Biochemical Tests Research Articles

Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma spp. Isolated from Tribal Women

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem worldwide with significant social and economic implications. Effective control and prevention strategies necessitate a thorough understanding of the prevalence, isolation, and identification of STI pathogens. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the isolation, identification, prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of STI pathogens based on culture method analysis. Endocervical /vaginal swab samples from female patients symptomatic for STI were cultured on different selective and differential media and pathogens were identified by colony morphology and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) of isolated and identified culture pathogen was performed by using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Among 209 endocervical/vaginal swab samples from symptomatic patients, 126 (60.28%) tested positive and 83 (39.71%) negative. Ureaplasma spp. (n = 100) was the most prevalent isolate, constituting 79.36% of culture-positive samples, followed by N. gonorrhoea (n = 99) at 78.57%, and Mycoplasma spp. (n = 41) at 32.54% individually and in combination. AST analysis revealed erythromycin (74%), ofloxacin (69%), and roxithromycin (64%) as the most resistant antibiotics for Ureaplasma spp. N. gonorrhoea showed the highest resistance to cefixime (78.79%), followed by ofloxacin (75.76%) and erythromycin (69.7%). Azithromycin and erythromycin exhibited 100% resistance against Mycoplasma spp. The study provides information on the prevalent bacterial pathogens involved in STIs among women in Anuppur and Shahdol districts, Madhya Pradesh. Understanding the diversity, distribution patterns and antibiotic sensitivity of these pathogens is crucial for developing targeted interventions and effective prevention strategies in such resource-limited areas.

The interaction between polyphenol intake and genes (MC4R, Cav-1, and Cry1) related to body homeostasis and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD), which is an important global health challenge, is expanding. One of the main factors in the occurrence of CVD is a high genetic risk. The interaction between genetic risk in CVD and nutrition is debatable. Polyphenols are one of the important dietary components that may have a protective role in people who have a high genetic risk score (GRS) for cardiometabolic risk factors. This study, conducted in overweight and obese women, examines the interaction between polyphenol intake and specific genes (MC4r, Cav-1, and Cry1) related to maintaining body balance and their interaction with cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 391 women who were overweight or obese, aged 18 to 48 years, with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 kg/m2. Body composition was measured using the InBody 770 scanner. Total dietary polyphenol intake (TDPI) was assessed with a validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and polyphenol intakes were determined using the Phenol-Explorer database. Serum samples underwent biochemical tests. The Genetic Risk Score (GRS) was calculated based on the risk alleles of three genes: MC4r, Cav-1, and Cry1.ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation (SD) age and BMI of women were 36.67 (9.1) years and 30.98 (3.9) kg/m2, respectively. The high GRS and high TDPI group had a significant negative interaction with fasting blood glucose (FBS) (p = 0.01). Individuals who had a high GRS and a high phenolic acid intake were found to have a significant negative interaction with Triglyceride (p = 0.04). Similarly, individuals with high GRS and a high intake of flavonoids had a significant negative interaction with TG (p < 0.01) and a significant positive interaction with High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.01) in the adjusted model.ConclusionAccording to our findings, those with a high GRS may have a protective effect on cardiometabolic risk factors by consuming high amounts of polyphenols. Further studies will be necessary in the future to validate this association.

Reference values for biochemical tests during pregnancy: analysis of the PRECAREbio Cohort and correlation with precarious status

ObjectiveTo establish normal current values of various biochemical parameters during pregnancy in the northern area of Paris (France) in a subgroup from the PreCARE cohort and to study their changes according to the term of pregnancy, and to determine the influence of maternal precarity. DesignThe PreCAREbio cohort of pregnant women was defined in the PreCARE study, a multicenter cohort study. SettingParticipants completed detailed questionnaires at enrolment and immediately postpartum. Data were collected prospectively. 26 biochemical parameters were longitudinally assessed. PopulationAll women registered to deliver or who delivered at one of the four participating university hospitals in Paris between October 2010 and November 2011 were eligible for study inclusion (n=10,419). MethodsWe studied 26 biochemical markers during pregnancy and the influence of maternal social deprivation. Main outcome measuresBaseline values for 26 biochemical markers and their changes according to the term of pregnancy, and the influence of maternal social deprivation on these biochemical markers. Results386 patients with 1733 blood samples recruited in one of the four centers in the PreCARE cohort were included. Baseline concentrations (median, 2.5th and 97.5th percentile) for each marker and did not differ at the different time points. Mean concentrations of each biochemical marker did not differ between socially deprived women and non-socially deprived women. ConclusionsWe have established normal values for 26 biochemical parameters during pregnancy. We have also shown no difference in these values between socially deprived and non- socially deprived women.

Synergistic Effect of β-Cryptoxanthin and Epigallocatechin Gallate on Obesity Reduction

Chronic obesity is an alarmingly growing global public health concern, posing substantial challenges for the prevention of chronic diseases, including hyperinsulinemia, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, and there is an urgent need for early mitigation strategies. We previously reported the obesity-reducing effects of green tea and β-cryptoxanthin intake. However, since tea has a complex mixture of compounds, it remained unclear which component contributed the most to this effect. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we analyzed the components of tea in this study to determine if consumption of any combination of these compounds with β-cryptoxanthin had an obesity-reducing effect. Consuming epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea, and β-cryptoxanthin for 4 weeks led to a decrease in body weight. Moreover, the weight and size of the white adipose tissues were significantly reduced, and blood biochemistry test results were comparable to normal values, with particular improvement in liver function. This indicated that intake of EGCG and β-cryptoxanthin reduces obesity in both subcutaneous and visceral fat. These findings suggest that simultaneous intake of EGCG and β-cryptoxanthin not only reduces obesity but also has a systemic beneficial effect on the body’s normal physiological function.

New bacterial strains isolated from Tunisian biotopes: A sustainable enzymatic approach for decolorization and detoxification of Congo Red and Malachite Green.

Seven bacterial strains, isolated from various Tunisian biotopes, were investigated for Congo Red (CR) and Malachite Green (MG) decolorization. The isolated strains underwent morphological and biochemical tests, including assessments for antibiotic sensitivity as well as biofilm formation. One selected strain, ST11, was partially identified as Paenibacillus sp. strain ST11. The newly isolated crude bacterial filtrates (NICBFs) effectively decolorized CR and MG. Specifically, six and seven NICBFs were found to be effective for degrading CR (150mgl-1) and MG (50mgl-1), respectively. Under non-optimized conditions, CR and MG could be decolorized up to 80% within 6-12h. The degradation products of CR and MG, characterized by UV-visible and FT-IR techniques, demonstrated both decolorization and transformation, highlighting the role of enzymes in dye degradation. Phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity studies evaluated the impact of treated and untreated CR and MG. Some NICBFs showed promise as powerful biological tools, reducing and sometimes detoxifying CR and MG, commonly used as fertilizers. The potential applications of these NICBFs in decolorization and bioremediation of dye-rich textile effluents were explored. The screening also identified environmentally friendly, cost-effective bacterial strains adaptable to various conditions through phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity studies.

Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging features to differentiate adrenal pheochromocytoma from adrenal tumors with positive biochemical testing results

BackgroundIt is extremely essential to accurately differentiate pheochromocytoma from Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) before operation, especially biochemical tests were inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to differentiate pheochromocytomas among adrenal tumors, among which the consequences of biochemical screening tests of catecholamines and/or catecholamine metabolites are positive.MethodsWith institutional review board approval, this study retrospectively compared 35 pheochromocytoma (PHEO) patients with 27 non-pheochromocytoma(non-PHEO) patients between January 2022 to September 2023, among which the consequences of biochemical screening tests of catecholamines and/or catecholamine metabolites are positive. T test was used for the independent continuous data and the chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied to find the independent variate of the features to differentiate PHEO from non-PHEO and ROC analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic value of the independent variate.ResultsWe found that the T2-weighted (T2W) signal intensity in patients with pheochromocytoma was higher than other adrenal tumors, with greatly significant (p < 0.001). T2W signal intensity ratio (T2W nodule-to-muscle SI ratio) was an independent risk factor for the differential diagnosis of adrenal PHEOs from non-PHEOs. This feature alone had 91.4% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity to rule out pheochromocytoma based on optimal threshold, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC‑ROC) of 0.910(95% C I: 0.833–0.987).ConclusionOur study confirms that T2W signal intensity ratio can differentiate PHEO from non-PHEO, among which the consequences of biochemical screening tests of catecholamines and/or catecholamine metabolites are positive.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci from bovine milk: Antibiogram profiles and virulent gene detection

BackgroundCoagulase-negative Staphylococcus species are an emerging cause of intramammary infection, posing a significant economic and public health threat. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species in bovine milk and dairy farms in Northwestern Ethiopia and to provide information about their antibiotic susceptibility and virulence gene profiles.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2022. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were isolated from 290 milk samples. Species isolation and identification were performed by plate culturing and biochemical tests and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of each isolate was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test. The single-plex PCR was used to detect the presence of virulent genes. The STATA software version 16 was used for data analysis. The prevalence, proportion of antimicrobial resistance and the number of virulent genes detected from coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsCoagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were isolated in 28.6%, (95% CI: 23.5–34.2) of the samples. Of these, the S. epidermidis, S. sciuri, S. warneri, S. haemolyticus, S. simulans, S. chromogens, S. cohnii, and S. captis species were isolated at the rates of 11, 5.2, 3.4, 3.1, 3.1, 1, 1, and 0.7% respectively. All the isolates showed a high percentage (100%) of resistance to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Cefotetan and 37.5% of resistance to Oxacillin. The majority (54.2%) of coagulase-negative isolates also showed multidrug resistance. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species carried the icaD, pvl, mecA, hlb, sec, and hla virulent genes at the rates of 26.5%, 22.1%, 21.7%, 9.6%, 9.6% and 8.4% respectively.ConclusionThe present study revealed that the majority of the isolates (54.2%) were found multidrug-resistant and carriage of one or more virulent and enterotoxin genes responsible for intramammary and food poisoning infections. Thus, urgent disease control and prevention measures are warranted to reduce the deleterious impact of coagulase-negative species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Ethiopia to detect coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species with their associated virulent and food poisoning genes from bovine milk.

Curcumin’s membrane localization and disruptive effects on cellular processes - insights from neuroblastoma, leukemic cells, and Langmuir monolayers

In therapies, curcumin is now commonly formulated in liposomal form, administered through injections or creams. This enhances its concentration at the cellular level compared to its natural form ingestion. Due to its hydrophobic nature, curcumin is situated in the lipid part of the membrane, thereby modifying its properties and influencing processes The aim of the research was to investigate whether the toxicity of specific concentrations of curcumin, assessed through biochemical tests for the SK-N-SH and H-60 cell lines, is related to structural changes in the membranes of these cells, caused by the localization of curcumin in their hydrophobic regions. Biochemical tests were performed using spectrophotometric methods. Langmuir technique were used to evaluate the interaction of the curcumin with the studied lipids. Direct introduction of curcumin into the membranes alters their physicochemical parameters. The extent of these changes depends on the initial properties of the membrane. In the conducted research, it has been demonstrated that curcumin may exhibit toxicity to human cells. The mechanism of this toxicity is related to its localization in cell membranes, leading to their dysfunction. The sensitivity of cells to curcumin presence depends on the saturation level of their membranes; the more rigid the membrane, the lower the concentration of curcumin causes its disruption.

Acrylamide-targeting renal miR−21a−5p/Fibrotic and miR122-5p/ inflammatory signaling pathways and the role of a green approach for nano-zinc detected via in silico and in vivo approaches

Introduction: Any disruption in renal function can have cascading effects on overall health. Understanding how a heat-born toxicant like acrylamide (ACR) affects kidney tissue is vital for realizing its broader implications for systemic health.Methods: This study investigated the ACR-induced renal damage mechanisms, particularly focusing on the regulating role of miR-21a-5p/fibrotic and miR-122-5p/inflammatory signaling pathways via targeting Timp-3 and TP53 proteins in an In silico preliminary study. Besides, renal function assessment, oxidative status, protein profile, and the expression of renal biomarkers (Timp-1, Keap-1, Kim-1, P53, TNF-α, Bax, and Caspase3) were assessed in a 60-day experiment. The examination was additionally extended to explore the potential protective effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNO-MONPs). A four-group experiment including control, ZNO-MONPs (10 mg/kg b.wt.), ACR (20 mg/kg b.wt.), and ZNO-MONPs + ACR was established encompassing biochemical, histological, and molecular levels. The study further investigated the protein-binding ability of ZNO and MONPs to inactivate caspase-3, Keap-1, Kim-1, and TNFRS-1A.Results: ZNO-MONPs significantly reduced ACR-induced renal tissue damage as evidenced by increased serum creatinine, uric acid, albumin, and oxidative stress markers. ACR-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammationare revealed by biochemical tests, gene expression, and the presence of apoptotic nuclei microscopically. Also, molecular docking revealed binding affinity between ACR-BCL-2 and glutathione-synthetase, elucidating the potential mechanisms through which ACR induces renal damage. Notably, ZNO-MONPs revealed a protective potential against ACR-induced damage. Zn levels in the renal tissues of ACR-exposed rats were significantly restored in those treated with ACR + ZNO-MONPs. In conclusion, this study establishes the efficacy of ZNO-MONPs in mitigating ACR-induced disturbances in renal tissue functions, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The findings shed light on the potential renoprotective activity of green-synthesized nanomaterials, offering insights into novel therapeutic approaches for countering ACR-induced renal damage.

A case of neonatal sepsis, early diagnosis and preventive intensive care

Neonatal sepsis is a pathological process that occurs as a complication of any infectious processes and is a life-threatening condition for newborns. Aim. To inform practitioners with the case of neonatal sepsis, when timely diagnosis and intensive care helped to prevent the development of septic shock and multiple organ failure. Materials and methods. A child was treated in the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of Newborns of Zaporizhzhia City Pediatric Hospital No. 5. He underwent clinical and biochemical blood tests, microbiological, radiological and ultrasound examinations using the hospital equipment. Results. The child with a complicated prenatal history was born by emergency caesarean section for severe pre-eclampsia at 34 weeks’ gestation. On the tenth day of life, the infant developed a worsening intoxication syndrome and febrile temperature. X-ray examinations revealed right-sided pneumonia; clinical blood count showed leukocytosis with acute inflammatory changes, thrombocytopenia, and an elevated procalcitonin level. A day later, the inflammatory changes dramatically deteriorated, and the cerebrospinal fluid cytosis was increased up to 850 cells and dominated by neutrophils. Blood cultures tested positive for Enterobacter cloacae. The child was prescribed antibacterial therapy according to the de-escalation principle (meronem and vancomycin) with subsequent changes according to the results of microbiological examinations, infusion therapy with parenteral nutrition, immunosupportive (intravenous immunoglobulin) and antifungal therapy. As a result of intensive therapy, clinical blood count inflammatory abnormalities were regressed, cerebrospinal fluid was completely restored to health, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels were normalized, and pneumonia was resolved within a week. Positive laboratory changes were correlated with the general condition: normalization of body temperature, increased activity, and enteral feeding ability. Conclusions. Timely diagnosis and intensive care of neonatal sepsis caused by gram-negative flora helped to prevent the development of multiple organ failure and septic shock. The use of antibiotic therapy according to the de-escalation principle is justified in newborns at high risk of developing septicaemia.

Implications of hypocobalaminemia as a negative prognostic marker in juvenile dogs with parvovirus enteritis

IntroductionCanine Parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) infection poses a significant global health risk to susceptible dogs. Hypocobalaminemia, defined as reduced serum cobalamin (CBL) concentrations, is a recognized complication in chronic enteropathies in adult dogs but remains poorly understood in the context of acute enteropathies, especially in young dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and severity of hypocobalaminemia in young dogs with parvovirus enteritis and evaluation of CBL as a predictor of outcome.Materials and methodsThirty client-owned dogs diagnosed with parvovirus infection and thirty healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical, hematological, and biochemical tests, including CBL and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations, were assessed.ResultsResults indicated a significantly higher prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in dogs with parvovirus enteritis compared to healthy controls, as well as a significant correlation with a disease severity score. Moreover, survivors demonstrated higher CBL concentrations than non-survivors, suggesting an eventual prognostic value of CBL status. However, parenteral CBL supplementation showed no significant effect on serum CBL or MMA concentrations, highlighting potential challenges in CBL uptake at the cellular level.DiscussionHypocobalaminemia in this population is caused by multiple factors such as reduced nutritional absorption, gastrointestinal losses, and increased metabolic demands. Further research is needed to develop tailored management strategies, evaluate the effectiveness of CBL supplementation, and understand the mechanisms behind hypocobalaminemia in parvovirus infection.

Iron administered in the neonatal period changed memory, brain monoamine levels, and BDNF mRNA expression in adult Sprague-Dawley rats.

Iron is one of the key microelements in the mammalian body and is the most abundant metal in the brain. Iron, a very important chemical element in the body of mammals, is the most abundant metal in the brain. It participates in many chemical reactions taking place in the central nervous system acting as a cofactor in key enzymatic reactions involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and degradation, dendritic arborization, and myelination. Moreover, iron accumulation in the brain has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurogenerative disorders. The aim of our study was to assess the influence of iron administered orally (30mg/kg) to rats in the neonatal period (p12-p14) by testing the performance of rats in the open field and social interaction tests, and by evaluating the recognition memory, monoamine levels in some brain structures, and BDNF mRNA expression. The behavioral and biochemical tests were performed in adult p88-p92 rats. Iron administered to rats in the neonatal period induced long-term deficits in behavioral tests in adult rats. It reduced the exploratory activity in the open field test. In the social interaction test, it induced deficits in the parameters studied, and decreased memory retention. Moreover, iron changed the brain monoamine levels in some studied brain structures and decreased the expression of BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus. All earlier and our present results indicated that iron administered to rats in the neonatal period induced an increase in oxidative stress which resulted in a change in the brain monoamine levels and decreased BDNF mRNA expression which may play a role in iron-induced memory impairment in adult rats.

Exploring Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Gene Diversity among Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Proteus Species in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Increased resistance to fluoroquinolones has been observed in members of the Enterobacteriaceae, including Proteus species. The extensive use of fluoroquinolones and the presence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes are believed to contribute significantly to fluoroquinolone resistance. This study highlights the prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant Proteus species and the presence of specific PMQR genes among them, emphasizing their potential role in quinolone resistance. Method: The study included 30 ciprofloxacin-resistant Proteus isolates collected from wound swab, pus, urine, and blood samples. Identification of Proteus species was performed using culture and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted using the Kirbey-Bauer disc-diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin among ciprofloxacin-resistant Proteus species was determined using the agar dilution method. The study aimed to detect specific PMQR genes, namely aac(6´) lb-cr, qnrA, qnrB, qnrD, and qnrS, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Result: A total of 42 Proteus species were isolated from 310 various samples. Among the Proteus isolates, 71.43% were ciprofloxacin resistant. The study found that 30% of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were positive for aac(6´) lb-cr gene, 13.33% for qnrA and qnrS respectively and 10% for qnrD gene. In total, 60% of ciprofloxacin-resistant Proteus isolates were positive for at least one PMQR gene. The qnrB gene was not detected among ciprofloxacin-resistant Proteus species. The MIC of ciprofloxacin ranged from 8 μg/ml to 128 μg/ml among ciprofloxacin-resistant Proteus isolates. Conclusion: This study suggests aac(6´) lb-cr, qnrA, qnrS, and qnrD genes are emerging in Proteus species, potentially contributing to the development of quinolone resistance and has implications for clinical management and public health. J MEDICINE 2024; 25: 149-154

Insulinoma- Rare pancreatic tumor

Insulinoma is hormone producing neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor. Insulinoma is a type of functional neuroendocrine tumor characterized by hypersecretion of insulin, causing hypoglycemia. It typically presents as a solitary benign tumor but can be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Patients with insulinoma have hypoglycemic episodes, more characteristically as fasting hypoglycemia.46 yrs. old male having recurrent episode of Syncopal attack, sweating, excessive thrust, and weakness last 3 to 4 yrs. His blood sugar level was always below normal range at time of attack. No H/O diabetes, Hyper tension or any other chronic illness.On detail examination and investigation, we found that his blood sugar level fall 01 hrs. After food intake and blood sugar fasting and post prandial (F=46 mg/dl &amp; PP= 180 mg/dl) is impaired. C Peptide level, serum insulin level is high. MRI shows growth near head of pancreas.Partial pancreatectomy done and sample send for histopathological examination which shows well differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with no lymph node involvement and congested spleen.The Whipple triad, named after the American surgeon Allen O. Whipple (1881-1963), is the diagnostic hallmark establishing the existence of a hypoglycemic disorder and has the following 3 features: (1) symptoms, signs, or both consistent with hypoglycemia; (2) low plasma glucose measured at the time of the symptoms and signs; and (3) relief of symptoms and signs when the glucose is raised to a normal level (2, 3). Insulinoma is usually diagnosed by biochemical testing. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment choice.

Exploring bacterial profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns in urinary tract infection cases at Idlib university hospital, Syria

The main objective of this study was to identify, analyze, and evaluate the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) among patients at Idlib University Hospital in Northwest Syria. By isolating and characterizing the uropathogens, the study aimed to gain insights into their current antimicrobial susceptibilities. This information is crucial in order to combat the increasing antibiotic resistance and provide effective treatment options for UTIs, which are prevalent both in the community and hospital settings.This observational research took place at Idlib University Hospital in Northwest Syria spanning from June 2022 to December 2023. Our study involved 320 patients exhibiting symptoms of UTI (68.4% females and 31.6% males). Urine samples were cultured to identify the microorganisms responsible for UTI. Biochemical tests were employed to identify the isolated bacteria, while the antimicrobial susceptibility was determined through disk diffusion susceptibility testing. Our study found to be the leading cause of UTIs, accounting for 58.4% of cases, followed by spp. Gram-negative bacteria comprised 85% of isolated strains. The 13–65 age group showed the highest UTI susceptibility (41.3%). High resistance was observed to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and co-trimoxazole. Conversely, minimal resistance was noted against Meropenem, Imipenem, Gentamicin, and Levofloxacin.This research highlights the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections within the hospital under study. Hence, there is an imperative to enhance the efficiency of comprehensive infection control initiatives to effectively handle and regulate hospital-acquired infections caused by highly resistant microorganisms.

Dynamic changes of gut microbiota in mouse models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and its transition to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota may account for pathobiology in simple fatty liver (SFL), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrotic progression, and transformation to MASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (MASH-HCC). The aim of the present study is to investigate gut dysbiosis in this progression. Fecal microbial rRNA-16S sequencing, absolute quantification, histopathologic, and biochemical tests were performed in mice fed high fat/calorie diet plus high fructose and glucose in drinking water (HFCD-HF/G) or control diet (CD) for 2, 16 weeks, or 14 months. Histopathologic examination verified an early stage of SFL, MASH, fibrotic, or MASH-HCC progression with disturbance of lipid metabolism, liver injury, and impaired gut mucosal barrier as indicated by loss of occludin in ileum mucosa. Gut dysbiosis occurred as early as 2 weeks with reduced α diversity, expansion of Kineothrix, Lactococcus, Akkermansia; and shrinkage in Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, etc., at a genus level. Dysbiosis was found as early as MAHS initiation, and was much more profound through the MASH-fibrotic and oncogenic progression. Moreover, the expansion of specific species, such as Lactobacillus johnsonii and Kineothrix alysoides, was confirmed by an optimized method for absolute quantification. Dynamic alterations of gut microbiota were characterized in three stages of early SFL, MASH, and its HCC transformation. The findings suggest that the extent of dysbiosis was accompanied with MASH progression and its transformation to HCC, and the shrinking or emerging of specific microbial species may account at least in part for pathologic, metabolic, and immunologic alterations in fibrogenic progression and malignant transition in the liver.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency in a young boy: a clinical case

BACKGROUND: Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficit is a severe hereditary mitochondrial metabolic disease characterized by impaired energy metabolism and manifested by a wide range of neurological symptoms. The difficulty in selecting therapy is due to insufficient data on the management of children with this pathology owing to death at an early age and insufficient diagnosis during life. The accurate prevalence of the disease is unknown, presumably 1 in 1,000,000, which makes it attributable to orphan diseases. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: This article presents a case of a child with a rare neurometabolic disease pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E1 deficiency. The diagnosis was suspected after his birth based on neurological symptoms, neonatal hyperammonemia, and hyperlactatemia and confirmed after exome sequencing, where a homozygous variant of the nucleotide sequence in the PDNA1 gene (X-19359612-C-E) was determined. At the age of 2 months, he began to receive a ketogenic diet — a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dry mixture for enteral nutrition, metabolic therapy, and Vit B1 (300 mg/day). The article presents indicators of biochemical blood testing, acid-base state of blood, and dynamics of the neurological picture during the period of observation of the patient. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and initiation of therapy is crucial for the physical and neuropsychiatric development of children with this pathology. Despite the lack of highly effective etiotropic treatment, in some cases, an improvement in the clinical course is observed with the use of thiamine preparations and adherence to a ketogenic diet.

6-shogaol against 3-Nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington's disease in rodents: Based on molecular docking/targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines/NF-κB-BDNF-Nrf2 pathway.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an extremely harmful autosomal inherited neurodegenerative disease. Motor dysfunction, mental disorder, and cognitive deficits are the characteristic features of this disease. The current study examined whether 6-shogaol has a protective effect against 3-Nitropropionic Acid (3-NPA)-induced HD in rats. A total of thirty male Wistar rats received 6-shogaol (10 and 20 mg/kg, per oral) an hour before injection of 3-NPA (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 15 days. Behavioral tests were performed, including narrow beam walk, rotarod test, and grip strength test. Biochemical tests promoting oxidative stress were evaluated [superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA)], including changes to neurotransmitters serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), homovanillic acid (HVA), (3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The 6-shogaol was docked to the active site of TNF-α (2AZ5), NF-κB (1SVC), BDNF) [1B8M], and Nrf2 [5FZN] proteins using AutoDock tools. The 6-shogaol group significantly improved behavioral activity over the 3-NPA-injected control rats. Moreover, 3-NPA-induced significantly altered neurotransmitters, biochemical and neuroinflammatory indices, which could efficiently be reversed by 6-shogaol. The 6-shogaol showed favorable negative binding energies at -9.271 (BDNF) kcal/mol. The present investigation demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of 6-shogaol in an experimental animal paradigm against 3-NPA-induced HD in rats. The suggested mechanism is supported by immunohistochemical analysis and western blots, although more research is necessary for definite confirmation.

Investigation of some fertility indicators in Iraqi women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex, heterogeneous, multigenic disorder in women of childbearing age with multiple consequences. The exact mechanism of PCOS is not yet fully understood; There are several factors have a role such as genetic, environmental, nutritional, metabolic and other interactions Therefore, the existing study designed to estimate the levels of some biochemical tests and the sex hormones that have a role in PCOS progress. 100 Iraqi women were agreed to participate in the current study, divided into two groups included 50 clinically diagnosed with PCOS women that compared with 50 healthy women without PCOS as a control group (CTRL). The results showed different significant differences of the studied parameters between the PCOS and the CTRL. There was a significant increased level of FBG, HbA1c, insulin resistant, TG and LDL in the PCOS group in comparison to the CTRL, while a significant decreased level of HDL was appeared in PCOS group in comparison to the CTRL. Regarding the results of sex hormones, there were significant increased levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, estradiol hormones in the PCOS group in comparison to the CTRL. In addition, the results of thyroid hormones appeared a significant increased level of T3 hormone in the PCOS group in comparison to the CTRL. Also, the results of leptin hormone showed a significant increased level in the PCOS group in comparison to the CTRL. In conclusion, there was a significant relationship between FBG, HbA1c, insulin resistant, TG, LDL, HDL, LH, FSH and T3 parameters with PCOS.

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of Klebsiella species isolated from various clinical specimens

Objective: The present study was carried out to identify Klebsiella species and their antimicrobial resistance pattern from various clinical specimens. Methods: This cross study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July2020 to June 2021. Written consent was taken from the concerned authority. A total 6739 clinical samples including urine, wound swab/ pus, sputum, blood and endotracheal aspirates were collected and processed for isolation of bacteria by following standard guidelines from adult patients. All the urine, wound swab, blood and endotracheal aspirates were inoculated in both blood agar and MacConkey agar media, for blood samples blood culture was done in BacT/ALERT 3D 60 aerobic bottles irrespective to antibiotics administration. After incubation at 370C aerobically for 24 hours incubated plates were examined. Phenotypic identification of the organisms were done by observing colony morphology, hemolytic properties, pigment production, Gram staining and biochemical tests (oxidase test, catalase test and biochemical reactions after inoculation in TSI, MIU, citrate agar media). The Kirby - Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolated organism using Mueller-Hinton agar and commercially available antibiotic discs (Oxoid Ltd, UK). The data were analyzed using SPSS software Version-20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Categorical variables were expressed as numbers (n) and percentages (%). Results: A total 6739 samples were included in the present study. Of which, 170 were urine, 162 were wound swabs, 71 were sputum, 52 were endotracheal aspirates and 45 were blood samples. Culture positivity among the samples is shown in table I. Conclusion: Most of the Klebsiella species are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This higher resistance is the major cause morbidity and mortality related with infections in hospitalized patients. So, a regular surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility pattern is needed to prevent indiscriminate use of antibiotics. CME J 2024; 3(2); 12-15