Significant Increase In Infections Research Articles

Examining the Role of Niemann-Pick C1 Protein in the Permissiveness of Aedes Mosquitoes to Filoviruses.

Aedes mosquitoes vector many viruses with divergent characteristics, yet the criteria needed for a virus to be vectored by an arthropod remain unknown. The intracellular cholesterol transporter protein Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) has been identified as the necessary entry receptor for filoviruses such as Ebola and Marburg viruses. While homologues of NPC1 are observed in mosquitoes, currently no filovirus has been identified as circulating in mosquitoes. This work aimed at increasing the understanding of the mosquito vector by examining the capability of a virus to gain the ability to enter mosquito cells. We developed a model system of Aedes cells expressing human NPC1 (hNPC1) and attempted to infect these cells with recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the Ebola virus glycoprotein. As compared to the control cells, no significant increase in infection was observed in cells expressing hNPC1, demonstrating that the expression of human NPC1 alone is not sufficient to support filovirus infection, and that host factors other than NPC1 determine filovirus susceptibility of mosquito cells.

Should Buttonhole Cannulation of Arteriovenous Fistulas Be Used? CON.

Fistulas continue to be promoted as the vascular access of choice due to their lower complication rates as compared with catheters (1,2). However, depending on the fistula cannulation method, the infection risk can compared with that of a catheter. Traditionally, cannulation is an area most physicians tend to ignore; instead, the choice and technique of cannulation is routinely left to nurses. However, given the pain, fear, and anxiety with cannulation that most hemodialysis patients experience (3–⇓5), all health care providers should pay more attention to needling. Furthermore, cannulation and its associated mishaps can lead to fistula complications of infection, and decreased patency. The most common method of cannulation among maintenance hemodialysis patients is the rope ladder technique, which rotates needling sites along the full length of the fistula. The area wall technique, where favored regions are repeatedly needled, is actively discouraged due to progressive weakness in the vessel wall and subsequent aneurysm formation (6). Buttonhole cannulation is more often used in home hemodialysis and it was first introduced as a measure to cannulate a fistula with a limited area for needling (7). Buttonhole involves a constant site of needling that, over time, leads to an epithelized track into which a blunt needle is inserted. Since its first introduction almost 50 years ago by Dr Twardoski and his head nurse (Sister Kumara), buttonhole has continued to garner widespread enthusiasm. Support for its use has been mostly promoted by observational data and poor-quality methodology studies showing beneficial effects on pain and fewer needling complications. Nephrology societies (8,9) (renal.org/guidelines) still recommend buttonhole use as a means to reduce pain and increase longevity. In order to promote a novel cannulation technique over the standard of care, there should be evidence of benefit and a lack of demonstrable …

Nutrition as a Predictor of Outcome in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

AbstractBackground: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a critical socio-economic problem throughout the world. Immediately after TBI, there is an increase in catabolic and counter-regulatory hormones, leading to a hypermetabolic state which causes specific nutritional needs and multiple metabolic and electrolytic abnormalities. Nutritional intervention is likely to limit the patient's inflammatory response and thereby improve the ultimate health outcome.Aim of Study: This study aimed to assess the effect of early nutrition on the rate of mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Methods: The current work is a prospective randomized study that was conducted on 60 patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Patients were randomly classified into three groups (each was of 20 patients). Group I received enteral nutrition after 48 hours of TBI. Group II received early enteral nutrition within 1st 24 hours after TBI. Group III received early parenteral nutrition within 1st 24 hours after TBI.Results: The three groups showed no statistically signif-icant differences as regard age, sex, mode of trauma, and presence of co-morbidities. As regard vital signs, laboratory investigations, finding of Computed Tomography (CT) of brain and surgical intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups at baseline. There was significant improvement in GCS in groups II and III compared to group I despite there was no significant difference between the three groups at admission. As regard duration of mechanical ventilation, there was significant decrease in the duration of mechanical ventilation in group II compared to groups I and III. There was significant increase in infection in groups I (70%) and III (60%) compared to Group I (20%). There was significant difference in mortality rate between the three studied groups and between Group I and II. At 30 days of the study, 65% of patients in Group I died. While in Group II and III the percentage decreased to 20% and 45% respec-tively.Conclusion: Administration of early enteral nutrition in this study has been associated with decreased mortality, decreased duration of mechanical ventilation, less incidence of infection and improved GCS patients with severe TBI.

Abnormal lymphocyte response after pediatric thermal injury is associated with adverse outcomes

BackgroundBurns are a leading cause of morbidity in children, with infections representing the most common group of complications. Severe thermal injuries are associated with a profound inflammatory response, but the utility of laboratory values to predict infections in pediatric burn patients is poorly understood. Materials and methodsOur institutional burn database was queried for patients aged 18 y and younger with at least 10% total body surface area burns. Demographics, mechanism, laboratory results, and outcomes were extracted from the medical record. Patients were classified as having an abnormal or normal total white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, and lymphocyte percentage using the first complete blood count drawn 72 or more hours postinjury. Outcomes were compared between groups. ResultsWhite blood cell data were available for 90 patients, 84 of whom had neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages. Abnormal lymphocyte percentage 72 h or more after burn injury was associated with a significant increase in infections (67.9% versus 32.3%, P = 0.003), length of stay (33.1 versus 18.8 d, P = 0.02), intensive care unit length of stay (13.1 versus 3.7 days, P = 0.01), and ventilator days (5.8 versus 2.3, P = 0.02). It was also an independent predictor of infection (odds ratio 7.2, 95% confidence interval 2.1-24.5). ConclusionsAbnormal lymphocyte percentage at or after 72 h after burn injury is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased infectious risk.

Clinical Impact of Colonization with Multidrug-Resistant Organisms on Outcome after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

A significant increase in infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) has been observed in recent years, resulting in an increase of mortality in all fields of health care. Hematological patients are particularly affected by MDRO infections because of disease- and therapy-related immunosuppression. To determine the impact of colonization with MDRO on overall survival, we retrospectively analyzed data from patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at our institution. In total, 184 patients were identified, mainly patients with lymphomas (n = 98, 53.3%), multiple myelomas (n = 80, 43.5%), germ cell cancers (n = 5, 2.7%), or acute myeloid leukemia (n = 1, .5%). Forty patients (21.7%) tested positive for MDRO colonization. At a median follow-up time of 21.5 months, the main causes of death were infection in colonized and disease progression in noncolonized patients. Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was higher in patients who tested positive for MDRO than in the noncolonized group (25.4% versus 3%, P < .001). Interestingly, NRM in neutropenia after autologous transplantation did not differ between colonized and noncolonized patients. Colonized patients, however, had inferior overall survival after autologous transplantation in univariate (61.7% versus 73.3%, P = .005) as well as in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 2.463; 95% confidence interval, 1.311 to 4.626; P = .005). We conclude that the period after discharge from hospital after autologous transplantation seems critical and patients with MDRO colonization should be observed closely for infections in the post-transplantation period in outpatient care.

Prospective Study of Impact of Feeding Practices on the Growth, Development and Infections in HIV Exposed Infants versus HIV non-exposed Infants

Background: Appropriate feeding practices in early life are widely identified as important determinants for growth and development in children. Identifying and promoting the best feeding practice for HIV exposed infants has been a real challenge in the developing world. Aims and Objectives: To study the impact of type of feeding practices on growth, development and occurrence of infections in HIV exposed infants versus HIV non-exposed infants. Methods: A total of 105 infants were enrolled in the study and divided in two primary groups, HIV-exposed infants (50) and HIV non-exposed control infants (55). Thereafter each group was divided according to the feeding pattern as exclusive breast fed, top fed and mixed fed. All infants were followed from birth monthly till 6 months of age and at each visit they were examined for rate of infections, anthropometry developmental milestones, feeding methods were recorded. Results: There was a significant increase in infections among top fed and mixed fed babies in both control and exposed group compared to exclusive breast fed group (p <0.05). Growth was affected in top fed and mixed fed exposed infants compared to exclusive breast fed infants. Development was affected most in the mixed fed infants but difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Exclusive breast feeding is a choice of infant feeding, as it causes lesser infections and better growth and development of the child.

Body mass and weight thresholds for increased prosthetic joint infection rates after primary total joint arthroplasty

Background and purpose — Obesity increases the risk of deep infection after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Our objective was to determine whether there may be body mass index (BMI) and weight thresholds indicating a higher prosthetic joint infection rate.Patients and methods — We included all 9,061 primary hip and knee arthroplasties (mean age 70 years, 61% women) performed between March 1996 and December 2013 where the patient had received intravenous cefuroxime (1.5 g) perioperatively. The main exposures of interest were BMI (5 categories: < 24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, 35–39.9, and ≥ 40) and weight (5 categories: < 60, 60–79, 80–99, 100–119, and ≥ 120 kg). Numbers of TJAs according to BMI categories (lowest to highest) were as follows: 2,956, 3,350, 1,908, 633, and 214, respectively. The main outcome was prosthetic joint infection. The mean follow-up time was 6.5 years (0.5–18 years).Results — 111 prosthetic joint infections were observed: 68 postoperative, 16 hematogenous, and 27 of undetermined cause. Incidence rates were similar in the first 3 BMI categories (< 35), but they were twice as high with BMI 35–39.9 (adjusted HR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.3) and 4 times higher with BMI ≥ 40 (adjusted HR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8–9.7). Weight ≥ 100 kg was identified as threshold for a significant increase in infection from the early postoperative period onward (adjusted HR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.6).Interpretation — BMI ≥ 35 or weight ≥ 100 kg may serve as a cutoff for higher perioperative dosage of antibiotics.

Immune Reconstitution and Clinical Outcome after α/β T-Cell Depleted Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation from Matched Related and Unrelated Donors

Introduction: The outcome of allo-SCT in patients with hematological malignancies is still hampered by GVHD and relapse. Specific depletion of αβ T- cells is proposed to result in a decreased incidence of aGVHD, whereas the remaining innate cells such as NK cells and γδT cells may provide control of infected and transformed cells the first months post SCT. This strategy has been pioneered in haploindentical transplantation with promising results. Within this study, we extend αβT- cell depleted allo-SCT to patients with a matched related and unrelated donor. The primary aim is to develop an allogeneic SCT protocol with a low incidence of aGVHD without an increased incidence of infections or relapse to serve as a platform for post-allo interventions such as a pre-emptive DLI or transfer of genetically modified T cells.Methods: Patients with hematological malignancies (including AML, ALL, MM, NHL) who received an αβT-cell depleted allo-SCT of a HLA matched sibling (MRD) or HLA matched (9 or 10/10) unrelated donor (MUD) were analysed. αβT-cell reduction was performed by negative selection with anti-αβTCR antibodies in combination with magnetic microbeads, using the automated CliniMACS device (Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). The maximal contamination with αβT-cells was 5x105/kg. The conditioning regimen consisted of: ATG (Genzyme®) 6 mg/m2 + fludarabine 120 mg/m2 + busilvex AUC=90. Immune suppression consisted of 28 days of mycophenolic acid. A cohort of 32 patients was retrospectively analyzed for clinical parameters including immune reconstitution, engraftment, infections, GVHD, relapse, NRM and OS and compared to an historical control cohort of recipients of a T cell replete allo-SCT. In addition in a subset of patients NGS of the TCRβ chain was performed using the Illumina/MiSeq sequencing platform after isolation diverse immune subsets within the αβT-cell repertoire.Results: The combination of ATG/fludarabine/busilvex was well tolerated with hematological recovery within 3 weeks. Primary engraftment (chimerism > 95%) was observed in all patients (n=32). Immune reconstitution primarily consisted of NK cells. In addition, γδT cells were detectable at normal numbers the first half year post SCT, whereas the adaptive immune repertoire showed a delayed reconstitution. As compared to the historical control cohort, the incidence of CMV (54% vs 38%; p = 0,48) and EBV (32% vs 9%' p=0,148) infections did not show a significant increase. The incidence of aGVHD > grade II within 100 days in patients of a αβT-cell depleted allo-SCT was 0%. During this relative short time of follow-up (1-14 months) 2 patients developed a relapse (both > 6 months) and 2 patients deceased (one with mucormycosis, one with GVHD post DLI). With NGS of the TCRβ repertoire, a surprising diversity was observed in defined immune subsets ranging from clonal expansion of regulatory T cells to broad repertoires in effector memory cells.Conclusion: αβT-cell depletion in MRD/MUD results in a swift reconstitution of innate cells (NK cells and γδT-cells) the first 6 months post transplantation, followed by a subsequent reconstitution of the adaptive immune repertoire. The diversity appears to be different for diverse subsets of the αβT-cell repertoire, which remains to be confirmed in an extended pool of patients. The incidence of severe aGVHD is low, without a significant increase in infections or relapse shortly post allo-SCT. These results will be confirmed during extended follow-up and in a planned prospective multicenter study. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Does Timing of Previous Intra-Articular Steroid Injection Affect the Post-Operative Rate of Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Intra-articular steroid injections are widely used for symptomatic relief of knee osteoarthritis. This study used a national database to determine if there is an association between preoperative intra-articular knee injection at various time intervals prior to ipsilateral TKA and infection. The incidence of infection within 3 months (2.6%, OR 2.0 [1.6–2.5], P < 0.0001) and 6 months (3.41%, OR 1.5 [1.2–1.8], P < 0.0001) after TKA within 3 months of knee injection was significantly higher than our control cohort. There was no significant difference in patients who underwent TKA more than 3 months after injection. Ipsilateral knee injection within three months prior to TKA is associated with a significant increase in infection.

Diminishing surgical site infections in Australia: time trends in infection rates, pathogens and antimicrobial resistance using a comprehensive Victorian surveillance program, 2002-2013.

To evaluate time trends in surgical site infection (SSI) rates and SSI pathogens in Australia. Prospective multicenter observational cohort study. A group of 81 Australian healthcare facilities participating in the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS). All patients underwent surgeries performed between October 1, 2002, and June 30, 2013. National Healthcare Safety Network SSI surveillance methods were employed by the infection prevention staff at the participating hospitals. Procedure-specific risk-adjusted SSI rates were calculated. Pathogen-specific and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections were modeled using multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression. A total of 183,625 procedures were monitored, and 5,123 SSIs were reported. Each year of observation was associated with 11% risk reduction for superficial SSI (risk ratio [RR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.90), 9% risk reduction for deep SSI (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90-0.93), and 5% risk reduction for organ/space SSI (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.97). Overall, 3,318 microbiologically confirmed SSIs were reported. Of these SSIs, 1,174 (35.4%) were associated with orthopedic surgery, 827 (24.9%) with coronary artery bypass surgery, 490 (14.8%) with Caesarean sections, and 414 (12.5%) with colorectal procedures. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified pathogen, and a statistically significant increase in infections due to ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli was observed (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.70). Standardized SSI surveillance methods have been implemented in Victoria, Australia. Over an 11-year period, diminishing rates of SSIs have been observed, although AMR infections increased significantly. Our findings facilitate the refinement of recommended surgical antibiotic prophylaxis regimens and highlight the need for a more expansive national surveillance strategy to identify changes in epidemiology.

Retrospective study of the prevalence of Pseudoloma neurophilia shows male sex bias in zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan).

Retrospective study of the prevalence of Pseudoloma neurophilia shows male sex bias in zebrafish Danio rerio (Hamilton-Buchanan).

Intraoperative angiography does not lead to increased rates of surgical site infections

BackgroundIntraoperative angiography (IOA) is essential in evaluating residual aneurysm following clip ligation, but it does lead to an additional procedure which increases the duration of the procedure as well as...

Antifungal activity of naphthoquinoidal compounds in vitro against fluconazole-resistant strains of different Candida species: a special emphasis on mechanisms of action on Candida tropicalis.

In recent decades, the incidence of candidemia in tertiary hospitals worldwide has substantially increased. These infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality; in addition, they prolong hospital stays and raise the costs associated with treatment. Studies have reported a significant increase in infections by non-albicans Candida species, especially C. tropicalis. The number of antifungal drugs on the market is small in comparison to the number of antibacterial agents available. The limited number of treatment options, coupled with the increasing frequency of cross-resistance, makes it necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal activities of three semisynthetic naphthofuranquinone molecules against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. strains. These results allowed to us to evaluate the antifungal effects of three naphthofuranquinones on fluconazole-resistant C. tropicalis. The toxicity of these compounds was manifested as increased intracellular ROS, which resulted in membrane damage and changes in cell size/granularity, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and DNA damage (including oxidation and strand breakage). In conclusion, the tested naphthofuranquinones (compounds 1–3) exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. strains.

Incidence, Etiological Profile, and Treatment of Surgical Site Infections in Patients With Gunshot Injuries and Bomb Blast Injuries in Pakistan

Purpose: There are few reports on surgical site infections (SSI) after blast injuries. Those occurring in developing nations are a particular source of interest given the recent war in the Middle East. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence, etiological causative agents, and treatment of SSI in patients with gunshot and blast injuries. Methods: A prospective study was performed between January 2008 and December 2008. One thousand four hundred sixteen (1416) patients with gunshot injuries and bomb blast injuries were identified. Three hundred eighty-two patients (27%) were lost to follow-up. Data were collected from bacteriology reports of all surgical site samples and presentation of patients at follow-up. Results: One hundred forty-seven patients (14.2%) developed SSI. Culture reports were positive in one hundred twenty-four patients (84.4%). Only one etiological agent was isolated in 146 patients (99.3%). The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (44.3%), followed by Escherichia coli (25.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.9%). Methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) was found in 2.7%. The most prescribed antibiotic was ceftriaxone. One hundred thirty-five patients (91.8%) were cured only with the use of antibiotics. There was a statistically significant increase in infection by bomb blast injuries compared with SSI (P G0.0001), whereas no significant correlation was present between SSI and type of fracture, extremity involvement, sex, or surgical procedure. Conclusion: The incidence of surgical site infection is high in gunshot injuries and bomb blast injuries. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common etiological agent, whereas MRSA comprised a very low percentage of infections. Polymicrobial infections were rare. Initial thorough debridement and antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment. Study Level: Prospective cohort (level II)

Importance of Perioperative Glycemic Control in General Surgery

To determine the relationship of perioperative hyperglycemia and insulin administration on outcomes in elective colon/rectal and bariatric operations. There is limited evidence to characterize the impact of perioperative hyperglycemia and insulin on adverse outcomes in patients, with and without diabetes, undergoing general surgical procedures. The Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program is a Washington State quality improvement benchmarking-based initiative. We evaluated the relationship of perioperative hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dL) and insulin administration on mortality, reoperative interventions, and infections for patients undergoing elective colorectal and bariatric surgery at 47 participating hospitals between fourth quarter of 2005 and fourth quarter of 2010. Of the 11,633 patients (55.4 ± 15.3 years; 65.7% women) with a serum glucose determination on the day of surgery, postoperative day 1, or postoperative day 2, 29.1% of patients were hyperglycemic. After controlling for clinical factors, those with hyperglycemia had a significantly increased risk of infection [odds ratio (OR) 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.63-2.44], reoperative interventions (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.41-2.3), and death (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.72-4.28). Increased risk of poor outcomes was observed both for patients with and without diabetes. Those with hyperglycemia on the day of surgery who received insulin had no significant increase in infections (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.72-1.42), reoperative interventions (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.89-1.89), or deaths (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.61-2.42). A dose-effect relationship was found between the effectiveness of insulin-related glucose control (worst 180-250 mg/dL, best <130 mg/dL) and adverse outcomes. Perioperative hyperglycemia was associated with adverse outcomes in general surgery patients with and without diabetes. However, patients with hyperglycemia who received insulin were at no greater risk than those with normal blood glucoses. Perioperative glucose evaluation and insulin administration in patients with hyperglycemia are important quality targets.

CHEMICAL INDUCTION OF SYSTEMIC AQUARID RESISTANCE AND EFFECT OF THEIR APPLICATION TIME ON RICE BLAST “MAGNAPORTHE GRISEA” INFECTION TO CULTIVARS SAKHA101 AND SAKHA104.

Blast is the most destructive rice diseases in Egypt and could cause significant yield losses. The variable nature and race shifting of the pathogen often leads to resistance breakdown of high yielding varieties such as Sakha 101 and Sakha 104. Chemical control is not always effective and often has an undesirable impact on the environment and human health. Some antioxidants and organic compounds; Bion (BTH, benzo (1,2,3) thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester), at concentrations of 0.1, 0.3 and 1 mM; Salicylic acid 8 mM (SA), Benzoic acid 8 mM, Nicotinic acid 8mM, H2O2 30%, and Compost tea 100% were directly applied as foliar spray of 21-days old seedlings prior to challenge inoculation with Magnaporthe grisea to promote blast resistance in rice leaves. Under greenhouse condition, artificial inoculation was applied after four fixed periods (5, 10, 15 and 20 days after treatment (DAT)) from the application date of all antioxidants. All antioxidants and compost tea reduced the infection percentage compared with untreated check especially with the inoculation 5 DAT. Concerning infection % of rice blast, there are a remarkable significant differences among all antioxidants compared with control. All antioxidants were significantly reduced the infection percentage. Salicylic acid was the most effective antioxidant at concentration of 8 mM, it recorded 4.9, 9.7, 28 and 15.5 % with 5, 10, 15 and 20 DAT, respectively. Also, Bion (BTH) at both concentrations 0.3 and 1.0 mM exhibited a significant reduction in infection %. The rest of antioxidants exhibited significant increase in infection % especially under late induced periods from 10-20 DAT.The optimal period of induced resistance, was artificial inoculation 5 DAT which recorded the lowest infection percentage compared with the inoculation after 10 to 20 days. With both Salicylic acid and Bion, artificial inoculation 5 DAT to 15 days led to a significant reduction in disease infection percentage and severity. While the resistance was remarkably sharply decreased after 15 days from induced resistance treatment with all antioxidants. Optimal induced period of Benzoic acid, Nicotinic acid, H2O2, Compost tea and Cinnamic acid was continued from 5 to 10 days only. Treatment with salicylic acid at 8 mM recorded the lowest area under disease progress curve ( AUDPC), 409.48 compared by the control 1304.24, followed by Bion at 0.3 and 1.0. However, BTH and Salicylic acid had neither suppression nor fungicidal effect on linear growth, spore germination, sporulation and appressorium formation of Magnaporthe grisea in vitro. Concerning Peroxidase (PO) activity with both SA 4mM and BTH increased continuously in 0-25 min. intervals and markedly significant increase, although PO activities reach to be maximum at 25 min. in which was higher than that control and other treatments. SA had the highest activities in period intervals followed by BTH. Compost Tea and H2O2 showed no significant increase in PO activity with all time intervals while the other treatments showed PO activities only in 10-20 min. compared to control. Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity has gradually decreased during intervals 0 to3 min. Spraying by SA 4mM recorded the highest enzyme activity in all intervals and markedly significant increase in activity. For growth characters, all applications of antioxidants treatments led to a significant increase in leaf area, plant height, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weight of rice leaves compared to control. In general, Sakha 101 rice cultivar exhibited the highest response to applications of all antioxidant compared with other cultivar Sakha 104 that have a weak response of growth characters to antioxidants application. Abbreviations: BTH, benzo (1,2,3) thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester; JA, jasmonic acid; SA, salicylic acid; SAR, systemic acquired resistance.

Laser treatment may enhance growth and resistance to fungal infection of hard wheat seeds

The effect of Hard wheat (Triticum durum ) seeds exposer to visible light with = 632nm, 650nm and 532nm produced from He-Ne ,Diode and SHG Nd-YAG lasers respectively on germination , early growth and resistance to fungal infections had been studied under laboratory conditions. He-Ne & diode laser enhanced the germination percentage of wheat cultivars after two days a maximum of 95% & 93% after irradiation respectively for 5 minutes in respect to control, with the beginning to infection with fungus in both irradiated and non irradiated seeds, SHG Nd-YAG laser significantly enhanced the germination percentage of wheat after 3 days to reach maximum of 93% after irradiation .Seeds irradiated with SHG Nd-YAG laser ,no fungi infection was recorded ,while seeds irradiated by the two other types show highly infection especially after 3 days ,and the petri plates which added to them antifungal agent show significant increase in infection with and without irradiation. From these results, we concluded that SHG Nd-YAG laser Irradiation could be an alternative method to control seed infection by fungi of hard wheat seeds.

Gender disparities in China

Chan et al address a number of disparities in children’s health in China focusing on regional differences and certain vulnerable groups.1 However, they make no mention of a very important...

Increased incidence of infections following the late introduction of mycophenolate mofetil in renal transplant recipients

Late introduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is used in renal transplant patients to allow calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal. This change in treatment may alter the immunosuppressive load predisposing patients to infections. To assess this we have analysed infection rates in 30 consecutive patients with chronic allograft nephropathy commenced on MMF for CNI withdrawal. Methods and results. The study period was from 12 months pre-commencement to 12 months post-commencement. At commencement, patient mean age was 51.2 +/- 12.9 years and mean time post-transplant was 3170 +/- 2130 days. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the start of the study period and at conversion was 30.7 +/- 12.1 ml/min and 23.1 +/- 9.9 ml/min, respectively. The mean dose of MMF post-conversion was 1575 +/- 428 mg/day. Estimated GFR had stabilized at 12 months post-conversion to 25.3 +/- 12.2 ml/min. There was a significant increase in infections following conversion: pre-conversion, 26.7% (8/30); post-conversion, 66.6% (20/30) (chi(2) = 24.5, P < 0.0005). There was an inverse correlation between eGFR at conversion and infection rates post-conversion (r = -0.379, P = 0.039). There were no hospitalizations for infection pre-conversion and 6 patients (20%) were hospitalized post-conversion, for a total of 285 days (7-107). There is significant morbidity associated with an increased incidence of infection after late introduction of MMF at standard doses in renal transplant recipients. This risk may be related to GFR at the time of conversion.

Peroxiredoxins from Trypanosoma cruzi: Virulence factors and drug targets for treatment of Chagas disease?

Cytosolic and mitochondrial Trypanosoma cruzi tryparedoxin peroxidases belong to the family of 2-Cys peroxiredoxins. These enzymes play an essential role as antioxidants by their peroxidase and peroxynitrite reductase activities. TXNPx are key components of the trypanosomatid peroxide detoxification pathways. The aim of this work was to determine the role of TXNPx as virulence factors in the parasite, and whether these enzymes are good candidates for drug design. We observed that peroxiredoxins are not highly abundant proteins expressed at similar levels throughout the T. cruzi life cycle. In order to study the role of c-TXNPx and m-TXNPx in invasion and infectivity, parasites overexpressing TXNPx were produced, and infection experiments were carried out using phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells. Parasites overexpressing peroxiredoxins showed a significant increase in infectivity with respect to the control ones. The results presented in this work point out that the T. cruzi peroxiredoxins are important in survival, replication and differentiation of T. cruzi and could constitute virulence factors. Moreover, their expression in the infective forms of the life cycle and their low intracellular concentration make them good candidates to become targets for drug design.