Microbial isolation and characterization from two flex lines from the urine processor assembly onboard the international space station

Urine, humidity condensate, and other sources of non-potable water are processed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) by the Water Recovery System (WRS) yielding potable water. While some means of microbial control are in place, including a phosphoric acid/hexavalent chromium urine pretreatment solution, many areas within the WRS are not available for routine microbial monitoring. Due to refurbishment needs, two flex lines from the Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) within the WRS were removed and returned to Earth. The water from within these lines, as well as flush water, was microbially evaluated. Culture and culture-independent analysis revealed the presence of Burkholderia, Paraburkholderia, and Leifsonia. Fungal culture also identified Fusarium and Lecythophora. Hybrid de novo genome analysis of the five distinct Burkholderia isolates identified them as B. contaminans, while the two Paraburkholderia isolates were identified as P. fungorum. Chromate-resistance gene clusters were identified through pangenomic analysis that differentiated these genomes from previously studied isolates recovered from the point-of-use potable water dispenser and/or current NCBI references, indicating that unique populations exist within distinct niches in the WRS. Beyond genomic analysis, fixed samples directly from the lines were imaged by environmental scanning electron microscopy, which detailed networks of fungal-bacterial biofilms. This is the first evidence of biofilm formation within flex lines from the UPA onboard the ISS. For all bacteria isolated, biofilm potential was further characterized, with the B. contaminans isolates demonstrating the most considerable biofilm formation. Moreover, the genomes of the B. contaminans revealed secondary metabolite gene clusters associated with quorum sensing, biofilm formation, antifungal compounds, and hemolysins. The potential production of these gene cluster metabolites was phenotypically evaluated through biofilm, bacterial-fungal interaction, and hemolytic assays. Collectively, these data identify the UPA flex lines as a unique ecological niche and novel area of biofilm growth within the WRS. Further investigation of these organisms and their resistance profiles will enable engineering controls directed toward biofilm prevention in future space station water systems.

Seroprevalence of Toxocara at Tra Vinh University Hospital in Vietnam

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to assess the seroprevalence of Toxocariasis and its associated risk factors among individuals attending the outpatient department at Tra Vinh University Hospital, Vietnam, in 2022.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among outpatients of Tra Vinh University Hospital. Toxocariasis diagnosis was based on the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) performed at the hospital's laboratory department. We assessed the seroprevalence of Toxocariasis and evaluated associated risk factors, including demographics and certain behaviors.

RESULTS

Of the 249 participants surveyed, 165 tested positive for Toxocariasis, yielding a seroprevalence of 66.3% (95% CI: 60.4-72.1). Multivariate analysis revealed that age groups up to 30 and 30-60 years had higher odds of Toxocariasis infection, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 2.52 (95% CI: 1.04-6.11) and 3.21 (95% CI: 1.44-7.15) respectively. Additionally, individuals residing in rural areas and those in contact with dogs or cats had increased risks, with aORs of 2.21 (95% CI: 1.21-4.01) and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.10-3.79), respectively. Notably, hand washing before eating emerged as a protective factor against Toxocariasis, presenting an aOR of 0.38 (95% CI: 0.19-0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore a significant seroprevalence (66.3%) of Toxocara spp. among outpatients at Tra Vinh University Hospital. Proactive measures, including hand hygiene before meals and after pet interactions, are advocated. There is a pronounced need for community-level epidemiological surveillance for human Toxocariasis.

Influence of Irradiation on the Biology of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Fifth-instar brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål) nymphs were treated by gamma-radiation 60Co at different doses of 8-64 Gy to investigate their irradiation biology and potential for the sterile insect technique (SIT). At adult emergence, males were mated with non-irradiated virgin females to assess the longevity of both sexes, female fecundity, and egg sterility. Biological parameters of their F1 progeny were investigated to determine whether negative effects from parental exposure to radiation were inherited. Results showed that irradiation significantly reduced the lifespan of male insects at doses above 20 Gy. Irradiated males did not affect the longevity and fecundity of their female partners, nor of their resulting adult progenies, but it did reduce the developmental duration of nymphs as well as weight gain of male F1 offspring. Egg hatch was significantly reduced at all tested doses and reached complete sterility at 64 Gy. Low hatch of eggs produced by F1 or F1 crossed adults indicated that negative effects from radiation were inherited by the subsequent generation. But F1 male offspring were not less fertile than their irradiated male parent, unlike what was observed in Lepidoptera. The results support the potential for the use of SIT for H. halys management by irradiating the fifth-instar male nymphs at doses from 16 Gy to 64 Gy.

Response surface methodology as a powerful tool to optimize the synthesis of polymer-based graphene oxide nanocomposites for simultaneous removal of cationic and anionic heavy metal contaminants

Nanocomposites containing graphene oxide (GO), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and chitosan (CS) were synthesized for chromium(vi) and copper(ii) removal from water.

[Diagnosis of oesophageal reflux by PH, impedance, and bilirubin measurement: recommendations of the German Society of Neurogastroenterology and of the working group for neurogastroenterology of the German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases]

The current recommendations on indications, technical performance, and interpretation of diagnostic techniques for oesophageal reflux update the German recommandations about 24 hour pH measurement of 2003. The recommendations encompass conventional pH measurement, wireless pH measurement, pH and impedance measurements, and bilirubin measurement (duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux).

Abstract 3905: Structure–function relationships between RUNX1-MTG fusion proteins and core components of the Notch transcription complex

The myeloid translocation genes (MTG) are preferred targets of chromosomal translocations with the Runx1 gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) pathogenesis. The resulting fusion proteins, RUNX1-MTG8 and RUNX1-MTG16, influence gene expression programs that control self-renewal and differentiation in hematopoiesis. How they engage the machinery of self-renewal to alter hematopoietic development is poorly understood. To gain additional insights into this question, we investigated structure–function relationships between RUNX1-MTG fusion proteins and core components of the Notch transcription complex, a critical determinant of cell fate specification in diverse tissues. The Notch transcription complex is composed minimally of the transcriptional repressor CSL, the intracellular domain of Notch receptors (N-ICD) and the transcriptional co-activator Mastermind (MAML). We show that RUNX1-MTG fusion proteins transactivate a Notch-responsive element from the Hes1 promoter. Using MTG16 as a model protein, we show that N-ICDs interact with a discrete domain in the MTG N-terminus. We translated these findings to the fusion proteins and found N-ICD binding was retained by RUNX1-MTGs and a RUNX1-MTG16 mutant that lacks the N1-ICD binding site. In parallel experiments, we defined the binding region for MTG proteins and their fusion protein derivatives on the N1-ICD. Informed by these structural relationships, we utilized RUNX1-MTG proteins or mutants that lack N1-ICD binding sites in transcriptional reporter assays. Our findings suggest that RUNX1-MTG fusion proteins alter transcription of the Notch target gene, Hes1 and intimate a structure–function relationship between RUNX1-MTG fusion proteins and Notch signaling.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3905.

Relationship between bolus transit and LES-relaxation studied with concurrent impedance and manometry

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Neuromuscular mechanisms regulating esophageal bolus transport are well studied. However, detailed data about the relationship between bolus transit and lower esophageal sphincter (LES)-relaxation during conventional motility testing are still lacking.

METHODOLOGY

We performed systematic studies in 25 normal subjects, employing a catheter that integrates the two techniques impedancometry and manometry in a single instrument for simultaneous recording and analysis of the relationship between bolus transit and LES relaxation after swallowing saline or yogurt.

RESULTS

195 swallows were analyzed. LES relaxation occurred frequently later than UES relaxation. The mean latency between bolus entry into the esophagus and LES relaxation was 3.6 +0.2 sec. Two types of swallow-induced LES relaxation were observed: (a) LES relaxation preceding bolus transit (46 cases or 24%) and (b) LES relaxation occurring during bolus transit (149 cases or 76%). In the later case, during 114 (76%) cases of this deglutition, the position of the bolus was very close to the LES.

CONCLUSIONS

During deglutition, LES relaxation seems to be modulated by bolus transit and occurs predominantly upon arrival of the bolus in the distal esophagus.

Impedance characteristics of esophageal motor function in achalasia

Detailed data on patterns of esophageal bolus transport in patients with achalasia are still lacking. To study these we applied the novel technique of multichannel intraluminal impedance measurements. Ten patients with achalasia were studied using a 16 channel system. Liquid and semisolid boluses of 10 mL were applied with the patients in a supine position. Patterns of bolus transport were determined and analyzed as compared to results obtained from 20 healthy subjects. The healthy subjects featured a unique typical primary peristalsis pattern independent of bolus viscosity. In contrast, achalasia patients demonstrated different impedance characteristics, including: (i) significantly lower baseline esophageal impedance during the resting state as compared with healthy volunteers (999 omega +/- 108 versus 2749 omega +/- 113); (ii) failed bolus transport through the esophagus in all cases; (iii) impedance evidence of luminal content regurgitation in 35% of the swallows (iv) impedance evidence of pathological air movement within the proximal esophagus during deglutition in 38% of the swallows, so called air trapping. Thus, impedance characteristics of achalasia have been defined and can be attributed to known symptoms of achalasia. They can be used as basic findings for further classification of pathological bolus transports in other esophageal motility disorders.

[Clozapine and pregnancy]

This article reviews the relations between clozapine and pregnancy. Six case reports are identified in the literature of pregnant patients who received clozapine. Novartis at Basle, Switzerland, through its pharmacovigilance and epidemiology, service, has data on nearly 200 cases summarized in this article. We also describe the case of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia who was hospitalized 10 times between the age of 22 to 32. She received clozapine when she was 29 years old and, with a daily dosage of 350 mg, she became asymptomatic. At the age of 33 and 37, she became pregnant and continued clozapine during her 2 pregnancies. During her first pregnancy, she received insulin due to gestational diabetes associated with a body weight mass (BWM) of 30.4 (N = 20 to 25). During her second pregnancy, the BWM was 23.7 and she did not develop diabetes. She delivered at term 2 daughters who are at the time of this report 5 and 3 years old. The two girls are doing well and have no developmental delay. Psychotic symptoms exacerbation: the plasma concentration of clozapine diminishes during pregnancy due to a higher hepatic metabolism and distribution volume. Monitoring plasma concentration of clozapine can help to adjust its dosage. In case of psychotic symptoms exacerbation, the following can be recommended: 1) Increase the clozapine dosage; 2) Add a classic antipsychotic like perphenazine, trifluoperazine or haloperidol. Diabetes: obesity, glucose intolerance or a family history of diabetes are risk factors to develop gestational diabetes. The follow-up of patients, who take an atypical antipsychotic, should include constant monitoring of the blood glucose or Hb1A and lipid dosages. Complications at labor: Clozapine increases the secretion of oxytocine and the contraction of the uterine muscle. But, no studies can explain how clozapine affects the labor exactly. Some case studies report use of forceps, vacuum or cesarean.

CONVULSIONS

Stoner (1997) described neonatal convulsions 8 days after birth. The mother was receiving 350 mg of clozapine, but also lorazepam and haloperidol during her pregnancy. The newborn withdrawal of lorazepam can increase the risk of convulsions and also haloperidol can diminish the convulsion threshold. Floppy infant syndrome: in the case described by Dimichele (1996), the mother received a daily dosage of 300 mg of clozapine and 2.5 mg of lorazepam 3 to 5 times a day. This can explain hypotonia. Stoner (1997) reports a second case where a mother, who received 600 mg of clozapine during pregnancy, gave birth to a child who had no convulsions neither hypotonia.

DEVELOPMENT

The cases described concerning studies of children until age 2 to 3 years by Stoner (1997) and Dickson (1998) and until 6 years old by Barnas (1994), do not mention any developmental problem, similar to the two daughters of our patient. The pharmacovigilance service of Novarits reports 6% of malformations. But these reports must be considered with caution since they represent only the pregnancies reported spontaneously to the pharmaceutical company. This is only a portion of all pregnancies associated with clozapine.

CONCLUSION

No specific risks for the mother and children can be attributed to the use of clozapine during pregnancy. However, the plasma concentration of clozapine is higher in the fetus compared to the mother (Barnas, 1994); therefore, a minimal dosage should be used. Since clozapine is present in the maternal milk, breast feeding should be avoided. The advantages to use clozapine during pregnancy must exceed the risks. It is justified to continue the use of this medication even if data on classic antipsychotics (e.g.: haloperidol) are more extensive. Because the risk of psychotic exacerbation is higher, the substitution of clozapine is not recommended. The psychosocial support and the obstetrical follow-up must be intensive too. An institutional pharmacovigilance service should complement the one provided by the industry. Also, further case-control and cohort studies are essential to better estimate the long-term risks.

[Retroperitoneal giant angiomyolipoma diagnosed post-partum with lymph node involvement]

HISTORY AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT

A 30-year-old primipara after a normal pregnancy had delivered a 3340 g child. After an uneventful post-partum period she had noticed her abdomen failing to reduce in size.

INVESTIGATIONS, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The abdominal sonography discovered a large retroperitoneal tumor. CT and MRI showed a giant tumor which originated from the right kidney. Suspecting the diagnosis of renal liposarcoma the kidney and tumor were excised with removal of enlarged precaval and preaortal lymph nodes. Gross inspection revealed a ca. 3,2 kg myxoid tumor, measuring 27 x 19 x 10 cm. The histological examination of the surgical preparation revealed a retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case of a giant retroperitoneal angiomyolipoma with lymph node involvement diagnosed post partum.

[Gilford progeria. A case report]

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is a rare syndrome of premature aging with multiple skeletal abnormalities. We report one case. The literature is reviewed. Characteristics of 30 patients with radiological records are presented. Pronounced acro-osteolysis, osteolysis of the clavicle are the main features. Modern imaging is useful to diagnose the complications.

Long-term survival after diagnosis of hepatic metastatic VIPoma: report of two cases with disparate courses and review of therapeutic options

This report describes two patients with pancreatic cholera caused by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-producing tumors, which originated in the pancreas and showed metastases in both hepatic lobes at time of diagnosis. However, the two tumors displayed remarkably disparate clinical courses. Due to the protracted but progressive course over more than 10 years, a multifaceted therapeutic approach was performed to control symptoms and to improve quality of life. The long-acting somatostatin analog octreotide was the most effective treatment for relieving symptoms and correcting fluid and electrolytes disturbances. The effects of complementary treatments, including systemic chemotherapy and hyperselective chemoembolization, as well as concurrent application of octreotide and prednisolone or interferon with respect to clinical symptoms, VIP levels, and tumor growth are reviewed. Our experience, although small, emphasizes the need for an expert, well-planned, adaptive, and multidisciplinary approach in the care of these complex patients.

Biology of cervical carcinoma

Cervical cancer is generally a locoregional disease. The endopelvic fascia envelops the cervix in anterior-posterior fashion and serves as a natural barrier. Thus, cervical cancer preferentially grows to the parametria and involves the ureters before it infiltrates the bladder or rectum. Disease stage, grade, cell type, tumor volume, depth of stromal invasion, vascular space invasion, and lymph node status are common prognostic indicators. Irregular vaginal bleeding and discharge are the two most frequent complaints. Although cervical cancer is still staged clinically, data continue to accumulate favoring a conversion to surgical staging to improve accuracy and treatment outcome.

Special problems in cervical cancer management

Cervical cancer is easily recognized when it presents as a visible lesion, but a problem arises when it adopts unusual presentations. Cervical cancer can develop high in the endocervical canal, beyond the reach of cone biopsy. Copious vaginal discharge from cervical adenocarcinoma may lead to a false-negative Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. Treatment of cervicitis can result in a delay in diagnosis. Successful and timely diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer requires experience and vigilance. Careful intraoperative palpation of the cervix and uterus can help determine the location and extent of the lesion. Flexibility during surgery is required to utilize intraoperative findings and thus optimize treatment. Pitfalls of cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment with actual case presentations are presented along with other special problems in cervical cancer management such as incidental findings of cervical cancer in hysterectomy specimens, treatment of cervical stump cancers, and unusual cervical cancer cell types.

Chemotherapy of advanced and recurrent cervical carcinoma

Chemotherapy is used primarily to treat advanced or recurrent cervical cancer. There are three major applications: primary therapy, as a radiation sensitizer, and neoadjuvant therapy. Primary chemotherapy is employed in advanced and disseminated cervical carcinoma (Stage VB). The four best single drugs with moderate activity against cervical cancer are: cisplatin, ifosfamide, dibromodulcitol (mitolactol), and Adriamycin (doxorubicin). Cisplatin and ifosfamide appear to be the best combination therapy: they provide an objective response rate of 33%. However, because the overall survival was not significantly improved with combination therapy, single-agent therapy with one of the above active drugs is acceptable. For stages IIB, III and IVA, the primary therapy is still radiation. Concomitant chemotherapy with hydroxyurea or a combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) have been shown to enhance radiation response in several randomized trials. Hydroxyurea is the preferred radiation sensitizer because it offers less toxicity, ease of administration, and equivalent results. Chemotherapy in neoadjuvant setting produces promising results. Various cisplatin combinations of mitomycin C, 5-FU, vincristine, and bleomycin have been employed to shrink locally advanced cervical cancer and permit safe, radical excision. Early results with these combinations in small trials are encouraging but further studies are needed to fully evaluate their potential.

The Bethesda system and evaluation of abnormal pap smears

The Bethesda Pap Smear system and its 1991 revisions aim to simplify Papanicolaou (Pap) smear reporting and make it more reproducible. It redefines the Pap smear request as a medical consultation. The pathologist consultant is required not only to provide the smear reading but also its clinical recommendation. The Bethesda system insists on a detailed Pap smear report assessing specimen adequacy and types of epithelial changes. Squamous cell abnormalities are grouped according to their biologic potential. Both cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, grade I (CIN I) (mild dysplasia) and human papillomavirus (HPV) lesions are grouped together as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL), while moderate and severe dysplasia (CIN II and III) belong to the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL) category. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGCUS) need further qualification as to whether they favor either a reactive or neoplastic process. Guidelines for management of abnormal Pap smears are discussed in detail.

Multiple intraluminal electrical impedancometry for recording of upper gastrointestinal motility: current results and further implications

This review focuses on current aspects of the novel technology of multiple intraluminal electrical impedance measurement. It presents methodological features, summarizes current results, and discusses potential implications for further research. The impedance technique assesses a bolus transport and its associated peristalsis. Validation studies showed a good analogy between physically deduced impedance characteristics and characteristics derived from cineradiography and manometry. From the impedance tracings, it is possible to distinguish between resting states, bolus transit, and wall contraction. Characteristics of a peristaltic wave can be obtained. In human studies, esophageal and small intestinal peristaltic patterns can quantitatively and qualitatively be assessed. A high resolution recording of bolus movements with interesting details of transport and mixing can be obtained. On the basis of several prior characterized impedance tracings duodenal contractile patterns have been classified, and the interdigestive and postprandial states characterized. For reflux evaluation the impedance technique was especially useful for the detection of nonacid gastroesophageal reflux, which is not detectable by pH monitoring. In summary, the main impact of the impedance technique is its capability to characterize esophageal and intestinal chyme transport. Important data on luminal chyme transport have been obtained. This technique is developing into an interesting investigative tool to complement standard techniques for study of upper GI motility, in particular for basic research.

Severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Mycobacterium avium complex in a patient receiving immunosuppressive therapy

Intense immunosuppressive therapy is used frequently for treatment of systemic vasculitides, collagenoses, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, and after organ transplantation. Numerous serious treatment-related side effects include localized or disseminated opportunistic infections, and require careful monitoring of immunosuppressed patients. Gastrointestinal infections with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) or other nontuberculous mycobacteria have been previously identified in HIV seropositive patients only. We now report the first case of an HIV seronegative patient who received immunosuppressive therapy for rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The patient presented with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding and was diagnosed to have ulcerative colitis due to infection with MAC. The patient recovered promptly after administration of antimycobacterial therapy. MAC infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding in all immunodeficient patients. The significance of repeated colonoscopy to obtain multiple biopsy specimens with histological examination for foam cells and specific staining for acid-fast organisms is emphasized.

Hepatic portal venous gas following emergency endoscopic sclerotherapy of gastric varices

Hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) is a rare condition, usually associated with extended bowel necrosis or intra-abdominal infection. Herein, we report a case of HPVG following endoscopic sclerotherapy for bleeding gastric varices. A 50-year-old female with a history of alcoholic liver disease was referred to our hospital because of hematemesis. Emergency endoscopic sclerotherapy was performed to control bleeding gastric varices. Twelve hours later, HPVG was demonstrated by ultrasound and confirmed by duplex sonography, which spontaneously resolved 2 hours later. The patient remained well throughout this time, and was released with no major sequelae. This case supports the view that HPVG can also present as a benign finding, in particular, following diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of the gut. The underlying cause determines the clinical significance and prognosis of HPVG.

New reference levels for CA125 in pre- and postmenopausal women

Objective: CA125 is a glycoprotein commonly produced by the endometrium. Serum CA125 is widely useful as a marker for ovarian cancer screening, with 35 U/mL the generally accepted upper limit of normal. Since CA125 is known to fluctuate with vaginal bleeding and menopausal status, the purpose of this study was to develop different reference ranges for normal women of differing physiologic states.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,407 patients with serum CA125 levels taken at Cleveland Clinic Florida between 1992 and 1997. Patients with obvious elevation of CA125 from gynecologic cancers were excluded. Student t test was used to determine statistical significance.Results: Among 1,407 patients studied, 256 were premenopausal, 46 perimenopausal, 957 postmenopausal, and 148 excluded due to known gynecologic cancers. There was a significant difference between the mean CA125 values of premenopausal (19.3 +/- 15.6) and postmenopausal women (11.7 +/- 9.2) with P.7 x 10(-6). Among premenopausal women, there was a statistically significant difference between CA125 levels during menses (21.4 +/- 19.3) and luteal phase (14.0 +/- 9.1) with P =.03. Among the subgroup of postmenopausal women with known bleeding history, the mean CA125 values for women with vaginal bleeding was 12.49 +/- 11.5 compared to those without bleeding, 9.62 +/- 4.6 (P =.017).Conclusions: For normal premenopausal women, the overall upper limit of CA125 should be 50 U/mL. However, if menstrual status is known, the upper normals should be: 62 during menses, 51 for proliferative phase, and 32 for luteal phase. For postmenopausal women, the CA125 levels should be no more than 35 for those with vaginal bleeding and 20 for those without bleeding. The stratified CA125 values may help provide more specific ovarian cancer screening.