Introduction/Objective. The increasing resistance to macrolides and lincosamides among staphylococci and streptococci is becoming a global problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the ...prevalence of macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS) resistance phenotypes in staphylococcal and streptococcal isolates in southeast Serbia. Methods. The MLS phenotypes were determined by the double-disk diffusion method in 2,121 inpatient and outpatient staphylococcal and streptococcal isolates collected during a one-year period at the Center for Microbiology. Results. The methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolates were significantly more resistant to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin (100%, 100%, 29.2%, 65.6%, and 53.1%, respectively) than the methicillin-sensitive ones (93.6%, 64.9%, 12%, 28.9%, and 11.7%, respectively). The inducible clindamycin resistance phenotype was dominant in S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates. S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, and S. agalactiae isolates showed very high resistance to erythromycin (77.8%, 46.2%, and 32.4%, respectively). All staphylococci and streptococci isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid, and all beta-hemolytic streptococci isolates to penicillin and ceftriaxone. Conclusion. The phenotypic triage of staphylococci is necessary in order to separate inducible resistant and truly clindamycin-sensitive isolates. Macrolides should not be recommended for empirical therapy of streptococcal infections. Penicillins remain the drug of choice for treatment of streptococcal infections in our local area.
Considering the impact of SMAD7 deregulation in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and the significance of single nucleotide variant (SNV)-mediated disruptions of microRNA (miRNA)-dependent ...regulation for cancer susceptibility, our study aimed to analyze genetic variation in the SMAD7 3' untranslated region ( 3'UTR) in CRC, measure differences in allelic mRNA expression, and evaluate its interference with miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation.
This study included 80 patients with different CRC stages and six human colon cancer cell lines of various histological origins. SMAD7 3'UTR was analyzed by direct sequencing, followed by the relative quantification of differential allelic expression of detected variants by allele-specific qRT-PCR. In silico tools were employed for predictions of regulatory consequences of detected variants.
A total of four different SNVs in one cell line and nine patients were found, among which were a novel somatic point variant and three already known germline variants (rs16950113, rs1050799536, and rs1043778717). All evaluated SNVs exhibited variable extents of allelic imbalance in expression. In silico analysis predicted significant effects of SNVs on miRNA binding efficiency, with each SNV disrupting existing and creating new target sites for one or more miRNAs.
Imbalance observed in the expression of SNV alleles altering miRNA binding suggests that all investigated SNVs are potential contributing factors impacting SMAD7 expression regulation in CRC that further studies should investigate.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the interradicular septum bone morphometric characteristics using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, as well as to establish quantitative shortcuts to ...allow clinicians to make a faster and more reliable plan for immediate implant placement in the maxillary molars area. This retrospective quantitative study was conducted on CBCT images obtained from 100 patients. The morphometric analysis of the maxillary molars region was based on the parameters obtained on the sagittal and axial slices. The analysis performed on sagittal slices showed that the first maxillary molars had a wider interradicular septum when compared to the second molars, but the septum height in the first molars was significantly below the height in the second maxillary molars. The axial CBCT slices analysis showed that both interradicular septum perimeter and surface area were significantly more pronounced in the first than in the second maxillary molars. The interradicular furcation angle significantly correlated with the surface area (positively) and septum height (negatively) for both molars. The results of this study may recommend CBCT image analysis as a useful tool in predefining the circumstances that can allow for substantially better planning of immediate implant placement procedures in the region of maxillary molars.
Purpose: There are limited data on expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The study aim was to evaluate the expression and ...prognostic significance of E-cadherin (CDH1), fibronectin (FN1) and vimentin (VIM) in patients with CRLM after curative-intent liver resection. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with CRLM managed by curative-intent liver resection were included in this prospective pilot study. Blood samples, colorectal liver metastases and surrounding non-tumor liver tissue were collected. Expression of CDH1, FN1 and VIM was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression in CRLM and non-tumor liver tissue was compared, while expression in serum was correlated with CRLM expression. One-year recurrence-free survival was compared between patients with low and high CDH1, FN1 and VIM expression. Results: The expression of CDH1 was similar in CRLM and non-tumor liver tissues, while FN1 and VIM expression was significantly lower in metastatic tissue (P=0.003 and pP<0.001, respectively). Serum expression of CDH1 and VIM was detected in 66.1% and 93.3% of patients, respectively, while FN1 was not detected in any of the patients. The correlation of CDH1 and VIM expression between CRLM and serum was not statistically significant. Decreased CDH1 expression in CRLM and decreased VIM expression in serum were associated with early recurrence after surgical treatment of CRLM. Conclusion: Lower expression of CDH1 in CRLM and lower serum expression of VIM were found to be associated with early recurrence after liver resection for CRLM. Keywords: epithelial-mesenchymal transition, CDH1, VIM, FN1, colorectal liver metastasis, colorectal cancer
Sandwich-like composites based on clays and textiles are extensively applied in various fields, including civil engineering and environmental protection. In this paper, the synthesis of a new type of ...composite with embedded bentonite particles within a non-woven polyester matrix is presented. The synthesized composite has improved mechanical properties compared to the corresponding non-woven matrix. Although more than two-times thinner, the synthesized composite showed mechanical properties similar to those of a commercial composite chosen for comparison. Sorption test results confirmed that the contribution of the textile component to the sorption of aqueous Cu(II) ions by the composite was negligible. The sorption of aqueous Cu(II) ions on the synthesized composite was best-fitted using the Langmuir model. The presented study confirmed that the loss of bentonite particles from the composite can be eliminated using the suggested synthesis method.
The myocardial reperfusion following ischemia leads to the ischemic vasodilation by affecting the release of various vasoactive substances, such as free radicals, NO, and histamine. In addition, some ...evidences suggest that glucagon itself may alter the release of those substances. In this study, we investigated the ischemic vasodilation of the isolated rat heart, as well as the concentrations of NO, TBARS, and histamine in the coronary venous effluent either in the presence or in the absence of glucagon. Our results showed that in the presence of glucagon, there was a faster restoration of coronary perfusion pressure during ischemic vasodilation compared to the absence of glucagon (124±5.6 versus 81±5.2 s) with no apparent changes in TBARS concentration. The glucagon's administration leads to the decreased release of histamine by approximately 35%. Biphasic release of NO in the presence of glucagon initially showed augmentation by 60%, followed by the significant attenuation of 45%.
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Its incidence is still increasing, particularly in developing countries. Recent progresses further strengthen the differences between low/middle and ...high-income countries. This situation calls for joint action to reduce inequities in cancer outcomes among the patients. The Association of Radiotherapy and Oncology of the Mediterranean Area (AROME) and the European School of Oncology (ESO), have initiated joint conferences devoted to access to innovations in oncology in the Mediterranean area. The heterogeneity of the economic, political and cultural situations of the different participating countries, offers the opportunity to develop consensus conference.
Cancer prevention and treatment strategies were discussed according to existing international guidelines. The Scientific committee prepared 111 questions with an objective to prioritize the access to treatments and innovations in low/middle-income Mediterranean countries. The results from the votes of 65 oncology experts, coming from 16 countries and 33 institutions have been analysed and access priorities classified accordingly.
Ninety six percent of the proposed general recommendations concerning national health care strategies, oncology education, and treatment organization were considered to be high priorities. Regarding access to systemic treatments, 41% of the drugs without validated predictive markers and 53% of those with validated predictive markers were considered to be 1st level priority. Only 4 biological tests were considered to be 1st level priority to access to innovation.
AROME-ESO consensus offers to cancer specialists from developing countries a basis for discussion with health authorities and payers on the prioritization of access to innovations in cancer care.
The dynamics and kinetics of thyroid hormone transport in the isolated rat heart were examined using the modified unidirectional paired tracer dilution method. The uptake of 125I-thyroxine (125I-T4) ...and 125I-triiodothyronine (125I-T3) from the extracellular space into heart cells was measured relative to the extracellular space marker 3H-mannitol. The thyroid hormone maximal uptake was 54.4 % for 125I-T4 and 52.15 % for 125I-T3. The thyroid hormone net uptake was 25.69 % for 125I-T4 and 25.49 % for 125I-T3. Backflux from the intracellular space was 53.17 % for 125I-T4 and 61.59 % for 125I-T3. In the presence of unlabelled thyroid hormones, 125I-T4 and 125I-T3 maximal uptakes were reduced from 10.1 to 59.74 % and from 34.6 to 65.3 %, respectively, depending on the concentration of the unlabelled hormone, suggesting a saturable mechanism of the thyroid hormone uptake by the heart cells, with Km(T4)= 105.46 µM and the maximal rate of 125I-thyroid hormone flux from the extracellular space to heart cells (Vmax(T4)) = 177.84 nM min-1 for 125I-T4 uptake, and Km(T3) = 80.0 µM and Vmax(T3) = 118.5 nM min-1 for 125I-T3 uptake. Experimental Physiology (2001) 86.1, 13-18.
Studies were undertaken for a mathematical analysis of reactive hyperaemia in the isolated rat heart with and without electrical pacing and the introduction of a new parameter i.e., rate of reactive ...hyperaemia, to evaluate reactive hyperaemia. Rate of reactive hyperaemia is represented as a change of coronary perfusion pressure in function with duration of reactive hyperaemia (delta P/DRH). The experiments were performed on the isolated rat heart using constant flow Langendorff's technique. Reactive hyperaemia was induced by interruption of coronary inflow for 30, 60, 120 sec. The electrical pacing produced two-phasic changes in the coronary perfusion pressure (CPP). Restoration of CPP (a long lasting gradual increase of coronary perfusion pressure after the period of ischaemia) correlated well with time following the logistic function. Correlation coefficient was 0.9485 (P < 0.05) with electrical pacing and 0.9892 (P < 0.05) for CPP restoration without electrical pacing. Duration of reactive hyperaemia was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter with electrical pacing than without it. However, the rate of reactive hyperaemia was not significantly different with or without electrical pacing. Fitting of the experimental results as well as the rate of reactive hyperaemia suggest the same mechanism of CPP restoration during the reactive hyperaemia with or without pacing. However, the extent of the phenomenon is significantly affected by pacing.
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