Risk factors associated with intestinal pathogenic parasites in schoolchildren

Diseases caused by intestinal parasites impose a substantial burden on population of middle income countries including Pakistan. This research was aimed to assess the risk factors for intestinal parasites in school children of Malakand, Pakistan. Two hundred and eighty eight students were enrolled between February and June 2016. Out of the total enrolled 184 were agreed to collect stool specimens. A questionnaire was also used to collect the data on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the participants. All the students were guided to collect at least 10gof their own stool specimens. Each of the stool specimens was diagnosed for the presence of any stage of helminth or protozoal parasites. Formal ether concentration method and wet mount techniques were applied. One way ANOVA was used for calculation of P value when it was less than 0.05 which was considered significant. Eighty two percent of the participants were found infected with one species of parasite while 69.9% of the participants were infected with more than one species of intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasite was hook worm 33.4% (n = 99/296) followed by Taenia saginata 28.7% (n = 85/296), Ascaris lumbricoides 27.7% (n = 82/296), Hymenolepis nana 6.08% (n = 18/296), Entamoeba histolytica 3.37% (n = 10/296) and least for each Enterobius vermicularis and Fasciola hepatica 0.37% (n = 1/296). Previously used drugs, level in school, ages, weight and upper arm circumference were the most significantly (P < 0.05) related factors for the occurrence of intestinal parasite infection. Present research endorsed that risk factors play a key role in the transmission of parasitic diseases. Lack of safe water supply, using raw vegetables, animal keeping, which should be considered for sustainable strategies in the control of these infections preferably in remote parts of the world.     

神经外科术后患者呼吸机相关性肺炎危险因素分析

目的 探讨神经外科术后患者呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)的病原菌分布、耐药性及其危险因素。 方法 选取我院神经外科ICU于2015年6月至2019年1月期间收治的286例手术后行机械通气患者为研究对象,将出现VAP的患者纳入感染组,将未出现VAP的患者纳入未感染组,对感染组患者进行呼吸道分泌物分离培养鉴定,并进行药敏试验。同时收集所有患者的临床资料,对患者发生VAP的危险因素进行分析。 结果 286例患者中共有117例患者发生VAP,VAP发生率为40.9%。117例VAP患者共培养得到148株病原菌,其中革兰阴性菌共97株,占65.5%,革兰阴性菌中主要为铜绿假单胞菌、鲍曼不动杆菌、肺炎克雷伯菌;革兰阳性菌共44株,占29.7%,其中以金黄色葡萄球菌和表皮葡萄球菌为主;真菌7株,占4.7%。药敏试验提示革兰阴性菌中铜绿假单胞菌对阿米卡星最为敏感,而对左氧氟沙星和美罗培南均具有较高的耐药性;鲍曼不动杆菌主要对头孢哌酮和环丙沙星耐药性较低,对庆大霉素和哌拉西林耐药性高;肺炎克雷伯菌对常见抗菌药物耐药性整体较高,仅对阿米卡星、美罗培南、亚胺培南耐药性较低。革兰阳性菌中均未发现对替考拉宁、万古霉素耐药的菌株,其中金黄色葡萄球菌对大多数抗菌药物的耐药性均超过50%,仅对利福平耐药性低于50%;表皮葡萄球菌对青霉素和亚胺培南具有100%的耐药性,对庆大霉素和环丙沙星具有50%的耐药性,对其他抗菌药物的耐药性均较低。Logistic回归分析显示年龄≥60岁、机械通气时间较长、脱机失败再插管、联合使用抗生素、长时间使用抗生素均为神经外科手术后患者出现VAP的独立危险因素。 结论 神经外科术后机械通气患者VAP的发生率较高,且病原菌的耐药性较高,同时患者发生VAP的危险因素较多,应针对相关危险因素进行有效的干预以减少VAP的发生,提高患者的预后。     

Risk factors associated with human papillomavirus prevalence and cervical neoplasia among Cameroonian women

BackgroundThis study used community-based cervical cancer screening for high-risk human-papillomavirus (HPV) to determine demographic and lifestyle factors associated with HPV prevalence and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+).MethodsWomen (n = 838) aged 25–65 years were recruited in two sequential studies in Cameroon. Demographic and historical data were obtained from participants and specimens were self-collected for HPV-testing using real-time PCR. HPV-positive women underwent biopsy and endocervical curettage. Associations were determined using bivariate analysis and logistic regression.ResultsHPV and self-reported HIV prevalence were 39.0% and 9.2%, respectively. Eighteen (9.3%) CIN2+ lesions were found among HPV-positive women. Housewives had a higher risk of being HPV infected (OR = 1.60, p = 0.010). HIV co-infection (aOR = 3.44, p < 0.001) and hormonal contraception (aOR = 1.97, p = 0.007) were associated with increased HPV prevalence. HPV-positive women who used condoms during sexual intercourse were at lower risk of CIN2+ (aOR = 0.15, p = 0.029). CIN2–3 lesions were found in women younger than 50 years, with a median age of 36 years (31–44). HPV-16/18-positive women had a 4.65-fold increased risk of CIN2+ (p = 0.015).ConclusionsYoung, single women and housewives were at higher risk of HPV infection. Preventive strategies for cervical cancer in low-resource settings should target women aged 30–50 years for HPV screening, and should focus treatment and follow-up on HPV-16/18-positive women. Further studies are needed to clarify if other risk factors require attention.     

Risk factors associated with lambing traits

The objective of this study was to establish the risk factors associated with both lambing difficulty and lamb mortality in the Irish sheep multibreed population. A total of 135 470 lambing events from 42 675 ewes in 839 Irish crossbred and purebred flocks were available. Risk factors associated with producer-scored ewe lambing difficulty score (scale of one (no difficulty) to four (severe difficulty)) were determined using linear mixed models. Risk factors associated with the logit of the probability of lamb mortality at birth (i.e. binary trait) were determined using generalised estimating equations. For each dependent variable, a series of simple regression models were developed as well as a multiple regression model. In the simple regression models, greater lambing difficulty was associated with quadruplet bearing, younger ewes, of terminal breed origin, lambing in February; for example, first parity ewes experienced greater (P<0.001) lambing difficulty (1.56±0.02) than older ewes. The association between lambing difficulty and all factors persisted in the multiple regression model, and the trend in fixed effects level solutions did not differ from the trend observed in the simple regression models. In the simple regression analyses, a greater odds of lamb mortality was associated with male lambs (1.31 times more likely of death than females), lambs of very light (2 to 3 kg) and very heavy (>7.0 kg) birth weights, quadruplet born lambs and lambs that experienced a more difficult lambing (predicted probability of death for lambs that required severe and veterinary assistance of 0.15 and 0.32, respectively); lambs from dual-purpose breeds and born to younger ewes were also at greater risk of mortality. In the multiple regression model, the association between ewe parity, age at first lambing, year of lambing and lamb mortality no longer persisted. The trend in solutions of the levels of each fixed effect that remained associated with lamb mortality in the multiple regression model, did not differ from the trends observed in the simple regression models although the differential in relative risk between the different lambing difficulty scores was greater in the multiple regression model. Results from this study show that many common flock- and animal-level factors are associated with both lambing difficulty and lamb mortality and management of different risk category groups (e.g. scanned litter sizes, ewe age groups) can be used to appropriately manage the flock at lambing to reduce their incidence.     

In vitro antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of nerolidol are associated with changes in plasma membrane dynamics

The sesquiterpene nerolidol is a membrane-active compound that has demonstrated antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities. In this study, we used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and biophysical parameters determined via cell culture assays to study the mechanisms underlying the in vitro antileishmanial activity of nerolidol. The EPR spectra of a spin-labeled stearic acid indicated notable interactions of nerolidol with the cell membrane of Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes. The nerolidol IC₅₀ values in L. amazonensis amastigotes and promastigotes were found to depend on the cell concentration used in the assay. This dependence was described by an equation that considers various cell suspension parameters, such as the 50% inhibitory concentrations of nerolidol in the cell membrane (c_m50) and the aqueous phase (c_w50) and the membrane-water partition coefficient of nerolidol (K_M/W). Via cytotoxicity (CC₅₀) and hemolytic potential (HC₅₀) data, these parameters were also determined for nerolidol in macrophages and erythrocytes. With a c_w50 of 125 μM, macrophages were less sensitive to nerolidol than amastigotes and promastigotes, which had mean c_w50 values of 56 and 74 μM, respectively. The estimated c_m50 values of nerolidol for amastigotes and promastigotes and macrophages were between 2.6 and 3.0 M, indicating substantial accumulation of nerolidol in the cell membrane. In addition, the spin-label EPR data indicated that membrane dynamic changes occurred in L. amazonensis amastigotes at concentrations similar to the nerolidol IC₅₀ value.     

Risk factors associated with head and neck cancer in former smokers: A Brazilian multicentric study

BackgroundReduced tobacco consumption in the population has not been associated with reduced incidence rates of head and neck cancer in several countries.ObjectiveTo explore the associations between HNC and sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle of former smokers from three Brazilian cancer centers.MethodsA multicenter case-control study was conducted with 229 former smokers diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and 318 controls (former smokers without head and neck cancer). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).Results11–20 years after smoking cessation showed significant impact on HNC reduction (OR 0.22, 95% CI, 0.12–0.39), which reached 82% (95% CI, 0.09–0.35) among 20 + former smokers when compared to individuals who had stopped smoking for up to 5 years. A history of high-intensity smoking (>40 pack-years) increased HNC risk by 2.09 times (95% CI 1.13–3.89) when compared to subjects who smoked up to 20 pack-years. Past alcohol consumption (OR 1.99, 95% CI, 1.06–3.82) was also associated with head and neck cancer risk in former smokers when compared to no alcohol consumption. There was a decreased head and neck cancer risk in former smokers who had high school level of education (OR 0.38, 95% CI, 0.16–0.91) compared to illiterate former smokers; and former smokers with moderate intake of vegetables (OR 0.49, 95% CI, 0.28–0.85) and fruits (OR 0.43, 95% CI, 0.25–0.73) compared to those with low intake.ConclusionHead and neck cancer risk in former smokers decreases after 11 years after smoking cessation, former smokers with past alcohol consumption showed an increased risk of HNC. High school level of education and moderate intake of vegetables and fruits reduced HNC risk among former smokers.     

呼吸科住院患者抗生素药物相关腹泻发生现状及影响因素分析

目的 了解呼吸科住院患者抗生素药物相关腹泻发生现状并探讨相关影响因素。 方法 选取2019年1月-2019年9月我院呼吸科病房收治使用抗生素治疗的患者为研究对象,采用前瞻性队列研究,收集患者基本资料、抗生素使用情况及相关因素,以探讨抗生素药物相关腹泻的影响因素。 结果 本研究共纳入291例患者,抗生素药物相关腹泻发生率为11.3%。COX回归显示,入院时便潜血(OR=4.730,P结论 抗生素药物相关腹泻为呼吸科住院患者中常见的并发症,临床上对于便潜血阳性患者、BMI和/或血红蛋白水平较低的患者、住院前已开始使用抗生素的患者、感染较重需联合使用抗生素的患者,应在行抗生素治疗方案前做好抗生素药物相关腹泻的预防工作。     

Yearlong association of insect pollinator,Pseudapis oxybeloides with flowering plants: Planted forest vs. agricultural landscape

The yearlong association of a native bee, Pseudapis oxybeloides (Halictidae: Hymenoptera) was studied with 72 plant species in a sub-tropical planted forest and some adjacent agricultural landscapes at Multan, Pakistan. The study resulted in 66 interactions of P. oxybeloides with only 24 plant species in 15 families while other 48 plant species were not visited by this bee. The maximum abundance of P. oxybeloides (7–9 individuals) was recorded on Achyranthes aspera and Launaea procumbens followed by Ageratum conyzoides, Trianthema portulacastrum and Cleome viscosa (5–6 individuals). Majority (19) of plant species were visited by only 1–4 individuals. The bee activity was started in the month of March which attained its peak in May followed by a gradual decline until September. No bees were observed during the months of January and February. There was a significant positive relationship between bee abundance and number of flowering plant species. Bee abundance had a strong positive relationship with temperature while it had a strong negative relationship with relative humidity (%). Floral abundance increased with the number of flowering plant species while it was not influenced by floral span of plant species. Besides giving the floral host plants of P. oxybeloides, the current study also gives a better understanding of its seasonality along with its relationships with different biotic and abiotic factors under local conditions. These findings can help in maintaining and managing P. oxybeloides population particularly and other native bees in general at local scale.     

抗生素相关性腹泻患儿肠道菌群变化与血清细胞因子的关系

目的 研究抗生素相关性腹泻(AAD)患儿肠道菌群变化与血清细胞因子的相关性及其临床意义。 方法 选择2018年5月至2019年5月在我院儿科住院且使用过抗生素治疗的儿童,根据是否发生AAD分为AAD组和非AAD组。另取同期进行体检的健康儿童作为对照组。检测各组对象粪便中双歧杆菌、乳杆菌、肠球菌和肠杆菌的数量,血清中肿瘤坏死因子\|α(TNF\|α)、白介素\|6(IL\|6)的含量,并采用Logistics回归分析AAD的相关因素。 结果 AAD组儿童粪便中双歧杆菌、乳杆菌的数量低于非AAD组及对照组,而粪便中肠球菌、肠杆菌的数量及血清中TNF\|α、IL\|6的水平高于非AAD组及对照组(均P结论 肠道菌群紊乱与AAD的发病有关并且能够增加患者炎症因子的释放,其中益生菌的减少是AAD发生的主要独立危险因素。     

Discovery of Rhizopogon associated with Larix from northeastern Siberia: Insights into host shift of ectomycorrhizal fungi

Rhizopogon (Boletales) is an ectomycorrhizal fungal genus that exhibits a strong specificity to Pinaceae. This strict association occurs almost exclusively with Pinus and Pseudotsuga, while associations with other genera in Pinaceae are inconclusive. Here, we describe Rhizopogon laricinus sp. nov. associated with Larix cajanderi distributed in northeastern Siberia, where forest fires are frequent. We confirmed the host identity by comparing rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences obtained from basidiomata and ectomycorrhizal root tips collected at the same sites. Morphological characteristics and molecular identification revealed that R. laricinus is a new species associated with Larix unequivocally. The molecular phylogeny based on ITS sequences placed this species sister to the subgenus Roseoli, which is specific to Pinus, and not to the Pseudotsuga-specific subgenus Villosuli. Thus, R. laricinus evolution does not correspond to host phylogeny as Larix and Pseudotsuga form a monophyletic clade. Instead, ecological traits of Rhizopogon for adapting to disturbed habitats may have driven the host shift to Larix under high-frequency fire ecosystems.     

急性肾盂肾炎合并尿路感染危险因素与致病微生物特点的临床分析

目的 探讨急性肾盂肾炎合并尿路感染危险因素与致病微生物的特点。方法 选择2017年4月—2018年4月在本院肾内科就诊的急性肾盂肾炎合并尿路感染患者59例,无菌操作收集患者中段尿,导管收集患者膀胱尿。2 h内送检,采用定量接种的方法,将一定量混匀未离心尿液用接种环接种于血平板或麦康凯平板进行细菌培养。相关性分析采用Pearson相关性检验。结果 糖尿病、肺部感染、尿路结石、脑血管疾病和肿瘤是常见的急性肾盂肾炎（APN）合并尿路感染的危险因素。男性中段尿检出率较高的菌种有大肠埃希菌（E. coli）、金黄色葡萄球菌（S. aureus）等;膀胱尿中检出率较高的菌种有大肠埃希菌（E. coli）、肺炎克雷伯菌（K. pneumoniae）。女性中段尿和膀胱尿中检出率较高的菌种均是大肠埃希菌（E. coli）和金黄色葡萄球菌（S. aureus）。女性总住院时间≥4 d的患者比例明显高于男性。APN患者中合并糖尿病与大肠埃希菌（E. coli）和粪肠球菌（E. faecalis）存在正相关,尿路结石与大肠埃希菌（E. coli）、肺炎克雷伯菌（K. pneumoniae）、屎肠球菌（E. faecium）存在正相关。结论 患者尿液中大肠埃希菌（E. coli）最常见,女性APN患者更容易并发尿路感染,住院时间长于男性患者。合并糖尿病的患者更容易患有大肠埃希菌（E. coli）和粪肠球菌（E. faecalis）感染,合并尿路结石的患者更倾向于大肠埃希菌（E. coli）、肺炎克雷伯菌（K. pneumoniae）、屎肠球菌（E. faecium）感染。     

First microsatellite markers developed and applied for the genetic diversity study and population structure of Didymella pisi associated with ascochyta blight of dry pea in Montana

Didymella pisi is the predominant causal pathogen of ascochyta blight of dry pea causing yield losses in Montana, where 415 000 acres were planted to dry pea in 2018. Thirty-three microsatellite markers were developed for dry pea pathogenic fungus, Didymella pisi, these markers were used to analyze genetic diversity and population structure of 205 isolates from four different geographical regions of Montana. These loci produced a total of 216 alleles with an average of 1.63 alleles per microsatellite marker. The polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.020 to 0.990 with an average of 0.323. The average observed heterozygosity across all loci varied from 0.000 to 0.018. The gene diversity among the loci ranged from 0.003 to 0.461. Unweighted Neighbor-joining and population structure analysis grouped these 205 isolates into two major sub-groups. The clusters did not match the geographic origin of the isolates. Analysis of molecular variance showed 85 % of the total variation within populations and only 15 % among populations. There was moderate genetic variation in the total populations (PhiPT = 0.153). Information obtained from this study could be useful as a base to design strategies for improved management such as breeding for resistance to ascochyta blight of dry pea in Montana.     

Prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, perinatal calf mortality in pasture-based Holstein-Friesian cows

Recent publications indicate that the prevalence of perinatal mortality has increased in some dairy industries and an increased proportion of this loss is not associated with the traditional risk factors for perinatal mortality. The objectives of this study were to establish the prevalence of perinatal mortality (calf death within 24 h of calving) in Irish dairy herds and to determine the current significance of putative risk factors in pasture-based management systems. A total of 182 026 records of full-term calvings from Holstein-Friesian dams served by artificial insemination (AI) sires of seven breeds in herds of 20 calvings or more per year were available from the Irish national breeding database over 4 years (2002 to 2005). The prevalence of perinatal mortality was 4.29% (7.7% in primiparae and 3.5% in pluriparae). The likelihood of perinatal mortality increased between 2002 and 2005 and was greatest in June and in winter. There was an interaction (P < 0.001) between the effect of calving assistance and parity with the effect of dystocia on perinatal mortality being greater in primiparae. The odds of perinatal mortality were greater in male (OR = 1.12; P < 0.001) and in twin calves (OR = 5.70-13.36; P < 0.001) and in dams that had perinatal mortality at the previous calving (OR = 4.21; P < 0.001). The logit of the probability of perinatal mortality increased by 0.099 per unit increase in sire predicted transmitting ability (PTA) for direct perinatal mortality. The probability of perinatal mortality increased at an increasing rate in primiparae as animals calved at a younger age relative to the median age at first calving. The only herd-level factor examined, herd size did not affect the odds of perinatal mortality. These data indicate that the prevalence of perinatal mortality in this cattle population is similar to that in other pasture-based dairy systems worldwide. The putative exposures and attributes traditionally associated with perinatal mortality were associated with perinatal mortality in this pasture-based dairy cow population. The practical implication of these results is that as many of the significant risk factors are largely not under management control (year of calving, month of calving, twin calving, primiparity, previous perinatal mortality and foetal gender), herd owners must focus on the significant determinants under their control (age at first calving, sire genetic merit for direct perinatal mortality and both the extent of calving supervision and the degree of assistance), in order to reduce the prevalence of perinatal mortality and improve perinatal welfare.     

Factors affecting mushroom Pleurotus spp.

Pleurotus genus is one of most extensively studied white-rot fungi due to its exceptional ligninolytic properties. It is an edible mushroom and it also has several biological effects, as it contains important bioactive molecules. In basidiomycete fungi, lignocellulolytic enzymes are affected by many typical fermentation factors, such as medium composition, ratio of carbon to nitrogen, pH, temperature, air composition, etc. The survival and multiplication of mushrooms is related to a number of factors, which may act separately or have interactive effects among them. Out that understanding challenges in handling Pleurotus species mushroom requires a fundamental understanding of their physical, chemical, biological and enzymatic properties. This review presents a practical checklist of available intrinsic and extrinsic factors, providing useful synthetic information that may help different users. An in-depth understanding of the technical features is needed for an appropriate and efficient production of Pleurotus spp.     

Ant fauna associated with Microgramma squamulosa (Kaulf.) de la Sota (Polypodiaceae) fern galls

Galls are neoformed plant structures created by cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy induced by a number of organisms, especially insects. After adult insects hatch, senescent galls may remain on the host plant and be occupied by a succession of fauna, the most important and dominant being ants. This study aimed at characterizing the ant fauna successor of stem galls induced by microlepidoptera in Microgramma squamulosa (Kaulf.) de la Sota (Polypodiaceae). Four collections were carried out in the municipality of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The galls were packed in plastic bags and taken to the laboratory. Ants were euthanized and conserved in 70° GL alcohol and later identified. A total of 49 stem galls were collected and analyzed, 15 containing microlepidoptera galler larvae, one a parasitoid wasp and 33 without the microlepidoptera or parasitoid (67%). Twelve of these galls (39%) contained ants. Six ant species were recorded (Camponotus crassus, Crematogaster curvispinosa, Crematogaster sericea, Procryptocerus sampaioi, Tapinoma atriceps, and Wasmannia auropunctata), all native to Brazil. Ant occupation in M. squamulosa seems to be associated with senescent galls due to hatching of the galler insect, which leaves a hole that allows ants to colonize it, in other words, an opportunistic domatia. Senescent galls resulting from the death of galler insects do not seem to facilitate ant occupation.     

恶性肿瘤患者院内细菌感染临床高危因素调查分析

目的探讨恶性肿瘤患者院内细菌感染的危险因素。方法收集2009年1月至2011年12月大连医科大学附属二院肿瘤内科恶性肿瘤院内细菌感染的98例患者的临床资料,对感染相关高危因素采用单因素及Logistic多因素回归分析。结果单因素分析显示性别、感染部位、留置导尿、WBC下降程度及PS评分与G＋/G-菌感染种类有关（P〈0.05）,但进一步进行多因素分析后显示只有性别和留置导尿对细菌感染种类有影响（OR值分别为0.257、7.726）;细菌种类、性别、深静脉置管及化疗疗程数是血液感染发生的危险因素（OR值分别为8.634、8.000、2.012、0.025）。结论女性较男性更易发生G＋菌感染,而留置导尿则以发生G-菌感染为主;G-菌感染、女性、深静脉置管及多疗程化疗者易发生血液感染。应针对各种危险因素采取有效的预防措施,减少恶性肿瘤患者院内细菌感染的发生。     

Host factors associated with serologic inflammatory markers assessed using multiplex assays

Chronic systemic inflammation contributes to the development of adverse health conditions, yet the influence of fixed and modifiable risk factors on many serologic biomarkers of inflammation remains largely unknown. Serum concentrations of twenty-three biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines (CXCL11, CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL13, CCL4, CCL17, CXCL13, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, GM-CSF, BAFF), and soluble immune receptors (sCD14, sIL-2Rα, sCD27, sgp130, sTNF-R2) were measured longitudinally using multiplexed immunometric assays in 250 HIV-uninfected men followed in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (1984–2009). Generalized gamma regression was used to determine the statistical significance of factors associated with each biomarker. After accounting for age, race, and education, and for analysis of multiple biomarkers, higher concentrations of specific individual biomarkers were significantly (P < 0.002) associated with hypertension, obesity, hepatitis C infection, stimulant use, and diabetes and lower concentrations with hypercholesterolemia. These associations should be taken into account in epidemiological studies of these biomarkers, and may provide potential targets for disease prevention and treatment.