Hypervirulent
(hvKp) can cause infections in clinically healthy people, such as young and immunocompetent patients. Genes involved in the capsule synthesis or those encoding the siderophores have ...been adopted as predictors of hvKp. Certain sequence types, such as ST23 and ST86, have been associated with hvKp strains, too. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of hvKp among 354
strains isolated from clinical samples of patients admitted to an Italian 900-bed hospital between 21 May 2021 and April 2022. All the isolates were screened by PCR for the amplification of virulence loci. Whole genome sequencing was performed in strains tested positive for at least one target gene. Thirteen out of 354 (3.7%) were hvKp. Five were wild type and belonged to the hypervirulent clones ST23, ST86, ST5, and ST375 and to the new clone ST6310. Six strains carried the
gene: three belonged to ST101, two to ST512, and one to ST395. Two isolates were ST147 and carried the
gene. Although hvKp isolation is not frequent, their presence should be systematically investigated to avoid the spreading of both virulent strains and strains with combined increase in virulence and resistance to antibiotics. PCR-based protocols are essential for surveillance of these strains, which do not always show a recognizable phenotype. Moreover, hvKp strains were isolated also from patients without history of recent foreign travels, indicating an increased spreading of these strains as well as an underestimated of their circulation so far.IMPORTANCE
is a healthcare-associated pathogen frequently resistant to antibiotics. Hypervirulent strains of pneumoniae (hvKp) can spread from the primary site of infection to multiple sites causing life-threatening infections also in young otherwise healthy individuals. This study described the isolation of 13 isolates of
with increased virulence in a large tertiary hospital over a 1-year period. Among them, eight strains were multidrug resistant and hypervirulent. Although these hypervirulent strains are still rare in Italy, their presence is particularly concerning since they can cause difficult-to-treat life-threatening infections. Moreover, not all the hypervirulent isolates were positive by the string test, so hvKp isolates were not always phenotypically detectable. Molecular biology techniques such as PCR amplification and next generation sequencing are therefore necessary for the detection of hvKp isolates, and surveillance programs exploiting molecular techniques are highly desirable.
Background: Subacute proximal pole scaphoid fractures (1 month to 6 months) have a higher risk of non-union. The aim of the present retrospective analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of gelled ...platelet-rich plasma (GPRP) as additional treatment to antegrade headless screw fixation of proximal pole scaphoid fractures.
Methods: Forty-one patients were divided into two groups based on surgical treatment received: screw fixation alone (group A) and screw fixation and GPRP application at the fracture site (group B). A short cast was maintained for 4 weeks after surgery. Outcome measures included time to union, need for additional procedures, time to return to work, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire, Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) and Mayo wrist score (MWS).Time to union was determined by monthly radiographs and confirmed by a computerized tomographic (CT) scan done at 4 months.
Results: Union was achieved in 85.7% of patients in group A and in 100% of patients in group B. Patients in group B showed a faster time to healing (2.3 ± 0.4 months vs 3.1 ± 0.7 months, p = 0.0001) and earlier return to work (10.4 ± 2.2 vs 15.1 ± 2.9, p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in patient-rated outcomes scores between the two groups at final follow-up.
Conclusions: Internal fixation alone is effective in treating subacute proximal pole scaphoid fractures. GPRP application improves bone healing and functional recovery.
Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
As routine identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci is problematic, the performance of automated ribotyping was evaluated for identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci other than ...Staphylococcus epidermidis. In total, 177 isolates were tested, comprising 149 isolates from blood samples, 15 isolates that were not identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-PCR in a previous study, and 13 reference strains. The identification results were compared with those obtained by the API 20 Staph system, with standard phenotypic and molecular methods as reference. Most (n = 166; 93.8%) isolates were identified correctly by automated ribotyping. For 61 isolates, API 20 Staph and ribotyping were in agreement, but for 105 isolates, ribotyping provided correct identification and API 20 Staph did not. Four isolates not identified by automated ribotyping were recognised correctly by API 20 Staph. The remaining seven isolates could not be identified by either of the two methods. Automated ribotyping was able to distinguish Staphylococcus capitis reliably from Staphylococcus caprae. The results demonstrate the value of automated ribotyping for identification of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates from human sources and may help to clarify the clinical relevance of CoNS species. In addition, automated ribotyping was able to detect polymorphisms that may be useful for epidemiological purposes within S. capitis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus simulans, S. caprae, Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Staphylococcus schleiferi, Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus pasteuri and Staphylococcus xylosus.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Traumatic pelvic ring fractures include several comorbidities due to the close anatomical relationship between the skeletal system, pelvic organs, and neurovascular structures. In this retrospective ...multicenter study, we evaluated patients complaining of sexual dysfunction following pelvic ring fractures, assessed through different neuro-physiological examinations.
Patients were enrolled one year after the injury according to their reported ASEX scores and evaluated on the basis of the Tile's type of pelvic fracture. Lower limb and sacral somatosensory evoked potentials, pelvic floor electromyography, bulbocavernosus reflex and pelvic floor motor evoked potentials were recorded, according to the neurophysiological indications.
A total of 14 male patients (mean age 50.4; 8 subjects Tile-type B and 6 Tile-type C) were enrolled. The ages between the Tile B group and the Tile C group of patients were not significantly different (p=0.187), while the ASEX scores were significantly different (p=0.014). In 57% of patients (n=8), no alterations in nerve conduction and/or pelvic floor neuromuscular responses were found. In 6 patients, electromyographic signs of denervation were revealed (2 patients), and alterations of the sacral efferent nerve component were detected in 4 patients.
Sexual dysfunctions after a traumatic pelvic ring fracture are more common in Tile-type B. Our preliminary data did not reveal a significant association with neurogenic aetiology. Other causes could explain the complaining impairments.
The association between coeliac disease (CD) and neoplasms has been long established, but few data are available about the risk factors. The aim of this paper is to estimate the risk of developing a ...neoplasm among non diagnosed coeliac patients and to evaluate if this risk correlates with the age of patients at diagnosis of coeliac disease.
The study population consists of patients (n = 1968) diagnosed with CD at 20 Italian gastroenterology referral Centers between 1st January 1982 and 31st March 2005.
The SIR for all cancers resulted to be 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0-1.7 p < 0.001. The specific SIRs for non Hodgkin lymphoma was 4.7; 95% CI = 2.9-7.3 p < 0.001, for the small bowel carcinoma 25; 95% CI = 8.5-51.4 p < 0.001, for non Hodgkin lymphoma 10; 95% CI = 2.7-25 p = 0.01, finally for the stomach carcinoma 3; 95% CI = 1.3-4.9 p < 0.08. The mean age at diagnosis of CD of patients that developed sooner or later a neoplasm was 47,6 +/- 10.2 years versus 28.6 +/- 18.2 years of patients who did not.
Coeliac patients have an increased risk of developing cancer in relation to the age of diagnosis of CD. This risk results higher for malignancies of the gastro-intestinal sites. An accurate screening for tumors should be performed in patients diagnosed with CD in adulthood and in advancing age.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Ledderhose disease (LD) is a rare plantar fibromatosis of the foot, frequently associated with Dupuytren disease. Collagenase of Clostridium hystoliticum has recently revolutionized the way to treat ...Dupuytren disease. Nevertheless, the literature is still critically lacking about the use of collagenase injection in LD. We report a case of a man with bilateral symptomatic LD treated with collagenase. Injections (0.58 mg of collagenase of C. hystoliticum) were performed into nodules. Forced extension after injection was not performed. The patient could walk normally immediately after procedure. The procedure was a complete success without side effects or complications on either foot. Currently, at 14 months after treatment of the right foot and 12 months after treatment of the left foot, no recurrence has been observed. Collagenase injection was only effective in treating symptomatic LD in this one patient we reported on.
Summary
Background : Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of thrombotic complications; moreover, mesenteric microvascular thrombosis has been hypothesized as a contributing ...factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
Aim : To assess the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis in inflammatory bowel disease by measuring the intima–media thickness of the common carotid artery.
Methods : Fifty‐two patients were enrolled in the study. Patients aged >45 years, with a history of cardiovascular disease and known risk factors for atherosclerosis were excluded from the study. Twenty healthy subjects were studied as controls. Carotid ultrasonography was performed in all patients and controls. intima–media thickness was measured proximal to the carotid bifurcation over both right and left common carotid arteries. The clinical characteristics and the laboratory parameters relevant to disease activity were recorded for all inflammatory bowel disease patients. In particular, plasma homocysteine, a well‐known risk factor for thrombosis, was assessed.
Results : Common carotid artery intima–media thickness was significantly higher in inflammatory bowel disease patients (0.63 ± 0.15 mm) compared with controls (0.53 ± 0.08 mm). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association of carotid intima–media thickness with homocysteine levels and age.
Conclusions : Inflammatory bowel disease patients have an increased risk of early atherosclerosis than healthy controls as showed by greater values of carotid intima–media thickness. Homocysteine levels and age resulted independently associated with the increased arterial wall thickness.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Study Objective To assess the safety of mechanical ventilation and effectiveness of extrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (PEEPe ) in improving peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 ...) during direct microlaryngeal laser surgery; to assess the incidence, amount, and nature (dynamic hyperinflation or airflow obstruction) of ensuing intrinsic PEEP (PEEPi ); and to find a surrogate PEEPi indicator. Design Quasiexperimental. Setting S. Raffaele Hospital (Milano), November 2009 to December 2010. Patients Fifty-two adults scheduled for direct microlaryngeal laser surgery. Exclusion criterion is pregnancy. Interventions Twenty-one percent O2 mechanical ventilation through 4.5- to 5.5-mm internal diameter endotracheal tubes; in 29 patients, after measurement of PEEPi , an identical amount of PEEPe was added; and PEEPi. Measurements SpO2 , peak (Pawpeak ) and plateau (Pawplateau ) airway pressure, and end-expiratory carbon dioxide were measured every 5 minutes. Respiratory compliance (Crs ) was computed. PEEPi was measured (end-expiratory occlusion method). Main Results PEEPi ≥ 5 cm H2 O occurred in 14 patients (27%) after intubation, in 16 (30%) at the beginning, and in 14 (27.3%) at the end of surgery. Thirty-one patients (59.4%) exhibited PEEPi ≥ 5 cm H2 O on at least 1 time point. PEEPi at the beginning of surgery was positively correlated with Pawplateau , Crs , tidal volume, and body mass index. Body mass index was the only predictor for the occurrence of PEEPi ≥ 5 cm H2 O. At the beginning of surgery, the Pawplateau receiver operating characteristic curve predicting PEEPi ≥ 5 cm H2 O had area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85; best cutoff value of 15.5 cm H2 O (sensitivity, 88.9%; specificity, 75%; correctly classified cases, 86.1%). When PEEPe was applied, in 23 cases (82.1%), total PEEP equaled PEEPe + PEEPi ; in 3 (10.7%), it was lower; and in 2 (7.1%), it was higher. Application of PEEPe increased SpO2 ( P < .05) and Crs ( P < .05). Conclusions During ventilation through small endotracheal tubes, PEEPi (mostly due to dynamic hyperinflation) is common. Hemodynamic complications, barotrauma, and O2 desaturation (reversible with PEEPe ) are rare. Pawplateau provided by ventilators is useful in suspecting and monitoring the occurrence of PEEPi and allows detection of lung overdistension as PEEPe is applied.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires patient immobility and children generally need to be sedated. The ideal sedative agent for functional MRI (fMRI) should only minimally hamper the ...neurophysiologic effect of the administered sensorial stimulation. This study compares the effect of propofol and midazolam on the fMRI auditory activation pattern in children. Fourteen children in the 3 to 7 year age group without neurologic or auditory deficits were randomly assigned to receive propofol or midazolam for sedation during auditory fMRI. Two patients in the midazolam group were excluded due to positive baseline MRIs. The children were stimulated using a passive listening task. The fMRI signal was modeled using various functions (hemodynamic response function, temporal derivative, and dispersion derivative) to check for the differing temporal characteristics of the signal between the groups. Patients in the propofol group showed activation only in the primary auditory cortex and exhibited a pattern more similar to that of nonsedated adults. Patients in the midazolam group exhibited a more complex pattern, presenting activation areas other than the primary auditory cortex; a delay in the functional response and higher duration variability were also observed. Our sample sizes are too small to derive a conclusive inference. Our preliminary study encourages the hypothesis that propofol is preferable to midazolam to maintain sedation in 3 to 7-year-old children during auditory fMRI because it facilitates the elicitation of a more focused auditory cortical activation pattern with less temporal and spatial dispersion.
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