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Medori MC, Bonetti G, Donato K, Dhuli K, Henehan G, Brown R, Sieving P, Sykora P, Marks R, Falsini B, Capodicasa N, Miertus S, Lorusso L, Dondossola D, Tartaglia GM, Tartaglia GM, Ergoren MC, Dundar M, Michelini S, Malacarne D, Beccari T, Connelly ST, Martin D, Bacu A, Herbst KL, Kapustin M, Stuppia L, Lumer L, Farronato G, Bertelli M. Bioetics Issues of Artificial Placenta and Artificial Womb Technology. Clin Ter 2023; 174:243-248. [PMID: 37994771 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2023.2494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Abstract The worldwide infertility crisis and the increase in mortality and morbidity among infants, due to preterm births and associated complications, have stimulated research into artificial placenta (AP) and artificial womb (AW) technology as novel solutions. These technologies mimic the natural environment provided in the mother's womb, using chambers that ensure the supply of nutrients to the fetus and disposal of waste substances through an appropriate mechanism. This review aims to highlight the background of AP and AW technologies, revisit their historical development and proposed applications, and discuss challenges and bioethical and moral issues. Further research is required to investigate any negative effects of these new technologies, and ethical concerns pertaining to the structure and operation of this newly developed technology must be addressed and resolved prior to its introduction to the public sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G Bonetti
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - K Donato
- MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy
- MAGISNAT, Atlanta Tech Park, Peachtree Corners, GA, USA
| | - K Dhuli
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - G Henehan
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - P Sieving
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - P Sykora
- Centre for Bioethics, Department of Philosophy and Applied Philosophy, University of St. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - R Marks
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - B Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - S Miertus
- Department of Biotechnology, University of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
- International Centre for Applied Research and Sustainable Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - L Lorusso
- UOC Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Lecco, Merate, Italy
| | - D Dondossola
- Center for Preclincal Research and General and Liver Transplant Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G M Tartaglia
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G M Tartaglia
- UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M C Ergoren
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - M Dundar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - S Michelini
- Vascular Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Service, Marino Hospital, ASL Roma 6, Marino, Italy
| | | | - T Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S T Connelly
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, TIMC-IMAG, SyNaBi, Grenoble, France
| | - A Bacu
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - K L Herbst
- Total Lipedema Care, Beverly Hills, California, and Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - M Kapustin
- Federation of the Jewish Communities of Slovakia
| | - L Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" Univer-sity of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - L Lumer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - G Farronato
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Bertelli
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
- MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy
- MAGISNAT, Atlanta Tech Park, Peachtree Corners, GA, USA
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Bonetti G, Donato K, Medori MC, Dhuli K, Henehan G, Brown R, Sieving P, Sykora P, Marks R, Falsini B, Capodicasa N, Miertus S, Lorusso L, Dondossola D, Tartaglia GM, Cerkez Ergoren M, Dundar M, Michelini S, Malacarne D, Beccari T, Connelly ST, Martin D, Bacu A, Herbst KL, Kapustin M, Stuppia L, Lumer L, Farronato G, Bertelli M. Human Cloning: Biology, Ethics, and Social Implications. Clin Ter 2023; 174:230-235. [PMID: 37994769 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2023.2492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Abstract This scholarly article delves into the multifaceted domains of human cloning, encompassing its biological underpinnings, ethical dimensions, and broader societal implications. The exposition commences with a succinct historical and contextual overview of human cloning, segueing into an in-depth exploration of its biological intri-cacies. Central to this biological scrutiny is a comprehensive analysis of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and its assorted iterations. The accomplishments and discoveries in cloning technology, such as successful animal cloning operations and advances in the efficiency and viability of cloned embryos, are reviewed. Future improvements, such as reprogramming procedures and gene editing technology, are also discussed. The discourse extends to ethical quandaries intrinsic to human cloning, entailing an extensive contemplation of values such as human dignity, autonomy, and safety. Furthermore, the ramifications of human cloning on a societal plane are subjected to scrutiny, with a dedicated emphasis on ramifications encompassing personal identity, kinship connections, and the fundamental notion of maternity. Culminating the analysis is a reiteration of the imperative to develop and govern human cloning technology judiciously and conscientiously. Finally, it discusses several ethical and practical issues, such as safety concerns, the possibility of exploitation, and the erosion of human dignity, and emphasizes the significance of carefully considering these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bonetti
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - K Donato
- MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy
- MAGISNAT, Peachtree Corners (GA), USA
| | | | - K Dhuli
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - G Henehan
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ca-nada
| | - P Sieving
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - P Sykora
- Centre for Bioethics, Department of Philosophy and Applied Philosophy, University of St. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - R Marks
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - B Falsini
- nstitute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - S Miertus
- Department of Biotechnology, University of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
- International Centre for Applied Research and Sustainable Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - L Lorusso
- UOC Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Lecco, Merate, Italy
| | - D Dondossola
- Center for Preclincal Research and General and Liver Transplant Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G M Tartaglia
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Cerkez Ergoren
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - M Dundar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - S Michelini
- Vascular Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Service, Marino Hospital, ASL Roma 6, Marino, Italy
| | | | - T Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S T Connelly
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, TIMC-IMAG, SyNaBi, Grenoble, France
| | - A Bacu
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - K L Herbst
- Total Lipedema Care, Beverly Hills, California, and Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - M Kapustin
- Federation of the Jewish Communities of Slovakia
| | - L Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - L Lumer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - G Farronato
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Bertelli
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
- MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy
- MAGISNAT, Peachtree Corners (GA), USA
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Bertelli M, Bonetti G, Donato K, Medori MC, Dhuli K, Henehan G, Brown R, Sieving P, Sykora P, Marks R, Falsini B, Capodicasa N, Miertus S, Tartaglia GM, Ergoren MC, Dundar M, Michelini S, Malacarne D, Beccari T, Connelly ST, Martin D, Bacu A, Herbst KL, Kapustin M, Stuppia L, Lumer L, Farronato G, Lorusso L. In Memory of Professor Derek Pheby. Clin Ter 2023; 174:227-229. [PMID: 37994768 DOI: 10.7417/ct.2023.2491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Professor Derek Pheby's passing in November 2022 marked a profound loss for the scientific community. Professor Derek Pheby, a stalwart figure in the fields of autoimmune diseases and bioethics, was known for his dedication to scientific research and patients' support, particularly for those affected by paraneoplastic autoimmune syndromes. Professor Pheby made significant contributions to research, especially about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). His leadership of the ME Biobank and scientific coordination of EUROMENE demonstrated his commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering international collaborations. Professor Pheby's scientific work addressed various aspects of ME/CFS, from physician education to patient needs, the development of a post-mortem tissue bank, and effective treatments. Beyond his medical career, Professor Pheby was a crucial member of the Independent Ethics Committee of MAGI, he was a poet, humanitarian, and advocate for child protection. His generosity and boundless spirit left an enduring legacy, fostering innovative research in the pursuit of combating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bertelli
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
- MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy
- MAGISNAT, Peachtree Corners (GA), USA
| | - G Bonetti
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - K Donato
- MAGI EUREGIO, Bolzano, Italy
- MAGISNAT, Peachtree Corners (GA), USA
| | | | - K Dhuli
- MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto (TN), Italy
| | - G Henehan
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - P Sieving
- Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Ocular Regenerative Therapy, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - P Sykora
- Department of Philosophy and Applied Philosophy, University of St. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - R Marks
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - B Falsini
- nstitute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - S Miertus
- Department of Biotechnology, University of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
- International Centre for Applied Research and Sustainable Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - G M Tartaglia
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M C Ergoren
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - M Dundar
- Department of Medical Genetics, Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - S Michelini
- Vascular Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Service, Marino Hospital, ASL Roma 6, Marino, Italy
| | | | - T Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - S T Connelly
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Martin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, TIMC-IMAG, SyNaBi, Grenoble, France
| | - A Bacu
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - K L Herbst
- Total Lipedema Care, Beverly Hills, California, and Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - M Kapustin
- Federation of the Jewish Communities of Slovakia
| | - L Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - L Lumer
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - G Farronato
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- UOC Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - L Lorusso
- UOC Neurology and Stroke Unit, ASST Lecco, Merate, Italy
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Lopez Marin MA, Zdenkova K, Bartackova J, Cermakova E, Dostalkova A, Demnerova K, Vavruskova L, Novakova Z, Sykora P, Rumlova M, Bartacek J. Monitoring COVID-19 spread in selected Prague's schools based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. Sci Total Environ 2023; 871:161935. [PMID: 36731569 PMCID: PMC9886433 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a broad range of techniques to better monitor its extent. Owing to its consistency, non-invasiveness, and cost effectiveness, wastewater-based epidemiology has emerged as a relevant approach to monitor the pandemic's course. In this work, we analyzed the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic in five primary schools in Prague, the Czech Republic, and how different preventive measures impact the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy numbers in wastewaters. Copy numbers were measured by reverse transcription-multiplex quantitative real-time PCR. These copy numbers were compared to the number of infected individuals in each school identified through regular clinical tests. Each school had a different monitoring regime and subsequent application of preventive measures to thwart the spread of COVID-19. The schools that constantly identified and swiftly quarantined infected individuals exhibited persistently low amounts of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies in their wastewaters. In one school, a consistent monitoring of infected individuals, coupled with a delayed action to quarantine, allowed for the estimation of a linear model to predict the number of infected individuals based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the wastewater. The results show the importance of case detection and quarantining to stop the spread of the pandemic and its impact on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewaters. This work also shows that wastewater-based epidemiological models can be reliably used even in small water catchments, but difficulties arise to fit models due to the nonconstant input of viral particles into the wastewater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Lopez Marin
- Department of Water Technology and Environmental Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia
| | - K Zdenkova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia.
| | - J Bartackova
- Department of Water Technology and Environmental Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia
| | - E Cermakova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia
| | - A Dostalkova
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia
| | - K Demnerova
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Z Novakova
- Prazske vodovody a kanalizace, a.s., Czechia
| | - P Sykora
- Prazske vodovody a kanalizace, a.s., Czechia
| | - M Rumlova
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia
| | - J Bartacek
- Department of Water Technology and Environmental Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia
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Timárová G, Ramos Rivera G, Kolníková M, Novotný M, Šteňo A, Sykora P, Šteňo J. Vagal nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy: Efficacy and adverse events in an epilepsy centre with long-term follow-up. J Neurol Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.08.1945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) contributes to organ dysfunction and leads to the development of the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). IAH and ACS are relatively frequent findings in patiens with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and are associated with deterioration in organ functions. The most affected are cardiovascular, respiratory and renal functions. The incidence of IAH in patients with SAP is approximately 60-80%. There is an accumulating evidence in human and animal studies that changes of perfusion, particularly to the microvasculature, are crucial events in the progression of acute pancreatitis (AP). The perfusion of the small and large intestine is impaired due to reduced arterial pressure, increased vascular resistence and diminished portal blood flow. Bacterial translocation has been described in patients with ACS, and this may apply to patients with SAP. Approximately 30-40% of SAP patients develop ACS because of pancreatic (retroperitoneal) inflammation, peripancreatic tissue edema, formation of fluid collections or abdominal distension. Surgical debridement was the preferred treatment to control necrotizing pancreatitis in the past. However, the management of necrotizing pancreatitis has changed over the last decade. The main objective of this article is to describe the association between IAH and AP and to emphasize this situation in clinical praxis as well (Fig. 1, Ref. 38).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mifkovic
- 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Bzduch V, Sykora P, Behulova D, Kolnikova M, Klcova V. Glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT-1) deficiency. BRATISL MED J 2008; 109:245. [PMID: 18630813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V Bzduch
- First Department of Pediatrics, Comenius University Children's Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Bzduch V, Sykora P, Behulova D, Kolnikova M, Klcova V. Glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT-1) deficiency. BRATISL MED J 2008; 109:471-472. [PMID: 19166137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V Bzduch
- First Department of Pediatrics, Department of Child Neurology, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Comenius University Children's Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Krcméry V, Sykora P, Trupl J, Kunova A, Sabo A, Jurga L, Novotny J, Mateicka F, Babela R, Pichnova E, Gould IM. Antibiotic use and development of resistance in blood culture isolates: 8 years of experience from a cancer referral center. J Chemother 2001; 13:133-42. [PMID: 11330359 DOI: 10.1179/joc.2001.13.2.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of antimicrobial agents in a Slovakian national cancer institute from 1989-1996 was compared with resistance rates in clinically significant blood culture isolates. We observed an increase in resistance of viridans streptococci to penicillin and of enterococci to ampicillin. Resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin was stable over the entire period despite a 20-fold increase in vancomycin consumption. Nor did we observe increased resistance to ofloxacin despite a 10-fold increase in consumption. Consumption of aminoglycosides and resistance levels were both stable. A different situation was observed with third-generation cephalosporins, where resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Acinetobacter spp. to ceftazidime and cefotaxime increased with increasing consumption. Resistance of Enterobacteriaceae to cefotaxime and ceftazidime was stable. Resistance to imipenem did not change significantly. However, the number of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremias increased significantly after imipenem was introduced in 1991. Because of improved outcome in bacteremia, an increased incidence of both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteremia led to only a slight increase in associated mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Krcméry
- Dept. of Pharmacology, St. Elizabeth's Cancer Institute, School of Health Sciences, Trnava, Slovak Republic.
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Levin B, Antia R, Berllner E, Bloland P, Bonhoeffer S, Cohen M, Derouin T, Fields P, Jafari H, Jernigan D, Lipsitch M, Mcgowan J, Nowak M, Porco T, Sykora P, Simonsen L, Spitznagel J, Tauxe R, Tenover F. Resistance to Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: A Prescription for Research and Action. Am J Med Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9629(15)40282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Levin BR, Antia R, Berliner E, Bloland P, Bonhoeffer S, Cohen M, DeRouin T, Fields PI, Jafari H, Jernigan D, Lipsitch M, McGowan JE, Mead P, Nowak M, Porco T, Sykora P, Simonsen L, Spitznagel J, Tauxe R, Tenover F. Resistance to antimicrobial chemotherapy: a prescription for research and action. Am J Med Sci 1998; 315:87-94. [PMID: 9472907 DOI: 10.1097/00000441-199802000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The growing problem of resistance to antimicrobial chemotherapy was discussed by participants at the February 1995 workshop at Emory University on population biology, evolution, and control of infectious diseases. They discussed the nature and source of this problem and identified areas of research in which information is lacking for the development of programs to control of the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. Particular attention was given to theoretical (mathematical modeling) and empirical studies of the within and between-host population biology (epidemiology) and the evolution of microbial resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Suggestions were made about the kinds of models and data needed, and the procedures that could be employed to stem the ascent and dissemination of resistant bacteria. This article summarizes the observations and recommendations made at the 1995 meeting and in the correspondence between participants that followed. It concludes with an update on the theoretical and empirical research on the between- and within-host population biology and evolution of resistance to antimicrobial chemotherapy most of which has been done since that meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Levin
- Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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Colloms SD, Sykora P, Szatmari G, Sherratt DJ. Recombination at ColE1 cer requires the Escherichia coli xerC gene product, a member of the lambda integrase family of site-specific recombinases. J Bacteriol 1990; 172:6973-80. [PMID: 2254268 PMCID: PMC210817 DOI: 10.1128/jb.172.12.6973-6980.1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Site-specific recombination at the plasmid ColE1 cer site requires the Escherichia coli chromosomal gene xerC. The xerC gene has been localized to the 85-min region of the E. coli chromosome, between cya and uvrD. The nucleotide sequences of the xerC gene and flanking regions have been determined. The xerC gene encodes a protein with a calculated molecular mass of 33.8 kDa. This protein has substantial sequence similarity to the lambda integrase family of site-specific recombinases and is probably the cer recombinase. The xerC gene is expressed as part of a multicistronic unit that includes the dapF gene and two other open reading frames.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Colloms
- Institute of Genetics, University of Glasgow, Scotland
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