Genotypic characterization of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from edible offal

Abstract: Edible offal is easily contaminated by Escherichia coli (E. coli) and fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant E. coli is considered a serious public health problem, thus, this study investigated the genetic characteristics of FQ-resistant E. coli from edible offal. A total of 22 FQ-resistant E. coli isolates were tested. A double mutation in each gyrA and parC led the highest MIC. Four (18.2%) isolates carried plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes. The fimH, eaeA, escV, astA, and iucC genes were confirmed. Seventeen isolates (77.3%) were positive for plasmid replicons. The isolates showed high genetic heterogeneity based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns.

Generation of Genetically Stable Human Direct-Conversion-Derived Neural Stem Cells Using Quantity Control of Proto-oncogene Expression.

As the human lifespan has increased due to developments in medical technology, the number of patients with neurological diseases has rapidly increased. Therefore, studies on effective treatments for neurological diseases are becoming increasingly important. To perform these studies, it is essential to obtain a large number of patient-derived neural cells. The purpose of the present study was to establish a technology that allows the high-efficiency generation of genetically stable, direct-conversion-derived neural stem cells (dcNSCs) through the expression of a new combination of reprogramming factors, including a proto-oncogene. Specifically, human c-MYC proto-oncogene and the human SOX2 gene were overexpressed in a precisely controlled manner in various human somatic cells. As a result, the direct conversion into multipotent dcNSCs occurred only when the cells were treated with an MOI of 1 of hc-MYC proto-oncogene and hSOX2 retrovirus. When MOIs of 5 or 10 were utilized, distinct results were obtained. In addition, the pluripotency was bypassed during this process. Notably, as the MOI used to treat the cells increased, expression of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which is typically a reprogramming hurdle, increased proportionately. Interestingly, p53 was genetically stable in dcNSCs generated through direct conversion into a low p53 expression state. In the present study, generation of genetically stable dcNSCs using direct conversion was optimized by precisely controlling the overexpression of a proto-oncogene. This method could be utilized in future studies, such as in vitro drug screening using generated dcNSCs. In addition, this method could be effectively utilized in studies on direct conversion into other types of target cells.

Corrigendum: Elucidation of Bacterial Pneumonia-Causing Pathogens in Patients with Respiratory Viral Infection / 결핵및호흡기질환

In this article, the ethical statement was missing.

Elucidation of Bacterial Pneumonia-Causing Pathogens in Patients with Respiratory Viral Infection / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Bacterial pneumonia occurring after respiratory viral infection is common. However, the predominant bacterial species causing pneumonia secondary to respiratory viral infections other than influenza remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to know whether the pathogens causing post-viral bacterial pneumonia vary according to the type of respiratory virus. METHODS: Study subjects were 5,298 patients, who underwent multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses, among who visited the emergency department or outpatient clinic with respiratory symptoms at Ulsan University Hospital between April 2013 and March 2016. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 251 clinically significant bacteria were identified in 233 patients with post-viral bacterial pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most frequent bacterium in patients aged <16 years, regardless of the preceding virus type (p=0.630). In patients aged ≥16 years, the isolated bacteria varied according to the preceding virus type. The major results were as follows (p<0.001): pneumonia in patients with influenza virus (type A/B), rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus infections was caused by similar bacteria, and the findings indicated that Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia was very common in these patients. In contrast, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus infections were associated with pneumonia caused by gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSION: The pathogens causing post-viral bacterial pneumonia vary according to the type of preceding respiratory virus. This information could help in selecting empirical antibiotics in patients with post-viral pneumonia.

Successful treatment of enteropathy associated with common variable immunodeficiency

No abstract available.

The Combination of Real-Time PCR and HPLC for the Identification of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria

We used HPLC and AdvanSure real-time PCR (LG Life Sciences, Korea) to retrospectively analyze non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in 133 clinical specimens. The specimens were culture-positive for NTM and the HPLC method identified 130 strains of mycobacteria from the cultures (97.7%) at the species level. Among the isolates, 48 Mycobacterium. kansasii (36.1%), 39 M. intracellulare (29.3%), 17 M. avium (12.8%), 16 M. abscessus (12.0%), 6 M. fortuitum (4.5%), 2 M. szulgai (1.5%), 2 M. gordonae (1.5%), and 3 unclassified NTM strains (2.3%) were identified. The real-time PCR assay identified 60 NTM-positive specimens (45.1%), 65 negative specimens (48.9%), and 8 M. tuberculosis (TB)-positive specimens (6.0%). The real-time PCR assay is advantageous because of its rapid identification of NTM. However, in our study, the real-time PCR assay showed relatively low sensitivity (45.1%) when using direct specimens including sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. HPLC is useful as it discriminates NTM at the species level, although it is time-consuming and requires specific equipment and technical expertise. A combination of both methods will be helpful for the rapid and accurate identification of mycobacteria in clinical laboratories.

A Case of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Pleura

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare malignant soft-tissue neoplasm of unknown histogenesis. The two main sites of occurrence are the lower extremities in adults and the head and neck in children. We report the first case of pleural ASPS occurring in a 58-yr-old man who presented with progressive dyspnea. A computed tomographic scan of the thorax revealed a large enhancing pleural mass with pleural effusion in the left hemithorax. Wide excision of the pleural mass was performed. Histologically, the tumor consisted of organoid nests of large polygonal cells, the cytoplasm of which had eosinophilic and D-PAS positive granules. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor cell nuclei were positive for transcription factor 3 (TFE3). The pleural ASPS with multiple bone metastases recurred 1 yr after surgery and the patient died of acute pulmonary embolism 1.5 yr after diagnosis.

Hemothorax caused by spontaneous rupture of a metastatic mediastinal lymph node in hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

No abstract available.

Lung Infection Caused by Mycobacterium riyadhense Confused with Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The First Case in Korea

A slowly growing, non-chromogenic mycobacterial strain was isolated from sputum and bronchial lavage fluid samples of a patient presenting with productive cough, blood-tinged sputum, low-grade fever, and weakness. A positive acid-fast bacilli sputum smear result prompted the initiation of an anti-tuberculosis regimen. Multiplex real-time PCR showed a negative result for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and a positive result for nontuberculous mycobacteria. The DNA chip test confirmed this organism as a member of the genus Mycobacterium, but could not specify the species. Interestingly, the mycolic acid patterns obtained by HPLC nearly overlapped with those of M. simulans. The sequences of the Mycobacterium 16S rRNA gene and 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer region were unique and were found to have 100% similarity with those of M. riyadhense. After a review of the literature, we report this case as the first Korean case of M. riyadhense lung infection.

Adenocarcinoma of the Lung Progressing to Multiple Cystic Lesions in a 29-Year-Old Man / 결핵및호흡기질환

Cystic lesions or progressive cystic changes in adenocarcinoma of the lung have rarely been reported. We report a case of lung adenocarcinoma that progressed from ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and consolidations or nodules to extensive cystic lesions during 12 months in a young adult patient. A 29-year-old male was initially diagnosed with primary lung adenocarcinoma by transbronchial lung biopsy of the right lower lobe and lung to lung metastasis in both lungs according to imaging findings. The initial chest computed tomography (CT) scans showed multifocal GGOs, consolidations, and nodules in both lungs. Despite treatment with palliative chemotherapy, the patient's follow-up CT scans showed multiple, cystic changes in both lungs and that the lesions had progressed more extensively. He died of hypoxic respiratory failure one year after his diagnosis.

Ventricular Fibrillation Soon after Endobronchial Epinephrine Application in a Young Man: A Case Report / 대한구급학회지

Ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest rarely occur after local application of epinephrine. Local and superficial application of epinephrine is a common hemostatic method during bronchoscopy, especially after biopsies. Although high plasma levels following endobronchial application of epinephrine have been observed in previous animal studies, there is no report of ventricular fibrillation after a usual dose of endobronchial application of epinephrine during bronchoscopy. We present a case of endobronchial epinephrine-induced ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest in a 31-year-old man with no previous history of cardiac disease.

A Case of Atypical Skull Base Osteomyelitis with Septic Pulmonary Embolism

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is difficult to diagnose when a patient presents with multiple cranial nerve palsies but no obvious infectious focus. There is no report about SBO with septic pulmonary embolism. A 51-yr-old man presented to our hospital with headache, hoarseness, dysphagia, frequent choking, fever, cough, and sputum production. He was diagnosed of having masked mastoiditis complicated by SBO with multiple cranial nerve palsies, sigmoid sinus thrombosis, and septic pulmonary embolism. We successfully treated him with antibiotics and anticoagulants alone, with no surgical intervention. His neurologic deficits were completely recovered. Decrease of pulmonary nodules and thrombus in the sinus was evident on the follow-up imaging one month later. In selected cases of intracranial complications of SBO and septic pulmonary embolism, secondary to mastoiditis with early response to antibiotic therapy, conservative treatment may be considered and surgical intervention may be withheld.

The Relationship between the Presence of Chromosomal Instability and Prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: Fluorescence in situ Hybridization Analysis of Paraffin-embedded Tissue from 47 Korean Patients

To evaluate the prognostic importance of chromosomal instability (CIN) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung, the relationship between CIN detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and survival in SCC patients was examined. Forty-seven surgical specimens of lung SCC were analyzed. To identify tumors with CIN, p16 and multi-target DNA FISH assays for c-myc, chromosome 6, EGFR, and chromosome 5 (LAVysion, Vysis) were performed on nuclei extracted from paraffin-embedded tumor tissues. Survival rates were compared in terms of age, T factor, N factor, CIN, and smoking status. A sample was defined as CIN-positive if at least four of the five chromosomes were positive. Among the 47 specimens, 9 (19%) were CIN-positive. The overall survival rate was 66%. Overall survival rates were estimated as 33.3% for CIN-positive patients and 76.7% for CIN-negative patients (Hazard ratio 3.47; 95% Confidence interval, 1.25-9.67; P=0.017). In multivariate analysis, the presence of CIN was a predictive factor for survival. CIN-positive based on FISH can be prognostic factor of lung SCC.

A Case of Pseudomembranous Aspergillus Tracheobronchitis in a Patient with Diabetes Mellitus

Aspergillus tracheobronchitis is one form of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis which is characterized by ulcers and pseudomembrane formation in tracheobronchial tree. In Aspergillus tracheobronchitis, the infection is often limited to the mucosa and it accounts for less than 10 percents of invasive disease. Invasive aspergillosis mainly occurs in immunocompromized patients with prolonged neutropenia, advanced AIDS, organ transplantation, high-dose glucocorticoid therapy or cytotoxic therapy although it can occur in less immunocompromised patients, such as after influenza, COPD, old age, and diabetes. We report a case of Aspergillus tracheobronchitis in a 61 year-old patient with diabetes and Child Pugh class A liver cirrhosis. He presented with cough and purulent sputum for 10 days. He was diagnosed by bronchoscopy and successfully treated with antifungal therapy.

Bacteriologic Analysis of Expectorated Sputum in Patient with Bronchiectasis / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis (BE) remains a rare respiratory disease in Korea. This retrospective study was done to investigate the potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) that cause in patients with BE, through the use of sputum specimens. METHODS: One hundred eleven adult patients, who had undergone chest computed tomography (CT), sputum gram stain/culture, and BE detected by chest CT, were included in this study. Sputum adequacy was determined by using Murray-Washington classification. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD) age of patients was 60.9 (+/-14.0). The number of PPMs was 167 (67%) in the total 248 isolated organisms. The most frequent PPMs were P. aeruginosa (23.4%), K. pneumoniae (10.5%), and S. aureus (8.4%). The proportion of adequate sputum (AS) was 25.8% in the total sputum specimens. The patients with AS were 41 (37%) and the patients with inadequate sputum (IS) were 70 (63%). The proportion of P. aeruginosa was higher in AS compared to that of IS (44% vs. 19%, p=0.004). The BE score was also higher in P. aeruginosa (+) patients compared to that of P. aeruginosa (-) patients (10.8 vs. 7.6, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the proportion of AS in the total sputum was low, PPMs were isolated in most patients with BE. It is likely that P. aeruginosa was isolated in AS and AS patients had higher BE scores.

A Case of Cholethorax following Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Cholethorax (bilious pleural effusion) is an extravasation of bile into the thoracic cavity via a pleurobiliary fistula (and also a bronchobiliary fistula). It is an extremely rare complication of thoraco-abdominal injuries. It can be caused by congenital anomaly and also by hepatobiliary trauma, severe infection or iatrogenic procedures. The definitive diagnosis is made with aspiration of bilious fluid from the pleural space during thoracentesis, by finding a fistulous tract during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or cholagioscopy, or with finding an abnormal pleural accumulation of radioisotope during hepatobiliary nuclear imaging. Its symptoms include coughing, fever, dyspnea and pleuritc chest pain. Herein we report on a case of cholethorax following performance of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) to remove incidentally discovered common bile duct (CBD) stones.

Drug Susceptibility and Clinical Significance of Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria Isolated from Patients with Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteriosis / 대한임상미생물학회지

BACKGROUND: It is recommended that all rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) isolated from patients with mycobacteriosis are subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The current study was aimed to perform susceptibility test on clinical strains of RGM isolated from patients with mycobacteriosis and to determine the clinical significance of the isolates. METHODS: For 17 patients with RGM infection from 2002 to 2006 at Ulsan University Hospital, medical records were reviewed retrospectively and anti-mycobacterial susceptibility test was performed for the clinical isolates by broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Rates of susceptible strains of RGMs against individual drugs were as follows: amikacin 100%, cefoxitin 59%, ciprofloxacin 82%, clarithromycin 71%, doxycycline 18%, imipenem 91% (M. fortuitum), sulfamethoxazole 71%, and tobramycin 100% (M. chelonae). Ten of the 17 nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) patients had been treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs initially. Anti-tuberculosis drugs were continued in 3 patients and changed to other antimicrobial agents effective to NTM in 4 patients, all of whom were cured. Five of 7 NTM patients who had been treated with anti-NTM treatment were cured. All isolates from the patients treated with anti-NTM drugs were susceptible to at least one of the drugs administered. CONCLUSION: Clinical isolates of RGMs showed fully susceptible to amikacin, while highly resistant to doxycycline and variable to other drugs depending on the species.

A Case of Nitrogen Dioxide-Induced Pulmonary Edema in Oxygen Torch / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Welders tend to be exposed to a variety of hazards including metal fumes, toxic gases, electricity, heat, noise, and radiation such as ultraviolet and infrared light. Noxious gases generated during welding include carbon monoxide, ozone, and nitrogen oxide. Although the effects of metal fumes have been well studied, few reports have investigated the influence of noxious gas exposure in welders. CASE REPORT: We encountered a patient who developed non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema within a day after fairing up a steel plate with an oxygen/LPG torch. The patient was a 43-year-old female who complained of dyspnea which became exacerbated the following morning. Her chest X-ray and chest CT scan showed an extensive ground glass opacity which was more prominent in the both upper lungs. Both her symptoms and chest X-ray findings improved. We attributed the patient's symptoms to non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema caused by nitrogen dioxide exposure, by reasoning that: 1) the patient's clinical course and radiologic findings suggested pulmonary edema 2) the event happened following fairing work with oxygen/LPG torch that usually induces a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide, and 3) the other possible causes of pulmonary edema could be excluded. CONCLUSION: Nitrogen dioxide-induced pulmonary edema should be considered in oxygen torch contrary to arc welding.

Alteration of Lung Mechanics Depending on Expiratory Sensitivity (ESENS) during Pressure Support Ventilation / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: To evaluate effects of 5 expiratory sensitivity (ESENS) levels (5%; 15%; 25%; 35%; 45%) on lung mechanics and the effects depending on the two P(0.1) levels ( or =3 cm H2O). METHODS: Prospective, randomized, physiologic study for intubated adult patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation. Patients were randomly submitted to the 5 settings of ESENS in the Galileo ventilator (Galileo Gold, Hamilton Medical AG, Switzerland). Physiologic variables were continuously measured using a Bicore CP-100 pulmonary mechanics monitor (CP-100, Bicore, USA). RESULTS: Thirteen patients, ten men and three women, with a mean age of 65.2+/-16.1 yr were studied. Tidal volume (V(T)) decreased significantly from ESENS 5% to 45%. With increasing levels of ESENS, respiratory rates (RR) steadily increased from ESENS 5% to 35% and 45%. Shallow breath index (F/V(T)) increased significantly from ESENS 5% to 45%. Inspiratory time (T(I)) decreased gradually significantly from ESENS 5% to 45%. RR and F/V(T) increased from ESENS 5% to 15% and 45% and V(T) decreased gradually in patients with P(0.1) or =3 cm H2O. CONCLUSIONS: The proper adjustment of expiratory sensitivity (ESENS) levels improved patient-ventilator synchrony and decreased respiratory rates and shallow breath index, especially in P(0.1)<3 cm H2O during PSV in ventilator weaning patients. Lower ESENS level would be more appropriate in terms of lung mechanics in patients with less than 3 cm H2O of P(0.1).

Numerous Bilateral Radiographically Dense Branching Opacities after Vertebroplasty with Polymethylmethacrylate / 결핵및호흡기질환

Percutaneous vertebroplasty consists of the percutaneous injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement into a collapsed vertebral body in order to obtain pain relief and mechanically strengthen the vertebral body. This procedure is now extensively used in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. It is an efficient treatment, but it is not free of complications. Most complications after vertebroplasty are associated with PMMA leakage. Pulmonary embolism of PMMA is rare, but this can occur when there is a failure to recognize venous migration of cement early during the procedure. We encountered a case of a patient with asymptomatic pulmonary embolism because of PMMA after percutaneous vertebroplasty. Chest X-ray and CT scanning revealed numerous tubular branching opacities that corresponded to the pulmonary vessels at the segmental and subsegmental levels.