A at the final follow-up (group A, 4.8±2.3 mm; group B, 3.8±2.1 mm; p<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Combined PCL and PLC reconstruction resulted in improved clinical and radiologic outcomes than isolated PCLR in patients who have less than grade III posterolateral laxity of the knee. In cases of PCL rupture with ambiguous PLC injury, combined PCL and PLC reconstruction may help to improve posterior residual laxity of the knee.

Joint Replacement Surgery in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in South Korea:Analysis of a Large National Database

Background@#We aimed to investigate the current trend of joint replacement surgery incidence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in South Korea and to compare the incidence of joint replacement surgery in each affected joint. @*Methods@#We performed this big data analysis to investigate the current trend of joint replacement surgery incidence in patients with RA in South Korea and to compare the incidence of joint replacement surgery in each affected joint. This retrospective study was based on data from the Korea National Health Insurance claims database. @*Results@#The prevalence of RA increased every year (0.13% in 2008, 0.25% in 2016). The number of newly diagnosed patients increased from 29,184 in 2010 to 38,347 in 2016. The incidence rate of joint replacement surgery in patients with RA increased from 0.72% in 2010 to 4.03% in 2016. The knee (68.3%) was the most commonly replaced joint. The relative risk (RR) of additional joint replacement surgery was highest for the shoulder joint (RR,1.454; 95% confidence interval, 0.763–2.771). The median time from diagnosis to surgery was the shortest in the elbow joint (379 days) and the longest in the shoulder joint (955 days). The median time for each joint was short in order of the elbows, ankles, hips, knees, and shoulders (p < 0.01). @*Conclusions@#The most frequently and initially replaced joints were different, but the prevalence and incidence of RA, as well as those of joint replacement surgery, have recently increased in South Korea. Joint replacement surgery in RA was the highest for the knee joint. The median time from diagnosis to surgery was shortest for the elbow, followed by the ankle, hip, knee, and shoulder. Regardless of whether patients are symptomatic, evaluation of large joints such as the knee, elbow, ankle, and hip should be considered from an early stage.

Mortality of septic knee arthritis in Korea: risk factors analysis of a large national database.

This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for mortality of septic knee arthritis in Korea through a large nationwide data research. The National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening database was used to analyze 89,120 hospitalizations for septic knee arthritis between 2005 and 2018. In-hospital, thirty-day, and ninety-day mortality, and their association with patient's demographic factors, various comorbidities (i.e., cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were assessed. Secondary outcomes of complications (osteomyelitis, knee arthroplasty, recurrence) were analyzed. The number of hospitalization with septic knee arthritis increased from 1847 cases in 2005 to 8749 cases in 2018. There was no significant difference in mortality after diagnosis of septic knee arthritis between years. The risk of mortality in patients who hospitalized with septic knee arthritis increased in comorbidities like Congestive heart failure, dementia, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease. Hazard ratio (HR) decreased in patients who have comorbidities such as rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, rheumatologic disease. HR for mortality in septic knee arthritis increased in patients with CCI more than 1. The risk factors for mortality in all periods were male sex, old age, high CCI, comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, dementia, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease. Efforts to reduce mortality should be concentrate more on patients with these risk factors.

Draft Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas daejeonensis Strain NLF4-10 Isolated from Livestock Wastewater.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Stenotrophomonas daejeonensis strain NLF4-10, isolated from a livestock wastewater treatment plant in Nonsan, Republic of Korea. The whole-genome sequence of S. daejeonensis strain NLF4-10 was analyzed using the Pacific Biosciences Sequel and Illumina NovaSeq sequencing platforms. The genome comprises a 3,655,148 bp chromosome with a GC content of 68%, 3,274 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), 59 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and 4 noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs).

Comparison of Two-Port and Three-Port Approaches in Robotic Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted lobectomy has been used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and usually uses 3 or 4 ports and 3 or 4 robotic arms. We recently developed a two-port approach for robotic lobectomy using three robotic arms and performed a propensity score-matched analysis to compare the feasibility of the two-port and three-port techniques. METHODS: Data on robotic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were matched using propensity score based on age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, forced expiratory volume per 1 s, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, clinical stage, lobe involved, tumor size, and cell types. Overall, 53 and 89 patients who underwent the two-port and three-port approaches, respectively, were matched (1:1 ratio; caliper distance, 0.2). We analyzed the perioperative outcomes and postoperative pain to evaluate the feasibility and safety. RESULTS: The matched group included 37 patients each who underwent two-port and three-port robotic lobectomy. The operation time was shorter in the two-port group (P = .01). The number of lymph nodes resected (P = .70), conversion to multiport or thoracotomy (P > .99), morbidity and mortality (P = .31), drain indwelling time (P = .32), and hospital stay (P = .11) were not significantly different between the groups. The postoperative pain was less at 0-3 postoperative days (P < .01) in the two-port group. The total medical cost was not markedly increased after transitioning to the two-port technique. CONCLUSIONS: Two-port approach in robotic lobectomy is a safe and feasible alternative approach for treating non-small cell lung cancer.

Ultra-low-dose intraoperative X-ray imager for minimally invasive surgery: a pilot imaging study.

Background: With advances in surgical technology, thoracic surgeons have widely adopted minimally invasive limited-resection techniques to preserve normal tissues. However, it remains difficult to achieve in situ localization of invisible pulmonary nodules during surgery. Therefore, we proposed an in situ ultra-low-dose X-ray imaging device for intraoperative pulmonary nodule localization during minimally invasive surgeries. Methods: The proposed device features a hand-held type and consists of a carbon nanotube-based X-ray source and an intraoral dental sensor. In a preclinical study, we created pseudo pulmonary nodules using ex vivo pig lungs. Subsequently, its clinical feasibility was evaluated using ex vivo lung cancer specimens from patients with cancer who had undergone minimally invasive surgery. Results: Using the proposed device, we successfully differentiated normal and abnormal tissues from X-ray images of resected lung specimens. In addition, our proposed device only yielded an average radiation dose of 90.9 nGy for a single acquisition of X-ray images and demonstrated excellent temperature stability under consecutive X-ray irradiations. The radiation exposure of our proposed device (0.1±0.0006 µSv/h) was significantly lower than that of conventional C-arm fluoroscopy (41.5±51.8 µSv/h). In both preclinical and clinical studies, the margin of nodule shadows was clearly visualized using the proposed device. Conclusions: The proposed device substantially reduced radiation exposure to staff and patients and may allow in situ localization of pulmonary nodules. Our proposed device clearly revealed the margins of lung nodules with radiocontrast injection and showed the potential to identify solid nodules without the use of radiocontrast agents.

The core and accessory Hfq interactomes across Pseudomonas aeruginosa lineages.

The major RNA-binding protein Hfq interacts with mRNAs, either alone or together with regulatory small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs), affecting mRNA translation and degradation in bacteria. However, studies tend to focus on single reference strains and assume that the findings may apply to the entire species, despite the important intra-species genetic diversity known to exist. Here, we use RIP-seq to identify Hfq-interacting RNAs in three strains representing the major phylogenetic lineages of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We find that most interactions are in fact not conserved among the different strains. We identify growth phase-specific and strain-specific Hfq targets, including previously undescribed sRNAs. Strain-specific interactions are due to different accessory gene sets, RNA abundances, or potential context- or sequence- dependent regulatory mechanisms. The accessory Hfq interactome includes most mRNAs encoding Type III Secretion System (T3SS) components and secreted toxins in two strains, as well as a cluster of CRISPR guide RNAs in one strain. Conserved Hfq targets include the global virulence regulator Vfr and metabolic pathways involved in the transition from fast to slow growth. Furthermore, we use rGRIL-seq to show that RhlS, a quorum sensing sRNA, activates Vfr translation, thus revealing a link between quorum sensing and virulence regulation. Overall, our work highlights the important intra-species diversity in post-transcriptional regulatory networks in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Identification of Thymic Masses Using Low-Dose Indocyanine Green.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been used to detect many types of tumors during surgery; however, there are few studies on thymic masses and the dose and time of ICG injection have not been optimized. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the optimal ICG injection dose and timing for detecting thymic masses during surgery. METHOD: Forty-nine consecutive patients diagnosed with thymic masses on preoperative computed tomography (CT) and scheduled to undergo thymic cystectomy or thymectomy were included. Patients were administered 1, 2, or 5 mg/kg of ICG at different times. Thymic masses were observed during and after surgery using a near-infrared fluorescence imaging system, and the fluorescence signal tumor-to-normal ratio (TNR) was analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 49 patients, 14 patients with thymic cysts showed negative fluorescence signals, 33 patients with thymoma or thymic carcinoma showed positive fluorescence signals, and 2 patients showed insufficient fluorescence signals. The diagnosis of thymic masses based on CT was correct in 32 (65%) of 49 cases; however, the differential diagnosis of thymic masses based on NIR signals was correct in 47 of 49 cases (96%), including 14 cases of thymic cysts (100%) and 33 cases of thymomas or thymic carcinomas (94%). In addition, TNR was not affected by the time or dose of ICG injection, histological type, stage, or tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose intravenous injection of ICG at flexible time can detect thymic tumors. In addition, thymic cysts can be distinguished from thymomas or thymic carcinomas during surgery by the absence of ICG fluorescence signals.

Synovial Chondromatosis in Knee Masquerading as Tuberculosis Arthritis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Synovial chondromatosis is a proliferative chondrogenic benign tumor originating from the synovial membrane of the joint. Radiological findings occupy an important part in the diagnosis of patients with synovial chondromatosis, which appear in various forms, and are often misunderstood such as tuberculous arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, the findings of rice body, which are common in tuberculous arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and synovial chondromatosis are similar on magnetic resonance imaging. A case of primary synovial chondromatosis that was mistaken for tuberculous arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis by imaging findings is reported.

Septic Knee Arthritis Caused by Corynebacterium striatum / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum ) is an aerobic Gram-positive rod, which is an organism of the respiratory tract and skin. Because of its low virulence, it is usually thought to be a contaminant even if it is shown in culture tests, but it can cause endocarditis and respiratory infections, and rarely meningitis and arthritis. Infection with C. striatum has been reported in patients with reduced immunity, as well as in patients with catheter or broken skin barriers. Septic knee arthritis caused by C. striatum infection is rarely reported, and knee joint infection by C. striatum in patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement for previous septic arthritis is even more rare. Therefore, we report a case of septic knee arthritis caused by C. striatum that was improved by early diagnosis and arthroscopic treatment.