The potential role of mobile phones in the spread of bacterial infections

BACKGROUND: Mobile phones are indispensable accessories both professionally and socially but they are frequently used in environments of high bacteria presence. This study determined the potential role of mobile phones in the dissemination of diseases. METHODOLOGY: Specifically, 400 swab samples from mobile phones were collected and divided into groups categorized by the owners of the phones as follows: Group A was comprised of 100 food vendors; Group B, 104 lecturers/students; Group C, 106 public servants; and Group D, 90 health workers. Samples were cultured and the resulting isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests by standard procedures. RESULTS: The results revealed a high percentage (62.0%) of bacterial contamination. Mobile phones in Group A had the highest rate of contamination (92; 37%), followed by Group B (76; 30.6%), Group C (42; 16.9%), and Group D (38; 15.3%). Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CNS) was the most prevalent bacterial agent from mobile phones in Group A (50.1%) and least from phones in Group D (26.3), followed by S. aureus. Other bacterial agents identified were Enterococcus feacalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella spp. There was no statistical significance difference (P < 0.05) in the occurrence of S. aureus, the most frequently identified pathogenic bacterial agent isolated from the mobile phones in the study groups. Fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporin were found to be effective against most isolates. CONCLUSION: Mobile phones may serve as vehicles of transmission of both hospital and community-acquired bacterial diseases. Strict adherence to infection control, such as hand washing, is advocated.

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Relation between temporal bone pneumatisation and middle-ear barotrauma in aircrew members

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215119002020 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 133 (10) ◽

pp. 918-922

Author(s):

A Hussein ◽

H M Abdel Tawab ◽

W T Lotfi ◽

N Fayad ◽

N Elsisy

Keyword(s):

Temporal Bone ◽

Middle Ear ◽

Potential Role ◽

Eustachian Tube Function ◽

Middle Ear Pressure ◽

Tube Function ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Air Cells

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the potential role of pneumatisation of the mastoid and its communicating air cells in the development of middle-ear barotrauma in aircrew members.MethodsSeventy-nine aircrew members (158 ears) underwent temporal computed tomography. All were assessed before flying by clinical examination and audiology evaluation, followed by post-flight examination to detect barotrauma.ResultsAircrew members’ ears were divided into 3 groups based on barotrauma and temporal bone pneumatisation: 33 ears with barotrauma and temporal bone pneumatisation of 71 cm3 or greater (group A); 12 ears with barotrauma and temporal bone pneumatisation of 11.2 cm3 or lower (group B); and 113 ears with no barotrauma (group C). Mean pneumatisation volumes were 91.05 cm3, 5.45 cm3 and 28.01 cm3 in groups A, B and C, respectively. A direct relationship was observed between volume of temporal bone pneumatisation of 71 cm3 or greater and barotrauma grade.ConclusionPneumatisation volume of the mastoid and its communicating air cells that ranges from 11.3 cm3 to 70.4 cm3 serves as a reliable predictor of the avoidance of middle-ear barotrauma associated with flying in aircrew members who have normal resting middle-ear pressure and good Eustachian tube function.

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Concurrent Treatment with Denileukin Diftitox (DD) To Deplete T-Regulatory Cells Enhances Rebound Lymphocytosis and Eosinophilia in Patients Treated with High-Dose IL-2 (HDIL-2) for Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer (MRCC).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.1729.1729 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 1729-1729

Author(s):

Adi Gidron ◽

John Eklund ◽

Brenda Martone ◽

Alfred W. Rademaker ◽

Charles Goolsby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flow Cytometry ◽

Immune Response ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Cell Cancer ◽

Peak Level ◽

High Dose ◽

Maximal Increase ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Abstract Background: CD4+CD25+hi T cells (Treg) play a suppressive role in immune regulation. DD is an IL-2 receptor specific cytotoxin. We postulated depletion of Treg with DD may enhance immune effector cell populations after HDIL-2 treatment, including rebound lymphocytosis and also eosinophilia which has been reported to be involved in immune response to neoplasm (Mattes J Exp Med 197: 387, 2003). Methods: In this pilot study, 12 pts (8 male, median age 58 yrs) with MRCC were tx with HDIL-2 and DD in different schedules to determine safety and effect on immune response as manifested by changes in Treg, peak lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts. Pts were treated with IL-2 600,000 IU/kg Q8H on days (d) 1–5 and 15–19. Three (group A) and 4 (group B) pts were given 6 and 9ug/kg daily on d8–10 respectively, while 5 (group C) pts received 9ug/kg of DD on d −4 to −2. Nine (group D) pts with metastatic melanoma who received HDIL-2 as above but without DD were included as controls. Flow cytometry was done on days −4, 1,8,10,15,22 for group C and on days 1,8,10,15,22 for groups B, and D. CBC was obtained concurrent or within 24 hours of flow cytometry. Group A pts were evaluated for safety only and were excluded from analysis. Results: Prior to enrollment, all pts had undergone nephrectomy and four patients received interferon-alpha. One pt from group B withdrew from study and was not included in analysis. Administration of DD resulted in a median decline of 25% in Treg number (not significant). DD given before HDIL-2 was associated with a greater increase in Treg post HDIL-2. In Group C there was an increase of rebound median Treg count of 0.88k/ul compared with 0.060k/ul in group B (p=0.025). Absolute lymphocytosis was higher in the combined group getting DD compared to control (median maximal increase of 7.6 vs 4.7 k/ul, respectively) although the difference did not reach statistical significance. However, group C pts had a greater increase in absolute lymphocytosis than did group B pts in which absolute lymphocytosis actually decreased (median increase 10.6 vs. median decrease 0.4 k/ul, p=0.025). A higher peak level of eosinophilia was noted in groups B and C compared with group D (mean increase of 10.5 vs. 4.0 k/ul p=0.2). Group C had a greater peak eosinophilia than group B (11.2 vs 2.2 k/ul p=0.053) Toxicity was manageable and consistent with those seen with HDIL-2. Median HDIL-2 dose given was 21 (range, 14–28). No clinical responses were observed. Of 11 pts included in the analysis 1 pt from group A expired 68 weeks after enrollment. All remaining patients are alive. Survival from enrollment ranges from 11 to 93 weeks. Conclusion: Overall, the combination of DD and HDIL-2 results in a stimulatory effect as manifested by increased rebound lymphocytosis and eosinophilia compared to HDIL-2 alone. Administration of DD in conjunction with HDIL-2 was associated with a rebound in Treg that may be schedule and dose dependent. The results suggest an enhanced immune stimulatory effect as manifested by lymphocytosis and peak eosinophilia in group C. However, this stimulatory effect also extends to Treg that may prove detrimental clinically. Further exploration of these effects in immunotherapy naïve patients would be beneficial.

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The entrainment role of photoperiod on hypoosmoregulatory and growth-related aspects of smolting in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z90-103 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 68 (4) ◽

pp. 707-715 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

James Duston ◽

Richard L. Saunders

Keyword(s):

Salinity Tolerance ◽

Condition Factor ◽

Plasma Osmolality ◽

Natural Photoperiod ◽

Group A ◽

Challenge Tests ◽

Subsequent Loss ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Potential yearling (1+) smolts were maintained under 8.25 h light: 15.75 h dark and constant temperature (10.0 °C) from late December. Groups were subjected to an abrupt increase to 16 h light: 8 h dark on December 31 (group A), February 1 (group B), March 1 (group C), or March 31 (group D). Group E was maintained under constant 8.25 h light: 15.75 h dark for the duration of the experiment and group LDN was maintained under a simulated natural photoperiod cycle (45°N). Plasma osmolality levels following 24-h, 29‰ salinity challenge tests indicated a photoperiod-independent development of hypoosmoregulatory mechanisms preceding completion of smoltification that was significantly correlated with fish body size. As judged by 96-h, 37.5‰ salinity tolerance tests and changes in condition factor, completion of smolting occurred in sequence; in groups A and B it was advanced to late February, while groups C and D completed smolting in mid-March and mid-April, respectively, compared with late May for group LDN. Group E, maintained under constant 8.25 h light: 15.75 h dark, developed salinity tolerance in late May, but unlike other groups exhibited no large reduction in condition factor. Following smolting, an increase in condition factor and a loss of salinity tolerance occurred in all groups. The results support the hypothesis that changes in photoperiod entrain an endogenous circannual rhythm involved in controlling the completion of smoltification and subsequent loss of some smolt characteristics.

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Effect of bromocriptine and metergoline in the treatment of hyperprolactinaemic states

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.1000010 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 100 (1) ◽

pp. 10-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Bruno Ambrosi ◽

Pietro Travaglini ◽

Paola Moriondo ◽

Marina Nissim ◽

Claudio Nava ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ct Scan ◽

Gonadal Function ◽

Similar Extent ◽

Antitumoral Effect ◽

Length Of Treatment ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D ◽

Precise Role

Abstract. The effects of bromocriptine or metergoline treatment were evaluated in 80 hyperprolactinaemic patients (62 women and 18 men). The patients were subdivided into 4 groups: group A) 16 women with idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia; group B) 19 women with untreated Prl-secreting microadenomas; group C) 27 women with unsuccessfully operated prolactinomas; group D) 18 men with unsuccessfully treated macroprolactinomas. Sixty-eight patients were given bromocriptine (2.5–20 mg/day) for 3–58 months and 33 patients were given metergoline (4–16 mg/day) for 3–19 months. Bromocriptine and metergoline were equally effective in the treatment of functional hyperprolactinaemia and of untreated microadenomas, while bromocriptine showed a more potent Prl-lowering effect than metergoline in patients with higher Prl levels and large prolactinomas; both drugs restored the gonadal function to a similar extent, though metergoline was effective in some cases, even in the absence of full Prl suppression. Bromocriptine seems to exert an antitumoral effect, as documented by CT scan in some patients with macroadenomas, but the precise role of both drugs with respect to dose, length of treatment and effectiveness after withdrawal needs to be evaluated further.

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Assessment of Real-Time Operative Torque during Nickel–Titanium Instrumentation with Different Lubricants

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10186201 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (18) ◽

pp. 6201 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alessandro Mazzoni ◽

Andrea Pacifici ◽

Alessio Zanza ◽

Andrea Del Giudice ◽

Rodolfo Reda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Ex Vivo ◽

Peak Torque ◽

Sample Mean ◽

Group A ◽

Torsional Loads ◽

Group B ◽

Post Hoc ◽

Group D

The aim of the present study is twofold: to assess ex vivo the role of different lubricants on real-time torque generated during intracanal instrumentation and to check whether two different kinds of torque parameters, operative torque (OT) and average peak torque (APT), could produce similar results. Forty extracted single-rooted teeth were selected for the present study and divided into four equal groups (n = 10): Group A, NaCl 0.2%; Group B, NaOCl 5%; Group C, ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and Group D, EDTA and hydrogen peroxide. Afterwards, Edge Taper F2 (Edge Endo, Albuquerque, New Mexico) were rotated clockwise at 300 rpm with 3 Ncm maximum torque by an endodontic torque recording motor. In each sample, mean OT and mean APT were recorded and statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni between groups (p < 0.05). EDTA (12.11 ± 4.45 Ncm) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower values compared with the other tested irrigant for both parameters. Overall, the two different parameters were both able to differentiate between the influence of lubricants on torsional loads.

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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Subsets in Migraine Patients During and Outside of an Acute Headache Attack

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1046/j.1468-2982.1998.1804197.x ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 197-201 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

AD Mosnaim ◽

H Kulaga ◽

AJ Adams ◽

ME Wolf ◽

J Puente ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽

Immunological Parameters ◽

Total N ◽

Immune Parameters ◽

Flow Cytometric ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

We have conducted flow cytometric studies of two subsets of lymphocyte markers in groups of migraineurs during ( n = 12; group B) and outside ( n = 10; group C) of a migraine without aura attack (total n = 22; group A), including a group of patients tested in both of these phases ( n = 5; group D), and compared these results with those obtained from a population of age-comparable, sex- and race-matched healthy volunteers ( n = 12; group E). Comparison of the first set of lymphocytes (CD3+CD16+56+, CD3-CD16+56+, CD3-CD19+, CD3+CD19+, and CD3+HLA-DR+) between the patients in group A and the controls (group E) showed differences, reflecting greater group A percentages of CD3+CD16+CD56+ and CD3-CD19+ lymphocytes. Furthermore, these differences reached statistical significance only for the CD3+CD16+CD56+ lymphocytes, and then solely for the patients in group C (Scheffe's test, p< 0.05). Paired analysis of the above lymphocyte markers for subjects in group D failed to show significant differences between patients when they were having and not having a migraine attack, raising the possibility that results from a larger study could show meaningful increases in percentages of CD3+CD16+CD56+ lymphocytes as one of the immune parameters useful for differentiating migraineurs from controls. Comparison of a second set of lymphocyte markers (CD19+CD5+, CD20+CD72-, CD20-CD72+, CD20+CD72+) among either the different groups of patients or between the patients and controls failed, however, to show statistically significant differences, emphasizing the apparent specificity of the findings described above for CD3+CD16+CD56+ lymphocytes. Our results, albeit of a preliminary nature, suggest the occurrence of significant, differential changes in lymphocyte subset immunophenotyping between groups of pain-free migraineurs and patients during an acute migraine episode or controls. Corroboration of these findings may prove useful in clinical laboratory practice to identify changes in immunological parameters specifically associated with migraineurs, and help towards a better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of this condition.

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Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding on Intestinal Flora in Rats with Ovariectomized Osteoporosis

Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research ◽

10.3727/036012921x16281724938230 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 46 (4) ◽

pp. 307-318

Author(s):

Na Shi ◽

Chu-Qiong Zhang ◽

Long Han ◽

Gang Ouyang

Keyword(s):

Pathogenic Bacteria ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Intestinal Flora ◽

Valeric Acid ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Treatment Of Osteoporosis ◽

Prevention And Treatment ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Objectives: By observing the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on the intestinal flora of ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, the correlation between the regulation of intestinal flora and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis was discussed preliminarily. Methods: By observing the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on the intestinal flora of ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, the correlation between the regulation of intestinal flora and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis was discussed preliminarily. Result: Compared with Group A and Group B, bone mineral density (BMD) of femur and tibia in Group C decreased significantly (p<0.05), indicating successful modeling. Compared with Group C, BMD of femur and tibia in Group D was significantly increased (p<0.05). Compared with Group A and Group B, content of serum estrogens, calcium, and PTHrP in Group C were significantly decreased (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Content of serum estrogen, calcium, and PTHrP in Group D were significantly higher than those in Group C (p<0.05 or p<0.01). Compared with Group A and Group B, the abundance of mollicutes, actinobacteria, acidobacteria, chloroflexi and fusobacteria in group C was significantly increased. The abundance of probiotics in Group D such as lactobacillales, (lactobacillaceae, lactobacillus), bacillales, and streptococcus was significantly higher than that in Group C (p<0.05). The content of SCFAs such as acetic acid, butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, valeric acid and caproic acid in Group D were significantly higher than those in Group C, with statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusions: Acupoint catgut embedding can effectively improve BMD, increase content of estrogen, calcium, PTHrP and SCFAs. Furthermore, embedding can also improve the abundance of probiotics and reduce the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. The changes of intestinal flora were correlated with the changes of estrogen and calcium, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupoint catgut embedding in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

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Remineralizing Potential of Clinpro® and Tooth Mousse Plus® on Artificial Carious Lesions

Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry ◽

10.17796/1053-4625-43.2.6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 103-108

Author(s):

Sakshi Buckshey ◽

Robert P Anthonappa ◽

Nigel M. King ◽

Anut Itthagarun

Keyword(s):

Mineral Content ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Similar Efficacy ◽

Surface Zone ◽

Carious Lesions ◽

Group A ◽

Ph Cycling ◽

Group B ◽

Tooth Mousse ◽

Group D

Background: Calcium phosphate and fluoride (F) delivery systems claim to facilitate enamel remineralization. Aim: To evaluate and compare (i) the remineralizing potential of Clinpro® Tooth Crème(CTC) and Tooth Mousse Plus®(TMP) on artificial carious lesions, and (ii) the benefit of 1000ppm F dentifrice prior to the application of CTC and TMP. Study design: Carious lesions, 200–300μm deep were produced by placing molars in demineralizing solution for 96h, sections 100–150μm thick were then randomly assigned to six groups(n=150). Specimens were treated thrice daily with a non-fluoridated(Group A), or fluoridated dentifrice[1000ppm, (Group B)], or CTC(Group C), TMP(Group D), fluoridated dentifrice followed by CTC(Group E), or a fluoridated dentifrice followed by TMP(Group F), and then subjected to a 10-day pH cycling model. Lesion evaluation involved polarizing light microscopy and microradiography. Results: Posttreatment maximum mineral content at the surface zone(Vmax) was significantly increased in Groups B, C, and D compared to the other groups. The lesion depth(LD) decreased in Group D>Group C>Group E, and the net mineral content gain(ΔZ) in Group C>Group D, which did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: CTC and TMP exhibited similar efficacy in remineralizing artificial carious lesions. Nevertheless, the net mineral gain or lesion consolidation following CTC use was higher than TMP.

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HEPATOTOXICITY;

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2017.24.08.957 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (08) ◽

pp. 1200-1205

Author(s):

Aamna Khokhar ◽

Aisha Qayyum ◽

Momina Khokhar

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Protective Role ◽

Alanine Transaminase ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Medical College ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Objectives: To evaluate the protective role of silymarin against methotrexate(MTX) induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Study design: Randomized controlled trial on animalmodel. Period: 06 months from March 2016 to August 2016. Settings: Department ofPharmacology and Therapeutics, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi. Material and Methods:Thirty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=6). Group A received 0.2 mlnormal saline intraperitoneally served as control for MTX. Group B received 0.2 ml distilled waterorally for 7 days served as control for oral silymarin. Group C received single intraperitonealinjection of MTX 20 mg/kg. Group D received silymarin 25 mg/kg orally for seven days. GroupE received silymarin 25 mg/kg orally for 7 days with MTX 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally at day 4.Blood samples for measuring serum ALT (Alanine Transaminase), AST (Aspartate transaminase)and ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) along with liver samples for hepatic histological examinationwere taken after 24 hours of last dose. Results: Silymarin show hepatoprotective effect againstMTX induced hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: Silymarin has hepatoprotective potential whenadministered along with MTX.

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PEMANFAATAN RIMPANG KUNIR PUTIH (Curcuma zedoaria) SEBAGAI PENGURANG KERUSAKAN STRUKTUR MIKROANATOMI HEPAR MENCIT AKIBAT ALKOHOL

Journal of Biological Researches ◽

10.23869/bphjbr.9.2.200410 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 119-123

Author(s):

Lisdiana Lisdiana

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Effective Dosage ◽

Control Group ◽

Curcuma Zedoaria ◽

Weight Group ◽

Alternative Healing ◽

Group A ◽

Group B ◽

Group D

Curcuma zedoaria, familia Zingiberaceae, has been used for along time as an alternative healing. active compounds within it are coneol, comphene, borneol, camphor, zedoarin, resin, gum, and curcumin. Curcumin is an antioxidan that can slow cell damages caused by toxicant. The purpose of this research was to find out the role of Curcuma zedoaria’s rhizome for minimizing damage of microanatomical structure of liver caused by alcoholic toxicant. Samples in the research were 24 mice (Mus musculus) Swiss Webster. They were grouped randomly into 8 groups. Each group was treated as follow. Group A (control group) was given fresh water. Group B was given whisky. Group C was given 500 mg Curcuma zedoaria/kg body weight. Group D was given 750 mg Curcuma zedoaria/kg body weight. Group E was given Curcuma zedoaria/kg body weight. Group F was given whisky and, 2 hours later, 500 mg Curcuma zedoaria/kg body weight. Group G was given whisky and, 2 hours later, 750 mg Curcuma zedoaria/kg body weight. The last group was given whisky and, 2 hours later, 1000 mg Curcuma zedoaria/kg body weight. The treatment was carried out during 8 days. A microanatomy slide of liver was made by using parafin method and Hematoxylin-Eosin dying. Data was analyzed by using descriptive method, comparing between the control group and the experiment groups. The result of the research showed that the powder of the Curcuma zedoaria’s rhizome has been useful in minimizing damage of hepar microanatomy structure of the mice affected by alcohol. The effective dosage was 1000 mg/kg body weight.

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