scholarly journals An Asymptomatic Patient with Fatal Infertility Carried a Swedish Strain of Chlamydia trachomatis with Additional Deletion in The Plasmid orf1 that Belonged to A Different MLST Sequence Type

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feodorova ◽  
Zaitsev ◽  
Saltykov ◽  
Sultanakhmedov ◽  
Bakulev ◽  
...  

Here, we present the first case of asymptomatic genital Chlamydial infection caused by the new emerging Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) ST13 strain genovar E, which has a double deletion of 377 bp and 17 bp in orf1 gene of the cryptic plasmid (ddCT). This case occurred in an infertile patient (case-patient) with a detectable level of Chlamydial antibodies and a spermatozoa deficiency known as azoospermia. Additionally, the ddCT strain showed the presence of a duplication of 44 bp in the plasmid orf3 and SNP in orf4, which were known as the typical characteristics of the Swedish variant of C.t. (nvCT) genovar E. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) determined a significant difference between ddCT and nvCT in four alleles (oppA, hfiX, gitA and enoA). Both ddCT and nvCT were assigned to different genetic lineages and could be allocated to two different non-overlapping clonal complexes. Furthermore, ddCT demonstrated a considerable difference among 4-5 alleles in comparison with other C.t. strains of genovar E of ST4, ST8, ST12, and ST94, including the founder of a single relevant cluster, wtCT E/SW3 (Swedish genetic lineage). In contrast to other genovar E strains, ddCT had identical alleles with seven out of seven loci found in ST13 strains of genovars D and G, including the founder for this clonal group, D/UW-3/CX, and six out of seven loci found in its derivatives, such as ST6, ST10, and ST95 of genovars G and H. Nevertheless, MSTree V2 showed that ddCT and nvCT could have a common early ancestor, which is a parental C.t. G/9301 strain of ST9. A significant difference between ddCT and nvCT of genovar D (nvCT-D) that was recently found in Mexico was also determined as: (i) ddCT belonged to genovar E but not to genovar D; (ii) ddCT had a 44 bp duplication within the orf3 of the plasmid typical for nvCT; (iii) ddCT possessed an additional 17 bp deletion in the orf1. In conclusion, improved case management should include the clinical physician’s awareness of the need to enhance molecular screening of asymptomatic Chlamydia patients. Such molecular diagnostics might be essential to significantly reducing the global burden of Chlamydial infection on international public health.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (CSI) ◽  
pp. 12-18
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Rubaye ◽  
Dhurgham Abdulwahid ◽  
Aymen Albadran ◽  
Abbas Ejbary ◽  
Laith Alrubaiy

Background: There has been a rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 infection and its mortality rate since the first case reported in February 2020. This led to the rampant dissemination of misinformation and rumors about the disease among the public. Objectives: To investigate the scale of public misinformation about COVID-19 in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a 22-item questionnaire to assess public knowledge and understanding of information related to the COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 483 individuals completed the questionnaire. The most frequent age group was 26–35 years (28.2%); there were 280 (58%) males and 203 (42%) females. Of the participants, 282 (58.4%) were with an education level below the Bachelor’s degree, 342 (70.8%) were married, and 311 (64%) were living in districts in Basra other than the central district. Overall, 50.8% (11.8/ 22 * 100%) of individuals had the correct information regarding COVID-19. There was a significant association between the level of COVID-19 related misinformation and participants’ educational levels and occupation (p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference found across sex, age group, marital state, and area of residence. Conclusions: Misinformation related to COVID-19 is widely spread and has to be addressed in order to control the pandemic. Keywords: COVID-19, misinformation, knowledge, Iraq


Obesity Facts ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Serdar Sahin ◽  
Havva Sezer ◽  
Ebru Cicek ◽  
Yeliz Yagız Ozogul ◽  
Murat Yildirim ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this was to describe the predictors of mortality related to COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We included the patients &#x3e;18 years of age, with at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were grouped according to body mass index values as normal weight &#x3c;25 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group A), overweight from 25 to &#x3c;30 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group B), Class I obesity 30 to &#x3c;35 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group C), and ≥35 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group D). Mortality, clinical outcomes, laboratory parameters, and comorbidities were compared among 4 groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no significant difference among study groups in terms of mortality. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation requirement was higher in group B and D than group A, while it was higher in Group D than Group C (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.017], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.016]). Lung involvement was less common in Group A, and presence of hypoxia was more common in Group D (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.025], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [<i>p</i> = 0.006], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.014]). The hospitalization rate was lower in Group A than in the other groups; in addition, patients in Group D have the highest rate of hospitalization (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group C vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.010]). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> COVID-19 patients with overweight and obesity presented with more severe clinical findings. Health-care providers should take into account that people living with overweight and obesity are at higher risk for COVID-19 and its complications.


Author(s):  
Minjung Lee ◽  
Myoungsoon You

Avoidance of healthcare utilization among the general population during pandemic outbreaks has been observed and it can lead to a negative impact on population health. The object of this study is to examine the influence of socio-demographic and health-related factors on the avoidance of healthcare utilization during the global outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in 2020. Data were collected through an online survey four weeks after the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) confirmed the first case in South Korea; 1000 subjects were included in the analysis. The logit model for regression was used to analyze the associations between sociodemographic and health-related factors regarding the avoidance of healthcare utilization. Among the participants, 73.2% avoided healthcare utilization, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of healthcare avoidance between groups with (72.0%) and without (74.9%) an underlying disease. Sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, income level, and residential area) were related to healthcare avoidance. Among the investigated influencing factors, residential areas highly affected by COVID-19 (i.e., Daegu/Gyeoungbuk region) had the most significant effect on healthcare avoidance. This study found a high prevalence of healthcare avoidance among the general population who under-utilized healthcare resources during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the results reveal that not all societal groups share the burden of healthcare avoidance equally, with it disproportionately affecting those with certain sociodemographic characteristics. This study can inform healthcare under-utilization patterns during emerging infectious disease outbreaks and provide information to public health emergency management for implementing strategies necessary to improve the preparedness of the healthcare system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Huo ◽  
Hansheng Liang ◽  
Yi Feng

Abstract Background Pernicious placenta previa (PPP) can increase the risk of perioperative complications. During caesarean section in patients with adherent placenta, intraoperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate and transfusion could be reduced by interventional methods. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal hemodynamics control and neonatal outcomes of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon (PTAAB) occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa. Methods This was a retrospective study using data from the Peking University People’s Hospital from January 2014 through January 2020. Clinical records of pregnant women undergoing cesarean section were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: treatment with PTAAB placement (group A) and no balloon placement (group B). Group A was further broken down into two groups: prophylactic placement (Group C) and balloon occlusion (group D). Results Clinical records of 33 cases from 5205 pregnant women underwent cesarean section were collected. The number of groups A, B, C, and D were 17, 16, 5 and 12.We found that a significant difference in the post-operative uterine artery embolism rates between group A and group B (0% vs.31.3%, p = 0.018). There was a significant difference in the Apgar scores at first minute between group A and group B (8.94 ± 1.43 vs 9.81 ± 0.75,p = 0.037),and the same significant difference between two groups in the pre-operative central placenta previa (29.4% vs. 0%,p = 0.044), complete placenta previa (58.8% vs 18.8%, p = 0.032),placenta implantation (76.5% vs 31.3%, p = 0.015). We could also observe the significant difference in the amount of blood cell (2.80 ± 2.68vs.10.66 ± 11.97, p = 0.038) and blood plasma transfusion (280.00 ± 268.32 vs. 1033.33 ± 1098.20, p = 0.044) between group C and group D. The significant differences in the preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions (0% vs 75%, p = 0.009), the intraoperative application rates of vasopressors (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission rates (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) were also kept. Conclusions PTAAB occlusion could be useful in reducing the rate of post-operative uterine artery embolism and the amount of transfusion, and be useful in coping with patients with preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions, so as to reduce the rate of intraoperative applications of vasopressors and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission. In PPP patients with placenta implantation, central placenta previa and complete placenta previa, we advocate the utilization of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon placement.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 302
Author(s):  
Malik Sallam ◽  
Azmi Mahafzah

The rapid evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is manifested by the emergence of an ever-growing pool of genetic lineages. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variability of SARS-CoV-2 in Jordan, with a special focus on the UK variant of concern. A total of 579 SARS-CoV-2 sequences collected in Jordan were subjected to maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Genetic lineage assignment was undertaken using the Pango system. Amino acid substitutions were investigated using the Protein Variation Effect Analyzer (PROVEAN) tool. A total of 19 different SARS-CoV-2 genetic lineages were detected, with the most frequent being the first Jordan lineage (B.1.1.312), first detected in August 2020 (n = 424, 73.2%). This was followed by the second Jordan lineage (B.1.36.10), first detected in September 2020 (n = 62, 10.7%), and the UK variant of concern (B.1.1.7; n = 36, 6.2%). In the spike gene region, the molecular signature for B.1.1.312 was the non-synonymous mutation A24432T resulting in a deleterious amino acid substitution (Q957L), while the molecular signature for B.1.36.10 was the synonymous mutation C22444T. Bayesian analysis revealed that the UK variant of concern (B.1.1.7) was introduced into Jordan in late November 2020 (mean estimate); four weeks earlier than its official reporting in the country. In Jordan, an exponential increase in COVID-19 cases due to B.1.1.7 lineage coincided with the new year 2021. The highest proportion of phylogenetic clustering was detected for the B.1.1.7 lineage. The amino acid substitution D614G in the spike glycoprotein was exclusively present in the country from July 2020 onwards. Two Jordanian lineages dominated infections in the country, with continuous introduction/emergence of new lineages. In Jordan, the rapid spread of the UK variant of concern should be monitored closely. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 mutants appeared to be related to the founder effect; nevertheless, the biological impact of certain mutations should be further investigated.


Author(s):  
Anggun Putri Romadhina ◽  
Eka Kusuma Dewi

The first Covid-19 case in Indonesia was announced on March 2, 2020. This study aims to determine whether there is a significant difference in stock prices, stock transaction volume and stock returns due to the COVID-19 pandemic (case study at PT. Agung Podomoro Land, Tbk). This research data was taken 90 days before and 90 days after the announcement of the first case of COVID-19 in Indonesia. The data was processed by paired sample t-test, using SPSS version 20. From the results of data processing, it was shown that there was a significant difference in stock prices before and after the announcement of the first case of covid-19 in Indonesia. This is indicated by a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05 where the stock price has decreased compared to before the Covid-19 case. Meanwhile, the volume of stock transactions also showed a significant difference with a significance value of 0.007 <0.05, where the volume of stock transactions after the announcement showed a decrease. Likewise, stock returns show a significant difference with a significance value of 0.025 < 0.05 where stock returns have decreased after the announcement of the first case of covid-10 in Indonesia.  


2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domonkos Sváb ◽  
István Tóth

Long polar fimbriae (Lpf) are recently discovered adhesins and increasingly important genetic markers of pathogenicEscherichia colistrains. The presence and genotype diversity of Lpf operons was screened in a collection of 97Escherichia coliO157 strains representing different pathotypes, isolated from healthy cattle (n = 43) and human patients (n = 54) in several countries. Individual structural genes of Lpf were scanned by PCR, and allelic variants were detected with a recently developed typing scheme. Ninety-five strains carried at least one whole Lpf operon (geneslpfABCDand/orlpfABCDE). The 64 enterohaemorrhagic (EHEC) and 24 enteropathogenic (EPEC) strains all carried two Lpf operons, allele 3 oflpfA1and allele 2 oflpfA2, a combination characteristic of the O157:H7/NM serotype. Out of the 9 bovine atypical (AT;stx-, eae-) strains, 7 carried one complete Lpf operon, allele 1 oflpfA2. The atypical strains belonged to main phylogenetic groups A and B1, while the EHEC and EPEC strains were from group D. Lpf variants carried by the 72 strains of theEscherichia coliReference Collection (ECOR) were determined with the same typing scheme. Alleles were detected in 25 strains, of which 6 were found negative for the respective Lpf operons in earlier studies. The marker value of the Lpf allelic combination for the O157:H7/NM serotype was confirmed, and further evidence was given for the presence of at least two different genetic lineages of atypical bovineE. coliO157 strains.


Author(s):  
Hooman Teymourian ◽  
Farzad Ashrafi ◽  
Farnak Behnaz ◽  
Hamidreza Azizi Faresani ◽  
Fatemeh Rezaee-Tazangi ◽  
...  

Background: Depression is a complicated disturbance affected by a collection of biological and environmental factors. The first aim of psychiatric studies is to recognize biological markers that could be utilized to predict improvement and increase reactions to antidepressant treatments. Diet affects different aspects of health, including depression. The aim of study was to determine antidepressant-like effects of some consumable oils, the effects of oils on depression were compared. Methods: Thirty-two male and female mice (Mus musculus (BALB/c)) weighing 25- 35 g were randomly divided into 8 groups (4 mice in each group, 2 male and 2 female, A: Laden sunflower liquid oil, B: 50% vegetable oil + 50% olive oil, C: Kermanshah Rojin animal oil, D: Spring frying oil, E: Distilled water, F: BAHAR solid vegetable oil, G: Olive oil, H: 50% Kermanshah animal oil + 50% of olive oil). In different groups, 30 g of vegetable or animal oil was gavaged every day at 1:00 pm. Five types of vegetable and animal oils among the high consumption oils in the market were selected, including spring frying oil (used for several times in 305˚f, usually used in eastern Asia countries), Laden sunflower liquid oil, olive oil, Kermanshah Rojin animal oil, and BAHAR solid vegetable oil. After 6 weeks of using the oils diet, the forced swim test was utilized as a test of depression like behavior. Results: There was a significant difference between all groups (P < 0.0001). Based on the results, the latency time of immobility in group A significantly decreased in comparison with groups C (P ˂ 0.02), D (P ˂ 0.003), and G (P < 0.001). However, it increased in groups B and C compared to group H (P ˂ 0.02). Also, this parameter in group D increased significantly compared to groups E (P < 0.01), F (P < 0.05), and H (P < 0.002). Conclusion: The results indicated that olive oil had a preventive effect against forced swimming-induced depression-like symptoms.


Author(s):  
Pouran Samimi ◽  
Sara Kaveh ◽  
Maryam Khoroushi

Objectives: Photopolymerization immediately sets dual-cure cements and prevents the continuation of chemical polymerization. Delayed light-curing allows the chemical process to continue up to the point before starting irradiation; however, there is a controversy in this respect. The present study evaluates the effect of delayed light-curing through a zirconia disc on the microhardness and fracture toughness (KIC) of two types of dual-cure cement. Materials and Methods: Samples measuring 25×5×3 mm3 were prepared for fracture toughness test, and discs measuring 5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness were prepared for microhardness test using Bifix and BisCem cements. Light-curing protocols were as follows: immediate light-curing (group A), a 2-minute delay (group B), a 5-minute delay (group C), direct irradiation (group D), and no irradiation (group E). In groups A to C, light-curing was carried out through a zirconia disc. Data were analyzed by two-way and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), post-hoc Tukey's test, and Kruskal-Wallis test at 95% confidence interval. Results: There was a significant difference in the microhardness of the cements (P=0.00). Delayed light-curing had no effect on microhardness (P=0.080). The microhardness of BisCem in group E was significantly lower than that in group D (P=0.015). The fracture toughness of Bifix in groups B and C was significantly different than that in group E and BisCem groups. Conclusions: Under the limitations of our study, delayed light-curing had different effects on microhardness and fracture toughness. Differences in light-curing protocols resulted in different effects based on the cement type. Light-curing is recommended to achieve optimal mechanical properties.


2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Timms

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens able to infect and cause serious disease in humans, birds and a remarkably wide range of warm and cold-blooded animals. The family Chlamydiaciae have traditionally been defined by their unique biphasic developmental cycle, involving the interconversion between an extracellular survival form, the elementary body and an intracellular replicative form, the reticulate body. However, as with many other bacteria, molecular approaches including 16SrRNA sequence are becoming the standard of choice. As a consequence, the chlamydiae are in a taxonomic state of flux. Prior to 1999, the family Chlamydiaceae consisted of one genus, Chlamydia, and four species, Chlamydia trachomatis, C. psittaci, C. pecorum and C. pneumoniae. In 1999, Everett et al proposed a reclassification of Chlamydia into two genera (Chlamydia and Chlamydophila) and nine species (Chlamydia trachomatis, C. suis, and C. muridarum and Chlamydophila psittaci, C. pneumoniae, C. felis, C. pecorum, C. abortus, and C. caviae). While some of these species are thought to be host specific (C. suis ? pigs, C. muridarum ? mice, C. felis ? cats, C. caviae ? guinea pigs) many are known to infect and cause disease in a wide range of hosts.


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