Targeted Swabbing of Implant-Associated Biofilm Formation—A Staining-Guided Sampling Approach for Optimizing Routine Microbiological Diagnostics

Background: Swabbing of implants removed from potentially infected sites represents a time saving and ubiquitously applicable alternative to sonication approaches. The latter bears an elevated risk of processing related contaminations due to the high number of handling steps. Since biofilms are usually invisible to the naked eye, adequate swabbing relies on the chance of hitting the colonized area on the implant. A targeted directed swabbing approach could overcome this detriment. Method: Three dyes were tested at different concentrations for their toxicity on biofilm-associated cells of S. epidermidis, the species most frequently identified as a causative agent of implant-associated infections. Results: Malachite green (0.2%) delivered the highest bacterial recovery rates combined with the best results in biofilm visualization. Its suitability for diagnostic approaches was demonstrated for smooth and rough implant surfaces. Biofilm-covered areas were successfully visualized. Conclusion: Subsequent targeted swab-sampling resulted in a significantly increased bacterial recovery rate compared to a dye-free “random swabbing” diagnostic approach.

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Bystander Phage Therapy: Inducing Host-Associated Bacteria to Produce Antimicrobial Toxins against the Pathogen Using Phages

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics7040105 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 105 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

T. Brady ◽

Christopher Fajardo ◽

Bryan Merrill ◽

Jared Hilton ◽

Kiel Graves ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Causative Agent ◽

Recovery Rate ◽

Phage Therapy ◽

Bacterial Species ◽

American Foulbrood ◽

Associated Bacteria ◽

Field Isolates ◽

Brevibacillus Laterosporus ◽

Bystander Killing

Brevibacillus laterosporus is often present in beehives, including presence in hives infected with the causative agent of American Foulbrood (AFB), Paenibacillus larvae. In this work, 12 B. laterosporus bacteriophages induced bactericidal products in their host. Results demonstrate that P. larvae is susceptible to antimicrobials induced from field isolates of the bystander, B. laterosporus. Bystander antimicrobial activity was specific against the pathogen and not other bacterial species, indicating that the production was likely due to natural competition between the two bacteria. Three B. laterosporus phages were combined in a cocktail to treat AFB. Healthy hives treated with B. laterosporus phages experienced no difference in brood generation compared to control hives over 8 weeks. Phage presence in bee larvae after treatment rose to 60.8 ± 3.6% and dropped to 0 ± 0.8% after 72 h. In infected hives the recovery rate was 75% when treated, however AFB spores were not susceptible to the antimicrobials as evidenced by recurrence of AFB. We posit that the effectiveness of this treatment is due to the production of the bactericidal products of B. laterosporus when infected with phages resulting in bystander-killing of P. larvae. Bystander phage therapy may provide a new avenue for antibacterial production and treatment of disease.

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DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Diagnostic approach to TSH-producing pituitary adenoma

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-16-1029 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 177 (4) ◽

pp. R183-R197 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Axel Tjörnstrand ◽

Helena Filipsson Nyström

Keyword(s):

Rare Condition ◽

Diagnostic Approach ◽

Laboratory Assessment ◽

Pituitary Mass ◽

Endocrine Disease ◽

Clinical Presentations ◽

Practical Suggestion ◽

Tsh Secretion ◽

Diagnostic Approaches ◽

Inappropriate Tsh Secretion

Thyrotropin (TSH)-secreting adenomas (TSHomas) are the rarest form of pituitary adenomas, and most endocrinologists will see few cases in a lifetime, if any. In most cases, the diagnostic approach is complicated and cases may be referred after being presented as a syndrome of inappropriate TSH secretion or as a pituitary mass. This review aims to cover the past, present and possible future diagnostic approaches to TSHomas, including different clinical presentations, laboratory assessment and imaging advances. The differential diagnoses will be discussed, as well as possible coexisting disorders. By evaluating the existing reports and reviews describing this rare condition, this review aims to present a clinically practical suggestion on the diagnosic workup for TSHomas, Major advances and scientific breakthroughs in the imaging area in recent years, facilitating diagnosis of TSHomas, support the belief that future progress within the imaging field will play an important role in providing methods for a more efficient diagnosis of this rare condition.

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Host Immune Response and Novel Diagnostic Approach to NTM Infections

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21124351 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (12) ◽

pp. 4351

Author(s):

Yuko Abe ◽

Kiyoharu Fukushima ◽

Yuki Hosono ◽

Yuki Matsumoto ◽

Daisuke Motooka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Humoral Immunity ◽

Diagnostic Approach ◽

Post Transplantation ◽

Diagnosis And Management ◽

Immunological Responses ◽

Host Immune Responses ◽

Diagnostic Approaches ◽

Proper Diagnosis

The incidence and prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are steadily increasing worldwide, partially due to the increased incidence of immunocompromised conditions, such as the post-transplantation state. The importance of proper diagnosis and management of NTM infection has been recently recognized. Host immunological responses play integral roles in vulnerability to NTM infections, and may contribute to the onset of specific types of NTM infection. Furthermore, distinct NTM species are known to affect and attenuate these host immune responses in unique manners. Therefore, host immune responses must be understood with respect to each causative NTM species. Here, we review innate, cellular-mediated, and humoral immunity to NTM and provide perspectives on novel diagnostic approaches regarding each NTM species.

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Variation in Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Children and Adolescents With ADHD Across European Countries

Journal of Attention Disorders ◽

10.1177/1087054715597410 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. 911-923 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Juliana Setyawan ◽

Moshe Fridman ◽

Regina Grebla ◽

Valerie Harpin ◽

Lisa M. Korst ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Treatment Modality ◽

European Countries ◽

Diagnostic Approach ◽

Adhd Symptoms ◽

Diagnosis And Management ◽

Treatment Switching ◽

Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Diagnostic Approaches ◽

Clinical Records

Objective: To characterize differences in presentation, diagnosis, and management of children/adolescents with ADHD in six European countries. Method: Physicians abstracted clinical records for patients aged 6 to 17 years, diagnosed from 2004 to 2007 and treated for ≥2 years. Documentation included impairment due to core ADHD symptoms and additional ADHD symptoms/behaviors at diagnosis, diagnostic approach, and treatment modality. Results: Study included 779 patients treated by 340 physicians. Prevalence of ADHD subtypes (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or combined) was similar across countries. Mean scores for core and noncore symptom impairment varied and were highest in Italy and the United Kingdom. Variability was noted in diagnostic approach; 95% of physicians in the Netherlands used Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) criteria versus 10% in Germany. Differences were reported for initial treatment modality, treatment switching, and physician-reported treatment outcomes. Conclusion: European countries varied in diagnostic approaches and practice management of children/adolescents with ADHD.

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Anti-biofilm activity of α-mangostin isolated from Garcinia mangostana L.

Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C ◽

10.1515/znc-2015-0187 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 70 (11-12) ◽

pp. 313-318

Author(s):

Phuong T.M. Nguyen ◽

Bac H. Vo ◽

Nhung T. Tran ◽

Quyen D. Van

Keyword(s):

Dental Caries ◽

Streptococcus Mutans ◽

Causative Agent ◽

Biofilm Formation ◽

Vehicle Control ◽

Garcinia Mangostana ◽

Key Enzymes ◽

Surface Activities ◽

Topical Applications

Abstract This study was carried out to further examine the anti-biofilm activity of α-mangostin (αMG) isolated from Garcinia mangostana L. grown in Vietnam, against a strongly biofilm producing Streptococcus mutans, a major causative agent of dental caries. The obtained data indicated that topical applications (twice-daily, 60 s exposure each) of 150 μM αMG during biofilm formation on the surfaces of hydroxyapatite disks (sHA) by S. mutans UA159 resulted in 30.7% reduction in biofilm accumulation after 68 h of growth. The treatment did not affect the viability of S. mutans cells in the biofilms. The surface activities of two key enzymes responsible for biofilm formation, i.e. the glycosyltransferases GtfB and GtfC, were reduced by 20 and 35%, respectively (vs. vehicle control, P < 0.05). Interestingly, αMG specifically targeted S. mutans in mixed biofilms, resulting in the decrease of the S. mutans population and total biofilm biomass. αMG was also found to accumulate within the biofilm of S. mutans up to 4.5 μg/biofilm, equal to a concentration of >10 μM/biofilm. In conclusion, this study confirmed anti-biofilm activity of αMG against S. mutans. A brief exposure to αMG may suppress biofilm formation by targeting key enzymes imvolved in biofilm formation.

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Biofilm formation and cellulose expression by Bordetella avium 197N, the causative agent of bordetellosis in birds and an opportunistic respiratory pathogen in humans

Research in Microbiology ◽

10.1016/j.resmic.2017.01.002 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 168 (5) ◽

pp. 419-430 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Kimberley McLaughlin ◽

Ayorinde O. Folorunso ◽

Yusuf Y. Deeni ◽

Dona Foster ◽

Oksana Gorbatiuk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Causative Agent ◽

Biofilm Formation ◽

Respiratory Pathogen ◽

Bordetella Avium

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Trends of gallbladder cancer incidence, mortality, and diagnostic approach in urban Shanghai between 1973 and 2009

Tumori Journal ◽

10.1177/0300891619890232 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 106 (5) ◽

pp. 392-399

Author(s):

Mingdi Zhang ◽

Chunxiao Wu ◽

Bin Zuo ◽

Wei Gong ◽

Yong Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gallbladder Cancer ◽

Cancer Registry ◽

Time Trends ◽

Registry Data ◽

Diagnostic Approach ◽

Joinpoint Regression ◽

Mortality Trends ◽

Cancer Registry Data ◽

Incidence And Mortality ◽

Diagnostic Approaches

Purpose: To describe and interpret secular time trends in gallbladder cancer (GBC) incidence, mortality, and diagnostic approach using 37 years of cancer registry data in urban Shanghai. Methods: Data on registration of GBC in urban Shanghai during 1973 and 2009 were collected by the Shanghai Cancer Registry. To describe time trends and to identify specific time points when significant changes occurred, we used joinpoint regression analysis. Results: The age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence increased from 1.1/100,000 (1973–1975) to 2.9/100,000 (2006–2009) in men and from 1.7/100,000 (1973–1975) to 3.9/100,000 (2006–2009) in women. ASRs of incidence increased significantly with estimated annual percent changes (EAPCs) of 2.8% in men and 2.5% in women. The mortality trends increased significantly, with EAPCs of 2.8% in men and 2.5% in women. The increasing incidence and mortality rates were primarily observed in men ⩾60 years of age and in women ⩾70 years of age. Notable downward trends in incidence and mortality were identified among women age 60–69 years over the last decade. The percentage of GBC diagnosed by pathology increased steadily over the years while the percentage of GBC diagnosed by imaging, surgery, and biochemistry sharply increased from 1987 onwards. Conclusions: Thirty-seven years of cancer registry data document a tremendous increase in incidence/mortality and a slight decline in incidence/mortality over the last decades for GBC, especially among women, in Shanghai. The development of diagnostic approaches and aging population may play important roles.

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Use of Quorum Sensing Inhibition Strategies to Control Microfouling

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19020074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 74

Author(s):

Andrea Muras ◽

Ana Parga ◽

Celia Mayer ◽

Ana Otero

Keyword(s):

Quorum Sensing ◽

Biofilm Formation ◽

Communication Systems ◽

Culture Medium ◽

Homoserine Lactone ◽

Bacterial Biofilm ◽

Screening Methods ◽

Time Saving ◽

Quorum Sensing Inhibition

Interfering with the quorum sensing bacterial communication systems has been proposed as a promising strategy to control bacterial biofilm formation, a key process in biofouling development. Appropriate in vitro biofilm-forming bacteria models are needed to establish screening methods for innovative anti-biofilm and anti-microfouling compounds. Four marine strains, two Pseudoalteromonas spp. and two Vibrio spp., were selected and studied with regard to their biofilm-forming capacity and sensitivity to quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors. Biofilm experiments were performed using two biofilm cultivation and quantification methods: the xCELLigence® system, which allows online monitoring of biofilm formation, and the active attachment model, which allows refreshment of the culture medium to obtain a strong biofilm that can be quantified with standard staining methods. Although all selected strains produced acyl-homoserine-lactone (AHL) QS signals, only the P. flavipulchra biofilm, measured with both quantification systems, was significantly reduced with the addition of the AHL-lactonase Aii20J without a significant effect on planktonic growth. Two-species biofilms containing P. flavipulchra were also affected by the addition of Aii20J, indicating an influence on the target bacterial strain as well as an indirect effect on the co-cultured bacterium. The use of xCELLigence® is proposed as a time-saving method to quantify biofilm formation and search for eco-friendly anti-microfouling compounds based on quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) strategies. The results obtained from these two in vitro biofilm formation methods revealed important differences in the response of biosensor bacteria to culture medium and conditions, indicating that several strains should be used simultaneously for screening purposes and the cultivation conditions should be carefully optimized for each specific purpose.

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Borderline personality disorder and eating disorders: a trans-diagnostic approach to unravelling diagnostic complexity

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/1039856219852297 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 556-558

Author(s):

J Richard Newton

Keyword(s):

Eating Disorders ◽

Borderline Personality Disorder ◽

Personality Disorder ◽

Interpersonal Problems ◽

Borderline Personality ◽

Self Concept ◽

Diagnostic Approach ◽

Presenting Problems ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

Diagnostic Approaches

Objectives: This opinion paper considers co-morbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders and proposes that a trans-diagnostic approach looking at presenting problems and treatment approaches may be of value. Conclusions: Trans-diagnostic elements can be identified across the two syndromes. Trans-diagnostic elements appear to include some shared aetiological factors as well as some shared syndromal components. The shared syndromal components include problems with affect, interpersonal problems, problems with self-concept and impulsivity. The pathoplastic effects of culture, attitudes to fatness and the neurobiology of starvation and/or restriction of intake are crucial to integrate into the understanding of co-morbidity of these two disorders. Trans-diagnostic approaches to treatment lead to trans-diagnostic improvements across the two disorders.

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Isolation and characterization of infectious Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the causative agent of AHPND, from the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research ◽

10.3856/vol44-issue3-fulltext-5 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 470-479

Author(s):

Patricia López-León ◽

Antonio Luna-González ◽

Ruth Escamilla-Montes ◽

María del Carmen Flores-Miranda ◽

Jesús A. Fierro-Coronado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Causative Agent ◽

Biofilm Formation ◽

Vibrio Parahaemolyticus ◽

Bacterial Strains ◽

Isolation And Characterization ◽

Commercial Farms ◽

Whiteleg Shrimp ◽

Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease ◽

Selection Of

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the causative agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), was isolated from the hepatopancreas of moribund whiteleg shrimp of commercial farms from Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. The isolates were screened on thiosulfate citrate bile salt sucrose agar plates for the selection of green colonies and further characterized through PCR with AP3 primers, 89F/R primers, hemolysin genes, hemolytic and enzymatic activity, hydrophobicity, autoaggregation, and biofilm formation. Bioassays by immersion challenge were conducted to confirm the pathogenicity of selected bacterial strains. In addition, the LC50 was calculated for each isolate. All isolates (35) belonged to V. parahaemolyticus, but three isolates did not correspond to strains that cause AHPND since they were negative with 89F/R primers. All isolates were αhemolytic and showed biofilm formation (from moderate to strong). Isolates were hydrophobic or hydrophilic and showed high autoaggregation capacity. Eight strains did not kill shrimp and eleven were pathogenic, but differences in virulence were found among them perhaps due to α-hemolysis and differences in biofilm formation and hydrophobicity. Therefore, performed characterization may help to understand the pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus. Finally, results showed that smaller shrimp are less resistant to V. parahaemolyticus infection.

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