Tag: pubmed

Microb Pathog. 2024 Aug 9:106844. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106844. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of pumpkin powder (2%, 4%, and 6%) and Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis probiotics on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of yogurt samples during 28 days of storage at 4°C. The prebiotic effect of pumpkin powder (Cucurbita pepo) and the probiotic effect of Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis were determined. Adding pumpkin powder to yogurt did not significantly alter the pH, acidity, fat, protein, and ash content (p > 0.05). Water holding was not changed during the storage time in the samples of probiotic yogurts, but as the pumpkin powder content increased, the water holding capacity also increased (p < 0.05). This situation did lead to a reduction in syneresis (p < 0.05). The lowest gumminess value at the end of storage was found in the D2 sample (p < 0.05), and the highest adhesiveness value was found in the D4 sample (p < 0.05). Furthermore, throughout the 28-day storage period, E. faecium and E. faecalis maintained a live cell count of ≥6 log CFU g-1 in the probiotic product. As a result of the statistical evaluation, there was a decrease in E. faecium in the D4, S2, and S4 samples, and then it increased again (p > 0.05) during the storage time. As a result of the statistical evaluation, it was determined that the smell, consistency in the spoon, consistency in the mouth, flavor, and acidity changes during the storage were not substantial (p > 0.05). In conclusion, it was found that pumpkin, a byproduct of the pumpkin seed industry, has the potential to act as a prebiotic and improve the properties of dairy products. Additionally, the study suggests that E. faecium and E. faecalis strains could be suitable for probiotic yogurts.

PMID:39128644 | DOI:10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106844

Int J Infect Dis. 2024 Aug 9:107208. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107208. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends of pathogens causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) during (June 2019 – June 2020) and after (March – July 2023) the implementation of the National Action Plan on AMR 2017-2022 (NAP-AMR) in Mwanza, Tanzania.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2097 patients with clinical symptoms of UTIs during (n=1144) and after (n=953) NAP-AMR. Quantitative urine culture was done to isolate significant bacteria causing UTI, which were then identified to species level and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Tabulations, descriptive, and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze categorical and continuous variables, as well as the association between outcome and independent variables. Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of culture positive UTIs was 22.8% (479/2097, [95%CI: 21.1% – 24.7%]) with no significant difference between the study periods (21.8% (249/1144; [95%CI: 19.5% – 24.3%]) vs. 24.1% (230/953; [95%CI: 21.5% – 26.9%]), p=0.274). We observed a significant increase in resistance to ciprofloxacin (32.0% vs. 45.8%, p=0.0481) and 3^rd generation cephalosporins (marked by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE), 38.7% vs. 56.9%, p=0.0307). There were increased odds of ESBL-PE UTIs among patients in higher-tier hospitals than in lower-tier hospitals (29.1% to 49.1%, OR [95%CI]: 3.09 [1.39 – 6.88], p=0.006).

CONCLUSION: There was a significant increase in bacterial resistance to ciprofloxacin and 3^rd generation cephalosporins, as well as ESBL-PE. These results emphasize the critical need to enhance AMR surveillance, improve IPC measures, and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs.

PMID:39128601 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107208

Int J Infect Dis. 2024 Aug 9:107197. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107197. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses exposure to malaria vector mosquitos that is non-preventable through use of nets, the contribution of outdoor and indoor biting towards residual vector exposure, and the risk factors for being bitten and for being infected with malaria parasites on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.

METHODS: Human behaviour and malaria infection data were collected from 13,735 randomly selected residents during cross-sectional surveys, concomitantly with entomological human landing catches, indoors and outdoors, in 20 locations on the Island. Self-reported time of going indoors, going to bed and whether using a net were analysed to impute for each respondent the number of bites received outdoors and indoors during the night before the survey.

RESULTS: On average, each person received 2.7 (95% CI 2.6 to 2.8) bites per night outdoors, 8.5 (8.3 to 8.7) bites indoors if not using a net, and 4.7 (4.5 to 4.8) bites indoors if using a net. Malaria infection was associated with more bites, regardless of whether received indoors or outdoors. Older age, male gender, not using a net, rural location and going indoors later increased the risk of being bitten. The proportion of bites not averted by using a net was estimated as 66% (61 to 71).

CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of biting, mostly indoors, may not be preventable by LLINs. Tools targeting indoor biting should be prioritised in Bioko. Novel vector control tools are urgently needed to reduce overall exposure to mosquito bites.

PMID:39128600 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107197

J Hazard Mater. 2024 Aug 4;478:135431. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135431. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Recently, there has been increasing concern regarding the emergence of bisphenol S analogues (BPSs) due to their potential toxicity. However, their exposure levels and associated health risks in susceptible populations remain unknown. In our study, we analyzed bisphenol A (BPA), along with 11 common BPA analogues (BPAs), and nine emerging BPSs in urine samples collected from 381 pregnant women in South China. All nine BPSs were first detected in pregnant women’s urine. In addition to BPA, two BPAs, three BPSs including Diphenylsulfone (DPS), Bis(phenylsulfonyl)phenol (DBSP) and Bis(3-allyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone (TGSA), were identified as the predominant bisphenols, with detection frequencies ranging from 53-100 %. BPA still exhibited the highest median concentration at 0.624 ng/mL, followed by DPS (0.169 ng/mL), BPS (0.063 ng/mL) and DBSP (0.023 ng/mL). Importantly, mothers with higher levels of BPA, DBSP, DPS, and TGSA in their urine are statistically more likely to give birth to premature infants with shorter lengths at birth or smaller head circumference (p < 0.05). Although the median exposure to 21 bisphenols did not exceed the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of BPA, it did surpass the recently proposed BPA TDI (0.2 ng/kg bw/day) by a factor ranging from 1.1-99 times. This study signifies the first report unveiling the prevalence of multiple bisphenols, particularly emerging BPSs, in the urine of pregnant women in South China.

PMID:39128146 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135431

Turk J Gastroenterol. 2024 Mar;35(3):178-185. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2024.23210.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study is aimed to compare the effects of nutrition which has been enriched with different amounts of gluten to gluten-free diets on weight gain, diabetogenic state, hematological, and biochemical parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 newly weaned male Wistar albino rats used in the study were randomized into 4 different groups based on the gluten rations they were given. Following 12 weeks of diet they were killed and intracardiac blood samples were collected. Groups were identified as group 1 (n = 10): control group; normal rat ration containing wheat, group 2 (n = 10): gluten-free diet, group 3 (n = 10): ration containing medium level of gluten (normal rat diet+6% vital gluten) and group 4 (n = 10): ration containing high level of gluten (normal rat diet+12% vital gluten).

RESULTS: In groups 3 and 4, high-density lipoprotein was found to be higher than the other 2groups. However, when group 2 results were compared to the other groups; the highest T3, T4, creatinine and B12 levels and the lowest gluten-specific IgE level were observed. alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were found to be higher in group 1 compared to the other 3 groups. No statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in terms of other parameters.

CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that a gluten-containing diet does not cause weight gain, has no diabetogenic effect, and also does not adversely affect general health in relation to hematological, biochemical, and various endocrinological parameters.

PMID:39128121 | DOI:10.5152/tjg.2024.23210

Turk J Gastroenterol. 2024 Mar;35(3):168-177. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2024.22850.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether computed tomography enterography can be used to predict the presence of perianal fistula in Crohn’s disease patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to the presentation of perianal fistula or not, this study divided retrospectively included Crohn’s disease patients into 2 groups. The disease duration, incidence of involved intestinal segments, and scoring of the activity of the lesions in all patients were statistically analyzed to explore significant factors between the 2 groups. The statistically significant findings identified in the univariate analysis were incorporated into the multivariate analysis. Logistic regression models were subsequently constructed to assess the predictive factors associated with the occurrence of perianal fistula in individuals with Crohn’s disease.The contribution of each factor to the outcome variable was confirmed by the nomogram. The clinical utility of the nomogram was confirmed by calibration and decision curves.

RESULTS: There were 40 cases with perianal Crohn’s disease and 58 without perianal Crohn’s disease. After univariate and multivariate analysis, disease duration (early stage of Crohn’s disease), ascending colon, and rectum were identified as the independent predictive factors for perianal fistula in Crohn’s disease patients. The clinical utility of the nomogram was effective, which implied potential benefits for Crohn’s disease patients.

CONCLUSION: Computed tomography enterography can be used to predict the presence of perianal fistula in Crohn’s disease patients by analyzing the location and the stage of the disease.

PMID:39128117 | DOI:10.5152/tjg.2024.22850

J Int Adv Otol. 2024 Mar;20(2):127-134. doi: 10.5152/iao.2024.231140.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to survey the knowledge and treatment management practices for single-sided deafness (SSD) among different subspecialties of otolaryngology.

METHODS: A questionnaire was sent via Google Sheets to members of the Turkish and Egyptian Otorhinolaryngology Societies between December 2021 and February 2022. For the statistical analysis, the respondents were divided into 3 groups as otologists, non-otologists, and residents at the department of otolaryngology-head and neck department.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between otologists and non-otologists in radiological imaging (child P = .469, adult P = .140) and preferred treatment method (child P = .546, adult P = .106). However, otolaryngologists showed significant differences in radiological evaluation (P <.001), vestibular evaluation (P = .000), and frequency of treatment options recommended for pediatric and adult SSD patients (P = .000).

CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in SSD diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation between otologists and non-otologists. However, when comparing pediatric and adult patients, there was a difference in the treatment management of SSD patients.

PMID:39128116 | DOI:10.5152/iao.2024.231140

Turk J Gastroenterol. 2024 Mar;35(3):161-167. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2024.22733.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastroenterologists have an important role in the treatment and management of comorbidities related to obesity. Assessment of gastroenterologists’ perception and attitude toward obesity was aimed in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Survey questions were determined for the study. An online questionnaire was prepared afterward. Participants were invited via e-mail by providing them with information about the study. It was ensured that those who accepted the study could access the questionnaire form with the relevant link. Participants who answered all questions were included in the study.

RESULTS: Totally 117 gastroenterologists were included in the study. The proportion of gastroenterologists who thought that obesity complicates the management of gastroenterological diseases and those who thought obesity as a factor that negatively affects the prognosis of gastroenterological diseases was determined as 88.9% and 95.7%, respectively. Among the obese patients, the proportion of those who applied diet therapy, exercise, pharmacotherapy, and endoscopic methods was 94%, 91.5%, 35%, and 37.6%, respectively. The rates of intragastric balloon therapy and intragastric botulinum toxin A injection were 30% and 21.4%, respectively. The proportion of those who agreed that obese patients lost a significant amount of weight with the treatment methods applied was 47.2%. The proportion of participants who agreed that long-term maintenance of weight loss was impossible for most obese patients was 59.8%.

CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the perception and attitude of gastroenterologists toward obesity. Our study results show that gastroenterologists think that obesity is a chronic disease and that gastroenterologists should be involved in management of obesity.

PMID:39128109 | DOI:10.5152/tjg.2024.22733

Turk J Gastroenterol. 2024 Apr;35(4):343-349. doi: 10.5152/tjg.2024.23250.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency is an autosomal recessive inherited disaccharidase deficiency characterized by chronic osmotic diarrhea. In this study, the genotype-phenotype relationships of close relatives of an index case with congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 23-month-old female patient with a sucrase-isomaltase gene c.317G>A (p.C106Y) homozygous mutation was diagnosed as an index case and her pedigree analysis was performed subsequently. The family members with and without sucrase- isomaltase gene mutations were compared in terms of clinical symptoms.

RESULTS: The study included 109 cases [mean age ± SD: 22.6 ± 17.2 years (0.1-75 years), 61 males (56%)] of 130 family members of the index case. Sucrase-isomaltase gene c.317G>A (p.C106Y) heterozygous mutation was detected in 27 cases (24.7%); 14 (51.9%) were male and had a mean age of 23.2 ± 18.3 years. The most common complaints of 12 (44.4%) symptomatic patients with mutations were abdominal pain (37%), gas irritability (33.3%), bloating (22.2%), and foul-smelling stools (18.5%). Compared with the cases without mutation, a statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of gas irritability, foul-smelling stool, ≥2 gastrointestinal symptoms, postprandial complaints, and food allergy (P = .005, P = .047, P = .049, P = .017, P = .021, respectively). Sacrosidase enzyme replacement was applied to 7 patients whose symptoms did not improve with dietary elimination. Clinical response was obtained after enzyme treatment.

CONCLUSION: Despite its autosomal recessive inheritance, congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency can also be symptomatic in heterozygous individuals. Further studies are required to clarify the genotype-phenotype relationship and management of the disease.

PMID:39128102 | DOI:10.5152/tjg.2024.23250

J Int Adv Otol. 2024 May;20(3):247-254. doi: 10.5152/iao.2024.231269.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain condition that may be associated with dysfunction in the central nervous system.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the vestibulo-spinal reflex (VSR) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in FMS using the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) tests, respectively, and to evaluate their relation to disease severity.

METHODS: This study included 30 female FMS patients and 30 well-matched healthy controls. They underwent full history taking and assessment of the severity of dizziness/vertigo using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory; assessment of the severity of FMS symptoms using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; bedside examination of the dizzy patient; videonystagmography, cVEMP, and oVEMP tests; basic audiologic evaluation; and uncomfortable loudness level (UCL) testing.

RESULTS: Dizziness was reported in 46.6% and vertigo in 11.1% of patients. Abnormalities in cVEMP (50%) and oVEMP (63.3%) were mostly unilateral, irrespective of FMS severity. Disease duration affected only the oVEMP amplitude. Fibromyalgia syndrome patients had a statistically significant lower UCL and narrower dynamic range compared to controls.

CONCLUSION: The VSR and VOR are commonly affected in FMS patients, and findings suggest central sensitization involving the brain stem. We recommend routine cVEMP and oVEMP testing to assess brainstem function in FMS patients.

PMID:39128093 | DOI:10.5152/iao.2024.231269