Retraction for Ramos et al., The second RNA chaperone, Hfq2, is also required for survival under stress and full virulence of Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315.

PubMed

2014-11-01

Volume 193, no. 7, p.1515–1526, 2011. Problems related to images published in this paper have been brought to our attention. Figure 8 contains duplicated images as well as images previously published in articles in Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, i.e., the following: S. A. Sousa, C. G. Ramos, L. M. Moreira, and J. H. Leitão, Microbiology 156:896–908, 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.035139-0. C. G. Ramos, S. A. Sousa, A. M. Grilo, L. Eberl, and J. H. Leitão, Microb. Pathog. 48:168–177, 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016 /j.micpath.2010.02.006. Therefore, we retract the paper.Wedeeply regret this situation and apologize for any inconvenience to the editors and readers of Journal of Bacteriology, Microbial Pathogenesis, and Microbiology.

A large outbreak of hepatitis E among a displaced population in Darfur, Sudan, 2004: the role of water treatment methods.

PubMed

Guthmann, Jean-Paul; Klovstad, Hilde; Boccia, Delia; Hamid, Nuha; Pinoges, Loretxu; Nizou, Jacques-Yves; Tatay, Mercedes; Diaz, Francisco; Moren, Alain; Grais, Rebecca Freeman; Ciglenecki, Iza; Nicand, Elisabeth; Guerin, Philippe Jean

2006-06-15

The conflict in Darfur, Sudan, was responsible for the displacement of 1.8 million civilians. We investigated a large outbreak of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Mornay camp (78,800 inhabitants) in western Darfur. To describe the outbreak, we used clinical and demographic information from cases recorded at the camp between 26 July and 31 December 2004. We conducted a case-cohort study and a retrospective cohort study to identify risk factors for clinical and asymptomatic hepatitis E, respectively. We collected stool and serum samples from animals and performed a bacteriological analysis of water samples. Human samples were tested for immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibody to HEV (for serum samples) and for amplification of the HEV genome (for serum and stool samples). In 6 months, 2621 hepatitis E cases were recorded (attack rate, 3.3%), with a case-fatality rate of 1.7% (45 deaths, 19 of which involved were pregnant women). Risk factors for clinical HEV infection included age of 15-45 years (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-4.46) and drinking chlorinated surface water (odds ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-5.08). Both factors were also suggestive of increased risk for asymptomatic HEV infection, although this was not found to be statistically significant. HEV RNA was positively identified in serum samples obtained from 2 donkeys. No bacteria were identified from any sample of chlorinated water tested. Current recommendations to ensure a safe water supply may have been insufficient to inactivate HEV and control this epidemic. This research highlights the need to evaluate current water treatment methods and to identify alternative solutions adapted to complex emergencies.

Impact of Xpert MTB/RIF for TB diagnosis in a primary care clinic with high TB and HIV prevalence in South Africa: a pragmatic randomised trial.

PubMed

Cox, Helen S; Mbhele, Slindile; Mohess, Neisha; Whitelaw, Andrew; Muller, Odelia; Zemanay, Widaad; Little, Francesca; Azevedo, Virginia; Simpson, John; Boehme, Catharina C; Nicol, Mark P

2014-11-01

Xpert MTB/RIF is approved for use in tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin-resistance diagnosis. However, data are limited on the impact of Xpert under routine conditions in settings with high TB burden. A pragmatic prospective cluster-randomised trial of Xpert for all individuals with presumptive (symptomatic) TB compared to the routine diagnostic algorithm of sputum microscopy and limited use of culture was conducted in a large TB/HIV primary care clinic. The primary outcome was the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases not initiating TB treatment by 3 mo after presentation. Secondary outcomes included time to TB treatment and mortality. Unblinded randomisation occurred on a weekly basis. Xpert and smear microscopy were performed on site. Analysis was both by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol. Between 7 September 2010 and 28 October 2011, 1,985 participants were assigned to the Xpert (n = 982) and routine (n = 1,003) diagnostic algorithms (ITT analysis); 882 received Xpert and 1,063 routine (per protocol analysis). 13% (32/257) of individuals with bacteriologically confirmed TB (smear, culture, or Xpert) did not initiate treatment by 3 mo after presentation in the Xpert arm, compared to 25% (41/167) in the routine arm (ITT analysis, risk ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.33-0.77, p = 0.0052). The yield of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases among patients with presumptive TB was 17% (167/1,003) with routine diagnosis and 26% (257/982) with Xpert diagnosis (ITT analysis, risk ratio 1.57, 95% CI 1.32-1.87, p<0.001). This difference in diagnosis rates resulted in a higher rate of treatment initiation in the Xpert arm: 23% (229/1,003) and 28% (277/982) in the routine and Xpert arms, respectively (ITT analysis, risk ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.44, p = 0.013). Time to treatment initiation was improved overall (ITT analysis, hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.63-0.92, p = 0.005) and among HIV-infected participants (ITT analysis, hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.85, p = 0.001). There was no difference in 6-mo mortality with Xpert versus routine diagnosis. Study limitations included incorrect intervention allocation for a high proportion of participants and that the study was conducted in a single clinic. These data suggest that in this routine primary care setting, use of Xpert to diagnose TB increased the number of individuals with bacteriologically confirmed TB who were treated by 3 mo and reduced time to treatment initiation, particularly among HIV-infected participants. Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201010000255244. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Molecular characterization, antibiotic resistance pattern and biofilm formation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae isolated from crustaceans and humans.

PubMed

Ahmed, Heba A; El Bayomi, Rasha M; Hussein, Mohamed A; Khedr, Mariam H E; Abo Remela, Etab M; El-Ashram, Ahmed M M

2018-06-02

Human infection with pathogenic vibrios is associated with contaminated seafood consumption. In the present study, we examined 225 crustaceans collected from retail markets in Egypt. Stool samples from gastroenteritis patients were also examined. Bacteriological and molecular examinations revealed 34 (15.1%) V. parahaemolyticus and 2 (0.9%) V. cholerae from crustaceans, while V. parahaemolyticus isolates were identified in 3 (3%) of the human samples. The virulence-associated genes tdh and/or trh were detected in 5.9% and 100% of the crustacean and human samples, respectively, whereas the two V. cholerae isolates were positive for the ctx and hlyA genes. Antibiotic sensitivity revealed high resistance of the isolates to the used antibiotics and an average MAR index of 0.77. Biofilm formation at different temperatures indicated significantly higher biofilm formation at 37 °C and 25 °C compared with 4 °C. Frequent monitoring of seafood for Vibrio species and their antibiotic, molecular and biofilm characteristics is essential to improve seafood safety. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of cefuroxime axetil and amoxicillin-clavulanate suspensions in treatment of acute otitis media with effusion in children.

PubMed Central

McLinn, S E; Moskal, M; Goldfarb, J; Bodor, F; Aronovitz, G; Schwartz, R; Self, P; Ossi, M J

1994-01-01

Two hundred sixty-three pediatric patients from the ages of 3 months to 11 years were enrolled in a randomized, investigator-blinded, multicenter study comparing the clinical and bacteriological efficacies and safety of cefuroxime axetil suspension (CAE) with those of amoxicillin-clavulanate suspension (AMX-CL) in the treatment of acute otitis media with effusion. Patients received CAE at 30 mg/kg of body weight per day (n = 165) in two divided doses or AMX-CL at 40 mg/kg/day (n = 98) in three divided doses for 10 days. The primary pathogens among 200 isolates from pretreatment cultures of middle ear fluid were identified as follows: Haemophilus influenzae (39%), over a third of which were beta-lactamase positive; Streptococcus pneumoniae (34%); and Moraxella catarrhalis (16%). Pathogens were eradicated or presumed to be eradicated from 81% (95 of 118) and 76% (50 of 66) of bacteriologically evaluable patients in the CAE and AMX-CL groups, respectively. A satisfactory clinical response (cure or improvement with or without resolution of effusion) occurred in 113 (77%) of 146 clinically evaluable patients in the CAE group and in 66 (74%) of 89 evaluable patients in the AMX-CL group. Clinical failure or recurrence (within 2 weeks following the completion of treatment) occurred in 22 and 26% of CAE- and AMX-CL-treated patients, respectively. Drug-related adverse events occurred in 18% of CAE-treated patients, whereas they occurred in 39% of AMX-CL-treated patients (P < 0.001); diarrhea or loose stools was the most commonly reported adverse event (CAE, 12%; AMX-CL, 31%; P < 0.001). These results indicate that CAE given twice daily is as effective as AMX-CL given three times daily in the treatment of acute otitis media with effusion in pediatric patients, but CAE was associated with significantly fewer drug-related adverse events. PMID:8192458

Impact of Xpert MTB/RIF for TB Diagnosis in a Primary Care Clinic with High TB and HIV Prevalence in South Africa: A Pragmatic Randomised Trial

PubMed Central

Cox, Helen S.; Mbhele, Slindile; Mohess, Neisha; Whitelaw, Andrew; Muller, Odelia; Zemanay, Widaad; Little, Francesca; Azevedo, Virginia; Simpson, John; Boehme, Catharina C.; Nicol, Mark P.

2014-01-01

Background Xpert MTB/RIF is approved for use in tuberculosis (TB) and rifampicin-resistance diagnosis. However, data are limited on the impact of Xpert under routine conditions in settings with high TB burden. Methods and Findings A pragmatic prospective cluster-randomised trial of Xpert for all individuals with presumptive (symptomatic) TB compared to the routine diagnostic algorithm of sputum microscopy and limited use of culture was conducted in a large TB/HIV primary care clinic. The primary outcome was the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases not initiating TB treatment by 3 mo after presentation. Secondary outcomes included time to TB treatment and mortality. Unblinded randomisation occurred on a weekly basis. Xpert and smear microscopy were performed on site. Analysis was both by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol. Between 7 September 2010 and 28 October 2011, 1,985 participants were assigned to the Xpert (n = 982) and routine (n = 1,003) diagnostic algorithms (ITT analysis); 882 received Xpert and 1,063 routine (per protocol analysis). 13% (32/257) of individuals with bacteriologically confirmed TB (smear, culture, or Xpert) did not initiate treatment by 3 mo after presentation in the Xpert arm, compared to 25% (41/167) in the routine arm (ITT analysis, risk ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.33–0.77, p = 0.0052). The yield of bacteriologically confirmed TB cases among patients with presumptive TB was 17% (167/1,003) with routine diagnosis and 26% (257/982) with Xpert diagnosis (ITT analysis, risk ratio 1.57, 95% CI 1.32–1.87, p<0.001). This difference in diagnosis rates resulted in a higher rate of treatment initiation in the Xpert arm: 23% (229/1,003) and 28% (277/982) in the routine and Xpert arms, respectively (ITT analysis, risk ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.06–1.44, p = 0.013). Time to treatment initiation was improved overall (ITT analysis, hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.92, p = 0.005) and among HIV-infected participants (ITT analysis, hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.53–0.85, p = 0.001). There was no difference in 6-mo mortality with Xpert versus routine diagnosis. Study limitations included incorrect intervention allocation for a high proportion of participants and that the study was conducted in a single clinic. Conclusions These data suggest that in this routine primary care setting, use of Xpert to diagnose TB increased the number of individuals with bacteriologically confirmed TB who were treated by 3 mo and reduced time to treatment initiation, particularly among HIV-infected participants. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201010000255244 Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:25423041

[Results of the bacteriological work of the specialized epidemic brigade of the Stavropol Research Institute for Plaque Control].

PubMed

Briukhanov, A F; Zaĭtsev, A A; Babenyshev, B V; Protsenko, S L; Abgarian, G P; Solodovnikov, B V; Lebedev, K K; Maevskiĭ, M P; Antonov, A V; Sukhov, V V; Grizhebovskiĭ, G M; Evchenko, Iu M

2001-01-01

The experience of use of efforts and resources by the bacteriological section of the specialized antiepidemic brigade of the Stavropol Research Institute for Plague Control in the Chechen Republic during the period of 1999-2000 under the conditions of the emergency situation, formed as the consequence of carrying out the antiterrorist operation, is summarized. The work load falling of the bacteriological section in different shifts, the structure of bacteriological investigations, as well as some problems arising in the process of work, were analyzed. The experience showed the necessity of the complete accommodation of the bacteriological laboratory in specialized motor-vehicle modules having all necessary equipment for investigation works, disinfection, sterilization. The brigade sent to its mission should be given concrete tasks with a view to ensure the adequate supply of the bacteriological section with diagnostic preparations, materials and equipment.

Impulse powerful UV-radiation source pumped by the sublight ionization waves for the bacteriological disinfection of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filiouguine, Igor V.; Kostiouchenko, S. V.; Koudryavtsev, N. N.; Vasilyak, Leonid M.; Yakimenko, A. V.

1993-11-01

The bacteriological disinfective action of UV-radiation is well known. The pioneer work on UV-radiation used for bacteriological disinfection of waste water was made in 1910. Because of the high cost and low living time of the UV-radiation sources, the alternative technique for waste water purification by chlorine introducing was spread out. During the second stage of the UV purification development, beginning in approximately 1970, the interest for bacteriological cleaning of water, increased again. Two reasons were responsible for this event: first, the significant improvement of technology and design of UV-bacteriological purificators, and second, recognition of the serious danger of chlorine compounds introduced into water under purification because of the toxicity of these compounds. Further investigations gave excellent results in the creation and industrial applications of UV- bacteriological purificators. Now we can see a rapid development of industrial technology in UV-purification of drinking and waste waters.

Epidemiological Investigation of an Outbreak of Salmonellosis in Gyeongju, Korea

PubMed Central

Yoo, Seok-Ju; Lee, Kwan

2014-01-01

Objectives A salmonellosis outbreak occurred within a community of Gyeongju residents who ingested catered food from a wedding in June 2009. We aimed to epidemiologically investigate the probable vehicle of the infection. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 34 local residents who ingested the wedding food. Results Among the 34 residents, 31 (91.2%) reported symptoms of infection after eating the food. Among all of the wedding foods, pan-fried foods were highly associated with the diarrheal attack rate. On bacteriological examination, Salmonella species were detected in the pan-fried foods among the leftover foods and in 17 of the 31 stool specimens from the cases. There were five different types of pan-fried foods, but the onset of symptoms was independent of the ingredients used. We found that the pan-fried food was prepared at a food store in Seoul and that eggs were a common ingredient. Conclusions The major cause of the salmonellosis in this population was presumed to be the pan-fried food prepared with contaminated eggs. These food items might have been partially undercooked because of their irregular shape, which allowed the Salmonella species to survive and multiply before ingestion. PMID:24921021

Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of salmonellosis in Gyeongju, Korea.

PubMed

Yoo, Seok-Ju; Lim, Hyun-Sul; Lee, Kwan

2014-05-01

A salmonellosis outbreak occurred within a community of Gyeongju residents who ingested catered food from a wedding in June 2009. We aimed to epidemiologically investigate the probable vehicle of the infection. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 34 local residents who ingested the wedding food. Among the 34 residents, 31 (91.2%) reported symptoms of infection after eating the food. Among all of the wedding foods, pan-fried foods were highly associated with the diarrheal attack rate. On bacteriological examination, Salmonella species were detected in the pan-fried foods among the leftover foods and in 17 of the 31 stool specimens from the cases. There were five different types of pan-fried foods, but the onset of symptoms was independent of the ingredients used. We found that the pan-fried food was prepared at a food store in Seoul and that eggs were a common ingredient. The major cause of the salmonellosis in this population was presumed to be the pan-fried food prepared with contaminated eggs. These food items might have been partially undercooked because of their irregular shape, which allowed the Salmonella species to survive and multiply before ingestion.

Risk Factors for Death among Children Less than 5 Years Old Hospitalized with Diarrhea in Rural Western Kenya, 2005–2007: A Cohort Study

PubMed Central

O'Reilly, Ciara E.; Jaron, Peter; Ochieng, Benjamin; Nyaguara, Amek; Tate, Jacqueline E.; Parsons, Michele B.; Bopp, Cheryl A.; Williams, Kara A.; Vinjé, Jan; Blanton, Elizabeth; Wannemuehler, Kathleen A.; Vulule, John; Laserson, Kayla F.; Breiman, Robert F.; Feikin, Daniel R.; Widdowson, Marc-Alain; Mintz, Eric

2012-01-01

Background Diarrhea is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Data on risk factors for mortality are limited. We conducted hospital-based surveillance to characterize the etiology of diarrhea and identify risk factors for death among children hospitalized with diarrhea in rural western Kenya. Methods and Findings We enrolled all children <5 years old, hospitalized with diarrhea (≥3 loose stools in 24 hours) at two district hospitals in Nyanza Province, western Kenya. Clinical and demographic information was collected. Stool specimens were tested for bacterial and viral pathogens. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors for death. From May 23, 2005 to May 22, 2007, 1,146 children <5 years old were enrolled; 107 (9%) children died during hospitalization. Nontyphoidal Salmonella were identified in 10% (118), Campylobacter in 5% (57), and Shigella in 4% (42) of 1,137 stool samples; rotavirus was detected in 19% (196) of 1,021 stool samples. Among stools from children who died, nontyphoidal Salmonella were detected in 22%, Shigella in 11%, rotavirus in 9%, Campylobacter in 5%, and S. Typhi in <1%. In multivariable analysis, infants who died were more likely to have nontyphoidal Salmonella (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6·8; 95% CI 3·1–14·9), and children <5 years to have Shigella (aOR = 5·5; 95% CI 2·2–14·0) identified than children who survived. Children who died were less likely to be infected with rotavirus (OR = 0·4; 95% CI 0·2–0·8). Further risk factors for death included being malnourished (aOR = 4·2; 95% CI 2·1–8·7); having oral thrush on physical exam (aOR = 2·3; 95% CI 1·4–3·8); having previously sought care at a hospital for the illness (aOR = 2·2; 95% CI 1·2–3·8); and being dehydrated as diagnosed at discharge/death (aOR = 2·5; 95% CI 1·5–4·1). A clinical diagnosis of malaria, and malaria parasites seen on blood smear, were not associated with increased risk of death. This study only captured in-hospital childhood deaths, and likely missed a substantial number of additional deaths that occurred at home. Conclusion Nontyphoidal Salmonella and Shigella are associated with mortality among rural Kenyan children with diarrhea who access a hospital. Improved prevention and treatment of diarrheal disease is necessary. Enhanced surveillance and simplified laboratory diagnostics in Africa may assist clinicians in appropriately treating potentially fatal diarrheal illness. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary PMID:22802736

[Not Available].

PubMed

Gradmann, C

1996-01-01

The text analyses metaphors of bacteriology which were extensively used in Germany during the era of William II. These display--in a vivid exchange with the scientific concepts of the age--a specific popular understanding of disease based on bacteriology. Disease is essentially seen as a war of physicians against microbes. While popularizing science bacteriological metaphors became part of the political language of their age. At the same time the prestige of bacteriology was in turn employed to lend credibility to pictures of assumed enemies--by portraying them as infectious diseases. Although the political language of bacteriology differed from the social darwinism of the age in important structural and semantic aspects, it nevertheless influenced the political language of its time, for example by becoming a blueprint of antisemitic rhetorics.

[Bacteriologic quality of the prepared dishes in cafeterias].

PubMed

Mouffok, F; Lebres, E; Makhlouf, B

1992-01-01

In this work, we reports results of bacteriologic analysis of 352 cooked meals (vegetables, meats, desserts). Although, 32% of analysed samples are bacteriologically good, 68% are contamined either by S.P.C but potentially dangerous either by pathogenic bacteria involved in food-born infections.

9 CFR 147.10 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of egg-type breeding flocks...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... the bacteriological examination of egg-type breeding flocks with salmonella enteritidis positive... examination of egg-type breeding flocks with salmonella enteritidis positive environments. Birds selected for bacteriological examination from egg-type breeding flocks positive for Salmonella enteritidis after environmental...

Methods for the Determination of Bacteriological Contaminants in Drinking Water. Training Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Office of Water Program Operations (EPA), Cincinnati, OH. National Training and Operational Technology Center.

Material on the membrane filter methods and the most probable number method for determining bacteriological contaminants listed in the interim primary drinking water regulations is presented. This course is for bacteriologists and technicians with little or no experience in bacteriological procedures required to monitor drinking water, though…

9 CFR 147.11 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella. (a) For egg- and meat-type chickens... the bacteriological examination of salmonella. 147.11 Section 147.11 Animals and Animal Products... 25 birds, and birds from Salmonella enteritidis (SE) positive environments should be cultured in...

9 CFR 147.11 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella. (a) For egg- and meat-type chickens... the bacteriological examination of salmonella. 147.11 Section 147.11 Animals and Animal Products... 25 birds, and birds from Salmonella enteritidis (SE) positive environments should be cultured in...

9 CFR 147.11 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella. (a) For egg- and meat-type chickens... the bacteriological examination of salmonella. 147.11 Section 147.11 Animals and Animal Products... 25 birds, and birds from Salmonella enteritidis (SE) positive environments should be cultured in...

9 CFR 147.11 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella. (a) For egg- and meat-type chickens... the bacteriological examination of salmonella. 147.11 Section 147.11 Animals and Animal Products... 25 birds, and birds from Salmonella enteritidis (SE) positive environments should be cultured in...

9 CFR 147.11 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of salmonella. (a) For egg- and meat-type chickens... the bacteriological examination of salmonella. 147.11 Section 147.11 Animals and Animal Products... 25 birds, and birds from Salmonella enteritidis (SE) positive environments should be cultured in...

9 CFR 147.17 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults for salmonella. 147.17 Section 147.17... poults for salmonella. The laboratory procedure described in this section is recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks from egg-type and meat-type chicken flocks and waterfowl, exhibition...

9 CFR 147.17 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults for salmonella. 147.17 Section 147.17... poults for salmonella. The laboratory procedure described in this section is recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks from egg-type and meat-type chicken flocks and waterfowl, exhibition...

9 CFR 147.17 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults for salmonella. 147.17 Section 147.17... poults for salmonella. The laboratory procedure described in this section is recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks from egg-type and meat-type chicken flocks and waterfowl, exhibition...

9 CFR 147.17 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults for salmonella. 147.17 Section 147.17... poults for salmonella. The laboratory procedure described in this section is recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks from egg-type and meat-type chicken flocks and waterfowl, exhibition...

9 CFR 147.17 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... the bacteriological examination of cull chicks and poults for salmonella. 147.17 Section 147.17... poults for salmonella. The laboratory procedure described in this section is recommended for the bacteriological examination of cull chicks from egg-type and meat-type chicken flocks and waterfowl, exhibition...

Validation of a modified Bristol stool scale - inter-rater reliability amongst pediatric gastroenterologists

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Stool form and changes in stool form are important criteria in both clinical practice and clinical research. However, descriptions of stool form from both patients and physicians alike may be subjective and objective measurements of stool form are not well developed. Although the Bristol stool scale...

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: MedlinePlus Health Topic

MedlinePlus

... looks like coffee grounds Black or tarry stool Dark blood mixed with stool Signs of bleeding in ... lower digestive tract include Black or tarry stool Dark blood mixed with stool Stool mixed or coated ...

Early Detection of Neonatal Cholestasis: Inadequate Assessment of Stool Color by Parents and Primary Healthcare Doctors.

PubMed

Witt, Mauri; Lindeboom, Jeanet; Wijnja, Corry; Kesler, Anneke; Keyzer-Dekker, Claudia M G; Verkade, Henkjan J; Hulscher, Jan B F

2016-02-01

Early diagnosis and surgery (< 60 days of age) improve outcomes in children with biliary atresia. Only 56% of patients undergo timely surgery in the Netherlands. Lack of acquaintance with symptoms such as discolored stools might underlie this delay. We analyzed whether Dutch parents, youth healthcare doctors, or general practitioners recognized discolored stools and evaluated the effect of the Infant Stool Color Card (ISCC) on recognizing discolored stools. We asked 100 parents, 33 youth healthcare doctors, and 50 general practitioners to classify photographs of stools as "normal" or "abnormal." Subsequently, we asked whether parents would seek medical help and doctors would refer the patient for medical investigation. Finally, parents scored stools using the ISCC. Two-third of both parents and youth healthcare doctors recognized all discolored stools. Only half of them would seek medical help for all discolored stools resp. refer patient for medical investigation. Only one-third of the general practitioners recognized all discolored stools and would refer for medical investigation for all discolored stools. Using the ISCC, the percentage of parents recognizing all discolored stool increased from 66 to 87% (p < 0.01). Neither parents nor youth healthcare doctors nor general practitioners reliably recognize discolored stool. The ISCC is an effective screening method for discolored stool. Our data indicate that the ISCC should be accompanied by unequivocal advices regarding referral for medical investigation upon detection of discolored stools. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Antibiotics for the treatment of dysentery in children.

PubMed

Traa, Beatrix S; Walker, Christa L Fischer; Munos, Melinda; Black, Robert E

2010-04-01

Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam are the antibiotics currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of dysentery in children; yet there have been no reviews of the clinical effectiveness of these antibiotics in recent years. We reviewed all literature reporting the effect of ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam for the treatment of dysentery in children in the developing countries. We used a standardized abstraction and grading format and performed meta-analyses to determine the effect of treatment with these antibiotics on rates of treatment failure, bacteriological failure and bacteriological relapse. The CHERG Standard Rules were applied to determine the final effect of treatment with these antibiotics on diarrhoea mortality. Eight papers were selected for abstraction. Treatment with ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone or pivmecillinam resulted in a cure rate of >99% while assessing clinical failure, bacteriological failure and bacteriological relapse. The antibiotics recommended by the WHO--ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam--are effective in reducing the clinical and bacteriological signs and symptoms of dysentery and thus can be expected to decrease diarrhoea mortality attributable to dysentery.

Disposal of children's stools and its association with childhood diarrhea in India.

PubMed

Bawankule, Rahul; Singh, Abhishek; Kumar, Kaushalendra; Pedgaonkar, Sarang

2017-01-05

Children's stool disposal is often overlooked in sanitation programs of any country. Unsafe disposal of children's stool makes children susceptible to many diseases that transmit through faecal-oral route. Therefore, the study aims to examine the magnitude of unsafe disposal of children's stools in India, the factors associated with it and finally its association with childhood diarrhea. Data from the third round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) conducted in 2005-06 is used to carry out the analysis. The binary logistic regression model is used to examine the factors associated with unsafe disposal of children's stool. Binary logistic regression is also used to examine the association between unsafe disposal of children's stool and childhood diarrhea. Overall, stools of 79% of children in India were disposed of unsafely. The urban-rural gap in the unsafe disposal of children's stool was wide. Mother's illiteracy and lack of exposure to media, the age of the child, religion and caste/tribe of the household head, wealth index, access to toilet facility and urban-rural residence were statistically associated with unsafe disposal of stool. The odds of diarrhea in children whose stools were disposed of unsafely was estimated to be 11% higher (95% CI: 1.01-1.21) than that of children whose stools were disposed of safely. An increase in the unsafe disposal of children's stool in the community also increased the risk of diarrhea in children. We found significant statistical association between children's stool disposal and diarrhea. Therefore, gains in reduction of childhood diarrhea can be achieved in India through the complete elimination of unsafe disposal of children's stools. The sanitation programmes currently being run in India must also focus on safe disposal of children's stool.

Diagnostic accuracy of a uniform research case definition for TBM in children: a prospective study.

PubMed

Solomons, R S; Visser, D H; Marais, B J; Schoeman, J F; van Furth, A M

2016-07-01

Bacteriological confirmation of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is problematic, and rarely guides initial clinical management. A uniform TBM case definition has been proposed for research purposes. We prospectively enrolled patients aged 3 months to 13 years with meningitis confirmed using cerebrospinal fluid analysis at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Criteria that differentiated TBM from other causes were explored and the accuracy of a probable TBM score assessed by comparing bacteriologically confirmed cases to 'non-TBM' controls. Of 139 meningitis patients, 79 were diagnosed with TBM (35 bacteriologically confirmed), 10 with bacterial meningitis and 50 with viral meningitis. Among those with bacteriologically confirmed TBM, 15 were Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture-positive and 20 were culture-negative but positive on GenoType(®) MTBDRplus or Xpert(®) MTB/RIF; 18 were positive on only a single commercial nucleic acid amplification test. A probable TBM score provided a sensitivity of 74% (95%CI 57-88) and a specificity of 97% (95%CI 86-99) compared to bacteriologically confirmed TBM. A probable TBM score demonstrated excellent specificity compared to bacteriological confirmation. However, 26% of children with TBM would be missed due to the limited accuracy of the case definition. Further prospective testing of an algorithm-based approach to TBM is advisable before recommendation for general clinical practice.

Implementation of quality management for clinical bacteriology in low-resource settings.

PubMed

Barbé, B; Yansouni, C P; Affolabi, D; Jacobs, J

2017-07-01

The declining trend of malaria and the recent prioritization of containment of antimicrobial resistance have created a momentum to implement clinical bacteriology in low-resource settings. Successful implementation relies on guidance by a quality management system (QMS). Over the past decade international initiatives were launched towards implementation of QMS in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. To describe the progress towards accreditation of medical laboratories and to identify the challenges and best practices for implementation of QMS in clinical bacteriology in low-resource settings. Published literature, online reports and websites related to the implementation of laboratory QMS, accreditation of medical laboratories and initiatives for containment of antimicrobial resistance. Apart from the limitations of infrastructure, equipment, consumables and staff, QMS are challenged with the complexity of clinical bacteriology and the healthcare context in low-resource settings (small-scale laboratories, attitudes and perception of staff, absence of laboratory information systems). Likewise, most international initiatives addressing laboratory health strengthening have focused on public health and outbreak management rather than on hospital based patient care. Best practices to implement quality-assured clinical bacteriology in low-resource settings include alignment with national regulations and public health reference laboratories, participating in external quality assurance programmes, support from the hospital's management, starting with attainable projects, conducting error review and daily bench-side supervision, looking for locally adapted solutions, stimulating ownership and extending existing training programmes to clinical bacteriology. The implementation of QMS in clinical bacteriology in hospital settings will ultimately boost a culture of quality to all sectors of healthcare in low-resource settings. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the use of an on-farm system for bacteriologic culture of milk from cows with low-grade mastitis.

PubMed

Neeser, Nicole L; Hueston, William D; Godden, Sandra M; Bey, Russell F

2006-01-15

To determine factors associated with implementation and use of an on-farm system for bacteriologic culture of milk from cows with lowgrade mastitis, including information on how producers used the on-farm bacteriologic culture system to guide antimicrobial selection practices and the resulting impact on patterns of antimicrobial use. Retrospective cohort study. Producers of 81 dairy farms. Farms that used an on-farm system for bacteriologic culture of milk from January 2001 to July 2003 were surveyed. Over half of those producers continuing to use the on-farm culture delayed antimicrobial treatment pending results of bacteriologic culture. Most other producers initiated empirical antimicrobial treatment while bacteriologic culture results were pending. Several barriers to the use of an on-farm system were identified. Significant reductions in rates of antimicrobial use were detected when comparing antimicrobial use rates before and during use of the on-farm system. Most producers chose to treat cows with mastitis caused by gram-positive pathogens with antimicrobials, whereas treatment choices for cows with mastitis caused by gram-negative bacteria and in cases in which no growth was detected varied. Readily available results permit antimicrobial selections to be made on the basis of the causative agent of mastitis. Adoption of an on-farm system for bacteriologic culture of milk may result in significant reductions in the percentage of cows treated with antimicrobials. Decreasing antimicrobial use may have several benefits including preventing unnecessary discarding of milk, decreasing the potential for drug residues in milk, and improving treatment outcomes as a result of targeted treatments.

21 CFR 868.6700 - Anesthesia stool.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Anesthesia stool. 868.6700 Section 868.6700 Food... DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Miscellaneous § 868.6700 Anesthesia stool. (a) Identification. An anesthesia stool is a device intended for use as a stool for the anesthesiologist in the operating room. (b...

21 CFR 868.6700 - Anesthesia stool.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Anesthesia stool. 868.6700 Section 868.6700 Food... DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Miscellaneous § 868.6700 Anesthesia stool. (a) Identification. An anesthesia stool is a device intended for use as a stool for the anesthesiologist in the operating room. (b...

21 CFR 868.6700 - Anesthesia stool.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Anesthesia stool. 868.6700 Section 868.6700 Food... DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Miscellaneous § 868.6700 Anesthesia stool. (a) Identification. An anesthesia stool is a device intended for use as a stool for the anesthesiologist in the operating room. (b...

21 CFR 868.6700 - Anesthesia stool.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Anesthesia stool. 868.6700 Section 868.6700 Food... DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Miscellaneous § 868.6700 Anesthesia stool. (a) Identification. An anesthesia stool is a device intended for use as a stool for the anesthesiologist in the operating room. (b...

21 CFR 868.6700 - Anesthesia stool.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Anesthesia stool. 868.6700 Section 868.6700 Food... DEVICES ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Miscellaneous § 868.6700 Anesthesia stool. (a) Identification. An anesthesia stool is a device intended for use as a stool for the anesthesiologist in the operating room. (b...

Stool fatty acid soaps, stool consistency and gastrointestinal tolerance in term infants fed infant formulas containing high sn-2 palmitate with or without oligofructose: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Nowacki, Joyce; Lee, Hung-Chang; Lien, Reyin; Cheng, Shao-Wen; Li, Sung-Tse; Yao, Manjiang; Northington, Robert; Jan, Ingrid; Mutungi, Gisella

2014-11-05

Formula-fed (FF) infants often have harder stools and higher stool concentrations of fatty acid soaps compared to breastfed infants. Feeding high sn-2 palmitate or the prebiotic oligofructose (OF) may soften stools, reduce stool soaps, and decrease fecal calcium loss. We investigated the effect of high sn-2 palmitate alone and in combination with OF on stool palmitate soap, total soap and calcium concentrations, stool consistency, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance, anthropometrics, and hydration in FF infants. This double-blind trial randomized 165 healthy term infants 25-45 days old to receive Control formula (n = 54), formula containing high sn-2 palmitate (sn-2; n = 56), or formula containing high sn-2 palmitate plus 3 g/L OF (sn-2+OF; n = 55). A non-randomized human milk (HM)-fed group was also included (n = 55). The primary endpoint, stool composition, was determined after 28 days of feeding, and was assessed using ANOVA accompanied by pairwise comparisons. Stool consistency, GI tolerance and hydration were assessed at baseline, day 14 (GI tolerance only) and day 28. Infants fed sn-2 had lower stool palmitate soaps compared to Control (P = 0.0028); while those fed sn-2+OF had reduced stool palmitate soaps compared to both Control and sn-2 (both P < 0.0001). Stool total soaps and calcium were lower in the sn-2+OF group than either Control (P < 0.0001) or sn-2 (P < 0.0001). The HM-fed group had lower stool palmitate soaps, total soaps and calcium (P < 0.0001 for each comparison) than all FF groups. The stool consistency score of the sn-2+OF group was lower than Control and sn-2 (P < 0.0001), but higher than the HM-fed group (P < 0.0001). GI tolerance was similar and anthropometric z-scores were <0.2 SD from the WHO growth standards in all groups, while urinary hydration markers were within normal range for all FF infants. Increasing sn-2 palmitate in infant formula reduces stool palmitate soaps. A combination of high sn-2 palmitate and OF reduces stool palmitate soaps, total soaps and calcium, while promoting softer stools. This study was registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: number NCT02031003.

Quantitative Detection and Genotyping of Helicobacter pylori from Stool using Droplet Digital PCR Reveals Variation in Bacterial Loads that Correlates with cagA Virulence Gene Carriage.

PubMed

Talarico, Sarah; Safaeian, Mahboobeh; Gonzalez, Paula; Hildesheim, Allan; Herrero, Rolando; Porras, Carolina; Cortes, Bernal; Larson, Ann; Fang, Ferric C; Salama, Nina R

2016-08-01

Epidemiologic studies of the carcinogenic stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori have been limited by the lack of noninvasive detection and genotyping methods. We developed a new stool-based method for detection, quantification, and partial genotyping of H. pylori using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), which allows for increased sensitivity and absolute quantification by PCR partitioning. Stool-based ddPCR assays for H. pylori 16S gene detection and cagA virulence gene typing were tested using a collection of 50 matched stool and serum samples from Costa Rican volunteers and 29 H. pylori stool antigen-tested stool samples collected at a US hospital. The stool-based H. pylori 16S ddPCR assay had a sensitivity of 84% and 100% and a specificity of 100% and 71% compared to serology and stool antigen tests, respectively. The stool-based cagA genotyping assay detected cagA in 22 (88%) of 25 stools from CagA antibody-positive individuals and four (16%) of 25 stools from CagA antibody-negative individuals from Costa Rica. All 26 of these samples had a Western-type cagA allele. Presence of serum CagA antibodies was correlated with a significantly higher load of H. pylori in the stool. The stool-based ddPCR assays are a sensitive, noninvasive method for detection, quantification, and partial genotyping of H. pylori. The quantitative nature of ddPCR-based H. pylori detection revealed significant variation in bacterial load among individuals that correlates with presence of the cagA virulence gene. These stool-based ddPCR assays will facilitate future population-based epidemiologic studies of this important human pathogen. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Bristol Stool Form Scale reliability and agreement decreases when determining Rome III stool form designations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rater reproducibility of the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), which categorizes stools into one of seven types, is unknown. We sought to determine reliability and agreement by individual stool type and when responses are categorized by Rome III clinical designation as normal or abnormal (constipatio...

Stool Tests

MedlinePlus

... 2014 More on this topic for: Parents Teens E. Coli Giardiasis Yersiniosis Stool Test: Bacteria Culture Stool Test: ... Stool Test: Ova and Parasites (O&P) Diarrhea E. Coli View more About Us Contact Us Partners Editorial ...

Antibiotics for the treatment of dysentery in children

PubMed Central

Traa, Beatrix S; Walker, Christa L Fischer; Munos, Melinda; Black, Robert E

2010-01-01

Background Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam are the antibiotics currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of dysentery in children; yet there have been no reviews of the clinical effectiveness of these antibiotics in recent years. Methods We reviewed all literature reporting the effect of ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam for the treatment of dysentery in children in the developing countries. We used a standardized abstraction and grading format and performed meta-analyses to determine the effect of treatment with these antibiotics on rates of treatment failure, bacteriological failure and bacteriological relapse. The CHERG Standard Rules were applied to determine the final effect of treatment with these antibiotics on diarrhoea mortality. Results Eight papers were selected for abstraction. Treatment with ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone or pivmecillinam resulted in a cure rate of >99% while assessing clinical failure, bacteriological failure and bacteriological relapse. Conclusions The antibiotics recommended by the WHO—ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and pivmecillinam—are effective in reducing the clinical and bacteriological signs and symptoms of dysentery and thus can be expected to decrease diarrhoea mortality attributable to dysentery. PMID:20348130

Bacteriological evaluation for one-and two-piece implant design supporting mandibular overdenture

PubMed Central

Abdelwahed, Ahmed; Mahrous, Ahmed I.; Abadallah, Mohamed Farouk; Asfour, Hani; Aldawash, Hussien A.; Alagha, Ebaa I.

2015-01-01

Background: This study evaluated and compared the bacteriological effect of two-piece implants and one-piece implants in complete overdenture cases on supporting structures. Materials and Methods: Ten male completely edentulous patients were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups according to the implant design and surgical technique for this study; Group 1: Patients were rehabilitated with complete mandibular overdenture supported by two-piece implants one on each side of the lower arch following two-stage surgical technique and Group 2: Patients were rehabilitated with complete mandibular overdenture supported by one-piece implants one on each side. Evaluation was made at the time of insertion, 6, 12, and 18 months after overdenture insertion, by measuring bacteriological changes around implants abutments. Results: Complete overdenture supported by one-piece implants showed better effect on the bacteriological changes as compared to that supported by two-piece implants. Conclusion: Complete overdenture supported by one-piece implants one on each side of the lower arch showed better effect on the bacteriological changes than using the same prosthesis supported by two-piece implants. PMID:26903697

Stool Color: When to Worry

MedlinePlus

Stool color: When to worry Yesterday, my stool color was bright green. Should I be concerned? Answers from Michael ... M.D. Stool comes in a range of colors. All shades of brown and even green are ...

[Recent advances in the field of oral bacteriology].

PubMed

Shoji, Mikio; Takeshita, Toru; Maruyama, Fumito; Inaba, Hiroaki; Imai, Kenichi; Kawada-Matsuo, Miki

2015-01-01

The oral cavity is inhabited by more than 600 bacterial species; these species compete for nutrients or coexist in order to survive along with the indigenous population. Extreme conditions are prevalent in the oral cavity, and these conditions are influenced by our immunity and variations in nutrition, temperature, and pH. Pathogens that cause dental caries or periodontal disease can survive in these extreme environments; these pathogens are virulent and can cause several diseases. Therefore, research on oral bacteriology is warranted to analyze the virulence factors of these bacteria as well as to ascertain environmental stress responses, interactions between bacteria and human immunity, comparisons of bacterial genomes, and oral microflora. In this review, we provide new data in the fields of bacteriology, immunology, and genomics and describe recent advances in the field of oral bacteriology.

Back to the kitchen: food-grade agar is a low-cost alternative to bacteriological agar.

PubMed

Petrovski, Steve; Tillett, Daniel

2012-10-15

Food-grade agar can be used as a low-cost substitute for bacteriological agar in the preparation of solid microbial media. No difference was observed in the colony morphology, growth rate, or viability of bacteria grown on solid media prepared using food-grade agar as compared with using bacteriological-grade agar. This simple tip can reduce the cost of the most common solid media by 80% or more. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bacteriological water quality of Tulpehocken Creek basin, Berks and Lebanon Counties, Pennsylvania

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barker, James L.

1978-01-01

A four month intensive study of the bacteriological quality of water in the Tulpehocken Creek basin indicates that (1) the streams locally contain high densities of bacteria indicative of fecal contamination, (2) nonpoint waste sources, particularly livestock, are the dominant influence in the excessive bacteriological-indicator counts observed, and (3) retention time of water in the proposed Blue Marsh Lake is believed sufficient to reduce bacteria densities to acceptable levels except following intense rainfall and runoff events during normally low flow periods.

Are the definitions for chronic diarrhoea adequate? Evaluation of two different definitions in patients with chronic diarrhoea

PubMed Central

Abrahamsson, Hasse; Bajor, Antal; Kilander, Anders; Sadik, Riadh; Sjövall, Henrik; Simrén, Magnus

2015-01-01

Background The classical definition of chronic diarrhoea is ≥3 defecations/day, with a stool weight of more than 200 g and duration of ≥4 weeks. However, with this definition many patients with substantial symptoms and pathology will be excluded from further investigations. As a consequence other definitions have been proposed, mainly based on evaluation of the stool form. Objective To evaluate the accuracy of the classic criteria for diarrhoea in comparison with a definition based on stool consistency, using the Bristol Stool Form Scale. Methods All patients were investigated with laboratory tests, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies, and SeHCAT test. They were asked to complete a diary recording stool frequency and consistency during a week, as well as other gastrointestinal symptoms (pain, bloating and gas). Results One hundred and thirty-nine subjects were eligible for analysis. Ninety-one had an organic cause of diarrhoea. Fifty-three patients had ≥3 loose stools/day, whereas 86 reported <3 stools/day. Ninety had a median stool consistency that was mushy or loose and 49 had harder stools. A higher proportion of subjects with an organic cause of their diarrhoea compared with subjects with a functional bowel disorder had ≥3 loose stools/day, 43/91 (47%) vs. 10/48 (21%) (p < 0.01). Similarly, more subjects with an organic cause of their diarrhoea versus patients with a functional bowel disorder had a median stool consistency that was mushy or watery, 73/91 (80%) vs. 17/48 (35%), p < 0.0001. When diarrhoea was defined according to stool form, more patients were classified correctly as having a functional disorder or organic disorder, compared with the classical definition (p < 0.05). Conclusion Loose stools defined according to the Bristol Stool Form scale seem to be the best predictor of having an organic cause of the diarrhoea. PMID:26279847

A dental stool with chest support reduces lower back muscle activation.

PubMed

Tran, Viet; Turner, Reid; MacFadden, Andrew; Cornish, Stephen M; Esliger, Dale; Komiyama, Kunio; Chilibeck, Philip D

2016-09-01

Activation of back musculature during work tasks leads to fatigue and potential injury. This is especially prevalent in dentists who perform much of their work from a seated position. We examined the use of an ergonomic dental stool with mid-sternum chest support for reducing lower back muscle activation. Electromyography of lower back extensors was assessed from 30 dental students for 20 s during three conditions in random order: (a) sitting upright at 90° of hip flexion on a standard stool, (b) leaning forward at 80° of hip flexion on a standard stool, and (c) leaning forward at 80° of hip flexion while sitting on an ergonomic stool. Muscular activity of the back extensors was reduced when using the ergonomic stool compared to the standard stool, by 33-50% (p < 0.01). This suggests a potential musculoskeletal benefit with use of a dental stool with mid-sternum chest support.

FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual, Chapter 10, 2003: Listeria monocytogenes

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual, Chapter 10 describes procedures for analysis of food samples and may be adapted for assessment of solid, particulate, aerosol, liquid and water samples containing Listeria monocytogenes.

Bacteriological and molecular studies of Clostridium perfringens infections in newly born calves.

PubMed

Selim, A M; Elhaig, M M; Zakaria, I; Ali, A

2017-01-01

Clostridium perfringens is considered one of the important causes of calf diarrhea. Two hundred and twenty-seven clinical samples from newly born and dead diarrheic calves were examined bacteriologically and by PCR. Bacterial culture identified C. perfringens in 168 of 227 samples. A total of 144 of these isolates were lecithinase positive, indicating C. perfringens Type A. In addition, 154 isolates were positive by alpha toxin encoding gene-PCR assay. This study showed high agreement between the results of bacteriology and multiplex PCR. The multiplex PCR typed all isolates that were typed as C. perfringens Type A through bacteriologic methods, but ten samples that were lecithinase negative were positive in the multiplex PCR. The study showed the highest occurrence of C. perfringens Type A isolations from calves during the winter and autumn compared with other seasons.

Teaching authorship and publication practices in the biomedical and life sciences.

PubMed

Macrina, Francis L

2011-06-01

Examination of a limited number of publisher's Instructions for Authors, guidelines from two scientific societies, and the widely accepted policy document of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provided useful information on authorship practices. Three of five journals examined (Nature, Science, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) publish papers across a variety of disciplines. One is broadly focused on topics in medical research (New England Journal of Medicine) and one publishes research reports in a single discipline (Journal of Bacteriology). Similar elements of publication policy and accepted practices were found across the policies of these journals articulated in their Instructions for Authors. A number of these same elements were found in the professional society guidelines of the Society for Neuroscience and the American Chemical Society, as well as the ICMJE Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals. Taken together, these sources provide the basis for articulating best practices in authorship in scientific research. Emerging from this material is a definition of authorship, as well as policy statements on duplicative publication, conflict of interest disclosure, electronic access, data sharing, digital image integrity, and research requiring subjects' protection, including prior registration of clinical trials. These common elements provide a foundation for teaching about scientific authorship and publication practices across biomedical and life sciences disciplines.

Rotaviral and bacterial gastroenteritis in children during winter: an evaluation of physician ordering patterns.

PubMed

Chemaly, Roy F; Yen-Lieberman, Belinda; Schindler, Sue A; Goldfarb, Johanna; Hall, Gerri S; Procop, Gary W

2003-09-01

Identification of the agents of infectious diarrhea may facilitate appropriate therapy and prevent inappropriate antibiotic use. To better define the etiology of infectious diarrhea for children <12 years in our community and to study the ordering patterns of physicians. We reviewed test results of stool specimens from children <12 years old at our institution (CCF) and those submitted through our reference laboratory for rotavirus enzyme immunoassay (REIA) and stool cultures for a 7-month period (11/1/00-6/1/01). For CCF patients, REIA and stool cultures for usual bacterial enteric pathogens (BEP) were performed, regardless of the test ordered (i.e. REIA alone, stool culture alone or both). We compared the results with the orders placed to determine if requests for rotavirus alone or bacterial stool culture alone missed BEP or rotavirus, respectively. Overall, REIAs were performed on 81% (538/661) of stool specimens, with 37% positive. Stool cultures were performed on 62% (408/661) of stool specimens, with 4.4% positive. Stool specimens (280) from CCF pediatric patients were evaluated for both rotavirus and BEP. Some 42% of REIA and 23% of stool cultures were ordered as single tests, while both tests were ordered for 35% of the patients. Of the REIA ordered alone, 34% were positive for rotavirus; however, 2.5% of these contained BEP that would have been missed. Of the stool cultures that were ordered alone, 8% were positive; however, 19% of these contained rotavirus that would have been missed. When both tests were ordered, 22% contained rotavirus and 2% contained BEP. Both rotavirus and bacterial enteric infections were missed with selective viral versus bacterial specific ordering patterns. A rotaviral screen prior to stool culture may be useful for children with diarrhea during the winter months.

Bacteriological monitoring of unheated human milk.

PubMed

Davidson, D C; Poll, R A; Roberts, C

1979-10-01

To assess the bacteriological quality of unpooled expressed breast milk, a pilot bottle sample of each donation was examined before the milk was given to the neonate. Provided the milk did not contain greater than 2500 organisms/ml or potential pathogens it was used unheated. Milk containing between 2500 and 5000 organisms/ml and no potential pathogens was used after pasteurisation. Using these criteria, 67% of 460 donations were acceptable. However, because the bacteriological quality varied, 45% of domiciliary donations were discarded compared with only 29% of those from hospital.

Quantitative profiling of CpG island methylation in human stool for colorectal cancer detection.

PubMed

Elliott, Giles O; Johnson, Ian T; Scarll, Jane; Dainty, Jack; Williams, Elizabeth A; Garg, D; Coupe, Amanda; Bradburn, David M; Mathers, John C; Belshaw, Nigel J

2013-01-01

The aims of this study were to investigate the use of quantitative CGI methylation data from stool DNA to classify colon cancer patients and to relate stool CGI methylation levels to those found in corresponding tissue samples. We applied a quantitative methylation-specific PCR assay to determine CGI methylation levels of six genes, previously shown to be aberrantly methylated during colorectal carcinogenesis. Assays were performed on DNA from biopsies of "normal" mucosa and stool samples from 57 patients classified as disease-free, adenoma, or cancer by endoscopy, and in tumour tissue from cancer patients. Additionally, CGI methylation was analysed in stool DNA from an asymptomatic population of individuals covering a broad age range (mean = 47 ± 24 years) CGI methylation levels in stool DNA were significantly higher than in DNA from macroscopically normal mucosa, and a significant correlation between stool and mucosa was observed for ESR1 only. Multivariate statistical analyses using the methylation levels of each CGI in stool DNA as a continuous variable revealed a highly significant (p = 0.003) classification of cancer vs. non-cancer (adenoma + disease-free) patients (sensitivity = 65 %, specificity = 81 %). CGI methylation profiling of stool DNA successfully identified patients with cancer despite the methylation status of CGIs in stool DNA not generally reflecting those in DNA from the colonic mucosa.

Assessment of the relationship between bacteriological quality of dug-wells, hygiene behaviour and well characteristics in two cholera endemic localities in Douala, Cameroon

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Access to potable water is grossly inadequate in Douala-Cameroon. The situation is worse in slum areas, compelling inhabitants to obtain water from sources of doubtful quality. This has contributed to frequent outbreaks of water-borne diseases particularly cholera, which results in severe morbidity and mortality. Shallow wells are a major source of water in these areas. We analyzed the influence of some factors on the bacteriological quality of well water in Bepanda and New Bell, cholera endemic localities in Douala to generate data that would serve as basis for strengthening of water and health policies. Methods Questionnaires were administered to inhabitants of study sites to appraise their hygiene and sanitation practices, and level of awareness of waterborne diseases. The bacteriological quality of water was determined by investigating bacterial indicators of water quality. Relationship between well characteristics and bacteriological quality of water was determined using χ2 test. The Kendall tau_b nonparametric correlation was used to measure the strength of association between well characteristics and bacteriological parameters. Statistics were discussed at 95% confidence level. Antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was investigated by the Kirby-Bauer and broth dilution techniques. Multidrug resistant species were tested for extended β-lactamase production potential. Results Inhabitants demonstrated adequate knowledge of waterborne diseases but employed inappropriate method (table salt) for well disinfection. Well construction and location violated guidelines. Indicator bacterial counts greatly exceeded the WHO guidelines. Variation in bacteriologic parameters between sites was not significant (P > 0.05) since well characteristics and hygiene and sanitary practices were similar. Differences in bacteriologic quality with respect to state of well, and presence of molded casing and lid, and height of casing were not significant (P > 0.05). Well distance from sanitary structure negatively correlated with bacteriological characteristics indicating it could be a major contributory factor to poor water quality. Bacteria isolated were predominantly enteric organisms. Ciprofloxacin was the most active agent. Extended β-lactamase producers were detected among Salmonella species, Citrobacter fruendii and E. coli. Conclusion Poor well location, construction, and hygiene and sanitary practices were among the factors affecting water quality. There is an urgent need for education of inhabitants on effective water disinfection strategies and for regular monitoring of wells. PMID:23895357

Impact of palm olein in infant formulas on stool consistency and frequency: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

PubMed Central

Lasekan, John B.; Hustead, Deborah S.; Masor, Marc; Murray, Robert

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Meta-analysis studies have documented that palm olein (PALM) predominant formulas reduce calcium and fat absorption, and bone mineralization in infants, but none have been documented for stool consistency and frequency. Objective: The study objective was to conduct a meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the effect of PALM-based formulas on stool consistency and frequency in infants. Design: A literature search was conducted in BIOSIS Previews®, Embase®, Embase® Alert, MEDLINE® and Cochrane databases. PALM-based RCTs with available stool outcomes were selected and meta-analyzed. Mean rank stool consistency (MRSC, primary outcome) and stool frequency (secondary outcome) were compared between infants fed PALM-based and PALM-free formulas (NoPALM), using random effects model. Results: Nine out of identified16 studies were meta-analyzed. The mean MRSC (scale of 1 = watery to 5 = hard) in the NoPALM-fed infants was lower (softer stools) compared to the PALM-fed infants (mean difference ‒0.355, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] of ‒0.472 to ‒0.239, p < 0.001). Difference for stool frequency was not significant (p = 0.613). Conclusion: Meta-analysis of RCTs indicated that NoPALM-fed infants have significantly softer stools but similar stool frequencies versus PALM-fed infants, despite differences in study types and design. Future meta-analysis could benefit from including comparison with human milk-fed infants. PMID:28659741

The effect of step stool use and provider height on CPR quality during pediatric cardiac arrest: A simulation-based multicentre study.

PubMed

Cheng, Adam; Lin, Yiqun; Nadkarni, Vinay; Wan, Brandi; Duff, Jonathan; Brown, Linda; Bhanji, Farhan; Kessler, David; Tofil, Nancy; Hecker, Kent; Hunt, Elizabeth A

2018-01-01

We aimed to explore whether a) step stool use is associated with improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality; b) provider adjusted height is associated with improved CPR quality; and if associations exist, c) determine whether just-in-time (JIT) CPR training and/or CPR visual feedback attenuates the effect of height and/or step stool use on CPR quality. We analysed data from a trial of simulated cardiac arrests with three study arms: No intervention; CPR visual feedback; and JIT CPR training. Step stool use was voluntary. We explored the association between 1) step stool use and CPR quality, and 2) provider adjusted height and CPR quality. Adjusted height was defined as provider height + 23 cm (if step stool was used). Below-average height participants were ≤ gender-specific average height; the remainder were above average height. We assessed for interaction between study arm and both adjusted height and step stool use. One hundred twenty-four subjects participated; 1,230 30-second epochs of CPR were analysed. Step stool use was associated with improved compression depth in below-average (female, p=0.007; male, p<0.001) and above-average (female, p=0.001; male, p<0.001) height providers. There is an association between adjusted height and compression depth (p<0.001). Visual feedback attenuated the effect of height (p=0.025) on compression depth; JIT training did not (p=0.918). Visual feedback and JIT training attenuated the effect of step stool use (p<0.001) on compression depth. Step stool use is associated with improved compression depth regardless of height. Increased provider height is associated with improved compression depth, with visual feedback attenuating the effects of height and step stool use.

IBS Patients Show Frequent Fluctuations between Loose/Watery and Hard/Lumpy Stools: Implications for Treatment

PubMed Central

Palsson, Olafur S.; Baggish, Jeffrey S.; Turner, Marsha J.; Whitehead, William E.

2013-01-01

Aims To determine how variable stool consistency is in patients with irritable bowel (IBS) and assess the relationship between stool consistency and gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods Individuals with a physician diagnosis of IBS were recruited by advertisement. Enrollment questionnaires included the Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire and IBS Symptom Severity Scale. Then 185 patients meeting Rome criteria for IBS rated the consistency (using the Bristol Stool Scale) of each bowel movement (BM) for 90 days and whether the BM was accompanied by pain, urgency, or soiling. Each night they transferred BM ratings from a paper diary to an internet form and also reported the average daily intensity of abdominal pain, bloating, bowel habit dissatisfaction, and life interference of bowel symptoms. Only the longest sequence of consecutive days of diary data was used in analysis (average of 73 days). Results Patients were 89% female with average age 36.6 years. 78% had both loose/watery and hard/lumpy stools; the average was 3 fluctuations between these extremes per month. The proportion of loose/watery stools correlated r=.78 between the first and second months and the proportion of hard/lumpy stools correlated r=.85 between months. Loose/watery stools were associated with more BM-related pain, urgency, and soiling than hard/lumpy or normal stools; however, IBS-C patients had significantly more BM-unrelated abdominal pain, bloating, dissatisfaction with bowel habits, and life interference than IBS-D. Questionnaires overestimated the frequency of abnormal stool consistency and gastrointestinal symptoms compared to diaries. Conclusions Stool consistency varies greatly within individuals. However, stool patterns are stable within an individual from month to month. The paradoxical findings of greater symptom severity after individual loose/watery BMs vs. greater overall symptom severity in IBS-C implies different physiological mechanisms for symptoms in constipation compared to diarrhea. Daily symptom monitoring is more sensitive and reliable than a questionnaire. PMID:22068664

42 CFR 493.823 - Standard; Bacteriology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Standard; Bacteriology. 493.823 Section 493.823 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... Performing Tests of Moderate Complexity (including the Subcategory), High Complexity, Or Any Combination of...

42 CFR 493.823 - Standard; Bacteriology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard; Bacteriology. 493.823 Section 493.823 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... Performing Tests of Moderate Complexity (including the Subcategory), High Complexity, Or Any Combination of...

Water Treatment Technology - Chemistry/Bacteriology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross-Harrington, Melinda; Kincaid, G. David

One of twelve water treatment technology units, this student manual on chemistry/bacteriology provides instructional materials for twelve competencies. (The twelve units are designed for a continuing education training course for public water supply operators.) The competencies focus on the following areas: waterborne diseases, water sampling…

An iPhone application using a novel stool color detection algorithm for biliary atresia screening.

PubMed

Hoshino, Eri; Hayashi, Kuniyoshi; Suzuki, Mitsuyoshi; Obatake, Masayuki; Urayama, Kevin Y; Nakano, Satoshi; Taura, Yasuyuki; Nio, Masaki; Takahashi, Osamu

2017-10-01

The stool color card has been the primary tool for identifying acholic stools in infants with biliary atresia (BA), in several countries. However, BA stools are not always acholic, as obliteration of the bile duct occurs gradually. This study aims to introduce Baby Poop (Baby unchi in Japanese), a free iPhone application, employing a detection algorithm to capture subtle differences in colors, even with non-acholic BA stools. The application is designed for use by caregivers of infants aged approximately 2 weeks-1 month. Baseline analysis to determine optimal color parameters predicting BA stools was performed using logistic regression (n = 50). Pattern recognition and machine learning processes were performed using 30 BA and 34 non-BA images. Additional 5 BA and 35 non-BA pictures were used to test accuracy. Hue, saturation, and value (HSV) were the preferred parameter for BA stool identification. A sensitivity and specificity were 100% (95% confidence interval 0.48-1.00 and 0.90-1.00, respectively) even among a collection of visually non-acholic, i.e., pigmented BA stools and relatively pale-colored non-BA stools. Results suggest that an iPhone mobile application integrated with a detection algorithm is an effective and convenient modality for early detection of BA, and potentially for other related diseases.

Constructing COMSOL Models of a Bacteriological Fuel Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coker, Robert; Mansell, James

2012-01-01

We show very initial work on a specific bioelectrochemical system (BES), a bacteriologically driven 'fuel cell' (BFS), that is intended to process waste products, such as CO2 and brine. (1) Processing is the priority, not power generation (2) Really a Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC)

78 FR 12323 - Announcement of the Re-Approval of the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (COLA) as an...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-22

... subspecialty areas under CLIA: Microbiology, including Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology... CLIA for the following specialties and subspecialties: Microbiology, including Bacteriology... requirements. The COLA requires the laboratory director to review quality control results for waived tests...

42 CFR 493.1261 - Standard: Bacteriology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Standard: Bacteriology. 493.1261 Section 493.1261 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... negative reactivity using control organisms: (1) Each day of use for beta-lactamase methods other than...

42 CFR 493.1261 - Standard: Bacteriology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Standard: Bacteriology. 493.1261 Section 493.1261 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... negative reactivity using control organisms: (1) Each day of use for beta-lactamase methods other than...

42 CFR 493.1261 - Standard: Bacteriology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Standard: Bacteriology. 493.1261 Section 493.1261 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... negative reactivity using control organisms: (1) Each day of use for beta-lactamase methods other than...

42 CFR 493.1261 - Standard: Bacteriology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Standard: Bacteriology. 493.1261 Section 493.1261 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES... negative reactivity using control organisms: (1) Each day of use for beta-lactamase methods other than...

Medical Laboratory Technician--Microbiology (AFSC 90470).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Joselyn H.

This four-volume student text is designed for use by Air Force personnel enrolled in a self-study extension course for medical laboratory technicians. Covered in the individual volumes are laboratory procedures in clinical bacteriology (the history of bacteriology; aseptic techniques and sterilization procedures; bacterial morphology and…

[An approach to bacteriological taxonomy by application of Immanuel Kant's transcendental dialectics (author's transl)].

PubMed

Habs, H

1981-01-01

After having altered the name of International Committee for Bacteriological Nomenclature in International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology in 1970, the latter will also have to reflect upon the objects of taxonomy. An approach thereto is recognizable in the revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria in 1975. Considerations are being made whether a classification of bacteria does justice to the laws of homogenicity, specification and continuity as laid down by Kant in his transcendental dialectic. Most important of all are definition and determination of the taxon species. As far as contents go the latter is not possible from the biological point of view but applicable to its range in application of the regulations of the code. Within the priorities of taxa the species adopts a preferential position because conceptions of applied bacteriology are contained therein. The variety of infra-subspecific subdivisions is taken into consideration; as far as the formae speciales are concerned considerations as made with regard to species apply.

Clinical and bacteriological influence of diabetes mellitus on deep neck infection: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Hidaka, Hiroshi; Yamaguchi, Takuhiro; Hasegawa, Jun; Yano, Hisakazu; Kakuta, Risako; Ozawa, Daiki; Nomura, Kazuhiro; Katori, Yukio

2015-10-01

Diabetes mellitus has been recognized as the most common systemic disease associated with deep neck infection. We report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the influence of diabetes on clinical and bacteriological characteristics of deep neck infection. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Japan Medical Abstracts Society database. A critical review of 227 studies identified 20 studies eligible for quantitative synthesis. Diabetes was associated with higher prevalences of multispace spread of infection, complications, and failure to identify pathogenesis, with risk ratios (RRs) of 1.96, 2.42, and 1.29, respectively. Bacteriologically, patients with diabetes showed a higher prevalence of culture identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae (RR, 3.28), and lower prevalences of Streptococcus spp. (RR, 0.57) and anaerobes (RR, 0.54). Deep neck infection with diabetes differs from that without in several clinical aspects. Again, bacteriological differences imply that diabetic infections might be populated by different bacterial flora. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stool submission by general practitioners in SW England - when, why and how? A qualitative study.

PubMed

McNulty, Cliodna A M; Lasseter, Gemma; Newby, Katie; Joshi, Puja; Yoxall, Harry; Kumaran, Kalyanaraman; O'Brien, Sarah J; Evans, Mark

2012-08-08

We know little about when and why general practitioners (GPs) submit stool specimens in patients with diarrhoea. The recent UK-wide intestinal infectious disease (IID2) study found ten GP consultations for every case reported to national surveillance. We aimed to explore what factors influence GP's decisions to send stool specimens for laboratory investigation, and what guidance, if any, informs them. We used qualitative methods that enabled us to explore opinions and ask open questions through 20 telephone interviews with GPs with a range of stool submission rates in England, and a discussion group with 24 GPs. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Interviews: GPs only sent stool specimens to microbiology if diarrhoea persisted for over one week, after recent travel, or the patient was very unwell. Very few had a systematic approach to determine the clinical or public health need for a stool specimen. Only two GPs specifically asked patients about blood in their stool; only half asked about recent antibiotics, or potential food poisoning, and few asked about patients' occupations. Few GPs gave patients advice on how to collect specimens.Results from interviews and discussion group in relation to guidance: All reported that the HPA stool guidance and patient collection instructions would be useful in their clinical work, but only one GP (an interviewee) had previously accessed them. The majority of GPs would value links to guidance on electronic requests. Most GPs were surprised that a negative stool report did not exclude all the common causes of IID. GPs value stool culture and laboratories should continue to provide it. Patient instructions on how to collect stool specimens should be within stool collection kits. Through readily accessible guidance and education, GPs need to be encouraged to develop a more systematic approach to eliciting and recording details in the patient's history that indicate greater risk of severe infection or public health consequences. Mild or short duration IID (under one week) due to any cause is less likely to be picked up in national surveillance as GPs do not routinely submit specimens in these cases.

[When should a stool culture be done in adults with nosocomial diarrhea?].

PubMed

Mathieu, Alexandre; Tachet, Anne; Pariente, Alexandre

2005-01-29

To assess the diagnostic efficacy, cost and possible corrective measure of the indications for routine stool cultures in nosocomial diarrhoea in adults. A retrospective study over a 10-month period of 660 standard stool cultures, 256 of which were conducted after the 3rd day of hospitalisation, conducted in 528 patients at the hospital centre in Pau. The positivity rate of the stool cultures was of 26/336 patients (7.7%), and of 37/404 examinations (9%) within the first three days of hospitalisation, versus 2/192 patients (1%) and 3/256 examinations (1%) after the 3rd day of hospitalisation (p<0.05). In 83 patients a stool culture was repeated, and was only positive in one patient with an initially negative culture. If a stool culture had not been performed after the 3rd day, 2 infections would not have been diagnosed (1 salmonella and 1 K. oxytoca) and 256 stool cultures could have been economised (estimated cost: 6,144 euro). Moreover, by eliminating repeated stool cultures, 3 infections would not have been diagnosed (2 salmonella, and 1 K. oxytoca) and 321 stool cultures would have been avoided (estimated cost: 7,704 euro). If the stool cultures had been conducted after the 3rd day of hospitalisation only in those aged over 64 with comorbidity, immunosuppression or within the context of an epidemic, no false negative would have been observed and 149 stool cultures would have been economised (estimated cost: 3,576 euro). The positivity rate of the search for C. difficile, only conducted on explicit request from the practitioners, was of 5/23 (22%) and 4/28 (14%) before and after the 3rd day of hospitalisation (non-significant difference). Restriction of standard stool cultures after the 3rd day of hospitalisation to patients aged over 64 with comorbidity, to the immunodepressed, and within an epidemic context would economise around 4,300 euro per month in a medium-sized general hospital. No systematic restriction should be applied to the search for C. difficile.

Increasing butyrate concentration in the distal colon by accelerating intestinal transit

PubMed Central

Lewis, S; Heaton, K

1997-01-01

Background—Populations at low risk of colonic cancer consume large amounts of fibre and starch and pass acid, bulky stools. One short chain fatty acid (SCFA), butyrate, is the colon's main energy source and inhibits malignant transformation in vitro. 
Aim—To test the hypothesis that altering colonic transit rate alters colonic pH and the SCFA content of the stools. 
Patients—Thirteen healthy adults recruited by advertisement. 
Methods—Volunteers consumed, in turn, wheat bran, senna and loperamide, each for nine days with a two week washout period between study periods, dietary intake being unchanged. Before, and in the last four days of each intervention, whole gut transit time (WGTT), defaecation frequency, stool form, stool β-glucuronidase activity, stool pH, stool SCFA concentrations and intracolonic pH (using a radiotelemetry capsule for continuous monitoring) were assessed. 
Results—WGTT decreased, stool output and frequency increased with wheat bran and senna, vice versa with loperamide. The pH was similar in the distal colon and stool. Distal colonic pH fell with wheat bran and senna and tended to increase with loperamide. Faecal SCFA concentrations, including butyrate, increased with senna and fell with loperamide. With wheat bran the changes were non-significant, possibly because of the short duration of the study. Baseline WGTT correlated with faecal SCFA concentration (r=−0.511, p=0.001), with faecal butyrate (r=−0.577, p<0.001) and with distal colonic pH (r=0.359, p=0.029). 
Conclusion—Bowel transit rate is a determinant of stool SCFA concentration including butyrate and distal colonic pH. This may explain the inter-relations between colonic cancer, dietary fibre intake, stool output, and stool pH. 

 Keywords: bowel cancer; colonic pH; fibre; intestinal transit; pH; short chain fatty acids PMID:9301506

Stool DNA Test

MedlinePlus

... in the United States. Why it's done Stool DNA testing is intended to screen for colon cancer or ... and poses no risks. How you prepare Stool DNA testing requires no preparation. You can eat and drink ...

Evaluation of the bacteriological quality of raw cow's milk at various stages of the milk production chain on farms in Algeria. © OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health), 2016.

PubMed

Hamiroune, M; Berber, A; Boubekeur, S

2016-12-01

This study evaluates hygiene practices on 53 dairy farms in the Jijel and Blida regions of Algeria. A survey questionnaire was drawn up covering milking conditions and cleaning of the equipment. In parallel, bacteriological analyses were carried out to estimate the rate, source and development of bacterial contamination in raw milk produced on the farm. In addition, screening was performed to detect the presence of inhibitor residues. The results of the survey revealed poor livestock conditions and milking practices that could explain the presence of bacteria in cow's milk. The bacteriological results showed that 76.1% of milk samples taken from cow udders complied with legal standards, compared with only 35.8% of milk samples taken from storage tanks. Moreover, bacterial inhibitors were detected in 28.8% of milk samples. These results showed that the hands of milkers, udders, teat cups, utensils, the water used during milking and the milking environment were all potential sources of milk contamination by the bacteria under investigation. These results suggest that, to improve the bacteriological quality of milk, there is a need to introduce a quality policy which places a premium on milk of high bacteriological quality and aims to generalise good hygiene practices throughout the dairy production chain. © OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health), 2016.

Prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms in stool of paediatric patients with acute leukaemia and correlation with blood culture positivity: A single institution experience.

PubMed

Shankar, Krupa; Radhakrishnan, Venkatraman; Vijayakumar, Varalakskmi; Ramamoorthy, Jaikumar; Ganesan, Prasanth; Dhanushkodi, Manikandan; Ganesan, T S; Sagar, T G

2018-01-01

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in children with acute leukaemia. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of MDR bacteria in stool cultures of patients with acute leukaemia at presentation to the hospital. The results were then correlated with blood cultures when patients developed septicaemia. The study involved analysis of case records of patients with newly diagnosed acute leukaemia less than 18 years of age treated at our centre from January 2015 to December 2015. Stool cultures were sent within 72 hr of hospital admission and blood cultures were sent when clinically indicated. MDR was defined as resistance to at least one antibiotic in three or more following antimicrobial groups: cephalosporins, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. The analysis included 85 patients with acute leukaemia, among whom 48 of 85 (56%) patients had positive stool cultures and 42 of 85 (50%) patients were positive for MDR bacteria. Blood cultures were positive in 13 of 48 patients (27%, seven MDR and six non-MDR) with positive stool cultures and three of 37 patients (8%, one MDR and two non-MDR) with negative stool cultures (P = 0.01). The concordance between stool and blood culture for similar organism was 61%. There were seven deaths in 48 stool culture positive patients and two deaths in 37 stool culture negative patients. This study shows the high prevalence of MDR bacteria in newly diagnosed children with acute leukaemia. Colonisation with MDR bacteria in stools is associated with increased positivity of blood cultures and mortality. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Trypsin and chymotrypsin in stool

MedlinePlus

... the stool. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl ... child wears a diaper, line the diaper with plastic wrap. Place the plastic wrap so that urine and ...

Anatomic Problems of the Lower GI Tract

MedlinePlus

... then changes waste from liquid to a solid matter called stool. Stool passes from the colon to ... include abdominal tenderness, swelling, or bloating bloody or dark-red stools constipation—a condition in which a ...

Differences in gut microbiota associated with age, sex, and stool consistency in healthy Japanese subjects.

PubMed

Takagi, Tomohisa; Naito, Yuji; Inoue, Ryo; Kashiwagi, Saori; Uchiyama, Kazuhiko; Mizushima, Katsura; Tsuchiya, Saeko; Dohi, Osamu; Yoshida, Naohisa; Kamada, Kazuhiro; Ishikawa, Takeshi; Handa, Osamu; Konishi, Hideyuki; Okuda, Kayo; Tsujimoto, Yoshimasa; Ohnogi, Hiromu; Itoh, Yoshito

2018-06-20

Human gut microbiota is involved in host health and disease development. Investigations of age-related and sex-related alterations in gut microbiota are limited, and the association between stool consistency and gut microbiota has not been fully investigated. We investigated gut microbiota differences related to age, sex, and stool consistency in healthy Japanese subjects. Two-hundred and seventy-seven healthy Japanese subjects aged 20-89 years were enrolled. Fecal samples were obtained to analyze the gut microbiome. We evaluated the association between stool consistency [Bristol stool scale (BSS)] and gut microbiota. Although there were significant differences in the microbial structure between males and females, the α-diversity of gut microbiota showed no difference between males and females or among age groups. There were significant increases in genera Prevotella, Megamonas, Fusobacterium, and Megasphaera and Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, and Akkermansia in males and females, respectively. The ratio of hard stools (BSS types 1 and 2) was higher in females; the ratio of loose stools (BSS type 6) was higher in males. No younger male had BSS type 1 or type 2. Fusobacterium in males was significantly higher in the loose consistency group, and Oscillospira was significantly higher in the hard consistency group in males; Campylobacter, SMB53, and Turicibacter were significantly higher in the hard consistency group in females. Several changes in gut microbiota were associated with age and sex. Stool consistency and gut microbiota associations emphasized the importance of stool consistency assessments to understand intestinal function.

Stool antigen immunodetection for diagnosis of Giardia duodenalis infection in human subjects with HIV and cancer.

PubMed

Nooshadokht, Maryam; Kalantari-Khandani, Behjat; Sharifi, Iraj; Kamyabi, Hossein; Liyanage, Namal P M; Lagenaur, Laurel A; Kagnoff, Martin F; Singer, Steven M; Babaei, Zahra; Solaymani-Mohammadi, Shahram

2017-10-01

Human infection with the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis is one the most common parasitic diseases worldwide. Higher incidence rates of giardiasis have been reported from human subjects with multiple debilitating chronic conditions, including hypogammaglobulinemia and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). In the current study, stool specimens were collected from 199 individuals diagnosed with HIV or cancer and immunocompetent subjects. The sensitivity of microscopy-based detection on fresh stool preparations, trichrome staining and stool antigen immunodetection for the diagnosis of G. duodenalis were 36%, 45.5% and 100%, respectively when compared with a highly sensitive stool-based PCR method as the gold standard. Further multilocus molecular analyses using glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) loci demonstrated that the AI genotype of G. duodenalis was the most prevalent, followed by the AII genotype and mixed (AI+B) infections. We concluded that stool antigen immunodetection-based immunoassays and stool-based PCR amplification had comparable sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of G. duodenalis infections in these populations. Stool antigen detection-based diagnostic modalities are rapid and accurate and may offer alternatives to conventional microscopy and PCR-based diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of G. duodenalis in human subjects living with HIV or cancer. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

9 CFR 147.10 - Laboratory procedure recommended for the bacteriological examination of egg-type breeding flocks...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... the bacteriological examination of egg-type breeding flocks with salmonella enteritidis positive environments. 147.10 Section 147.10 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE... examination of egg-type breeding flocks with salmonella enteritidis positive environments. Birds selected for...

Treatment of mastitis during lactation.

PubMed

Pyörälä, S

2009-04-01

Treatment of mastitis should be based on bacteriological diagnosis and take national and international guidelines on prudent use of antimicrobials into account. In acute mastitis, where bacteriological diagnosis is not available, treatment should be initiated based on herd data and personal experience. Rapid bacteriological diagnosis would facilitate the proper selection of the antimicrobial. Treating subclinical mastitis with antimicrobials during lactation is seldom economical, because of high treatment costs and generally poor efficacy. All mastitis treatment should be evidence-based, i.e., the efficacy of each product and treatment length should be demonstrated by scientific studies. Use of on-farm written protocols for mastitis treatment promotes a judicious use of antimicrobials and reduces the use of antimicrobials.

Treatment of mastitis during lactation

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Treatment of mastitis should be based on bacteriological diagnosis and take national and international guidelines on prudent use of antimicrobials into account. In acute mastitis, where bacteriological diagnosis is not available, treatment should be initiated based on herd data and personal experience. Rapid bacteriological diagnosis would facilitate the proper selection of the antimicrobial. Treating subclinical mastitis with antimicrobials during lactation is seldom economical, because of high treatment costs and generally poor efficacy. All mastitis treatment should be evidence-based, i.e., the efficacy of each product and treatment length should be demonstrated by scientific studies. Use of on-farm written protocols for mastitis treatment promotes a judicious use of antimicrobials and reduces the use of antimicrobials. PMID:22081939

The use of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic principles to predict clinical outcome in paediatric acute otitis media.

PubMed

Dagan, Ron

2007-12-01

Double tympanocentesis studies of children with acute otitis media, carried out over an 11-year period, were used to confirm that pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters can be used as predictors of the bacteriological and clinical efficacy of antimicrobial agents. Predicted susceptibilities of common respiratory pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, were compared with the bacteriological outcome of treatment in which the high-dose formulation of amoxicillin/clavulanate (90mg/kg/day) given twice daily achieved the greatest bacteriological eradication rates for an oral agent. Further analysis of the data has indicated that failure to eradicate bacteria from the middle ear fluid is strongly correlated with clinical failure.

Safety of patient meals in 2 hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt before and after training of food handlers.

PubMed

El Derea, H; Salem, E; Fawzi, M; Abdel Azeem, M

2008-01-01

We assessed the food safety knowledge and food handling practices of 23 food handlers in 2 hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt [Gamal Abdel Nasser (GAN) and Medical Research Institute (MRI)] before and after a food safety training programme, and also the bacteriological quality of patient meals and kitchen equipment. There was a significant improvement in all knowledge-associated parameters except for personal hygiene in GAN. There was an improvement in the food safety practices in both hospitals. The bacteriological quality of most patient meals and food preparation surfaces and utensils improved after training. The bacteriological quality of patients' meals served in GAN was generally better than that in MRI.

Evaluation of a fecal immunochemistry test prior to colonoscopy for outpatients with various indications.

PubMed

Szilagyi, Andrew; Xue, Xiaoqing

2017-01-01

Stool tests can predict advanced neoplasms prior to colonoscopy. Results of immunochemical stool tests to predict findings at colonoscopy for various indications are less often reported. We compared pre-colonoscopy stool tests with findings in patients undergoing colonoscopy for different indications. Charts of patients undergoing elective or semi-urgent colonoscopy were reviewed. Comparison of adenoma detection rates and pathological findings was made between prescreened and non-prescreened, and between stool-positive and stool-negative cases. Demographics, quality of colonoscopy, and pathological findings were recorded. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed. Statistical significance was accepted at p ≤0.05. Charts of 325 patients were reviewed. Among them, stool tests were done on 144 patients: 114 were negative and 30 were positive. Findings were similar in the pretest and non-pretest groups. Detection of advanced adenomas per patient was higher in the stool-positive group compared to the stool-negative group (23.4% vs 3.5%, p =0.0016, OR =7.6 [95% CI: 2-29.3]). Five advanced adenomas (without high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma) and several cases of multiple adenomas were missed in the negative group. Sensitivity and specificity for advanced polyps was 63.6% and 82.7%, respectively. The negative predictive value was 96.5%. Male gender was independently predictive of any adenoma. The stool immunochemical test best predicted advanced neoplasms and had a high negative predictive value in this small cohort. Whether this test can be applied to determine the need for colonoscopy in groups other than average risk would require more studies.

Assessment of commonly used pediatric stool scales: a pilot study.

PubMed

Saps, M; Nichols-Vinueza, D; Dhroove, G; Adams, P; Chogle, A

2013-01-01

The Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and a modified child-friendly version (M-BSFS) are frequently used in clinical practice and research. These scales have not been validated in children. 3-D stool scale models may be better adapted to the child's development. To assess the usefulness of the BSFS, M-BSFS, and a newly developed 3-D stool scale in children. Fifty children were asked to rank the picture cards of the BSFS and 3-D models from hardest to softest and to match the pictures with descriptors for each stool type. Thirty percent of the children appropriately characterized the stools as hard, loose, or normal using the BSFS vs. 36.6% with the 3-D model (p=0.27). Appropriate correlation of stools as hard, loose, or normal consistency using the BSFS vs. the 3-D model by age group was: 6 to 11-year-olds, 27.5% vs. 33.3% (p=0.58) and 12 to 17-year-olds, 32.1% vs. 39.5% (p=0.41). Thirty-three percent correlated the BSFS pictures with the correct BSFS words, 46% appropriately correlated with the M-BSFS words, and 46% correlated the 3-D stool models with the correct wording. The BSFS and M-BSFS that are widely used as stool assessment instruments are not user-friendly for children. The 3-D model was not found to be better than the BSFS and the M-BSFS. Copyright © 2013 Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Modification of stool's water content in constipated infants: management with an adapted infant formula

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Constipation is a common occurrence in formula-fed infants. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the impact of a formula with high levels of lactose and magnesium, in compliance with the official regulations, on stool water content, as well as a parental assessment of constipation. Materials and methods Thirty healthy term-born, formula-fed infants, aged 4-10 weeks, with functional constipation were included. All infants were full-term and fed standard formula. Exclusion criteria were preterm and/or low birth weight, organic constipation, being breast fed or fed a formula specially designed to treat constipation. Stool composition was measured by near-infrared reflectance analysis (NIRA) and parents answered questions about crying associated with defecation and stool consistency at baseline and after two weeks of the adapted formula. Results After 2 weeks of the adapted formula, stool water content increased from 71 +/- 8.1% to 84 +/- 5.9%, (p < 0.02). There was no significant change in the stool's fat, protein or carbohydrate content. Parental impressions of constipation were improved with the decrease in stool hardness (100% with hard stools at baseline, 10% after 2 weeks), pain with defecation (90% at baseline, 10% after 2 weeks), and the requirement for rectal stimulation to achieve defecation (70% at baseline, 30% after 2 weeks, p < 0.001 for all three indicators). Conclusions This preliminary study suggests that an adapted formula with high levels of lactose and magnesium increases stool water content and improves symptoms of constipation in term-born, formula-fed infants. A larger randomized placebo-controlled trial is indicated. PMID:21595890

AGU Publications Volunteers Feted At Elegant Editors' Evening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panning, Jeanette

2013-01-01

The 2012 Fall Meeting Editors' Evening, held at the City Club of San Francisco, was hosted by the Publications Committee and is the premier social event for editors and associate editors attending the Fall Meeting. The evening commenced with a welcome from Carol Finn, incoming AGU president, in which she expressed her thanks to the editors and associate editors for volunteering their time to benefit AGU.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Shigella among acute diarrheal outpatients in Mekelle hospital, Northern Ethiopia.

PubMed

Gebrekidan, Atsebaha; Dejene, Tsehaye Asmelash; Kahsay, Getahun; Wasihun, Araya Gebreysus

2015-10-28

Emergence of increased antimicrobial resistance of Shigella species is a global challenge, particularly in developing countries where increased misuse of antimicrobial agents occurs. There is no published data in the study area on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Shigella among acute diarrheal patients. This study was therefore, under taken to fill this gap. Using cross sectional study method, stool specimens were collected from 216 patients with acute diarrhea at Mekelle Hospital from August to November 2014. Standard bacteriological methods were used to isolate and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Out of the total 216 participants, Shigella was isolated from 15 (6.9 %) of the participants. Ten (66.7 %) of the positive isolates were from children <15 years (p = 0.005). Latrine availability, source of drinking water and hand washing habits before meal were statistically significant with shigellosis (p < 0.05). Isolates of Shigella showed 100, 86.7 and 66.7 % resistance to amoxicillin, amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole respectively. Low levels of resistance were observed for norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin (6.7 % each). Overall, 80 % of the isolates showed multidrug resistance. Shigella isolates were highly resistant to amoxicillin, amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole. However, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin were effective. Antibiotic surveillance is needed to prevent further emergence of drug resistant Shigella strains. More has to be done in the availability of latrine, supply of safe drinking water to the community to reduce the disease burden.

DNA from fecal immunochemical test can replace stool for detection of colonic lesions using a microbiota-based model.

PubMed

Baxter, Nielson T; Koumpouras, Charles C; Rogers, Mary A M; Ruffin, Mack T; Schloss, Patrick D

2016-11-14

There is a significant demand for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods that are noninvasive, inexpensive, and capable of accurately detecting early stage tumors. It has been shown that models based on the gut microbiota can complement the fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test (FIT). However, a barrier to microbiota-based screening is the need to collect and store a patient's stool sample. Using stool samples collected from 404 patients, we tested whether the residual buffer containing resuspended feces in FIT cartridges could be used in place of intact stool samples. We found that the bacterial DNA isolated from FIT cartridges largely recapitulated the community structure and membership of patients' stool microbiota and that the abundance of bacteria associated with CRC were conserved. We also found that models for detecting CRC that were generated using bacterial abundances from FIT cartridges were equally predictive as models generated using bacterial abundances from stool. These findings demonstrate the potential for using residual buffer from FIT cartridges in place of stool for microbiota-based screening for CRC. This may reduce the need to collect and process separate stool samples and may facilitate combining FIT and microbiota-based biomarkers into a single test. Additionally, FIT cartridges could constitute a novel data source for studying the role of the microbiome in cancer and other diseases.

Optimal screening and donor management in a public stool bank.

PubMed

Kazerouni, Abbas; Burgess, James; Burns, Laura J; Wein, Lawrence M

2015-12-17

Fecal microbiota transplantation is an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection and is being investigated as a treatment for other microbiota-associated diseases. To facilitate these activities, an international public stool bank has been created, which screens donors and processes stools in a standardized manner. The goal of this research is to use mathematical modeling and analysis to optimize screening and donor management at the stool bank. Compared to the current policy of screening active donors every 60 days before releasing their quarantined stools for sale, costs can be reduced by 10.3 % by increasing the screening frequency to every 36 days. In addition, the stool production rate varies widely across donors, and using donor-specific screening, where higher producers are screened more frequently, also reduces costs, as does introducing an interim (i.e., between consecutive regular tests) stool test for just rotavirus and C. difficile. We also derive a donor release (i.e., into the system) policy that allows the supply to approximately match an exponentially increasing deterministic demand. More frequent screening, interim screening for rotavirus and C. difficile, and donor-specific screening, where higher stool producers are screened more frequently, are all cost-reducing measures. If screening costs decrease in the future (e.g., as a result of bringing screening in house), a bottleneck for implementing some of these recommendations may be the reluctance of donors to undergo serum screening more frequently than monthly.

Maintenance of Pain in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain.

PubMed

Czyzewski, Danita I; Self, Mariella M; Williams, Amy E; Weidler, Erica M; Blatz, Allison M; Shulman, Robert J

2016-03-01

A significant proportion of children with functional abdominal pain develop chronic pain. Identifying clinical characteristics predicting pain persistence is important in targeting interventions. We examined whether child anxiety and/or pain-stooling relations were related to maintenance of abdominal pain frequency and compared the predictive value of 3 methods for assessing pain-stooling relations (ie, diary, parent report, child report). Seventy-six children (7-10 years old at baseline) who presented for medical treatment of functional abdominal pain were followed up 18 to 24 months later. Baseline anxiety and abdominal pain-stooling relations based on pain and stooling diaries and child- and parent questionnaires were examined in relationship to the persistence of abdominal pain frequency. Children's baseline anxiety was not related to persistence of pain frequency. Children who, however, displayed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms at baseline maintained pain frequency at follow-up, whereas in children in whom there was no relationship between pain and stooling, pain frequency decreased. Pain and stool diaries and parent report of pain-stooling relations were predictive of pain persistence but child-report questionnaires were not. The presence of IBS symptoms in school-age children with functional abdominal pain appears to predict persistence of abdominal pain over time, whereas anxiety does not. Prospective pain and stooling diaries and parent report of IBS symptoms were predictors of pain maintenance, but child report of symptoms was not.

[PK/PD breakpoints and clinical/bacteriological effects of cefcapene pivoxil fine granules for children at free drug concentrations in pediatric patients with respiratory infection].

PubMed

Toyonaga, Yoshikiyo; Iwai, Naoichi; Motohiro, Takashi; Sunakawa, Keisuke; Fujii, Ryochi

2008-06-01

A post-marketing clinical study was previously conducted in pediatric patients with respiratory infection to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of cefcapene pivoxil (CFPN-PI) fine granules for children. Based on the results from this study, we evaluated PK/PD breakpoints and clinical/bacteriological effects of CFPN-PI at free drug concentrations in pediatric patients with respiratory infection to determine an effective and safe dosage regimen of CFPN-PI. The following results were obtained from 61 pediatric patients evaluated in our research. 1) The response rate of pediatric respiratory infection to CFPN-PI was 100% for laryngopharyngitis, 84.6% for acute bronchitis, 100% for tonsillitis, 100% for pneumonia and 95.8% for all. 2) The bacteriological response (eradication rate of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, etc.) of pediatric respiratory infection to CFPN-PI was 87.5% for laryngopharyngitis, 66.7% for acute bronchitis, 75.0% for tonsillitis, 63.6% for pneumonia and 73.8% for all. 3) The blood concentration simulation demonstrated that the PK/PD breakpoint exceeding the time above MIC (TAM) of 40% after administration of CFPN-PI 3 mg/kg three times daily was 0.27 microg/mL. 4) The pediatric patients with respiratory infection were stratified by the TAM (%) of CFPN-PI into 40% to 100% (TAM > or = 40% group) and 0% to 40% (TAM < 40% group) to compare the clinical and bacteriological effects of CFPN-PI. The clinical and bacteriological response rates, respectively, were 97.4% and 77.8% in the TAM > or = 40% group, and 88.9% and 62.5% in the TAM < 40% group. There was no difference in the clinical effect between the two TAM-stratified groups. On the other hand, the bacteriological effect, i.e., eradication rate, tended to be higher in the TAM > or = 40% group than in the TAM < 40% group, although the between-group difference was not statistically significant.

Lack of efficacy of homeopathic therapy against post-calving clinical mastitis in dairy herds in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

PubMed

Williamson, J H; Lacy-Hulbert, S J

2014-01-01

To compare clinical and bacteriological cure rates of clinical mastitis following treatment with either antimicrobials or homeopathic preparations. Seven spring-calving herds from the Waikato region of New Zealand were used to source cases of clinical mastitis (n = 263 glands) during the first 90 days following calving. Duplicate milk samples were collected for bacteriology from each clinically infected gland at diagnosis and 25 (SD 5.3) days after initial treatment. Affected glands were treated with either an antimicrobial formulation or a homeopathic remedy. Generalised linear models with binomial error distribution and logit link were used to analyse the proportion of cows that were clinical treatment cures and the proportion of glands that were classified as bacteriological cures, based on initial and post-treatment milk samples. Mean cumulative incidence of clinical mastitis was 7% (range 2-13% across herds) of cows. Streptococcus uberis was the most common pathogen isolated from culture-positive samples from affected glands (140/209; 67%). The clinical cure rate was higher for cows treated with antimicrobials (107/113; 95%) than for cows treated with homeopathic remedies (72/114; 63%) (p < 0.001) based on the observance of clinical signs following initial treatment. Across all pathogen types bacteriological cure rate at gland level was higher for those cows treated with antimicrobials (75/102; 74%) than for those treated with a homeopathic preparation (39/107; 36%) (p < 0.001). Using herds located in the Waikato region of New Zealand, homeopathic remedies had significantly lower clinical and bacteriological cure rates compared with antimicrobials when used to treat post-calving clinical mastitis where S. uberis was the most common pathogen. The proportion of cows that needed retreatment was significantly higher for the homeopathic treated cows. This, combined with lower bacteriological cure rates, has implications for duration of infection, individual cow somatic cell count, costs associated with treatment and animal welfare.

A 5-year study of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis treated at home in a controlled comparison of isoniazid plus PAS with 3 regimens of isoniazid alone*

PubMed Central

Evans, C.; Devadatta, S.; Fox, Wallace; Gangadharam, P. R. J.; Menon, N. K.; Ramakrishnan, C. V.; Sivasubramanian, S.; Somasundaram, P. R.; Stott, H.; Velu, S.

1969-01-01

This report from the Tuberculosis Chemotherapy Centre, Madras, describes the progress, over a 5-year period, of 341 patients with newly diagnosed, sputum-positive tuberculosis. All the patients were treated on a domiciliary basis. In the first year, the patients received, on the basis of random allocation, a standard regimen of isoniazid plus PAS or 1 of 3 regimens of isoniazid alone. Previous reports have shown that the response in the first year was substantially superior with the standard regimen, and that the bacteriological relapse rates in the second year were fairly similar for the 4 regimens. The findings in the present report extend the latter conclusion to the end of 5 years. Further, when considered together with the findings in an earlier study, they have shown that isoniazid, given as maintenance chemotherapy in the second year, was highly effective in preventing bacteriological relapse in patients who, at 1 year, had bacteriologically quiescent disease and no residual cavitation; the effect was, however, less marked in patients with residual cavitation at 1 year. Patients who were clear-cut failures of the allocated chemotherapy and those who had a bacteriological relapse in the second or subsequent years were usually re-treated with streptomycin plus PAS or streptomycin plus pyrazinamide, and if this was ineffective, with cycloserine plus thioacetazone or cycloserine plus ethionamide. Considering the findings over the 5-year period for all patients, 16 died from non-tuberculous causes and 1 took his discharge prematurely. Of the remainder, 86% had bacteriologically quiescent disease at 5 years, 6% had bacteriologically active disease and 8% had died of tuberculosis. These findings confirm the value of well-organized domiciliary chemotherapy, which was established by an earlier report from the Centre, and are particularly encouraging for developing countries such as India, where tuberculosis is a major problem and resources are limited. PMID:5309083

Rapid Diagnosis of Diarrhea Caused by Shigella sonnei Using Dipsticks; Comparison of Rectal Swabs, Direct Stool and Stool Culture

PubMed Central

Duran, Claudia; Nato, Faridabano; Dartevelle, Sylvie; Thi Phuong, Lan Nguyen; Taneja, Neelam; Ungeheuer, Marie Noëlle; Soza, Guillermo; Anderson, Leslie; Benadof, Dona; Zamorano, Agustín; Diep, Tai The; Nguyen, Truong Quang; Nguyen, Vu Hoang; Ottone, Catherine; Bégaud, Evelyne; Pahil, Sapna; Prado, Valeria; Sansonetti, Philippe; Germani, Yves

2013-01-01

Background We evaluated a dipstick test for rapid detection of Shigella sonnei on bacterial colonies, directly on stools and from rectal swabs because in actual field situations, most pathologic specimens for diagnosis correspond to stool samples or rectal swabs. Methodology/Principal Findings The test is based on the detection of S. sonnei lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-side chains using phase I-specific monoclonal antibodies coupled to gold particles, and displayed on a one-step immunochromatographic dipstick. A concentration as low as 5 ng/ml of LPS was detected in distilled water and in reconstituted stools in 6 minutes. This is the optimal time for lecture to avoid errors of interpretation. In distilled water and in reconstituted stools, an unequivocal positive reaction was obtained with 4 x 106 CFU/ml of S. sonnei. The specificity was 100% when tested with a battery of Shigella and different unrelated strains. When tested on 342 rectal swabs in Chile, specificity (281/295) was 95.3% (95% CI: 92.9% - 97.7%) and sensitivity (47/47) was 100%. Stool cultures and the immunochromatographic test showed concordant results in 95.5 % of cases (328/342) in comparative studies. Positive and negative predictive values were 77% (95% CI: 65% - 86.5%) and 100% respectively. When tested on 219 stools in Chile, Vietnam, India and France, specificity (190/198) was 96% (95% CI 92%–98%) and sensitivity (21/21) was 100%. Stool cultures and the immunochromatographic test showed concordant results in 96.3 % of cases (211/219) in comparative studies. Positive and negative predictive values were 72.4% (95% CI 56.1%–88.6%) and 100 %, respectively. Conclusion This one-step dipstick test performed well for diagnosis of S. sonnei both on stools and on rectal swabs. These data confirm a preliminary study done in Chile. PMID:24278267

A randomised, double-blind study of polyethylene glycol 4000 and lactulose in the treatment of constipation in children

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Chronic constipation is frequent in children. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of PEG 4000 and lactulose for the treatment of chronic constipation in young children. Methods This randomised, double-blind study enrolled 88 young children aged 12 to 36 months, who were randomly assigned to receive lactulose (3.3 g per day) or PEG 4000 (8 g per day) for four weeks. The primary efficacy variable was stool frequency during the fourth week of treatment. Secondary outcomes were the number and frequency of subjective symptoms associated with defecation at each visit. Results Stool frequency was comparable in the two groups at baseline (lactulose: 0.7 ± 0.5; PEG 4000: 0.5 ± 0.55). Mean stool frequency increased from 0.70 ± 0.50 stools/day at baseline to 0.80 ± 0.41 at Week 4 in the lactulose group and from 0.50 ± 0.55 to 1.10 ± 0.55 stools/day in the PEG 4000 group. A significant difference was observed in the adjusted mean change from baseline, which was 0.15 stools/day in the lactulose group and 0.51 stools/day in the PEG 4000 group, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.36 stools/day [95% CI: 0.16 to 0.56]. With respect to secondary outcome variables, stool consistency and ease of stool passage improved more in the PEG 4000 group (p = 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, the majority of which were mild. Conclusions PEG 4000 has superior efficacy to lactulose for the treatment of chronic constipation in young children and is well tolerated. Trial registration US National Institute of Health Clinical Trials database; study NCT00255372 first registered 17th November 2005. PMID:24943105

Fetal exposures and perinatal influences on the stool microbiota of premature infants

PubMed Central

Chernikova, Diana A.; Koestler, Devin C.; Hoen, Anne Gatewood; Housman, Molly L.; Hibberd, Patricia L.; Moore, Jason H.; Morrison, Hilary G.; Sogin, Mitchell L.; Ul-Abideen, Muhammad Zain; Madan, Juliette C.

2015-01-01

Objective To test the hypothesis that maternal complications significantly affect gut colonization patterns in very low birth weight infants. Methods 49 serial stool samples were obtained weekly from 9 extremely premature infants enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study. Sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from stool samples was performed to approximate the intestinal microbiome. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate relationships between perinatal complications and intestinal microbiome development. Results Subjects with prenatal exposure to a non-sterile intrauterine environment, i.e. PPPROM and chorioamnionitis exposure, were found to have a relatively higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the stool across all time points compared to subjects without those exposures, irrespective of exposure to postnatal antibiotics. Compared with those delivered by Caesarean section, vaginally delivered subjects were found to have significantly lower diversity of stool microbiota across all time points, with lower abundance of many genera, most in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Conclusions We identified persistently increased potential pathogen abundance in the developing stool microbiota of subjects exposed to a non-sterile uterine environment. Maternal complications appear to significantly influence the diversity and bacterial composition of the stool microbiota of premature infants, with findings persisting over time. PMID:25394613

Investigation of household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients increases case detection in Mwanza City, Tanzania.

PubMed

Beyanga, Medard; Kidenya, Benson R; Gerwing-Adima, Lisa; Ochodo, Eleanor; Mshana, Stephen E; Kasang, Christa

2018-03-06

Tuberculosis (TB) contact tracing is a key strategy for containing TB and provides addition to the passive case finding approach. However, this practice has not been implemented in Tanzania, where there is unacceptably high treatment gap of 62.1% between cases estimated and cases detected. Therefore calls for more aggressive case finding for TB to close this gap. We aimed to determine the magnitude and predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB index cases in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania. This study was carried out from August to December 2016 in Mwanza city at the TB outpatient clinics of Tertiary Hospital of the Bugando Medical Centre, Sekou-Toure Regional Hospital, and Nyamagana District Hospital. Bacteriologically-confirmed TB index cases diagnosed between May and July 2016 were identified from the laboratory registers book. Contacts were traced by home visits by study TB nurses, and data were collected using a standardized TB screening questionnaire. To detect the bacterioriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB, two sputum samples per household contact were collected under supervision for all household contacts following standard operating procedures. Samples were transported to the Bugando Medical Centre TB laboratory for investigation for TB using fluorescent smear microscopy, GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts. During the study period, 456 household contacts from 93 TB index cases were identified. Among these 456 household contacts, 13 (2.9%) were GeneXpert MTB/RIF positive, 18 (3.9%) were MTB-culture positive and four (0.9%) were AFB-smear positive. Overall, 29 (6.4%) of contacts had bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB. Predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts were7being married (Odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-8.0; p = 0.012) and consuming less than three meals a day (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.6-8.7; p = 0.009). Our data suggest that in Mwanza, Tanzania, seven in 100 contacts living in the same house with a TB patient develop bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB. These results therefore underscore the need to implement routine TB contact tracing to control tuberculosis in high TB burden countries such as Tanzania.

Therapeutic effects of antimicrobial treatment during lactation of recently acquired bovine subclinical mastitis: two linked randomized field trials.

PubMed

van den Borne, B H P; van Schaik, G; Lam, T J G M; Nielen, M

2010-01-01

Two linked randomized field trials were performed on 39 herds in the Netherlands to 1) determine therapeutic effects of antimicrobial treatment of recently acquired subclinical mastitis (RASCM) during lactation, 2) evaluate the effect of duration of subclinical mastitis on therapeutic outcome, and 3) identify factors related to the therapeutic success of RASCM. Cows with a first elevated composite somatic cell count (CSCC) after 2 consecutive low CSCC measurements were eligible for enrollment in trial 1 (treatment at the first elevated CSCC). Quarter milk samples were collected to determine bacteriological status for major pathogens and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Cows with one or more culture-positive quarters with a quarter somatic cell count (QSCC) >or=100,000 cells/mL were defined to have RASCM and were randomly assigned treatment or control (no treatment). Untreated cows from trial 1 that had a second elevated CSCC at the next milk recording were eligible for enrollment in trial 2 (treatment at the second elevated CSCC). In trial 2, staphylococci-positive cows (Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci) were randomly assigned to treatment or control. Farmers used their own treatment protocols to treat quarters in both trials. Bacteriological cure was defined as absence of the pathogen identified pre-intervention in 2 samples post-intervention; QSCC, CSCC, and milk yield were also analyzed. Hierarchical logistic and linear models were used to determine therapeutic effects and to identify factors related to therapy outcome. Treated quarters had a higher bacteriological cure rate than control quarters for all pathogens in both trials. Treatment resulted in lower QSCC and CSCC, whereas milk yield was not affected by treatment. Bacteriological cure of RASCM was better in quarters with a low QSCC pre-intervention and in coagulase-negative staphylococci-positive quarters. Control quarters with a single culture-positive sample pre-intervention also had a higher bacteriological cure than control quarters with >or=2 culture-positive samples. Time of antimicrobial treatment affected bacteriological cure for penicillin-sensitive Staph. aureus. Bacteriological cure tended to be higher for Staph. aureus after treatment at the first elevated CSCC compared with treatment at the second elevated CSCC. Thus, early treatment of Staph. aureus might be more effective than later treatment. Copyright 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fermented Fiber Supplements Are No Better Than Placebo for a Laxative Effect.

PubMed

McRorie, Johnson W; Chey, William D

2016-11-01

Misconceptions about the effects of dietary fiber and 'functional' fiber on stool parameters and constipation persist in the literature. A comprehensive literature review was conducted with the use of the Scopus and PubMed scientific databases to identify and objectively assess well-controlled clinical studies that evaluated the effects of fiber on stool parameters and constipation. The totality of well-controlled randomized clinical studies show that, to exert a laxative effect, fiber must: (1) resist fermentation to remain intact throughout the large bowel and present in stool, and (2) significantly increase stool water content and stool output, resulting in soft/bulky/easy-to-pass stools. Poorly fermented insoluble fiber (e.g., wheat bran) remains as discreet particles which can mechanically irritate the gut mucosa, stimulating water & mucous secretion if the particles are sufficiently large/coarse. For soluble fibers, some have no effect on viscosity (e.g., inulin, wheat dextrin) while others form high viscosity gels (e.g., β-glucan, psyllium). If the soluble fiber is readily fermented, whether non-viscous or gel-forming, it has no effect on stool output or stool water content, and has no laxative effect. In contrast, a non-fermented, gel-forming soluble fiber (e.g., psyllium) retains its gelled nature and high water-holding capacity throughout the large bowel, resulting in soft/bulky/easy-to-pass stools. When considering a recommendation for a fiber supplement regimen to treat and/or prevent constipation, it is important to consider which fibers have the physical characteristics to exert a laxative effect, and which fiber supplements have rigorous clinical evidence of a significant benefit in patients with constipation.

Stool consistency is strongly associated with gut microbiota richness and composition, enterotypes and bacterial growth rates.

PubMed

Vandeputte, Doris; Falony, Gwen; Vieira-Silva, Sara; Tito, Raul Y; Joossens, Marie; Raes, Jeroen

2016-01-01

The assessment of potentially confounding factors affecting colon microbiota composition is essential to the identification of robust microbiome based disease markers. Here, we investigate the link between gut microbiota variation and stool consistency using Bristol Stool Scale classification, which reflects faecal water content and activity, and is considered a proxy for intestinal colon transit time. Through 16S rDNA Illumina profiling of faecal samples of 53 healthy women, we evaluated associations between microbiome richness, Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio, enterotypes, and genus abundance with self-reported, Bristol Stool Scale-based stool consistency. Each sample's microbiota growth potential was calculated to test whether transit time acts as a selective force on gut bacterial growth rates. Stool consistency strongly correlates with all known major microbiome markers. It is negatively correlated with species richness, positively associated to the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio, and linked to Akkermansia and Methanobrevibacter abundance. Enterotypes are distinctly distributed over the BSS-scores. Based on the correlations between microbiota growth potential and stool consistency scores within both enterotypes, we hypothesise that accelerated transit contributes to colon ecosystem differentiation. While shorter transit times can be linked to increased abundance of fast growing species in Ruminococcaceae-Bacteroides samples, hinting to a washout avoidance strategy of faster replication, this trend is absent in Prevotella-enterotyped individuals. Within this enterotype adherence to host tissue therefore appears to be a more likely bacterial strategy to cope with washout. The strength of the associations between stool consistency and species richness, enterotypes and community composition emphasises the crucial importance of stool consistency assessment in gut metagenome-wide association studies. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Comparison of different approaches to quantitative adenovirus detection in stool specimens of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

PubMed

Kosulin, K; Dworzak, S; Lawitschka, A; Matthes-Leodolter, S; Lion, T

2016-12-01

Adenoviruses almost invariably proliferate in the gastrointestinal tract prior to dissemination, and critical threshold concentrations in stool correlate with the risk of viremia. Monitoring of adenovirus loads in stool may therefore be important for timely initiation of treatment in order to prevent invasive infection. Comparison of a manual DNA extraction kit in combination with a validated in-house PCR assay with automated extraction on the NucliSENS-EasyMAG device coupled with the Adenovirus R-gene kit (bioMérieux) for quantitative adenovirus analysis in stool samples. Stool specimens spiked with adenovirus concentrations in a range from 10E2-10E11 copies/g and 32 adenovirus-positive clinical stool specimens from pediatric stem cell transplant recipients were tested along with appropriate negative controls. Quantitative analysis of viral load in adenovirus-positive stool specimens revealed a median difference of 0.5 logs (range 0.1-2.2) between the detection systems tested and a difference of 0.3 logs (range 0.0-1.7) when the comparison was restricted to the PCR assays only. Spiking experiments showed a detection limit of 10 2 -10 3 adenovirus copies/g stool revealing a somewhat higher sensitivity offered by the automated extraction. The dynamic range of accurate quantitative analysis by both systems investigated was between 10 3 and 10 8 virus copies/g. The differences in quantitative analysis of adenovirus copy numbers between the systems tested were primarily attributable to the DNA extraction method used, while the qPCR assays revealed a high level of concordance. Both systems showed adequate performance for detection and monitoring of adenoviral load in stool specimens. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Patterns of detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in stool specimens: implications for diagnosis and clinical trials.

PubMed Central

Dreyer, G; Fernandes-Silva, E; Alves, S; Rocha, A; Albuquerque, R; Addiss, D

1996-01-01

Reported efficacies of drugs used to treat Strongyloides stercoralis infection vary widely. Because diagnostic methods are insensitive, therapeutic trials generally require multiple negative posttreatment stool specimens as evidence of drug efficacy. However, only a single positive stool specimen is usually required for study enrollment. To determine the reproducibility of detection of S. stercoralis larvae in the stool, 108 asymptomatic infected men submitted 25 g of fresh stool once a week for eight consecutive weeks for examination by the Baermann technique. During the 8-week study, 239 (27.7%) of 864 stool specimens were positive for S. stercoralis. Rates of detection of larvae in the stool specimens ranged from eight of eight specimens in 3 (2.8%) men to none of eight specimens in 36 (33.3%) men. Of 43 men for whom S. stercoralis was detected in at least two of the first four stool specimens, only 1 (2.3%) man tested negative on all of the next four specimens. In comparison, of 29 men who had detectable larvae in only one of the first four specimens, 22 (75.9%) tested negative on all of the next four samples. Thus, if these 29 men had been enrolled in a therapeutic trial between the first and second sets of four specimens, the efficacy of a drug with no activity against this parasite would have been estimated to be 76%. These data suggest that patterns of S. stercoralis detection vary widely among infected persons and that intermittent larval shedding can lead to inflated estimates of drug efficacy. Before a patient is entered in a clinical trial of drug efficacy, four consecutive stool specimens should be examined for S. stercoralis; only persons with two or more positive specimens should be enrolled. PMID:8880521

Stool Microbiome and Metabolome Differences between Colorectal Cancer Patients and Healthy Adults

PubMed Central

Weir, Tiffany L.; Manter, Daniel K.; Sheflin, Amy M.; Barnett, Brittany A.; Heuberger, Adam L.; Ryan, Elizabeth P.

2013-01-01

In this study we used stool profiling to identify intestinal bacteria and metabolites that are differentially represented in humans with colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to healthy controls to identify how microbial functions may influence CRC development. Stool samples were collected from healthy adults (n = 10) and colorectal cancer patients (n = 11) prior to colon resection surgery at the University of Colorado Health-Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO. The V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene was pyrosequenced and both short chain fatty acids and global stool metabolites were extracted and analyzed utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). There were no significant differences in the overall microbial community structure associated with the disease state, but several bacterial genera, particularly butyrate-producing species, were under-represented in the CRC samples, while a mucin-degrading species, Akkermansia muciniphila, was about 4-fold higher in CRC (p<0.01). Proportionately higher amounts of butyrate were seen in stool of healthy individuals while relative concentrations of acetate were higher in stools of CRC patients. GC-MS profiling revealed higher concentrations of amino acids in stool samples from CRC patients and higher poly and monounsaturated fatty acids and ursodeoxycholic acid, a conjugated bile acid in stool samples from healthy adults (p<0.01). Correlative analysis between the combined datasets revealed some potential relationships between stool metabolites and certain bacterial species. These associations could provide insight into microbial functions occurring in a cancer environment and will help direct future mechanistic studies. Using integrated “omics” approaches may prove a useful tool in identifying functional groups of gastrointestinal bacteria and their associated metabolites as novel therapeutic and chemopreventive targets. PMID:23940645

Importance of the regiospecific distribution of long-chain saturated fatty acids on gut comfort, fat and calcium absorption in infants.

PubMed

Petit, Valérie; Sandoz, Laurence; Garcia-Rodenas, Clara L

2017-06-01

Gastrointestinal tolerance and fat and calcium (Ca) absorption are different between breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) infants. Certain components and/or structural particularities in human milk (HM), can contribute to favorable outcomes in BF infants. In HM, the long-chain saturated fatty acid (LCSFA) palmitic acid has a different stereospecific distribution (sn-2 position) compared to most infant formula (IF) (primarily sn-1, 3 positions), which may contribute to unfavorable outcomes. Evidence suggests palmitic acid is important in the formation of stool FA-mineral (or FA-Ca) soaps, associated with harder stools in FF infants. Partial replacement by structured palmitic acid-rich triacylglycerols (TAGs) promotes palmitic acid absorption. However, evidence for stool softening, improved fat absorption and reduced Ca excretion in stools is inconsistent. IFs with less palmitic acid can improve fat and Ca absorption, and stool consistency. The presence of other LCSFAs (myristic and stearic acids) in sn-1, 3 positions may also contribute to reduced absorption of fat and Ca, and stool hardness, in FF infants. Nevertheless, little attention has been given to modifying these other LCSFAs in IF. We review literature comparing the effect of HM and IF with different lipid compositions on stool patterns and/or fat and Ca absorption in healthy, term infants. Based on available data, we estimate a maximum level for sn-1, 3 LCSFAs of 13% of TAGs, under which fat and Ca absorption and stool consistency are improved. IF designed according to this threshold could efficiently improve nutrient absorption and stool patterns in healthy infants who cannot be breast-fed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 131.41 - Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 21 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A). 131.41 Section 131.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS WATER QUALITY STANDARDS Federally...

40 CFR 131.41 - Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 22 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A). 131.41 Section 131.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS WATER QUALITY STANDARDS Federally...

40 CFR 131.41 - Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A). 131.41 Section 131.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS WATER QUALITY STANDARDS Federally...

40 CFR 131.41 - Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 22 2014-07-01 2013-07-01 true Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A). 131.41 Section 131.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS WATER QUALITY STANDARDS Federally...

40 CFR 131.41 - Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 23 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Bacteriological criteria for those states not complying with Clean Water Act section 303(i)(1)(A). 131.41 Section 131.41 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS WATER QUALITY STANDARDS Federally...

[Method and procedures in bacteriological study of necrotic teeth].

PubMed

Rodríguez-Ponce, A; López Campos, A; López Paz, J; Pazos Sierra, R

1991-01-01

Research was conducted of 160 radicular canals with necrotic pulp. Results of different bacteriological analyses are presented. Culture analyses in aerobic and anaerobic media, resulted in the isolation of Staphylococcus Epidermidis, Streptococcus Viridans and Corynebacterium sp in the group studied, as the most frequent bacteria. There was no evidence of a specific germ linked with the pulp necrosis.

Bilingual Skills Training Program. Barbering/Cosmetology. Module 1.0: Bacteriology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Northern New Mexico Community Coll., El Rito.

This module on bacteriology is the first of ten (CE 028 308-318) in the barbering/cosmetology course of a bilingual skills training program. (A Vocabulary Development Workbook for modules 6-10 is available as CE 028 313.) The course is designed to furnish theoretical and laboratory experience. Module objectives are for students to develop…

Machine for Automatic Bacteriological Pour Plate Preparation

PubMed Central

Sharpe, A. N.; Biggs, D. R.; Oliver, R. J.

1972-01-01

A fully automatic system for preparing poured plates for bacteriological analyses has been constructed and tested. The machine can make decimal dilutions of bacterial suspensions, dispense measured amounts into petri dishes, add molten agar, mix the dish contents, and label the dishes with sample and dilution numbers at the rate of 2,000 dishes per 8-hr day. In addition, the machine can be programmed to select different media so that plates for different types of bacteriological analysis may be made automatically from the same sample. The machine uses only the components of the media and sterile polystyrene petri dishes; requirements for all other materials, such as sterile pipettes and capped bottles of diluents and agar, are eliminated. Images PMID:4560475

Maintenance of Pain in Children with Functional Abdominal Pain

PubMed Central

Czyzewski, Danita I.; Self, Mariella M.; Williams, Amy E.; Weidler, Erica M.; Blatz, Allison M.; Shulman, Robert J.

2015-01-01

Objectives A significant proportion of children with functional abdominal pain develop chronic pain. Identifying clinical characteristics predicting pain persistence is important in targeting interventions. We examined whether child anxiety and/or pain-stooling relations were related to maintenance of abdominal pain frequency and compared the predictive value of three methods for assessing pain-stooling relations (i.e., diary, parent report, child report). Methods Seventy-six children (7–10-years-old at baseline) who presented for medical treatment of functional abdominal pain were followed up 18–24 months later. Baseline anxiety and abdominal pain-stooling relations based on pain and stooling diaries and child- and parent-questionnaires were examined in relationship to the persistence of abdominal pain frequency. Results Children’s baseline anxiety was not related to persistence of pain frequency. However, children who displayed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms at baseline maintained pain frequency at follow-up, whereas in children in whom there was no relationship between pain and stooling, pain frequency decreased. Pain and stool diaries and parent report of pain-stooling relations were predictive of pain persistence but child-report questionnaires were not. Conclusions The presence of IBS symptoms in school age children with functional abdominal pain appears to predict persistence of abdominal pain over time, while anxiety does not. Prospective pain and stooling diaries and parent report of IBS symptoms were predictors of pain maintenance, but child report of symptoms was not. PMID:26301615

Stool microbiome and metabolome differences between colorectal cancer patients and healthy adults

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In this study we used stool profiling to identify intestinal bacteria and metabolites that are differentially represented in humans with colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to healthy controls to identify how microbial functions may influence CRC development. Stool samples were collected from healthy a...

Conflicts of interest of editors of medical journals

PubMed Central

Minhajuddin, Abu

2018-01-01

Background Almost all medical journals now require authors to publicly disclose conflicts of interests (COI). The same standard and scrutiny is rarely employed for the editors of the journals although COI may affect editorial decisions. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study to determine the prevalence and magnitude of financial relationships among editors of 60 influential US medical journals (10 each for internal medicine and five subspecialties: cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, dermatology and allergy & immunology). Open Payments database was reviewed to determine the percentage of physician editors receiving payments and the nature and amount of these payments. Findings 703 unique physician editors were included in our analysis. 320/703 (46%) received 8659 general payments totaling $8,120,562. The median number of payments per editor was 9 (IQR 3–26) and the median amount per payment was $91 (IQR $21–441). The median total payment received by each editor in one year was $4,364 (IQR $319–23,143). 152 (48%) editors received payments more than $5,000 in a year, a threshold considered significant by the National Institutes of Health. COI policies for editors were available for 34/60 (57%) journals but only 7/34 (21%) publicly reported the disclosures and only 2 (3.%) reported the dollar amount received. Interpretation A significant number of editors of internal medicine and subspecialty medical journals have financial COI and very few are publicly disclosed. Specialty journal editors have more COI compared to general medicine journal editors. Current policies for disclosing COI for editors are inconsistent and do not comply with the recommended standards. PMID:29775468

New Editors Appointed for Sections of Journal of Geophysical Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2009-04-01

New editors have been appointed for the Atmospheres, Biogeosciences, and Oceans sections of the Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR). Joost de Gouw (NOAA, Boulder, Colo.) and Renyi Zhang (Texas A&M, College Station) are filling the vacancies of retiring Atmospheres section editors John Austin and Jose Fuentes. De Gouw and Zhang join the continuing editors Steven Ghan and Yinon Rudich. Sara Pryor (Indiana University, Bloomington) is joining the Atmospheres section editorial board as an associate editor now; she will transition to editor in January 2010.

Journal Editors Celebrated at Editors' Evening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panning, Jeanette

2014-02-01

At the Fall Meeting, the premiere social event for AGU's many journal editors is the annual Editors' Evening, an opportunity for members to celebrate and to recognize the efforts of retiring editors. At the event, AGU president Carol Finn welcomed all those in attendance and thanked them for volunteering their time for the benefit of AGU and the wider research community.

Examining Editor-Author Ethics: Real-World Scenarios from Interviews with Three Journal Editors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amare, Nicole; Manning, Alan

2009-01-01

Those who submit manuscripts to academic journals may benefit from a better understanding of how editors weigh ethics in their interactions with authors. In an attempt to ascertain and to understand editors' ethics, we interviewed 3 current academic journal editors of technical and/or business communication journals. We asked them about the…

Fetal exposures and perinatal influences on the stool microbiota of premature infants.

PubMed

Chernikova, Diana A; Koestler, Devin C; Hoen, Anne Gatewood; Housman, Molly L; Hibberd, Patricia L; Moore, Jason H; Morrison, Hilary G; Sogin, Mitchell L; Zain-Ul-Abideen, Muhammad; Madan, Juliette C

2016-01-01

To test the hypothesis that maternal complications significantly affect gut colonization patterns in very low birth weight infants. Forty-nine serial stool samples were obtained weekly from nine extremely premature infants enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study. Sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from stool samples was performed to approximate the intestinal microbiome. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate relationships between perinatal complications and intestinal microbiome development. Subjects with prenatal exposure to a non-sterile intrauterine environment, i.e. prolonged preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPPROM) and chorioamnionitis exposure, were found to have a relatively higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the stool across all time points compared to subjects without those exposures, irrespective of exposure to postnatal antibiotics. Compared with those delivered by Caesarean section, vaginally delivered subjects were found to have significantly lower diversity of stool microbiota across all time points, with lower abundance of many genera, most in the family Enterobacteriaceae. We identified persistently increased potential pathogen abundance in the developing stool microbiota of subjects exposed to a non-sterile uterine environment. Maternal complications appear to significantly influence the diversity and bacterial composition of the stool microbiota of premature infants, with findings persisting over time.

Comparison of ELISA and Microscopy for detection of Cryptosporidium in stool

PubMed Central

Sharma, Madhu; Chaudhary, Uma; Yadav, Aparna

2014-01-01

Background: Cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. has become recognized as one of the most common causes of water borne diseases in humans. Aims and Objectives: To compare the sensitivity of ELISA and Microscopy for detection of Cryptosporidium in stool samples Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of PT. B.D. Sharma PGIMS Rohtak, between January 2011 to june 2011 on 50 stool samples, which were processed for detection of cryptosporidial antigen by ELISA and detection of cysts by microscopy (Modified Ziehl and Nelsen staining). Study and Design: This was a prospective study conducted in the Department of Microbiology in PT. BD Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, India. Result: Out of total, 50 stool samples eighteen (36%) samples were found positive for Cryptosporidium cysts by microscopy in comparison to 3(6%) stool samples which were found positive for cryptosporidial antigen by ELISA. Samples found positive with ELISA were also positive with microscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for ELISA was 16.7%, 100%, 100% and 68% respectively. Conclusion: The study concludes that stool microscopic Modified acid fast staining is more sensitive method than ELISA for detection of Cryptosporidium in stool samples but the specificity of ELISA was more than microscopy. PMID:25584216

Stool frequency recording in severe acute malnutrition ('StoolSAM'); an agreement study comparing maternal recall versus direct observation using diapers.

PubMed

Voskuijl, Wieger; Potani, Isabel; Bandsma, Robert; Baan, Anne; White, Sarah; Bourdon, Celine; Kerac, Marko

2017-06-07

Approximately 50% of the deaths of children under the age of 5 can be attributed to undernutrition, which also encompasses severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Diarrhoea is strongly associated with these deaths and is commonly diagnosed solely based on stool frequency and consistency obtained through maternal recall. This trial aims to determine whether this approach is equivalent to a 'directly observed method' in which a health care worker directly observed stool frequency using diapers in hospitalised children with complicated SAM. This study was conducted at 'Moyo' Nutritional Rehabilitation Unit, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi. Participants were children aged 5-59 months admitted with SAM. We compared 2 days of stool frequency data obtained with next-day maternal-recall versus a 'gold standard' in which a health care worker observed stool frequency every 2 h using diapers. After study completion, guardians were asked their preferred method and their level of education. We found poor agreement between maternal recall and the 'gold standard' of directly observed diapers. The sensitivity to detect diarrhoea based on maternal recall was poor, with only 75 and 56% of diarrhoea cases identified on days 1 and 2, respectively. However, the specificity was higher with more than 80% of children correctly classified as not having diarrhoea. On day 1, the mean stool frequency difference between the two methods was -0.17 (SD; 1.68) with limits of agreement (of stool frequency) of -3.55 and 3.20 and, similarly on day 2, the mean difference was -0.2 (SD; 1.59) with limits of agreement of -3.38 and 2.98. These limits extend beyond the pre-specified 'acceptable' limits of agreement (±1.5 stool per day) and indicate that the 2 methods are non-equivalent. The higher the stool frequency, the more discrepant the two methods were. Most primary care givers strongly preferred using diapers. This study shows lack of agreement between the assessment of stool frequency in SAM patients using maternal recall and direct observation of diapers. When designing studies, one should consider using diapers to determining diarrhoea incidence/prevalence in SAM patients especially when accuracy is essential. ISRCTN11571116 (registered 29/11/2013).

Clinical bacteriology in low-resource settings: today's solutions.

PubMed

Ombelet, Sien; Ronat, Jean-Baptiste; Walsh, Timothy; Yansouni, Cedric P; Cox, Janneke; Vlieghe, Erika; Martiny, Delphine; Semret, Makeda; Vandenberg, Olivier; Jacobs, Jan

2018-03-05

Low-resource settings are disproportionately burdened by infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Good quality clinical bacteriology through a well functioning reference laboratory network is necessary for effective resistance control, but low-resource settings face infrastructural, technical, and behavioural challenges in the implementation of clinical bacteriology. In this Personal View, we explore what constitutes successful implementation of clinical bacteriology in low-resource settings and describe a framework for implementation that is suitable for general referral hospitals in low-income and middle-income countries with a moderate infrastructure. Most microbiological techniques and equipment are not developed for the specific needs of such settings. Pending the arrival of a new generation diagnostics for these settings, we suggest focus on improving, adapting, and implementing conventional, culture-based techniques. Priorities in low-resource settings include harmonised, quality assured, and tropicalised equipment, consumables, and techniques, and rationalised bacterial identification and testing for antimicrobial resistance. Diagnostics should be integrated into clinical care and patient management; clinically relevant specimens must be appropriately selected and prioritised. Open-access training materials and information management tools should be developed. Also important is the need for onsite validation and field adoption of diagnostics in low-resource settings, with considerable shortening of the time between development and implementation of diagnostics. We argue that the implementation of clinical bacteriology in low-resource settings improves patient management, provides valuable surveillance for local antibiotic treatment guidelines and national policies, and supports containment of antimicrobial resistance and the prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The cleaning of ward floors and the bacteriological study of floor-cleaning machines

PubMed Central

Bate, J. G.

1961-01-01

Current trends in ward flooring materials and cleaning methods are considered from the point of view of the hospital bacteriologist. Methods employed in an investigation into the bacteriological safety of a number of floor-cleaning machines are described, and some considerations governing the choice of vacuum cleaners for ward use are discussed. Images PMID:13687726

[Assessment of biological sampling's quality in a medical laboratory: case of Côte d' Ivoire Institute Pasteur].

PubMed

Kouassi-M'Bengue, Alphonsine; Koffi, Stephane; Manizan, Pascale; Ouattara, Abdoulaye; N'Douba, Adele Kacou; Dosso, Mireille

2008-01-01

Assurance quality is important in medical laboratory, but in Africa, few laboratories are involved in this process. The aim of this study was to assess biological sampling's quality in a bacteriological laboratory. A cross sectional study was undertaken in medical bacteriological laboratory of Côte d' Ivoire Institute Pasteur during 6 months. All urines, saddles, and bronchial expectorations collected from ambulatory patients during this period were included in the study. The quality of urine's, saddles and bronchial expectorations' sampling for a bacteriological analysis was evaluated. An interview based on Guidelines of good laboratories practices and referential ISO 15189 was used. A total of 300 samples were indexed. On a total of 300 recorded biological samples, 224 (74.7%) were not in conformity. In 87.5% of the cases of nonconformities, an antibiotic's treatment were preliminary instituted before the sampling. Corrective actions were carried in the laboratory on 30 samples with 56.6% for the urines, 26.7% for the saddles and 16.7% for the bronchial expectorations. At the end of this study, it arises that the quality of the biological sampling received at the medical bacteriology laboratory need to be improved.

Fecal weight, colon cancer risk, and dietary intake of nonstarch polysaccharides (dietary fiber)

PubMed

Cummings, J H; Bingham, S A; Heaton, K W; Eastwood, M A

1992-12-01

Low fecal weight and slow bowel transit time are thought to be associated with bowel cancer risk, but few published data defining bowel habits in different communities exist. Therefore, data on stool weight were collected from 20 populations in 12 countries to define this risk more accurately, and the relationship between stool weight and dietary intake of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) (dietary fiber) was quantified. In 220 healthy U.K. adults undertaking careful fecal collections, median daily stool weight was 106 g/day (men, 104 g/day; women, 99 g/day; P = 0.02) and whole-gut transit time was 60 hours (men, 55 hours; women, 72 hours; P = 0.05); 17% of women, but only 1% of men, passed < 50 g stool/day. Data from other populations of the world show average stool weight to vary from 72 to 470 g/day and to be inversely related to colon cancer risk (r = -0.78). Meta-analysis of 11 studies in which daily fecal weight was measured accurately in 26 groups of people (n = 206) on controlled diets of known NSP content shows a significant correlation between fiber intake and mean daily stool weight (r = 0.84). Stool weight in many Westernized populations is low (80-120 g/day), and this is associated with increased colon cancer risk. Fecal output is increased by dietary NSP. Diets characterized by high NSP intake (approximately 18 g/day) are associated with stool weights of 150 g/day and should reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

Culturing Stool Specimens for Campylobacter spp., Pennsylvania, USA

PubMed Central

M’ikanatha, Nkuchia M.; Dettinger, Lisa A.; Perry, Amanda; Rogers, Paul; Reynolds, Stanley M.

2012-01-01

In 2010, we surveyed 176 clinical laboratories in Pennsylvania regarding stool specimen testing practices for enteropathogens, including Campylobacter spp. Most (96.3%) routinely test for Campylobacter spp. In 17 (15.7%), a stool antigen test is the sole method for diagnosis. We recommend that laboratory practice guidelines for Campylobacter spp. testing be developed. PMID:22377086

I. POLIOMYELITIC VIRUS IN HUMAN STOOLS.

PubMed

Trask, J D; Paul, J R; Vignec, A J

1940-05-31

1. The detection of the virus of poliomyelitis in 10 stools from 8 individuals is reported. All were in relation to epidemic poliomyelitis and 7 of them represented well recognized forms of the disease. The positive stools were distributed among 56 specimens collected from 53 persons in the first 4 weeks of illness. 2. The ease of detection of virus was directly related to the non-paralytic type of disease and inversely related to the age of the patients. 3. The negative results with stools employed for controls gives point to the use of the fecal examinations as an epidemiological tool. 4. The stability of the virus in feces has been demonstrated by successful mailing of samples over long distances and during the heat of summer. 5. At least one infective dose per gram of fecal material was extracted from one stool.

Strong-LAMP: A LAMP Assay for Strongyloides spp. Detection in Stool and Urine Samples. Towards the Diagnosis of Human Strongyloidiasis Starting from a Rodent Model

PubMed Central

Gandasegui, Javier; Bajo Santos, Cristina; López-Abán, Julio; Saugar, José María; Rodríguez, Esperanza; Vicente, Belén; Muro, Antonio

2016-01-01

Background Strongyloides stercoralis, the chief causative agent of human strongyloidiasis, is a nematode globally distributed but mainly endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Chronic infection is often clinically asymptomatic but it can result in severe hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients. There is a great diversity of techniques used in diagnosing the disease, but definitive diagnosis is accomplished by parasitological examination of stool samples for morphological identification of parasite. Until now, no molecular method has been tested in urine samples as an alternative to stool samples for diagnosing strongyloidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a new molecular LAMP assay in a well-established Wistar rat experimental infection model using both stool and, for the first time, urine samples. The LAMP assay was also clinically evaluated in patients´ stool samples. Methodology/Principal Findings Stool and urine samples were obtained daily during a 28-day period from rats infected subcutaneously with different infective third-stage larvae doses of S. venezuelensis. The dynamics of parasite infection was determined by daily counting the number of eggs per gram of feces from day 1 to 28 post-infection. A set of primers for LAMP assay based on a DNA partial sequence in the 18S rRNA gene from S. venezuelensis was designed. The set up LAMP assay (namely, Strong-LAMP) allowed the sensitive detection of S. venezuelensis DNA in both stool and urine samples obtained from each infection group of rats and was also effective in S. stercoralis DNA amplification in patients´ stool samples with previously confirmed strongyloidiasis by parasitological and real-time PCR tests. Conclusions/Significance Our Strong-LAMP assay is an useful molecular tool in research of a strongyloidiasis experimental infection model in both stool and urine samples. After further validation, the Strong-LAMP could also be potentially applied for effective diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in a clinical setting. PMID:27415764

Strong-LAMP: A LAMP Assay for Strongyloides spp. Detection in Stool and Urine Samples. Towards the Diagnosis of Human Strongyloidiasis Starting from a Rodent Model.

PubMed

Fernández-Soto, Pedro; Sánchez-Hernández, Alicia; Gandasegui, Javier; Bajo Santos, Cristina; López-Abán, Julio; Saugar, José María; Rodríguez, Esperanza; Vicente, Belén; Muro, Antonio

2016-07-01

Strongyloides stercoralis, the chief causative agent of human strongyloidiasis, is a nematode globally distributed but mainly endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Chronic infection is often clinically asymptomatic but it can result in severe hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients. There is a great diversity of techniques used in diagnosing the disease, but definitive diagnosis is accomplished by parasitological examination of stool samples for morphological identification of parasite. Until now, no molecular method has been tested in urine samples as an alternative to stool samples for diagnosing strongyloidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a new molecular LAMP assay in a well-established Wistar rat experimental infection model using both stool and, for the first time, urine samples. The LAMP assay was also clinically evaluated in patients´ stool samples. Stool and urine samples were obtained daily during a 28-day period from rats infected subcutaneously with different infective third-stage larvae doses of S. venezuelensis. The dynamics of parasite infection was determined by daily counting the number of eggs per gram of feces from day 1 to 28 post-infection. A set of primers for LAMP assay based on a DNA partial sequence in the 18S rRNA gene from S. venezuelensis was designed. The set up LAMP assay (namely, Strong-LAMP) allowed the sensitive detection of S. venezuelensis DNA in both stool and urine samples obtained from each infection group of rats and was also effective in S. stercoralis DNA amplification in patients´ stool samples with previously confirmed strongyloidiasis by parasitological and real-time PCR tests. Our Strong-LAMP assay is an useful molecular tool in research of a strongyloidiasis experimental infection model in both stool and urine samples. After further validation, the Strong-LAMP could also be potentially applied for effective diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in a clinical setting.

The role of gut microbiota in fetal methylmercury exposure: Insights from a pilot study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rothenberg, Sarah E.; Keiser, Sharon; Ajami, Nadim J.

The mechanisms by which gut microbiota contribute to methylmercury metabolism remain unclear. Among a cohort of pregnant mothers, the main objectives of our pilot study were to determine 1) associations between gut microbiota and mercury concentrations in biomarkers (stool, hair and cord blood) and 2) the contributions of gut microbial mercury methylation/demethylation to stool methylmercury. Moreover, for pregnant women (36-39 weeks gestation, n=17) donated hair and stool specimens, and cord blood was collected for a subset (n=7). The diversity of gut microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA gene profiling (n=17). For 6 stool samples with highest/lowest methylmercury concentrations, metagenomic wholemore » genome shotgun sequencing was employed to search for one mercury methylation gene (hgcA), and two mer operon genes involved in methylmercury detoxification (merA and merB). There were seventeen bacterial genera that were significantly correlated (increasing or decreasing) with stool methylmercury, stool inorganic mercury, or hair total mercury; however, aside from one genus, there was no overlap between biomarkers. No definitive matches for hgcA or merB, while merA were detected at low concentrations in all six samples. Proportional differences in stool methylmercury were not likely attributed to gut microbiota through methylation/demethylation. Gut microbiota potentially altered methylmercury metabolism using indirect pathways.« less

The role of gut microbiota in fetal methylmercury exposure: Insights from a pilot study

DOE PAGES

Rothenberg, Sarah E.; Keiser, Sharon; Ajami, Nadim J.; ...

2016-02-01

The mechanisms by which gut microbiota contribute to methylmercury metabolism remain unclear. Among a cohort of pregnant mothers, the main objectives of our pilot study were to determine 1) associations between gut microbiota and mercury concentrations in biomarkers (stool, hair and cord blood) and 2) the contributions of gut microbial mercury methylation/demethylation to stool methylmercury. Moreover, for pregnant women (36-39 weeks gestation, n=17) donated hair and stool specimens, and cord blood was collected for a subset (n=7). The diversity of gut microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA gene profiling (n=17). For 6 stool samples with highest/lowest methylmercury concentrations, metagenomic wholemore » genome shotgun sequencing was employed to search for one mercury methylation gene (hgcA), and two mer operon genes involved in methylmercury detoxification (merA and merB). There were seventeen bacterial genera that were significantly correlated (increasing or decreasing) with stool methylmercury, stool inorganic mercury, or hair total mercury; however, aside from one genus, there was no overlap between biomarkers. No definitive matches for hgcA or merB, while merA were detected at low concentrations in all six samples. Proportional differences in stool methylmercury were not likely attributed to gut microbiota through methylation/demethylation. Gut microbiota potentially altered methylmercury metabolism using indirect pathways.« less

Test Plans and Procedures for the Baseline SAF for BDS-D Sites (ModSAF). Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-20

operations editor will no longer editor, appear in the EditorI Area. 64 I ADST/WDL/TR-93-W003271 VOLUME 2 of 2; Ver 1.0I 44200 Repeat steps 44120 thru...The unit operations 44200 to task the orange editor will no longer platoon to Move on the appear in the Editor route labeled "ort. Area. The vehicles

Strategic Studies Quarterly. Volume 2, Number 3, Fall 2008

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

Managing Editor Betty R. Littlejohn, Editorial Assistant Jerry L. Gantt, Content Editor Sherry Terrell , Editorial Assistant Steven C. Garst...factsheet.asp?id=107 . Ibid. 9. Lt Col Sebastian M. Convertino II, CDR Lou Anne DeMattei, and Lt Col Tammy Knierim, Flying and Fighting in...PhD, Editor-in-Chief L. Tawanda Eaves, Managing Editor Betty R. Littlejohn, Editorial Assistant Jerry L. Gantt, Content Editor Sherry Terrell

"The branches into which bacteriology is now ramifying" revisited.

PubMed Central

Bennett, J. W.; Karr, J.

1999-01-01

The American Society for Microbiology was originally founded in 1899 as the Society of American Bacteriologists. The transition from "bacteriology" to "microbiology" and from an emphasis on the identity of the membership (bacteriologists) to an emphasis on the discipline (microbiology) was a contentious one that occurred in several steps. This article reviews the history and events that accompanied this development. Images Figure 1 PMID:11049161

Comparison of routine and unprepped CT colonography augmented by low fiber diet and stool tagging: a pilot study.

PubMed

Dachman, Abraham H; Dawson, Damien O; Lefere, Philippe; Yoshida, Hiro; Khan, Nasreen U; Cipriani, Nicole; Rubin, David T

2007-01-01

We performed a pilot study examining the feasibility of a new unprepped CT colonography (CTC) strategy: low fiber diet and tagging (unprepped) vs. low fiber diet, tagging and a magnesium citrate cleansing preparation (prepped). Prior reports of tagging were limited in that the residual stool was neither measured and stratified by size nor did prior reports subjectively evaluate the ease of interpretation by a reader experienced in interpreting CTC examinations. Prospective randomized to unprepped n = 14 and prepped n = 14. Colonic segments were subjectively evaluated for residual stool that would potentially interfere with interpretation. Scores were given in the following categories: percentage of residual stool that was touching or nearly touching mucosa, the largest piece of retained stool, effectiveness of tagging, height of residual fluid, degree of distention, ease of interpretation, and reading time. Ease of the CT read (scale where 4 = optimal read) averaged 1.3 for the unprepped group and 2.3 for the prepped group. The mean read time averaged 17.5 min for unprepped and 17.9 min for prepped. The degree of distention (scale where 4 = well distended) averaged 3.7 for unprepped and 3.6 for prepped. Supine and prone images combined, the unprepped group had 160 segments with stool; prepped group had 58 segments. The amount of stool covering the mucosa in all segments averaged 1.6 (33%-66% coverage) in the unprepped group and 0.35 (<33% mucosal coverage) in the prepped group. The mean size of the largest piece of stool was 33.67 mm for unprepped and 4.01 mm for prepped. Percentage of tagged stool was not significantly different between the groups (range of 94-98%). The height of residual fluid averaged 8.37 mm for unprepped and 13.4 mm for prepped. Three polyps in three patients were found during optical colonoscopy (OC) in the unprepped group (5, 6, and 10 mm), none of which were prospectively detected at CTC. Three polyps in three patients were detected during OC in the prepped group (5, 10, and 15 mm), two of which were prospectively detected at CTC. Two false-positive lesions were observed at CTC in one patient in the prepped group. There was more stool in the unprepped group and while this factor did not slow down the reading time, it made the examination subjectively harder to interpret and likely caused the three polyps in this group to be missed. We conclude that a truly unprepped strategy that leaves significant residual stool, even if well tagged, is not desirable.

Effects of Prebiotics and Synbiotics on Functional Constipation.

PubMed

Yu, Ting; Zheng, Yong-Ping; Tan, Jia-Cheng; Xiong, Wen-Jie; Wang, Yun; Lin, Lin

2017-03-01

The objective was to determine the effects of prebiotics and synbiotics on adults with functional constipation (FC). Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for literature published up to February 2015. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported administration of prebiotics or synbiotics to adults with FC. The end points included stool frequency, stool consistency and other symptoms related to constipation. Mean differences (MD) or standard mean differences (SMD) were used for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for discontinuous outcomes using a random-effects model. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to determine the quality of the trials. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to analyze for publication bias. We included 5 RCTs involving 199 patients who were administered prebiotics and 8 RCTs involving 825 patients who were administered synbiotics. Prebiotics increased weekly stool frequency (MD: 1.01bowel movements/week, 95% CI: 0.04-1.99) and improved stool consistency (SMD: -0.59, 95% CI: -1.16 to -0.02). Subgroup analysis showed specific effects for galacto-oligosaccharides on stool frequency, consistency, ease of defecation and abdominal pain. Synbiotics significantly improved stool frequency (MD: 1.15bowel movements/week, 95% CI: 0.58-1.71), consistency (SMD: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.33-0.92) and reduced whole-gut transit time (MD: 13.52, 95% CI: -26.56 to -0.49) in patients with FC. Subgroup analysis showed specific effects for fructo-oligosaccharides and probiotic combinations on stool frequency, consistency, straining defecation and bloating. Galacto-oligosaccharides and synbiotics made up of fructo-oligosaccharides with probiotic combinations may improve stool frequency, consistency and some other symptoms related to constipation. Copyright © 2017 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reliability of a new technique for the determination of vitamin B12 absorption in children: single stool sample test--a double isotope technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hjelt, K.

1986-03-01

The fractional vitamin B12 absorption (FAB12) was determined in 39 patients with various gastrointestinal diseases by a double-isotope technique, employing a single stool sample test (SSST), as well as a complete stool collection. The age of the patients ranged from 2.5 months to 16.2 years (mean 5.0 years). The test dose was administered orally and consisted of 0.5-4.5 micrograms of /sup 57/CoB12 (approximately 0.05 microCi), carmine powder, and 2 mg /sup 51/CrCl/sub 3/ (approximately 1.25 microCi) as the inabsorbable tracer. The wholebody radiation to a 1-year-old child averaged only 20 mrad. The stool and napkin was collected and homogenized bymore » addition of 300 ml chromium sulfuric acid. A 300-ml sample of the homogenized stool and napkin, as well as 300 ml chromium sulfuric acid (75% v/v) containing the standards, were counted in a broad-based well counter. The FAB12 determined by SSST employing the stool with the highest content of /sup 51/Cr (which corresponded to the most carmine-colored stool) correlated closely to the FAB12 based on complete stool collection (r = 0.98, n = 39, p less than 0.001). The reproducibility of FAB12 determined by SSST was assessed from double assays in 19 patients. For a mean value of 12%, the SD was 3%, which corresponded to a coefficient of variation (CV) of 25%. The excretion of /sup 57/Co and /sup 51/Cr in the urine was examined in six patients with moderate to severe mucosal damage and was found to be low.« less

Oral diosmectite reduces stool output and diarrhea duration in children with acute watery diarrhea.

PubMed

Dupont, Christophe; Foo, Jimmy Lee Kok; Garnier, Philippe; Moore, Nicholas; Mathiex-Fortunet, Hèlène; Salazar-Lindo, Eduardo

2009-04-01

Diosmectite is a clay used to treat children with acute watery diarrhea. However, its effects on stool output reduction, the key outcome for pediatric antidiarrheal drugs, have not been shown. Two parallel, double-blind studies of diosmectite efficacy on stool reduction were conducted in children 1 to 36 months old in Peru (n = 300) and Malaysia (n = 302). Inclusion criteria included 3 or more watery stools per day for less than 72 hours and weight/height ratios of 0.8 or greater. Exclusion criteria were the need for intravenous rehydration, gross blood in stools, fever higher than 39 degrees C, or current treatment with antidiarrheal or antibiotic medications. Rotavirus status was determined. Diosmectite dosage was 6 g/day (children 1-12 months old) or 12 g/day (children 13-36 months old), given for at least 3 days, followed by half doses until complete recovery. Patients were assigned randomly to groups given diosmectite or placebo, in addition to oral rehydration solution (World Health Organization). Children in each study had comparable average ages and weights. The frequencies of rotavirus infection were 22% in Peru and 12% in Malaysia. Similar amounts of oral rehydration solution were given to children in the diosmectite and placebo groups. Stool output was decreased significantly by diosmectite in both studies, especially among rotavirus-positive children. In pooled data, children had a mean stool output of 94.5 +/- 74.4 g/kg of body weight in the diosmectite group versus 104.1 +/- 94.2 g/kg in the placebo group (P = .002). Diarrhea duration was reduced by diosmectite, which was well tolerated. These results show that diosmectite significantly decreased stool output in children with acute watery diarrhea, especially those who were rotavirus-positive.

Heat-stabilised rice bran consumption by colorectal cancer survivors modulates stool metabolite profiles and metabolic networks: a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

Brown, Dustin G.; Borresen, Erica C.; Brown, Regina J.; Ryan, Elizabeth P.

2017-01-01

Rice bran (RB) consumption has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) growth in mice and modify the human stool microbiome. Changes in host and microbial metabolism induced by RB consumption was hypothesised to modulate the stool metabolite profile in favour of promoting gut health and inhibiting CRC growth. The objective was to integrate gut microbial metabolite profiles and identify metabolic pathway networks for CRC chemoprevention using non-targeted metabolomics. In all, nineteen CRC survivors participated in a parallel randomised controlled dietary intervention trial that included daily consumption of study-provided foods with heat-stabilised RB (30 g/d) or no additional ingredient (control). Stool samples were collected at baseline and 4 weeks and analysed using GC-MS and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS. Stool metabolomics revealed 93 significantly different metabolites in individuals consuming RB. A 264-fold increase in β-hydroxyisovaleroylcarnitine and 18-fold increase in β-hydroxyisovalerate exemplified changes in leucine, isoleucine and valine metabolism in the RB group. A total of thirty-nine stool metabolites were significantly different between RB and control groups, including increased hesperidin (28-fold) and narirutin (14-fold). Metabolic pathways impacted in the RB group over time included advanced glycation end products, steroids and bile acids. Fatty acid, leucine/valine and vitamin B6 metabolic pathways were increased in RB compared with control. There were 453 metabolites identified in the RB food metabolome, thirty-nine of which were identified in stool from RB consumers. RB consumption favourably modulated the stool metabolome of CRC survivors and these findings suggest the need for continued dietary CRC chemoprevention efforts. PMID:28643618

Rectal and Naris Swabs: Practical and Informative Samples for Analyzing the Microbiota of Critically Ill Patients.

PubMed

Bansal, Saumya; Nguyen, Jenny P; Leligdowicz, Aleksandra; Zhang, Yu; Kain, Kevin C; Ricciuto, Daniel R; Coburn, Bryan

2018-06-27

Commensal microbiota are immunomodulatory, and their pathological perturbation can affect the risk and outcomes of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Consequently, the human microbiota is an emerging diagnostic and therapeutic target in critical illness. In this study, we compared four sample types-rectal, naris, and antecubital swabs and stool samples-for 16S rRNA gene microbiota sequencing in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Stool samples were obtained in only 31% of daily attempts, while swabs were reliably obtained (≥97% of attempts). Swabs were compositionally distinct by anatomical site, and rectal swabs identified within-patient temporal trends in microbiota composition. Rectal swabs from ICU patients demonstrated differences from healthy stool similar to those observed in comparing stool samples from ICU patients to those from the same healthy controls. Rectal swabs are a useful complement to other sample types for analysis of the intestinal microbiota in critical illness, particularly when obtaining stool may not be feasible or practical. IMPORTANCE Perturbation of the microbiome has been correlated with various infectious and inflammatory diseases and is common in critically ill patients. Stool is typically used to sample the microbiota in human observational studies; however, it is often unavailable for collection from critically ill patients, reducing its utility as a sample type to study this population. Our research identified alternatives to stool for sampling the microbiota during critical illness. Rectal and naris swabs were practical alternatives for use in these patients, as they were observed to be more reliably obtained than stool, were suitable for culture-independent analysis, and successfully captured within- and between-patient microbiota differences. Copyright © 2018 Bansal et al.

Heat-stabilised rice bran consumption by colorectal cancer survivors modulates stool metabolite profiles and metabolic networks: a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Brown, Dustin G; Borresen, Erica C; Brown, Regina J; Ryan, Elizabeth P

2017-05-01

Rice bran (RB) consumption has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) growth in mice and modify the human stool microbiome. Changes in host and microbial metabolism induced by RB consumption was hypothesised to modulate the stool metabolite profile in favour of promoting gut health and inhibiting CRC growth. The objective was to integrate gut microbial metabolite profiles and identify metabolic pathway networks for CRC chemoprevention using non-targeted metabolomics. In all, nineteen CRC survivors participated in a parallel randomised controlled dietary intervention trial that included daily consumption of study-provided foods with heat-stabilised RB (30 g/d) or no additional ingredient (control). Stool samples were collected at baseline and 4 weeks and analysed using GC-MS and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS. Stool metabolomics revealed 93 significantly different metabolites in individuals consuming RB. A 264-fold increase in β-hydroxyisovaleroylcarnitine and 18-fold increase in β-hydroxyisovalerate exemplified changes in leucine, isoleucine and valine metabolism in the RB group. A total of thirty-nine stool metabolites were significantly different between RB and control groups, including increased hesperidin (28-fold) and narirutin (14-fold). Metabolic pathways impacted in the RB group over time included advanced glycation end products, steroids and bile acids. Fatty acid, leucine/valine and vitamin B6 metabolic pathways were increased in RB compared with control. There were 453 metabolites identified in the RB food metabolome, thirty-nine of which were identified in stool from RB consumers. RB consumption favourably modulated the stool metabolome of CRC survivors and these findings suggest the need for continued dietary CRC chemoprevention efforts.

Novel methylation panel for the early detection of colorectal tumors in stool DNA.

PubMed

Azuara, Daniel; Rodriguez-Moranta, Francisco; de Oca, Javier; Soriano-Izquierdo, Antonio; Mora, Josefina; Guardiola, Jordi; Biondo, Sebastiano; Blanco, Ignacio; Peinado, Miguel Angel; Moreno, Victor; Esteller, Manel; Capellá, Gabriel

2010-07-01

Previous studies showed that the assessment of promoter hypermethylation of a limited number of genes in tumor biopsies may identify the majority of colorectal tumors. This study aimed to assess the clinical usefulness of a panel of methylation biomarkers in stool DNA in the identification of colorectal tumors, using methylation-specific melting curve analysis (MS-MCA), a technique that simultaneously analyzes all cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) residues within a promoter. The promoter methylation status of 4 tumor-related genes (RARB2, p16INK4a, MGMT, and APC) was analyzed in DNA stool samples and corresponding tissues in an initial set of 12 patients with newly diagnosed primary colorectal carcinomas and 20 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal adenomas, using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Results were replicated in a set of 82 patients (20 healthy subjects, 16 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 20 patients with adenomas, and 26 patients with carcinomas), using MS-MCA analyses. In the initial set, >or= 1 positive methylation marker was detected in the stools of 9 of 12 patients (75%) with carcinomas and 12 of 20 patients (60%) with adenomas, with no false-positive results. Stool analyses missed 7 methylated lesions (25%). In the replication set, stool DNA testing detected 16 of 26 carcinomas (62%) and 8 of 20 adenomas (40%). The MS-MCAs missed 14 methylated tumors (37%). No aberrant methylation was evident in healthy subjects, but the RARB2 marker was positive in 2 of 15 stool samples (13%) of patients with IBD. Analysis via MS-MCA of a panel of methylation markers in stool DNA may offer a good alternative in the early, noninvasive detection of colorectal tumors.

Comparison of European and U.S. results for cephalosporin versus penicillin treatment of group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.

PubMed

Pichichero, M; Casey, J

2006-06-01

The outcome of cephalosporin versus penicillin treatment of group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis may differ between Europe and the USA. In the present study, Medline, Embase, reference lists, and abstract searches were used to identify randomized, controlled trials of cephalosporin versus penicillin treatment of group A streptococcal (GAS) tonsillopharyngitis. The outcomes of interest were bacteriologic and clinical cure rates from investigations conducted in Europe versus those conducted in the USA. Forty-seven trials involving 11,426 patients were included in the meta-analyses. For the comparison of 10 days of treatment with cephalosporins versus 10 days of treatment with penicillin, there were ten European and 25 U.S. trials, all involving pediatric subjects. The overall odds ratio (OR) favored cephalosporins more strongly in bacteriologic cure rate in Europe (OR=4.27, p<0.00001) than in the USA (OR=2.70, p<0.00001). Studies of 4-5 days of cephalosporin treatment versus 10 days of penicillin treatment were also analyzed. For nine European trials, the OR significantly favored cephalosporins (OR=1.30, p=0.03) in bacteriologic cure rates, but not as strongly as in the USA, (OR=2.41, p<0.00001). When results for 4-5 days of cephalosporin treatment were divided into pediatric versus adult populations, the differences in bacteriologic eradication rates obtained with cephalosporins were more pronounced in children. The likelihood of bacteriologic and clinical failure of GAS tonsillopharyngitis treatment in both European and U.S. patients is significantly less if a 10-day course of oral cephalosporin is prescribed, and is at least similar, if not significantly less, with a 4- to 5-day course of oral cephalosporin compared with a 10-day course of oral penicillin.

Recombinase polymerase amplification-based assay to diagnose Giardia in stool samples.

PubMed

Crannell, Zachary Austin; Cabada, Miguel Mauricio; Castellanos-Gonzalez, Alejandro; Irani, Ayesha; White, Arthur Clinton; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca

2015-03-01

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most commonly identified parasites in stool samples. Although relatively easy to treat, giardiasis can be difficult to detect as it presents similar to other diarrheal diseases. Here, we present a recombinase polymerase amplification-based Giardia (RPAG) assay to detect the presence of Giardia in stool samples. The RPAG assay was characterized on the bench top using stool samples spiked with Giardia cysts where it showed a limit-of-detection nearly as low as the gold standard polymerase chain reaction assay. The RPAG assay was then tested in the highlands of Peru on 104 stool samples collected from the surrounding communities where it showed 73% sensitivity and 95% specificity against a polymerase chain reaction and microscopy composite gold standard. Further improvements in clinical sensitivity will be needed for the RPAG assay to have clinical relevance. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Recombinase Polymerase Amplification-Based Assay to Diagnose Giardia in Stool Samples

PubMed Central

Crannell, Zachary Austin; Cabada, Miguel Mauricio; Castellanos-Gonzalez, Alejandro; Irani, Ayesha; White, Arthur Clinton; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca

2015-01-01

Giardia duodenalis is one of the most commonly identified parasites in stool samples. Although relatively easy to treat, giardiasis can be difficult to detect as it presents similar to other diarrheal diseases. Here, we present a recombinase polymerase amplification-based Giardia (RPAG) assay to detect the presence of Giardia in stool samples. The RPAG assay was characterized on the bench top using stool samples spiked with Giardia cysts where it showed a limit-of-detection nearly as low as the gold standard polymerase chain reaction assay. The RPAG assay was then tested in the highlands of Peru on 104 stool samples collected from the surrounding communities where it showed 73% sensitivity and 95% specificity against a polymerase chain reaction and microscopy composite gold standard. Further improvements in clinical sensitivity will be needed for the RPAG assay to have clinical relevance. PMID:25510713

Editorial independence at medical journals owned by professional associations: a survey of editors.

PubMed

Davis, Ronald M; Müllner, Marcus

2002-10-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of editorial independence at a sample of medical journals and the relationship between the journals and their owners. We surveyed the editors of 33 medical journals owned by not-for-profit organizations ("associations"), including 10 journals represented on the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (nine of which are general medical journals) and a random sample of 23 specialist journals with high impact factors that are indexed by the Institute for Scientific Information. The main outcome measures were the authority to hire, fire, and oversee the work of the editor; the editor's tenure and financial compensation; control of the journal's budget; publication of material about the association; and the editor's perceptions about editorial independence and pressure over editorial content. Of the 33 editors, 23 (70%) reported having complete editorial freedom, and the remainder reported a high level of freedom (a score of > or = 8, where 10 equals complete editorial freedom and 1 equals no editorial freedom). Nevertheless, a substantial minority of editors reported having received at least some pressure in recent years over editorial content from the association's leadership (42%), senior staff (30%), or rank-and-file members (39%). The association's board of directors has the authority to hire (48%) or fire (55%) the editor for about half of the journals, and the editor reports to the board for 10 journals (30%). Twenty-three editors (70%) are appointed for a specific term (median term = 5 years). Three-fifths of the journals have no control over their profit, and the majority of journals use the association's legal counsel and/or media relations staff. Stronger safeguards are needed to give editors protection against pressure over editorial content, including written guarantees of editorial freedom and governance structures that support those guarantees. Strong safeguards are also needed because editors may have less freedom than they believe (especially if they have not yet tested their freedom in an area of controversy).

Reflections on 35 years with Applied Optics: outgoing editorial.

PubMed

Mait, Joseph N

2014-10-20

Applied Optics' Editor-in-Chief, Joseph N. Mait reflects on his experience as a reader, author, reviewer and eventual editor of the journal. Dr. Mait also introduces the incoming Editor-in-Chief, Ronald G. Driggers and acknowledges outgoing Division Editor, T.-C. Poon.

[Molecular typing methods for Pasteurella multocida-A review].

PubMed

Peng, Zhong; Liang, Wan; Wu, Bin

2016-10-04

Pasteurella multocida is an important gram-negative pathogenic bacterium that could infect wide ranges of animals. Humans could also be infected by P. multocida via animal bite or scratching. Current typing methods for P. multocida include serological typing methods and molecular typing methods. Of them, serological typing methods are based on immunological assays, which are too complicated for clinical bacteriological studies. However, the molecular methods including multiple PCRs and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) methods are more suitable for bacteriological studies of P. multocida in clinic, with their simple operation, high efficiency and accurate detection compared to the traditional serological typing methods, they are therefore widely used. In the current review, we briefly describe the molecular typing methods for P. multocida. Our aim is to provide a knowledge-foundation for clinical bacteriological investigation especially the molecular investigation for P. multocida.

New studies disputing allegations of bacteriological warfare during the Korean War.

PubMed

Rolicka, M

1995-03-01

In the television series Korea the Unknown War produced jointly by Thames Television (London) and WGBH (Boston) in 1990, General Matthew Ridgway, Commander in Chief of United Nations forces during the Korean War, called the accusations that the United States waged bacteriological warfare "black propaganda." The charges discredited the United States and, despite denials and many international discussions, have not been completely refuted until new. Following studies in archives previously not available for research and after uncovering new sources, many specific examples of black propaganda were discovered that contained false information and lies discrediting the United States. The mechanism of lies, which convinced the Korean population that bacteriological warfare was going on and that the only way not to become victims of the United States' inhuman cruelty was to fight, are shown in this paper.

New Editors Appointed for Water Resources Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2009-03-01

Praveen Kumar (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), the newly appointed editor in chief of Water Resources Research (WRR), heads the new team of editors for the journal. The other editors are Tom Torgersen (University of Connecticut, Groton), who continues his editorship; Tissa Illangasekare (Colorado School of Mines, Golden); Graham Sander (Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK); and John Selker (Oregon State University, Corvallis). Hoshin Gupta (University of Arizona, Tucson) will join WRR at the end of 2009. The new editors will begin receiving submissions immediately. The incoming editorial board thanks outgoing editors Marc Parlange, Brian Berkowitz, Amilcare Porporato, and Scott Tyler, all of whom will assist during the transition.

In Vivo Test for Chemical Induction of Micronucleated Polychromatic Erythrocytes in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells. Test Article: Dimethylamine-2-2ethyl azide (DMAZ)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-25

Hunched Back Unusual Body Secretions - Nasal Discharge - Lacrimation - Salivation - Bloody Stool - Dianhea Abnormal Behavior - Convulsions...WetGroin - Hunched Back Unusual Body Secretions - Nasal Discharge - Lacrimation - Salivation - Bloody Stool - Diarrhea Abnormal Behavior...Ataxia - Piloerection - WetGrain - Hunched Back Unusual Body Secretions - Nasal Discharge - Lacrimation - Salivation - Bloody Stool

Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function in 21 patients suffering from autoimmune pancreatitis before and after steroid treatment.

PubMed

Frulloni, Luca; Scattolini, Chiara; Katsotourchi, Anna Maria; Amodio, Antonio; Gabbrielli, Armando; Zamboni, Giuseppe; Benini, Luigi; Vantini, Italo

2010-01-01

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) responds rapidly and dramatically to steroid therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function in patients suffering from AIP both before and after steroid therapy. Fecal elastase 1 and diabetes were evaluated before steroid therapy and within 1 month of its suspension in 21 patients (13 males and 8 females, mean age 43 +/- 16.5 years) diagnosed as having AIP between 2006 and 2008. At clinical onset, fecal elastase 1 was 107 +/- 126 microg/g stool. Thirteen patients (62%) showed severe pancreatic insufficiency (<100 microg/g stool), 4 (19%) had mild insufficiency (100-200 microg/g stool), while 4 (19%) had normal pancreatic function (>200 microg/g stool). Before steroids, diabetes was diagnosed in 5 patients (24%), all of whom had very low levels of fecal elastase 1 (<19 microg/g stool). Following steroids, fecal elastase 1 increased in all patients (237 +/- 193 microg/g stool) and observed levels were significantly higher than those seen before steroids (p = 0.001). Patients suffering from AIP display exocrine and/or endocrine pancreatic insufficiency at clinical onset. These insufficiencies improve after steroid therapy. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Development of a polymerase chain reaction applicable to rapid and sensitive detection of Clonorchis sinensis eggs in human stool samples

PubMed Central

Cho, Pyo Yun; Na, Byoung-Kuk; Mi Choi, Kyung; Kim, Jin Su; Cho, Shin-Hyeong; Lee, Won-Ja; Lim, Sung-Bin; Cha, Seok Ho; Park, Yun-Kyu; Pak, Jhang Ho; Lee, Hyeong-Woo; Hong, Sung-Jong; Kim, Tong-Soo

2013-01-01

Microscopic examination of eggs of parasitic helminths in stool samples has been the most widely used classical diagnostic method for infections, but tiny and low numbers of eggs in stool samples often hamper diagnosis of helminthic infections with classical microscopic examination. Moreover, it is also difficult to differentiate parasite eggs by the classical method, if they have similar morphological characteristics. In this study, we developed a rapid and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostic method for detection of Clonorchis sinensis eggs in stool samples. Nine primers were designed based on the long-terminal repeat (LTR) of C. sinensis retrotransposon1 (CsRn1) gene, and seven PCR primer sets were paired. Polymerase chain reaction with each primer pair produced specific amplicons for C. sinensis, but not for other trematodes including Metagonimus yokogawai and Paragonimus westermani. Particularly, three primer sets were able to detect 10 C. sinensis eggs and were applicable to amplify specific amplicons from DNA samples purified from stool of C. sinensis-infected patients. This PCR method could be useful for diagnosis of C. sinensis infections in human stool samples with a high level of specificity and sensitivity. PMID:23916334

Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens from Stool Samples on Hemoccult Cards by Multiplex PCR.

PubMed

Alberer, Martin; Schlenker, Nicklas; Bauer, Malkin; Helfrich, Kerstin; Mengele, Carolin; Löscher, Thomas; Nothdurft, Hans Dieter; Bretzel, Gisela; Beissner, Marcus

2017-01-01

Purpose . Up to 30% of international travelers are affected by travelers' diarrhea (TD). Reliable data on the etiology of TD is lacking. Sufficient laboratory capacity at travel destinations is often unavailable and transporting conventional stool samples to the home country is inconvenient. We evaluated the use of Hemoccult cards for stool sampling combined with a multiplex PCR for the detection of model viral, bacterial, and protozoal TD pathogens. Methods . Following the creation of serial dilutions for each model pathogen, last positive dilution steps (LPDs) and thereof calculated last positive sample concentrations (LPCs) were compared between conventional stool samples and card samples. Furthermore, card samples were tested after a prolonged time interval simulating storage during a travel duration of up to 6 weeks. Results . The LPDs/LPCs were comparable to testing of conventional stool samples. After storage on Hemoccult cards, the recovery rate was 97.6% for C. jejuni , 100% for E . histolytica , 97.6% for norovirus GI, and 100% for GII. Detection of expected pathogens was possible at weekly intervals up to 42 days. Conclusion . Stool samples on Hemoccult cards stored at room temperature can be used in combination with a multiplex PCR as a reliable tool for testing of TD pathogens.

Healthcare associated infections in neonatal intensive care unit and its correlation with environmental surveillance.

PubMed

Kumar, Sanjay; Shankar, Binoy; Arya, Sugandha; Deb, Manorma; Chellani, Harish

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are frequent complications in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) with varying risk factors and bacteriological profile. There is paucity of literature comparing the bacteriological profile of organisms causing HAI with the environmental surveillance isolates. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate demographic profile, risk factors and outcome of HAI in NICU and correlate with environmental surveillance. Three hundred newborns with signs and symptoms of sepsis were enrolled in the study group and their profile, risk factors and outcome were compared with the control group. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Environmental surveillance results were compared to the bacteriological profile of HAIs. We identified lower gestational age, male gender and apgar score less than 7 at 5min, use of peripheral vascular catheter & ventilator along with their duration as significant risk factors. Mortality rate was 29% in the study group (p<0.05). The HAI site distribution showed blood-stream infections (73%) to be the most common followed by pneumonia (12%) and meningitis (10%). Gram positive cocci were the most common isolates in HAI as well as environmental surveillance. The bacteriological profile of HAI correlates with the environmental surveillance report thus insisting for periodic surveillance and thereby avoiding irrational antibiotic usage. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Bacteriological quality of the wastewater used for irrigation at the vegetable farms in Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Accra Metropolis, Ghana.

PubMed

Pesewu, George A; Bentum, Daniel; Olu-Taiwo, Michael A; Glover, Kathreen K; Yirenya-Tawiah, Dzidzo R

2017-01-01

Many developing countries, including Ghana, are water stressed. As such, farmers, particularly those in urban areas, have adopted the use of wastewater for irrigation. This study evaluated the bacteriological water quality of the wastewater used for irrigation in the vegetable farms at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra Metropolis, Ghana. In all, 40 wastewater samples were collected and analysed bacteriologically using the total aerobic plate count method. The isolated bacteria were identified biochemically using Bergey's manual for determinative bacteriology. Mean total bacterial colony count values in the range of 2.75-4.44 × 10 5 CFU/100 mL were isolated which far exceeds values of 1 × 10 3 /100 mL recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for unrestricted irrigation of crops likely to be eaten raw. Enterobacter cloacae (51.4%), Klebsiella sp. (24.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.3%), Salmonella typhi (10.6%), Escherichia coli (2.2%) and Proteus sp. (0.4%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Growers should use treated wastewater for farming while processors and consumers should minimize contamination risks of produce from the vegetable farms/garden to the plate. © The Author(s) 2016.

Shared and Distinct Features of Human Milk and Infant Stool Viromes

PubMed Central

Pannaraj, Pia S.; Ly, Melissa; Cerini, Chiara; Saavedra, Monica; Aldrovandi, Grace M.; Saboory, Abdul A.; Johnson, Kevin M.; Pride, David T.

2018-01-01

Infants acquire many of their microbes from their mothers during the birth process. The acquisition of these microbes is believed to be critical in the development of the infant immune system. Bacteria also are transmitted to the infant through breastfeeding, and help to form the microbiome of the infant gastrointestinal (GI) tract; it is unknown whether viruses in human milk serve to establish an infant GI virome. We examined the virome contents of milk and infant stool in a cohort of mother-infant pairs to discern whether milk viruses colonize the infant GI tract. We observed greater viral alpha diversity in milk than in infant stool, similar to the trend we found for bacterial communities from both sites. When comparing beta diversity, viral communities were mostly distinguishable between milk and infant stool, but each was quite distinct from adult stool, urine, and salivary viromes. There were significant differences in viral families in the infant stool (abundant bacteriophages from the family Siphoviridae) compared to milk (abundant bacteriophages from the family Myoviridae), which may reflect significant differences in the bacterial families identified from both sites. Despite the differences in viral taxonomy, we identified a significant number of shared viruses in the milk and stool from all mother-infant pairs. Because of the significant proportion of bacteriophages transmitted in these mother-infant pairs, we believe the transmission of milk phages to the infant GI tract may help to shape the infant GI microbiome. PMID:29910789

Albendazole Stimulates the Excretion of Strongyloides stercoralis Larvae in Stool Specimens and Enhances Sensitivity for Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis▿

PubMed Central

Anamnart, Witthaya; Pattanawongsa, Attarat; Intapan, Pewpan Maleewong; Maleewong, Wanchai

2010-01-01

We succeeded in stimulation of excretion of Strongyloides stercoralis larvae in stool by oral administration of a single dose of 400 mg albendazole to strongyloidiasis patients. This result overcame the false-negative results of stool examination due to low larval numbers. Stool samples were collected from 152 asymptomatic strongyloidiasis patients in the morning, prior to eating. After breakfast, they were given a dose of 400 mg albendazole, and stool samples were collected the following morning. Agar plate culture (APC), modified formalin-ether concentration technique (MFECT), and direct-smear (DS) methods were used to examine stool specimens within 3 h after defecation. The results before and after albendazole was taken were compared. All APCs that were positive became negative after albendazole administration, while MFECT showed a 1.4- to 18.0-fold increase in larval numbers in 97.4% (148/152) of the samples. The DSs were positive in 3 out of 3 smears at a larval number of ≥45 larvae per g (lpg) of stool, and in 1or 2 out of 3 smears at a larval number between 35 and 44 lpg. At a larval number of <35 lpg, the DS became negative. Interestingly 90.5% (19/21) of the samples that were negative by all methods before albendazole administration became positive by MFECT after the treatment. Thus, MFECT can be effectively used for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis with prior administration of albendazole to the subject. PMID:20844212

Use of Occult Blood Detection Cards for Real-Time PCR-Based Diagnosis of Schistosoma Mansoni Infection

PubMed Central

Schunk, Mirjam; Kebede Mekonnen, Seleshi; Wondafrash, Beyene; Mengele, Carolin; Fleischmann, Erna; Herbinger, Karl-Heinz; Verweij, Jaco J.; Geldmacher, Christof; Bretzel, Gisela; Löscher, Thomas; Zeynudin, Ahmed

2015-01-01

Background In Schistosoma mansoni infection, diagnosis and control after treatment mainly rely on parasitological stool investigations which are laborious and have limited sensitivity. PCR methods have shown equal or superior sensitivity but preservation and storage methods limit their use in the field. Therefore, the use of occult blood detection cards (fecal cards) for easy sampling and storage of fecal samples for further PCR testing was evaluated in a pilot study. Methodology Stool specimens were collected in a highly endemic area for S. mansoni in Ethiopia and submitted in an investigator-blinded fashion to microscopic examination by Kato-Katz thick smear as well as to real-time PCR using either fresh frozen stool samples or stool smears on fecal cards which have been stored at ambient temperature for up to ten months. Principal Findings Out of 55 stool samples, 35 were positive by microscopy, 33 and 32 were positive by PCR of frozen samples and of fecal card samples, respectively. When microscopy was used as diagnostic “gold standard”, the sensitivity of PCR on fresh stool was 94.3% (95%-CI: 86.6; 100) and on fecal cards 91.4% (95%-CI: 82.2; 100). Conclusions The use of fecal cards proved to be a simple and useful method for stool collection and prolonged storage prior to PCR based diagnosis of S. mansoni infection. This technique may be a valuable approach for large scale surveillance and post treatment assessments PMID:26360049

Use of Occult Blood Detection Cards for Real-Time PCR-Based Diagnosis of Schistosoma Mansoni Infection.

PubMed

Schunk, Mirjam; Kebede Mekonnen, Seleshi; Wondafrash, Beyene; Mengele, Carolin; Fleischmann, Erna; Herbinger, Karl-Heinz; Verweij, Jaco J; Geldmacher, Christof; Bretzel, Gisela; Löscher, Thomas; Zeynudin, Ahmed

2015-01-01

In Schistosoma mansoni infection, diagnosis and control after treatment mainly rely on parasitological stool investigations which are laborious and have limited sensitivity. PCR methods have shown equal or superior sensitivity but preservation and storage methods limit their use in the field. Therefore, the use of occult blood detection cards (fecal cards) for easy sampling and storage of fecal samples for further PCR testing was evaluated in a pilot study. Stool specimens were collected in a highly endemic area for S. mansoni in Ethiopia and submitted in an investigator-blinded fashion to microscopic examination by Kato-Katz thick smear as well as to real-time PCR using either fresh frozen stool samples or stool smears on fecal cards which have been stored at ambient temperature for up to ten months. Out of 55 stool samples, 35 were positive by microscopy, 33 and 32 were positive by PCR of frozen samples and of fecal card samples, respectively. When microscopy was used as diagnostic "gold standard", the sensitivity of PCR on fresh stool was 94.3% (95%-CI: 86.6; 100) and on fecal cards 91.4% (95%-CI: 82.2; 100). The use of fecal cards proved to be a simple and useful method for stool collection and prolonged storage prior to PCR based diagnosis of S. mansoni infection. This technique may be a valuable approach for large scale surveillance and post treatment assessments.

Investigation of a nosocomial outbreak due to Serratia marcescens in a maternity hospital.

PubMed

Berthelot, P; Grattard, F; Amerger, C; Frery, M C; Lucht, F; Pozzetto, B; Fargier, P

1999-04-01

To investigate an outbreak of Serratia marcescens in a maternity hospital (November 1994 to May 1995). Retrospective analysis of epidemiological data and prospective study of systematic bacteriological samples from patients and environment, with genotyping of strains by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction. A private maternity hospital, Saint-Etienne, France. In the neonatal unit, 1 newborn developed a bacteremia, and 36 were colonized in stools with S marcescens. As the colonization of some newborns was shown to occur only a few hours after delivery, the inquiry was extended to other maternity wards, where 8 babies and 4 mothers were found to be colonized. Environmental sampling led to the isolation of S marcescens from a bottle of enteral feed additive in the neonatal unit and from the transducers of two internal tocographs in the delivery rooms. The genotyping of 27 strains showed two different profiles: a major epidemic profile shared by 22 strains (18 from babies of the neonatal unit, 2 from babies of other units, and 2 from breast milk) and another profile shared by 5 strains (2 from transducers of internal tocographs, 2 from babies, and 1 from a mother). The strain isolated from lipid enteral feeding was not available for typing. Although this source of contamination was removed soon from the neonatal unit, the outbreak stopped only when infection control measures were reinforced in the delivery rooms, including the nonreuse of internal tocographs. In delivery rooms, the quality of hygiene needs to be as high as in surgery rooms to prevent nosocomial colonization or infection of neonates at birth.

FRED user's manual

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shilling, J.

1984-02-01

FRED, the friendly editor, is a screen-based structured editor. This manual is intended to serve the needs of a wide range of users of the FRED text editor. Most users will find it sufficient to read the introductory material in section 2, supplemented with the full command set description in section 3. Advanced users may wish to change the keystroke sequences which invoke editor commands. Section 4 describes how to change key bindings and how to define command macros. Some users may need to modify a language description or create an entirely new language description for use with FRED. Sectionmore » 5 describes the format of the language descriptions used by the editor, and describes how to construct a language grammar. Section 6 describes known portability problems of the FRED editor and should concern only system installation personnel. The editor points out syntax errors in the file being edited and does automatic pretty printing.« less

EDT mode for JED -- An advanced Unix text editor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIlwrath, B. K.; Page, C. G.

This note describes Starlink extended EDT emulation for the JED editor. It provides a Unix text editor which can utilise the advanced facilities of DEC VTn00, xterm and similar terminals. JED in this mode provides a reasonably good emulation of the VAX/VMS editor EDT in addition to many extra facilities.

Becoming an Online Editor: Perceived Roles and Responsibilities of Wikipedia Editors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Littlejohn, Allison; Hood, Nina

2018-01-01

Introduction: We report on the experiences of a group of people as they become Wikipedia editors. We test Benkler's (2002) theory that commons-based production processes accelerate the creation of capital, questioning what knowledge production processes do people engage in as they become editors? The analysis positions the development of editing…

Emerging Perspectives on Editorial Ethics: An Interview with Chris Higgins

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jackson, Liz

2017-01-01

Chris Higgins took on the roles of Editor of "Educational Theory," and Editor-in-Chief of the "Philosophy of Education Yearbook" published by the Philosophy of Education Society, in 2013, after having been an Associate Editor and Book Review Editor for "Educational Theory" for six years. Higgins worked closely with…

Authors and editors assort on gender and geography in high-rank ecological publications

PubMed Central

Belou, Rebecca M.

2018-01-01

Peer-reviewed publication volume and caliber are widely-recognized proxies for academic merit, and a strong publication record is essential for academic success and advancement. However, recent work suggests that publication productivity for particular author groups may also be determined in part by implicit biases lurking in the publication pipeline. Here, we explore patterns of gender, geography, and institutional rank among authors, editorial board members, and handling editors in high-impact ecological publications during 2015 and 2016. A higher proportion of lead authors had female first names (33.9%) than editorial board members (28.9%), and the proportion of female first names among handling editors was even lower (21.1%). Female editors disproportionately edited publications with female lead authors (40.3% of publications with female lead authors were handled by female editors, though female editors handled only 34.4% of all studied publications). Additionally, ecological authors and editors were overwhelmingly from countries in the G8, and high-ranking academic institutions accounted for a large portion of both the published work, and its editorship. Editors and lead authors with female names were typically affiliated with higher-ranking institutions than their male peers. This description of author and editor features provides a baseline for benchmarking future trends in the ecological publishing culture. PMID:29420647

Authors and editors assort on gender and geography in high-rank ecological publications.

PubMed

Manlove, Kezia R; Belou, Rebecca M

2018-01-01

Peer-reviewed publication volume and caliber are widely-recognized proxies for academic merit, and a strong publication record is essential for academic success and advancement. However, recent work suggests that publication productivity for particular author groups may also be determined in part by implicit biases lurking in the publication pipeline. Here, we explore patterns of gender, geography, and institutional rank among authors, editorial board members, and handling editors in high-impact ecological publications during 2015 and 2016. A higher proportion of lead authors had female first names (33.9%) than editorial board members (28.9%), and the proportion of female first names among handling editors was even lower (21.1%). Female editors disproportionately edited publications with female lead authors (40.3% of publications with female lead authors were handled by female editors, though female editors handled only 34.4% of all studied publications). Additionally, ecological authors and editors were overwhelmingly from countries in the G8, and high-ranking academic institutions accounted for a large portion of both the published work, and its editorship. Editors and lead authors with female names were typically affiliated with higher-ranking institutions than their male peers. This description of author and editor features provides a baseline for benchmarking future trends in the ecological publishing culture.

JSME: a free molecule editor in JavaScript.

PubMed

Bienfait, Bruno; Ertl, Peter

2013-01-01

A molecule editor, i.e. a program facilitating graphical input and interactive editing of molecules, is an indispensable part of every cheminformatics or molecular processing system. Today, when a web browser has become the universal scientific user interface, a tool to edit molecules directly within the web browser is essential. One of the most popular tools for molecular structure input on the web is the JME applet. Since its release nearly 15 years ago, however the web environment has changed and Java applets are facing increasing implementation hurdles due to their maintenance and support requirements, as well as security issues. This prompted us to update the JME editor and port it to a modern Internet programming language - JavaScript. The actual molecule editing Java code of the JME editor was translated into JavaScript with help of the Google Web Toolkit compiler and a custom library that emulates a subset of the GUI features of the Java runtime environment. In this process, the editor was enhanced by additional functionalities including a substituent menu, copy/paste, drag and drop and undo/redo capabilities and an integrated help. In addition to desktop computers, the editor supports molecule editing on touch devices, including iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets. In analogy to JME the new editor is named JSME. This new molecule editor is compact, easy to use and easy to incorporate into web pages. A free molecule editor written in JavaScript was developed and is released under the terms of permissive BSD license. The editor is compatible with JME, has practically the same user interface as well as the web application programming interface. The JSME editor is available for download from the project web page http://peter-ertl.com/jsme/

[Verification of bacteriological safety of PCM 40 air conditioner].

PubMed

Dumas, J L; Ducel, G; Rouge, J C

1991-01-01

This study assessed the bacteriological safety of the bedside air conditioner PCM 40 (Howorth Airtech), used for prevention of intraoperative hypothermia, by blowing filtered warm air through a special mattress. The 3 microns bacterial filter of the device released 2,968 +/- 5,618 particles of diameter less than 3 microns per m3 of room air, containing 78,798 +/- 37,243 of such particles per m3. The amount of bacteries in the air pulsed from the mattress was 30 +/- 41 cfu/m3 vs 120 cfu/m3 in the ambient air and in the hot air supply tubing it reached 6 +/- 5 cfu/m3 vs 175 +/- 77 cfu/m3. It is concluded that bacteriological data do not contra-indicate the use of this air conditioner in the operating theater. The only limitations for use are the position (prone or lateral position) and type of surgery (neurosurgery).

Sachet water quality and brand reputation in two low-income urban communities in greater Accra, Ghana.

PubMed

Stoler, Justin; Tutu, Raymond A; Ahmed, Hawa; Frimpong, Lady Asantewa; Bello, Mohammed

2014-02-01

Sachet water has become an important primary source of drinking water in western Africa, but little is known about bacteriologic quality and improvements to quality control given the recent, rapid evolution of this industry. This report examines basic bacteriologic indicators for 60 sachet water samples from two very low-income communities in Accra, Ghana, and explores the relationship between local perceptions of brand quality and bacteriologic quality after controlling for characteristics of the vending environment. No fecal contamination was detected in any sample, and 82% of total heterotrophic bacteria counts were below the recommended limit for packaged water. Sachets from brands with a positive reputation for quality were 90% less likely to present any level of total heterotrophic bacteria after controlling for confounding factors. These results contrast with much of the recent sachet water quality literature and may indicate substantial progress in sachet water regulation and quality control.

Sachet Water Quality and Brand Reputation in Two Low-Income Urban Communities in Greater Accra, Ghana

PubMed Central

Stoler, Justin; Tutu, Raymond A.; Ahmed, Hawa; Frimpong, Lady Asantewa; Bello, Mohammed

2014-01-01

Sachet water has become an important primary source of drinking water in western Africa, but little is known about bacteriologic quality and improvements to quality control given the recent, rapid evolution of this industry. This report examines basic bacteriologic indicators for 60 sachet water samples from two very low-income communities in Accra, Ghana, and explores the relationship between local perceptions of brand quality and bacteriologic quality after controlling for characteristics of the vending environment. No fecal contamination was detected in any sample, and 82% of total heterotrophic bacteria counts were below the recommended limit for packaged water. Sachets from brands with a positive reputation for quality were 90% less likely to present any level of total heterotrophic bacteria after controlling for confounding factors. These results contrast with much of the recent sachet water quality literature and may indicate substantial progress in sachet water regulation and quality control. PMID:24379244

Successful collection of stool samples for microbiome analyses from a large community-based population of elderly men.

PubMed

Abrahamson, Melanie; Hooker, Elizabeth; Ajami, Nadim J; Petrosino, Joseph F; Orwoll, Eric S

2017-09-01

The relationship of the gastrointestinal microbiome to health and disease is of major research interest, including the effects of the gut microbiota on age related conditions. Here we report on the outcome of a project to collect stool samples on a large number of community dwelling elderly men using the OMNIgene-GUT stool/feces collection kit (OMR-200, DNA Genotek, Ottawa, Canada). Among 1,328 men who were eligible for stool collection, 982 (74%) agreed to participate and 951 submitted samples. The collection process was reported to be acceptable, almost all samples obtained were adequate, the process of sample handling by mail was uniformly successful. The DNA obtained provided excellent results in microbiome analyses, yielding an abundance of species and a diversity of taxa as would be predicted. Our results suggest that population studies of older participants involving remote stool sample collection are feasible. These approaches would allow large scale research projects of the association of the gut microbiota with important clinical outcomes.

Selective vs. nonselective media and direct plating vs. enrichment technique in isolation of Vibrio cholerae: recommendations for clinical laboratories.

PubMed

Rennels, M B; Levine, M M; Daya, V; Angle, P; Young, C

1980-09-01

The occurrence of human cholera along the Gulf of Mexico and the isolation of Vibrio cholerae O1 from the Gulf and Chesapeake Bay make it imperative that microbiology laboratories along estuaries develop the capabilities to culture for these pathogens. In attempts to devise a simplified but efficient culture procedure, a selective medium, thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar, was compared with a nonselective medium, gelatin agar (GA), and the utility of enrichment was examined. TCBS agar detected 99% of the stools found to be positive by all techniques combined, whereas GA identified only 80%. Of acute diarrheal stools, 96% were positive on direct plating, whereas only 66% of formed stools containing V. cholerae were detected by direct plating. Stools from patients with acute diarrhea can be plated directly into TCBS agar alone; stools from persons shedding low numbers of organisms (such as contacts, carriers, or patients receiving antibiotics) should be incubated first in an enrichment broth and then on TCBS agar.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise for Paediatric Functional Constipation.

PubMed

Farahmand, Fatemeh; Abedi, Aidin; Esmaeili-Dooki, Mohammad Reza; Jalilian, Rozita; Tabari, Sanaz Mehrabani

2015-06-01

Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems among children. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle exercise on treatment of FC. In this study which was conducted in Children's Medical Center, children with a diagnosis of FC (aged 4-18 y) who did not respond to medical treatment, performed sessions of pelvic floor muscle exercise at home twice a day for 8 wk. Frequency of defecation, overall improvement of constipation, stool withholding, painful defecation and stool consistency were measured at the final week of the intervention compared to baseline. Forty children (16 males, 24 females mean age 5.6±1.03 y) completed the 8-wk exercise program. Subjective overall improvement of the symptoms was present in 36 patients (90%). The changes in stool frequency, stool diameter and consistency were statistically significant. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the stool withholding, fecal impaction, fecal incontinence and painful defecation. Pelvic floor muscle exercise is an effective non-pharmacologic treatment for Paediatric FC.

Preponderance of toxigenic Escherichia coli in stool pathogens correlates with toxin detection in accessible drinking-water sources.

PubMed

Igbokwe, H; Bhattacharyya, S; Gradus, S; Khubbar, M; Griswold, D; Navidad, J; Igwilo, C; Masson-Meyers, D; Azenabor, A A

2015-02-01

Since early detection of pathogens and their virulence factors contribute to intervention and control strategies, we assessed the enteropathogens in diarrhoea disease and investigated the link between toxigenic strains of Escherichia coli from stool and drinking-water sources; and determined the expression of toxin genes by antibiotic-resistant E. coli in Lagos, Nigeria. This was compared with isolates from diarrhoeal stool and water from Wisconsin, USA. The new Luminex xTAG GPP (Gastroplex) technique and conventional real-time PCR were used to profile enteric pathogens and E. coli toxin gene isolates, respectively. Results showed the pathogen profile of stool and indicated a relationship between E. coli toxin genes in water and stool from Lagos which was absent in Wisconsin isolates. The Gastroplex technique was efficient for multiple enteric pathogens and toxin gene detection. The co-existence of antibiotic resistance with enteroinvasive E. coli toxin genes suggests an additional prognostic burden on patients.

Preparing Students To Work on Newspaper Copy Desks: Are Educators Meeting Editors' Expectations?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auman, Ann E.; Cook, Betsy B.

A study surveyed two groups in the fall of 1994, journalism educators and newspaper editors. Educators completed a survey regarding the course content and skill areas emphasized in beginning level copy editing courses, while editors were asked to respond to questions regarding the skills they expect entry-level copy editors to have. Respondents…

MRAPs, Irregular Warfare, and Pentagon Reform

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

U P R E S S S TA F F COLONEL DAVID H. GURNEY, USMC (RET.) Director DR. JEFFREY D. SMOTHERMAN Executive Editor GEORGE C. MAERZ Supervisory Editor...LISA M. YAMBRICK Writer-Editor CALVIN B. KELLEY Writer-Editor MARTIN J. PETERS Production Supervisor TARA J. PAREKH Visual Design Editor O T H E R T I T ...L E S I N T H E S E R I E S Choosing War: The Decision to Invade Iraq and Its Aftermath Occasional Paper 5, April 2008 China’s Global Activism

Web-Based Media Contents Editor for UCC Websites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seoksoo

The purpose of this research is to "design web-based media contents editor for establishing UCC(User Created Contents)-based websites." The web-based editor features user-oriented interfaces and increased convenience, significantly different from previous off-line editors. It allows users to edit media contents online and can be effectively used for online promotion activities of enterprises and organizations. In addition to development of the editor, the research aims to support the entry of enterprises and public agencies to the online market by combining the technology with various UCC items.

Diagnostic Yield of Routine Enteropathogenic Stool Tests in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis.

PubMed

Ihekweazu, Faith D; Ajjarapu, Avanthi; Kellermayer, Richard

2015-01-01

It can be important to exclude infectious etiologies prior to adjusting immunosuppressive therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) exacerbation. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of routine infectious stool studies in pediatric UC patients. We conducted a retrospective review of 152 pediatric UC patients at Texas Children's Hospital between January 2003 and December 2009. The patient records were followed through July 2014. The number and type of infectious stool studies performed and the results of those were collected. Three hundred fifty-four diagnostic stool tests were conducted for Clostridium difficile; 13.6% were positive. Two hundred twenty stool bacterial cultures were performed, and 1.8% were positive, all growing non-typhoid Salmonella. One of 13 (7.7%) Adenovirus PCR tests was positive. Two of 152 examinations (1.3%) for Ova and Parasites were positive. No stool tests for viral culture, viral particles, Yersinia or Rotavirus were positive. Clostridium difficile infection is common in pediatric UC, and routine screening during flares is strongly recommended. Other bacterial and parasitic infections routinely tested for are uncommon, but Salmonella may be a potentially important attribute to disease exacerbations in select patients. In patients without co-morbid conditions, the utility of performing non-specific fecal viral tests is questionable. © 2015 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.

Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens from Stool Samples on Hemoccult Cards by Multiplex PCR

PubMed Central

Schlenker, Nicklas; Bauer, Malkin; Helfrich, Kerstin; Mengele, Carolin; Löscher, Thomas; Nothdurft, Hans Dieter; Bretzel, Gisela; Beissner, Marcus

2017-01-01

Purpose. Up to 30% of international travelers are affected by travelers' diarrhea (TD). Reliable data on the etiology of TD is lacking. Sufficient laboratory capacity at travel destinations is often unavailable and transporting conventional stool samples to the home country is inconvenient. We evaluated the use of Hemoccult cards for stool sampling combined with a multiplex PCR for the detection of model viral, bacterial, and protozoal TD pathogens. Methods. Following the creation of serial dilutions for each model pathogen, last positive dilution steps (LPDs) and thereof calculated last positive sample concentrations (LPCs) were compared between conventional stool samples and card samples. Furthermore, card samples were tested after a prolonged time interval simulating storage during a travel duration of up to 6 weeks. Results. The LPDs/LPCs were comparable to testing of conventional stool samples. After storage on Hemoccult cards, the recovery rate was 97.6% for C. jejuni, 100% for E. histolytica, 97.6% for norovirus GI, and 100% for GII. Detection of expected pathogens was possible at weekly intervals up to 42 days. Conclusion. Stool samples on Hemoccult cards stored at room temperature can be used in combination with a multiplex PCR as a reliable tool for testing of TD pathogens. PMID:28408937

Detection of Helicobacter pylori by Real-Time PCR for 16s rRNA in Stools of NonInfected Healthy Children, Using ELISA Antigen Stool Test as the Gold Standard.

PubMed

George, Sergio; Mamani, Nora; Lucero, Yalda; Torres, Juan Pablo; Farfán, Mauricio; Lagomarcino, Anne J; Orellana, Andrea; O'Ryan, Miguel

2016-12-01

We previously detected Helicobacter pylori infection by stool antigen ELISA assay in 33-41% of asymptomatic Chilean children between 2-3 years of age, of which 11-20% had a transient infection and 21-22% a persistent infection. A total of 88% of ELISA-positive samples were also rtPCR positive, while 37/133 (33%) of ELISA-negative stool samples were rtPCR positive. The significance of a ELISA-negative/rtPCR-positive sample requires clarification. We aimed to determine whether rtPCR is able to detect persistent infections not detected by ELISA. We selected 36 children with an ELISA-negative/rtPCR-positive stool sample, of which 25 were never H. pylori infected according to ELISA, and 11 had a transient infection with an ELISA-positive sample before or after the discordant sample. At least two additional consecutive ELISA-negative samples per child were tested in duplicate by rtPCR for the 16s rRNA gene. A total of 14 of 78 (17.9%) rtPCR reactions were positive, but only 4/78 (5.1%) were positive in both duplicates, representing a total of 3/36 (8.3%) children with an additional rtPCR-positive sample, only one of whom was persistently negative by ELISA. One child with a transient infection had two positive rtPCR reactions despite negative ELISA samples. In H. pylori noninfected or transiently infected children, as determined by stool ELISA, additional ELISA-negative/rtPCR-positive stool samples were found in 8.3% of children, but a possible persistent infection was only identified in 2.7% of children. Thus, the characterization of infection dynamics in children is not being misrepresented by application of stool ELISA. Furthermore, rtPCR does not significantly improve dynamic characterization. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The gut microbiota, bile acids and their correlation in primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Torres, J; Palmela, C; Brito, H; Bao, X; Ruiqi, H; Moura-Santos, P; Pereira da Silva, J; Oliveira, A; Vieira, C; Perez, K; Itzkowitz, S H; Colombel, J F; Humbert, L; Rainteau, D; Cravo, M; Rodrigues, C M; Hu, J

2018-02-01

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (PSC-IBD) have a very high risk of developing colorectal neoplasia. Alterations in the gut microbiota and/or gut bile acids could account for the increase in this risk. However, no studies have yet investigated the net result of cholestasis and a potentially altered bile acid pool interacting with a dysbiotic gut flora in the inflamed colon of PSC-IBD. The aim of this study was to compare the gut microbiota and stool bile acid profiles, as well as and their correlation in patients with PSC-IBD and inflammatory bowel disease alone. Thirty patients with extensive colitis (15 with concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis) were prospectively recruited and fresh stool samples were collected. The microbiota composition in stool was profiled using bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. Stool bile acids were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The total stool bile acid pool was significantly reduced in PSC-IBD. Although no major differences were observed in the individual bile acid species in stool, their overall combination allowed a good separation between PSC-IBD and inflammatory bowel disease. Compared with inflammatory bowel disease alone, PSC-IBD patients demonstrated a different gut microbiota composition with enrichment in Ruminococcus and Fusobacterium genus compared with inflammatory bowel disease. At the operational taxonomic unit level major shifts were observed within the Firmicutes (73%) and Bacteroidetes phyla (17%). Specific microbiota-bile acid correlations were observed in PSC-IBD, where 12% of the operational taxonomic units strongly correlated with stool bile acids, compared with only 0.4% in non-PSC-IBD. Patients with PSC-IBD had distinct microbiota and microbiota-stool bile acid correlations as compared with inflammatory bowel disease. Whether these changes are associated with, or may predispose to, an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia needs to be further clarified.

Is PCR the Next Reference Standard for the Diagnosis of Schistosoma in Stool? A Comparison with Microscopy in Senegal and Kenya.

PubMed

Meurs, Lynn; Brienen, Eric; Mbow, Moustapha; Ochola, Elizabeth A; Mboup, Souleymane; Karanja, Diana M S; Secor, W Evan; Polman, Katja; van Lieshout, Lisette

2015-01-01

The current reference test for the detection of S. mansoni in endemic areas is stool microscopy based on one or more Kato-Katz stool smears. However, stool microscopy has several shortcomings that greatly affect the efficacy of current schistosomiasis control programs. A highly specific multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Schistosoma internal transcriber-spacer-2 sequence (ITS2) was developed by our group a few years ago, but so far this PCR has been applied mostly on urine samples. Here, we performed more in-depth evaluation of the ITS2 PCR as an alternative method to standard microscopy for the detection and quantification of Schistosoma spp. in stool samples. Microscopy and PCR were performed in a Senegalese community (n = 197) in an area with high S. mansoni transmission and co-occurrence of S. haematobium, and in Kenyan schoolchildren (n = 760) from an area with comparatively low S. mansoni transmission. Despite the differences in Schistosoma endemicity the PCR performed very similarly in both areas; 13-15% more infections were detected by PCR when comparing to microscopy of a single stool sample. Even when 2-3 stool samples were used for microscopy, PCR on one stool sample detected more infections, especially in people with light-intensity infections and in children from low-risk schools. The low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in both populations was confirmed by an additional multiplex PCR. The ITS2-based PCR was more sensitive than standard microscopy in detecting Schistosoma spp. This would be particularly useful for S. mansoni detection in low transmission areas, and post-control settings, and as such improve schistosomiasis control programs, epidemiological research, and quality control of microscopy. Moreover, it can be complemented with other (multiplex real-time) PCRs to detect a wider range of helminths and thus enhance effectiveness of current integrated control and elimination strategies for neglected tropical diseases.

Evaluation of milk cathelicidin for detection of dairy sheep mastitis.

PubMed

Addis, M F; Tedde, V; Dore, S; Pisanu, S; Puggioni, G M G; Roggio, A M; Pagnozzi, D; Lollai, S; Cannas, E A; Uzzau, S

2016-08-01

Mastitis due to intramammary infections is one of the most detrimental diseases in dairy sheep farming, representing a major cause of reduced milk productions and quality losses. In particular, subclinical mastitis presents significant detection and control problems, and the availability of tools enabling its timely, sensitive, and specific detection is therefore crucial. We have previously demonstrated that cathelicidins, small proteins implicated in the innate immune defense of the host, are specifically released in milk of mastitic animals by both epithelial cells and neutrophils. Here, we describe the development of an ELISA for milk cathelicidin and assess its value against somatic cell counts (SCC) and bacteriological culture for detection of ewe mastitis. Evaluation of the cathelicidin ELISA was carried out on 705 half-udder milk samples from 3 sheep flocks enrolled in a project for improvement of mammary health. Cathelicidin was detected in 35.3% of milk samples (249/705), and its amount increased with rising SCC values. The cathelicidin-negative (n=456) and cathelicidin-positive (n=249) sample groups showed a clear separation in relation to SCC, with median values of 149,500 and 3,300,000 cells/mL, respectively. Upon bacteriological culture, 20.6% (145/705) of the milk samples showed microbial growth, with coagulase-negative staphylococci being by far the most frequent finding. A significant proportion of all bacteriologically positive milk samples were positive for cathelicidin (110/145, 75.9%). Given the lack of a reliable gold standard for defining the true disease status, sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the cathelicidin ELISA were assessed by latent class analysis against 2 SCC thresholds and against bacteriological culture results. At an SCC threshold of 500,000 cells/mL, Se and Sp were 92.3 and 92.3% for cathelicidin ELISA, 89.0 and 94.9% for SCC, and 39.4 and 93.6% for bacteriological culture, respectively. At an SCC threshold of 1,000,000 cells/mL, Se and Sp were 93.3 and 91.9% for cathelicidin ELISA, 80.0 and 97.1% for SCC, and 39.4 and 93.5% for bacteriology, respectively. In view of the results obtained in this study, the measurement of cathelicidin in milk by ELISA can provide added Se while maintaining a high Sp and may therefore improve detection of subclinical mastitis. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bacteriological assessment of urban water sources in Khamis Mushait Governorate, southwestern Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

AlOtaibi, Eed L Sh

2009-03-21

Urban water sources of Khamis Mushait Governorate, southwestern Saudi Arabia, were studied to assess their bacteriological characteristics and suitability for potable purposes. A cross-sectional epidemiological method was adopted to investigate the four main urban water sources (i.e. bottled, desalinated, surface, and well water). These were sampled and examined between February and June 2007. A total of 95 water samples from bottled, desalinated, surface, and well water were collected randomly from the study area using different gathering and analysing techniques. The bacteriological examination of water samples included the most probable number of presumptive coliforms, faecal coliforms, and faecal streptococci (MPN/100 ml). The results showed that the total coliform count (MPN/100 ml) was not detected in any samples taken from bottled water, while it was detected in those taken from desalinated, surface, and well water: percentages were 12.9, 80.0, and 100.0, respectively. Faecal coliforms were detected in desalinated, surface, and well water, with percentages of 3.23, 60.0 and 87.88, respectively. About 6.45% of desalinated water, 53.33% of surface water, and 57.58% of well water was found positive for faecal streptococci. Colonies of coliforms were identified in different micro-organisms with various percentages. Water derived from traditional sources (wells) showed increases in most of the investigated bacteriological parameters, followed by surface water as compared to bottled or desalinated water. This may be attributed to the fact that well and surface water are at risk of contamination as indicated by the higher levels of most bacteriological parameters. Moreover, well water is exposed to point sources of pollution such as septic wells and domestic and farming effluents, as well as to soil with a high humus content. The lower bacteriological characteristics in samples from bottled water indicate that it is satisfactory for human drinking purposes. Contamination of desalinated water that is the main urban water source may occur during transportation from the desalination plant or in the house reservoir of the consumer. Improving and expanding the existing water treatment and sanitation systems is more likely to provide safe and sustainable sources of water over the long term. Strict hygienic measures should be applied to improve water quality and to avoid deleterious effects on public health, by using periodical monitoring programmes to detect sewage pollution running over local hydrological networks and valleys.

Bacteriological assessment of urban water sources in Khamis Mushait Governorate, southwestern Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Sh AlOtaibi, Eed L

2009-01-01

Background Urban water sources of Khamis Mushait Governorate, southwestern Saudi Arabia, were studied to assess their bacteriological characteristics and suitability for potable purposes. A cross-sectional epidemiological method was adopted to investigate the four main urban water sources (i.e. bottled, desalinated, surface, and well water). These were sampled and examined between February and June 2007. Results A total of 95 water samples from bottled, desalinated, surface, and well water were collected randomly from the study area using different gathering and analysing techniques. The bacteriological examination of water samples included the most probable number of presumptive coliforms, faecal coliforms, and faecal streptococci (MPN/100 ml). The results showed that the total coliform count (MPN/100 ml) was not detected in any samples taken from bottled water, while it was detected in those taken from desalinated, surface, and well water: percentages were 12.9, 80.0, and 100.0, respectively. Faecal coliforms were detected in desalinated, surface, and well water, with percentages of 3.23, 60.0 and 87.88, respectively. About 6.45% of desalinated water, 53.33% of surface water, and 57.58% of well water was found positive for faecal streptococci. Colonies of coliforms were identified in different micro-organisms with various percentages. Conclusion Water derived from traditional sources (wells) showed increases in most of the investigated bacteriological parameters, followed by surface water as compared to bottled or desalinated water. This may be attributed to the fact that well and surface water are at risk of contamination as indicated by the higher levels of most bacteriological parameters. Moreover, well water is exposed to point sources of pollution such as septic wells and domestic and farming effluents, as well as to soil with a high humus content. The lower bacteriological characteristics in samples from bottled water indicate that it is satisfactory for human drinking purposes. Contamination of desalinated water that is the main urban water source may occur during transportation from the desalination plant or in the house reservoir of the consumer. Improving and expanding the existing water treatment and sanitation systems is more likely to provide safe and sustainable sources of water over the long term. Strict hygienic measures should be applied to improve water quality and to avoid deleterious effects on public health, by using periodical monitoring programmes to detect sewage pollution running over local hydrological networks and valleys. PMID:19302710

29 CFR 793.8 - “News editor.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false âNews editor.â 793.8 Section 793.8 Labor Regulations... Exemption § 793.8 “News editor.” A news editor is an employee who gathers, edits and rewrites the news. He may also select and prepare news items for broadcast and present the news on the air. An employee who...

29 CFR 793.8 - “News editor.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false âNews editor.â 793.8 Section 793.8 Labor Regulations... Exemption § 793.8 “News editor.” A news editor is an employee who gathers, edits and rewrites the news. He may also select and prepare news items for broadcast and present the news on the air. An employee who...

29 CFR 793.8 - “News editor.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false âNews editor.â 793.8 Section 793.8 Labor Regulations... Exemption § 793.8 “News editor.” A news editor is an employee who gathers, edits and rewrites the news. He may also select and prepare news items for broadcast and present the news on the air. An employee who...

29 CFR 793.8 - “News editor.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false âNews editor.â 793.8 Section 793.8 Labor Regulations... Exemption § 793.8 “News editor.” A news editor is an employee who gathers, edits and rewrites the news. He may also select and prepare news items for broadcast and present the news on the air. An employee who...

29 CFR 793.8 - “News editor.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false âNews editor.â 793.8 Section 793.8 Labor Regulations... Exemption § 793.8 “News editor.” A news editor is an employee who gathers, edits and rewrites the news. He may also select and prepare news items for broadcast and present the news on the air. An employee who...

Academic Degradation and the Retreat of the Editors: Academic Irregularities and the Spreading of Academic Corruption from an Editor's Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xun, Gong

2007-01-01

Against the backdrop of the grave academic crisis in China, editors have become the objects of wooing, favor-currying, connections-seeking, and collusions; they have been targeted for attacks, plots, extortions, and encroachments. Editing and publishing have become avenues for academic irregularities and academic corruption. Editors have the power…

A microcomputer system for clinical bacteriology: experience of 12 months' trial.

PubMed Central

Courcol, R J; Roussel-Delvallez, M; Martin, G R

1982-01-01

A data processing system using microcomputers was developed in a hospital bacteriology laboratory processing more than 60 000 specimens yearly. The purchase price of the hardware was frs 200 000 (17 500 pounds) and the software was written by the authors. The system has been running since May 1980 without general breakdown. The present configuration allows the processing of specimens, enquiries, scientific and administrative tasks but multiprogramming and cumulative reports are not possible. PMID:7107962

A survey of the bacteriological quality of preroasted peanut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, and brazil nut kernels received into three Australian nut-processing facilities over a period of 3 years.

PubMed

Eglezos, Sofroni; Huang, Bixing; Stuttard, Ed

2008-02-01

There is little information about bacteriological quality of preroasted kernels available in the public domain. An investigation of the bacteriological quality of preroasted peanut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, and Brazil nut kernels received into three Australian nut-processing facilities was performed over a period of 3 years. A total of 836 samples were analyzed for aerobic plate count, and 921 samples for Salmonella and Escherichia coli. The 921 samples included 653 peanut, 100 cashew, 60 almond, 60 Brazil nut, and 48 hazelnut kernels. There was no E. coli detected in any sample. Salmonella subsp. II (Fremantle) was detected in one raw almond sample. The aerobic plate count percentages of positive samples with counts above the detection level of the plating method used (100 CFU/g) for peanuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and Brazil nuts were 84, 78, 74, 50, and 45%, respectively. Of the samples containing more than this detection limit, the means were 4.5, 4.4, 3.1, 2.5, and 3.8 log CFU/g respectively. Although roasted kernel quality was not within the scope of this survey, raw microbial bioload would be expected to reduce on roasting. The bacteriological quality of preroasted peanut, almond, cashew, hazelnut, and Brazil nut kernels received into nut-processing facilities in Australia does not appear to suggest a public health concern.

[Study of the bacteriological quality of water used in the agro-food industry in the North of Morocco].

PubMed

Haijoubi, El Houcine; Benyahya, Fatiha; Bendahou, Abdrezzak; Essadqui, Faima Zahra; Behhari, Mohammed El; El Mamoune, Ahmed Fouad; Ghailani, Naima Nourouti; Mechita, Mohcine Bennani; Barakat, Amina

2017-01-01

Water is used predominantly in food manufacturing process. Northern morocco agro-food industries use different sources of water, but public water and wells water are the main sources of water used. This water can be the main source of possible food contaminations and alterations. This study aims is to assess the bacteriological quality of water used in the agro-food industries in the Northern region of Morocco, to identify the different types of germs responsible for the pollution of these waters and to establish the main causes of this pollution. Water samples taken from taps or wells were analyzed to detect pollution indicator germs (total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), intestinal enterococci (E), revivable microorganisms (RM), sulphite-reducing anaerobes) and pathogens (Salmonella, Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The enumeration of the bacteria was performed by filtration technique and incorporation obtained through supercooled solid state. The results showed that public-supply waters were of satisfactory bacteriological quality while 40% of the wells water was non-compliant with water quality standards due to the presence of TC, FC, E and RM pollution indicators. In contrast, pathogens, particularly Salmonellae, were absent in all the wells water analyzed. Well water pollution was generally due to failure to meet hygienic requirements for water pumping. Bacteriological quality of these wells water could be improved by adequate protection.

Efficacy/safety of amoxicillin/clavulanate in adults with bacterial rhinosinusitis.

PubMed

Anon, Jack B; Berkowitz, Elchonon; Breton, John; Twynholm, Monique

2006-01-01

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a common and uncomfortable condition, frequently caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. Antibacterial resistance among these and other common respiratory pathogens is now widespread and of concern. Pharmacokinetically enhanced amoxicillin/clavulanate 2000/125 mg was developed to be effective against the common respiratory pathogens, including many resistant strains. This open-label, noncomparative study assessed the bacteriologic and clinical efficacy of amoxicillin/clavulanate 2000/125 mg in adult patients with ABRS. Requirements for study entry included a clinical diagnosis of ABRS supported by radiologic findings. In addition, sinus puncture for bacteriologic assessment was required at study entry. Overall, bacteriologic success (eradication or clinical evidence of eradication) at the follow-up visit (days 17-28) was achieved in 87.8% (722/822) of patients with 1 or more pathogen isolated at screening, in 93.2% (246/264) of patients with S pneumoniae, in 96.7% (29/30) of those with penicillin-resistant S pneumoniae (penicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations >or=2 microg/mL), and in 88.7% (110/124) of patients with beta-lactamase-positive pathogens. Bacteriologic success was achieved against 6 of 7 S pneumoniae isolates with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid minimum inhibitory concentrations of 4/2 microg/mL or higher. Amoxicillin/clavulanate 2000/125 mg was generally well tolerated. This new amoxicillin/clavulanate formulation provides a suitable option for empiric therapy for ABRS in adults.

Bacteriology of aspiration pneumonia in patients with acute coma.

PubMed

Lauterbach, Enise; Voss, Frederik; Gerigk, Roland; Lauterbach, Michael

2014-12-01

Loss of protective airway reflexes in patients with acute coma puts these patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia complicating the course of the primary disease. Available data vary considerably with regard to bacteriology, role of anaerobic bacteria, and antibiotic treatment. Our objective was to research the bacteriology of aspiration pneumonia in acute coma patients who were not pre-treated with antibiotics or hospitalized within 30 days prior to the event. We prospectively analyzed 127 patient records from adult patients admitted, intubated and ventilated to a tertiary medical intensive care unit with acute coma. Bacteriology and antibiotic resistance testing from tracheal aspirate sampled within 24 h after admission, blood cultures, ICU scores (APACHE II, SOFA), hematology, and clinical chemistry were assessed. Patients were followed up until death or hospital discharge. The majority of patients with acute coma suffered from acute cardiovascular disorders, predominantly myocardial infarction, followed by poisonings, and coma of unknown cause. In a majority of our patients, microaspiration resulted in overt infection. Most frequently S. aureus, H. influenzae, and S. pneumoniae were isolated. Anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides spec., Fusobacteria, Prevotella spec.) were isolated from tracheal aspirate in a minority of patients, and predominantly as part of a mixed infection. Antibiotic monotherapy with a 2nd generation cephalosporin, or a 3rd generation gyrase inhibitor, was most effective in our patients regardless of the presence of anaerobic bacteria.

Stool C difficile toxin

MedlinePlus

... toxin; Colitis - toxin; Pseudomembranous - toxin; Necrotizing colitis - toxin; C difficile - toxin ... be analyzed. There are several ways to detect C difficile toxin in the stool sample. Enzyme immunoassay ( ...

Evaluation of a New Selective Medium, BD BBL CHROMagar MRSA II, for Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Stool Specimens ▿

PubMed Central

Havill, Nancy L.; Boyce, John M.

2010-01-01

We compared the recovery of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on a new selective chromogenic agar, BD BBL CHROMagar MRSA II (CMRSAII), to that on traditional culture media with 293 stool specimens. The recovery of MRSA was greater on the CMRSAII agar. Screening of stool samples can identify patients who were previously unknown carriers of MRSA. PMID:20392908

Editors on Unix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, C. A.

The purpose of this document is to give new users advice on how to choose which editor to use on Unix machines. Under Unix the default editors are considered to be unfriendly and many users prefer to use other more sophisticated alternatives. However, many such alternatives exist; there is not one single editor that everyone finds acceptable and hence each user must decide for himself or herself which to adopt.

The Lives and Hard Times of Magazine Editors in the Big Apple: A Report on the Society of Magazine Editors' Educators Seminar.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

English, John W.

This report chronicles the first Society of Magazine Editors' educators seminar, which was held in New York from May 13-17, 1974, and was attended by ten journalism faculty. The industry's concerns, as expressed through editors, are paper, printing, postage, people, and profit. The Magazine Publishers Association (MPA) seems mostly concerned with…

Views of Iranian medical journal editors on medical research publication.

PubMed

Etemadi, Arash; Raiszadeh, Farbod; Alaeddini, Farshid; Azizi, Fereidoun

2004-01-01

Medical journal editors play an important role in optimizing research publication. This study evaluates the views of Iranian medical journal editors, and their knowledge of medical publication standards. In May 2001, 51 editors from all journals approved by the Ministry of Health were invited to participate, 27 of whom completed the study. A self-administered questionnaire, based on the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals (URMS) was used which consisted of 28 questions in 9 subject fields. These fields included: peer review, conflicts of interest, authorship criteria, publication ethics, duplicate publication, mass media, advertising, competing manuscripts, and the Internet. The knowledge of the editors was assessed by a scoring system, with a range of -46 to +44 points. Twenty-three of the participants were editors-in-chief and 4 were managing editors. Their average age was 47.3 +/- 8.7 years and 25 were male. All journals were peer-reviewed, most having 2 or 3 reviewers for each manuscript. Of the journals, 92.6% accepted or rejected an article on the basis of the views of most reviewers and 52%, sometimes or always, used a statistician as a reviewer. Most of the editors believed that writing the first draft and designing the study are authorship criteria, and most of them believed that these 2 are stated in URMS. Seven journals (25.9%) never published advertisements. Among journals that sold advertisements, the most popular policy (85%) was the rejection of advertisements because they advertised harmful products. Out of 27 journals, 12 were accessible on the Internet, and 7 had independent websites. Of the editors, 81.5% thought that a website is useful for their journal. The average knowledge score of the editors was 6.5 +/- 7.5. None had a negative score, 33% scored zero, 45% obtained average scores and 22% obtained good scores. The results show that peer review is favored by all the editors studied, though it seems that journals do not follow clear-cut policies in this regard. Most of the editors, agreed with the statements of URMS to some extent and generally most have average to high knowledge of URMS.

[Bristol Stool Chart: Prospective and monocentric study of "stools introspection" in healthy subjects].

PubMed

Amarenco, G

2014-09-01

The Bristol Stool Chart (BSC) allows patients to identify their stool form using seven different images with accompanying written descriptors. Stool form was found to correlate better than stool frequency with whole-gut transit as measured by a radio-opaque marker study. This score is widely used in order to verify the presence of a constipation and to evaluate the therapeutic impact of various treatments. In our clinical practice, we was strongly surprised by the facility and the great precision of the patients to report their stool form, meaning that they usually and daily verify these stools. We wanted to precise the goals of a such attitude. Two questionnaires were proposed to healthy and voluntary subjects. Q1 was supposedly presented in order to verify the sensibility of a French version of BSC in a healthy population. Thus, Q1 precised the difficulties or not to understand pictures and written descriptors, asked about exhaustive analysis by means of BSC of stool form and bowel condition. All subjects with history of ano-rectal disorders or specific treatment for bowel dysfunction were excluded. After Q1 fulfilled, Q2 was proposed to the subjects. Q2 was designed to precise the goals of the patient when he look at his stool and the frequency of such an investigation. Finally a specific question concerning the subject opinion about this behavior in terms of bothersome, shame, or metaphysic interrogation. Eighty-five healthy subjects were recruited (42 female and 43 male). Mean age was 37.2 (sd = 15.7). Mean score of BCS was 2.07 (sd =1.05) (2.07 for female and 1.81 for male, P = 0.22). Number of categories of stool form was only 1 in 40%, 2 categories in 31%, 3 in 19%, 4 in 10%. Presence of a constipation defined by category 1 or 2 was found in 17% (23% in F, 12% in M, P = 0.075). Precision of BSC was noted as excellent in 68%, moderated in 18% and poor in 14%. BSC was considered as easy to use in 75%. Frequency of inspection of feces was systematic for 37%, 1/2 in 20%, 1/3 in 13%, 1 to 4 per month in 30%. The goal of inspection was "routine" in 54%, and devoted to track down any pathological condition ("self examination") in 46%. Eighty percent of the subjects considered having no shame or specific reticence and only 17% of them, had some interrogations concerning the real rational of such an inspection. BSC is a useful tool widely used in routine practice, helping to the diagnosis of constipation and the control of the different therapeutic strategies. There is no psychological barriers or metaphysics inconveniences for its use. But it seems legitimate to understand the hidden reasons of such a behavior with unconscious purposes reflecting the intimal nature of the humans. 3. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Letter to the Editor: The Surge of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in China - an International Alert: Physical Exercise and Low-Caloric Diet May Reduce the Risks of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Dementia.

PubMed

Kao, Pai C; Han, Qiao Jun; Liu, Shuyi; Li, Xiu Jun; Inman, Kristin S; Chia, Nicholas

2016-01-01

The prevalence of diabetes in China has surged from 0.67% before 1980 to 11.6% currently. It is even higher than the prevalence in the United States. Certainly, China's economic open-ups, improving living standard, and modernization have propagated the surge. From a traditional public-health point of view, increased food intake and decreased exercise were the main contributors. A new knowledge of colon microbiota could be applied to provide a second harvest of food energy; for example, large molecules of carbohydrates, which are undigested by the stomach and small intestine, produce by-products that the body can absorb in the colon. Colon microbiota can ferment these carbohydrates to the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. This is an energy source that may even cause nonalcoholic fatty liver. How these colon microbiota contribute to the surge of diabetes and whether this new knowledge can be used to control diabetes and metabolic syndrome are questions for future scientific studies. Clinically, however, colon microbiota have had immediate applications; fecal microbiota have been transplanted from healthy persons to treat recurrent Clostridium difficile infection at Mayo Clinic. In addition, a stool biobank of healthy persons was established at Mayo Clinic for future clinical applications. © 2016 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.

Comparison of stool collection on site versus at home in a population-based study : feasibility and participants' preference in Pretest 2 of the German National Cohort.

PubMed

Schultze, A; Akmatov, M K; Andrzejak, M; Karras, N; Kemmling, Y; Maulhardt, A; Wieghold, S; Ahrens, W; Günther, K; Schlenz, H; Krause, G; Pessler, F

2014-11-01

For certain laboratory investigations it is necessary to obtain native stool samples and process them within a narrow time window at the point of contact or a nearby laboratory. However, it is not known whether it is feasible to obtain stool samples from asymptomatic individuals during an appointment in a study center (SC). We therefore compared participants' preference, feasibility and acceptance of stool sample collection during the appointment at the study center (on-site sampling) to collection at home after the appointment. The study was conducted at two sites in Northern Germany (Bremen, n = 156; Hannover, n = 147) during the Pretest 2 phase of the German National Cohort (GNC), drawing upon a randomly selected population supplemented by a small convenience sample. In the study center, the participants were given the choice to provide a stool sample during the appointment or to collect a sample later at home and return it by mail. In all, 303 of the 351 participants (86 %) of Pretest 2 at these sites participated in this feasibility study. Only 7.9 % (24/303) of the participants chose on-site collection, whereas 92 % (279/303) chose at-home collection. There were significant differences between the two study sites in that 14 % (21/147) of participants in Hannover and 2 % (3/156) of participants in Bremen chose on-site collection. Compliance was high in both groups, as 100 % (24/24) and 98 % (272/279) of participants in the on-site and at-home groups, respectively, provided complete samples. Both methods were highly accepted, as 92 % of the participants in each group (22/24 and 227/248) stated that stool collection at the respective site was acceptable. When given a choice, most participants in this population-based study preferred home collection of stool samples to collection in the study center. Thus, native stool samples for immediate processing in the study center may potentially be obtained only from a subpopulation of participants, which may lead to selection bias. Home collection, on the other hand, proved to be a highly feasible method for studies that do not require freshly collected native stool.

PoopMD, a Mobile Health Application, Accurately Identifies Infant Acholic Stools.

PubMed

Franciscovich, Amy; Vaidya, Dhananjay; Doyle, Joe; Bolinger, Josh; Capdevila, Montserrat; Rice, Marcus; Hancock, Leslie; Mahr, Tanya; Mogul, Douglas B

2015-01-01

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of pediatric end-stage liver disease in the United States. Education of parents in the perinatal period with stool cards depicting acholic and normal stools has been associated with improved time-to-diagnosis and survival in BA. PoopMD is a mobile application that utilizes a smartphone's camera and color recognition software to analyze an infant's stool and determine if additional follow-up is indicated. PoopMD was developed using custom HTML5/CSS3 and wrapped to work on iOS and Android platforms. In order to define the gold standard regarding stool color, seven pediatricians were asked to review 45 photographs of infant stool and rate them as acholic, normal, or indeterminate. Samples for which 6+ pediatricians demonstrated agreement defined the gold standard, and only these samples were included in the analysis. Accuracy of PoopMD was assessed using an iPhone 5s with incandescent lighting. Variability in analysis of stool photographs as acholic versus normal with intermediate rating weighted as 50% agreement (kappa) was compared between three laypeople and one expert user. Variability in output was also assessed between an iPhone 5s and a Samsung Galaxy S4, as well as between incandescent lighting and compact fluorescent lighting. Six-plus pediatricians agreed on 27 normal and 7 acholic photographs; no photographs were defined as indeterminate. The sensitivity was 7/7 (100%). The specificity was 24/27 (89%) with 3/27 labeled as indeterminate; no photos of normal stool were labeled as acholic. The Laplace-smoothed positive likelihood ratio was 6.44 (95% CI 2.52 to 16.48) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.13 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.83). kappauser was 0.68, kappaphone was 0.88, and kappalight was 0.81. Therefore, in this pilot study, PoopMD accurately differentiates acholic from normal color with substantial agreement across users, and almost perfect agreement across two popular smartphones and ambient light settings. PoopMD may be a valuable tool to help parents identify acholic stools in the perinatal period, and provide guidance as to whether additional evaluation with their pediatrician is indicated. PoopMD may improve outcomes for children with BA.

UK and European Union public and charitable funding from 2008 to 2013 for bacteriology and antibiotic research in the UK: an observational study.

PubMed

Bragginton, Eilis C; Piddock, Laura J V

2014-09-01

Since the 1990s, the number of new antibacterial drugs has plummeted and the number of antibiotic-resistant infections has risen, which has decreased the effective treatment of many disorders, including sepsis. We aimed to assess whether funding for bacteriology and antibiotic research to UK researchers had increased in response to this global crisis. We systematically searched websites and databases of agencies that fund research in the UK to identify publicly and charitably funded projects from financial years 2008 to 2013 within the specialties of bacteriology and antibiotic research. We created a database to identify the projects funded. Grants awarded in euros were converted to pounds sterling (€1=£0·86). We identified 609 projects within the specialty of bacteriology, 196 (32·2%) of which were on antibiotics. Of £13 846·1 million of available research funding, £269·2 million (1·9%) was awarded to bacteriology projects and £95·0 million (0·7%) was awarded for research on antibiotics. Additionally, £181·4 million in European Union (EU) funding was awarded to antibiotic research consortia including researchers based within the UK, including two EU Innovative Medicines Initiative awards, totalling £85·2 million. To increase awareness of who funds antibiotic research and to facilitate priority setting and funding decisions, funding organisations need to be aware of the breadth and depth of present funding as a baseline by which funding from 2014 onwards can be measured and so that informed decisions about the future level of funding can be made. To resolve the crisis of antibiotic resistance, present levels of funding are inadequate and should be increased substantially. British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How is research publishing going to progress in the next 20 years?: transcription of session for editors, associate editors, publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing held at IADR meeting in Seattle on Wednesday, 20 March 2013.

PubMed

Eaton, Kenneth A; Rex Holland, G; Giannobile, William V; Hancocks, Stephen; Robinson, Peter G; Lynch, Christopher D

2014-03-01

On March 20th 2013, a one-hour session for Editors, Associate Editors, Publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing was held at the IADR International Session in Seattle. Organised by Kenneth Eaton and Christopher Lynch (Chair and Secretary, respectively, of the British Dental Editors Forum), the meeting sought to bring together leading international experts in dental publishing, as well as authors, reviewers and students engaged in research. The meeting was an overwhelming success, with more than 100 attendees. A panel involving four leading dental editors led a discussion on anticipated developments in publishing dental research with much involvement and contribution from audience members. This was the third such meeting held at the IADR for Editors, Associate Editors, Publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing. A follow-up session will take place in Cape Town on 25 June 2014 as part of the annual IADR meeting. The transcript of the Seattle meeting is reproduced in this article. Where possible speakers are identified by name. At the first time of mention their role/position is also stated, thereafter only their name appears. We are grateful to Stephen Hancocks Ltd. for their generous sponsorship of this event. For those who were not able to attend the authors hope this article gives a flavour of the discussions and will encourage colleagues to attend future events. Involvement is open to Editors, Associate Editors, Publishers and others with an interest in scientific publishing. It is a very open group and all those with an interest will be welcome to join in. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DNA methylation of phosphatase and actin regulator 3 detects colorectal cancer in stool and complements FIT.

PubMed

Bosch, Linda J W; Oort, Frank A; Neerincx, Maarten; Khalid-de Bakker, Carolina A J; Terhaar sive Droste, Jochim S; Melotte, Veerle; Jonkers, Daisy M A E; Masclee, Ad A M; Mongera, Sandra; Grooteclaes, Madeleine; Louwagie, Joost; van Criekinge, Wim; Coupé, Veerle M H; Mulder, Chris J; van Engeland, Manon; Carvalho, Beatriz; Meijer, Gerrit A

2012-03-01

Using a bioinformatics-based strategy, we set out to identify hypermethylated genes that could serve as biomarkers for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) in stool. In addition, the complementary value to a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) was evaluated. Candidate genes were selected by applying cluster alignment and computational analysis of promoter regions to microarray-expression data of colorectal adenomas and carcinomas. DNA methylation was measured by quantitative methylation-specific PCR on 34 normal colon mucosa, 71 advanced adenoma, and 64 CRC tissues. The performance as biomarker was tested in whole stool samples from in total 193 subjects, including 19 with advanced adenoma and 66 with CRC. For a large proportion of these series, methylation data for GATA4 and OSMR were available for comparison. The complementary value to FIT was measured in stool subsamples from 92 subjects including 44 with advanced adenoma or CRC. Phosphatase and Actin Regulator 3 (PHACTR3) was identified as a novel hypermethylated gene showing more than 70-fold increased DNA methylation levels in advanced neoplasia compared with normal colon mucosa. In a stool training set, PHACTR3 methylation showed a sensitivity of 55% (95% CI: 33-75) for CRC and a specificity of 95% (95% CI: 87-98). In a stool validation set, sensitivity reached 66% (95% CI: 50-79) for CRC and 32% (95% CI: 14-57) for advanced adenomas at a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 86-100). Adding PHACTR3 methylation to FIT increased sensitivity for CRC up to 15%. PHACTR3 is a new hypermethylated gene in CRC with a good performance in stool DNA testing and has complementary value to FIT.

Dietary glutamine and oral antibiotics each improve indexes of gut barrier function in rat short bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Tian, Junqiang; Hao, Li; Chandra, Prakash; Jones, Dean P; Willams, Ifor R; Gewirtz, Andrew T; Ziegler, Thomas R

2009-02-01

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is associated with gut barrier dysfunction. We examined effects of dietary glutamine (GLN) or oral antibiotics (ABX) on indexes of gut barrier function in a rat model of SBS. Adult rats underwent a 60% distal small bowel + proximal colonic resection (RX) or bowel transection (TX; control). Rats were pair fed diets with or without l-GLN for 20 days after operation. Oral ABX (neomycin, metronidazole, and polymyxin B) were given in some RX rats fed control diet. Stool secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) was measured serially. On day 21, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were cultured for gram-negative bacteria. IgA-positive plasma cells in jejunum, stool levels of flagellin- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-specific sIgA, and serum total, anti-flagellin- and anti-LPS IgG levels were determined. RX caused gram-negative bacterial translocation to MLN, increased serum total and anti-LPS IgG and increased stool total sIgA. After RX, dietary GLN tended to blunt bacterial translocation to MLN (-29%, P = NS) and significantly decreased anti-LPS IgG levels in serum, increased both stool and jejunal mucosal sIgA and increased stool anti-LPS-specific IgA. Oral ABX eliminated RX-induced bacterial translocation, significantly decreased total and anti-LPS IgG levels in serum, significantly decreased stool total IgA and increased stool LPS-specific IgA. Partial small bowel-colonic resection in rats is associated with gram-negative bacterial translocation from the gut and a concomitant adaptive immune response to LPS. These indexes of gut barrier dysfunction are ameliorated or blunted by administration of dietary GLN or oral ABX, respectively. Dietary GLN upregulates small bowel sIgA in this model.

Development of an Efficient Entire-Capsid-Coding-Region Amplification Method for Direct Detection of Poliovirus from Stool Extracts

PubMed Central

Kilpatrick, David R.; Nakamura, Tomofumi; Burns, Cara C.; Bukbuk, David; Oderinde, Soji B.; Oberste, M. Steven; Kew, Olen M.; Pallansch, Mark A.; Shimizu, Hiroyuki

2014-01-01

Laboratory diagnosis has played a critical role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative since 1988, by isolating and identifying poliovirus (PV) from stool specimens by using cell culture as a highly sensitive system to detect PV. In the present study, we aimed to develop a molecular method to detect PV directly from stool extracts, with a high efficiency comparable to that of cell culture. We developed a method to efficiently amplify the entire capsid coding region of human enteroviruses (EVs) including PV. cDNAs of the entire capsid coding region (3.9 kb) were obtained from as few as 50 copies of PV genomes. PV was detected from the cDNAs with an improved PV-specific real-time reverse transcription-PCR system and nucleotide sequence analysis of the VP1 coding region. For assay validation, we analyzed 84 stool extracts that were positive for PV in cell culture and detected PV genomes from 100% of the extracts (84/84 samples) with this method in combination with a PV-specific extraction method. PV could be detected in 2/4 stool extract samples that were negative for PV in cell culture. In PV-positive samples, EV species C viruses were also detected with high frequency (27% [23/86 samples]). This method would be useful for direct detection of PV from stool extracts without using cell culture. PMID:25339406

Malabsorption

MedlinePlus

... that of other children of similar age and gender. This is called failure to thrive . The child ... deficiency Secretin stimulation test Small bowel biopsy Stool culture or culture of small intestine aspirate Stool fat ...

Mathematical inference on helminth egg counts in stool and its applications in mass drug administration programmes to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis in public health.

PubMed

Levecke, Bruno; Anderson, Roy M; Berkvens, Dirk; Charlier, Johannes; Devleesschauwer, Brecht; Speybroeck, Niko; Vercruysse, Jozef; Van Aelst, Stefan

2015-03-01

In the present study, we present a hierarchical model based on faecal egg counts (FECs; expressed in eggs per 1g of stool) in which we first describe the variation in FECs between individuals in a particular population, followed by describing the variance due to counting eggs under a microscope separately for each stool sample. From this general framework, we discuss how to calculate a sample size for assessing a population mean FEC and the impact of an intervention, measured as reduction in FECs, for any scenario of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) epidemiology (the intensity and aggregation of FECs within a population) and diagnostic strategy (amount of stool examined (∼sensitivity of the diagnostic technique) and examination of individual/pooled stool samples) and on how to estimate prevalence of STH in the absence of a gold standard. To give these applications the most wide relevance as possible, we illustrate each of them with hypothetical examples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rice solution and World Health Organization solution by gastric infusion for high stool output diarrhea.

PubMed

Mota-Hernández, F; Bross-Soriano, D; Pérez-Ricardez, M L; Velásquez-Jones, L

1991-08-01

We sought to determine the efficacy of three different types of treatment in children with acute diarrhea who, during the oral rehydration period, had high stool output (greater than 10 mL/kg per hour). Sixty-six children, aged 1 to 18 months, with an average stool output of 22.6 mL/kg per hour were randomly distributed into three groups: group 1 received a rice flour solution, group 2 received the World Health Organization rehydration solution by gastric infusion, and group 3 continued to receive this solution orally. In all three groups, a decrease in stool output was observed, with the higher decrease observed in group 1 patients. Such a decrease facilitated rehydration of all 22 patients in group 1 (100%) in 3.3 +/- 1.5 hours, 16 (73%) in group 2 in 4.3 +/- 2.1 hours, and 15 (69%) in group 3 in 4.9 +/- 2.0 hours. No complications were observed. These data indicate that the rice flour solution is effective in children with high stool output diarrhea.

[Bacteriological aspects of trichomonal vaginitis (author's transl)].

PubMed

Brockmann, J; Höhne, C

1979-01-01

An analysis was made of the vaginal flora of 25 gynaecological patients with acute trichomomal vaginitis, with the view to elucidating the bacteriological situation. Eighty-four isolates, an average of 3.4 per patient, were taken and included a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. - Obligate anaerobic species, such as bacteriodes and peptostreptococci, with susceptibility to metronidazole were among the predominant pathogens. - The differentiated susceptibility of the most common bacteria to antibiotics may yield information useful to therapy in the case of aggravated infection.

An Evaluation of Foods Processed in Tray Pack versus Two Standard Food Service Containers. Part 1. Sensory, Container and Bacteriological Tests

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-02-01

precooked frozen packed foods; (2) shelf life of Tray Pack vs. the no. 10 can at ambient and stressful storage temperatures; (3) changes in nutrient...bacteriological tests to certify safety for human consumption. Both Natick RD&E Center and Kraft products were subjected to 9 I...heat processed products that were storage temperature stressed at 380 C, QS data indicated that expected storage life of seven of the CC products was

Liver Panel

MedlinePlus

... may be present before symptoms such as jaundice , dark urine, light-colored stools, itching ( pruritus ), nausea, fatigue, ... or pain Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin) Dark urine, light-colored stool Itching ( pruritus ) Diarrhea Usually ...

Aeromonas isolates from human diarrheic stool and groundwater compared by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

PubMed

Borchardt, Mark A; Stemper, Mary E; Standridge, Jon H

2003-02-01

Gastrointestinal infections of Aeromonas species are generally considered waterborne; for this reason, Aeromonas hydrophila has been placed on the United States Environmental Protection Agency Contaminant Candidate List of emerging pathogens in drinking water. In this study, we compared pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of Aeromonas isolates from stool specimens of patients with diarrhea with Aeromonas isolates from patients' drinking water. Among 2,565 diarrheic stool specimens submitted to a Wisconsin clinical reference laboratory, 17 (0.66%) tested positive for Aeromonas. Groundwater isolates of Aeromonas were obtained from private wells throughout Wisconsin and the drinking water of Aeromonas-positive patients. The analysis showed that the stool and drinking water isolates were genetically unrelated, suggesting that in this population Aeromonas gastrointestinal infections were not linked with groundwater exposures.

Aeromonas Isolates from Human Diarrheic Stool and Groundwater Compared by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis

PubMed Central

Stemper, Mary E.; Standridge, Jon H.

2003-01-01

Gastrointestinal infections of Aeromonas species are generally considered waterborne; for this reason, Aeromonas hydrophila has been placed on the United States Environmental Protection Agency Contaminant Candidate List of emerging pathogens in drinking water. In this study, we compared pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of Aeromonas isolates from stool specimens of patients with diarrhea with Aeromonas isolates from patients’ drinking water. Among 2,565 diarrheic stool specimens submitted to a Wisconsin clinical reference laboratory, 17 (0.66%) tested positive for Aeromonas. Groundwater isolates of Aeromonas were obtained from private wells throughout Wisconsin and the drinking water of Aeromonas-positive patients. The analysis showed that the stool and drinking water isolates were genetically unrelated, suggesting that in this population Aeromonas gastrointestinal infections were not linked with groundwater exposures. PMID:12603994

From scientist to editor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novoselov, Kostya S.; Pulizzi, Fabio

2018-06-01

Kostya S. Novoselov, professor of physics at the University of Manchester, UK, has been digging into the details of the life of an editor by asking Fabio Pulizzi, Chief Editor of Nature Nanotechnology, some inside information on his work.

Constipation and catharsis.

PubMed Central

Thompson, W. G.

1976-01-01

Constipation is endemic in the Western world. Stool consistence and associated symptoms are more important than stool frequency. The patient's attitude towards his bowel habit is also important. Exclusion of "organic" disease, reassurance and discussion of normal variations of bowel habit are necessary first steps in treatment. Adquate bulk in the stool must be ensured, either through diet or bulking agnets, and bowel retraining attempted. Laxatives should be reserved for episodes of constipation following enforced bedrest, or as a preparation for diagnostic procedures. Long-term use should be avoided. PMID:1268778

Burke new Tectonics editor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kevin C. Burke, National Academy of Sciences/ National Research Council (NAS/NRC), assumed responsibilities as Editor in Chief of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) journal Tectonics at the beginning of 1990, taking over from Raymond A. Price, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario. Asger Berthelsen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, continues as the European Editor, and Paul F. Hoffman, Geological Society of Canada, assumes the task of North American Editor. Tectonics is a joint publication of AGU and the European Geophysical Society.

Bacteriological monitoring and sustainable management of beach water quality in Malaysia: problems and prospects.

PubMed

Dada, Ayokunle Christopher; Asmat, Ahmad; Gires, Usup; Heng, Lee Yook; Deborah, Bandele Oluwaseun

2012-04-28

Despite the growing demand of tourism in Malaysia, there are no resolute efforts to develop beaches as tourist destinations. With no incentives to monitor public beaches or to use them in a sustainable manner, they might eventually degenerate in quality as a result of influx of pollutants. This calls for concerted action plans with a view to promoting their sustainable use. The success of such plans is inevitably anchored on the availability of robust quality monitoring schemes. Although significant efforts have been channelled to collation and public disclosure of bacteriological quality data of rivers, beach water monitoring appears left out. This partly explains the dearth of published information related to beach water quality data. As part of an on-going nation-wide surveillance study on the bacteriological quality of recreational beaches, this paper draws on a situation analysis with a view to proffering recommendations that could be adapted for ensuring better beach water quality in Malaysia.

Changes in bacterial meningitis.

PubMed Central

Carter, P E; Barclay, S M; Galloway, W H; Cole, G F

1990-01-01

In 1964, one of us (WHG) undertook a retrospective study of bacterial meningitis in childhood in the north east of Scotland during the period 1946-61. We have recently carried out a similar review of cases occurring during 1971-86, to compare the incidence, mortality, and bacteriological patterns. During the earlier period 285 cases occurred, a total incidence of 16.9/100,000 children per year. In the later period 274 children were affected, an annual incidence of 17.8/100,000. The overall mortality rate fell dramatically from 11.9% to 1.8%, the latter figure comparing favourably with recent published studies from Scandinavia and the United States. There was a change in the bacteriological profile in the second period with a significant rise in cases due to Haemophilus influenzae at all ages. A fall in cases of meningococcal meningitis was significant in infants under 1 year of age only. Possible reasons for the change in the bacteriological pattern are discussed. PMID:2357086

What is the bacteriology of chronic sinusitis in adults?

PubMed

Ramadan, H H

1995-01-01

Recent advances in imaging and endoscopy has increased our awareness of chronic sinusitis. The teaching has been that chronic sinusitis is mainly caused by anaerobes; however, recent studies have found that the role of anaerobes is small, especially in children. A prospective study was conducted on 76 adults who failed medical treatment for chronic sinusitis and were scheduled for endoscopic sinus surgery. Specimens were obtained on all 76 patients at the time of surgery and were sent for aerobic and anaerobic cultures. Anaerobic organisms were isolated in 7.6% of the cases, and aerobes were isolated in 76.3% of the patients. The most common aerobic organism was the Staphylococcus species, whereby resistance to the most commonly used antibiotics was 21.7%. All past studies on the bacteriology in adults were made before the era of endoscopic sinus surgery and the newer-generation antibiotics. According to our results, it seems there is a change in trend in the bacteriology of chronic sinusitis in adults.

Efficiency in pathology laboratories: a survey of operations management in NHS bacteriology.

PubMed

Szczepura, A K

1991-01-01

In recent years pathology laboratory services in the U.K. have experienced large increases in demand. But the extent to which U.K. laboratories have introduced controls to limit unnecessary procedures within the laboratory was previously unclear. This paper presents the results of a survey of all 343 NHS bacteriology laboratories which records the extent to which such operations management controls are now in place. The survey shows large differences between laboratories. Quality controls over inputs, the use of screening tests as a culture substitute, the use of direct susceptibility testing, controls over routine antibiotic susceptibility testing, and controls over reporting of results all vary widely. The survey also records the prevalence of hospital antibiotic policies, the extent to which laboratories produce antibiograms for user clinicians, the degree of computerisation in data handling, and the degree of automation in processing specimens. Finally, the survey uncovers a large variation between NHS labs in the percentage of bacteriology samples which prove positive and lead to antibiotic susceptibility tests being carried out.

The history of bacteriologic concepts of rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Benedek, Thomas G

2006-10-01

Review of the development of etiologic and pathogenetic concepts of rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the beginning of clinical bacteriology to the discovery of antibiotics. Analysis of English and German language publications pertaining to bacteriology and "rheumatism" between the 1870s and 1940s. Early in the 20th century there was a widely held belief that a microbial cause would eventually be found for most diseases. This encouraged pursuit of the intermittent findings of positive blood and synovial fluid cultures in cases of RF and RA. Development of a streptococcal agglutination test supported the erroneous belief that RA is a streptococcal infection, while the simultaneous development of other immunologic tests for streptococci suggested that a hemolytic streptococcus was etiologic in RF. Table 1 provides a chronology of major events supporting and retarding resolutions. Much of the conflicting data and inferences regarding the etiology of RF and RA can be attributed to the absence or inadequacy of controls in observations of clinical cohorts and laboratory experiments.

Bacteriological Monitoring and Sustainable Management of Beach Water Quality in Malaysia: Problems and Prospects

PubMed Central

Dada, Ayokunle Christopher; Asmat, Ahmad; Gires, Usup; Heng, Lee Yook; Deborah, Bandele Oluwaseun

2012-01-01

Despite the growing demand of tourism in Malaysia, there are no resolute efforts to develop beaches as tourist destinations. With no incentives to monitor public beaches or to use them in a sustainable manner, they might eventually degenerate in quality as a result of influx of pollutants. This calls for concerted action plans with a view to promoting their sustainable use. The success of such plans is inevitably anchored on the availability of robust quality monitoring schemes. Although significant efforts have been channelled to collation and public disclosure of bacteriological quality data of rivers, beach water monitoring appears left out. This partly explains the dearth of published information related to beach water quality data. As part of an on-going nation-wide surveillance study on the bacteriological quality of recreational beaches, this paper draws on a situation analysis with a view to proffering recommendations that could be adapted for ensuring better beach water quality in Malaysia. PMID:22980239

Inactive fibrotic lesions versus pulmonary tuberculosis with negative bacteriology.

PubMed

Solsona Peiró, Jordi; de Souza Galvão, Maria Luiza; Altet Gómez, Maria Neus

2014-11-01

This article analyzes the concept of inactive fibrotic lesions of presumed tuberculous origin (old healed tuberculosis), defined by radiological characteristics and a positive tuberculin skin test (TST), and we examine the evidence-based foundation for the indication of treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in these cases. We explore the risk of reactivation in older and recent literature, and the problems raised by the differential diagnosis with active tuberculosis with negative bacteriology. We also analyze data on the prevalence of fibrotic lesions in the recent literature. We examine the possible role of Interferon Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) versus TST and other molecular antigen detection techniques in sputum that can aid in establishing the diagnosis and we discuss the current indications for chemoprophylaxis and the different options available. We propose diagnostic guidelines and therapeutic algorithms based on risk stratification by age and other factors in the management of radiological lesions that raise a differential diagnosis between fibrotic lesions and active pulmonary tuberculosis with negative bacteriology. Copyright © 2013 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Bloody or tarry stools

MedlinePlus

... small intestine Diverticulosis (abnormal pouches in the colon) Hemorrhoids (common cause of bright red blood) Inflammatory bowel ... have an exam even if you think that hemorrhoids are causing the blood in your stool. In ...

Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases

MedlinePlus

... that cause diarrhea, loose or watery stools, cramping, flatulence (gas) and other abdominal illness. CDC recommends that ... that cause diarrhea, loose or watery stools, cramping, flatulence (gas) and other abdominal illness. This test is ...

Flushable reagent stool blood test

MedlinePlus

Stool occult blood test - flushable home test; Fecal occult blood test - flushable home test ... This test is performed at home with disposable pads. You can buy the pads at the drug store without ...

Multiple Myeloma Symptoms

MedlinePlus

... as walking or swimming, can also be helpful. Diarrhea Diarrhea is defined as frequent (more than three per ... loose or watery stools. If you experience severe diarrhea (more than six loose stools per day for ...

Impact of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate therapy on irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease: a survey of patient perspective

PubMed Central

Shaw, Audrey L; Tomanelli, Adam; Bradshaw, Timothy P; Petschow, Bryon W; Burnett, Bruce P

2017-01-01

Background Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and urgency. These symptoms significantly compromise the patient’s quality of life (QoL) by limiting participation in normal daily activities and adversely affect work productivity and performance. Purpose The aim of this study was to understand from the patient’s perspective how oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI) impacts bowel habits, management of condition, and basic QoL. Methods A 1-page questionnaire was distributed randomly to >14,000 patients who were prescribed SBI (EnteraGam®) for relevant intended uses. The survey was designed to collect data related to the influence of IBS or IBD on daily life activities and the impact of SBI usage on daily stool frequency, management of their condition, and QoL. Patient-reported responses were analyzed using a paired t-test to compare mean change in daily stool output and descriptive statistics for continuous variables. Results A total of 1,377 patients returned the surveys. Results from 595 surveys were analyzed with a focus on patients with IBS or IBD who had provided numeric responses regarding daily stool frequency. Respondents with IBS who reported having a normal stool frequency (≤4 stools per day) increased from 35% prior to using SBI to 91% while using SBI. A similar change toward normal stool frequency was reported by IBD respondents. Mean daily stool numbers decreased for respondents in the combined IBS and IBD groups (P=0.0001) from 6.5±4.3 before SBI to 2.6±1.9 following SBI use. The majority of respondents agreed strongly or very strongly that SBI helped them manage their condition (66.9%) and helped them return to the activities they enjoyed (59.1%). Conclusion Results from this patient survey suggest that SBI use can lead to clinically relevant decreases in daily stool frequency in patients with IBS or IBD along with improvements in the overall management of their condition and aspects of QoL. PMID:28615929

Development of a reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) system for a highly sensitive detection of enterovirus in the stool samples of acute flaccid paralysis cases.

PubMed

Arita, Minetaro; Ling, Hua; Yan, Dongmei; Nishimura, Yorihiro; Yoshida, Hiromu; Wakita, Takaji; Shimizu, Hiroyuki

2009-12-16

In the global eradication program for poliomyelitis, the laboratory diagnosis plays a critical role by isolating poliovirus (PV) from the stool samples of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases. In this study, we developed a reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) system for a rapid and highly sensitive detection of enterovirus including PV to identify stool samples positive for enterovirus including PV. A primer set was designed for RT-LAMP to detect enterovirus preferably those with PV-like 5'NTRs of the viral genome. The sensitivity of RT-LAMP system was evaluated with prototype strains of enterovirus. Detection of enterovirus from stool extracts was examined by using RT-LAMP system. We detected at least 400 copies of the viral genomes of PV(Sabin) strains within 90 min by RT-LAMP with the primer set. This RT-LAMP system showed a preference for Human enterovirus species C (HEV-C) strains including PV, but exhibited less sensitivity to the prototype strains of HEV-A and HEV-B (detection limits of 7,400 to 28,000 copies). Stool extracts, from which PV, HEV-C, or HEV-A was isolated in the cell culture system, were mostly positive by RT-LAMP method (positive rates of 15/16 (= 94%), 13/14 (= 93%), and 4/4 (= 100%), respectively). The positive rate of this RT-LAMP system for stool extracts from which HEV-B was isolated was lower than that of HEV-C (positive rate of 11/21 (= 52%)). In the stool samples, which were negative for enterovirus isolation by the cell culture system, we found that two samples were positive for RT-LAMP (positive rates of 2/38 (= 5.3%)). In these samples, enterovirus 96 was identified by sequence analysis utilizing a seminested PCR system. RT-LAMP system developed in this study showed a high sensitivity comparable to that of the cell culture system for the detection of PV, HEV-A, and HEV-C, but less sensitivity to HEV-B. This RT-LAMP system would be useful for the direct detection of enterovirus from the stool extracts.

Emotions under discussion: gender, status and communication in online collaboration.

PubMed

Iosub, Daniela; Laniado, David; Castillo, Carlos; Fuster Morell, Mayo; Kaltenbrunner, Andreas

2014-01-01

Despite the undisputed role of emotions in teamwork, not much is known about the make-up of emotions in online collaboration. Publicly available repositories of collaboration data, such as Wikipedia editor discussions, now enable the large-scale study of affect and dialogue in peer production. We investigate the established Wikipedia community and focus on how emotion and dialogue differ depending on the status, gender, and the communication network of the [Formula: see text] editors who have written at least 100 comments on the English Wikipedia's article talk pages. Emotions are quantified using a word-based approach comparing the results of two predefined lexicon-based methods: LIWC and SentiStrength. We find that administrators maintain a rather neutral, impersonal tone, while regular editors are more emotional and relationship-oriented, that is, they use language to form and maintain connections to other editors. A persistent gender difference is that female contributors communicate in a manner that promotes social affiliation and emotional connection more than male editors, irrespective of their status in the community. Female regular editors are the most relationship-oriented, whereas male administrators are the least relationship-focused. Finally, emotional and linguistic homophily is prevalent: editors tend to interact with other editors having similar emotional styles (e.g., editors expressing more anger connect more with one another). Emotional expression and linguistic style in online collaboration differ substantially depending on the contributors' gender and status, and on the communication network. This should be taken into account when analyzing collaborative success, and may prove insightful to communities facing gender gap and stagnation in contributor acquisition and participation levels.

Creatinine

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Rotavirus antigen test

MedlinePlus

... stool samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl ... young children wearing diapers, line the diaper with plastic wrap. Position the plastic wrap to prevent urine and ...

Giardiasis (For Parents)

MedlinePlus

... their stool. The stool can then contaminate public water supplies, community swimming pools, and water sources like lakes ... normal amounts of chlorine used to purify community water supplies, and can live for more than 2 months ...

Sensitivity of the ISO 6579:2002/Amd 1:2007 Standard Method for Detection of Salmonella spp. on Mesenteric Lymph Nodes from Slaughter Pigs

PubMed Central

Mainar-Jaime, R. C.; Andrés, S.; Vico, J. P.; San Román, B.; Garrido, V.

2013-01-01

The ISO 6579:2002/Amd 1:2007 (ISO) standard has been the bacteriological standard method used in the European Union for the detection of Salmonella spp. in pig mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), but there are no published estimates of the diagnostic sensitivity (Se) of the method in this matrix. Here, the Se of the ISO (SeISO) was estimated on 675 samples selected from two populations with different Salmonella prevalences (14 farms with a ≥20% prevalence and 13 farms with a <20% prevalence) and through the use of latent-class models in concert with Bayesian inference, assuming 100% ISO specificity, and an invA-based PCR as the second diagnostic method. The SeISO was estimated to be close to 87%, while the sensitivity of the PCR reached up to 83.6% and its specificity was 97.4%. Interestingly, the bacteriological reanalysis of 33 potential false-negative (PCR-positive) samples allowed isolation of 19 (57.5%) new Salmonella strains, improving the overall diagnostic accuracy of the bacteriology. Considering the usual limitations of bacteriology regarding Se, these results support the adequacy of the ISO for the detection of Salmonella spp. from MLN and also that of the PCR-based method as an alternative or complementary (screening) test for the diagnosis of pig salmonellosis, particularly considering the cost and time benefits of the molecular procedure. PMID:23100334

Microbial properties database editor tutorial

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A Microbial Properties Database Editor (MPDBE) has been developed to help consolidate microbialrelevant data to populate a microbial database and support a database editor by which an authorized user can modify physico-microbial properties related to microbial indicators and pathogens. Physical prop...

Microbial Properties Database Editor Tutorial

EPA Science Inventory

A Microbial Properties Database Editor (MPDBE) has been developed to help consolidate microbial-relevant data to populate a microbial database and support a database editor by which an authorized user can modify physico-microbial properties related to microbial indicators and pat...

Meet the Editors: JGR-Atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Mohi

2006-04-01

Three scientists were newly appointed and one scientist was reappointed last year as editors of JGR-Atmospheres. The three new editors, John Austin, Jose D. Fuentes, and Ruth Lieberman, along with returning editor Colin O'Dowd, would like to see several changes made to the journal. ``JGR-Atmospheres is still regarded as the highest-quality atmospheric science journal, having perhaps one of the most stringent and rigorous review processes,'' said O'Dowd. ``However, there is still room for improvement.''

[The Chilean Association of Biomedical Journal Editors].

PubMed

Reyes, H

2001-01-01

On September 29th, 2000, The Chilean Association of Biomedical Journal Editors was founded, sponsored by the "Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (CONICYT)" (the Governmental Agency promoting and funding scientific research and technological development in Chile) and the "Sociedad Médica de Santiago" (Chilean Society of Internal Medicine). The Association adopted the goals of the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) and therefore it will foster "cooperation and communication among Editors of Chilean biomedical journals; to improve editorial standards, to promote professionalism in medical editing through education, self-criticism and self-regulation; and to encourage research on the principles and practice of medical editing". Twenty nine journals covering a closely similar number of different biomedical sciences, medical specialties, veterinary, dentistry and nursing, became Founding Members of the Association. A Governing Board was elected: President: Humberto Reyes, M.D. (Editor, Revista Médica de Chile); Vice-President: Mariano del Sol, M.D. (Editor, Revista Chilena de Anatomía); Secretary: Anna María Prat (CONICYT); Councilors: Manuel Krauskopff, Ph.D. (Editor, Biological Research) and Maritza Rahal, M.D. (Editor, Revista de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello). The Association will organize a Symposium on Biomedical Journal Editing and will spread information stimulating Chilean biomedical journals to become indexed in international databases and in SciELO-Chile, the main Chilean scientific website (www.scielo.cl).

Toxoplasmosis Testing

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Helicobacter pylori Test

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VMA Test

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Vitamin A Test

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B Vitamins Test

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Celiac Disease Tests

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Plasma Free Metanephrines

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Dengue Fever Testing

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Lactose Tolerance Tests

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Uric Acid Test

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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

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5-HIAA Test

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Phosphorus Test

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Peritoneal Fluid Analysis

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Serotonin Test

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Throat Culture

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TB Screening Tests

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PTH Test

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Blood Typing

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AMA Test

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Progesterone Test

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Gram Stain

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Amebiasis (For Parents)

MedlinePlus

... the stool. When infected stool contaminates food or water supplies, amebiasis can spread quickly to many people at once. This is especially true in developing countries where drinking water may be contaminated. Amebiasis can also be spread ...

Bowel Movement

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A bowel movement is the last stop in the movement of food through your digestive tract. Your stool passes out of ... what you eat and drink. Sometimes a bowel movement isn't normal. Diarrhea happens when stool passes ...

Straight Poop on Kids and Diarrhea

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... home remedies for diarrhea like boiled milk or rice water. “Sports drinks are also not recommended for ... of 102 degrees or higher stools that are black and tarry stools containing blood or pus Blood ...

Stools - floating

MedlinePlus

... diagnosis. Alternative Names Floating stools Images Lower digestive anatomy References Schiller LR, Sellin JH. Diarrhea. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016: ...

Biliary atresia

MedlinePlus

... weight normally for the first month. After that point, the baby will lose weight and become irritable, and will have worsening jaundice. Other symptoms may include: Dark urine Enlarged spleen Floating stools Foul-smelling stools Pale or clay-colored ...

A scoping review of competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals.

PubMed

Galipeau, James; Barbour, Virginia; Baskin, Patricia; Bell-Syer, Sally; Cobey, Kelly; Cumpston, Miranda; Deeks, Jon; Garner, Paul; MacLehose, Harriet; Shamseer, Larissa; Straus, Sharon; Tugwell, Peter; Wager, Elizabeth; Winker, Margaret; Moher, David

2016-02-02

Biomedical journals are the main route for disseminating the results of health-related research. Despite this, their editors operate largely without formal training or certification. To our knowledge, no body of literature systematically identifying core competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals exists. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a scoping review to determine what is known on the competency requirements for scientific editors of biomedical journals. We searched the MEDLINE®, Cochrane Library, Embase®, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases (from inception to November 2014) and conducted a grey literature search for research and non-research articles with competency-related statements (i.e. competencies, knowledge, skills, behaviors, and tasks) pertaining to the role of scientific editors of peer-reviewed health-related journals. We also conducted an environmental scan, searched the results of a previous environmental scan, and searched the websites of existing networks, major biomedical journal publishers, and organizations that offer resources for editors. A total of 225 full-text publications were included, 25 of which were research articles. We extracted a total of 1,566 statements possibly related to core competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals from these publications. We then collated overlapping or duplicate statements which produced a list of 203 unique statements. Finally, we grouped these statements into seven emergent themes: (1) dealing with authors, (2) dealing with peer reviewers, (3) journal publishing, (4) journal promotion, (5) editing, (6) ethics and integrity, and (7) qualities and characteristics of editors. To our knowledge, this scoping review is the first attempt to systematically identify possible competencies of editors. Limitations are that (1) we may not have captured all aspects of a biomedical editor's work in our searches, (2) removing redundant and overlapping items may have led to the elimination of some nuances between items, (3) restricting to certain databases, and only French and English publications, may have excluded relevant publications, and (4) some statements may not necessarily be competencies. This scoping review is the first step of a program to develop a minimum set of core competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals which will be followed by a training needs assessment, a Delphi exercise, and a consensus meeting.

Performance evaluation of direct saline stool microscopy, Formol ether concentration and Kato Katz diagnostic methods for intestinal parasitosis in the absence of gold standard methods.

PubMed

Hailu, Tadesse; Abera, Bayeh

2015-07-01

The parasite load within the sample and the amount of sample taken during examination greatly compromise the sensitivity of direct saline stool microscopy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2011 in Bahir Dar city among 778 fresh single stool samples to evaluate the performance of direct saline (DS), Kato Katz (KK) and Formol ether concentration (FEC) methods against the 'Gold' standard. Among 778 stool samples from school age children, the highest prevalence of intestinal parasites was recorded by FEC (55.1%). The sensitivity of DS, FEC and KK were 61.1%, 92.3% and 58.7%, respectively. FEC is more sensitive than DS and KK. Hence, use of the latter is preferred. © The Author(s) 2015.

Beta-glucuronidase and Beta-glucosidase activity in stool specimens of children with inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Mroczyńska, Marta; Galecka, Miroslawa; Szachta, Patrycja; Kamoda, Dorota; Libudzisz, Zdzislawa; Roszak, Dorota

2013-01-01

The aim of the study was to analyze the differences in the activity of beta-glucuronidase and beta-glucosidase in stool specimens of children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and healthy subjects. The disease activity was determined according to the PCDAI scale (Crohn disease) and Truelove-Witts scale (Ulcerative colitis). Enzyme activity was determined by spectrophotometry. There was a correlation between the level of beta - glucosidase activity in stool and patient's age in the group of healthy controls, but not in the IBD group. beta-glucosidase activity in IBD and healthy subjects stool specimens did not differ significantly. The activity of beta-glucuronidase in children with IBD was two times lower than in the healthy group and was correlated with age in children with IBD, but not in the group of healthy ones.

Effects of cereal fiber on bowel function: A systematic review of intervention trials

PubMed Central

de Vries, Jan; Miller, Paige E; Verbeke, Kristin

2015-01-01

AIM: To comprehensively review and quantitatively summarize results from intervention studies that examined the effects of intact cereal dietary fiber on parameters of bowel function. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE. Supplementary literature searches included screening reference lists from relevant studies and reviews. Eligible outcomes were stool wet and dry weight, percentage water in stools, stool frequency and consistency, and total transit time. Weighted regression analyses generated mean change (± SD) in these measures per g/d of dietary fiber. RESULTS: Sixty-five intervention studies among generally healthy populations were identified. A quantitative examination of the effects of non-wheat sources of intact cereal dietary fibers was not possible due to an insufficient number of studies. Weighted regression analyses demonstrated that each extra g/d of wheat fiber increased total stool weight by 3.7 ± 0.09 g/d (P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 3.50-3.84), dry stool weight by 0.75 ± 0.03 g/d (P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 0.69-0.82), and stool frequency by 0.004 ± 0.002 times/d (P = 0.0346; 95%CI: 0.0003-0.0078). Transit time decreased by 0.78 ± 0.13 h per additional g/d (P < 0.0001; 95%CI: 0.53-1.04) of wheat fiber among those with an initial transit time greater than 48 h. CONCLUSION: Wheat dietary fiber, and predominately wheat bran dietary fiber, improves measures of bowel function. PMID:26269686

Development of an efficient entire-capsid-coding-region amplification method for direct detection of poliovirus from stool extracts.

PubMed

Arita, Minetaro; Kilpatrick, David R; Nakamura, Tomofumi; Burns, Cara C; Bukbuk, David; Oderinde, Soji B; Oberste, M Steven; Kew, Olen M; Pallansch, Mark A; Shimizu, Hiroyuki

2015-01-01

Laboratory diagnosis has played a critical role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative since 1988, by isolating and identifying poliovirus (PV) from stool specimens by using cell culture as a highly sensitive system to detect PV. In the present study, we aimed to develop a molecular method to detect PV directly from stool extracts, with a high efficiency comparable to that of cell culture. We developed a method to efficiently amplify the entire capsid coding region of human enteroviruses (EVs) including PV. cDNAs of the entire capsid coding region (3.9 kb) were obtained from as few as 50 copies of PV genomes. PV was detected from the cDNAs with an improved PV-specific real-time reverse transcription-PCR system and nucleotide sequence analysis of the VP1 coding region. For assay validation, we analyzed 84 stool extracts that were positive for PV in cell culture and detected PV genomes from 100% of the extracts (84/84 samples) with this method in combination with a PV-specific extraction method. PV could be detected in 2/4 stool extract samples that were negative for PV in cell culture. In PV-positive samples, EV species C viruses were also detected with high frequency (27% [23/86 samples]). This method would be useful for direct detection of PV from stool extracts without using cell culture. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning among Bulawayo City Council employees, Zimbabwe, 2014.

PubMed

Gumbo, Amen; Bangure, Donewell; Gombe, Notion T; Mungati, More; Tshimanga, Mufuta; Hwalima, Zanele; Dube, Ignatious

2015-09-28

Bulawayo City Council held an Integrated Result Based Management workshop among 86 employees from August 18-22, 2014 at Ikhwezi Training Centre in Bulawayo City. On August 21, 2014, a report of diarrhoea among Council employees attending the workshop was received. We investigated the outbreak to determine the risk factors associated with diarrhoea at Ikhwezi Training Centre, Bulawayo City. A retrospective cohort study was conducted where 74 Council employees were interviewed on food consumed and presenting signs and symptoms. Stool specimens and hand swabs were collected for culture. Water samples were collected for bacteriological analysis. Food samples were not available. Data were analysed using Epi Info™ to generate frequencies, means, proportions, risk ratios, and attributable risk. Of the 74 employees interviewed 34 (45.9%) were males and 40 (54%) were females. The response rate was 94%. The common signs and symptoms included abdominal cramps (88.7%), and watery diarrhoea (86.8%). The overall attack rate was 71.6%. Eating stewed chicken (RR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.30-4.89) served at hour 13:00 during lunch on August 20, 2014 at Ikhwezi Training Centre was the only significant risk factor associated with food poisoning. Drinking purified bottled water [RR = 0.67, 95% CI (0.57-0.79)] was found to be protective. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the hands and nails of food handlers. The outbreak was due to food poisoning and was most likely caused by the Staphylococcus aureus formed toxins. Stewed chicken served during lunch on August 20, 2014 was the possible source of infection. Contamination might have occurred during food handling and preparation. Training of food handlers in basic food hygiene and safety is recommended.

[Evaluation of the usefulness of selected virulence markers for the identification of virulent Yersinia enterocolitica strains. I. Phenotypic markders associated with Plasmid pYV].

PubMed

Gierczyński, R

2000-01-01

The species Yersinia enterocolitica includes either pathogenic or non-pathogenic strains. Therefore it is necessary to differentiate virulent bacilli from other. It is well known that pathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica bearing virulence associated plasmid called pYV, which could be demonstrated by its isolation or detected by the presence of specific, phenotypic properties directly related with this plasmid. The aim of the presented paper was to check the ability of some phenotypic virulence markers associated with pYV, to detection of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strains. In the presented work 152 (130 carrying pYV) clinical strains of Y. enterocolitica O3 isolated mainly from stool were examined for the presence of phenotypic virulence markers such as: calcium dependency, Congo-red binding, autoagglutination and agglutination with Mangifera indica extract. Both first features were detected parallel, on the same plate, using CRMOX (Congo-red, Magnesium Oxalate) agar. The detection of the tested markers in the examined strains was compared with the presence of virulence plasmid. The obtained results confirmed the observations done by other authors that Y. enterocolitica strains, in which bacilli bearing the virulence plasmid predominate, exhibit all tested phenotypic properties whereas the plasmid-cured isogenic strains show no one of these features. Therefore all the tested markers could be useful for detection of virulent Y. enterocolitica strains directly isolated from patients. The most useful virulence markers in bacteriological study seems to be calcium dependency and Congo-red binding, examined together by the use of CRMOX agar, because they confirm the presence of the virulence plasmid by parallel detection of two physiologically different features associated with this plasmid. In addition CRMOX agar allows for the examination rough strains while agglutination tests do not.

Evaluation of Performance and Potential Clinical Impact of ProSpecT Shiga Toxin Escherichia coli Microplate Assay for Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Stool Samples

PubMed Central

Gavin, Patrick J.; Peterson, Lance R.; Pasquariello, Anna C.; Blackburn, Joanna; Hamming, Mark G.; Kuo, Kuo J.; Thomson, Richard B.

2004-01-01

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria (STEC) are emerging pathogens capable of producing sporadic and epidemic diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and potentially life-threatening hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Although the presence of E. coli O157 can be readily detected in stool by sorbitol-MacConkey agar culture (SMAC), STEC non-O157 serotypes cannot. In contrast to culture, testing for the presence of Shiga toxins 1 and 2 in stool detects both O157 and non-O157 STEC serotypes capable of causing disease. Over two consecutive summers, we evaluated the performance of the ProSpecT Shiga toxin E. coli Microplate assay (Alexon-Trend, Ramsey, Minn.), an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Shiga toxins 1 and 2, on all stools submitted for culture of enteric pathogens, and the potential clinical impact of Shiga toxin detection. Twenty-nine stool specimens were STEC positive by ProSpecT assay. Twenty-seven of 29 STEC-positive isolates were confirmed by SMAC and serotyping or by a second enzyme immunoassay and PCR (positive predictive value, 93%). Thirteen of 27 confirmed Shiga toxin-producing strains were serotype O157. The remaining 14 strains represented 8 other serotypes. The ProSpecT assay was 100% sensitive and specific for detection of E. coli O157 in stool (7 of 7) compared to SMAC. In addition, the ProSpecT assay detected twice as many STEC as SMAC. Fifty-two percent of confirmed STEC-positive stools were nonbloody. Thus, in our population, screening strategies that test only visibly bloody stools for STEC would miss a majority of cases. Eleven (41%) STEC-positive patients were hospitalized, and eight (30%) developed severe disease (two developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and six developed hemorrhagic colitis). Prior to detection of STEC infection, seven (26%) and eight patients (30%) underwent unnecessary diagnostic procedures or received potentially deleterious empirical treatment, respectively. We propose that establishing a specific diagnosis of STEC may have prevented these potentially harmful interventions. We conclude that the ProSpecT assay is sensitive and specific for the detection of Shiga toxins 1 and 2 in stool and has potentially significant clinical impact for the individual patient and public health. Shiga toxin assays should be considered for routine use in settings where prevalence of STEC disease warrants testing. PMID:15071021

Survey of gastrointestinal reactions to foods in adults in relation to atopy, presence of mucus in the stools, swelling of joints and arthralgia in patients with gastrointestinal reactions to foods.

PubMed

Bengtsson, U; Hanson, L A; Ahlstedt, S

1996-12-01

Food intolerance in adults is mostly associated with vague symptoms and not clearly related to atopy and food allergy. A combination of different pathogenetic mechanisms may be responsible for the symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe patients with a history of food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in relation to the presence of mucus in the stools, joint swelling and arthralgia and to determine whether or not there is an association between the presence of these parameters, atopic disease and the presence of immune complexes in serum. Fifty-eight patients consecutively referred to our clinic with food-related gastrointestinal symptoms were investigated. Thirty-five patients (60%) had mucus in their stools, 24 patients (41%) complained about joint swelling and 41 patients (71%) had arthralgia. There were no correlations between these parameters and atopy according to Phadiatope test or skin prick test (SPT). No correlations were found between the occurrence of mucus in the stools, arthralgia and joint swelling. There were significantly higher levels of circulating immune complexes in patients with a history of arthralgia compared with patients with no such history (P < 0.03) and the number of individuals with the presence of such immune complexes was higher among the patients with arthralgia than among the patients without. In general the patients did not relate the exposure to certain foods to symptoms like joint swelling, arthralgia and presence of mucus in the stools. However, there were significant positive correlations between food-related gastrointestinal symptoms in the following instances: chocolate-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.006), vegetable-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.002) and meat-induced gastrointestinal symptoms and mucus in the stools (P = 0.003). In a group of individuals without food-related symptoms investigated separately, a very low frequency of mucus in the stools, joint swelling and arthralgia was seen (none, two and three individuals of the 20 subjects, respectively). Of 41 patients with immediate onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, 20 were atopic according to Phadiatope and SPT. Of 11 patients with late onset of symptoms 10 were negative in Phadiatope and SPT (P < 0.05). The most frequently involved foods were fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and meat. The results suggest the involvement of different inflammatogenic mechanisms in food-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

FloorspaceJS - A New, Open Source, Web-Based Geometry Editor for Building Energy Modeling (BEM): Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Macumber, Daniel L; Horowitz, Scott G; Schott, Marjorie

Across most industries, desktop applications are being rapidly migrated to web applications for a variety of reasons. Web applications are inherently cross platform, mobile, and easier to distribute than desktop applications. Fueling this trend are a wide range of free, open source libraries and frameworks that make it incredibly easy to develop powerful web applications. The building energy modeling community is just beginning to pick up on these larger trends, with a small but growing number of building energy modeling applications starting on or moving to the web. This paper presents a new, open source, web based geometry editor formore » Building Energy Modeling (BEM). The editor is written completely in JavaScript and runs in a modern web browser. The editor works on a custom JSON file format and is designed to be integrated into a variety of web and desktop applications. The web based editor is available to use as a standalone web application at: https://nrel.github.io/openstudio-geometry-editor/. An example integration is demonstrated with the OpenStudio desktop application. Finally, the editor can be easily integrated with a wide range of possible building energy modeling web applications.« less

Stool-based biomarkers of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

PubMed

Braundmeier-Fleming, A; Russell, Nathan T; Yang, Wenbin; Nas, Megan Y; Yaggie, Ryan E; Berry, Matthew; Bachrach, Laurie; Flury, Sarah C; Marko, Darlene S; Bushell, Colleen B; Welge, Michael E; White, Bryan A; Schaeffer, Anthony J; Klumpp, David J

2016-05-18

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC) is associated with significant morbidity, yet underlying mechanisms and diagnostic biomarkers remain unknown. Pelvic organs exhibit neural crosstalk by convergence of visceral sensory pathways, and rodent studies demonstrate distinct bacterial pain phenotypes, suggesting that the microbiome modulates pelvic pain in IC. Stool samples were obtained from female IC patients and healthy controls, and symptom severity was determined by questionnaire. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified by16S rDNA sequence analysis. Machine learning by Extended Random Forest (ERF) identified OTUs associated with symptom scores. Quantitative PCR of stool DNA with species-specific primer pairs demonstrated significantly reduced levels of E. sinensis, C. aerofaciens, F. prausnitzii, O. splanchnicus, and L. longoviformis in microbiota of IC patients. These species, deficient in IC pelvic pain (DIPP), were further evaluated by Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analyses, and DIPP species emerged as potential IC biomarkers. Stool metabolomic studies identified glyceraldehyde as significantly elevated in IC. Metabolomic pathway analysis identified lipid pathways, consistent with predicted metagenome functionality. Together, these findings suggest that DIPP species and metabolites may serve as candidates for novel IC biomarkers in stool. Functional changes in the IC microbiome may also serve as therapeutic targets for treating chronic pelvic pain.

Evaluation of stool microbiota signatures in two cohorts of Asian (Singapore and Indonesia) newborns at risk of atopy

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Studies have suggested that demographic and lifestyle factors could shape the composition of fecal microbiota in early life. This study evaluated infant stool microbiota signatures in two Asian populations, Singapore (n = 42) and Indonesia (n = 32) with contrasting socioeconomic development, and examined the putative influences of demographic factors on these human fecal associated bacterial signatures. Results Longitudinal analysis showed associations of geographical origin with Clostridium leptum, Atopobium and Bifidobacterium groups. Mode of delivery had the largest effect on stool microbiota signatures influencing the abundance of four bacterial groups. Significantly higher abundance of bacterial members belonging to the Bacteroides-Prevotella, Bifidobacterium and Atopobium groups, but lower abundance of Lactobacilli-Enterococci group members, were observed in vaginal delivered compared to caesarean delivered infants. Demographic factors influencing the structure of infants stool microbiota during the first year of life included breastfeeding, age of weaning, sibship size and exposure to antibiotics. Conclusions Differences in stool microbiota signatures were observed in relation to various demographic factors. These features may confound studies relating to the association of the structure of fecal microbiota and the predisposition to human modern disease. PMID:21875444

Inverse Scattering and Applications. Proceedings of Conference on Inverse Scattering on the Line, Held in Amherst, Massachusetts on June 7 - 13, 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

J. Laurie Snell S. A. Amitsur, D. J. Saltman, and 2 Proceedings of the conference on G. B. Seligman , Editors integration, topology, and geometry in...Rational constructions of modules 17 Nonlinear partial differential equations. for simple Lie algebras, George B. Joel A. Smoller, Editor Seligman 18...number theory, Michael R. Stein and Linda Keen, Editor R. Keith Dennis, Editors 65 Logic and combinatorics, Stephen G. 84 Partition problems in

Editor's Choice Offered as a Service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richman, Barbara T.

2010-06-01

Editor's Choice is now being offered as a service rather than on a subscription basis. As in the past, articles will be selected by collection editors with assistance from advisory panels. The selected articles will be listed on the AGU Web site (http://www.agu.org/pubs/journals/virtual/editors_choice/); these lists will be accessible to anyone. Those who are interested in reading the articles can access them through a personal or institutional subscription or can purchase them either individually or as part of a MultiChoice packet.

von Willebrand Factor Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Anti-Müllerian Hormone

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Catecholamines, Plasma and Urine Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

PT and INR Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Pleural Fluid Analysis Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

T3 (Triiodothyronine) Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Tips on Blood Testing

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Ketorolac

MedlinePlus

... heartburn, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, blood in the stool, or black and tarry stools.Ketorolac may cause kidney failure. Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, if you have had severe vomiting or diarrhea ...

Accidental Bowel Leakage

MedlinePlus

... Women with a bowel control problem may leak gas or liquid or solid stool. Other symptoms may include the ... which can lead to leakage of solid or liquid stool (feces) or gas. Anoscopy: An exam of the anus using an ...

Rule-based support system for multiple UMLS semantic type assignments

PubMed Central

Geller, James; He, Zhe; Perl, Yehoshua; Morrey, C. Paul; Xu, Julia

2012-01-01

Background When new concepts are inserted into the UMLS, they are assigned one or several semantic types from the UMLS Semantic Network by the UMLS editors. However, not every combination of semantic types is permissible. It was observed that many concepts with rare combinations of semantic types have erroneous semantic type assignments or prohibited combinations of semantic types. The correction of such errors is resource-intensive. Objective We design a computational system to inform UMLS editors as to whether a specific combination of two, three, four, or five semantic types is permissible or prohibited or questionable. Methods We identify a set of inclusion and exclusion instructions in the UMLS Semantic Network documentation and derive corresponding rule-categories as well as rule-categories from the UMLS concept content. We then design an algorithm adviseEditor based on these rule-categories. The algorithm specifies rules for an editor how to proceed when considering a tuple (pair, triple, quadruple, quintuple) of semantic types to be assigned to a concept. Results Eight rule-categories were identified. A Web-based system was developed to implement the adviseEditor algorithm, which returns for an input combination of semantic types whether it is permitted, prohibited or (in a few cases) requires more research. The numbers of semantic type pairs assigned to each rule-category are reported. Interesting examples for each rule-category are illustrated. Cases of semantic type assignments that contradict rules are listed, including recently introduced ones. Conclusion The adviseEditor system implements explicit and implicit knowledge available in the UMLS in a system that informs UMLS editors about the permissibility of a desired combination of semantic types. Using adviseEditor might help accelerate the work of the UMLS editors and prevent erroneous semantic type assignments. PMID:23041716

Emotions under Discussion: Gender, Status and Communication in Online Collaboration

PubMed Central

Iosub, Daniela; Laniado, David; Castillo, Carlos; Fuster Morell, Mayo; Kaltenbrunner, Andreas

2014-01-01

Background Despite the undisputed role of emotions in teamwork, not much is known about the make-up of emotions in online collaboration. Publicly available repositories of collaboration data, such as Wikipedia editor discussions, now enable the large-scale study of affect and dialogue in peer production. Methods We investigate the established Wikipedia community and focus on how emotion and dialogue differ depending on the status, gender, and the communication network of the editors who have written at least 100 comments on the English Wikipedia's article talk pages. Emotions are quantified using a word-based approach comparing the results of two predefined lexicon-based methods: LIWC and SentiStrength. Principal Findings We find that administrators maintain a rather neutral, impersonal tone, while regular editors are more emotional and relationship-oriented, that is, they use language to form and maintain connections to other editors. A persistent gender difference is that female contributors communicate in a manner that promotes social affiliation and emotional connection more than male editors, irrespective of their status in the community. Female regular editors are the most relationship-oriented, whereas male administrators are the least relationship-focused. Finally, emotional and linguistic homophily is prevalent: editors tend to interact with other editors having similar emotional styles (e.g., editors expressing more anger connect more with one another). Conclusions/Significance Emotional expression and linguistic style in online collaboration differ substantially depending on the contributors' gender and status, and on the communication network. This should be taken into account when analyzing collaborative success, and may prove insightful to communities facing gender gap and stagnation in contributor acquisition and participation levels. PMID:25140870

[The bacteriological and immunological efficacy of biosporin in nonspecific ulcerative colitis].

PubMed

Cherniakova, V I; Bereza, N M; Selezneva, S I; Chaplinskiĭ, V Ia; Kudriavtseva, V E; Mosalova, N M; Shevtsova, Z I; Tropko, L V; Boĭko, T I

1993-01-01

The results from examination of intestinal microflora and immune status in 75 patients with nonspecific ulcerative colitis with different degree of disease seriousness are presented. The deviations in the composition of normal microflora were primarily expressed in a decrease of the number of bifidobacteria. In 64.9% of patients the disease proceeded against the background of deficit of T-cellular immunity link. The sufficiently expressed bacteriological and immunological efficiency of complex therapy including preparation from spore-forming bacteria as a normalizer of microflora is shown.

Technical editing and the effective communication of scientific results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pieper, G.W.; Picologlou, S.M.

1996-05-01

Communication of scientific results--whether for professional journals, poster sessions, oral presentations, or the popular press--is an essential part of any scientific investigation. The technical editor plays an important rolein ensuring that scientists express their results correctly and effectively. Technical editing comprises far more than simple proofreading. The editor`s tasks may range from restructuring whole parpagrphs and suggesting improved graphical aids to writing abstracts and preparing first drafts of proposals. The technical editor works closely with scientists to present complex ideas to differentaudiences, including fellow scentists, funding agencies, and the general public. New computer technologyhas also involved the technical editor notmore » only with on-line editing but also with preparing CD ROMs and World Wide Web pages.« less

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors´ Network.

PubMed

Alfonso, Fernando; Adamyan, Karlen; Artigou, Jean Yves; Aschermann, Michael; Boehm, Michael; Buendia, Alfonso; Chu, Pao Hsien; Cohen, Ariel; Cas, Livio Dei; Dilic, Mirza; Doubell, Anton; Echeverri, Dario; Enç, Nuray; Ferreira-González, Ignacio; Filipiak, Krzysztof J; Flammer, Andreas; Fleck, Eckart; Gatzov, Plamen; Ginghina, Carmen; Goncalves, Lino; Haouala, Habib; Hassanein, Mahmoud; Heusch, Gerd; Huber, Kurt; Hulín, Ivan; Ivanusa, Mario; Krittayaphong, Rungroj; Lau, Chu Pak; Marinskis, Germanas; Mach, François; Moreira, Luiz Felipe; Nieminen, Tuomo; Oukerraj, Latifa; Perings, Stefan; Pierard, Luc; Potpara, Tatjana; Reyes-Caorsi, Walter; Rim, Se Joong; Rødevand, Olaf; Saade, Georges; Sander, Mikael; Shlyakhto, Evgeny; Timuralp, Bilgin; Tousoulis, Dimitris; Ural, Dilek; Piek, J J; Varga, Albert; Lüscher, Thomas F

2017-06-01

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship -emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability-, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors´ Network of the European Society of Cardiology.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors´ Network

PubMed Central

Alfonso, Fernando; Adamyan, Karlen; Artigou, Jean-Yves; Aschermann, Michael; Boehm, Michael; Buendia, Alfonso; Chu, Pao-Hsien; Cohen, Ariel; Cas, Livio Dei; Dilic, Mirza; Doubell, Anton; Echeverri, Dario; Enç, Nuray; Ferreira-González, Ignacio; Filipiak, Krzysztof J.; Flammer, Andreas; Fleck, Eckart; Gatzov, Plamen; Ginghina, Carmen; Goncalves, Lino; Haouala, Habib; Hassanein, Mahmoud; Heusch, Gerd; Huber, Kurt; Hulín, Ivan; Ivanusa, Mario; Krittayaphong, Rungroj; Lau, Chu-Pak; Marinskis, Germanas; Mach, François; Moreira, Luiz Felipe; Nieminen, Tuomo; Oukerraj, Latifa; Perings, Stefan; Pierard, Luc; Potpara, Tatjana; Reyes-Caorsi, Walter; Rim, Se-Joong; Rødevand, Olaf; Saade, Georges; Sander, Mikael; Shlyakhto, Evgeny; Timuralp, Bilgin; Tousoulis, Dimitris; Ural, Dilek; Piek, J. J.; Varga, Albert; Lüscher, Thomas F.

2017-01-01

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship - emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability-, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors´ Network of the European Society of Cardiology. PMID:28591318

Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: A meta analysis

PubMed Central

Yang, Jing; Wang, Hai-Peng; Zhou, Li; Xu, Chun-Fang

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate the effect of dietary fiber intake on constipation by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE (from 1946 to October 2011), Cochrane Library (2011), PubMed for articles on dietary fiber intake and constipation using the terms: constipation, fiber, cellulose, plant extracts, cereals, bran, psyllium, or plantago. References of important articles were searched manually for relevant studies. Articles were eligible for the meta-analysis if they were high-quality RCTs and reported data on stool frequency, stool consistency, treatment success, laxative use and gastrointestinal symptoms. The data were extracted independently by two researchers (Yang J and Wang HP) according to the described selection criteria. Review manager version 5 software was used for analysis and test. Weighted mean difference with 95%CI was used for quantitative data, odds ratio (OR) with 95%CI was used for dichotomous data. Both I2 statistic with a cut-off of ≥ 50% and the χ2 test with a P value < 0.10 were used to define a significant degree of heterogeneity. RESULTS: We searched 1322 potential relevant articles, 19 of which were retrieved for further assessment, 14 studies were excluded for various reasons, five studies were included in the analysis. Dietary fiber showed significant advantage over placebo in stool frequency (OR = 1.19; 95%CI: 0.58-1.80, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in stool consistency, treatment success, laxative use and painful defecation between the two groups. Stool frequency were reported by five RCTs, all results showed either a trend or a significant difference in favor of the treatment group, number of stools per week increased in treatment group than in placebo group (OR = 1.19; 95%CI: 0.58-1.80, P < 0.05), with no significant heterogeneity among studies (I2= 0, P = 0.77). Four studies evaluated stool consistency, one of them presented outcome in terms of percentage of hard stool, which was different from others, so we included the other three studies for analysis. Two studies reported treatment success. There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (P < 0.1, I2 > 50%). Three studies reported laxative use, quantitative data was shown in one study, and the pooled analysis of the other two studies showed no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups in laxative use (OR = 1.07; 95%CI 0.51-2.25), and no heterogeneity was found (P = 0.84, I2= 0). Three studies evaluated painful defecation: one study presented both quantitative and dichotomous data, the other two studies reported quantitative and dichotomous data separately. We used dichotomous data for analysis. CONCLUSION: Dietary fiber intake can obviously increase stool frequency in patients with constipation. It does not obviously improve stool consistency, treatment success, laxative use and painful defecation. PMID:23326148

Peer reviews and the role of a journal editor

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Obtaining peer reviews for manuscripts submitted to scientific journals is becoming increasingly difficult. Changes to the system are necessary, and editors must cultivate and maintain a solid base of reviewers to help evaluate journal submissions. This article outlines some steps editors can and sh...

Training the Technical Editor.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cathcart, Margaret E.

The demand for skilled technical editors is growing as society places increasing emphasis on receiving accurate, concise, and complete technical data. Since many organizations do not have inhouse programs for training technical editors, a need exists to provide inexperienced people with basic editing skills. One organization has developed two…

Picky eating in preschool children: Associations with dietary fibre intakes and stool hardness

PubMed Central

Taylor, Caroline M.; Northstone, Kate; Wernimont, Susan M.; Emmett, Pauline M.

2018-01-01

It has been suggested that constipation may be associated with picky eating. Constipation is a common condition in childhood and a low intake of dietary fibre may be a risk factor. Differences in fibre intake between picky and non-picky children and its relation to stool consistency is currently not well-understood. Children enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children identified as picky eaters (PE) were compared with non-picky eaters (NPE): (1) to determine dietary fibre intake at 38 months; (2) to investigate whether any difference in dietary fibre intake was predictive of usual stool hardness at 42 months. PE was identified from questionnaires at 24 and 38 months. Usual stool hardness was identified from a questionnaire at 42 months. Dietary intake was assessed at 38 months with a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary fibre intake was lower in PE than NPE (mean difference −1.4 (95% CI −1.6, −1.2) g/day, p < 0.001). PE was strongly associated with dietary fibre intake (adjusted regression model; unstandardised B −1.44 (95% CI −1.62, −1.24) g/day, p < 0.001). PE had a lower percentage of fibre from vegetables compared with NPE (8.9% vs 15.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). There was an association between PE and usually having hard stools (adjusted multinomial model; OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.07, 1.61; p = 0.010). This was attenuated when dietary fibre was included in the model, suggesting that fibre intake mediated the association (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.94, 1.43, p = 0.180). Picky eating in 3-year-old children was associated with an increased prevalence of usually having hard stools. This association was mediated by low dietary fibre intake, particularly from vegetables, in PE. For children with PE, dietary advice aimed at increasing fibre intake may help avoid hard stools. PMID:26879221

Detection of KRAS G12D in colorectal cancer stool by droplet digital PCR

PubMed Central

Olmedillas-López, Susana; Lévano-Linares, Dennis César; Alexandre, Carmen Laura Aúz; Vega-Clemente, Luz; Sánchez, Edurne León; Villagrasa, Alejandro; Ruíz-Tovar, Jaime; García-Arranz, Mariano; García-Olmo, Damián

2017-01-01

AIM To assess KRAS G12D mutation detection by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in stool-derived DNA from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS In this study, tumor tissue and stool samples were collected from 70 patients with stage I-IV CRC diagnosed by preoperative biopsy. KRAS mutational status was determined by pyrosequencing analysis of DNA obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues. The KRAS G12D mutation was then analyzed by ddPCR in FFPE tumors and stool-derived DNA from patients with this point mutation. Wild-type (WT) tumors, as determined by pyrosequencing, were included as controls; analysis of FFPE tissue and stool-derived DNA by ddPCR was performed for these patients as well. RESULTS Among the total 70 patients included, KRAS mutations were detected by pyrosequencing in 32 (45.71%), whereas 38 (54.29%) had WT tumors. The frequency of KRAS mutations was higher in left-sided tumors (11 located in the right colon, 15 in the left, and 6 in the rectum). The predominant point mutation was KRAS G12D (14.29%, n = 10), which was more frequent in early-stage tumors (I-IIA, n = 7). In agreement with pyrosequencing results, the KRAS G12D mutation was detected by ddPCR in FFPE tumor-derived DNA, and only a residual number of mutated copies was found in WT controls. The KRAS G12D mutation was also detected in stool-derived DNA in 80% of all fecal samples from CRC patients with this point mutation. CONCLUSION ddPCR is a reliable and sensitive method to analyze KRAS G12D mutation in stool-derived DNA from CRC patients, especially at early stages. This non-invasive approach is potentially applicable to other relevant biomarkers for CRC management. PMID:29093617

Distribution of rotavirus genotypes associated with acute diarrhoea in Zimbabwean children less than five years old before and after rotavirus vaccine introduction.

PubMed

Mukaratirwa, Arnold; Berejena, Chipo; Nziramasanga, Pasipanodya; Ticklay, Ismail; Gonah, Archebald; Nathoo, Kusum; Manangazira, Portia; Mangwanya, Douglas; Marembo, Joan; Mwenda, Jason M; Weldegebriel, Goitom; Seheri, Mapaseka; Tate, Jacqueline E; Yen, Catherine; Parashar, Umesh; Mujuru, Hilda

2018-04-05

Sentinel surveillance for diarrhoea is important to monitor changes in rotavirus epidemiological trends and circulating genotypes among children under 5 years before and after vaccine introduction. The Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care introduced rotavirus vaccine in national immunization program in May 2014. Active hospital-based surveillance for diarrhoea was conducted at 3 sentinel sites from 2008 to 2016. Children aged less than 5 years, who presented with acute gastroenteritis as a primary illness and who were admitted to a hospital ward or treated at the emergency unit, were enrolled and had a stool specimen collected and tested for rotavirus by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Genotyping of positive stools was performed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and genotyping assays. Pre-vaccine introduction, 10% of all positive stool specimens were genotyped and all adequate positive stools were genotyped post-vaccine introduction. During the pre-vaccine period, a total of 6491 acute gastroenteritis stools were collected, of which 3016 (46%) tested positive for rotavirus and 312 (10%) of the rotavirus positive stools were genotyped. During the post-vaccine period, a total of 3750 acute gastroenteritis stools were collected, of which 937 (25%) tested positive for rotavirus and 784 (84%) were genotyped. During the pre-vaccine introduction the most frequent genotype was G9P[8] (21%) followed by G2P[4] (12%), G1P[8] (6%), G2P[6] (5%), G12P[6] (4%), G9P[6] (3%) and G8P[4] (3%). G1P[8] (30%) was most dominant two years after vaccine introduction followed by G9P[6] (20%), G2P[4] (15%), G9P[8] (11%) and G1P[6] (4%). The decline in positivity rate is an indication of early vaccine impact. Diversity of circulating strains underscores the importance of continued monitoring and strain surveillance after vaccine introduction. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Xpert MTB/RIF diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis from sputum and stool samples in a high TB-HIV-prevalent setting.

PubMed

Orikiriza, Patrick; Nansumba, Margaret; Nyehangane, Dan; Bastard, Mathieu; Mugisha, Ivan Taremwa; Nansera, Denis; Mwanga-Amumpaire, Juliet; Boum, Yap; Kumbakumba, Elias; Bonnet, Maryline

2018-05-08

The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a major advance for diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in high-burden countries but is limited in children by their difficulty to produce sputum. We investigated TB in sputum and stool from children with the aim of improving paediatric TB diagnosis. A prospective cohort of children with presumptive TB, provided two sputum or induced sputum at enrolment in a regional referral hospital in Uganda. Stool was collected from those started on TB treatment. All specimen were tested for Xpert MTB/RIF, mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT), Lowenstein Jensen cultures and microscopy (except stool). We compared TB detection between age categories and assessed the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF in sputum and stool. Of the 392 children enrolled, 357 (91.1%) produced at least one sputum sample. Sputum culture yield was 13/357 (3.6%): 3/109 (2.6%), 3/89 (3.2%), 3/101 (2.6%) and 4/44 (8.2%) among children of < 2, 2-5, ≥ 5-10 and > 10 years, respectively (p = 0.599). Xpert MTB/RIF yield was 14/350 (4.0%): 3/104 (2.9%), 4/92 (4.3%), 3/88 (2.9%) and 4/50 (.0%), respectively (p = 0.283). Sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF in sputum against sputum culture were 90.9% (95% CI 58.7-99.8) and 99.1% (99.1-99.8). In stool, it was 55.6% (21.2-86.3) and 98.2% (98.2-100) against Xpert MTB/RIF and culture in sputum. Only a minority of children had microbiologically confirmed TB with a higher proportion in children above 10 years. Although sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF in stool was low, with good optimization, it might be a good alternative to sputum in children.

Diagnosis of amphimeriasis by LAMPhimerus assay in human stool samples long-term storage onto filter paper

PubMed Central

Calvopiña, Manuel; Buendía-Sánchez, María; López-Abán, Julio; Vicente, Belén; Muro, Antonio

2018-01-01

Amphimeriasis, a fish-borne zoonotic disease caused by the liver fluke Amphimerus spp., has recently been reported as an emerging disease affecting an indigenous Ameridian group, the Chachi, living in Ecuador. The only method for diagnosing amphimeriasis was the microscopic detection of eggs from the parasite in patients' stool samples with very low sensitivity. Our group developed an ELISA technique for detection of anti-Amphimerus IgG in human sera and a molecular method based on LAMP technology (named LAMPhimerus) for specific and sensitive parasite DNA detection. The LAMPhimerus method showed to be much more sensitive than classical parasitological methods for amphimeriasis diagnosis using human stool samples for analysis. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of using dried stool samples on filter paper as source of DNA in combination with the effectiveness of our previously designed LAMPhimerus assay for successfully Amphimerus sp. detection in clinical stool samples. A total of 102 untreated and undiluted stool samples collected from Chachi population were spread as thin layer onto common filter paper for easily transportation to our laboratory and stored at room temperature for one year until DNA extraction. When LAMPhimerus method was applied for Amphimerus sp. DNA detection, a higher number of positive results was detected (61/102; 59.80%) in comparison to parasitological methods (38/102; 37.25%), including 28/61 (45.90%) microscopy-confirmed Amphimerus sp. infections. The diagnostic parameters for the sensitivity and specificity werecalculated for our LAMPhimerus assay, which were 79.17% and 65.98%, respectively. We demonstrate, for the first time, that common filter paper is useful for easy collection and long-term storage of human stool samples for later DNA extraction and molecular analysis of human-parasitic trematode eggs. This simple, economic and easily handling method combined with the specific and sensible LAMPhimerus assay has the potential to beused as an effective molecular large-scale screening test for amphimeriasis-endemic areas. PMID:29444135

Gut microbial and short-chain fatty acid profiles in adults with chronic constipation before and after treatment with lubiprostone.

PubMed

Kang, Dae-Wook; DiBaise, John K; Ilhan, Zehra Esra; Crowell, Michael D; Rideout, Jai Ram; Caporaso, J Gregory; Rittmann, Bruce E; Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa

2015-06-01

Identifying specific gut microorganisms associated with chronic constipation may be useful for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether or not the gut microbial community of constipated subjects had specific microbial signatures and to assess the effects of lubiprostone treatment on the gut microbial community. Stool diaries, breath H2 and CH4 levels, and stool samples were collected from ten healthy subjects and nine patients meeting the Rome III criteria for chronic functional constipation. Constipated subjects received lubiprostone for four weeks, during which stool diaries were maintained. Stool samples were evaluated for gut microbial communities using pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting 16S-rRNA gene, along with concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using high-performance liquid chromatography. Prior to treatment, gut microbial profiles were similar between constipated subjects and healthy subjects, while iso-butyrate levels were significantly higher in constipated subjects compared with healthy subjects. Despite increases in stool frequency and improvements in consistency after lubiprostone treatment, gut microbial profiles and community diversity after treatment showed no significant change compared to before treatment. While we did not observe a significant difference in either breath methane or archaeal abundance between the stool samples of healthy and constipated subjects, we confirmed a strong correlation between archaeal abundance measured by qPCR and the amount of methane gas exhaled in the fasting breath. Butyrate levels, however, were significantly higher in the stool samples of constipated subjects after lubiprostone treatment, suggesting that lubiprostone treatment had an effect on the net accumulation of SCFAs in the gut. In conclusion, lubiprostone treatment improved constipation symptoms and increased levels of butyrate without substantial modification of the gut microbial structure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Serotype identification and antibiotic susceptibility of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in the Weishan area in Shandong Province, China].

PubMed

Shao, C C; Hu, B; Bi, Z W; Kou, Z Q; Fang, M; Chen, B L; Bi, Z Q

2017-01-06

Objective: To determine the serotypes and drug resistance profiles of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in animal stools from the Weishan area in Shandong Province, China. To provide the basis for further study. Methods: Five hundred animal stool samples (from pigs, cattle, sheep, dogs and birds) were collected from the Weishan area and STEC strains were isolated from these samples. Strains were serotyped by a serum agglutination test, and their drug resistance profiles were determined through antimicrobial sensitivity experiments. In this study, PCR was used to detect tetracycline resistance genes ( tetA , tetB , tetC , tetD ) and beta-lactam resistance genes ( blaSHV -1, blaCTX - M , blaTEM ). Results: Sixteen strains of STEC were isolated from animal stool samples. Thirteen strains were isolated from pig stool samples, two from bovine stool samples and one from a sheep stool sample. Two of the strains were identified as E. coli O157:H7, and other 14 strains were non-O157 STEC of different serotypes. Antimicrobial sensitivity experiments showed that 15 of the strains were multidrug resistant. The rates of resistance were as follows: nalidixic acid (12/16 strains), sulfisoxazole (11/16), trimethoprim and sulphame-thoxazole (11/16), doxycycline (9/16), azithromycin (9/16), tetracycline (9/16), chloramphenicol (8/16) and streptomycin (8/16). Therefore, nalidixic acid showed the highest rate of resistance among the strains, followed by trimethoprim and sulphame-thoxazole, and sulfisoxazole. Resistance to cefepime or imipenem was not detected. In total, three types of drug resistance genes ( tetA , tetB and tetC ) were detected among the 16 strains. Conclusion: The results showed that STEC strains isolated from animals in the Weishan area were of a range of serotypes. The 16 strains of STEC isolated from animal stools in this area were resistant to a number of antibiotics, with many strains displaying multidrug resistance.

A SPECTRUM OF PATHOGENIC AND NON-PATHOGENIC INTESTINAL PARASITES IN PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

PubMed Central

Koshak, Emad A.; Zakai, Haytham A.

2003-01-01

Introduction: Stool analysis plays an important role in pre-employment tests for the screening of intestinal parasites in new workers. Objective: to explore the spectrum of intestinal parasites in stool samples of workers and their families during the pre-employment tests over a one-year period at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). Methods: Subjects were selected sequentially from routine single stool analysis forms labeled for pre-employment tests. Stool specimens were examined using the formalin ether technique at the parasitology laboratory at KAUH. Results: Two hundred and ninety two different stool samples of the workers and their families were studied. Their ages ranged from 3 to 72 year old (mean 32 ± 8.5 SD) and females formed 58.6% of the number. Intestinal parasites were detected in 161 workers (55%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites in Saudi workers was significantly lower than non-Saudi nationals, 15.8% versus 57.9% (p<0.001). Of all the positive cases, pathogenic intestinal parasites were found in 40 % of them and the commonest were Trichuris trichuria (39.1%), Hookworm (34.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (16.1%). Non-pathogenic parasites were found in 19.5% and the commonest were Blastocystis hominis (34.8%), Endolimax nana (29.8%), Entamoeba coli (15.5%). One type of parasite was found in 75 (46.6%) and multiple different parasites were found in 86 (53.4%). There was a high significant correlation between the detection of pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites (p<0.001). Conclusion: Infestation of stools with pathogenic and non-pathogenic intestinal parasites is a common finding in more than half of the new workers and their families. The correlation between non-pathogenic and pathogenic parasites reflects mutual risk factors, and their potential hazards cannot be overlooked. Effective stool screening and eradication strategies for intestinal parasites in new workers should be rigorously enforced. PMID:23011980

Stool consistency and stool frequency are excellent clinical markers for adequate colon preparation after polyethylene glycol 3350 cleansing protocol: a prospective clinical study in children.

PubMed

Safder, Shaista; Demintieva, Yulia; Rewalt, Mary; Elitsur, Yoram

2008-12-01

Colon preparation for a colonoscopy in children is a difficult task because of the unpalatable taste and large volume of cleansing solution that needs to be consumed to ensure a clean colon. Consequently, an unprepared colon frequently occurs in routine practices, which causes early termination and a repeated procedure. (1) To assess the effectiveness of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG 3350) in preparing the colon of children scheduled for a colonoscopy and (2) to investigate clinical markers associated with an adequate colon preparation before a colonoscopy. A total of 167 children scheduled for a colonoscopy. In a prospective study, children scheduled for a colonoscopy were given PEG 3350 solution (1.5 g/kg per day, up to 100 g/d) over a 4-day preparation period. Each day, a simple questionnaire that documents the amount of liquid consumed, adverse effects, and the number and consistency of stool was completed by the parents. After a colonoscopy procedure, the colon preparation was assigned a number grade. The data were later assessed and were compared to determine the association between the grade of cleansing and the frequency and/or consistency of stool during preparation. Colon preparation was completed in 149 children, 133 of whom were adequately prepared. Inadequate preparation was found in 16 children; the procedure was terminated prematurely in 2 of these patients because of unacceptable conditions. No significant adverse effects were noted. A number of >or=5 stools/d, and liquid stool consistency in the last 2 days of preparation were associated with adequate colon preparation. PEG 3350 solution is safe, efficacious, and tolerable for children. Stool frequency and consistency in the last 2 days of preparation were excellent markers (positive predictive value 91%-95%), which predict an adequately clean colon before a colonoscopy in children.

Blastocystis sp. in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)--Detection in Stool Aspirates during Colonoscopy.

PubMed

Ragavan, Nanthiney Devi; Kumar, Suresh; Chye, Tan Tian; Mahadeva, Sanjiv; Shiaw-Hooi, Ho

2015-01-01

Blastocystis is one of the most common gut parasites found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. Its' association with IBS is controversial, possibly as a result of irregular shedding of parasites in stool and variation in stool detection. We aimed to screen for Blastocystis in colonic stool aspirate samples in adult patients with and without IBS undergoing colonoscopy for various indications and measure the interleukin levels (IL-8, IL-3 and IL-5). In addition to standard stool culture techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were employed to detect and subtype Blastocystis. All the serum samples collected were subjected for ELISA studies to measure the interleukin levels (IL-8, IL-3 and IL-5). Among 109 (IBS n = 35 and non-IBS n = 74) adults, direct stool examination and culture of colonic aspirates were initially negative for Blastocystis. However, PCR analysis detected Blastocystis in 6 (17%) IBS and 4 (5.5%) non-IBS patients. In the six positive IBS patients by PCR method, subtype 3 was shown to be the most predominant (3/6: 50%) followed by subtype 4 (2/6; 33.3%) and subtype 5 (1/6; 16.6%). IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in the IBS Blasto group and IBS group (p<0.05) compared to non-IBS and non-IBS Blasto group. The level of IL-3 in were seen to be significantly higher in than IBS Blasto group and IBS group (p<0.05) compared to non-IBS. Meanwhile, the IL-5 levels were significantly higher in IBS Blasto group (p<0.05) compared to non-IBS and non-IBS Blasto group. This study implicates that detecting Blastosystis by PCR method using colonic aspirate samples during colonoscopy, suggests that this may be a better method for sample collection due to the parasite's irregular shedding in Blastocystis-infected stools. Patients with IBS infected with parasite showed an increase in the interleukin levels demonstrate that Blastocystis does have an effect in the immune system.

Urine Albumin and Albumin/ Creatinine Ratio

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Total Protein and Albumin/Globulin Ratio Test

MedlinePlus

... Cancer Therapy Glucose Tests Gonorrhea Testing Gram Stain Growth Hormone Haptoglobin hCG Pregnancy hCG Tumor Marker HDL Cholesterol ... Semen Analysis Serotonin Serum Free Light Chains Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ... Transferrin Receptor Stool Culture Stool Elastase Strep ...

Stool guaiac test

MedlinePlus

... guaiac test; gFOBT; Guaiac smear test; Fecal occult blood test - guaiac smear; Stool occult blood test - guaiac smear ... This test detects blood in the digestive tract. It may be done if: You are being screened or tested for colon cancer You ...

Tailbone trauma - aftercare

MedlinePlus

... or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, and others). You can buy these medicines without a prescription. DO NOT use these medicines ... of fluids to avoid constipation. Use stool softener medicine if needed. You can buy stool softeners at the drugstore. Activity As your ...

Entering the 60th year of Acta Astronautica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yi-Wei; Chern, Jeng-Shing; Marec, Jean-Pierre

2014-04-01

The Acta Astronautica Journal was firstly published in 1955 as the official Journal of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) with the title Astronautica Acta. It is entering its 60th year in 2014. In 1962, the Astronautica Acta became the official Journal of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) established in 1960. A total of 18 volumes had been published from 1955 to 1973 under the leadership of three Editor-in-Chiefs: F. Hecht, Theodore von Karman, and Martin Summerfield. In 1974, A.K. Oppenheim became the new Editor-in-Chief and several evolved changes were performed including change of the title to Acta Astronautica (for grammatical correctness), cover page change, and format change. From 1974 to 2010, another three Editor-in-Chiefs led the journal with 67 volumes published. They were A.K. Oppenheim, Jean-Pierre Marec, and Rupert Gerzer. The current Editor-in-Chief Jeng-Shing Chern (Rock) took over the job from 2011. Total pages and articles published in 2012 are 3586 and 356, respectively. Currently, the Acta Astronautica Editorial Board consists of one Editor-in-Chief, 15 Co-Editors, one Managing Editor and one Honorary Editor-in-Chief (Jean-Pierre Marec). After 59 years, the Acta Astronautica has become a well-known journal worldwide. Its current rank and impact factor are 7/63 and 0.701, respectively. This paper presents some of the details as well as new strategies and steps. In particular, supports from the IAA Academicians are mandatory and most welcome.

Quantifying the effect of editor-author relations on manuscript handling times.

PubMed

Sarigöl, Emre; Garcia, David; Scholtes, Ingo; Schweitzer, Frank

2017-01-01

In this article we study to what extent the academic peer review process is influenced by social relations between the authors of a manuscript and the editor handling the manuscript. Taking the open access journal PlosOne as a case study, our analysis is based on a data set of more than 100,000 articles published between 2007 and 2015. Using available data on handling editor, submission and acceptance time of manuscripts, we study the question whether co-authorship relations between authors and the handling editor affect the manuscript handling time , i.e. the time taken between the submission and acceptance of a manuscript. Our analysis reveals (1) that editors handle papers co-authored by previous collaborators significantly more often than expected at random, and (2) that such prior co-author relations are significantly related to faster manuscript handling. Addressing the question whether these shorter manuscript handling times can be explained by the quality of publications, we study the number of citations and downloads which accepted papers eventually accumulate. Moreover, we consider the influence of additional (social) factors, such as the editor's experience, the topical similarity between authors and editors, as well as reciprocal citation relations between authors and editors. Our findings show that, even when correcting for other factors like time, experience, and performance, prior co-authorship relations have a large and significant influence on manuscript handling times, speeding up the editorial decision on average by 19 days.

How Non-Daily Editors Describe Status and Function of Editorial Pages.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hynds, Ernest C.; Martin, Charles H.

1979-01-01

Results of a survey of 359 editors of nondaily newspapers indicates that most nondaily editors see their editorials and editorial pages as important segments of their newspapers and believe they can use them to help influence readers, particularly on local issues. (Author/GT)

Letter to the editor of TAAP, in response to letter from Anders et al.

EPA Science Inventory

To the Editor, Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology: We would like to address the letter to the editor submitted by Anders et al. regarding the substantive issues raised regarding our paper "Evaluation of two different metabolic hypotheses for dichloromethane toxicity using physi...

Evaluation of a chromogenic culture medium for isolation of Clostridium difficile within 24 hours.

PubMed

Perry, John D; Asir, Kerry; Halimi, Diane; Orenga, Sylvain; Dale, Joanne; Payne, Michelle; Carlton, Ruth; Evans, Jim; Gould, F Kate

2010-11-01

Rapid and effective methods for the isolation of Clostridium difficile from stool samples are desirable to obtain isolates for typing or to facilitate accurate diagnosis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea. We report on the evaluation of a prototype chromogenic medium (ID C. difficile prototype [IDCd]) for isolation of C. difficile. The chromogenic medium was compared using (i) 368 untreated stool samples that were also inoculated onto CLO medium, (ii) 339 stool samples that were subjected to alcohol shock and also inoculated onto five distinct selective agars, and (iii) standardized suspensions of 10 C. difficile ribotypes (untreated and alcohol treated) that were also inoculated onto five distinct selective agars. Two hundred thirty-six isolates of C. difficile were recovered from 368 untreated stool samples, and all but 1 of these strains (99.6%) were recovered on IDCd within 24 h, whereas 74.6% of isolates were recovered on CLO medium after 48 h. Of 339 alcohol-treated stool samples cultured onto IDCd and five other selective agars, C. difficile was recovered from 218 samples using a combination of all media. The use of IDCd allowed recovery of 96.3% of isolates within 24 h, whereas 51 to 83% of isolates were recovered within 24 h using the five other media. Finally, when they were challenged with pure cultures, all 10 ribotypes of C. difficile generated higher colony counts on IDCd irrespective of alcohol pretreatment or duration of incubation. We conclude that IDCd is an effective medium for isolation of C. difficile from stool samples within 24 h.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral docusate in the management of constipation in hospice patients.

PubMed

Tarumi, Yoko; Wilson, Mitchell P; Szafran, Olga; Spooner, G Richard

2013-01-01

The stool softener docusate is widely used in the management of constipation in hospice patients. There is little experimental evidence to support this practice, and no randomized trials have been conducted in the hospice setting. To assess the efficacy of docusate in hospice patients. This was a 10-day, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of docusate and sennosides vs. placebo and sennosides in hospice patients in Edmonton, Alberta. Patients were included if they were age 18 years or older, able to take oral medications, did not have a gastrointestinal stoma, and had a Palliative Performance Scale score of 20% or more. The primary outcome measures were stool frequency, volume, and consistency. Secondary outcomes were patient perceptions of bowel movements (difficulty and completeness of evacuation) and bowel-related interventions. A total of 74 patients were randomized into the study (35 to the docusate group and 39 to the placebo group). There were neither significant differences between the groups in stool frequency, volume, or consistency, nor in difficulty or completeness of evacuation. On the Bristol Stool Form Scale, more patients in the placebo group had Type 4 (smooth and soft) and Type 5 (soft blobs) stool, whereas in the docusate group, more had Type 3 (sausage like) and Type 6 (mushy) stool (P=0.01). There was no significant benefit of docusate plus sennosides compared with placebo plus sennosides in managing constipation in hospice patients. Docusate use should be considered on an individual basis. Copyright © 2013 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multiplex PCR detection of Cryptosporidium sp, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica directly from dried stool samples from Guinea-Bissauan children with diarrhoea.

PubMed

Mero, Sointu; Kirveskari, Juha; Antikainen, Jenni; Ursing, Johan; Rombo, Lars; Kofoed, Poul-Erik; Kantele, Anu

2017-09-01

In developing countries, diarrhoea is the most common cause of death for children under five years of age, with Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba histolytica as the most frequent pathogenic parasites. Traditional microscopy for stool parasites has poor sensitivity and specificity, while new molecular methods may provide more accurate diagnostics. In poor regions with sample storage hampered by uncertain electricity supply, research would benefit from a method capable of analysing dried stools. A real-time multiplex PCR method with internal inhibition control was developed for detecting Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium hominis/parvum and Entamoeba histolytica directly from stool specimens. Applicability to dried samples was checked by comparing with fresh ones in a small test material. Finally, the assay was applied to dried specimens collected from Guinea-Bissauan children with diarrhoea. The PCR's analytical sensitivity limit was 0.1 ng/ml for G. lamblia DNA, 0.01 ng/ml for E. histolytica DNA and 0.1 ng/ml for Cryptosporidium sp. In the test material, the assay performed similarly with fresh and dried stools. Of the 52 Guinea-Bissauan samples, local microscopy revealed a parasite in 15%, while PCR detected 62% positive for at least one parasite: 44% of the dried samples had Giardia, 23% Cryptosporidium and 0% E. histolytica. Our new multiplex real-time PCR for protozoa presents a sensitive method applicable to dried samples. As proof of concept, it worked well on stools collected from Guinea-Bissauan children with diarrhoea. It provides an epidemiological tool for analysing dried specimens from regions poor in resources.

Difference in Ulex europaeus agglutinin I-binding activity of decay-accelerating factor detected in the stools of patients with colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis.

PubMed

Okazaki, Hiroaki; Mizuno, Motowo; Nasu, Junichirou; Makidono, Chiho; Hiraoka, Sakiko; Yamamoto, Kazuhide; Okada, Hiroyuki; Fujita, Teizo; Tsuji, Takao; Shiratori, Yasushi

2004-03-01

Expression of decay-accelerating factor (DAF, CD55), a complement-regulatory glycoprotein, is enhanced in colorectal-cancer (CC) cells and colonic epithelium in ulcerative colitis (UC), and stools from these patients contain increased amounts of DAF. Carbohydrate chains of glycoproteins are often altered during malignant transformation or inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether DAF molecules in patients with CC and those with UC differ with respect to oligosaccharide side chains. We analyzed DAF in stools and homogenates of colonic-tissue specimens obtained from patients with CC or UC using solid-phase enzyme-linked assay and Western blotting for reactivity with the lectins Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I), wheat-germ agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, and concanavalin A. UEA-I bound to DAF in stools from patients with UC but not in that from the stools of CC patients, as demonstrated on the solid-phase enzyme-linked assay (P <.05, Mann-Whitney U test) and Western blotting. Binding of UEA-I was specifically inhibited by the addition of fucose. The difference in UEA-I reactivity with DAF was observed also in colonic-tissue homogenates from patients with UC and those with CC. DAF expressed in the mucosa and excreted into the stools of UC patients is different from that expressed in CC with regard to UEA-I reactivity. Future studies should be directed toward determining whether a qualitatively unique isoform of DAF is present, of which sugar chains are specific to CC in UC patients.

Multiplex real time PCR panels to identify fourteen colonization factors of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Silapong, Sasikorn; Jeanwattanalert, Pimmada; Lertsehtakarn, Paphavee; Bodhidatta, Ladaporn; Swierczewski, Brett; Mason, Carl; McVeigh, Annette L; Savarino, Stephen J; Nshama, Rosemary; Mduma, Esto; Maro, Athanasia; Zhang, Jixian; Gratz, Jean; Houpt, Eric R

2017-01-01

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a leading cause of childhood diarrhea in low income countries and in travelers to those areas. Inactivated enterotoxins and colonization factors (CFs) are leading vaccine candidates, therefore it is important to determine the prevailing CF types in different geographic locations and populations. Here we developed real time PCR (qPCR) assays for 14 colonization factors, including the common vaccine targets. These assays, along with three enterotoxin targets (STh, STp, and LT) were formulated into three 5-plex qPCR panels, and validated on 120 ETEC isolates and 74 E. coli colony pools. The overall sensitivity and specificity was 99% (199/202) and 99% (2497/2514), respectively, compared to the CF results obtained with conventional PCR. Amplicon sequencing of discrepant samples revealed that the qPCR was 100% accurate. qPCR panels were also performed on nucleic acid extracted from stool and compared to the results of the ETEC isolates or E. coli colony pools cultured from them. 95% (105/110) of the CF detections in the cultures were confirmed in the stool. Additionally, direct testing of stool yielded 30 more CF detections. Among 74 randomly selected E. coli colony pools with paired stool, at least one CF was detected in 63% (32/51) of the colony pools while at least one CF was detected in 78% (47/60) of the stool samples (P = NS). We conclude that these ETEC CF assays can be used on both cultures and stool samples to facilitate better understanding of CF distribution for ETEC epidemiology and vaccine development.

[Overdiagnosis of amebiasis in children with dysentery].

PubMed

Beltramino, Juan Carlos; Sosa, Horacio; Gamba, Natalia; Busquets, Natalia; Navarro, Lucas; Virgolini, Stella; Ricardo, Omar

2009-12-01

There are morphologically identical amebaes, but with differences that can distinguish them; one as pathogenic: Entamoeba histolytica, and the other: Entamoeba dispar, as inoffensive. That brought the new hypothesis that many of the cases treated as amebiasis, weren't so. To identify E. hystolitica in patients with dysentery, supposed to be caused by amebae. Transversal and observational study performed between March 2005 and November 2007 in the city of Santa Fe, Argentina. Stools from children aged 2 months to 15 years-old with dysentery and direct exams with E. hystolitica/ dispar, were studied with ELISA to detect the adhesin of E. histolytica (adhesin Eh). Permanent stains for amebae were done as well as stool cultures. Clinical data were charted. 75 children were studied; 35 were male and 40, female, with a median age of 3 years-old. All of them presented diarrhea with leucocyte, 73% macroscopic blood on stool and 27% detectable on the microscope. Elisa Eh was positive in 21; 3 cases had hematophagous trophozoites. In 15 stool cultures were found: S. flexneri S2 type in 5 cases. Other parasites: 6 (Blastocystis homini 5). In 54 adhesin Eh was negative, 19% of the coulouring detected E. dispar. From 44 stool cultures: S. flexneri S2 type was detected in 13, Shigella sp in 1, C jejuni 5, other: 3. Other parasites: 12 (Blastocystis homini 9). In this group of children with "amebic dysentery", half of them developed invasive bacteriae and only 28% had E. histolytica on stools; that means that the prevalence of positive cases in the population could be 18% to 38% [CI 95% (0.179; 0.381)].

Seroprevalence of human fascioliasis in Van province, Turkey.

PubMed

Taş Cengiz, Zeynep; Yılmaz, Hasan; Dülger, Ahmet Cumhur; Akdeniz, Hayrettin; Karahocagil, Mustafa Kasım; Çiçek, Mutalip

2015-05-01

Fasciola hepatica is a rare zoonotic parasite that infects the liver of many mammals including humans. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of fascioliasis in Van province by ELISA (antibody detection) on the assumption that not all cases could be detected by stool examination alone. A total of randomly selected 1,600 patients, directed from affiliated outpatient clinics to Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Parasitology Laboratory, were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 44.44±19.00 years. Blood samples were collected from all the patients, and their stool samples were examined. For the stool examination, native-lugol and sedimentation (in formalin-ethyl acetate) methods were employed. ELISA for F. hepatica was performed on the blood samples from all patients. Seropositive patients were treated with triclabendazole. F. hepatica was detected by ELISA in 89 (5.6%) of the 1,600 patients, but eggs were identified on the stool examination in only 29 (1.8%) patients. The prevalence of F. hepatica was higher in females (7.2%) than in males (4.2%) and was higher in the ≥36-year age group (6.7%) than in the ≤35-year age group (4.4%). Abdominal pain (93.3%), fatigue (88.8%), and weight loss (69.7%) were the most common symptoms. Eosinophilia was present in 89.9% of the patients. All seropositive patients had a history of eating raw aquatic plants. Stool examination alone is not sufficient to diagnose F. hepatica. Serological tests such as ELISA must be used together with stool examination.

Evaluation of a Chromogenic Culture Medium for Isolation of Clostridium difficile within 24 Hours ▿

PubMed Central

Perry, John D.; Asir, Kerry; Halimi, Diane; Orenga, Sylvain; Dale, Joanne; Payne, Michelle; Carlton, Ruth; Evans, Jim; Gould, F. Kate

2010-01-01

Rapid and effective methods for the isolation of Clostridium difficile from stool samples are desirable to obtain isolates for typing or to facilitate accurate diagnosis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea. We report on the evaluation of a prototype chromogenic medium (ID C. difficile prototype [IDCd]) for isolation of C. difficile. The chromogenic medium was compared using (i) 368 untreated stool samples that were also inoculated onto CLO medium, (ii) 339 stool samples that were subjected to alcohol shock and also inoculated onto five distinct selective agars, and (iii) standardized suspensions of 10 C. difficile ribotypes (untreated and alcohol treated) that were also inoculated onto five distinct selective agars. Two hundred thirty-six isolates of C. difficile were recovered from 368 untreated stool samples, and all but 1 of these strains (99.6%) were recovered on IDCd within 24 h, whereas 74.6% of isolates were recovered on CLO medium after 48 h. Of 339 alcohol-treated stool samples cultured onto IDCd and five other selective agars, C. difficile was recovered from 218 samples using a combination of all media. The use of IDCd allowed recovery of 96.3% of isolates within 24 h, whereas 51 to 83% of isolates were recovered within 24 h using the five other media. Finally, when they were challenged with pure cultures, all 10 ribotypes of C. difficile generated higher colony counts on IDCd irrespective of alcohol pretreatment or duration of incubation. We conclude that IDCd is an effective medium for isolation of C. difficile from stool samples within 24 h. PMID:20739493

Kinetics of Poliovirus Shedding following Oral Vaccination as Measured by Quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR versus Culture

PubMed Central

Begum, Sharmin; Uddin, Md Jashim; Platts-Mills, James A.; Liu, Jie; Kirkpatrick, Beth D.; Chowdhury, Anwarul H.; Jamil, Khondoker M.; Haque, Rashidul; Petri, William A.; Houpt, Eric R.

2014-01-01

Amid polio eradication efforts, detection of oral polio vaccine (OPV) virus in stool samples can provide information about rates of mucosal immunity and allow estimation of the poliovirus reservoir. We developed a multiplex one-step quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay for detection of OPV Sabin strains 1, 2, and 3 directly in stool samples with an external control to normalize samples for viral quantity and compared its performance with that of viral culture. We applied the assay to samples from infants in Dhaka, Bangladesh, after the administration of trivalent OPV (tOPV) at weeks 14 and 52 of life (on days 0 [pre-OPV], +4, +11, +18, and +25 relative to vaccination). When 1,350 stool samples were tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay were 89 and 91% compared with culture. A quantitative relationship between culture+/qPCR+ and culture−/qPCR+ stool samples was observed. The kinetics of shedding revealed by qPCR and culture were similar. qPCR quantitative cutoffs based on the day +11 or +18 stool samples could be used to identify the culture-positive shedders, as well as the long-duration or high-frequency shedders. Interestingly, qPCR revealed that a small minority (7%) of infants contributed the vast majority (93 to 100%) of the total estimated viral excretion across all subtypes at each time point. This qPCR assay for OPV can simply and quantitatively detect all three Sabin strains directly in stool samples to approximate shedding both qualitatively and quantitatively. PMID:25378579

Effect of a fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173010 on Chinese constipated women.

PubMed

Yang, Yue-Xin; He, Mei; Hu, Gang; Wei, Jie; Pages, Philippe; Yang, Xian-Hua; Bourdu-Naturel, Sophie

2008-10-28

To investigate the effect of a fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173010 and yogurt strains (BIO(R)) on adult women with constipation in Beijing. A total of 135 adult females with constipation were randomly allocated to consume for 2 wk either 100 g of the test fermented milk or 100 g of an acidified milk containing non-living bacteria (control). Stool frequency, defecation condition scores, stool consistency and food intake were recorded at baseline and after 1 and 2 wk in an intention-to-treat population of 126 subjects. In parallel, safety evaluation parameters were performed. At baseline, no differences were found between groups. Following consumption of test product, stool frequency was significantly increased after 1 wk (3.5 +/- 1.5 vs 2.4 +/- 0.6, P < 0.01) and 2 wk (4.1 +/- 1.7 vs 2.4 +/- 0.6, P < 0.01), vs baseline. Similarly, after 1 and 2 wk, of test product consumption, defecation condition (1.1 +/- 0.9 vs 1.9 +/- 1.2, P < 0.01 and 0.8 +/- 1.0 vs 1.9 +/- 1.2, P < 0.01, respectively) and stool consistency (1.0 +/- 0.8 vs 1.5 +/- 1.1, P < 0.01 and 0.6 +/- 0.8 vs 1.5 +/- 1.1, P < 0.01, respectively) were significantly improved. Compared with the control group, stool frequency was also significantly increased (3.5 +/- 1.5 vs 2.5 +/- 0.9, P < 0.01 and 4.1 +/- 1.7 vs 2.6 +/- 1.0, P < 0.01, respectively), and defecation condition (1.1 +/- 0.9 vs 1.6 +/- 1.1, P < 0.01 and 0.8 +/- 1.0 vs 1.6 +/- 1.1, P < 0.01, respectively) and stool consistency (1.0 +/- 0.8 vs 1.4 +/- 1.0, P < 0.05 and 0.6 +/- 0.8 vs 1.3 +/- 1.0, P < 0.01, respectively) significantly decreased after 1 and 2 wk of product consumption. During the same period, food intake did not change between the two groups, and safety parameters of the subjects were within normal ranges. This study suggests a beneficial effect of a fermented milk containing B. lactis DN-173010 on stool frequency, defecation condition and stool consistency in adult women with constipation constipated women after 1 and 2 wk of consumption.

Development of a reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) system for a highly sensitive detection of enterovirus in the stool samples of acute flaccid paralysis cases

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background In the global eradication program for poliomyelitis, the laboratory diagnosis plays a critical role by isolating poliovirus (PV) from the stool samples of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases. In this study, we developed a reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) system for a rapid and highly sensitive detection of enterovirus including PV to identify stool samples positive for enterovirus including PV. Methods A primer set was designed for RT-LAMP to detect enterovirus preferably those with PV-like 5'NTRs of the viral genome. The sensitivity of RT-LAMP system was evaluated with prototype strains of enterovirus. Detection of enterovirus from stool extracts was examined by using RT-LAMP system. Results We detected at least 400 copies of the viral genomes of PV(Sabin) strains within 90 min by RT-LAMP with the primer set. This RT-LAMP system showed a preference for Human enterovirus species C (HEV-C) strains including PV, but exhibited less sensitivity to the prototype strains of HEV-A and HEV-B (detection limits of 7,400 to 28,000 copies). Stool extracts, from which PV, HEV-C, or HEV-A was isolated in the cell culture system, were mostly positive by RT-LAMP method (positive rates of 15/16 (= 94%), 13/14 (= 93%), and 4/4 (= 100%), respectively). The positive rate of this RT-LAMP system for stool extracts from which HEV-B was isolated was lower than that of HEV-C (positive rate of 11/21 (= 52%)). In the stool samples, which were negative for enterovirus isolation by the cell culture system, we found that two samples were positive for RT-LAMP (positive rates of 2/38 (= 5.3%)). In these samples, enterovirus 96 was identified by sequence analysis utilizing a seminested PCR system. Conclusions RT-LAMP system developed in this study showed a high sensitivity comparable to that of the cell culture system for the detection of PV, HEV-A, and HEV-C, but less sensitivity to HEV-B. This RT-LAMP system would be useful for the direct detection of enterovirus from the stool extracts. PMID:20015403

Estimating the sensitivity and specificity of Kato-Katz stool examination technique for detection of hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections in humans in the absence of a 'gold standard'.

PubMed

Tarafder, M R; Carabin, H; Joseph, L; Balolong, E; Olveda, R; McGarvey, S T

2010-03-15

The accuracy of the Kato-Katz technique in identifying individuals with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections is limited by day-to-day variation in helminth egg excretion, confusion with other parasites and the laboratory technicians' experience. We aimed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the Kato-Katz technique to detect infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura using a Bayesian approach in the absence of a 'gold standard'. Data were obtained from a longitudinal study conducted between January 2004 and December 2005 in Samar Province, the Philippines. Each participant provided between one and three stool samples over consecutive days. Stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz technique and reported as positive or negative for STHs. In the presence of measurement error, the true status of each individual is considered as latent data. Using a Bayesian method, we calculated marginal posterior densities of sensitivity and specificity parameters from the product of the likelihood function of observed and latent data. A uniform prior distribution was used (beta distribution: alpha=1, beta=1). A total of 5624 individuals provided at least one stool sample. One, two and three stool samples were provided by 1582, 1893 and 2149 individuals, respectively. All STHs showed variation in test results from day to day. Sensitivity estimates of the Kato-Katz technique for one stool sample were 96.9% (95% Bayesian Credible Interval [BCI]: 96.1%, 97.6%), 65.2% (60.0%, 69.8%) and 91.4% (90.5%, 92.3%), for A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T. trichiura, respectively. Specificity estimates for one stool sample were 96.1% (95.5%, 96.7%), 93.8% (92.4%, 95.4%) and 94.4% (93.2%, 95.5%), for A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T. trichiura, respectively. Our results show that the Kato-Katz technique can perform with reasonable accuracy with one day's stool collection for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Low sensitivity of the Kato-Katz for detection of hookworm infection may be related to rapid degeneration of delicate hookworm eggs with time. (c) 2009 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Growth and Consequences.

PubMed

Abbott, J Haxby

2016-08-01

In response to the growth of JOSPT, Editor-in-Chief J. Haxby Abbott introduces 3 new Associate Editors to the JOSPT Editorial Board, and announces the promotion of 1 outstanding Editorial Board member to an Editor role. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(8):610-612. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0111.

Professional Editing Strategies Used by Six Editors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bisaillon, Jocelyne

2007-01-01

Identifying the approach used by those revision experts par excellence--that is, professional editors--should enable researchers to better grasp the revision process. To further explore this hypothesis, the author conducted research among professional editors, six of whom she filmed as they engaged in their practice. An analysis of their work…

A "Situational" and "Coorientational" Measure of Specialized Magazine Editors' Perceptions of Readers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jeffers, Dennis W.

A study was undertaken of specialized magazine editors' perceptions of audience characteristics as well as the perceived role of their publications. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between the editors' perceptions of reader problem recognition, level of involvement, constraint recognition, and possession of reference criteria and…

Editorial and Broadcasting Careers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Broido, Arnold; And Others

1982-01-01

Describes the jobs of the music publisher and editor, music magazine and book editor, film music editor, and music critic. Educational requirements, job availability, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. A tear-out chart of ten music career areas, listing salaries and personal and educational qualifications, is included. (AM)

Generating the Field: The Role of Editors in Disciplinary Formation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Selfe, Cynthia; Villanueva, Victor; Parks, Steve

2017-01-01

In the following conversation, conducted asynchronously through email, three current and former editors discuss the role of publishing in creating a disciplinary identity. Speaking from the academic (Villanueva), digital (Selfe), and community (Parks), and, often crossing these three categories, the editors discuss how the field has failed to…

STEVE -- User Guide and Reference Manual

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fish, Adrian

This document describes an extended version of the EVE editor that has been tailored to the general Starlink user's requirements. This extended editor is STarlink Eve or STEve, and this document (along with it's introductory companion SUN/125) describes this editor, and offers additional help, advice and tips on general EVE usage.

Publishing and Journalism Careers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reed, Alfred; And Others

1977-01-01

If you like to work with words and notational symbols--or with describing, selecting, managing, and distributing the words and music of other people--then journalism or publishing as a whole may be your bailiwick. Describes the positions of music editor, music publisher, magazine/book editor, music critic, and freelance music writer. (Editor/RK)

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors' Network.

PubMed

Alfonso, Fernando; Adamyan, Karlen; Artigou, Jean-Yves; Aschermann, Michael; Boehm, Michael; Buendia, Alfonso; Chu, Pao-Hsien; Cohen, Ariel; Cas, Livio Dei; Dilic, Mirza; Doubell, Anton; Echeverri, Dario; Enç, Nuray; Ferreira-González, Ignacio; Filipiak, Krzysztof J; Flammer, Andreas; Fleck, Eckart; Gatzov, Plamen; Ginghina, Carmen; Goncalves, Lino; Haouala, Habib; Hassanein, Mahmoud; Heusch, Gerd; Huber, Kurt; Hulín, Ivan; Ivanusa, Mario; Krittayaphong, Rungroj; Lau, Chu-Pak; Marinskis, Germanas; Mach, François; Moreira, Luiz Felipe; Nieminen, Tuomo; Oukerraj, Latifa; Perings, Stefan; Pierard, Luc; Potpara, Tatjana; Reyes-Caorsi, Walter; Rim, Se-Joong; Rødevand, Olaf; Saade, Georges; Sander, Mikael; Shlyakhto, Evgeny; Timuralp, Bilgin; Tousoulis, Dimitris; Ural, Dilek; Piek, J J; Varga, Albert; Lüscher, Thomas F

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship - emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability -, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors' Network of the European Society of Cardiology. Copyright © 2017. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A.

ZED- A LINE EDITOR FOR THE DEC VAX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, P. J.

1994-01-01

The ZED editor for the DEC VAX is a simple, yet powerful line editor for text, program source code, and non-binary data. Line editors can be superior to screen editors in some cases, such as executing complex multiple or conditional commands, or editing via slow modem lines. ZED excels in the area of text processing by using procedure files. For example, such procedures can reformat a file of addresses or remove all comment lines from a FORTRAN program. In addition to command files, ZED also features versatile search qualifiers, global changes, conditionals, on-line help, hexadecimal mode, space compression, looping, logical combinations of search strings, journaling, visible control characters, and automatic detabbing. The ZED editor was originally developed at Cambridge University in London and has been continuously enhanced since 1976. Users of the Cambridge implementation have devised such elaborate ZED procedures as chess games, calculators, and programs for evaluating Pi. This implementation of ZED strives to maintain the characteristics of the Cambridge editor. A complete ZED manual is included on the tape. ZED is written entirely in C for either batch or interactive execution on the DEC VAX under VMS 4.X and requires 80,896 bytes of memory. This program was released in 1988 and updated in 1989.

Human enteroviruses in oysters and their overlying waters.

PubMed Central

Goyal, S M; Gerba, C P; Melnick, J L

1979-01-01

The presence of enteroviruses in oysters and oyster-harvesting waters of the Texas Gulf coast was monitored over a period of 10 months. Viruses were detected in water and oyster samples obtained from areas both open and closed to shellfish harvesting. Viruses were detected periodically in waters that met current bacteriological standards for shellfish harvesting. No significant statistical relationship was demonstrated between virus concentration in oysters and the bacteriological and physiochemical quality of water and shellfish. Viruses in water were, however, moderately correlated with total coliforms in water and oysters and with fecal coliforms in oysters. Total coliforms in water were realted to total coliforms in sediment were related only to total coliforms in sediment. Among the physiochemical characteristics of water, turbidity was related statistically to the organic matter content of water and to fecal coliforms in water. There was a marked effect of rainfall on the bacteriological quality of water. Of a total of 44 water samples, 26 yielded virus in concentrations from 4 to 167 plaque-forming units per 100-gallon (ca. 378.5-liter) sample. Of a total of 40 pools of 10 to 12 oysters each, virus was found in 14 pools at a concentration of 6 to 224 plaque-forming units per 100 g of oyster meat. On five occasions, virus was found in water samples when no virus could be detected in oysters harvested from the same sites. This study indicates that current bacteriological standards for determining the safety of shellfish and shellfish-growing waters do no reflect the occurrence of enteroviruses. PMID:222210

Evaluation of the udder health status in subclinical mastitis affected dairy cows through bacteriological culture, somatic cell count and thermographic imaging.

PubMed

Bortolami, A; Fiore, E; Gianesella, M; Corrò, M; Catania, S; Morgante, M

2015-01-01

Subclinical mastitis in dairy cows is a big economic loss for farmers. The monitoring of subclinical mastitis is usually performed through Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in farm but there is the need of new diagnostic systems able to quickly identify cows affected by subclinical infections of the udder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of thermographic imaging compared to SCC and bacteriological culture for infection detection in cow affected by subclinical mastitis and possibly to discriminate between different pathogens. In this study we evaluated the udder health status of 98 Holstein Friesian dairy cows with high SCC in 4 farms. From each cow a sample of milk was collected from all the functional quarters and submitted to bacteriological culture, SCC and Mycoplasma spp. culture. A thermographic image was taken from each functional udder quarter and nipple. Pearson's correlations and Analysis of Variance were performed in order to evaluate the different diagnostic techniques. The most frequent pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus aureus followed by Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae and others. The Somatic Cell Score (SCS) was able to discriminate (p<0.05) cows positive for a pathogen from cows negative at the bacteriological culture except for cows with infection caused by CNS. Infrared thermography was correlated to SCS (p<0.05) but was not able to discriminate between positive and negative cows. Thermographic imaging seems to be promising in evaluating the inflammation status of cows affected by subclinical mastitis but seems to have a poor diagnostic value.

Human enteroviruses in oysters and their overlying waters.

PubMed

Goyal, S M; Gerba, C P; Melnick, J L

1979-03-01

The presence of enteroviruses in oysters and oyster-harvesting waters of the Texas Gulf coast was monitored over a period of 10 months. Viruses were detected in water and oyster samples obtained from areas both open and closed to shellfish harvesting. Viruses were detected periodically in waters that met current bacteriological standards for shellfish harvesting. No significant statistical relationship was demonstrated between virus concentration in oysters and the bacteriological and physiochemical quality of water and shellfish. Viruses in water were, however, moderately correlated with total coliforms in water and oysters and with fecal coliforms in oysters. Total coliforms in water were realted to total coliforms in sediment were related only to total coliforms in sediment. Among the physiochemical characteristics of water, turbidity was related statistically to the organic matter content of water and to fecal coliforms in water. There was a marked effect of rainfall on the bacteriological quality of water. Of a total of 44 water samples, 26 yielded virus in concentrations from 4 to 167 plaque-forming units per 100-gallon (ca. 378.5-liter) sample. Of a total of 40 pools of 10 to 12 oysters each, virus was found in 14 pools at a concentration of 6 to 224 plaque-forming units per 100 g of oyster meat. On five occasions, virus was found in water samples when no virus could be detected in oysters harvested from the same sites. This study indicates that current bacteriological standards for determining the safety of shellfish and shellfish-growing waters do no reflect the occurrence of enteroviruses.

Comparison of the effect of benzathine penicillin G, clarithromycin, cefprozil and amoxicillin/clavulanate on the bacteriological response and throat flora in group A beta hemolytic streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.

PubMed

Yildirim, Inci; Ceyhan, Mehmet; Gür, Deniz; Kaymakoğlu, Ibrahim

2008-01-01

Bacteriological failure with penicillin that has been used widely for years in group A beta hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) tonsillopharyngitis is being reported as high as 30%. Because of this unresponsiveness, many different agents are being used as alternative options. We evaluated the effect of clarithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanate (CAM), cefprozil and benzathine penicillin G (Pen G) on the bacteriological cure, beta-lactamase production, pharyngeal microflora and alpha hemolytic streptococci (AHS) when used in the treatment of pediatric GABHS tonsillopharyngitis. Intramuscular Pen G and oral clarithromycin, CAM and cefprozil were administered to 70 patients who were between 2-16 years of age. Three throat swabs were obtained from each patient (before treatment, and 3 days and one month after treatment). The cultures were evaluated for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, beta lactamase production, AHS and fungi isolation. Bacteriological cure rates were similar in the four treatment groups (p>0.05). Isolation rates of AHS were 97.1% and 77.9% in clarithromycin group, 100% and 83.8% in CAM group, 97.2% and 98.6% in cefprozil group and 100% and 83.8% in the Pen G group before and after treatment, respectively. The most prominent inhibitory effect on AHS was observed with CAM, while cefprozil had the least effect (p<0.001). No significant difference was noted among groups regarding beta-lactamase production, anaerobic bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and fungi isolations. Overall, cefprozil seems to be advantageous in GABHS eradication by having less inhibitory effect on AHS.

[Ecological treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis with Bio-three].

PubMed

Chimura, T

1998-12-01

Ecological treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis with a Bio-three was studied, and the following results were obtained. 1. A total of 16 women with bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis were treated with intravaginal application of 2 g of Bio-three (E. faecalis T-110, C. butyricum TO-A, B. mesentericus TO-A, pH 6.9 +/- 0.3). The effect of the treatment was evaluated 3 days after administration by monitoring the vaginal discharge and bacteriological assessment. 2. The clinical improvement was evaluated and the decreases of vaginal discharge and vaginal redness were significant and vaginal pH was lowered significantly (5.29 +/- 0.24 vs. 4.31 +/- 0.37, p < 0.05). In the vaginal discharge 35 strains of bacteria were detected, but 3 days after administration, 16/30 strains of Gram-positive bacteria, and 2 strains of Gram-negative bacteria disappeared. As for the overall bacteriological effects, 7/16 cases were eradicated, 1 case was partly eradicated, 6 cases were replaced. These findings indicated that the Bio-three therapy was effective in both clinical and bacteriological responses.

Bacteriological quality of fabrics washed at lower-than-standard temperatures in a hospital laundry facility.

PubMed

Christian, R R; Manchester, J T; Mellor, M T

1983-02-01

We determined whether the bacteriological quality of fabrics cleaned in a hospital laundry could be maintained at wash temperatures lower than 75 degrees C by the use of economically reasonable formulas and wash conditions. Three groups of bacteria were examined to determine bacteriological quality: aerobic, nonexacting chemoorganotrophs, staphylococci, and total coliforms. The distribution of bacteria on soiled fabric was patchy, with staphylococci and total coliforms ranging from less than 0.1 to greater than 4 X 10(3) CFU/cm2 and chemoorganotrophs ranging from less than 0.1 to greater than 5 X 10(5) CFU/cm2. The washing process routinely produced fabric containing less than 1 CFU/cm2. Low-temperature (47.8 to 60.0 degrees C) wash procedures eliminated all bacterial groups at least as effectively as did high-temperature procedures. The effectiveness of bacterial density reduction at low temperature was augmented by increased concentrations of bleach. Successful low-temperature washing such as that shown here may save both energy and money for hospitals.

Bacteriological quality of fabrics washed at lower-than-standard temperatures in a hospital laundry facility.

PubMed Central

Christian, R R; Manchester, J T; Mellor, M T

1983-01-01

We determined whether the bacteriological quality of fabrics cleaned in a hospital laundry could be maintained at wash temperatures lower than 75 degrees C by the use of economically reasonable formulas and wash conditions. Three groups of bacteria were examined to determine bacteriological quality: aerobic, nonexacting chemoorganotrophs, staphylococci, and total coliforms. The distribution of bacteria on soiled fabric was patchy, with staphylococci and total coliforms ranging from less than 0.1 to greater than 4 X 10(3) CFU/cm2 and chemoorganotrophs ranging from less than 0.1 to greater than 5 X 10(5) CFU/cm2. The washing process routinely produced fabric containing less than 1 CFU/cm2. Low-temperature (47.8 to 60.0 degrees C) wash procedures eliminated all bacterial groups at least as effectively as did high-temperature procedures. The effectiveness of bacterial density reduction at low temperature was augmented by increased concentrations of bleach. Successful low-temperature washing such as that shown here may save both energy and money for hospitals. PMID:6830218

Temozolomide

MedlinePlus

... medical treatment: unusual bleeding or bruising red or black, tarry stools pink, red, or dark brown urine coughing up or vomiting blood or material ... the following: unusual bleeding or bruising red or black, tarry stools pink, red, or dark brown urine coughing up or vomiting blood or material ...

Comparing ImmunoCard with two EIA assays for Clostridium difficile toxins.

PubMed

Chan, Edward L; Seales, Diane; Drum, Hong

2009-01-01

To compare three Clostridium difficile EIA kits for the detection of C. difficile toxins from clinical specimens. A total of 287 fresh and stored stool specimens were tested using all three assays. Stools with discrepant results were sent to a reference laboratory for tissue cytotoxin assay. Trinity Medical Center, a community hospital with network hospitals. Patients with diarrhea submitted stools for detection of C. difficile toxins. Of the 287 stool specimens, 116 were positive and 171 negative for C. difficile toxins. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of Meridian EIA assay were 99.1, 97.7, 96.6, and 99.4%; ImmunoCard were 100, 98.2, 97.5, and 100%; BioStar OIA assay were 94, 98.8, 98.2, and 96% respectively. ImmunoCardprovides the best sensitivity (100%) for C. difficile toxins A and B detection. The BioStar OIA rapid test missed seven positive stool specimens possibly due to failure to detect toxin B. ImmunoCard has slightly higher predictive values, shorter turnaround time and greater convenience compared to the Meridian EIA Assay. ImmunoCard may be cost effective not only in smaller laboratories, but also in high volume laboratories, when used on a STAT basis or single request.

In vitro growth of Vibrio cholerae in cholera stool fluid leads to differential expression of virulence factors.

PubMed

Sánchez, J; Castillo, G; Medrano, A I; Martinez-Palomo, A; Rodríguez, M H

1995-01-01

We report on the physiological response of Vibrio cholerae upon growth on bacteria-free intestinal fluids prepared from feces of individuals in the acute phase of cholera. Sterilized stool fluids supported growth of V. cholerae to reach 0.3-0.4 O.D. units (600 nm) at 37 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy showed vibrios to be slender and elongated as compared to bacteria in synthetic media. Growth in stool fluid apparently induced expression of several immunoreactive proteins using cholera convalescent sera. Supernatants of fluid-grown vibrios had undetectable cholera toxin (CT) concentrations. Soluble hemagglutinins and soluble proteases were much less reduced when compared to cultures in Syncase or AKI media while cell-associated mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) was expressed at good levels. Lack of production of CT in fluid devoid of tissue may be due to absence of stimulating elements in intact intestine. Alternatively, culturing V. cholerae in stool fluid might resemble a late proliferation stage where downregulation of toxin might occur. Irrespectively, concomitant production of other virulence factors represents a phenomenon of differential regulation by fluid. Efforts are now underway to determine if this response depends upon factors in stool fluid acting through known genetic regulatory cascades or other. Attempts are also geared to identify fluid-induced proteins and their genes.

Clinical correlates of trichuriasis diagnosed at colonoscopy.

PubMed

Jha, Ashish Kumar; Goenka, Mahesh Kumar; Suchismita, Arya

2017-09-01

Diagnosis of Trichuris trichiura infestations is usually based on identification of barrel-shaped ova in stool, but is frequently missed on stool microscopy. We describe the clinical profile of patients in whom Trichuris infection was incidentally diagnosed at colonoscopy. In a cross-sectional study, patients with colonoscopic diagnosis of trichuriasis were enrolled from the endoscopy unit in a tertiary care center. Blood and stool samples were collected from all those who were willing to participate and provide samples. Sixty-two patients participated, with mean (SD) age of 50.5 (13.6) years and male to female ratio of 40:22. Abdominal pain (61.2%) and/or altered bowel habits (32.2%) were the most common indication for colonoscopy. Most (66.6%) of the Trichuris were located in the cecum and ascending colon. Majority of the patients had live worms, either motile or adhering to the colonic mucosa. The number of worms was single or a few (<15) in 74.2% of patients. Out of 62 patients, 16 (25.8%) had relatively heavy load of parasites. Most patients had normal colonoscopic findings (80.6%). Periappendicular and/or cecal ulcerations/erosions were the most common (16.1%) abnormalities noted. Stool examination showed parasite ova only in four (6.4%) patients. In conclusion, colonoscopy was better than stool microscopy for the diagnosis of trichuriasis in our study.

Comparative Evaluation of Three Methods (Microscopic Examination, Direct Fluorescent Antibody Assay, and Immunochromatographic Method) for the Diagnosis of Giardia intestinalis From Stool Specimens.

PubMed

Karadam, Senem Yaman; Ertuğ, Sema; Ertabaklar, Hatice

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare direct microscopic examination, direct fluorescent antibody assay (DFA), and the immunochromatographic method (IK) and identify the best suitable method for the diagnosis of Giardia intestinalis. In this study, 25 stool samples that had been diagnosed as being infected with G. intestinalis using the native-Lugol and/or formol-ethyl acetate concentration method and 25 non-parasite-infected samples (the control group) were examined. After microscopic examination of stools, they were kept at -20°C for examination using DFA and IK. Stool samples were studied using DFA (CeLLabs, Crypto/Giardia-Cel IF) and IK (RIDA QUICK, Cryptosporidium/Giardia Combi Dipstick), as per the manufacturers' instructions. In our study, using the DFA method, parasites were detected in all 25 stool samples in which G. intestinalis was diagnosed by direct microscopic examination. Using the IK method, a particular band indicative of the parasite was detected in 24 samples. No parasites were detected in all 25 samples in the control group. Thus, when direct microscopic examination is taken as reference, the senstivity and specificity of DFA for the diagnosis of G. intestinalis were found to be 100% each, while those of IK were found to be 96% and 100%, respectively.

Diagnostic value of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 gene promoter hypermethylation in stool for colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhiran; Zhang, Huitian; Lei, Yunxia

2016-10-01

To evaluate the diagnostic value of secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) gene promoter hypermethylation in stool for colorectal cancer (CRC). Open published diagnostic study of SFRP2 gene promoter hypermethylation in stool for CRC detection was electronic searched in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The data of true positive, false positive false negative, and true negative identified by stool SFRP2 gene hypermethylation was extracted and pooled for diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we finally included nine publications with 792 cases in the meta-analysis. Thus, the diagnostic sensitivity was aggregated through random effect model. The pooled sensitivity was 0.82 with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.79-0.85; the pooled specificity and its corresponding 95% CI were 0.47 and 0.40-0.53 by the random effect model; we pooled the SROC curve by sensitivity versus specificity according to data published in the nine studies. The area under the SROC curve was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.65-0.73). SFRP2 gene promoter hypermethylation in stool can was a potential biomarker for CRC diagnosis with relative high sensitivity.

Excretion of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) in Adults: Comparison of Immunologic and Molecular Detection Methods and Relationship between HAV Positivity and Infectivity in Tamarins

PubMed Central

Polish, Louis B.; Robertson, Betty H.; Khanna, Bhawna; Krawczynski, Krzysztof; Spelbring, John; Olson, Fred; Shapiro, Craig N.

1999-01-01

Fecal excretion of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in 18 patients with HAV infection was evaluated by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect viral antigen and by reverse transcription-PCR amplification followed by ethidium bromide staining (PCR-ETBr) or nucleic acid hybridization (PCR-NA) to detect viral genetic material. A gradation of sensitivity was observed in the detection of virus by the three methods. In persons who had detectable virus, serial stool samples were found to be positive by EIA for up to 24 days after the peak elevation of liver enzymes. Viral genetic material could be detected by PCR-ETBr for up to 34 days and by PCR-NA for up to 54 days after the peak elevation of liver enzymes. After intravenous inoculation of tamarins with stool suspensions categorized as highly reactive for HAV (positive by EIA, PCR-ETBr, and PCR-NA), moderately reactive (positive by PCR-ETBr and PCR-NA), or weakly reactive (positive by PCR-NA), only tamarins infected with highly reactive stool suspensions (EIA positive) developed HAV infection. We conclude that positivity of stool specimens for HAV by PCR-ETBr or PCR-NA indicates a lower potential for infectivity, compared to that of EIA-positive stools. PMID:10523563

Adolescent Sexual Initiation through the Lens of Letters to the Editor Published in Polish Teenage Magazines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kopacz, Marek S.; Bajka-Kopacz, Aleksandra

2012-01-01

Almost all teenage magazines invite readers to submit questions concerning relationships, published as letters to the editor, popularly called "advice columns," often containing explicit questions about sexuality. This study aims to examine, firstly, how themes related to sexual initiation are presented in letters to the editor published…

Digital Alteration of Photographs in Magazines: An Examination of the Ethics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reaves, Shiela

A study examined magazine editors' views of some of the ethical considerations posed by digital alteration of photographs. Subjects, 12 consumer news and specialty magazine editors, were interviewed by telephone and asked a series of questions concerning the ethics of digitally manipulating photographs. Results indicated that magazine editors were…

"Clones," Codes, and Conflicts of Interest in Cartooning: Cartoonists and Editors Look at Ethics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riffe, Daniel; And Others

A study examined differences between political cartoonists and op-ed page editors on both traditional ethical issues (such as conflicts of interest) and the special, style-related concerns of editorial cartoonists. Hypotheses proposed were that editors and cartoonists (1) would condemn "cloning" or copying, reflecting an ethical…

29 CFR 793.11 - Combination announcer, news editor and chief engineer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Combination announcer, news editor and chief engineer. 793...)(9) OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Requirements for Exemption § 793.11 Combination announcer, news... as a news editor. In such cases, the primary employment test under the section 13(b)(9) exemption...

29 CFR 793.11 - Combination announcer, news editor and chief engineer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Combination announcer, news editor and chief engineer. 793...)(9) OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Requirements for Exemption § 793.11 Combination announcer, news... as a news editor. In such cases, the primary employment test under the section 13(b)(9) exemption...

29 CFR 793.11 - Combination announcer, news editor and chief engineer.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 29 Labor 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Combination announcer, news editor and chief engineer. 793...)(9) OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT Requirements for Exemption § 793.11 Combination announcer, news... as a news editor. In such cases, the primary employment test under the section 13(b)(9) exemption...

The Introductory Psychology Textbook Market: Perceptions of Authors and Editors.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griggs, Richard A.; Jackson, Sherri L.

1989-01-01

Surveys psychology textbook authors and editors on their perceptions of the introductory psychology textbook market. Finds that the textbook market is divided into three levels according to quality, and that authors and editors are not familiar with most textbooks. Notes that the growth of used book companies has adversely affected the market.…

A Lesson for Instructors: Top 10 Copy-Editing Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auman, Ann

1995-01-01

Presents results of a survey of 164 newspaper editors regarding which skills they believe are crucial for entry-level copy editors to know, and in which areas they see the most deficiencies. Notes that the skills identified reflect the changing duties of the copy editor and the increasing complexities of the job. (SR)

Newspaper Ethics and Managing Editors: The Evolution of APME's Code.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Mott, John

A review of the 42-year development of the professional code of ethics of the Associated Press Managing Editors (APME) demonstrates an effort to elevate newspaper ethical standards around the country. Following the example of the American Society of Newspaper Editors in establishing its "Canons of Journalism" in 1923, the APME formed a…

Editorial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Audoly, Basile; Castañeda, Pedro Ponte; Kuhl, Ellen; Niordson, Christian; Sharma, Pradeep; Gao, Huajian

2016-02-01

After 12 years of distinguished service, Kaushik Bhattacharya has decided to step down as co-editor of the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids. A new editorial team, with Huajian Gao as editor and Basile Audoly, Pedro Ponte Castañeda, Ellen Kuhl, Christian Niordson and Pradeep Sharma as Associate Editors, will take over as of January 1, 2016.

Biosecurity and the review and publication of dual-use research of concern.

PubMed

Patrone, Daniel; Resnik, David; Chin, Lisa

2012-09-01

Dual-use research of concern (DURC) is scientific research with significant potential for generating information that could be used to harm national security, the public health, or the environment. Editors responsible for journal policies and publication decisions play a vital role in ensuring that effective safeguards exist to cope with the risks of publishing scientific research with dual-use implications. We conducted an online survey of 127 chief editors of life science journals in 27 countries to examine their attitudes toward and experience with the review and publication of dual-use research of concern. Very few editors (11) had experience with biosecurity review, and no editor in our study reported having ever refused a submission on biosecurity grounds. Most respondents (74.8%) agreed that editors have a responsibility to consider biosecurity risks during the review process, but little consensus existed among editors on how to handle specific issues in the review and publication of research with potential dual-use implications. More work is needed to establish consensus on standards for the review and publication of dual-use research of concern in life science journals.

Biosecurity and the Review and Publication of Dual-Use Research of Concern

PubMed Central

Resnik, David; Chin, Lisa

2012-01-01

Dual-use research of concern (DURC) is scientific research with significant potential for generating information that could be used to harm national security, the public health, or the environment. Editors responsible for journal policies and publication decisions play a vital role in ensuring that effective safeguards exist to cope with the risks of publishing scientific research with dual-use implications. We conducted an online survey of 127 chief editors of life science journals in 27 countries to examine their attitudes toward and experience with the review and publication of dual-use research of concern. Very few editors (11) had experience with biosecurity review, and no editor in our study reported having ever refused a submission on biosecurity grounds. Most respondents (74.8%) agreed that editors have a responsibility to consider biosecurity risks during the review process, but little consensus existed among editors on how to handle specific issues in the review and publication of research with potential dual-use implications. More work is needed to establish consensus on standards for the review and publication of dual-use research of concern in life science journals. PMID:22871221

Designing Epigenome Editors: Considerations of Biochemical and Locus Specificities.

PubMed

Sen, Dilara; Keung, Albert J

2018-01-01

The advent of locus-specific protein recruitment technologies has enabled a new class of studies in chromatin biology. Epigenome editors enable biochemical modifications of chromatin at almost any specific endogenous locus. Their locus specificity unlocks unique information including the functional roles of distinct modifications at specific genomic loci. Given the growing interest in using these tools for biological and translational studies, there are many specific design considerations depending on the scientific question or clinical need. Here we present and discuss important design considerations and challenges regarding the biochemical and locus specificities of epigenome editors. These include how to account for the complex biochemical diversity of chromatin; control for potential interdependency of epigenome editors and their resultant modifications; avoid sequestration effects; quantify the locus specificity of epigenome editors; and improve locus specificity by considering concentration, affinity, avidity, and sequestration effects.

[Street-vendor foods: quality of ice creams, sherbets and sorbets sold in the urban agglomeration of Antananarivo].

PubMed

Ravaonindrina, N; Rasolomandimby, R; Rajaomiarisoa, E; Rakotoarisoa, R; Andrianantara, L; Rasolofonirina, N; Roux, J F

1996-01-01

A survey of selling conditions and bacteriological examinations of ice-cream was carried-out in Antananarivo from June 1996 to May 1997. The way of investigation by vendors and of bacteriological examinations were widely described. Sellers had classic features of a street-vended food vendor: uneducated, no having professional training and mishandling foodstuffs. 202 samples of ice-cream were collected. The contamination prevalence rate was of 95% +/- 3.7%. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from one sample. Immediate and rigourous measures ought to be put into effect by authorities to right this alarming situation.

Bacteriological survey of frozen meat and gravy produced at establishments under federal inspection.

PubMed

Surkiewicz, B F; Harris, M E; Johnston, R W

1973-10-01

During visits to 34 federally inspected establishments producing frozen meat and gravy, 541 production line samples and 535 finished product units were collected for bacteriological analyses. It was found that more than 70% of the sets of finished product (10 units/set) produced under good manufacturing practices had: (i) four or fewer coliform-positive units, (ii) two or fewer Escherichia coli-positive units, (iii) three or fewer Staphylococcus aureus-positive units, and (iv) an aerobic plate count of fewer than 50,000/g (geometric mean of 10 units). All finished product units were negative for salmonellae.

Bacteriological Survey of Frozen Meat and Gravy Produced at Establishments Under Federal Inspection

PubMed Central

Surkiewicz, Bernard F.; Harris, Marshall E.; Johnston, Ralph W.

1973-01-01

During visits to 34 federally inspected establishments producing frozen meat and gravy, 541 production line samples and 535 finished product units were collected for bacteriological analyses. It was found that more than 70% of the sets of finished product (10 units/set) produced under good manufacturing practices had: (i) four or fewer coliform-positive units, (ii) two or fewer Escherichia coli-positive units, (iii) three or fewer Staphylococcus aureus-positive units, and (iv) an aerobic plate count of fewer than 50,000/g (geometric mean of 10 units). All finished product units were negative for salmonellae. PMID:4584595

Bacteriological Evaluation of an Ultra-Pure Water-Distilling System

PubMed Central

Kayser, W. V.; Hickman, K. C. D.; Bond, W. W.; Favero, M. S.; Carson, L. A.

1975-01-01

A prototype distillation and storage system with recycle for producing ultrapure water was monitored for bacteriological contamination during a period of 24 months. Naturally occurring Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. cepacia were found to grow rapidly to levels of about 105/ml in water taken from the storage reservoir and also in commercially prepared distilled water. The system was found to eliminate bacterial contaminants introduced into the still with the feed water, but the reservoir, once contaminated, remained contaminated during prolonged recycle. After a single treatment with free chlorine, the entire system remained uncontaminated until accidental or purposeful shutdown. PMID:811168

Evolution of America's pioneer bacteriologist: George M. Sternberg's formative years.

PubMed

Flaumenhaft, E; Flaumenhaft, C

1993-07-01

George M. Sternberg, 1838-1915, M. D., USA, activated modern American bacteriology. He produced the first general bacteriology book in the English language in 1880. His first publications on chemical disinfection (1879) preceded Koch's Sternberg discovered the pneumococcus (1880) before Pasteur did and speculated about phagocytosis (1881) before Metchnikoff. As an experimentalist and author, Sternberg stood "at the head of the American school of working bacteriologists" by the early 1880s. Our essay on Sternberg's evolution as a scientist explains what motivated him and why his early achievements as a bacteriologist, praised by contemporaries, have been underestimated more recently.

Bacteriological quality of drinks from vending machines.

PubMed Central

Hunter, P. R.; Burge, S. H.

1986-01-01

A survey on the bacteriological quality of both drinking water and flavoured drinks from coin-operated vending machines is reported. Forty-four per cent of 25 drinking water samples examined contained coliforms and 84% had viable counts of greater than 1000 organisms ml at 30 degrees C. Thirty-one flavoured drinks were examined; 6% contained coliforms and 39% had total counts greater than 1000 organisms ml. It is suggested that the D.H.S.S. code of practice on coin-operated vending machines is not being followed. It is also suggested that drinking water alone should not be dispensed from such machines. PMID:3794325

Payments by US pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to US medical journal editors: retrospective observational study.

PubMed

Liu, Jessica J; Bell, Chaim M; Matelski, John J; Detsky, Allan S; Cram, Peter

2017-10-26

Objective  To estimate financial payments from industry to US journal editors. Design  Retrospective observational study. Setting  52 influential (high impact factor for their specialty) US medical journals from 26 specialties and US Open Payments database, 2014. Participants  713 editors at the associate level and above identified from each journal's online masthead. Main outcome measures  All general payments (eg, personal income) and research related payments from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to eligible physicians in 2014. Percentages of editors receiving payments and the magnitude of such payments were compared across journals and by specialty. Journal websites were also reviewed to determine if conflict of interest policies for editors were readily accessible. Results  Of 713 eligible editors, 361 (50.6%) received some (>$0) general payments in 2014, and 139 (19.5%) received research payments. The median general payment was $11 (£8; €9) (interquartile range $0-2923) and the median research payment was $0 ($0-0). The mean general payment was $28 136 (SD $415 045), and the mean research payment was $37 963 (SD $175 239). The highest median general payments were received by journal editors from endocrinology ($7207, $0-85 816), cardiology ($2664, $0-12 912), gastroenterology ($696, $0-20 002), rheumatology ($515, $0-14 280), and urology ($480, $90-669). For high impact general medicine journals, median payments were $0 ($0-14). A review of the 52 journal websites revealed that editor conflict of interest policies were readily accessible (ie, within five minutes) for 17/52 (32.7%) of journals. Conclusions  Industry payments to journal editors are common and often large, particularly for certain subspecialties. Journals should consider the potential impact of such payments on public trust in published research. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Payments by US pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to US medical journal editors: retrospective observational study

PubMed Central

Bell, Chaim M; Matelski, John J; Detsky, Allan S; Cram, Peter

2017-01-01

Objective To estimate financial payments from industry to US journal editors. Design Retrospective observational study. Setting 52 influential (high impact factor for their specialty) US medical journals from 26 specialties and US Open Payments database, 2014. Participants 713 editors at the associate level and above identified from each journal’s online masthead. Main outcome measures All general payments (eg, personal income) and research related payments from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to eligible physicians in 2014. Percentages of editors receiving payments and the magnitude of such payments were compared across journals and by specialty. Journal websites were also reviewed to determine if conflict of interest policies for editors were readily accessible. Results Of 713 eligible editors, 361 (50.6%) received some (>$0) general payments in 2014, and 139 (19.5%) received research payments. The median general payment was $11 (£8; €9) (interquartile range $0-2923) and the median research payment was $0 ($0-0). The mean general payment was $28 136 (SD $415 045), and the mean research payment was $37 963 (SD $175 239). The highest median general payments were received by journal editors from endocrinology ($7207, $0-85 816), cardiology ($2664, $0-12 912), gastroenterology ($696, $0-20 002), rheumatology ($515, $0-14 280), and urology ($480, $90-669). For high impact general medicine journals, median payments were $0 ($0-14). A review of the 52 journal websites revealed that editor conflict of interest policies were readily accessible (ie, within five minutes) for 17/52 (32.7%) of journals. Conclusions Industry payments to journal editors are common and often large, particularly for certain subspecialties. Journals should consider the potential impact of such payments on public trust in published research. PMID:29074628

Temozolomide Injection

MedlinePlus

... medical treatment: unusual bleeding or bruising red or black, tarry stools pink, red, or dark brown urine coughing up or vomiting blood or material ... the following: unusual bleeding or bruising red or black, tarry stools pink, red, or dark brown urine coughing up or vomiting blood or material ...

MRI and low back pain

MedlinePlus

... back pain: Cannot pass urine or stools Cannot control your urine or stools Difficulty with walking and balance Back pain that is severe in children Fever History of cancer Other signs or symptoms of cancer Recent serious fall or injury Back pain that is very severe, ...

Warning Signs of Breastfeeding Problems

MedlinePlus

... and four stools per day, her urine is dark yellow or specked with red, or her stools are still dark rather than yellow and loose. If you or ... Academy of Pediatrics) The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute ...

High within-day variability of fecal calprotectin levels in patients with active ulcerative colitis: what is the best timing for stool sampling?

PubMed

Calafat, Margalida; Cabré, Eduard; Mañosa, Míriam; Lobatón, Triana; Marín, Laura; Domènech, Eugeni

2015-05-01

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is considered the best noninvasive way to assess disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is not known which is the more suitable moment for stool sampling in patients with increased stool frequency. The aims of this study were to assess the intraindividual variation of FC within day and to evaluate if the first bowel movement in the morning is the more suitable sample for FC measurement in patients with acute flares of UC. Patients admitted because of active UC were invited to collect samples from several bowel movements (including the first in the morning) during the same day providing their ordinal chronology. FC was measured by means of a quantitative rapid point-of-care test based on lateral flow assay immunochromatography. Eighteen patients were included for a total of 56 stool samples. Most patients had extensive UC and severe disease activity. Within-day FC values varied widely, and the median coefficient of variation was 40% (5%-114%) with a median range of variation of FC values of 3887 mg/kg (69-9946). The sample from the first stool in the morning obtained the highest individual FC within-day value in 33.3% of cases and the lowest in 38.9%. FC values widely vary between motions in patients with active UC. Stool sample collection from the first bowel movement in the morning does not ensure the highest or lowest within-day FC value. In patients with overt active UC, a single FC determination should not be used as the basis for therapeutic strategies.

Salivary Microbiota Reflects Changes in Gut Microbiota in Cirrhosis with Hepatic Encephalopathy

PubMed Central

Bajaj, Jasmohan S; Betrapally, Naga S; Hylemon, Phillip B; Heuman, Douglas M; Daita, Kalyani; White, Melanie B; Unser, Ariel; Thacker, Leroy R; Sanyal, Arun J; Kang, Dae Joong; Sikaroodi, Masoumeh; Gillevet, Patrick M

2015-01-01

Background Altered gut microbiome is associated with systemic inflammation and cirrhosis decompensation. However, the correlation of the oral microbiome with inflammation in cirrhosis is unclear. Aim Evaluate the oral microbiome in cirrhosis and compare with stool microbiome. Methods Cirrhotic outpatients [with/without hepatic encephalopathy (HE)] and controls underwent stool/saliva microbiome analysis (for composition and function) and also systemic inflammatory evaluation. 90-day liver-related hospitalizations were recorded. Salivary inflammation was studied using Th1 cytokines/secretory IgA, histatins and lysozyme in a subsequent group. Results 102 cirrhotics (43 prior-HE) and 32 age-matched controls were included. On PCO, stool and saliva microbiome clustered far apart showing differences between sites as a whole. Salivary microbiome With prior-HE, relative abundance of autochthonous families decreased while potentially pathogenic ones (Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae) increased in saliva. Endotoxin-related predicted functions were significantly higher in cirrhotic saliva. Stool microbiome Relative autochthonous taxa abundance reduced in prior-HE, along with increased Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae. Cirrhotic stool microbiota demonstrated a significantly higher correlation with systemic inflammation compared to saliva microbiota on correlation networks. Outcomes 38 patients were hospitalized within 90 days. Their salivary dysbiosis was significantly worse and predicted this outcome independent of cirrhosis severity. Salivary inflammation was studied in an additional 86 age-matched subjects (43 controls/43 cirrhotics); significantly higher IL-6/IL-1β, secretory IgA and lower lysozyme, and histatins 1 and 5 were found in cirrhotics compared to controls. Conclusions Dysbiosis, represented by reduction in autochthonous bacteria, is present in both saliva and stool in cirrhosis patients compared to controls. Cirrhotic patients have impaired salivary defenses and worse inflammation. Salivary dysbiosis was greater in cirrhotics who developed 90-day hospitalizations. These findings could represent a global mucosal-immune interface change in cirrhosis. PMID:25820757

Validation of the 3-day rule for stool bacterial tests in Japan.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Masanori; Sako, Akahito; Ogami, Toshiko; Nishimura, So; Asayama, Naoki; Yada, Tomoyuki; Nagata, Naoyoshi; Sakurai, Toshiyuki; Yokoi, Chizu; Kobayakawa, Masao; Yanase, Mikio; Masaki, Naohiko; Takeshita, Nozomi; Uemura, Naomi

2014-01-01

Stool cultures are expensive and time consuming, and the positive rate of enteric pathogens in cases of nosocomial diarrhea is low. The 3-day rule, whereby clinicians order a Clostridium difficile (CD) toxin test rather than a stool culture for inpatients developing diarrhea >3 days after admission, has been well studied in Western countries. The present study sought to validate the 3-day rule in an acute care hospital setting in Japan. Stool bacterial and CD toxin test results for adult patients hospitalized in an acute care hospital in 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. Specimens collected after an initial positive test were excluded. The positive rate and cost-effectiveness of the tests were compared among three patient groups. The adult patients were divided into three groups for comparison: outpatients, patients hospitalized for ≤3 days and patients hospitalized for ≥4 days. Over the 12-month period, 1,597 stool cultures were obtained from 992 patients, and 880 CD toxin tests were performed in 529 patients. In the outpatient, inpatient ≤3 days and inpatient ≥4 days groups, the rate of positive stool cultures was 14.2%, 3.6% and 1.3% and that of positive CD toxin tests was 1.9%, 7.1% and 8.5%, respectively. The medical costs required to obtain one positive result were 9,181, 36,075 and 103,600 JPY and 43,200, 11,333 and 9,410 JPY, respectively. The 3-day rule was validated for the first time in a setting other than a Western country. Our results revealed that the "3-day rule" is also useful and cost-effective in Japan.

New ultrasonographic evaluation of stool and/or gas distribution for treatment of chronic constipation.

PubMed

Manabe, Noriaki; Kamada, Tomoari; Hata, Jiro; Haruma, Ken

2018-03-01

The first aim of this study was to develop a new ultrasonographic method (US) to evaluate stool and/or gas distribution. The second aim was to apply this method to compare stool and/or gas distribution between healthy subjects and patients with chronic constipation and evaluate whether US parameters could be an alternative to the colonic transit time (CTT). We enrolled seven healthy volunteers (four men, three women; mean age 29.3 ± 5.2 years) who underwent US and computed tomography (CT) on the same day to evaluate the reproducibility of US results. We then enrolled 268 patients with chronic constipation (94 men, 174 women; mean age 63.3 ± 4.2 years) and 66 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (controls). The transverse diameters of four segments of the colon [ascending (AC), transverse (TC), descending (DC), and sigmoid (SC)] and the rectum (R) were measured, and their stool and/or gas distribution was evaluated using the constipation index (CI) [AC + TC + DC + SC + R/5] and left/right (L/R) distribution [(DC + SC)/(AC + TC)]. The CTT was assessed using radiopaque markers. All healthy subjects underwent US and CT successfully, with a sufficiently high reproducibility coefficient for this method and significant correlation between the US and CT parameters. The stool and/or gas distribution evaluated by US showed a significant difference in one of the US parameters between healthy subjects and patients, and the CI was an indirect indicator for the CTT. These findings may assist physicians evaluate stool and/or gas distribution of patients with chronic constipation, which is an indirect indicator for CTT.

A case of Dipylidium caninum infection in a child from the southeastern Poland.

PubMed

Szwaja, Bogusława; Romański, Leszek; Zabczyk, Michał

2011-01-01

Dipylidium caninum is a common intestinal tapeworm of dogs, cats and foxes. However, it occasionally infects also humans. We present a case of D. caninum infection in a 2-year-old child living in the Subcarpathian province. The infection was asymptomatic in the first months. The symptoms of abdominal pains, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, hyperactivity and occasional slimy stools appeared later. Proglottids on the underwear, in water while bathing and mobile proglottids passed with the stool were also observed. Prior to appropriate diagnosis the child was treated with pyrantelum (Pyrantelum) and albendazolum (Zentel). However, proglottids were found again in the stool after a few days. We examined stool samples and perianal smears collected from the child and his family. The stool samples were tested by coproscopic methods. Direct methods (direct preparation in 0.9% sodium chloride and in Lugol's solution, Kato thick smear) and concentration methods (decantation with distilled water and Faust's zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation) were used. In the stool samples taken from the child, we observed D. caninum proglottids demonstrating lateral genital pores and many packets of eggs containing from one to a few, mostly 3 to 4 eggs. In the direct preparations in 0.9% sodium chloride and in Lugol's solution single packets with D. caninum eggs were detected. In decantation preparations many D. caninum egg packets were observed. It has to be reported that the child's mother was infected with Giardia intestinalis. Dipylidiasis in humans is a rarely encountered infection in Poland and the diagnosis may be difficult. For these reasons we reported clinical case presentation, diagnostics, treatment and epidemiology of D. caninum infection. We have shown that concentration methods such as decantation might be very helpful in the diagnosis of dipylidiasis.

Laxative effects of agarwood on low-fiber diet-induced constipation in rats.

PubMed

Kakino, Mamoru; Tazawa, Shigemi; Maruyama, Hiroe; Tsuruma, Kazuhiro; Araki, Yoko; Shimazawa, Masamitsu; Hara, Hideaki

2010-11-15

Agarwood (Aquilaria sinensis), well known as incense in Southeast Asia, has been used as a digestive in traditional medicine. We investigated the laxative effects of an ethanol extract of agarwood leaves (EEA) in a rat model of low-fiber diet-induced constipation. A set of rats was bred on a normal diet while another set was placed on a low-fiber diet to induce constipation. The laxative effect of agarwood was then investigated on both sets of rats. Pretreatment of normal rats with single dose of EEA (600 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased frequency and weight of stools. Also, treatments with EEA (300 and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days caused a significant increase in stool frequency and weight. Feeding of the animals with a low-fiber diet resulted in a decrease in stool weight, frequency, and water content and also delayed carmine egestion. A single treatment with EEA (600 mg/kg) or senna (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly increased stool frequency, weight, and water content and also accelerated carmine egestion in the model rats. Once daily administrations of EEA (150 mg/kg), for 14 days, caused a significant increase in water content of stools. The higher doses of EEA (300 and 600 mg/kg) significantly increased frequency, weight, and water content of the stools while accelerating carmine egestion in the constipated rats. Senna (150 and 300 mg/kg) produced similar effect as the higher doses of EEA but, in addition, induced severe diarrhea. These findings indicate that EEA has a laxative effect, without causing diarrhea, in a rat model of low-fiber diet-induced constipation. These findings suggest that EEA may be highly effective on constipation as a complementary medicine in humans suffering from life style-induced constipation.

Recommendations for pharmacological clinical trials in children with irritable bowel syndrome: the Rome foundation pediatric subcommittee on clinical trials.

PubMed

Saps, M; van Tilburg, M A L; Lavigne, J V; Miranda, A; Benninga, M A; Taminiau, J A; Di Lorenzo, C

2016-11-01

There is little published evidence of efficacy for the most commonly used treatments. Thus, there is an urgent need to conduct clinical trials on existing and novel therapies. In order to address these issues the Rome Foundation and members of the Pediatric Committee of the European Medicines Agency formed a subcommittee on clinical trials to develop guidelines for the design of clinical trials in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The following recommendations are based on evidence from published data when available and expert opinion. The subcommittee recommends randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trials to assess the efficacy of new drugs. The combined endpoints for abdominal pain are a decrease in intensity of at least 30% compared with baseline and to meet or exceed the Reliable Change Index (RCI) for the sample. Stool consistency is measured with the Bristol Stool Scale Form (BSFS). The subcommittee recommends as entry criteria for abdominal pain a weekly average of worst abdominal pain in past 24 h of at least 3.0 on a 0-10 point scale or at least 30 mm in 100 mm Visual Analog Scale. For stool endpoints the committee recommends an average stool consistency lower than 3 in the BSFS during the run-in period for clinical trials on IBS-C and an average stool consistency greater than 5 in the BSFS during the run-in period for clinical trials on IBS-D. Changes in stool consistency are the primary endpoints for both IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS with constipation (IBS-C). © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Intestinal blood loss during cow milk feeding in older infants: quantitative measurements.

PubMed

Jiang, T; Jeter, J M; Nelson, S E; Ziegler, E E

2000-07-01

To determine the response, in terms of fecal hemoglobin excretion and clinical symptoms, of normal 9 1/2-month-old infants to being fed cow milk. Longitudinal (before-after) trial in which each infant was fed formula for 1 month (baseline) followed by 3 months during which cow milk was fed. Healthy infants living in Iowa City, Iowa, a town with a population of about 60,000. Hemoglobin concentration in spot stools, 96-hour quantitative fecal hemoglobin excretion, stool characteristics, feeding-related behaviors, and iron nutritional status. Fecal hemoglobin concentration during formula feeding (baseline) was higher than previously observed in younger infants. Nine of 31 infants responded to cow milk feeding with increased fecal hemoglobin concentration. Fecal hemoglobin concentration (mean +/- SD) of the 9 responders rose from 1,395 +/- 856 microg/g of dry stool (baseline) to 2,711 +/- 1,732 microg/g of dry stool (P=.01). The response rate (29%) was similar to that in younger infants, but the intensity of the response was much less. Quantitative hemoglobin excretion was in general agreement with estimates based on spot stool hemoglobin concentrations. Cow milk feeding was not associated with recognizable changes in stool characteristics, nor were there clinical signs related to fecal blood loss. Iron status was similar, except that after 3 months of cow milk feeding responders showed lower (P= .047) ferritin concentrations than nonresponders. Cow milk-induced blood loss is present in 9 1/2-month-old infants but is of such low intensity that its clinical significance seems questionable. Nevertheless, infants without cow milk-induced blood loss were in better iron nutritional status than infants who showed blood loss.

Repeated stool sampling and use of multiple techniques enhance the sensitivity of helminth diagnosis: a cross-sectional survey in southern Lao People's Democratic Republic.

PubMed

Sayasone, Somphou; Utzinger, Jürg; Akkhavong, Kongsap; Odermatt, Peter

2015-01-01

Intestinal parasitic infections are common in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). We investigated the accuracy of the Kato-Katz (KK) technique in relation to varying stool sampling efforts, and determined the effect of the concurrent use of a quantitative formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) for helminth diagnosis and appraisal of concomitant infections. The study was carried out between March and May 2006 in Champasack province, southern Lao PDR. Overall, 485 individuals aged ≥6 months who provided three stool samples were included in the final analysis. All stool samples were subjected to the KK technique. Additionally, one stool sample per individual was processed by FECT. Diagnosis was done under a light microscope by experienced laboratory technicians. Analysis of three stool samples with KK plus a single FECT was considered as diagnostic 'gold' standard and resulted in prevalence estimates of hookworm, Opisthorchis viverrini, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Schistosoma mekongi infection of 77.9%, 65.0%, 33.4%, 26.2% and 24.3%, respectively. As expected, a single KK and a single FECT missed a considerable number of infections. While our diagnostic 'gold' standard produced similar results than those obtained by a mathematical model for most helminth infections, the 'true' prevalence predicted by the model for S. mekongi (28.1%) was somewhat higher than after multiple KK plus a single FECT (24.3%). In the current setting, triplicate KK plus a single FECT diagnosed helminth infections with high sensitivity. Hence, such a diagnostic approach might be utilised for generating high-quality baseline data, assessing anthelminthic drug efficacy and rigorous monitoring of community interventions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Digestion-resistant maltodextrin effects on colonic transit time and stool weight: a randomized controlled clinical study.

PubMed

Abellán Ruiz, María Salud; Barnuevo Espinosa, María Dolores; Contreras Fernández, Carlos J; Luque Rubia, Antonio J; Sánchez Ayllón, Francisca; Aldeguer García, Miriam; García Santamaría, Carlos; López Román, Francisco Javier

2016-12-01

Increased awareness of the importance of dietary fibre has led to increased interest in "functional" fibre components like digestion-resistant maltodextrin (RMD). This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effects of RMD in the colonic transit time (CTT) and defecation characteristics (frequency, stool volume and consistency). Sixty-six healthy adult volunteers (32 men) who did not have a daily defecation habit had a 7-day run-in period before the 21-day intervention period with RMD or placebo. CTT and segmental CTT (SCTT) were assessed by a single abdominal X-ray film taken at the end of both periods after radiopaque marker ingestion. Defecation characteristics and intestinal functions were also assessed, which were self-reported by patients. Intragroup comparisons were evaluated by Student's paired t test, Bonferroni test and Chi-square test, while time comparisons by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and time-by-treatment interaction by repeated-measures ANOVA. Fifty-seven subjects were assessed for CTT (placebo, n = 28; RMD, n = 29). In the RMD group, the total CTT, left SCTT and rectosigmoidal SCTT decreased significantly compared to baseline (p < 0.01 each; -13.3, -4.7, -8.7 h, respectively). Significant differences between groups were observed in total CTT and left SCTT. Significant time-by-treatment interaction was observed in the RMD group for stool volume (p = 0.014), increasing 56 % compared to baseline (p < 0.01), while remained unchanged in the placebo group. Stool consistency was improved only in the RMD group (p < 0.01). No adverse effects related to study products were observed. The results show that RMD improved CTT, stool volume, stool consistency and some intestinal functions in a healthy population.

A mechanistic multicentre, parallel group, randomised placebo-controlled trial of mesalazine for the treatment of IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D).

PubMed

Lam, Ching; Tan, Wei; Leighton, Matthew; Hastings, Margaret; Lingaya, Melanie; Falcone, Yirga; Zhou, Xiaoying; Xu, Luting; Whorwell, Peter; Walls, Andrew F; Zaitoun, Abed; Montgomery, Alan; Spiller, Robin

2016-01-01

Immune activation has been reported in the mucosa of IBS patients with diarrhoea (IBS-D), and some small studies have suggested that mesalazine may reduce symptoms. We performed a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial of 2 g mesalazine twice daily versus placebo for 3 months in patients with Rome III criteria IBS-D. Primary outcome was daily average stool frequency during weeks 11-12; secondary outcomes were abdominal pain, stool consistency, urgency and satisfactory relief of IBS symptoms. Participants were randomised after a 2-week baseline stool diary. All participants completed a 12-week stool diary and at the end of each week recorded the presence of 'satisfactory relief of IBS symptoms'. 136 patients with IBS-D (82 women, 54 men) were randomised, 10 patients withdrew from each group. Analysis by intention to treat showed the daily average stool frequency during weeks 11 and 12 were mean (SD), 2.8 (1.2) in mesalazine and 2.7 (1.9) in the placebo group with no significant group difference, (95% CI) 0.1 (-0.33 to 0.53), p=0.66. Mesalazine did not improve abdominal pain, stool consistency nor percentage with satisfactory relief compared with placebo during the last two-weeks follow-up. This study does not support any clinically meaningful benefit or harm of mesalazine compared with placebo in unselected patients with IBS-D. More precise subtyping based on underlying disease mechanisms is needed to allow more effective targeting of treatment in IBS. NCT01316718. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

DNA Methylation and Mutation of Small Colonic Neoplasms in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Colitis: Implications for Surveillance.

PubMed

Johnson, David H; Taylor, William R; Aboelsoud, Mohammed M; Foote, Patrick H; Yab, Tracy C; Cao, Xiaoming; Smyrk, Thomas C; Loftus, Edward V; Mahoney, Douglas W; Ahlquist, David A; Kisiel, John B

2016-07-01

Stool DNA testing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may detect colorectal cancer and advanced precancers with high sensitivity; less is known about the presence of DNA markers in small IBD lesions, their association with metachronous neoplasia, or contribution to stool test positivity. At a single center in 2 blinded phases, we assayed methylated bone morphogenic protein 3, methylated N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 4, and mutant KRAS in DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded benign lesions, and matched control tissues of patients with IBD, who were followed for subsequent colorectal dysplasia. Stool samples from independent cases and controls with lesions <1 cm or advanced neoplasms were assayed for the same markers. Among IBD lesions (29 low-grade dysplasia, 19 serrated epithelial change, and 10 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps), the prevalence of methylation was significantly higher than in mucosae from 44 matched IBD controls (P < 0.0001 for methylated bone morphogenic protein 3 or methylated N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 4). KRAS mutations were more abundant in serrated epithelial change than all other groups (P < 0.001). Subsequent dysplasia was not associated with DNA marker levels. In stools, the sensitivity of methylated bone morphogenic protein 3 as a single marker was 60% for all lesions <1 cm, 63% for low-grade dysplasia ≥1 cm and 81% for high-grade dysplasia/colorectal cancer, all at 91% specificity (P < 0.0001). Selected DNA markers known to be present in advanced IBD neoplasia can also be detected in both tissues and stools from IBD patients with small adenomas and serrated lesions. Mutant KRAS exfoliated from serrated epithelial change lesions might raise false-positive rates. These findings have relevance to potential future applications of stool DNA testing for IBD surveillance.

Use of a Novel Real-Time PCR Assay To Detect Oral Polio Vaccine Shedding and Reversion in Stool and Sewage Samples after a Mexican National Immunization Day▿

PubMed Central

Troy, Stephanie B.; Ferreyra-Reyes, Leticia; Huang, ChunHong; Mahmud, Nadim; Lee, Yu-Jin; Canizales-Quintero, Sergio; Flaster, Harry; Báez-Saldaña, Renata; García-García, Lourdes; Maldonado, Yvonne

2011-01-01

During replication, oral polio vaccine (OPV) can revert to neurovirulence and cause paralytic poliomyelitis. In individual vaccinees, it can acquire specific revertant point mutations, leading to vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP). With longer replication, OPV can mutate into vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV), which causes poliomyelitis outbreaks similar to those caused by wild poliovirus. After wild poliovirus eradication, safely phasing out vaccination will likely require global use of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) until cessation of OPV circulation. Mexico, where children receive routine IPV but where OPV is given biannually during national immunization days (NIDs), provides a natural setting to study the duration of OPV circulation in a population primarily vaccinated with IPV. We developed a real-time PCR assay to detect and distinguish revertant and nonrevertant OPV serotype 1 (OPV-1), OPV-2, and OPV-3 from RNA extracted directly from stool and sewage. Stool samples from 124 children and 8 1-liter sewage samples from Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico, collected 6 to 13 weeks after a NID were analyzed. Revertant OPV-1 was found in stool at 7 and 9 weeks, and nonrevertant OPV-2 and OPV-3 were found in stool from two children 10 weeks after the NID. Revertant OPV-1 and nonrevertant OPV-2 and -3 were detected in sewage at 6 and 13 weeks after the NID. Our real-time PCR assay was able to detect small amounts of OPV in both stool and sewage and to distinguish nonrevertant and revertant serotypes and demonstrated that OPV continues to circulate at least 13 weeks after a NID in a Mexican population routinely immunized with IPV. PMID:21411577

ISTP CDF Skeleton Editor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chimiak, Reine; Harris, Bernard; Williams, Phillip

2013-01-01

Basic Common Data Format (CDF) tools (e.g., cdfedit) provide no specific support for creating International Solar-Terrestrial Physics/Space Physics Data Facility (ISTP/SPDF) standard files. While it is possible for someone who is familiar with the ISTP/SPDF metadata guidelines to create compliant files using just the basic tools, the process is error-prone and unreasonable for someone without ISTP/SPDF expertise. The key problem is the lack of a tool with specific support for creating files that comply with the ISTP/SPDF guidelines. There are basic CDF tools such as cdfedit and skeletoncdf for creating CDF files, but these have no specific support for creating ISTP/ SPDF compliant files. The SPDF ISTP CDF skeleton editor is a cross-platform, Java-based GUI editor program that allows someone with only a basic understanding of the ISTP/SPDF guidelines to easily create compliant files. The editor is a simple graphical user interface (GUI) application for creating and editing ISTP/SPDF guideline-compliant skeleton CDF files. The SPDF ISTP CDF skeleton editor consists of the following components: A swing-based Java GUI program, JavaHelp-based manual/ tutorial, Image/Icon files, and HTML Web page for distribution. The editor is available as a traditional Java desktop application as well as a Java Network Launching Protocol (JNLP) application. Once started, it functions like a typical Java GUI file editor application for creating/editing application-unique files.

DeviceEditor visual biological CAD canvas

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Biological Computer Aided Design (bioCAD) assists the de novo design and selection of existing genetic components to achieve a desired biological activity, as part of an integrated design-build-test cycle. To meet the emerging needs of Synthetic Biology, bioCAD tools must address the increasing prevalence of combinatorial library design, design rule specification, and scar-less multi-part DNA assembly. Results We report the development and deployment of web-based bioCAD software, DeviceEditor, which provides a graphical design environment that mimics the intuitive visual whiteboard design process practiced in biological laboratories. The key innovations of DeviceEditor include visual combinatorial library design, direct integration with scar-less multi-part DNA assembly design automation, and a graphical user interface for the creation and modification of design specification rules. We demonstrate how biological designs are rendered on the DeviceEditor canvas, and we present effective visualizations of genetic component ordering and combinatorial variations within complex designs. Conclusions DeviceEditor liberates researchers from DNA base-pair manipulation, and enables users to create successful prototypes using standardized, functional, and visual abstractions. Open and documented software interfaces support further integration of DeviceEditor with other bioCAD tools and software platforms. DeviceEditor saves researcher time and institutional resources through correct-by-construction design, the automation of tedious tasks, design reuse, and the minimization of DNA assembly costs. PMID:22373390

[Honesty and good faith: two cornerstones in the ethics of biomedical publications].

PubMed

Reyes, Humberto

2007-04-01

The editors of medical journals should take the steps necessary to assure its readers that the contents of their publications are based in true data, that they are original and fulfill the ethical rules of biomedical and clinical research, including its reporting. This editors role has become increasingly difficult since the pressure to publish scientific papers is progressively stimulated by the role that those papers play in curricula vitae when the authors apply for university positions, academic promotions, research grants and for their personal prestige. As a consequence, increasing instances of misconduct in scientific publications are detected. Some cases are noticed during the editorial process, mostly when peer reviewers identify redundant publications or plagiarism. Other cases are denounced after a manuscript was published. It is the editors duty to verify the misconduct, request an explanation from the authors and, if their answer is unsatisfactory, report the problem to the institutional authorities supporting the authors. The editors should denounce the situation in a forthcoming issue of the journal. Universities should enforce the teaching of ethical rules that govern the report of scientific information. Revista Médica de Chile follows recommendations given by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, the World Association of Medical Editors and other groups, but honesty and good faith in all the actors involved in the process of biomedical publications (authors, reviewers, editors) remain the cornerstones of scientific good behavior.

Magazine Article Placement: How Editors, Regular Contributors, and Novice Writers Rate Query Letters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jolliffe, Lee

About 350,000 freelance magazine articles were purchased by magazine editors last year from the 22,000 freelancers and 225,000 would-be freelancers in the United States. A study examined the factors editors judge most important in selecting freelance magazine article proposals, using factor analysis and qualitative examination of persuasive…

Editorial Page Editors and Endorsements: Chain-owned vs. Independent Newspapers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

St. Dizier, Byron

Questionnaires were sent to 114 of the 228 editorial page editors at newspapers in the United States with daily circulations greater than 50,000 for a study that compared (1) the editor-publisher relationship existing at chains to that found at independent papers, and (2) the 1984 presidential endorsements made by chains to those by independent…

Linguistic Prescriptivism in Letters to the Editor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lukac, Morana

2016-01-01

The public's concern with the fate of the standard language has been well documented in the history of the complaint tradition. The print media have for centuries featured letters to the editor on questions of language use. This study examines a corpus of 258 language-related letters to the editor published in the English-speaking print media. By…

Beacon Editor: Capturing Signal Transduction Pathways Using the Systems Biology Graphical Notation Activity Flow Language.

PubMed

Elmarakeby, Haitham; Arefiyan, Mostafa; Myers, Elijah; Li, Song; Grene, Ruth; Heath, Lenwood S

2017-12-01

The Beacon Editor is a cross-platform desktop application for the creation and modification of signal transduction pathways using the Systems Biology Graphical Notation Activity Flow (SBGN-AF) language. Prompted by biologists' requests for enhancements, the Beacon Editor includes numerous powerful features for the benefit of creation and presentation.

Long-term Shedding of Influenza A Virus in Stool of Immunocompromised Child

PubMed Central

Mix, Samantha; Rowe, Judy; Ikemoto, Sheryl; Baron, Ellen J.

2010-01-01

In immunocompromised patients, influenza infection may progress to prolonged viral shedding from the respiratory tract despite antiviral therapy. We describe chronic influenza A virus infection in an immunocompromised child who had prolonged shedding of culturable influenza virus in stool. PMID:20587197

6. MOBILE LAUNCHER SIDE 4, SHOWING MILK STOOL AND LUT. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

6. MOBILE LAUNCHER SIDE 4, SHOWING MILK STOOL AND LUT. PROTRUSION ON UPPER RIGHT HAND SIDE OF LUT IS SWING ARM NINE WHICH PROVIDED ACCESS TO CAPSULE OF LAUNCH VEHICLE WHILE ON LAUNCHER. - Mobile Launcher One, Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, Brevard County, FL

[Rice water with and without electrolytes in diarrhea with a high stool output].

PubMed

Mota-Hernández, F; Posadas-Tello, N M; Rodríguez-Leyva, G

1993-12-01

The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of two rice-based oral rehydration solutions, with and without added electrolyte in children presenting acute diarrheal dehydration with high stool output (> 10 mL/kg/h) during a two-hour rehydration period. Twenty-two patients of one to 18 months old were recruited and randomly distributed into two groups: group A received the rice-based solution without electrolytes, and group B received the rice-based solution with electrolytes. A stool output diminishing was observed in both groups and rehydration was achieved in 4.0 +/- 0.9 hours in 21 patients from group A and in 4.6 +/- 0.9 hours in 13 patients group group B. There was not a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the laboratory results. The rice-based oral rehydration solution without added electrolytes was useful for rehydration of children presenting high stool output, after administering the WHO/ORS recommended formula during a two-hour period.

Results of a 6-month survey of stool cultures for Escherichia coli O157:H7.

PubMed

Marshall, W F; McLimans, C A; Yu, P K; Allerberger, F J; Van Scoy, R E; Anhalt, J P

1990-06-01

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a recently recognized enteric pathogen that causes acute hemorrhagic colitis. Although the infection is usually self-limited, it may be complicated by hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. At our institution, stool specimens are now routinely cultured for this organism. To determine the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7-associated diarrhea in our patient population, we surveyed all submitted stool cultures for 6 months for this organism. Specimens were screened for non-sorbitol fermenting E. coli and confirmed by slide-agglutination and immobilization testing. Of 2,164 specimens, 10 yielded E. coli O157:H7. It was the fourth most common bacterial stool pathogen found. Bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain were the most common symptoms of the infected patients. E. coli O157:H7 causes sporadic infections in our patient population and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute hemorrhagic colitis.

Letter from the Board of Directors of Astronomy & Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meynet, Georges

2005-07-01

1. New A&A memberships and scientific editorial structure for the Letters section At its meeting in Tartu, Estonia on 8 May 2004, the A&A Board of Directors decided to grant observer status on the Board to Brazil, Chile, and Portugal (Sandqvist 2004, A&A, 426, E15). Then on 6-7 May 2005, at its meeting in La Laguna, Spain, the Board of Directors admitted these three countries to full membership in A&A, starting 1 January 2006. The Letters Editor, Dr. P. Schneider, will complete his terms of service on 31 January 2006. A&A is indebted to him for his thoughtful and competent editing over the past several years. As a consequence of his departure, the Board has decided to restructure the manner in which the Letters will be handled as of 1 January 2006. The Associate Editor-in-Chief, Dr. M. Walmsley, will also become Editor-in-Chief for the Letters, and he will forward the Letters to the appropriate topical Associate Editor to organize the reviewing process. Likewise, the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. C. Bertout, will become the Associate Letters-Editor-in-Chief. This change will permit a more specialized treatment of Letters in the future and also allow Letters to benefit from language editing. Hence, after 1 January 2006, manuscripts for Letters should be submitted via the A&A Manuscript Management System (MMS) that is already in place for Main Journal submissions. Letters submitted before that will be handled by the current Letters Editor even after 1 January 2006. 2. New Associate Editor positions Considering both the increased workload on the Associate Editors due to the above change and the continuing specialization of sub-fields in astronomy, the Board decided to open two new positions for Associate Editors, one specialized in Cosmology with a particular interest in theoretical aspects and the other in Observational Stellar Physics. Applications are invited for these two new positions. The Associate Editors are expected to have a broad knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics and to have expertise in one of these two sub-fields. Candidates should have a strong record of published research in astronomy and astrophysics, should have experience as a referee and/or journal editor, and be prepared to commit the time needed to oversee the peer review of up to three hundred papers per year. Limited support for office equipment and secretarial help, as well as an annual indemnity, will be provided to the Associate Editors, and the initial term of appointment is three years. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a concise covering letter that summarizes the candidate's qualifications and the reasons for seeking an Associate Editor position. The likelihood of support from the home institute for the task should also be discussed in the application. Applications should preferably be e-mailed or sent/faxed to the Chairman of the Board of Directors: Dr. Georges Meynet, Geneva Observatory, 1290 Sauverny, Switzerland, email georges.meynet@obs.unige.ch, Fax:+41 22 37 92205. Applications received by 1 October 2005 will receive full consideration, while informal inquiries about the positions may be directed by e-mail to Georges Meynet. On behalf of the Board of Directors Georges Meynet

An international survey and modified Delphi process revealed editors' perceptions, training needs, and ratings of competency-related statements for the development of core competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals.

PubMed

Galipeau, James; Cobey, Kelly D; Barbour, Virginia; Baskin, Patricia; Bell-Syer, Sally; Deeks, Jonathan; Garner, Paul; Shamseer, Larissa; Sharon, Straus; Tugwell, Peter; Winker, Margaret; Moher, David

2017-01-01

Background: Scientific editors (i.e., those who make decisions on the content and policies of a journal) have a central role in the editorial process at biomedical journals. However, very little is known about the training needs of these editors or what competencies are required to perform effectively in this role. Methods: We conducted a survey of perceptions and training needs among scientific editors from major editorial organizations around the world, followed by a modified Delphi process in which we invited the same scientific editors to rate the importance of competency-related statements obtained from a previous scoping review. Results: A total of 148 participants completed the survey of perceptions and training needs. At least 80% of participants agreed on six of the 38 skill and expertise-related statements presented to them as being important or very important to their role as scientific editors. At least 80% agreed on three of the 38 statements as necessary skills they perceived themselves as possessing (well or very well).  The top five items on participants' list of top training needs were training in statistics, research methods, publication ethics, recruiting and dealing with peer reviewers, and indexing of journals. The three rounds of the Delphi were completed by 83, 83, and 73 participants, respectively, which ultimately produced a list of 23 "highly rated" competency-related statements and another 86 "included" items. Conclusion: Both the survey and the modified Delphi process will be critical for understanding knowledge and training gaps among scientific editors when designing curriculum around core competencies in the future.

A survey of the awareness, knowledge, policies and views of veterinary journal Editors-in-Chief on reporting guidelines for publication of research

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Wider adoption of reporting guidelines by veterinary journals could improve the quality of published veterinary research. The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge and views of veterinary Editors-in-Chief on reporting guidelines, identify the policies of their journals, and determine their information needs. Editors-in-Chief of 185 journals on the contact list for the International Association of Veterinary Editors (IAVE) were surveyed in April 2012 using an online questionnaire which contained both closed and open questions. Results The response rate was 36.8% (68/185). Thirty-six of 68 editors (52.9%) stated they knew what a reporting guideline was before receiving the questionnaire. Editors said they had found out about reporting guidelines primarily through articles in other journals, via the Internet and through their own journal. Twenty of 57 respondents (35.1%) said their journal referred to reporting guidelines in its instructions to authors. CONSORT, REFLECT, and ARRIVE were the most frequently cited. Forty-four of 68 respondents (68.2%) believed that reporting guidelines should be adopted by all refereed veterinary journals. Qualitative analysis of the open questions revealed that lack of knowledge, fear, resistance to change, and difficulty in implementation were perceived as barriers to the adoption of reporting guidelines by journals. Editors suggested that reporting guidelines be promoted through communication and education of the veterinary community, with roles for the IAVE and universities. Many respondents believed a consensus policy on guideline implementation was needed for veterinary journals. Conclusions Further communication and education about reporting guidelines for editors, authors and reviewers has the potential to increase their adoption by veterinary journals in the future. PMID:24410882

An increasing problem in publication ethics: Publication bias and editors' role in avoiding it.

PubMed

Ekmekci, Perihan Elif

2017-06-01

Publication bias is defined as "the tendency on the parts of investigators, reviewers, and editors to submit or accept manuscripts for publication based on the direction or the strength of the study findings."Publication bias distorts the accumulated data in the literature, causes the over estimation of potential benefits of intervention and mantles the risks and adverse effects, and creates a barrier to assessing the clinical utility of drugs as well as evaluating the long-term safety of medical interventions. The World Medical Association, the International Committee of Medical Journals, and the Committee on Publication Ethics have conferred responsibilities and ethical obligations to editors concerning the avoidance of publication bias. Despite the explicit statements in these international documents, the editors' role in and ability to avoid publication bias is still being discussed. Unquestionably, all parties involved in clinical research have the ultimate responsibility to sustain the research integrity and validity of accumulated general knowledge. Cooperation and commitment is required at every step of a clinical trial. However, this holistic approach does not exclude effective measures to be taken at the editors' level. The editors of major medical journals concluded that one precaution that editors can take is to mandate registration of all clinical trials in a public repository as a precondition to submitting manuscripts to journals. Raising awareness regarding the value of publishing negative data for the scientific community and human health, and increasing the number of journals that are dedicated to publishing negative results or that set aside a section in their pages to do so, are positive steps editors can take to avoid publication bias.

Data Sharing: A New Editorial Initiative of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Implications for the Editors´ Network.

PubMed

Alfonso, Fernando; Adamyan, Karlen; Artigou, Jean-Yves; Aschermann, Michael; Boehm, Michael; Buendia, Alfonso; Chu, Pao-Hsien; Cohen, Ariel; Cas, Livio Dei; Dilic, Mirza; Doubell, Anton; Echeverri, Dario; Enç, Nuray; Ferreira-González, Ignacio; Filipiak, Krzysztof J; Flammer, Andreas; Fleck, Eckart; Gatzov, Plamen; Ginghina, Carmen; Goncalves, Lino; Haouala, Habib; Hassanein, Mahmoud; Heusch, Gerd; Huber, Kurt; Hulín, Ivan; Ivanusa, Mario; Krittayaphong, Rungroj; Lau, Chu-Pak; Marinskis, Germanas; Mach, François; Moreira, Luiz Felipe; Nieminen, Tuomo; Oukerraj, Latifa; Perings, Stefan; Pierard, Luc; Potpara, Tatjana; Reyes-Caorsi, Walter; Rim, Se-Joong; Rødevand, Olaf; Saade, Georges; Sander, Mikael; Shlyakhto, Evgeny; Timuralp, Bilgin; Tousoulis, Dimitris; Ural, Dilek; Piek, J J; Varga, Albert; Lüscher, Thomas F

2017-05-01

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) provides recommendations to improve the editorial standards and scientific quality of biomedical journals. These recommendations range from uniform technical requirements to more complex and elusive editorial issues including ethical aspects of the scientific process. Recently, registration of clinical trials, conflicts of interest disclosure, and new criteria for authorship - emphasizing the importance of responsibility and accountability-, have been proposed. Last year, a new editorial initiative to foster sharing of clinical trial data was launched. This review discusses this novel initiative with the aim of increasing awareness among readers, investigators, authors and editors belonging to the Editors´ Network of the European Society of Cardiology. Resumo O Comitê Internacional de Editores de Revistas Médicas (ICMJE) fornece recomendações para aprimorar o padrão editorial e a qualidade científica das revistas biomédicas. Tais recomendações variam desde requisitos técnicos de uniformização até assuntos editoriais mais complexos e elusivos, como os aspectos éticos do processo científico. Recentemente, foram propostos registro de ensaios clínicos, divulgação de conflitos de interesse e novos critérios de autoria, enfatizando a importância da responsabilidade e da responsabilização. No último ano, lançou-se uma nova iniciativa editorial para fomentar o compartilhamento dos dados de ensaios clínicos. Esta revisão discute essa nova iniciativa visando a aumentar a conscientização de leitores, investigadores, autores e editores filiados à Rede de Editores da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia.

Picky eating in preschool children: Associations with dietary fibre intakes and stool hardness.

PubMed

Taylor, Caroline M; Northstone, Kate; Wernimont, Susan M; Emmett, Pauline M

2016-05-01

It has been suggested that constipation may be associated with picky eating. Constipation is a common condition in childhood and a low intake of dietary fibre may be a risk factor. Differences in fibre intake between picky and non-picky children and its relation to stool consistency is currently not well-understood. Children enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children identified as picky eaters (PE) were compared with non-picky eaters (NPE): (1) to determine dietary fibre intake at 38 months; (2) to investigate whether any difference in dietary fibre intake was predictive of usual stool hardness at 42 months. PE was identified from questionnaires at 24 and 38 months. Usual stool hardness was identified from a questionnaire at 42 months. Dietary intake was assessed at 38 months with a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary fibre intake was lower in PE than NPE (mean difference -1.4 (95% CI -1.6, -1.2) g/day, p < 0.001). PE was strongly associated with dietary fibre intake (adjusted regression model; unstandardised B -1.44 (95% CI -1.62, -1.24) g/day, p < 0.001). PE had a lower percentage of fibre from vegetables compared with NPE (8.9% vs 15.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). There was an association between PE and usually having hard stools (adjusted multinomial model; OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.07, 1.61; p = 0.010). This was attenuated when dietary fibre was included in the model, suggesting that fibre intake mediated the association (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.94, 1.43, p = 0.180). Picky eating in 3-year-old children was associated with an increased prevalence of usually having hard stools. This association was mediated by low dietary fibre intake, particularly from vegetables, in PE. For children with PE, dietary advice aimed at increasing fibre intake may help avoid hard stools. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of loperamide plus simethicone versus loperamide alone and simethicone alone in the treatment of acute diarrhea with gas-related abdominal discomfort.

PubMed

Hanauer, Stephen B; DuPont, Herbert L; Cooper, Kimberly M; Laudadio, Charles

2007-05-01

To compare efficacy and tolerability of a loperamide/simethicone (LOP/SIM) combination product with that of loperamide (LOP) alone, simethicone (SIM) alone, and placebo (PBO) for acute nonspecific diarrhea with gas-related abdominal discomfort. In this multicenter, double-blind, 48-h study, patients were randomly assigned to receive two tablets, each containing either LOP/SIM 2 mg/125 mg (n = 121), LOP 2 mg (n = 120), SIM 125 mg (n = 123), or PBO (n = 121), followed by one tablet after each unformed stool, up to four tablets in any 24-h period. The primary outcome measures were time to last unformed stool and time to complete relief of gas-related abdominal discomfort. For time to last unformed stool, an unformed stool after a 24-h period of formed stools or no stools was considered a continuance of the original episode (stricter definition) or a new episode (alternate definition). A total of 483 patients were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. The median time to last unformed stool for LOP/SIM (7.6 h) was significantly shorter than that of LOP (11.5 h), SIM (26.0 h), and PBO (29.4 h) (p < or = 0.0232 in comparison with survival curves) using the alternate definition; it was numerically but not significantly shorter than that of LOP (p = 0.0709) and significantly shorter than that of SIM and PBO (p = 0.0001) using the stricter definition. LOP/SIM-treated patients had a shorter time to complete relief of gas-related abdominal discomfort than patients who received either ingredient alone or placebo (all p = 0.0001). Few patients reported adverse events in the four treatment groups, none of which were serious in nature. Potential study limitations include the ability to generalize study results to the population at large, variability in total dose consumed, and subjectivity of patient diary data. LOP/SIM was well-tolerated and more efficacious than LOP alone, SIM alone, or placebo for acute nonspecific diarrhea and gas-related abdominal discomfort.

Dietary Milk-Fat-Globule Membrane Affects Resistance to Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in Healthy Adults in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study.

PubMed

Ten Bruggencate, Sandra J; Frederiksen, Pernille D; Pedersen, Simon M; Floris-Vollenbroek, Esther G; Lucas-van de Bos, Elly; van Hoffen, Els; Wejse, Peter L

2016-02-01

The milk-fat-globule membrane (MFGM) contains phospholipids and membrane glycoproteins that have been shown to affect pathogen colonization and gut barrier integrity. In the present study, we determined whether commercial heat-treated MFGM can increase resistance to diarrheagenic Escherichia coli. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, 4-wk parallel-intervention study was conducted in healthy adults. Participants were randomly assigned to a milk protein concentrate rich in MFGM [10 g Lacprodan PL-20 (Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S), twice daily; n = 30; MFGM group) or a control [10 g Miprodan 30 (sodium caseinate), twice daily; n = 28]. After 2 wk, participants were orally challenged with live, attenuated diarrheagenic E. coli (10(10) colony-forming units). Primary outcomes were infection-induced diarrhea and fecal diarrheagenic E. coli excretion. Secondary outcomes were gastrointestinal symptoms [Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)], stool frequency, and stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale). Diarrheagenic E. coli resulted in increased fecal output, lower relative fecal dry weight, increased fecal E. coli numbers, and an increase in stool frequency and gastrointestinal complaints at day 1 after challenge. MFGM significantly decreased the E. coli-induced changes in reported stool frequency (1.1 ± 0.1 stools/d in the MFGM group; 1.6 ± 0.2 stools/d in the control group; P = 0.04) and gastrointestinal complaints at day 2 (1.1 ± 0.5 and 2.5 ± 0.6 GSRS scores in the MFGM and control groups, respectively; P = 0.05). MFGM did not affect fecal wet weight and E. coli excretion at day 2 after challenge. The attenuated diarrheagenic E. coli strain transiently induced mild symptoms of a food-borne infection, with complete recovery of reported clinical symptoms within 2 d. The present diarrheagenic E. coli challenge trial conducted in healthy adults indicates that a milk concentrate rich in natural, bioactive phospho- and sphingolipids from the MFGM may improve in vivo resistance to diarrheagenic E. coli. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01800396. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

[Adherence to research reporting guidelines in biomedical journals in Latin America and the Caribbean].

PubMed

Glujovsky, Demián; Villanueva, Eleana; Reveiz, Ludovic; Murasaki, Renato

2014-10-01

To evaluate the familiarity of the editors of journals indexed in the LILACS database with the guidelines for reporting on and publishing research- promoted by the EQUATOR Network (Enhancing QUAlity and Transparency Of Health Research)-, the journals' requirements for use of the guidelines, and the editors' opinions regarding the reasons for the low rate of use. LILACS editors were surveyed by e-mail about the guidelines and their availability at the EQUATOR website, and about the requirements and difficulties in using them. Of 802 editors, 16.4% answered the survey. More than half said they were not aware of the guidelines (especially STROBE and PRISMA) and 30% were familiar with the EQUATOR Network. The first Latin American and Caribbean study on LILACS editors' familiarity with the guidelines revealed that more than half of them were not familiar either with the guidelines or the EQUATOR Network.

Editorial highlighting and highly cited papers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonoyiannakis, Manolis

Editorial highlighting-the process whereby journal editors select, at the time of publication, a small subset of papers that are ostensibly of higher quality, importance or interest-is by now a widespread practice among major scientific journal publishers. Depending on the venue, and the extent to which editorial resources are invested in the process, highlighted papers appear as News & Views, Research Highlights, Perspectives, Editors' Choice, IOP Select, Editors' Summary, Spotlight on Optics, Editors' Picks, Viewpoints, Synopses, Editors' Suggestions, etc. Here, we look at the relation between highlighted papers and highly influential papers, which we define at two levels: having received enough citations to be among the (i) top few percent of their journal, and (ii) top 1% of all physics papers. Using multiple linear regression and multilevel regression modeling we examine the parameters associated with highly influential papers. We briefly comment on cause and effect relationships between citedness and highlighting of papers.

Sam, Brookhaven, and the Physical Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blume, Martin

2010-03-01

Sam Goudsmit came to Brookhaven National Laboratory in 1948, just after the first year of operation of the new institution, and after a year of his postwar appointment as Professor of Physics at Northwestern University. He was named an associate editor of the Physical Review at that time, under the then Managing Editor John T. Tate of the University of Minnesota. Tate had been Editor since 1926, and had presided over the growth of Physical Review to leadership of publication in the world of physics. Tate died in 1950, and after a search under an interim Editor Sam was, in 1951, named Managing Editor. In 1952 he became Chair of the Brookhaven Physics Department, founded Physical Review Letters, and served as department chair until 1960, when he stepped down but remained an Associate Chair. I will discuss my own interactions with Sam during this later period, when I learned of his many faceted talents and accomplishments.

Comparison of a stool antigen detection kit and PCR for diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infections in asymptomatic cyst passers in Iran.

PubMed

Solaymani-Mohammadi, Shahram; Rezaian, Mostafa; Babaei, Zahra; Rajabpour, Azam; Meamar, Ahmad R; Pourbabai, Ahmad A; Petri, William A

2006-06-01

The present study was conducted to compare stool antigen detection with PCR for the diagnosis of Entamoeba sp. infection in asymptomatic cyst passers from Iran. Entamoeba dispar and, in one case, E. moshkovskii were the Entamoeba spp. found in the amebic cyst passers. There was a 100% correlation between the results from the TechLab E. histolytica II stool antigen kit and those from nested PCR. We concluded that E. dispar is much more common in asymptomatic cyst passers in Iran and that antigen detection and PCR are comparable diagnostic modalities.

Bacteriology testing of cardiovascular tissues: comparison of transport solution versus tissue testing.

PubMed

Díaz Rodríguez, R; Van Hoeck, B; Mujaj, B; Ngakam, R; Fan, Y; Bogaerts, K; Jashari, R

2016-06-01

Bacteriology testing is mandatory for quality control of recovered cardiovascular allografts (CVA). In this paper, two different bacteriology examinations (A tests) performed before tissue antibiotic decontamination were compared: transport solution filtration analysis (A1) and tissue fragment direct incubation (A2). For this purpose, 521 CVA (326 heart and 195 artery tissues) from 280 donors were collected and analyzed by the European Homograft Bank (EHB). Transport solution (A1) tested positive in 43.25 % of hearts and in 48.21 % of arteries, whereas the tissue samples (A2) tested positive in 38.34 % of hearts and 33.85 % of arteries. The main species identified in both A1 and A2 were Staphylococcus spp. in 55 and 26 % of cases, and Propionibacterium spp. in 8 and 19 %, respectively. Mismatches in bacteriology results between both initial tests A1 and A2 were found. 18.40 % of the heart valves were identified as positive by A1 whilst 13.50 % were considered positive by A2. For arteries, 20.51 % of cases were positive in A1 and negative in A2, and just 6.15 % of artery allografts presented contamination in the A2 test but were considered negative for the A1 test. Comparison between each A test with the B and C tests after antibiotic treatment of the allograft was also performed. A total decontamination rate of 70.8 % of initial positive A tests was obtained. Due to the described mismatches and different bacteria identification percentage, utilization of both A tests should be implemented in tissue banks in order to avoid false negatives.

Comparison of conventional PCR, quantitative PCR, bacteriological culture and the Warthin Starry technique to detect Leptospira spp. in kidney and liver samples from naturally infected sheep from Brazil.

PubMed

Fornazari, Felipe; da Silva, Rodrigo Costa; Richini-Pereira, Virginia Bodelão; Beserra, Hugo Enrique Orsini; Luvizotto, Maria Cecília Rui; Langoni, Helio

2012-09-01

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease of worldwide importance. The development of diagnostic techniques allows sick animals to be identified, reservoirs to be eliminated and the disease prevented and controlled. The present study aimed to compare different techniques for diagnosing leptospirosis in sheep. Samples of kidney, liver and blood were collected from 465 animals that originated from a slaughterhouse. The sera were analyzed by the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), and kidney and liver samples of seropositive animals were analyzed using four techniques: bacteriological culture, the Warthin Starry (WS) technique, conventional PCR (cPCR), and quantitative PCR (qPCR). With the MAT, 21 animals were positive (4.5%) to serovars Hardjo (n=12), Hebdomadis (n=5), Sentot (n=2), Wolfii (n=1) and Shermani (n=1). Titers were 100 (n=10), 200 (n=2), 400 (n=6) and 1600 (n=3). No animal was positive by bacteriological culture; four animals were positive by the WS technique in kidney samples; six animals were positive by cPCR in kidney samples; and 11 animals were positive by qPCR, eight of which in kidney samples and three in liver. The bacterial quantification revealed a median of 4.3 bacteria/μL in liver samples and 36.6 bacteria/μL in kidney samples. qPCR presented the highest sensitivity among the techniques, followed by cPCR, the WS technique and bacteriological culture. These results indicate that sheep can carry leptospires of the Sejroe serogroup, and demonstrate the efficiency of quantitative PCR to detect Leptospira spp. in tissue samples. Published by Elsevier B.V.

‘A Most Protean Disease’: Aligning Medical Knowledge of Modern Influenza, 1890–1914

PubMed Central

Bresalier, Michael

2012-01-01

This article reconstructs the process of defining influenza as an infectious disease in the contexts of British medicine between 1890 and 1914. It shows how professional agreement on its nature and identity involved aligning different forms of knowledge produced in the field (public health), in the clinic (metropolitan hospitals) and in the laboratory (bacteriology). Two factors were crucial to this process: increasing trust in bacteriology and the organisation of large-scale collective investigations into influenza by Britain’s central public authority, the Medical Department of the Local Government Board. These investigations integrated epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological evidence into a new definition of influenza as a specific infection, in which a germ – Bacillus influenzae – was determined as playing a necessary but not sufficient role in its aetiology, transmission and pathogenesis. In defining ‘modern influenza’, bacteriological concepts and techniques were adapted to and selectively incorporated into existing clinical, pathological and epidemiological approaches. Mutual alignment thus was crucial to its construction and, more generally, to shaping developing relationships between laboratory, clinical and public health medicine in turn-of-the-century Britain. While these relationships were marked by tension and conflict, they were also characterised by important patterns of convergence, in which the problems, interests and practices of public health professionals, clinicians and laboratory pathologists were made increasingly commensurable. Rather than retrospectively judge the late nineteenth-century definition of influenza as being based on the wrong microbe, this article argues for the need to examine how it was established through a particular alignment of medical knowledge, which then underpinned medical approaches to the disease up to and beyond the devastating 1918–19 pandemic. PMID:23112382

Effect of synbiotic supplementation in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

de Freitas, Maiara Brusco; Moreira, Emilia Addison Machado; Oliveira, Diane de Lima; Tomio, Camila; da Rosa, Julia Salvan; Moreno, Yara Maria Franco; Barbosa, Eliana; Ludwig Neto, Norberto; Buccigrossi, Vittoria; Guarino, Alfredo; Fröde, Tânia Silvia

2018-05-01

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by excessive activation of immune processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of synbiotic supplementation on the inflammatory response in children/adolescents with CF. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical-trial was conducted with control group (CG, n = 17), placebo-CF-group (PCFG, n = 19), synbiotic CF-group (SCFG, n = 22), PCFG negative (n = 8) and positive (n = 11) bacteriology, and SCFG negative (n = 12) and positive (n = 10) bacteriology. Markers of lung function (FEV 1 ), nutritional status [body mass index-for age (BMI/A), height-for-age (H/A), weight-for-age (W/A), upper-arm fat area (UFA), upper-arm muscle area (UMA), body fat (%BF)], and inflammation [interleukin (IL)-12, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx)] were evaluated before and after 90-day of supplementation with a synbiotic. No significance difference was found between the baseline and end evaluations of FEV 1 and nutricional status markers. A significant interaction (time vs. group) was found for IL-12 (p = 0.010) and myeloperoxidase (p = 0.036) between PCFG and SCFG, however, the difference was not maintained after assessing the groups individually. NOx diminished significantly after supplementation in the SCFG (p = 0.030). In the SCFG with positive bacteriology, reductions were found in IL-6 (p = 0.033) and IL-8 (p = 0.009) after supplementation. Synbiotic supplementation shown promise at diminishing the pro-inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-8 in the SCFG with positive bacteriology and NOx in the SCFG in children/adolescents with CF.

Evaluation of a multiplex real-time PCR for detection of four bacterial agents commonly associated with bovine respiratory disease in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

PubMed

Wisselink, Henk J; Cornelissen, Jan B W J; van der Wal, Fimme J; Kooi, Engbert A; Koene, Miriam G; Bossers, Alex; Smid, Bregtje; de Bree, Freddy M; Antonis, Adriaan F G

2017-07-13

Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni and Trueperella pyogenes are four bacterial agents commonly associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). In this study a bacterial multiplex real-time PCR (the RespoCheck PCR) was evaluated for the detection in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of these four bacterial agents. The analytical sensitivity of the multiplex real-time PCR assay determined on purified DNA and on bacterial cells of the four target pathogens was one to ten fg DNA/assay and 4 × 10 -1 to 2 × 10 0  CFU/assay. The analytical specificity of the test was, as evaluated on a collection of 118 bacterial isolates, 98.3% for M. haemolytica and 100% for the other three target bacteria. A set of 160 BALF samples of calves originating from ten different herds with health problems related to BRD was examined with bacteriological methods and with the RespoCheck PCR. Using bacteriological examination as the gold standard, the diagnostic sensitivities and specificities of the four bacterial agents were respectively between 0.72 and 1.00 and between 0.70 and 0.99. Kappa values for agreement between results of bacteriological examination and PCRs were low for H. somni (0.17), moderate for P. multocida (0.52) and M. haemolytica (0.57), and good for T. pyogenes (0.79). The low and moderate kappa values seemed to be related to limitations of the bacteriological examination, this was especially the case for H. somni. It was concluded that the RespoCheck PCR assay is a valuable diagnostic tool for the simultaneous detection of the four bacterial agents in BALF of calves.

The clinical efficacy of a clarithromycin-based regimen for Mycobacterium avium complex disease: A nationwide post-marketing study.

PubMed

Kadota, Jun-Ichi; Kurashima, Atsuyuki; Suzuki, Katsuhiro

2017-05-01

The revised 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America statement recommend clarithromycin-based combination therapy for treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease and stipulates approximately 1 year of continuous treatment after bacilli negative conversion. However, supporting data are insufficient. Our objective was to obtain data on the clinical outcome of clarithromycin-based daily regimens by conducting a nationwide retrospective post-marketing study of M. avium complex lung disease. In accordance with the Japanese guidelines, patients were enrolled in this survey according to their chest radiographic findings and microbiologic test results. They were treated with a multidrug regimen including clarithromycin, rifampicin, and ethambutol (clarithromycin-based regimen) until bacilli negative conversion, and the treatment was continued for approximately 1 year after the initial conversion. Data were collected before administration, at the time of bacilli negative conversion, at the end of treatment, and at 6 months after the end of treatment. Of the 466 subjects enrolled in the study, 271 patients who received clarithromycin at 800 mg/day underwent evaluation for M. avium complex disease. The final bacilli negative conversion rate in those patients was 94.7%. The bacteriological relapse rate was 5.0% (5/100 patients). Bacteriological relapse was noted in patients treated for less than 15 months after conversion. No life-threatening or serious adverse drug reactions were observed. This study demonstrated that a clarithromycin-based daily regimen can yield a high bacteriological conversion rate in M. avium complex disease. After conversion, treatment for less than 15 months might be insufficient to prevent bacteriological relapse. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association between serum selenium level and conversion of bacteriological tests during antituberculosis treatment* **

PubMed Central

de Moraes, Milena Lima; Ramalho, Daniela Maria de Paula; Delogo, Karina Neves; Miranda, Pryscila Fernandes Campino; Mesquita, Eliene Denites Duarte; de Oliveira, Hedi Marinho de Melo Guedes; Ruffino-Netto, Antônio; de Almeida, Paulo César; Hauser-Davis, Rachel Ann; Campos, Reinaldo Calixto; Kritski, Afrânio Lineu; de Oliveira, Martha Maria

2014-01-01

Objective: To determine whether serum selenium levels are associated with the conversion of bacteriological tests in patients diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis after eight weeks of standard treatment. Methods: We evaluated 35 healthy male controls and 35 male patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the latter being evaluated at baseline, as well as at 30 and 60 days of antituberculosis treatment. For all participants, we measured anthropometric indices, as well as determining serum levels of albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and selenium. Because there are no reference values for the Brazilian population, we used the median of the serum selenium level of the controls as the cut-off point. At 30 and 60 days of antituberculosis treatment, we repeated the biochemical tests, as well as collecting sputum for smear microscopy and culture from the patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.4 ± 11.4 years. Of the 35 patients, 25 (71%) described themselves as alcoholic; 20 (57.0%) were smokers; and 21 (60.0%) and 32 (91.4%) presented with muscle mass depletion as determined by measuring the triceps skinfold thickness and arm muscle area, respectively. Of 24 patients, 12 (39.2%) were classified as moderately or severely emaciated, and 15 (62.5%) had lost > 10% of their body weight by six months before diagnosis. At baseline, the tuberculosis group had lower serum selenium levels than did the control group. The conversion of bacteriological tests was associated with the CRP/albumin ratio and serum selenium levels 60 days after treatment initiation. Conclusions: Higher serum selenium levels after 60 days of treatment were associated with the conversion of bacteriological tests in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. PMID:25029650

Association between serum selenium level and conversion of bacteriological tests during antituberculosis treatment.

PubMed

Moraes, Milena Lima de; Ramalho, Daniela Maria de Paula; Delogo, Karina Neves; Miranda, Pryscila Fernandes Campino; Mesquita, Eliene Denites Duarte; Oliveira, Hedi Marinho de Melo Guedes de; Ruffino-Netto, Antônio; Almeida, Paulo César de; Hauser-Davis, Rachel Ann; Campos, Reinaldo Calixto; Kritski, Afrânio Lineu; Oliveira, Martha Maria de

2014-01-01

To determine whether serum selenium levels are associated with the conversion of bacteriological tests in patients diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis after eight weeks of standard treatment. We evaluated 35 healthy male controls and 35 male patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, the latter being evaluated at baseline, as well as at 30 and 60 days of antituberculosis treatment. For all participants, we measured anthropometric indices, as well as determining serum levels of albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and selenium. Because there are no reference values for the Brazilian population, we used the median of the serum selenium level of the controls as the cut-off point. At 30 and 60 days of antituberculosis treatment, we repeated the biochemical tests, as well as collecting sputum for smear microscopy and culture from the patients. The mean age of the patients was 38.4 ± 11.4 years. Of the 35 patients, 25 (71%) described themselves as alcoholic; 20 (57.0%) were smokers; and 21 (60.0%) and 32 (91.4%) presented with muscle mass depletion as determined by measuring the triceps skinfold thickness and arm muscle area, respectively. Of 24 patients, 12 (39.2%) were classified as moderately or severely emaciated, and 15 (62.5%) had lost > 10% of their body weight by six months before diagnosis. At baseline, the tuberculosis group had lower serum selenium levels than did the control group. The conversion of bacteriological tests was associated with the CRP/albumin ratio and serum selenium levels 60 days after treatment initiation. Higher serum selenium levels after 60 days of treatment were associated with the conversion of bacteriological tests in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

Prevalence and risk factors for adult pulmonary tuberculosis in a metropolitan city of South India.

PubMed

Dhanaraj, Baskaran; Papanna, Mohan Kumar; Adinarayanan, Srividya; Vedachalam, Chandrasekaran; Sundaram, Vijayaraj; Shanmugam, Shivakumar; Sekar, Gomathi; Menon, Pradeep Aravindan; Wares, Fraser; Swaminathan, Soumya

2015-01-01

The present study measured the community prevalence and risk factors of adult pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Chennai city, and also studied geographical distribution and the presence of different M. tuberculosis strains in the survey area. A community-based cross sectional survey was carried out from July 2010 to October 2012 in Chennai city. Prevalence of bacteriologically positive PTB was estimated by direct standardization method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify significant risk factors. Drug susceptibility testing and spoligotyping was performed on isolated M. tuberculosis strains. Mapping of PTB cases was done using geographic positioning systems. Of 59,957 eligible people, 55,617 were screened by X-ray and /or TB symptoms and the prevalence of smear, culture, and bacteriologically positive PTB was estimated to be 228 (95% CI 189-265), 259 (95% CI 217-299) and 349 (95% CI 330-428) per 100,000 population, respectively. Prevalence of smear, culture, and bacteriologically positive PTB was highest amongst men aged 55-64 years. Multivariate analysis showed that occurrence of both culture and bacteriologically positive PTB disease was significantly associated with: age >35 years, past history of TB treatment, BMI <18.5 Kgs/m2, solid cooking fuel, and being a male currently consuming alcohol. The most frequent spoligotype family was East African Indian. Spatial distribution showed that a high proportion of patients were clustered in the densely populated north eastern part of the city. Our findings demonstrate that TB is a major public health problem in this urban area of south India, and support the use of intensified case finding in high risk groups. Undernutrition, slum dwelling, indoor air pollution and alcohol intake are modifiable risk factors for TB disease.

Human Volunteer Studies with Campylobacter jejuni

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

having volunteers ingest a gelatin erage of approximately five liquid stools and 0.5 string device (Entero-Test; Health Development, liter total stool...vaccine. Infect. Irn- tract Al-l12666 from the National Institute of Allergy mun. 4J:515-522. and Infectious Diseases. 9. Llor, H. Persona) communicatio

Effects of fructo-oligosaccharide-supplemented infant cereal: a double-blind, randomized trial.

PubMed

Moore, Nancy; Chao, Cewin; Yang, Li-Ping; Storm, Heidi; Oliva-Hemker, Maria; Saavedra, Jose M

2003-09-01

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) may have potential benefits, since they exhibit many soluble dietary fibre-like properties. Foods currently available for weaning infants are generally low in fibre content and lack these potential benefits. Data documenting tolerance of FOS in weaning foods are greatly lacking. Our present objective was to evaluate the tolerance and gastrointestinal effects of FOS-supplemented infant cereal used as a daily addition to the diet of healthy infants. Healthy infants were randomly assigned to receive either 0.75 g FOS per serving of cereal or placebo for 28 d. The primary outcome of interest was gastrointestinal tolerance, which was assessed by daily parental reporting of functional variables for 28 d, including stool patterns and signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal tolerance. Secondary outcomes were also measured including: cereal intake (g cereal and g FOS/d), stool pH, changes in anthropometric measurements and adverse events. The study population included a total of fifty-six infants, age range 16.2-46.2 weeks with a mean age of 32.5 (sd 8.9) weeks; twenty-nine infants were randomized to the control group (age 31.8 (sd 9.0) weeks) and twenty-seven to the FOS-supplemented group (34.7 (sd 8.9) weeks). Average daily total intake per infant and average intake per serving were similar in both groups. Average FOS consumption was 0.74 (sd 0.39) g/d and as high as 3.00 g/d. Stool consistency was less likely to be described as 'hard', and more likely to be described as 'soft' or 'loose', in the FOS v. control group. The mean number of stools per infant was 1.99 (sd 0.62) per d in the FOS-supplemented group compared with 1.58 (sd 0.66) in the control group (P=0.02). There were no differences between the groups in reporting for crying, spitting-up or colic. No differences were found for stool pH. FOS-supplements added to cereal were well tolerated in doses of up to 3.00 g/d. FOS consumption led to more regular and softer stools, without diarrhoea, as well as less-reported frequency of symptoms associated with constipation such as hard stools or skipped days without stool. The present study is one of few studies documenting tolerance to increased fibre intake in the form of FOS as part of a weaning food.

Analysis of DNA Methylation at Specific Loci in Stool Samples Detects Colorectal Cancer and High-grade Dysplasia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PubMed

Kisiel, John B; Klepp, Pasquale; Allawi, Hatim T; Taylor, William R; Giakoumopoulos, Maria; Sander, Tamara; Yab, Tracy C; Moum, Bjorn A; Lidgard, Graham P; Brackmann, Stephan; Mahoney, Douglas W; Roseth, Arne; Ahlquist, David A

2018-05-15

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are at increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Analyses of DNA methylation patterns in stool samples have been reported to detect CRC in patients with IBD. We sought to validate these findings in larger cohorts and assess the accuracy of analysis of DNA methylation patterns in stool for detection of CRC and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) normalized to methylation level at ZDHHC1. We obtained buffered, frozen stool samples from a United States case-control study and from 2 European surveillance cohorts (referral or population based) of patients with chronic UC (n=248), CD (n=82), indeterminate colitis (n=2), or IBD with primary sclerosing cholangitis (n=38). Stool samples were collected before bowel preparation for colonoscopy or at least 1 week after colonoscopy. Among the study samples, stools from individuals with IBD but without neoplasia were used as controls (n=291). DNA was isolated from stool, exposed to bisulfite, and then assayed by multiplex quantitative allele-specific real-time target and signal amplification. We analyzed methylation levels of BMP3, NDRG4, VAV3, and SFMBT2 relative to the methylation level of ZDHHC1, and compared these between patients with CRC or HGD and controls. Levels of methylation at BMP3 and VAV3, relative to ZDHHC1 methylation, identified patients with CRC and HGD with an area under curve value of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.77-1.00). Methylation levels at specific promotor regions of these genes identified 11 of the 12 patients with CRC and HGD, with 92% sensitivity (95% CI, 60%-100%) and 90% specificity (95% CI, 86%-93%). The proportion of false-positive results did not differ significantly among the case-control, referral cohort, and population cohort studies (P=.60) when the 90% specificity cut-off from the whole sample set was applied. In an analysis of stool samples from 3 independent studies, of 332 patients with IBD, we associated levels of methylation at 2 genes (BMP3 and VAV3), relative to level of methylation at ZDHHC1, with detection of CRC and HGD. These methylation patterns identified patients with CRC and HGD with more than 90% specificity, and might be used in CRC surveillance. Copyright © 2018 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of BBL™ Sensi-Discs™ and FTA® cards as sampling devices for detection of rotavirus in stool samples

PubMed Central

Tam, Ka Ian; Esona, Mathew D.; Williams, Alice; Ndze, Valentine N.; Boula, Angeline; Bowen, Michael D.

2015-01-01

Rotavirus is the most important cause of severe childhood gastroenteritis worldwide. Rotavirus vaccines are available and rotavirus surveillance is carried out to assess vaccination impact. In surveillance studies, stool samples are stored typically at 4°C or frozen to maintain sample quality. Uninterrupted cold storage is a problem in developing countries because of power interruptions. Cold-chain transportation of samples from collection sites to testing laboratories is costly. In this study, we evaluated the use of BBL™ Sensi-Discs™ and FTA® cards for storage and transportation of samples for virus isolation, EIA, and RT-PCR testing. Infectious rotavirus was recovered after 30 days of storage on Sensi-Discs™ at room temperature. We were able to genotype 98–99% of samples stored on Sensi-Discs™ and FTA® cards at temperatures ranging from −80°C to 37°C up to 180 days. A field sampling test using samples prepared and shipped from Cameroon, showed that both matrices yielded 100% genotyping success compared with whole stool and Sensi-Discs™ demonstrated 95% concordance with whole stool in EIA testing. The utilization of BBL™ Sensi-Discs™ and FTA® cards for stool sample storage and shipment has the potential to have great impact on global public health by facilitating surveillance and epidemiological investigations of rotavirus strains worldwide at a reduced cost. PMID:26022083

Prevalence of Clostridium difficile colonization among healthcare workers

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased to epidemic proportions in recent years. The carriage of C. difficile among healthy adults and hospital inpatients has been established. We sought to determine whether C. difficile colonization exists among healthcare workers (HCWs) in our setting. Methods A point prevalence study of stool colonization with C. difficile among doctors, nurses and allied health staff at a large regional teaching hospital in Geelong, Victoria. All participants completed a short questionnaire and all stool specimens were tested by Techlab® C.diff Quik Check enzyme immunoassay followed by enrichment culture. Results Among 128 healthcare workers, 77% were female, of mean age 43 years, and the majority were nursing staff (73%). Nineteen HCWs (15%) reported diarrhoea, and 12 (9%) had taken antibiotics in the previous six weeks. Over 40% of participants reported having contact with a patient with known or suspected CDI in the 6 weeks before the stool was collected. C. difficile was not isolated from the stool of any participants. Conclusion Although HCWs are at risk of asymptomatic carriage and could act as a reservoir for transmission in the hospital environment, with the use of a screening test and culture we were unable to identify C. difficile in the stool of our participants in a non-outbreak setting. This may reflect potential colonization resistance of the gut microbiota, or the success of infection prevention strategies at our institution. PMID:24090343

Cumin Extract for Symptom Control in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Series

PubMed Central

Agah, Shahram; Taleb, Amir Mehdi; Moeini, Reyhane; Gorji, Narjes; Nikbakht, Hajar

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders Characterized by chronic abdominal pain, altered bowel habits or changes in stool consistency. Unfortunately, no specific treatments for relieving IBS symptoms have been suggested yet. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the Cumin extract, a kind of herbal used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like bloating, and other symptoms of IBS. METHODS Fifty seven patients with IBS (according to the ROME II diagnostic criteria) with no nay other accompanying illness enrolled in study. Patients were advised to discontinue their other treatments during the study course, then 20 drops per day of Cumin essential oil was administered for included patients. IBS-associated symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, painful defection, presence of mucosa in stool, changes in stool consistency and defecation frequency were evaluated using a questionnairebefore treatment, 2 and 4 weeks after beginning treatment and 2 and 4 weeks after stopping treatment. RESULTS Abdominal pain, bloating, incomplete defecation, fecal urgency and presence of mucus discharge in stool were statistically significant decreased during and after treatment with Cumin extract. Stool consistency and defecation frequency were also both statistically significant improved in patients with constipation dominant pattern of IBS. CONCLUSION Cumin extract can be effective in improving all IBS symptoms. Considering its low cost and easy availability Cumin administration in patients with IBS may have economic benefits. PMID:24829694

Relating Stool Microbial Metabolite Levels, Inflammatory Markers and Dietary Behaviors to Screening Colonoscopy Findings in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Patient Population.

PubMed

Bridges, Kristina M; Diaz, Francisco J; Wang, Zhiwen; Ahmed, Ishfaq; Sullivan, Debra K; Umar, Shahid; Buckles, Daniel C; Greiner, K Allen; Hester, Christina M

2018-02-26

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States, yet it is treatable and preventable. African Americans have higher incidence of CRC than other racial/ethnic groups, however, it is unclear whether this disparity is primarily due to environmental or biological factors. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced by bacteria in the colon and are known to be inversely related to CRC progression. The aim of this study is to investigate how stool SCFA levels, markers of inflammation in stool and dietary intake relate to colonoscopy findings in a diverse patient population. Stool samples from forty-eight participants were analyzed for SCFA levels and inflammatory markers (lysozyme, secretory IgA, lactoferrin). Additionally, participants completed the National Cancer Institute's Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ II) to report dietary intake over the past year. Subsequently, the majority of participants underwent screening colonoscopy. Our results showed that African Americans had higher total levels of SCFAs in stool than other racial/ethnic groups, significantly lower intake of non-starchy vegetables and similar inflammatory marker expression and colonoscopy outcomes, compared to others. This work is an initial exploration into the biological and clinical factors that may ultimately inform personalized screening approaches and clinical decision-making to improve colorectal cancer disparities for African Americans.

A High Level of Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Is Protective Against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Irrespective of Obesity.

PubMed

Malo, Madhu S

2015-12-01

Mice deficient in intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We hypothesized that a high level of IAP might be protective against T2DM in humans. We determined IAP levels in the stools of 202 diabetic patients and 445 healthy non-diabetic control people. We found that compared to controls, T2DM patients have approx. 50% less IAP (mean +/- SEM: 67.4 +/- 3.2 vs 35.3 +/- 2.5 U/g stool, respectively; p < 0.000001) indicating a protective role of IAP against T2DM. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed an independent association between the IAP level and diabetes status. With each 25 U/g decrease in stool IAP, there is a 35% increased risk of diabetes. The study revealed that obese people with high IAP (approx. 65 U/g stool) do not develop T2DM. Approx. 65% of the healthy population have < 65.0 U/g stool IAP, and predictably, these people might have 'the incipient metabolic syndrome', including 'incipient diabetes', and might develop T2DM and other metabolic disorders in the near future. In conclusion, high IAP levels appear to be protective against diabetes irrespective of obesity, and a 'temporal IAP profile' might be a valuable tool for predicting 'the incipient metabolic syndrome', including 'incipient diabetes'.

Clinical value of dual-isotope fat absorption test system (FATS) using glycerol (/sup 125/I)trioleate and glycerol (/sup 75/Se)triether

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lembcke, B.; Loesler, A.C.; Caspary, W.F.

1986-08-01

In order to delineate the clinical value of a dual-isotope fat absorption test system (FATS) using glycerol (/sup 75/Se)triether as lipid-phase marker and glycerol (/sup 125/I)trioleate as the test lipid, fecal isotope ratios from single stools (and a 72-hr stool homogenate) were compared to quantitative fecal fat excretion. The study included 11 patients without and 24 patients with steatorrhea. With a figure of 0.8% as the upper limit of normal, the test was a reliable indicator of steatorrhea with 87.5% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity; efficiency was 85.7%. Related to a prevalence of steatorrhea of 45.9% as the mean value ofmore » 1269 consecutive 72-hr specimens investigated for steatorrhea during 1978-1982, the positive (negative) predictive value of the FATS is 80.3% (87.2%). With 2% as the upper limit of normal, no false positive results ensued. It is concluded that a two-step interpretation of the FATS (0.8% limit and 2% limit) may be regarded a valid qualitative index for steatorrhea. The FATS isotope ratio using single stools correlated well with FATS ratios in the 72-hr stool homogenates (r = 0.97). FATS therefore allows a convenient estimate of steatorrhea from measuring single stools. As a quantitative measure of fecal fat excretion, the FATS is unreliable.« less

Evaluation of BBL™ Sensi-Discs™ and FTA® cards as sampling devices for detection of rotavirus in stool samples.

PubMed

Tam, Ka Ian; Esona, Mathew D; Williams, Alice; Ndze, Valantine N; Boula, Angeline; Bowen, Michael D

2015-09-15

Rotavirus is the most important cause of severe childhood gastroenteritis worldwide. Rotavirus vaccines are available and rotavirus surveillance is carried out to assess vaccination impact. In surveillance studies, stool samples are stored typically at 4°C or frozen to maintain sample quality. Uninterrupted cold storage is a problem in developing countries because of power interruptions. Cold-chain transportation of samples from collection sites to testing laboratories is costly. In this study, we evaluated the use of BBL™ Sensi-Discs™ and FTA(®) cards for storage and transportation of samples for virus isolation, EIA, and RT-PCR testing. Infectious rotavirus was recovered after 30 days of storage on Sensi-Discs™ at room temperature. We were able to genotype 98-99% of samples stored on Sensi-Discs™ and FTA(®) cards at temperatures ranging from -80°C to 37°C up to 180 days. A field sampling test using samples prepared and shipped from Cameroon, showed that both matrices yielded 100% genotyping success compared with whole stool and Sensi-Discs™ demonstrated 95% concordance with whole stool in EIA testing. The utilization of BBL™ Sensi-Discs™ and FTA(®) cards for stool sample storage and shipment has the potential to have great impact on global public health by facilitating surveillance and epidemiological investigations of rotavirus strains worldwide at a reduced cost. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The effects of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 on gastrointestinal wellness in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Alyousif, Zainab; Miller, Jennifer L; Sandoval, Mariana Y; MacPherson, Chad W; Nagulesapillai, Varuni; Dahl, Wendy J

2018-04-27

Constipation is a frequent problem in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. Certain probiotics have been shown to improve transit and gastrointestinal symptoms of adults with functional constipation. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of daily consumption of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 (B. lactis B94) on stool frequency, stool form, and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. Adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (18-75 years old, n = 36) will be recruited and enrolled in a 20-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Study subjects will be randomized to B. lactis B94 or placebo each for a 4-week period, preceded by a 4-week baseline and followed by 4-week washouts. Subjects will complete daily records of stool frequency and stool form (a proxy of transit time). Dietary intake data also will be collected. Stools, one in each period, will be collected for exploratory microbiota analyses. To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of B. lactis in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. The results of this study will provide evidence of efficacy for future clinical trials in patient populations with constipation. ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03277157 ). Registered on 08 September 2017.

Relating Stool Microbial Metabolite Levels, Inflammatory Markers and Dietary Behaviors to Screening Colonoscopy Findings in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Patient Population

PubMed Central

Bridges, Kristina M.; Diaz, Francisco J.; Wang, Zhiwen; Ahmed, Ishfaq; Sullivan, Debra K.; Umar, Shahid; Buckles, Daniel C.; Greiner, K. Allen; Hester, Christina M.

2018-01-01

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States, yet it is treatable and preventable. African Americans have higher incidence of CRC than other racial/ethnic groups, however, it is unclear whether this disparity is primarily due to environmental or biological factors. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are metabolites produced by bacteria in the colon and are known to be inversely related to CRC progression. The aim of this study is to investigate how stool SCFA levels, markers of inflammation in stool and dietary intake relate to colonoscopy findings in a diverse patient population. Stool samples from forty-eight participants were analyzed for SCFA levels and inflammatory markers (lysozyme, secretory IgA, lactoferrin). Additionally, participants completed the National Cancer Institute’s Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ II) to report dietary intake over the past year. Subsequently, the majority of participants underwent screening colonoscopy. Our results showed that African Americans had higher total levels of SCFAs in stool than other racial/ethnic groups, significantly lower intake of non-starchy vegetables and similar inflammatory marker expression and colonoscopy outcomes, compared to others. This work is an initial exploration into the biological and clinical factors that may ultimately inform personalized screening approaches and clinical decision-making to improve colorectal cancer disparities for African Americans. PMID:29495356

Efficacy and optimal dose of daily polyethylene glycol 3350 for treatment of constipation and encopresis in children.

PubMed

Pashankar, D S; Bishop, W P

2001-09-01

To determine efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of a laxative, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, in children with chronic constipation. Children with chronic constipation (n = 24) were treated with PEG for 8 weeks at an initial dose of 1 g/kg/d. The dose was adjusted every 3 days as required to achieve 2 soft stools per day. A diary was kept to monitor dose, stool frequency and consistency, soiling, and other symptoms. Stool consistency was rated from 1 (hard) to 5 (watery). Subjects were examined for fecal retention. The Student t test and the Fisher exact test were used for data analysis. All 20 children who completed the study found PEG to be palatable and were satisfied with the treatment. There were no significant adverse effects. Weekly stool frequency increased from 2.3 +/- 0.4 to 16.9 +/- 1.6 (P <.0001) during treatment and stool consistency from 1.2 +/- 0.1 to 3.3 +/- 0.1 (P <.0001). In 9 children with soiling, weekly soiling events declined from 10.0 +/- 2.4 to 1.3 +/- 0.7 (P =.003). The mean effective dose was 0.84 g/kg/d (range, 0.27-1.42 g/kg/d). Daily administration of PEG at a mean dose of 0.8 g/kg is an effective, safe, and palatable treatment for constipation.

Error Pattern Analysis Applied to Technical Writing: An Editor's Guide for Writers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monagle, E. Brette

The use of error pattern analysis can reduce the time and money spent on editing and correcting manuscripts. What is required is noting, classifying, and keeping a frequency count of errors. First an editor should take a typical page of writing and circle each error. After the editor has done a sufficiently large number of pages to identify an…

Genre Analysis of Decision Letters from Editors of Scientific Journals: Building on Flowerdew and Dudley-Evans (2002)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farley, Peter C.

2017-01-01

Flowerdew and Dudley-Evans (2002) described a prototypical structure for decision letters based on a personal database of letters written by one editor for the journal "English for Specific Purposes." In this article, I analyse a publicly available corpus of 59 decision letters from 48 different editors of a wide range of scientific…

Letters to the Editor: Public Writing as a Response to Reading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rinehammer, Nora

A study conducted by the copy editor of a small daily newspaper in Porter County, Indiana examines readers' motivations for writing letters to the editor. Analysis was based on letters that appeared in "The Vidette Messenger" September 16-30, 1992. Of 75 letters, 32 were responses to information published in the paper during the last 2…

Circadian Patterns of Wikipedia Editorial Activity: A Demographic Analysis

PubMed Central

Yasseri, Taha; Sumi, Robert; Kertész, János

2012-01-01

Wikipedia (WP) as a collaborative, dynamical system of humans is an appropriate subject of social studies. Each single action of the members of this society, i.e., editors, is well recorded and accessible. Using the cumulative data of 34 Wikipedias in different languages, we try to characterize and find the universalities and differences in temporal activity patterns of editors. Based on this data, we estimate the geographical distribution of editors for each WP in the globe. Furthermore we also clarify the differences among different groups of WPs, which originate in the variance of cultural and social features of the communities of editors. PMID:22272279

The effect of inactivated Lactobacillus LB fermented culture medium on symptom severity: observational investigation in 297 patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

PubMed

Tarrerias, A L; Costil, V; Vicari, F; Létard, J C; Adenis-Lamarre, P; Aisène, A; Batistelli, D; Bonnaud, G; Carpentier, S; Dalbiès, P; Ecuer, S; Etienne, J; Fantoli, M; Grunberg, B; Lannoy, P; Lapuelle, J; Margulies, A; Neumeier, M; Rouillon, J M; Schmets, L; Pingannaud, M P; Coulom, P; Kholer, F; Canard, J M

2011-01-01

Little is known about the intensity of symptoms of diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) or the consequences of the disease on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This observational investigation assessed the symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, number of stools per day, and stool consistency), impact on HRQOL, and consequence on anal continence in 297 patients with IBS-D before and after 1 month of probiotic treatment with Lacteol (inactivated Lactobacillus LB plus fermented culture medium). Functional assessment using a standardized visual analogue scale in order to quantify abdominal pain, bloating, and quality of life before and after 1 month of treatment with 2 capsules/day of Lacteol. The number of symptomatic days per week, number of stools, consistency of stools, secondary fecal incontinence rate, and potential trigger effect of food were quantified. A χ2 test was used to compare qualitative data and the variance of quantitative criteria was analyzed. The pain score decreased from 4.46±0.15 on a scale of 0-10 before treatment to 2.8±0.14 after treatment (p<0.0001). Bloating decreased from 4.49±0.18 to 2.5±0.15 on a scale of 0-10 (p<0.0001). The HRQOL score, which is inversely correlated with quality of life, decreased from 5.99±0.14 to 3.92±0.16 (p<0.0001). In this cohort study, the fecal incontinence rate secondary to diarrhea was clearly higher than that of the general population: 18% versus a prevalence of 9-10%, according to different studies. The mean number of stools per week decreased from 17.59 to 12.83 after treatment (p<0.0001). Before treatment, 54% of patients had watery stools and 46% had smooth stools; at the end of treatment, only 18.5% of patients still had watery stools, and 34% had normal stools. 52% of patients attributed their symptoms to their diet: 34% to vegetables, 29% to fruit, 15% to milk, 15% to fat, 6% to peppers and spices, and 4% to sugar. This observational investigation shed new light on patients with IBS-D, the HRQOL of which is altered by a fecal incontinence rate twice as high as that of the general population. Correlation with diet is confirmed by 1 out of 2 patients reporting poor tolerance of fiber and dairy products. Nutritional management should thus be part of these patients' treatment. Inactivated Lactobacillus LB plus fermented culture medium is a probiotic drug that has been used by physicians for a long time to treat patients with diarrhea. Strongly concentrated, it has no side effects and seems to help these patients. Due to a strong placebo effect in patients with this pathology, however, a controlled study is necessary to confirm this result. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

DNAAlignEditor: DNA alignment editor tool

PubMed Central

Sanchez-Villeda, Hector; Schroeder, Steven; Flint-Garcia, Sherry; Guill, Katherine E; Yamasaki, Masanori; McMullen, Michael D

2008-01-01

Background With advances in DNA re-sequencing methods and Next-Generation parallel sequencing approaches, there has been a large increase in genomic efforts to define and analyze the sequence variability present among individuals within a species. For very polymorphic species such as maize, this has lead to a need for intuitive, user-friendly software that aids the biologist, often with naïve programming capability, in tracking, editing, displaying, and exporting multiple individual sequence alignments. To fill this need we have developed a novel DNA alignment editor. Results We have generated a nucleotide sequence alignment editor (DNAAlignEditor) that provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface for manual editing of multiple sequence alignments with functions for input, editing, and output of sequence alignments. The color-coding of nucleotide identity and the display of associated quality score aids in the manual alignment editing process. DNAAlignEditor works as a client/server tool having two main components: a relational database that collects the processed alignments and a user interface connected to database through universal data access connectivity drivers. DNAAlignEditor can be used either as a stand-alone application or as a network application with multiple users concurrently connected. Conclusion We anticipate that this software will be of general interest to biologists and population genetics in editing DNA sequence alignments and analyzing natural sequence variation regardless of species, and will be particularly useful for manual alignment editing of sequences in species with high levels of polymorphism. PMID:18366684

Findings From the INANE Survey on Student Papers Submitted to Nursing Journals.

PubMed

Kennedy, Maureen Shawn; Newland, Jamesetta A; Owens, Jacqueline K

Nursing students are often encouraged or required to submit scholarly work for consideration for publication but most manuscripts or course assignment papers do not meet journal standards and consume valuable resources from editors and peer reviewers. The International Academy of Nursing Editors (INANE) is a group of nurse editors and publishers dedicated to promoting best practices in publishing in the nursing literature. In August 2014, editors at INANE's annual meeting voiced frustrations over multiple queries, poorly written student papers, and lack of proper behavior in following through. This article describes the findings of a survey distributed to INANE members to seek feedback about submissions by students. Fifty-three (53) members responded to an online anonymous survey developed by the INANE Student Papers Work Group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for Likert-type questions and content analysis of open-ended questions. Quantitative data revealed that most editors reported problems with student papers across all levels of graduate programs. Six themes emerged from the qualitative data: submissions fail to follow author guidelines; characteristics of student submissions; lack of professional behavior from students; lack of professional behavior from faculty; editor responses to student submissions; and faculty as mentors. These themes formed the basis for recommendations and strategies to improve student scholarly writing. Overall, editors endorsed supporting new scholars in the publication process but faculty engagement was integral to student success. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ladders and Easels and Stools, Oh My!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenman, Geri

2002-01-01

Describes an art lesson for high school seniors in an intermediate oil painting class. Explains that the teacher set up a still life with a ladder, easel, and a stool with a white background to capture the shadows. States that the students painted their still life in oil. (CMK)

Colorectal cancer screening: The role of the noninvasive options.

PubMed

Dickerson, Lisa; Varcak, Susan Combs

2016-09-01

Recommended screening options for colorectal cancer are divided into noninvasive stool-based options, and invasive procedure-based options. Because multiple screening strategies are effective, efforts to reduce deaths from colorectal cancer should focus on maximizing the number of patients who are screened. This article reviews noninvasive stool-based screening options.

Organometallic macromolecules with piano stool coordination repeating units: chain configuration and stimulated solution behaviour.

PubMed

Cao, Kai; Ward, Jonathan; Amos, Ryan C; Jeong, Moon Gon; Kim, Kyoung Taek; Gauthier, Mario; Foucher, Daniel; Wang, Xiaosong

2014-09-11

Theoretical calculations illustrate that organometallic macromolecules with piano stool coordination repeating units (Fe-acyl complex) adopt linear chain configuration with a P-Fe-C backbone surrounded by aromatic groups. The macromolecules show molecular weight-dependent and temperature stimulated solution behaviour in DMSO.

[Eugenio Espejo, the Quito physician: pioneer of bacteriology in the Americas].

PubMed

Fierro Benítez, Rodrigo

2003-01-01

Eugenio Espejo (1747-1795). Mestizo. Was born in the Royal Audience of Quito. Today, the Republic of Ecuador. The 18th century was isf illustration and enlightment for the Quiteños. Espejo's extraordinary erudition is explained by the full access he had to yhe libraries created in Quito by the Jesuits. The best in the continent at that time. His work, Reflections on Smallpox, makes or Espejo outstanding in his field. Pioneer in bacteriology and of the biopathological observations in America. The first newspaper in Quito, Primicies of the culture of Quito, was his own work. Furthermore, Espejo is considered the precursor of the independence of Hispanoamerica.

[Rational antimicrobial therapy in patients with purulent inflammatory diseases of maxillofacial area].

PubMed

Bogatov, B B; Denis, A G; Koliadov, N F

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to reveal optimal antimicrobial agents in patients with purulent inflammatory diseases of maxillofacial area according to bacteriological study results. One hundred twenty-one culture samples from 32 patients aged from 21 to 68 years admitted to Nurnberg Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic. Pathogenic flora was mostly mixed with 66.9% of anaerobic germs in the majority of cases irresponsible to ampicillin (1.3%) and clindamycin (0.7%). The drugs of choice are ampicillin/sulbactam and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Bacteriological study should be included as a useful tool in treatment protocols of patients with purulent inflammatory diseases of maxillofacial area.

The medical and economic consequences of automation in bacteriology: a case study in a French university hospital.

PubMed

Sailly, J C; Lebrun, T; Vincent, P; Eeckhoudt, L; Izard, D; Leclerc, H; Arbon, G; Hassoun, A

1985-01-01

In a bacteriology laboratory where automated and non-automated procedures co-existed during the study period (1 year), patients were randomly assigned to each type of procedure and we observed the physicians behaviour as well as patients well-being in a surgical service using the results from the laboratory. Contrary to our expectations, the reduction in the time delay necessary to obtain information did not alter either the prescribing behaviour of physicians nor the welfare of patients. Besides, the gain in time was significantly lower than expected. We also discuss in detail the meaning and relevance of the results.

Rapid Clinical Bacteriology and Its Future Impact

PubMed Central

Durand, Géraldine; Peyret, Michel; Chatellier, Sonia; Zambardi, Gilles; Schrenzel, Jacques; Shortridge, Dee; Engelhardt, Anette; Dunne, William Michael

2013-01-01

Clinical microbiology has always been a slowly evolving and conservative science. The sub-field of bacteriology has been and still is dominated for over a century by culture-based technologies. The integration of serological and molecular methodologies during the seventies and eighties of the previous century took place relatively slowly and in a cumbersome fashion. When nucleic acid amplification technologies became available in the early nineties, the predicted "revolution" was again slow but in the end a real paradigm shift did take place. Several of the culture-based technologies were successfully replaced by tests aimed at nucleic acid detection. More recently a second revolution occurred. Mass spectrometry was introduced and broadly accepted as a new diagnostic gold standard for microbial species identification. Apparently, the diagnostic landscape is changing, albeit slowly, and the combination of newly identified infectious etiologies and the availability of innovative technologies has now opened new avenues for modernizing clinical microbiology. However, the improvement of microbial antibiotic susceptibility testing is still lagging behind. In this review we aim to sketch the most recent developments in laboratory-based clinical bacteriology and to provide an overview of emerging novel diagnostic approaches. PMID:23301218

The bacteriological screening of donated human milk: laboratory experience of British Paediatric Association's published guidelines.

PubMed

Wright, K C; Feeney, A M

1998-01-01

This study was undertaken to assess the application of the British Paediatric Association's (BPA) published guidelines to the bacteriological screening of breast milk donated to a District General Hospital milk bank. Samples of donated milk were subjected to bacterial counts and provisional identification after both 24 and 48 h incubation on cysteine lactose electrolyte-deficient (CLED) and Columbia blood agar. 21.8% (76 out of 348) donations of milk failed to reach the BPA acceptable criteria. The organisms responsible for the rejection of these samples were all evident within 24 h incubation, and were not significantly confined to one medium. A large percentage of rejected samples originated from a small number of donor mothers; 63.2% came from one donor. In applying BPA guidelines, both CLED and Columbia blood agar were found to be equally effective in screening for unacceptable organisms in prepasteurization donated breast milk. The 24 h period allowed for bacteriological screening, prior to pasteurization of milk samples, was sufficient to allow the growth of all potentially pathogenic bacteria in this study. To prevent the donation of consistently contaminated milk, more active communication between the milk bank staff and the donor is recommended.

[Efficacy of regimens containing INH, RFP with varied chemotherapy courses on retreated culture positive pneumoconio-tuberculosis].

PubMed

Jiang, W; Chen, H; Gao, J; Huaibei, M

1998-11-01

To evaluate the short and long-term effects of regimens containing INH, RFP with varied chemotherapy courses on culture-positive pneumoconio-tuberculosis. 79 patients with culture-positive pneumoconio-tuberculosis were divided into three groups according to chemotherapy duration: 9-months group (M9: 2SHRZ/7HRE) 28 cases, 12-month group (2SHRZ/10HRE) 25 cases, 18-month group (M18: 2SHRZ/10HRE/6HR) 26 cases. Evaluating the efficacy of regimens depended predominantly on sputum bacteriological conversion, and the patients who completed the regimens were followed up for 5-8 years. Sputum negative conversion rates of three groups at the end of chemotherapy were 83%, 96%, 95%, and their recurrent rates in follow-up period 41%, 4% and 5% respectively. Of all patients who completed the regimens bacteriological relapse rates from the first to fourth year are 6%, 8%, 2%, 2% in the follow-up period. There was no bacteriological relapse from fifth to eighth year. It is effective for SHRZ/HRE combination with 12-months course to retreated tubercle bacillus positive pneumoconio-tuberculosis, and it is appropriate for such patients to be followed up for 4-5 years.

Bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources in a rural community of Ethiopia.

PubMed

Tsega, N; Sahile, S; Kibret, M; Abera, B

2013-12-01

Accesses to safe water is a universal need however, many of the world's population lack access to adequate and safe water. Consumption of water contaminated causes health risk to the public and the situation is serous in rural areas. To assess the bacteriological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources in a rural community of Ethiopia. Water samples were collected from tap, open springs, open dug wells and protected springs for bacteriological analysis of total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms. The turbidity, pH and temperature were measured immediately after collection. Most drinking water sources were found to have coliform counts above the recommended national and international guidelines and had high sanitary risk scores. There was a statistically significant difference among water sources with respect to TC and TTC (p < 0.05) and there was a statistically significant positive correlation between coliform counts and sanitary risk scores (p < 0.01). Most water sources didn't satisfy the turbidity values recommended by WHO. The water sources were heavily contaminated which suggested poor protection and sanitation practice in the water sources. Source protection strategies as well as monitoring are recommend for this community.

A community-based bacteriological study of quality of drinking-water and its feedback to a rural community in Western Maharashtra, India.

PubMed

Tambe, Prachi V; Daswani, Poonam G; Mistry, Nerges F; Ghadge, Appasaheb A; Antia, Noshir H

2008-06-01

A longitudinal study of the bacteriological quality of rural water supplies was undertaken for a movement towards self-help against diseases, such as diarrhoea, and improved water management through increased community participation. Three hundred and thirteen water samples from different sources, such as well, tank, community standpost, handpumps, percolation lakes, and streams, and from households were collected from six villages in Maharashtra, India, over a one-year period. Overall, 49.8% of the 313 samples were polluted, whereas 45.9% of the samples from piped water supply were polluted. The quality of groundwater was generally good compared to open wells. Irregular and/or inadequate treatment of water, lack of drainage systems, and domestic washing near the wells led to deterioration in the quality of water. No major diarrhoeal epidemics were recorded during the study, although a few sporadic cases were noted during the rainy season. As a result of a continuous feedback of bacteriological findings to the community, perceptions of the people changed with time. An increased awareness was observed through active participation of the people cutting across age-groups and different socioeconomic strata of the society in village activities.

Effect of point-of-use, activated carbon filters on the bacteriological quality of rural groundwater supplies.

PubMed Central

Synder, J W; Mains, C N; Anderson, R E; Bissonnette, G K

1995-01-01

The water quality of 24 rural, domestic groundwater supplies treated with point-of-use, powdered activated carbon (PAC) filters was monitored to determine how such treatment might impact the bacteriological quality of private, residential drinking water supplies. Heterotrophic-plate-count (HPC) and total coliform analyses were performed on raw, PAC-treated, and overnight or stagnant (first-draw) PAC-treated water samples. Densities of HPC bacteria were elevated by 0.86 and 0.20 orders of magnitude for spring and well water systems, respectively, in PAC-treated effluents following overnight stagnation compared with levels in untreated treated effluents. Densities of HPC bacteria in PAC-treated effluents were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) below influent levels, however, after the point-of-use device was flushed for 2 min. While PAC significantly reduced the number of coliforms in product waters (P < 0.01), these indicator organisms were still detected in some effluents. Seasonal variations were evident in microbial counts from spring but not well water systems. It appears that aside from periods following stagnant-water use, such as overnight, PAC treatment does not compromise the bacteriological quality of drinking water obtained from underground sources. PMID:8534096

Achieving bacterial eradication using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic principles.

PubMed

Dagan, Ron

2003-03-01

Evidence from studies in otitis media indicates that antimicrobials and dosing regimens that have equivalent bacteriologic efficacy against susceptible pathogens can have significantly different bacteriologic success rates against resistant strains of the same species. Unlike macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance, penicillin resistance can be overcome in Streptococcus pneumoniae by increasing the dose, and hence increasing the time for which the serum concentrations are above the MIC. The new clinical formulation of extra-strength amoxicillin-clavulanate provides 90 mg/kg per day amoxicillin plus 6.4 mg/kg per day clavulanate (14:1) divided every 12 h, compared with 45/6.4 mg/kg per day b.i.d. with conventional dosing. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles of extra-strength amoxicillin-clavulanate predict that the new formulation will be more effective than the conventional formulation against S. pneumoniae with elevated amoxicillin MICs and against Haemophilus influenzae. In an open-label, non-comparative study in children with acute otitis media, the extra-strength formulation had high bacteriologic success rates against the major respiratory pathogens, including penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae. The development of new antimicrobial agents and formulations should be aimed at meeting PK/PD parameters predictive of bacterial eradication of both susceptible and resistant strains.

Physicochemical and bacteriological quality of bottled drinking water in three sites of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Biadglegne, Fantahun; Tessema, Belay; Kibret, Mulugeta; Abera, Bayeh; Huruy, Kahsay; Anagaw, Belay; Mulu, Andargachew

2009-10-01

The consumption of bottled drinking water is becoming increasing in Ethiopia. As a result there has been a growing concern about the chemical, physical and bacteriological quality of this product. Studies on the chemical, physical and bacteriological quality of bottled water is quite scarce in Ethiopia. This study was therefore aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological qualities of three factories of bottled drinking water products produced in Amhara region. A Laboratory based comparative study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of three factories of bottled drinking water produced in Amhara region. Analysis on the quality of bottled drinking water from the sources, wholesalers and retailers were made with World Health Organization and Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia recommendations. Triplicate samples from three types of bottled drinking water were randomly collected and analyzed from June, 2006 to December, 2006. A total of 108 commercial bottled drinking water samples were analyzed. The result showed that except pH of factory A all the physicochemical parameters analyzed were with in the recommended limits. The pH value of factory A tested from sources is 5.3 and from wholesalers and retailers is 5.5 and 5.3, respectively, which is below the normal value set by World Health Organization (6.5-8.0) and Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia (6.0-8.5). Our analyses also demonstrated that 2 (16.7%) of the samples tested from sources and 1 (8.3%) from wholesalers of factory B were contaminated with total coliforms, where as 2 (16.7%) samples from retailers were also contaminated with total coliforms. On the other hand, 1 (8.3%) of the samples tested from wholesalers and 2 (16.7%) of the samples tested from retailers of factory A were also contaminated with total coliforms. Total coliforms were not detected from all samples of factory C, fecal coliforms were not also isolated from all samples. Percent of coefficient of variation showed that variations in total coliforms counts were significant with in the samples of both factory A and B (CV > 10%). Based on the recommended limit of World Health Organization and Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia, 7.4% of bottled drinking water sold commercially could be considered unfit for human consumption. Consumers of bottled water should be aware of this.

[Is bacteriological testing of bladder urine informative in acute obstructive pyelo- nephritis?

PubMed

Kogan, M I; Naboka, Yu L; Bedzhanyan, S K; Mitusova, E V; Gudima, I A; Morgun, P P; Vasileva, L I

2017-07-01

The problem of the etiology and pathogenesis of acute obstructive pyelonephritis (OOP) remains one of the challenging issues of modern urology. Etiological agents of pyelonephritis can be both gram-negative and gram-positive opportunistic bacteria mostly belonging to the normal flora in humans. The generally accepted diagnostic work-up involves a bacteriological testing of not pelvic urine, but of bladder urine collected by a transurethral catheter or midstream specimens of urine collected from the patients. The aim of our study was to compare the microbiota of bladder and pelvic urine in patients with OOP. The study comprised 72 sequentially selected patients (12 men and 60 women) with OOP associated with ureteral stones. Mean age of patients was 53.7+/-0.5 years. All patients underwent bacteriological examination of the bladder urine collected by a transurethral catheter and pelvic urine obtained after relieving stone-related ureteral obstruction. Urinary diversion was performed using j-j stent and PCN in 64 and 8 patients, respectively. Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics were administered routinely. Bacteriological testing of urine was carried out using an extended set (9-10) of culture media. Empirical antibiotic therapy was initiated only after the restoration of urine outflow from the kidney and continued for 5-6 days until the availability of bacteriological testing results. Levels of bacteriuria with Enterobacteria, gram-positive pathogens and NAB in two urine samples did not differ significantly (p>0.05). There was a wide range of bacteriuria from 101 to 106 CFU/ml of most microorganisms except @Proteus spp., S. aureus. In bladder urine, the rates of bacteriuria of more or equal 104 CFU/ml for E. coli, Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. were 90.9%, 72.7% and 100.0%, respectively. For the remaining microorganisms, predominant bacteriuria was less or equal 103 CFU/ml. In pelvic urine, the rates of bacteriuria of more or equal 104 CFU/ml for E. coli, Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. was 71.8%, 40.0% and 66.7%, respectively. Other uropathogens in the pelvic urine mainly had a bacterial count of less or equal 103 CFU/ml. Only the concentration of Corynebacterium spp. in the pelvic urine significantly (p=0.023) differed from that of the bladder urine. There were no significant differences between microbiota of bladder and pelvic urine depending on duration of OOP except higher rates of Corynebacterium spp. in the bladder urine.

A multilocation clinical trial in lactating dairy cows affected with clinical mastitis to compare the efficacy of treatment with intramammary infusions of a lincomycin/neomycin combination with an ampicillin/cloxacillin combination.

PubMed

Deluyker, H A; Chester, S T; Van Oye, S N

1999-08-01

A study was conducted to compare the efficacy in lactating dairy cows of intramammary infusions in quarters affected with clinical mastitis between a formulation containing 330 mg lincomycin and 100 mg neomycin in a 10-mL aqueous solution (LINCOCIN FORTE S, Pharmacia & Upjohn) and a formulation containing 75 mg ampicillin and 200 mg cloxacillin in an oil suspension (AMPICLOX, Pfizer Animal Health). This study was designed as a multicentre clinical trial involving investigators in France, Germany and Belgium and carried out according to the European Commission guidelines on Good Clinical Practices. Cows in the herds were monitored for clinical mastitis. When evidence of clinical mastitis was detected in a single quarter, a pretherapy milk sample was collected from the affected quarter. After milk sampling, the cow was assigned to one of the two treatment groups at random and treated with an intramammary infusion of one syringe of either LINCOCIN FORTE S or AMPICLOX for three successive milkings in the mastitic quarter. At 4-5, 13-15 and 20-22 days after first infusion, the veterinarian returned to the farm to conduct a clinical examination and collect milk samples from the affected quarter. Milk samples were cultured for the presence of mastitis organisms and somatic cell count (SCC) was measured. Following a 10-month study period, 256 cases were enrolled in the study. A total of 232 and 189 cases were analysed for clinical cure and for clinical-plus-bacteriological cure, respectively. The proportions of cases cured clinically and cured clinically-plus-bacteriologically were compared between the two treatment groups. Somatic cell count differences between treatment groups were also tested. The clinical cure rate for LINCOCIN FORTE S (62.5%) was significantly better than for AMPICLOX (51.8%) (P = 0.035). The clinical-plus-bacteriological cure rate was also significantly better for LINCOCIN FORTE S (38.1%) than for AMPICLOX (21.7%) (P = 0.005). Among bacteriologically cured cases, the SCC declined in both treatment groups but the SCC was significantly higher for the AMPICLOX group than for the LINCOCIN FORTE S group (P = 0.036). In conclusion, clinical cure rate, clinical-plus-bacteriological cure rate, and SCC level were significantly better with LINCOCIN FORTE S than for AMPICLOX.

Magazine Editors and the Writing Process: An Analysis of How Editors Work with Staff and Free-Lance Writers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schierhorn, Ann B.; Endres, Kathleen L.

Editors of business and consumer magazines chosen by a random sample were asked in a mail survey what method they used in working with staff writers and free-lance writers. They were asked how they work with writers in the five stages of the writing process--idea, reporting, organizing, writing and rewriting. The first mailing to consumer…

Publication Criteria and Recommended Areas of Improvement within School Psychology Journals as Reported by Editors, Journal Board Members, and Manuscript Authors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albers, Craig A.; Floyd, Randy G.; Fuhrmann, Melanie J.; Martinez, Rebecca S.

2011-01-01

Two online surveys were completed by editors, associate editors, editorial board members, and members or fellows of the Division 16 of the American Psychological Association. These surveys targeted (a) the criteria for a manuscript to be published in school psychology journals, and (b) the components of the peer-review process that should be…

The WebACS - An Accessible Graphical Editor.

PubMed

Parker, Stefan; Nussbaum, Gerhard; Pölzer, Stephan

2017-01-01

This paper is about the solution to accessibility problems met when implementing a graphical editor, a major challenge being the comprehension of the relationships between graphical components, which needs to be guaranteed for blind and vision impaired users. In the concrete case the HTML5 canvas and Javascript were used. Accessibility was reached by implementing a list view of elements, which also enhances the usability of the editor.

Applied Computational Electromagnetics Society Journal, Volume 9, Number 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-07-01

input/output standardization; code or technique optimization and error minimization; innovations in solution technique or in data input/output...THE APPLIED COMPUTATIONAL ELECTROMAGNETICS SOCIETY JOURNAL EDITORS 3DITOR-IN-CH•IF/ACES EDITOR-IN-CHIEP/JOURNAL MANAGING EDITOR W. Perry Wheless...Adalbert Konrad and Paul P. Biringer Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M5S 1A4 Ailiwir

Joint Force Quarterly. Number 1, Summer 1993

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

Contributors Joint Force Quarterly A PROFESSIONAL MILITARY JOURNAL Editor-in-Chief Alvin H. Bernstein Executive Editor Patrick M. Cronin Managing Editor Robert...understanding of the integrated employ- ment of land, sea, air, space, and special operations forces. The journal focuses on joint doctrine, coalition...other agency of the Federal Government. Por- tions of this journal are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced or extracted without the

R. E. (Ted) Munn — Founding editor; a mini-biography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Peter; Thomas, Morley; Truhlar, Ed; Whelpdale, Doug

1996-02-01

Ted Munn founded Boundary-Layer Meteorology in 1970 and served as Editor for 75 volumes over a 25 year period. This short article briefly reviews Ted's scientific career with the Atmospheric Environment Service (of Canada), the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and with the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of Toronto, and as editor of this journal.

STEVE -- a thinking person's screen editor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fish, Adrian

STEve is an acronym for STarlink EVE and is an extended EDT-style EVE editor for use at Starlink nodes. The facility provides extra commands which are not part of standard EVE, and improves on one or two of the standard EVE commands. Help on all topics and keys is available from within the editor. The extensions and modifications present in STEve are particularly useful to Starlink users.

Feasibility of introducing rejection criteria for stool cultures in a teaching hospital in Portugal.

PubMed

Hänscheid, T; Cristino, J M; Salgado, M J

2002-02-01

The possible introduction of rejection criteria for stool cultures (

Comparison of culture, single and multiplex real-time PCR for detection of Sabin poliovirus shedding in recently vaccinated Indian children.

PubMed

Giri, Sidhartha; Rajan, Anand K; Kumar, Nirmal; Dhanapal, Pavithra; Venkatesan, Jayalakshmi; Iturriza-Gomara, Miren; Taniuchi, Mami; John, Jacob; Abraham, Asha Mary; Kang, Gagandeep

2017-08-01

Although, culture is considered the gold standard for poliovirus detection from stool samples, real-time PCR has emerged as a faster and more sensitive alternative. Detection of poliovirus from the stool of recently vaccinated children by culture, single and multiplex real-time PCR was compared. Of the 80 samples tested, 55 (68.75%) were positive by culture compared to 61 (76.25%) and 60 (75%) samples by the single and one step multiplex real-time PCR assays respectively. Real-time PCR (singleplex and multiplex) is more sensitive than culture for poliovirus detection in stool, although the difference was not statistically significant. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.