Results Of Urine Analysis Research Articles

Therapeutic efficacy of S-adenosylmethionine in chronic uranium intoxication in rats

Introduction. Chronic exposure to uranium compounds causes adverse cytotoxic and immunopathological effects in the body. The aim of the work was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of S-adenosylmethionine when administered intragastrically with respect to hepato-, nephro- and immunotoxic effects in chronic intoxicationwith uranyl acetate dihydrate (UAD). Materials and methods. Chronic intoxication was modeled by injecting 85 male rats with UAD solution (5.0 mg/kg/day by element) for one month. S-adenosylmethionine was administered to animals at a dose of 72.7 mg/kg for 21 days. Results. In chronic poisoning with UAD, 65% lethality, decrease of liver mass ratios (MR) and increase of renal MR were observed. Decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity, glucose level, lactic acid, number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes, increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity and creatinine level, number of CD8+ T-lymphocytes and apoptotic cell death, formation of catabolic pool of low and medium molecular weight substances (LMSMS) of blood plasma were registered. The results of urine analysis revealed the development of hyposthenuria, signs of glucosuria, hematosuria, proteinuria and leukocyturia, appearance of bilirubin in the urine. S-adenosylmethionine contributed to the decrease in the degree of target organ damage (reduction of fibroplastic and dystrophic changes in the liver and kidneys), normalization of immune system parameters (increase in CD4+ T-cells, decrease in CD8+ T-cells and frequency of apoptotic death of lymphocytes in immunocompromised animals) and endotoxicosis (decrease in the level of LMSMS from the catabolic pool area). Discussion. According to the totality of all revealed pathological changes, UAD poisoning led to the development of tubulointerstitial nephritis, metabolic disorders of detoxification functions of the liver. The causes of animal death during the first week of the experiment were acute kidney damage or confluent pneumonia. The appearance of bilirubin in the urine was associated with porphyrin metabolism disorders. In the remote period of intoxication an imbalance of the T-cell link of the immune system developed, as well as, probably, a decrease in nonspecific resistance, which led to the development of pneumonia in rats. Conclusion. S-adenosylmethionine therapy of hepato-, nephro- and immunotoxic effects in chronic UAD intoxication contributed to a decrease in the degree of damage to target organs, normalization of immune system parameters and endogenous intoxication.

YOLOv5 based detector for eight different urine particles components on single board computer

AbstractUrine sediment examination (USE) is an important issue in the detection of urinary system diseases and is a prerequisite, especially in the diagnosis of kidney diseases. The low‐contrast urine sediment images contain many particles, and these particles are superimposed or adherent, making it difficult to detect and interpret the particles. In this paper, a YOLOv5‐based urine analysis system, which is one of the fastest and most successful architectures used for object detection, is presented to identify particles in urine. The artificial intelligence‐based system, which can recognize bacteria, leukocytes, erythrocytes, crystals, yeast, cylinders, epithelium, and other particles, provides counting and reporting of components in the images obtained from the centrifuged urine sample through a microscope. The system consists of taking images from the microscope and recording them on SBC (Single Board Computer), artificial intelligence‐based software running on SBC, and database systems where urine analysis results are recorded. Different YOLOv5x architectures were used to evaluate the performance of the system and Precision, Recall, mAP, and F1_score values were obtained as metrics. According to the results obtained with the YOLOv5n, YOLOv5s, and YOLOv5m architectures, the highest mAP value of the system, which can recognize eight different particles, was 95.8% with YOLOv5m. This artificial intelligence‐based system, which will help laboratory workers, will not only save time but also eliminate the standardization differences in manual microscopy and will provide benefits as full‐time educational material.

Urinary levels of amorphous urate crystals as a biological marker for occupational exposure to crystalline free silica

Introduction: Due to the obvious adverse effects of exposure to free crystalline silica and the high exposure level in silica-related occupations, the present study aimed at the investigation of renal symptoms in cement factory workers.
 Materials and methods: For this reason, 128 workers who were working cement factory with a determined occupational exposure to crystalline-free silica were selected as the case group, and 143 workers who were working in the Hamedan Province Rural Water and Wastewater company without being exposed to crystalline free silica were selected as controls. Various kidney- related parameters were evaluated and compared between the selected case and control groups.
 Results: The results of urine analysis between cases and control showed that there was a statistical difference between the cases and controls regarding Red Blood Cell (RBC), epithelial count, and bacteria (p<0.05). Moreover, the percentage of amorphous urate crystals of the exposed workers (cases) and control were 80.7% and 38.3%, respectively (p<0.001). The results of adjusted results showed that the odd presence of amorphous urate crystals among cases was 7.65 times of the control group (p<0.001).
 Conclusion: Our findings clearly showed that the level of urinary levels of amorphous urate crystals in silica-exposed individuals is higher than that of non-exposed individuals. Therefore, the presence of urinary amorphous urate crystals in exposed workers may be used as a cheap, non-invasive, and efficient method and urine biological maker for detecting silica exposure in silica-related industries.

Combined Methylprednisolone Pulse Therapy plus Rituximab for Treating a Rare Juvenile Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Case Report

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) secondary to nephrotic syndrome (NS) is rarely reported. Additionally, treating steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) that changes to steroid resistance (SRNS) is difficult, with many relapses and side effects. Case presentation: A 32-month-old SSNS male child turned into SRNS and developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a rare complication of NS. As a result of the administration of combined pulse methylprednisolone and IV Rituximab (RTX) therapy, the patient showed marked improvement, the results of urine analysis were remarkably improved, and the child started to respond to treatment. Conclusion: Successful treatment of a rare case of juvenile SSNS behaving as SRNS with the development of CVST could be established using combined steroid pulse therapy, Enoxaparin, and the B lymphocytes monoclonal antibodies RTX.

Mineral content variations between Australian tap and bottled water in the context of urolithiasis.

ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to investigate the variations in mineral content of tap drinking water across major Australian cities, compared with bottled still and sparkling water, and discuss the possible implications on kidney stone disease (KSD).Materials and MethodsThe mineral composition of public tap water from 10 metropolitan and regional Australian cities was compared using the drinking water quality reports published from 2019 to 2021 by the respective water service utilities providers. Specifically, average levels of calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and sulphates were compared with published mineral content data from bottled still and sparkling drinking water in Australia.ResultsThe median or mean (depending on report output) mineral composition was highly variable for calcium (range 1.3 to 20.33 mg/L), magnesium (range 1.1 to 11.2 mg/L), bicarbonate (range 12 to 79 mg/L), sodium (range 3 to 47.1 mg/L), potassium (range 0.4 to 3.23 mg/L) and (sulphates range <1 to 37.4 mg/L). Calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate levels in tap water were lower than in bottled sparkling water. Consumption of 3 L/day of the most calcium rich tap water would fulfil 4.7% of the RDI, compared with 8.7% with bottled sparkling water. Consumption of 3 L of the most magnesium rich tap water would fulfil 8% of the RDI, compared with 13.6% with bottled sparkling water.ConclusionThe mineral content of tap drinking water varied substantially across major Australian city centres. Bottled sparkling water on average provided higher levels of calcium, bicarbonate and magnesium and may be preferred for prevention of calcium oxalate stones. These findings may assist counselling of patients with KSD depending on geographic location in the context of other modifiable risk factors and 24‐h urine analysis results.

Effect of Web Causation Epidemiological Model on Preventive Behaviors of Diabetic Females with Genitourinary Tract Infection

Context: Genitourinary tract infection becomes a silent epidemic that devastated female life. It is closely interrelated with hyperglycemia, diabetes, and lack of awareness about personal hygiene care. All increase the susceptibility to various types of infections.&#x0D; Aim: To assess the effect of web causation epidemiological model on preventive behaviors of diabetic females with genitourinary tract infection.&#x0D; Methods: The study was conducted at a diabetic outpatient clinic in El Demerdash Hospital because it received clients from different areas and a high population rate. This study encompasses a purposive sample of 100 females. A quasi-experimental research design was selected. Data were collected using a structured interviewing questionnaire and preventive practice checklists to assess the knowledge and practices of the diabetic female.&#x0D; Results: 69% of diabetic females had a family history of diabetes mellitus. 39% of them had satisfactory knowledge about causes that increased blood glucose in diabetic females shift to 81% at post-intervention. 35% of diabetic females had satisfactory knowledge about the function of the reproductive system at preprogram shift to 93% at post-program implementation. 34% of diabetic females had satisfactory knowledge about entry urinary tract infection methods at preprogram shift to 81% at post-program implementation. A highly statistically significant association between the presence of urine infection and application of web causation model (causative factors) such as lack of hygiene during menstruation, lack of hygiene before and after sexual intercourse, using mechanical contraceptive methods, increase the intake of salty foods, poor glycemic control and lack of personal hygiene with the results of urine analysis for infection.&#x0D; Conclusions: Females exposed to the web causation epidemiological model exhibited better knowledge and preventive practices after exposure than their pre-intervention level. Apply the web-causation model at high population areas as slum areas on a large group of participants to improve awareness and practices regarding diabetes mellitus and genitourinary tract infection. Replicate the current study on a representative sample to improve the generalizability.

Are point-of-care urine drug testing devices suitable for antenatal drug screening? A study verifying the Alere® Drug Screen Test Cup for the detection of six classes of drug in a pregnant population.

Currently, there are no national guidelines for antenatal drug testing. At Colchester Hospital, we use a strategy of screen-only using point-of-care testing to detect illicit drug use in pregnancy. To determine the suitability of this approach, we have compared the results of urine analysis by point-of-care testing with another NHS specialist clinical toxicology service that uses confirmation mass spectrometry. A total of 482 anonymized random urine specimens from antenatal clinics were tested for six drug classes: amphetamine, benzodiazepines, buprenorphine, cocaine, methadone and opiates using the Alere™ Drug Screen Urine Test Cup. The manufacturer's claims for positive cut-off and result stability were verified using spiked blank urine. Confirmatory testing was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for detection of 26 individual drugs. Of 473 urine samples with adequate volume for point-of-care screening, 4.4% tested positive: 19 opiate and 2 cocaine. Concordance between point-of-care screening and UPLC-MS/MS confirmation was 97.9% for all drugs and 78.9% for opiates. Using spiked urine, only positive results for opiates were stable when read up to the manufacturer's recommended time of 60 min. The key advantages of using point-of-care devices to detect drug use in pregnancy are that is convenient and cheap. However, the clinical utility of point-of-care testing is limited by its poor sensitivity. Best practice is to confirm results using a more specific and sensitive method. As a result of this study, we are now reviewing our own procedures to consider introducing routine confirmation by mass spectrometry.

The efficacy and safety of citrate mixture vs sodium bicarbonate on urine alkalization in Chinese primary gout patients with benzbromarone: a prospective, randomized controlled study.

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy and safety of citrate mixture and sodium bicarbonate on urine alkalization in gout patients under benzbromarone treatment.MethodsA prospective, randomized, parallel controlled trial was conducted among 200 gout patients in the dedicated gout clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The participants were randomly divided into two groups (1:1), sodium bicarbonate group (3 g/day) and citrate mixture group (7 g/day). All patients were prescribed with 25 mg/day benzbromarone at initiation and maintained at a dose of 50 mg/day. Clinical and biochemical data were collected at each follow-up time point (baseline, weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12).ResultsA total of 182 patients completed the 12-week urine alkalization study. The urine pH value of both groups increased significantly from the baseline to the final follow-up time point (sodium bicarbonate group, 5.50–6.00, P < 0.05; citrate mixture group, 5.53–5.93, P < 0.05). While the comparisons regarding urine pH between treatment groups showed no significant differences for each time point. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dropped significantly after 12 weeks’ trial in the sodium bicarbonate group (P < 0.01), while it was comparable between baseline and the last follow-up (P > 0.05) in the citrate mixture group. Results of urine analysis showed that the incident rate of occult blood in the sodium bicarbonate group was higher than that in the citrate mixture group (38 vs 24%, P < 0.05), accompanied by a similar occurrence of kidney stones. After 12-week follow-up, the frequency of twice gout flare in the citrate mixture group was significantly lower than that in sodium bicarbonate group (4 vs 12%, P = 0.037). No treatment-emergent adverse events occurred.ConclusionThe efficacy of citrate mixture on urine alkalization is comparable to sodium bicarbonate under benzbromarone treatment without significant adverse events. Citrate mixture is superior to sodium bicarbonate in lowering the incidence of urine occult blood and the frequency of gout attacks.Trial registrationRegistered with ChiCTR (http://www.chictr.org.cn), No. ChiCTR1800018518.

TO PATHOGENESIS ECLAMPSII

The subject of my lecture is the pathological and anatomical studies of some organs of women who died in seizures of eclampsia. Partly on the basis of these studies, which to a certain extent confirm the data of the authors who worked on this issue earlier, partly on the basis of the results of urine analysis and some purely laboratory observations, I will allow myself to give a new explanation of the origin of eclamptic seizures in pregnant women, women in labor and postpartum women.

Prevalence of Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Use in Patients Admitted to Drug Detoxification Treatment.

BackgroundAbout 15 years ago, a diverse group of new recreational psychotropic substances began to emerge, which were marketed for example as “legal highs,” “research chemicals,” or “designer drugs.” These substances were later subsumed under the label “Novel Psychoactive Substances” (NPS). Important NPS classes are cathinones, synthetic cannabimimetics, phenethylamines, and herbal drugs. The health care system for psychotropic substance use disorders (SUDs) traditionally focused on a few substances, such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, or cannabis. Users of illicit substances often engage in polydrug use. However little is known about the prevalence of NPS use within the group of “classical” illicit substance users.ObjectiveWe investigated lifetime and recent use of NPS and other drugs in patients who underwent in-patient detoxification treatment from illicit drugs in Germany.MethodsIn a multicenter study with eight participating facilities, patients admitted to treatment underwent a standardized interview at admission, concerning their past and current substance use. The interview comprised classical substances of abuse, NPS, and rarely used substances such as LSD. In addition, participating sites had the opportunity to analyze their patients’ routine drug screenings by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which permitted detection of NPS.ResultsInterviews from 295 patients could be analyzed. Most patients were opiate dependent and multiple substance users. About 32% reported use of synthetic cannabimimetics during lifetime, but usually only a few times. An important reason for their use was that NPS were not detected by drug testing in prisons or drug treatment facilities. Cathinones, herbal drugs or other NPS had rarely been used during lifetime. NPS use during the last 30 days before admission was nearly zero. This was confirmed by urine analysis results. In contrast, lifetime and current use of opiates, alcohol, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and cannabis was high. In addition, 18% reported of regular unprescribed pregabalin use during lifetime, and 20% had recently used pregabalin.ConclusionPatients admitted to drug detoxification treatment showed multiple substance use, but this did not include NPS use. The diversion of legal medications such as pregabalin in this group is a serious concern.

A new point-of-care test for the rapid detection of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections in all age groups. Fast and accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure a timely and effective therapy. Alongside with reference culture-based methods, several point-of-care tests (POCTs) for early detection of UTIs have been developed, but they have not been significantly implemented in current clinical practice. The Micro Biological Survey (MBS) POCT is a simple test developed by MBS Diagnostics Ltd. (London, UK) for the detection and management of UTIs. The present study has been undertaken to investigate the potentials and limits of the MBS POCT. A total of 349 patients were enrolled in two open-label, monocentric, non-interventional clinical trials in collaboration with an Emergency Medicine department and the outpatient clinic of two hospitals in Rome. Results of urine analysis using the MBS POCT were compared with those of the routine culture-based tests for UTI diagnosis performed by the hospital laboratory. The MBS POCT provided fast results revealing high bacterial count UTIs (≥ 105 CFU/ml) with 97% accuracy, 92% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 99% PPV, and 96% NPV within a 5-h analytical time threshold.

SAT-244 High prevalence and low awareness of proteinuria in the community setting: lessons from the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major global burdens of diseases. However, the awareness of CKD is low in the general population, creating challenges for early intervention. Albuminuria as part of the CKD diagnostic criteria independently predicts adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, screening for proteinuria and raising awareness of CKD are crucial to public health. Currently, there is no effective strategy to improve awareness of proteinuria. Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) aims for early detection of CKD risk factors by providing free community health screening. Data collected from October 2011 to May 2018 through KDSAP was analyzed. The awareness of proteinuria was assessed by two questions (1) Have you ever had protein in the urine? (2) Do you have kidney disease? (Do not include kidney stones, bladder infections, or incontinence) The diagnosis of proteinuria is based on a cross-sectional measurement of urine dipstick. The awareness of proteinuria is defined as participants with trace or more protein on urine dipstick who answered “yes” to either of the two questions. 2,304 out of 2,432 KDSAP participants with available urine analysis results were analyzed. In this ethnically diverse population (54.1% Asian, 18.5% African American, 14.5% White, and 9.7% Hispanic), 44.2% of participants were non-English speaking. Participants with proteinuria were younger, more likely to be male, African American, and smoker; had hypertension, diabetes, family history of kidney disease, higher body mass index (BMI) and microscopic hematuria. The rate of proteinuria was 20%. Alarmingly, the awareness of mild proteinuria (trace or 1+) and heavy proteinuria (2+ or above) were only 10% and 39.5% respectively. Although the older participants tended to have higher awareness, the overall awareness of proteinuria was low (15.8%). There was no significant difference in insurance coverage and access to care between proteinuria and non-proteinuria group. KDSAP participants had more than two-fold higher prevalence of proteinuria compared with previous studies. Most KDSAP participants with proteinuria were unaware of the condition. Efforts are needed to promote early detection of proteinuria, improve awareness, and modify risk factors to improve outcomes. We proposed that KDSAP is an effective model to identify the population with high risk of kidney disease and low awareness at the community level.

Poland syndrome accompanied by internal iliac artery supply disruption sequence: a case report

BackgroundPoland syndrome is a congenital malformation characterized by ipsilateral hand and chest wall depression, including an absence or hypoplasia of the breast and pectoral muscles. These hypoplastic defects are reportedly caused by a subclavian artery supply disruption sequence.Case presentationA 45-year-old Japanese woman, an out-patient, underwent an emergency examination for intense left lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography images revealed a hydronephrotic left kidney and dilatation of the left ureter. No ureteral calculus or neoplasm was found. In addition, no abnormalities connected to her left abdominal pain were found. Nephritis was diagnosed based on the results of urine analysis, and a course of antibiotics was administered. Computed tomography images also revealed a history of breast reconstruction with a custom-made silicone implant in her right breast. The present case showed symptoms of Poland syndrome, which were absence of the sternal head of the right pectoralis major and asymmetrical malformation of the chest wall due to hypoplasia of the right rib cage. In addition to typical Poland syndrome symptoms, she had hypoplasia of her right kidney, hypoplasia of the right gluteus minimus muscle, right-sided pelvic hypoplasia, spinal curvature to the right, and a cystic mass in her right ovary.ConclusionsIn the present case of Poland syndrome, computed tomography images revealed malformation of the chest wall, absence of the pectoral muscle, and hypoplasia of a left kidney. Unilateral visceral hypoplasia is reported to be caused by a subclavian artery supply disruption sequence that occurs around 7 to 8 weeks of gestation. The present case can be considered a rare atypical phenotype of Poland syndrome with possible subclavian artery supply disruption sequence with internal iliac artery supply disruption.

Knowledge of General Physicians About Urine Analysis: A Cross Sectional Study in Tehran, Iran

Background: Urine is the most commonly used liquid for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases and is still the only body fluid that is applied to many diagnostic purposes. There is little information of physicians’ knowledge about correct urine sampling, interpretation in Iranian. Objectives: Evaluation the knowledge of the physicians in urine analysis and identifying related factors to provide useful measures and recommendations to raising physicians’ knowledge. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 272 physicians who were attended to the congress of retraining in Tehran (capital of Iran) in 2015. The first questionnaire was demographic and the second one was researcher-made consisting of 30 multiple choices questions in 3 different sections. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 13 software. Results: The Cronbach’s alpha of the researcher-made questionnaire was 76% and response rate was 45.3%. Most of the physicians were in the moderate level in terms of knowledge about sampling for urine analysis (62.5%), knowledge about interpretation of the urine analysis results (54.8%) and knowledge to link urinalysis result with the patient’s clinical symptoms (73.5%). Knowledge was reduced in male sex, increasing in age and time elapsed since graduation and increased with more time studying medicine, and attending in retraining congresses. Conclusions: It is recommended that physician, especially, who have long passed their graduation, spend more time studying medicine and if possible, take part in the congresses and retraining program to keep their information update and apply best diagnostic treatments to their patients.

Evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters of pesticide retailers following occupational exposure to a mixture of pesticides

Aims: This study was undertaken to ascertain whether light occupational exposure to pesticides by retailers might be associated with any liver, kidney, nervous system dysfunction or hematological abnormalities.Main methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 male pesticide retailers (cases) and 64 male subjects, randomly selected from the constructions workers of city council contractors, as the referent group, were investigated. Urine and blood samples were taken from all subjects for urine analysis, hematological and biochemical parameters. Data analysis was conducted through SPSS v.19 using t-test and chi-square test.Key findings: The results of urine analysis showed that the frequency of abnormal urine tests was significantly higher in cases than in referent individuals. Similarly, the results of CBC showed that the mean values of monocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and platelet distribution width were significantly lower, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell distribution width were significantly higher in retailers. No significant differences were found for other parameters.Significance: These findings indicate that an association exists between exposure to pesticides by retailers and early subtle and sub-clinical changes in the urine tests and hematological parameters. Engineering measures are recommended to eliminate exposure to pesticides and to prevent its associated outcomes.

Reliability and validity of the Treatment Outcome Profile among patients attending methadone maintenance treatment programs in Kunming, China

Background & objectiveSubstance misuse has been a major health and social issue worldwide and has become an important public health issue in China over the past two decades. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been proved worldwide by large bodies of research to be one of the most effective practices for illicit drug users. The Treatment Outcome Profile (TOP) was developed in 2007 by the UK National Treatment Agency (NTA). It has been proved to be a reliable instrument for outcome measure. This study aim to develop the Chinese version of the Treatment Outcome Profile (TOP), and to assess whether TOP is a reliable outcome measure that can be recommended for use in Chinese MMT program. MethodsThe Chinese version of TOP was translated and revised based on the English version of TOP. Psychometric properties of TOP were evaluated through face-to-face interviews in 197 patients who had been attending methadone maintenance treatment clinics in Kunming city, Yunnan Institute for Drug Abuse, for less than three months. Patients were interviewed by 3 trained interviewers. Reliability and validity of the instrument were analyzed by measures including test-retest and inter-rater reliability, concurrent validity and change sensitivity. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing the scores from TOP with scores obtained from validated clinometric instruments. Self-reported opiate use was compared with results of urine analysis. Change sensitivity was judged by t-tests and chi-square tests. Results & conclusionsAbout 67% of the 197 interviewers were male and 33% were female. Test-retest reliability of TOP scores (after 10 days interval) were good (K=0.65 to 0.95), inter-rater correlations (ICC) ranged from 0.7 to 0.9, and the criterion validity ranged from 0.72 to 0.88. TOP covers a large scope of problems encountered by drug users needed for treatment. The Chinese version of TOP is a reliable and valid assessment tool.

Nephrolithiasis screening for people with self-perceived exposure to melamine-contaminated milk products in Taipei County, Taiwan

ObjectiveThe outbreak of renal diseases caused by melamine-contaminated milk products in China in 2008 was one of the most serious food safety events in recent years. Because of the heavy volume of trade between Taiwan and China, the Taiwanese government was very concerned about its effects on the Taiwanese people, and conducted a nephrolithiasis screening program in government hospitals. We report the results of the screening program conducted by the Taipei County Hospital, Taiwan. MethodsResidents of Taipei County, Taiwan who perceived that they had exposed themselves to melamine-contaminated milk products, self-referred to Taipei County Hospital for nephrolithiasis screening from September 24, 2008 to September 30, 2008. Plain abdominal radiography and urinary analysis were provided, and the final diagnosis of nephrolithiasis was confirmed with renal ultrasound examination. Their urine analysis results were compared with those of other people who underwent health screening at the same hospital in September 2008. ResultsA total of 721 participants were included in the program, of which 33 were diagnosed to have nephrolithiasis, representing an overall prevalence of 4.6%. After adjusting for age and sex according to the census data of Taipei County, the prevalence of nephrolithiasis was 5.1% in all and 6.5% among adults; these figures did not exceed the prevalence rate in the general adult population of Taipei County (9.2%) and among all Taiwanese adults (9.6%), based on a previous nationwide survey conducted in Taiwan. ConclusionThese results suggested that governments can carry out a good risk communication program in relation to melamine-contaminated milk product events, and thus reassure the public as well as allay fears over perceived health risks stemming from such events.

Distribution and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Pathogens Causing Urinary Tract Infection in Mubi General Hospital, Yola-Nigeria

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens among patients attending Mubi general hospital as well as to determine the effect of gender on the etiology of bacterial uropathogens. Study Design: Distributions of urinary isolates and their antibiogram Place and Duration of Study: Mubi General Hospital, Adamawa State, between April, 2013 and January, 2014 Methodology: Urine samples of 101 patients comprised of 46 males and 55 females were analyzed for bacterial growth, antibiogram and multiple antibiotic resistance index. Results: Females showed higher prevalence of UTI than males. Gram negative bacteria (61.7%) were found in high prevalence than Gram positive (29.3%). Staphylococcus aureus (58.3%) has the highest prevalence rate among Gram positive organisms, while Citrobacter freundii (25.3%) was the most prevalent Gram negative isolates. Citrobacter freundii (17.9%) was the most prevalent uropathogens closely followed by S. aureus (17.1%). Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on all isolated bacteria by the disc diffusion method employing multiple antibiotic discs differently for both Gram positive and Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(19): 3591-3602, 2014 3592 Gram negative isolates. The results showed that S. aureus and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were more susceptible to Chloramphenicol (83%), followed by Streptomycin and Amoxicillin (78%). While their resistance profile showed that S. aureus and CoNS are more resistant to Ampiclox, Gentamycin and Rifampicin (31%). Susceptibility to all the antibiotics by Gram positive organisms was significantly higher than their resistance to the same antibiotics (p< 0.05). Gram negative organisms are more susceptible to Streptomycin (62%), followed by Ciprofloxacin (47%) and Ofloxacin (44%), while their resistance profile showed that they are more resistance to Nalixidic acid (79%) followed by Augmentin (76%), Ampicillin (75%) and Reflacine (74%). Resistance to all the antibiotics by Gram negative organisms is significantly higher than their susceptibility to the same antibiotics (p<0.05). Using spearman correlation, the results further showed significant correlation in resistance between P. vulgaris, Escherichia coli and P. agglomerans (p<0.01). Also, there was significant correlation in resistance between E. coli, Klebsiella sp., Citrobacter diversus and P. vulgaris (p<0.05). The multiple antibiotic resistances (MAR) index of each antibiotic was calculated. The MAR index for Gram positive antibiotics was significantly lower than that of Gram negative antibiotics (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, we found multidrug resistance strains which are resistant to most of the antimicrobials agent tested more especially the Gram negative uropathogens. This reflected the fact that Nalixidic acid, Augmentin, Ampicillin, Reflacine, Ceporex and Septrin were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the hospital even before the results of urine analyses and also the most easily available in the market without prescription and because they were also very cheap in terms of cost. Consequently, the widespread use or misuse of antimicrobial drugs has led to a general rise in the emergence of resistant bacteria.

Etiologies and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Infants With Urinary Tract Infections Hospitalized in Children Medical Center, Rasht, Iran

Introduction Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections in childhood. Appropriate treatment of UTI requires to knowledge about antibiotic resistance patterns of common uropathogens. The aim of this study was to determine demographic, symptoms, signs and antibiotic resistance pattern in admitted infants with clinically diagnosis of UTI in 17 Shahrivar Hospital of Rasht Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed on 77 patients less than 2 years old from March 2006 to march 2011. They were admitted with clinical diagnosis of UTI and posilive. Urine cultures data (demographic, symptoms, signs and the results of urine analysis and urine cultures) were analyzed by SPSS and Chi-squart Results From 77 patients, 53.2% were female, with mean age of 8.07 ± 6.84 months. The most common symptom was fever(48.1%) vomiting and diarrhea were second and third prevalent symptom. 18.1% had leukocytosis and CRP was positive in 67.3%. Leukocyturia in 58.4% and hematuria in 19.5% of them were seen. The most common agent was E coli (59.7%) followed by Klebsiella and Enterobacter (14.3%) and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (5.2%). Isolated pathogens were resistance to ampicillin (94.1%), amoxicillin (88.9%), cefalexin (70.5%), co-trimoxazole (66.7%), cefixime (75%). This antibiotic resistance was less for nalidixic acid (37%), ceftriaxone (20%), aminoglycosids (24.6%), nitrofurantoin (22.4%) and ciprofloxacin (14.8%). Conclusion Ecoli was the most frequent pathogen in our study. Resistance to all antibiotics used to treat UTI was common. Due to the low sensitivity of ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefalexin and co-trimoxazole, use of them is not recommended for the treatment of UTI. It seems that the best choices include ceftriaxone, aminoglycosids, nalidixic acid, and nitrofurantoin

Çocuklarda akut glomerülonefrit: Üçüncü basamak sağlık merkezinde yedi yıllık deneyim [Acute glomerulonephritis in children: A seven-year experience in a tertiary health center

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with AGN in a tertiary university hospital. Materials and methods: Hospital records of children, which hospitalized with AGN diagnosis in Pediatric Nephrology Unit, between 2004 and 2011, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three subgroups as age <5 years, 5-10 years and >10 years. Characteristics at hospital admission including, blood pressure, diuresis state, serum urea, creatinine and electrolyte levels, complement factors C3 and C4, complete blood count and urine analysis results were recorded. Data about primary infection, treatments, disease course and outcome were recorded and analyzed. Results: Totally 220 children (157 male, 71.2%; 63 female, 28.8%) were included. Probable etiological infections were tonsillopharyngitis in 133 (60.5%), pyoderma in 12 (5.5%), other infections in 27 (12.2%) children. In 48 (21.8) children with AGN, no primary infection were detected. Edema was found in 81.4% of patients, hypertension in 73.6%, and pulmonary stasis in 22.6%. Low C3 levels were found in 89.1%, azotemia in 45.9%, hematuria in 95.4%, nephritic proteinuria in 80.5%, and leukocyturia in 37.6% of patients. Diuresis was enabled within one week in 82%. Additional vasodilators were given to 45 (20.5%) patients, and hemodialysis was performed to three. Except for frequency of low C3 (p=0.018) and anemia (p=0.006), no significant differences were found in clinical and laboratory findings between age groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: No difference was found in clinical and laboratory features of AGN based on age groups, excluding low C3 and anemia frequency.