Bacterial Test Research Articles

Antimicrobial resistance of clinical bacterial isolates according to the WHO’s AWaRe and the ECDC-MDR classifications: the pattern in Ghana’s Bono East Region

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a significant health challenge globally and nations have the responsibility to maintain a constant surveillance of AMR, particularly for the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates to existing antibiotics. Against this backdrop, we applied the WHO’s AWaRe (ACCESS, WATCH, and RESERVE) antibiotics classification and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)’s multidrug resistance definition for AMR isolates from clinical specimens.MethodThis study reviewed bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity test outcomes. These results were then grouped according to the AWaRe and ECDC-MDR classifications.ResultsIn all, the culture and sensitivity results of the 3,178 clinical specimens were investigated, of which 59.5% were from female patients. The pathogens were isolated from 1,187 specimens (37.4%). The WHO’s ACCESS antibiotics, tetracycline, showed a relatively high level of insusceptibility, particularly among Gram-positive (GP) isolates (ranging from 66.7% to 76.7%), along with augmentin (ranging from 44.7% to 81.3%) and cloxacillin (ranging from 50.0% to 78.1%). However, the Gram-negative (GN) isolates showed a relatively high level of susceptibility to amikacin, augmentin, and nitrofurantoin. The WHO’s WATCH antibiotics, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and ciprofloxacin showed a relatively high level of non-responsiveness among the GN isolates, particularly Proteus (ranging from 31.4% to 78.4%), Pseudomonas (ranging from 21.4% to 96.4%), and Enterobacter (ranging from 62.5% to 100%) spp. Among the WHO’s RESERVE antibiotics, resistance to ceftazidime was commonly associated with the GN coliform isolates: Eschericha coli, Klebsiella, and Citrobacter spp. Insusceptibility to meropenem was frequently observed in Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, coliforms, and Proteus spp. Out of the 1,187 isolates, 15.5% (184) were GAT (gentamycin, ampicillin, and tetracycline) MDR, of which 61% (112/184) were from specimens of female patients. The most predominant GAT-MDR isolates were Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, coliforms, and Klebsiella spp.ConclusionIn conclusion, the study revealed a relatively high level and diverse range of AMR. However, MDR in accordance with the ECDC definition was relatively low. There is, therefore, a need to have further research on AMR to inform national criteria for MDR in Ghana.

Combination of Alginate and Ginger Oil as Edible Coating Formulation for Reducing Pathogenic Bacteria in Litopenaeus vannamei

Litopenaeus vannamei is a world trade commodity that has a high economic value but is easily degraded. To maintain the quality, post-harvest peeled shrimp needs to be coated. The research objective was to determine the effectiveness of adding edible coatings with a formulation of alginate and ginger oil combination as a natural preservative for shrimp. The research method used was laboratory experimental with a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were additional peeled shrimp with different concentrations of alginate, i.e. 0 g, 1.5 g, and 3.0 g with two repetitions. The addition of 100 ml aquadest, 4 g CaCl2, 15 mL glycerol, and 1.5 mL of ginger oil was administered in every treatment. Total Plate Counts (TPC), Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae were determined in initial condition, 3rd, and 6th days after the storage time in a 40C refrigerator. The edible film test with 5 repetitions, including thickness, tensile strength, and break elongation. The results on TPC (5.00 x 105 CFU.g-1) and TPC of V. cholerae (Negative.25 g-1) show that all the treated shrimp meet the standard value (SNI 3457:2021) requirements. Most Probably Number of E. coli in alginate addition of 0 and 1.5 g i.e. <3 MPN.g-1 treatments, do not meet the requirements. The bacterial test and edible film mechanical properties showed that the addition of 3.0 g alginate was the most effective treatment compared to other treatments (α=0.05). A formulation of alginate and ginger oil combination is an effective edible coating for reducing the pathogenic bacteria of peeled shrimp L. vannamei.

Photocatalyst Based on Nanostructured TiO2 with Improved Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Properties.

This study shows an easy way to use electrochemistry and plasma layering to make Cobalt-Blue-TiO2 nanotubes that are better at catalysing reactions. Once a titanium plate has been anodized, certain steps are taken to make oxygen vacancies appear inside the TiO2 nanostructures. To find out how the Co deposition method changed the final catalyst's properties, it was put through electrochemical tests (to find the charge transfer resistance and flat band potential) and optical tests (to find the band gap and Urbach energy). The catalysts were also described in terms of their shape, ability to stick to surfaces, and ability to inhibit bacteria. When Cobalt was electrochemically deposited to Blue-TiO2 nanotubes, a film with star-shaped structures was made that was hydrophilic and antibacterial. The band gap energy went down from 3.04 eV to 2.88 eV and the Urbach energy went up from 1.171 eV to 3.836 eV using this electrochemical deposition method. Also, photodegradation tests with artificial doxycycline (DOX) water were carried out to see how useful the study results would be in real life. These extra experiments were meant to show how the research results could be used in real life and what benefits they might have. For the bacterial tests, both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were used, and BT/Co-E showed the best response. Additionally, photodegradation and photoelectrodegradation experiments using artificial doxycycline (DOX) water were conducted to determine the practical relevance of the research findings. The synergistic combination of light and applied potential leads to 70% DOX degradation after 60 min of BT/Co-E irradiation.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Proteus mirabilis Bacteria from Poultry Meat in the Iraqi Market and a Study of their Resistance to some Antibiotics

The study included the collection of (30) samples of local poultry meat in the Iraqi markets, to isolate and diagnose the p.mirabilis bacteria contaminated with them. Several microscopic, morphological and biochemical tests were conducted on the bacteria, including the catalase and oxidase test, the urea test, the lactose sugar fermentation test, and the indol test, then confirmed the final bacterial diagnosis using the Vietek2 technique. The results showed positive bacteria for catalase, negative for the oxidase test, unable to ferment the sugar lactose, negative for the indole test, and positive for the urease test.. A bacterial resistance test was conducted for a number of antibiotics, as the bacteria showed high resistance to many of the following antibiotics (Amoxicillin\\Clavulanic acid, Azithromycin, Cefotaxime, Cefixime), and the bacteria showed high sensitivity by bacteria to many antibiotics, namely (Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem, meropenem).

Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus-aureus Bacteria from Local Meat Samples and Study of their Antibiotic Resistance

The study included the collection of (50) samples of local red meat in the Iraqi markets, to isolate and diagnose the s-aureus bacteria contaminated with them. Several microscopic, morphological and biochemical tests were conducted on the bacteria, including the catalase and oxidase test, the urea test, the mannitol sugar fermentation test, and the plasma coagulation test, then confirmed the final bacterial diagnosis using the Vietek2 technique. The results showed positive bacteria for catalase, urea production, ability of bacteria to ferment mannitol sugar and plasma coagulation, but it was negative for oxidase test. A bacterial resistance test was conducted for a number of antibiotics, as the bacteria showed high resistance to many of the following antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin\\Clavulanic acid, Pipepracillin, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxon), and the bacteria showed high sensitivity by bacteria to many antibiotics, namely (Amikacin, Vancomycin, Imipenem, meropenem).

HEMATOLOGY OF Osphronemus goramy FED CONTAINING FERMENTED TURI (Sesbania grandiflora) LEAF MEAL and CHALLENGED WITH Aeromonas hydrophila

Turi leaf (Sesbania grandiflora) is a natural ingredient with antibacterial compounds. This research was conducted from April to June 2022 at the Fish Nutrition Laboratory and the Laboratory of Parasites and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau. This study aimed to obtain the best dose of fermented turi leaves in feed seen from hematology before and after the challenge test with A.hydrophila. The method used in this study is an experimental method using a one-factor Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with five treatment levels, namely Kn: (no treatment), Kp: (no cure and infected with A.hydrophila), P1: (fermented feed containing 15% turi leaves, 85% soy flour), P2: (30% turi leaves, 70% soy flour), and P3: (45% turi leaves, 55% soy flour). Fish were reared for 46 days. The challenge test was conducted on day 32 with A.hydrophila bacteria at a density of 108 CFU/mL, as much as 0.1 mL/head. The results showed that fermented feed contained 45% turi leaves and 55% soybeans (P3). Wheat flour obtained total erythrocytes 2.51x106 cells/mm3, hematocrit 40.33%, hemoglobin 10.40 g/dL, total leukocytes 10.13x104 cells/mm3, phagocytosis activity 21.13%, survival rate 90%, and absolute weight growth 9.52g. Water quality parameters were temperature ranging from 27-300C, pH 5.9-6.2, DO 5.5-5.9 mg/L, and NH3 0.015-0.017 m g/L. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is an effect of adding fermented turi leaves to feed on the hematology of gouramy before and after the A.hydrophila bacterial challenge test has a significant impact

Assessment of antibiotic resistance patterns in Central Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing worldwide public health issue due to the overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics. AMR has been more prevalent during the coronavirus pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) compared to previous periods. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the AMR profile of common bacteria that were isolated for routine analysis during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Central Taiwan. The main goal of this study was to examine and analyze the AMR patterns both before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical samples collected from two different time periods: the 1-year period before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2019 to December 2019) and the 2-year period following the start of the pandemic (September 2020 to September 2022). The data for this study were obtained from clinical records, and both bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the Phoenix identification system. ResultsAmong the 8152 bacterial isolates obtained during the study period from September 2020 to September 2022, 4022 (49.3%) were Escherichia coli, 1346 (16.5%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae, 1156 (14.2%) were Staphylococcus aureus, 887 (10.9%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 376 (4.6%) were Enterococcus faecium, and 365 (4.5%) were Acinetobacter baumannii. The overall prevalence of resistant bacteria during the COVID-19 pandemic was as follows: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, 69%; carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, 65%; methicillin-resistant S. aureus, 49%; carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, 29%; carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa, 17%; and carbapenem-resistant E. coli, 2%. Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, and carbapenem-resistant E. coli increased by 19%, 10%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. On the other hand, carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant S. aureus decreased by 6%, respectively. ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive assessment of AMR during the COVID-19 pandemic in Central Taiwan. Understanding the prevalence of AMR is crucial for preventing infection and formulating disease prevention policies. Further research is warranted to elucidate the correlation between AMR and the severity of infection in COVID-19 patients.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Orange and Lime’s Extracts on Aeromonas sobria and Aeromonas hydrophila

Aeromonas bacteria are often found in aquatic environments and can be isolated from various types of fish. Globally, the incidence of infection by Aeromonas reached 0.6–76 cases per 1 million people. Orange and lime are generally used as cooking spices to get rid of the fishy smell in fish, and also have antibacterial effects. The study compared the antibacterial effectiveness of lime and orange extracts on two Aeromonas species; A. sobria and A. hydrophila. Bacteria Aeromonas may emerge from fresh tuna bought in traditional markets. Lime and orange extracts were prepared using the maceration method using 96% methanol as solvent. The extract concentrations used were 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50%. Antimicrobial sensitivity test was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer method. The bacterial inhibition zone test revealed that the effectiveness of extracts on both oranges and limes was higher for the bacteria A. hydrophila compared to A. sobria. It is known from the average diameter of the inhibition zone, which is larger on A. hydrophila compared to A. sobria, except for the extract with a concentration of 6.25% orange and 50% lime. In a comparison between extracts, lime extract was found to be more effective as an antimicrobial than orange extract, except at a concentration of 6.5% in the bacterial test A. sobria and 50% concentration in the bacterial test A. hydrophila. In general, lime is more effective as an antimicrobial than orange.

1747. Clinical Spectrum of a Large Multi-State U.S. Cohort of Parechovirus Infection in Neonates and Young Infants

Abstract Background Severe manifestations of human parechovirus (HPeV) infection, including meningoencephalitis and sepsis, can occur in neonates and young infants. Death has rarely been reported. Rates of HPeV infection fluctuate from year to year in the community. After the home isolation during the initial COVID-19 era in 2020, waves of respiratory viral outbreaks at unusual times of the year were identified in the pediatric community in 2021 and 2022, including increased number of cases of severe HPeV infection in young infants. This study characterizes the U.S. outbreak of HPeV infections that occurred in newborns and young infants in 2022. Methods A multi-site, retrospective and prospective observational study identified hospitalized infants < =6 months, with a body fluid specimen positive for HPeV. IRB approval of a single protocol was obtained at each site. Data obtained included hospital summary, maternal and birth history, medications, bacterial and viral testing, and radiology results. Analysis included infants with hospitalizations from January 1 through December 31, 2022. Results 13 academic sites were enrolled, which included 8 sites achieving full IRB approval/activation and completed data collection, and 5 sites pending activation [Fig 1A]. Interim analysis shows 112 infants across eleven states hospitalized with HPeV infection with a median hospital duration of 3 days (range 0-178 d), peaking in May 2022 [Fig 1B], with a spectrum of biochemical markers [Table 1]. The median age at hospitalization was 21.5 days of life (IQR 10, 32 d). All but five infants received antibiotics during the admission, and more than half (54%) received acyclovir. Other pathogens were rarely reported [Table 2]. 45 (38%) infants received MRI brain imaging during hospitalization of which 29 were abnormal; 10 reports directly mentioning HPeV in the interpretation. A total of 51 EEGs were completed in 31 infants; 20 infants (18%) had seizures reported. 17 infants required anticonvulsants. Two infants died. Conclusion We report the first multi-site, clinical description of the 2022 U.S. outbreak of HPeV among neonates and young infants. This is the first large series of infants with HPeV to report mortality. Further development of a multi-site U.S. collaboration to improve surveillance for HPeV is needed. Disclosures Laura Filkins, PhD, Avsana Labs: Board Member|Avsana Labs: Stocks/Bonds|Biofire Diagnostics: Grant/Research Support Claudia M. Espinosa, MD, MSc, AstraZeneca: Grant/Research Support|Enanta: Grant/Research Support|Jansen and Jansen: Advisor/Consultant|Kentucky Rural Health Association: Honoraria|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi: Honoraria|Sobi: Dinner Joseph A. Bocchini, Jr., MD, Avalere: Advisor/Consultant|Enanta: Site PI on multicenter clinical trials, contract with employer|Moderna: Advisor/Consultant|Novavax: Sub-I on multicenter clinical trials, contract with employer|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Site PI on multicenter clinical trials, contract with employer|Regeneron: Site PI on multicenter clinical trials, contract with employer|Sobi: Advisor/Consultant|Valneva: Advisor/Consultant Roberto P. Santos, MD, MSCS, Eli Lilly (SARS-CoV-2, baricitinid) - Site Open for Enrollment on March 8, 2023: Industry-sponsored clinical trials with research contract awarded to the University of Mississippi Medical Center with RPS as site PI|Eli Lilly (SARS-CoV-2, LY3819253, LY3832479) - study discontinuation on January 3, 2022: Industry-sponsored clinical trials with research contract awarded to the University of Mississippi Medical Center with RPS as site PI|JNJ (RSV, rilematovir) - study discontinuation on March 1, 2022: Industry-sponsored clinical trials with research contract awarded to the University of Mississippi Medical Center with RPS as site PI|MSD (HIV, islatravir, doravirine) - study discontinuation on December 6, 2022: Industry-sponsored clinical trials with research contract awarded to the University of Mississippi Medical Center with RPS as site PI Rangaraj Selvarangan, BVSc, PhD, D(ABMM), FIDSA, FAAM, Abbott: Honoraria|Altona Diagnostics: Grant/Research Support|Baebies Inc: Advisor/Consultant|BioMerieux: Advisor/Consultant|BioMerieux: Grant/Research Support|Bio-Rad: Grant/Research Support|Cepheid: Grant/Research Support|GSK: Advisor/Consultant|Hologic: Grant/Research Support|Lab Simply: Advisor/Consultant|Luminex: Grant/Research Support David W. Kimberlin, MD, Gilead: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: I served as site PI on Gilead's study of remdesivir in pediatric patients. All monies went directly to my university and not to me.

1691. Use of multiplex PCR in pleural effusion: a case series study in a pediatric reference center in Colombia

Abstract Background The microbiological diagnosis of pleural effusion (PE) is largely based on methods of classical microbiology. Culture-based methods allow for testing of bacterial susceptibility tests, but these methods take time and frequently have false negative results. We describe the utility of multiplex PCR in pleural fluid for the diagnosis of complicated pneumonia in children using a commercial platform for respiratory samples. Methods We conducted a case series of children with complicated pneumonia by PE, empyema or necrotizing pneumonia. Pleural fluid was sent for laboratory to culture, cytochemical and molecular biology testing analysis between 2021 and 2022 in a reference children hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. We used BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Pneumonia Panel plus (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, Utah). The results were strictly analyzed by a multidisciplinary team. Any change in patient’s therapeutics was decided by this group. Results We identified 17 samples that were processed for multiplex-PCR from 16 patients (Table 1). Median age was 3 years (IQR 2-4 years). Pleural empyema was the most common presentation (7/17, 41%), followed by free pleural effusion (6/17, 35%) and necrotizing pneumonia with empyema (4/17, 23,5%). Pathogens were documented in 16 out of 17 (94%) molecular panels performed. Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected in 11/17 (64.7%) multiplex PCR tests, adenovirus was detected in 7/17 (41.1%), and H. influenzae in 2/17 (11.7%) tests. Pneumococcus was isolated in classical cultures in 4 patients (23.5%), of which only one was in pleural fluid. Changes in antibiotic management in 9/17 (52.9%) of the patients. In 5 patients, there was an increase in the antibiotic spectrum, and in 4 patients, there was a decrease in it. Conclusion Although the use of this multiplex PCR device is not approved by the FDA for use in pleural fluid samples (off-label), this case series described its usefulness and importance in contexts where there is no other approved PCR technology for these samples. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Clinical performance study of a fecal bacterial signature test for colorectal cancer screening.

The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is the most widely used test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. RAID-CRC Screen is a new non-invasive test based on fecal bacterial markers, developed to complement FIT by increasing its specificity. The test was previously clinically evaluated in FIT-positive patients (>20 μg of hemoglobin/g of feces, "FIT20"), in which it reduced the proportion of false positive results by 16.3% while maintaining most of FIT20's sensitivity. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of a CRC screening program using RAID-CRC Screen in addition to FIT20 as a triage test in a European screening population undergoing screening colonoscopy with a CRC screening program with FIT20 alone in the same cohort. A cohort of 2481 subjects aged > 55 years from the German screening colonoscopy program was included. The colonoscopy findings were used as the gold standard in calculating the diagnostic capacity of the tests and included 15 CRC and 257 advanced neoplasia cases. RAID-CRC Screen added to FIT20 provided the same sensitivity as FIT20 alone (66.7%) in detecting CRC and a significantly higher specificity (97.0% vs. 96.1%, p<0.0001). The positive predictive value was 11.9% when using RAID-CRC Screen and 9.5% with FIT20 alone, and the negative predictive value was 99.8% in the two scenarios. For advanced neoplasia detection, the use of RAID-CRC Screen yielded significantly lower sensitivity than with FIT20 alone (17.5% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.0009), and the overall specificity was significantly higher when using RAID-CRC Screen compared with FIT20 alone (98.2% vs. 97.8%, p = 0.0039). Our findings confirm the results obtained in previous clinical studies in a CRC screening setting, showing the potential of RAID-CRC Screen to increase the overall specificity of FIT-based screening.

A REVIEW ON STUDY OF ANTHOCYANINS AND THEIR DIFFERENT HEALTH BENEFITS

Anthocyanins are natural occurring pigment. Anthocyanins belong to category of flavonoids which are water – soluble found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. In fruits, vegetables, and cereals, anthocyanins are the pigments which give them their red, violet, and blue colours for example purple and red berries, plums, grapes, cabbage, apples, etc., and other food. Because of high level of anthocyanins, it used as natural colorants. Anthocyanins are flavonoid compounds produced by the phenylpropanoid route known as anthocyanidin glucosides. The six most prevalent anthocyanidins are cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, petunidin, and pelargonidin. Plants are shielded from oxidizers by several phenolic hydroxyl groups present in the structure anthocyanins. This review paper shows the different activity and properties shown by the anthocyanins which are used to cure the diseases. they done many antioxidants activity by using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy), antimicrobial activity done by gram-positive bacterial test cultures, TNF-stimulated expression of the endothelial adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was used to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of various PASs.

Integrative proteomic and metabonomic profiling elucidates amino acid and lipid metabolism disorder in CA-MRSA-infected breast abscesses.

Bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing have been the gold standard for confirming community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection in breast abscess with a long history. However, these tests may delay treatment and increase the risk of nosocomial infections. To handle and improve this critical situation, this study aimed to explore biomarkers that could facilitate the rapid diagnosis of CA-MRSA infection. This study for the first time applied label-free quantitative proteomics and non-targeted metabonomics to identify potential differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in breast abscess infected with CA-MRSA compared to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). The two omics data were integrated and analyzed using bioinformatics, and the results were validated using Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the predictive efficiency of the identified biomarkers for diagnosing CA-MRSA infection. After using the above-mentioned strategies, 109 DEPs were identified, out of which 86 were upregulated and 23 were downregulated. Additionally, a total of 61 and 26 DEMs were initially screened in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. A conjoint analysis indicated that the amino acid metabolism, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways were co-enriched by the upstream DEPs and downstream DEMs, which may be involved in structuring the related network of CA-MRSA infection. Furthermore, three significant DEMs, namely, indole-3-acetic acid, L-(-)-methionine, and D-sedoheptulose 7-phosphate, displayed good discriminative abilities in early identification of CA-MRSA infection in ROC analysis. As there is limited high-quality evidence and multiple omics research in this field, the explored candidate biomarkers and pathways may provide new insights into the early diagnosis and drug resistance mechanisms of CA-MRSA infection in Chinese women.

Implementation of multidrug-resistant bacterial testing to prioritize duodenoscope sterilization: Experience from a high-volume health system.

Implementation of multidrug-resistant bacterial testing to prioritize duodenoscope sterilization: Experience from a high-volume health system.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Manuka Honey-Doped Chitosan-Gelatin Cryogel and Hydrogel Scaffolds in Reducing Infection.

Honey has been used for centuries to reduce bacterial infection; Manuka honey (MH) possesses an additional antibacterial agent, Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). However, MH's physical properties challenge delivery to the wound site. Tissue-engineered scaffolds (cryogels/hydrogels) provide a potential vehicle for MH delivery, but effects on bacterial clearance and biofilm formation demand further examination. MH (0, 1, 5, or 10%) was incorporated into both chitosan-gelatin (1:4 ratio; 4%) cryogels and hydrogels. To assess physical changes, all scaffolds were imaged with scanning electron microscopy and subjected to swell testing to quantify pore size and rehydration potential, respectively. As MH concentration increased, both pore size and scaffold swelling capacity decreased. Both bacterial clearance and biofilm formation were also assessed, along with cellular infiltration. Bacterial clearance testing with S. aureus demonstrated that MH cryogels are superior to 0% control, indicating the potential to perform well against Gram-positive bacteria. However, higher concentrations of MH resulted in cell death over time. These results support our hypothesis that MH release from 5% cryogels would induce reduced viability for four bacteria species without compromising scaffold properties. These outcomes assist in the development of a standard of practice for incorporating MH into scaffolds and the evaluation of biofilm reduction.

Profile of Carbapenem Resistant Gram Negative Bacilli in Grha Kedoya Hospital Jakarta

Carbapenems are beta-lactam antibiotics included in the 3rd line of antibiotics, which are the last choice in therapy to overcome various bacterial infections. The more use of antibiotics that are not in accordance with the clinical situation, the more cases of carbapenem resistance found in the hospital. This study aims to analyze gram-negative bacteria, which are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, in Grha Kedoya Hospital from January to March 2022 using an observational analytical research design for bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing using colorimetric and turbidimetric methods with a cross-sectional research design. The examination material was all samples infected with Gram-negative bacteria, as many as 174 samples. The data analysis used in this study was descriptive crosstabs. The results stated that there were carbapenem-resistant bacteria in as many as 32 samples (18.4%); the most carbapenem-resistant bacteria were Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria in as many as 16 patients (50%); Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae in as many as 8 patients (25%); and the resistance test showed 100% resistance to the antibiotics Doripenem, Imipenem, Meropenem, and Ertapenem.

Pathogen distribution and microbial resistance pattern in endotracheal aspirate samples of intensive care unit patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution of pathogen microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance rates isolated from endotracheal aspirate (ETA) samples of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive and negative patients followed and treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital, and to examine the effect of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on this.&#x0D; Methods: In this study, ETA samples sent to the microbiology laboratory from hospitalized patients in Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University Hospital general ICU-1 and general ICU-2 between March 11, 2018 and March 10, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was used to follow up patients with SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive in ICU-1 and SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative patients in ICU-2. The working period is divided into two parts as pre-pandemic (2018 - 2019) and post-pandemic (2020 - 2021). Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using conventional methods and automated systems. Colistin sensitivity was studied by broth microdilution, and ceftazidime avibactam (CZA) sensitivity was studied by disk diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi-square test, p

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following Spinal Fusion Surgery in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune-mediated polyneuropathy that rapidly leads to symmetric, ascending progressive weakness. Although GBS is typically associated with various infectious diseases, such as upper respiratory infections or gastroenteritis, it has also been reported following spine surgery. In this report, the authors present a case of GBS in an elderly patient after spinal fusion surgery and emphasize the importance of evaluating new-onset weakness in such cases. A 79-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with weakness of the lower extremities and neurogenic claudication with chronic radicular pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed anterolisthesis at the L4-L5 level and disc protrusions with central and lateral recess spinal stenosis at L3-L4-L5. Following surgery, the patient complained of weakness and paresthesia in both upper extremities, prompting further investigation. An electrophysiologic study confirmed demyelinating neuropathy and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed elevated viral immunoglobulin levels and albumin-cytological dissociation despite negative bacterial and antiganglioside antibody tests. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin infusion treatment and showed significant improvement, with full motor function recovery in all extremities after 6 weeks. The authors emphasize the importance of considering GBS in patients experiencing deteriorating neurological symptoms after spine surgery and suggest that electrophysiologic studies and CSF analysis are needed for an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, this report highlights the need for increased vigilance regarding the rapid onset of GBS symptoms in elderly patients following spinal surgery.

A novel approach to enhance mechanical properties of Ti substrates for biomedical applications

The present study proposes a novel approach to flat rolling in order to improve the mechanical properties of pure Ti substrates, making it a promising alternative to the Ti-6Al-4V alloy commonly used in biomedicine. Commercially pure titanium grade 4 (TiG4) was subjected to a process of multi-rotational flat rolling (MRFR) that resulted in a refinement of the microstructure and an improvement in microhardness up to values comparable to those of the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. The biggest advantage of the MRFR processing performed was that it maintained the square cross-section of the titanium product, which gives the possibility of fabricating relatively large products with improved mechanical properties for biomedical applications. The objective of this research was to compare TiG4 after MRFR processing with TiG5 (Ti-6Al-4V) to assess the influence of the processing on the properties of pure titanium. The products obtained were characterized in microstructure and chemical composition, wettability, surface energy, roughness, and stiffness; by using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, optical profilometry, and atomic force microscopy. Bacterial and cell tests were conducted to consider the potential of the proposed methodology in biomedical applications. To this end, corrosion tests in Hank’s solution were performed to simulate the conditions in the peri-implant environment.

Feasibility study of reusing surgical masks and evaluation of the effectiveness of different disinfection methods

This study assessed various disinfection methods' impact on surgical mask reusability amid the high demand and limited supply of medical surgical masks during the respiratory disease pandemic. Volunteers wore masks for 4 h, and masks were disinfected using methods including moist heat, dry heat, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, alcohol soaking, washing machine cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, or microwave disinfection. Key indicators measured included filtration efficiency, mask pressure, electrostatic charge, tensile strength, and blood penetration. Scanning electron microscopy and 16S bacterial DNA testing were used to evaluate fiber changes and disinfection effectiveness. After three disinfection cycles using any method, masks met Chinese standard YY0469-2011 requirements for filtration efficiency, mask pressure, strength, and blood penetration. However, non-oily particle filtration efficiency significantly decreased with moist heat, alcohol soaking, or machine washing. Bacterial filtration efficiency decreased with dry heat, alcohol soaking, or machine washing. All disinfection methods caused structural changes, particularly with dry heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and microwave disinfection. UV radiation effectively sterilized masks while maintaining filtration performance, making it the preferred method for mask reuse in emergencies.