Comprehensive genomics depict accessory genes encoding pathogenicity and biofilm determinants in Enterococcus faecalis

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-184
Author(s):  
Karthika Suryaletha ◽  
Sivakumar K Chandrika ◽  
Sabu Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Enterococcus Faecalis ◽  
Signaling System ◽  
Phosphotransferase System ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Polysaccharide Lyase ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Accessory Genes ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Phage Proteins

Aim: Enterococcus faecalis is a leading nosocomial pathogen in biofilm-associated polymicrobial infections. The study aims to understand pathogenicity and biofilm determinants of the pathogen by genome analysis. Methodology: Genome sequencing of a strong biofilm forming clinical isolate Enterococcus faecalis SK460 devoid of Fsr quorum-signaling system, was performed and comparative genomics was carried out among a set of pathogenic biofilm formers and nonpathogenic weak biofilm formers. Results: Analysis revealed a pool of virulence and adhesion related factors associated with pathogenicity. Absence of CRISPR-Cas system facilitated acquisition of pheromone responsive plasmid, pathogenicity island and phages. Comprehensive analysis identified a subset of accessory genes encoding polysaccharide lyase, sugar phosphotransferase system, phage proteins and transcriptional regulators exclusively in pathogenic biofilm formers. Conclusion: The study identified a set of genes specific to pathogenic biofilm formers and these can act as targets which in turn help to develop future treatment endeavors against enterococcal infections.

Management of Recurrent or Progressing Skull Base Chondrosarcomas: Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan D. Breshears ◽  
Franco DeMonte ◽  
Ahmed Habib ◽  
Paul W. Gidley ◽  
Shaan M. Raza
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Salvage Treatment ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Initial Recurrence

Abstract Background Skull base chondrosarcomas (CSA) are difficult tumors to cure and there is little data regarding salvage therapy. Objective This study aims to identify presentation and treatment-related factors which impact the progression free survival (PFS) and disease specific survival (DSS) for recurrent CSA, and to identify salvage treatment factors associated with successful restoration to the natural history following primary treatment. Methods This single-institution retrospective review included patients with recurrent/progressive CSA over a 25-year period. Survival analysis for factors impacting PFS and DSS was performed. Salvage treatment factors associated with achieving PFS ≥newly diagnosed median PFS were identified using univariate statistics. Analysis was performed on first recurrences and all recurrences combined. Results A total of 47 recurrence/progression events were analyzed from 17 patients (median two events/patient, range = 1–8). The overall PFS and DSS for the initial recurrence was 32 (range = 3–267) and 79 (range = 3–285) months, respectively. Conventional grade III or mesenchymal histology significantly predicted shorter PFS and DSS (p < 0.0001). After stratification by histology, previous radiation predicted shorter PFS for low-grade tumors (p = 0.009). Gross total resection (GTR) after a first time recurrence was significantly associated with successful salvage treatment (p < 0.05); however, this was rare. Conclusion In this series, high grade histology and prior radiation treatment negatively impacted salvage treatment outcomes, while GTR was associated with restoration to natural history following primary treatment. Careful consideration of histology, systemic disease status, previous treatments, and the anatomic extent of the skull base disease can optimize the outcomes of salvage intervention.

Prevalence and family factors associated with loneliness during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study from South India

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (02) ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
G. Sanjana ◽  
Vijaya Raghavan
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
South India ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Southern India ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Family Discord ◽  
The Impact

Background: Loneliness can affect anyone at any point in their life. It can be detrimental to the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals and communities. In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness is considered as a public health crisis. Hence, the objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of loneliness and family related factors associated with loneliness among general population in south India. Materials and Methods: The study employed a crosssectional online survey design. The data was collected in the first phase of the lockdown in 2020 from adults in Southern India. Socio-demographic profile and family related variables were collected using a semistructured proforma. Loneliness was assessed by UCLA loneliness scale. Results: Of 573 total respondents to the survey, aged between 18-65 years, 43% were male and 57% were female. The overall prevalence of loneliness was 63% (358/573). No significant gender differences were observed in the prevalence of loneliness. Family discord was associated with higher rates of loneliness (p less than 0.01). Other factors associated were younger age and being single. Conclusion: Rates of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown were high in Southern India. Findings suggest that interventions should prioritize younger people. Increasing social support and improving interpersonal skills, which in turn would help reduce family discord and may reduce the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness.

scholarly journals Patient- and Surgery-Related Factors that Affect Patient-Reported Outcomes after Total Hip Arthroplasty

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiyuki Kawai ◽  
Masanao Kataoka ◽  
Koji Goto ◽  
Yutaka Kuroda ◽  
Kazutaka So ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Total Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Hip Arthroplasty ◽  
Activity Score ◽  
Harris Hip Score ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Ucla Activity Score ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Total Hip ◽  
Patient Reported

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, the factors that determine these PROMs remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the patient- and surgery-related factors that affect patient satisfaction after THA as indicated by the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). One-hundred-and-twenty patients who underwent primary THA were included. Various patient-related factors, including clinical scores, and surgery-related factors were examined for potential correlations with the OHS at 3, 6, and 12 months post-THA. Univariate regression analysis showed that higher preoperative University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score (p = 0.027) and better preoperative OHS (p = 0.0037) were correlated with better OHS at 3 months post-THA. At 6 months post-THA, the factors associated with better OHS were higher preoperative UCLA activity score (p = 0.039), better preoperative OHS (p = 0.0006), and use of a cemented stem (p = 0.0071). At 12 months post-THA, the factors associated with better OHS were higher preoperative UCLA activity score (p = 0.0075) and better preoperative OHS (p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the factors significantly correlated with better OHS were female sex (p = 0.011 at 3 months post-THA), osteoarthritis (p = 0.043 at 6 months), higher preoperative OHS (p < 0.001 at 3 and 12 months, p = 0.018 at 6 months), higher preoperative Harris Hip Score (p = 0.001 at 3 months), higher preoperative UCLA activity score (p = 0.0075 at 3 months), and the use of a cemented femoral component (p = 0.012 at 6 months). Patient- and surgery-related factors affecting post-THA PROMs were identified, although the effect of these factors decreased over time.

scholarly journals Radiation Pneumonitis: Old Problem, New Tricks

Cancers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varsha Jain ◽  
Abigail Berman
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Radiation Pneumonitis ◽  
Lung Ventilation ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Ventilation Imaging ◽  
Lung Ventilation Imaging ◽  
Major Treatment ◽  
Dose Limiting Toxicity

Radiation therapy is a major treatment modality for management of non-small cell lung cancer. Radiation pneumonitis is a dose limiting toxicity of radiotherapy, affecting its therapeutic ratio. This review presents patient and treatment related factors associated with the development of radiation pneumonitis. Research focusing on reducing the incidence of radiation pneumonitis by using information about lung ventilation, imaging-based biomarkers as well as normal tissue complication models is discussed. Recent advances in our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying lung injury has led to the development of several targeted interventions, which are also explored in this review.

scholarly journals MO037CENTER-RELATED FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH VASCULAR ACCESS USE IN GERMANY

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. i43-i44
Author(s):  
Gero von Gersdorff ◽  
Mathias Schaller ◽  
Dieter Bach ◽  
Markus Hollenbeck
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Access ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Factors Associated
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