scholarly journals A molecular portrait of maternal sepsis from Byzantine Troy

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison M Devault ◽  
Tatum D Mortimer ◽  
Andrew Kitchen ◽  
Henrike Kiesewetter ◽  
Jacob M Enk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Infection ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Dystrophic Calcification ◽  
Dynamic Interactions ◽  
Bacterial Dna ◽  
Maternal Infections ◽  
Maternal Sepsis ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses ◽  
Scanning Electron ◽  
Close Contacts

Pregnancy complications are poorly represented in the archeological record, despite their importance in contemporary and ancient societies. While excavating a Byzantine cemetery in Troy, we discovered calcified abscesses among a woman’s remains. Scanning electron microscopy of the tissue revealed ‘ghost cells’, resulting from dystrophic calcification, which preserved ancient maternal, fetal and bacterial DNA of a severe infection, likely chorioamnionitis. Gardnerella vaginalis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus dominated the abscesses. Phylogenomic analyses of ancient, historical, and contemporary data showed that G. vaginalis Troy fell within contemporary genetic diversity, whereas S. saprophyticus Troy belongs to a lineage that does not appear to be commonly associated with human disease today. We speculate that the ecology of S. saprophyticus infection may have differed in the ancient world as a result of close contacts between humans and domesticated animals. These results highlight the complex and dynamic interactions with our microbial milieu that underlie severe maternal infections.

Amyloodinium sp. (Brown, 1931) (Dinoflagellida) infestation in captive stock of silver moony, Monodactylus argenteus (Linnaeus, 1758)

2020 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dani Thomas ◽  
A. Navaneeth Krishnan ◽  
P. Ezhil Praveena ◽  
J. Raymond Jani Angel ◽  
M. Kailasam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Infection ◽  
Source Water ◽  
Histopathological Changes ◽  
Cell Hyperplasia ◽  
Potential Sources ◽  
Triggering Factor ◽  
Gill Lamellae ◽  
Infectious Form ◽  
Scanning Electron ◽  
Water Borne

This study was undertaken to investigate the cause of mortality in the captive stock of silver moony Monodactylus argenteus. The fishes showed severe infection of dinoflagellate protozoan Amyloodinium sp. (Blastodinida, Oodiniaceae) on gills and skin with complete mortality of the stock within a week. Histopathological changes were evident in the gill tissues with severe lamellar epithelial cell hyperplasia and lamellar fusions with the presence of trophonts of Amyloodinium sp. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also revealed trophonts of Amyloodinium sp. of varying sizes in groups consisting of 3 to 5 trophonts tightly attached to gill lamellae. Source water contaminated with the tiny infectious form of the parasite (dinospores) favoured by higher salinity and low water temperature in the rearing tank could be the triggering factor for the spurt of infections. Proper quarantine and biosecurity protocols to prevent the potential sources of water-borne infection sources are likely to be far more effective than treatment.

scholarly journals The global burden and trends of maternal sepsis and other maternal infections in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liyuan Chen ◽  
Qi Wang ◽  
Yun Gao ◽  
Jinxiang Zhang ◽  
Sheng Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Health ◽  
Maternal Mortality Ratio ◽  
Global Burden ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Maternal Infections ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life ◽  
Treatment Measures ◽  
Mortality Ratio ◽  
Maternal Sepsis ◽  
Incident Cases

Abstract Background Maternal sepsis and other maternal infections (MSMI) have considerable impacts on women’s and neonatal health, but data on the global burden and trends of MSMI are limited. Comprehensive knowledge of the burden and trend patterns of MSMI is important to allocate resources, facilitate the establishment of tailored prevention strategies and implement effective clinical treatment measures. Methods Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease database, we analysed the global burden of MSMI by the incidence, death, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the last 30 years. Then, the trends of MSMI were assessed by the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of MMR as well as the age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence, death and DALY. Moreover, we determined the effect of sociodemographic index (SDI) on MSMI epidemiological parameters. Results Although incident cases almost stabilized from 1990 to 2015, the ASR of incidence, death, DALY and MMR steadily decreased globally from 1990 to 2019. The burden of MSMI was the highest in the low SDI region with the fastest downward trends. MSMI is still one of the most important causes of maternal death in the developed world. Substantial diversity of disease burden and trends occurred in different regions and individual countries, most of which had reduced burden and downward trends. The MMR and ASR were negatively correlated with corresponding SDI value in 2019 in 204 countries/territories and 21 regions. Conclusion These findings highlight significant improvement in MSMI care in the past three decades, particularly in the low and low-middle SDI regions. However, the increased burden and upward trends of MSMI in a few countries and regions are raising concern, which poses a serious challenge to maternal health. More tailored prevention measures and additional resources for maternal health are urgently needed to resolve this problem.

scholarly journals Assessing the Genomic Variability of Gardnerella vaginalis through Comparative Genomic Analyses: Evolutionary and Ecological Implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Tarracchini ◽  
Gabriele Andrea Lugli ◽  
Leonardo Mancabelli ◽  
Christian Milani ◽  
Francesca Turroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Microbial Taxon ◽  
Virulence Potential ◽  
Genomic Analyses ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses

ABSTRACT Gardnerella vaginalis is described as a common anaerobic vaginal bacterium whose presence may correlate with vaginal dysbiotic conditions. In the current study, we performed phylogenomic analyses of 72 G. vaginalis genome sequences, revealing noteworthy genome differences underlying a polyphyletic organization of this taxon. Particularly, the genomic survey revealed that this species may actually include nine distinct genotypes (GGtype1 to GGtype9). Furthermore, the observed link between sialidase and phylogenomic grouping provided clues of a connection between virulence potential and the evolutionary history of this microbial taxon. Specifically, based on the outcomes of these in silico analyses, GGtype3, GGtype7, GGtype8, and GGtype9 appear to have virulence potential since they exhibited the sialidase gene in their genomes. Notably, the analysis of 34 publicly available vaginal metagenomic samples allowed us to trace the distribution of the nine G. vaginalis genotypes identified in this study among the human population, highlighting how differences in genetic makeup could be related to specific ecological properties. Furthermore, comparative genomic analyses provided details about the G. vaginalis pan- and core genome contents, including putative genetic elements involved in the adaptation to the ecological niche as well as many putative virulence factors. Among these putative virulence factors, particularly noteworthy genes identified were the gene encoding cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) toxin vaginolysin and genes related to microbial biofilm formation, iron uptake, adhesion to the vaginal epithelium, as well as macrolide antibiotic resistance. IMPORTANCE The identification of nine different genotypes among members of G. vaginalis allowed us to distinguish an uneven distribution of virulence-associated genetic traits within this taxon and thus suggest the potential occurrence of putative pathogen and commensal G. vaginalis strains. These findings, coupled with metagenomics microbial profiling of human vaginal microbiota, permitted us to get insights into the distribution of the genotypes among the human population, highlighting the presence of different structural communities in terms of G. vaginalis genotypes.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial effects of Sophora Flavescens Alkaloids on metronidazole-Resistant Gardnerella vaginalis in planktonic and biofilm formation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linyuan Fan ◽  
zhaohui liu ◽  
Zhan Zhang ◽  
Huihui Bai ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Sophora Flavescens ◽  
Sensitivity Testing ◽  
Clinical Strains ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Scanning Electron

Abstract Objectives: This study aims to explored the effects and mechanisms of Sophora Flavescens Alkaloids (SFAs) on metronidazole-resistant Gardnerella vaginalis under planktonic and biofilm conditions.Methods: The main components of SFAs were analyzed using HPLC. Clinical strains were cultured from the vaginal secretions of BV patients, followed by PCR and 16s rRNA gene sequencing identification. According to the 2012 CLSI guidelines for anaerobic drug sensitivity testing, the sensitivity of Gardnerella vaginalis to metronidazole and SFAs were determined using the microdilution broth method. The formation of biofilms was evaluated, and the biofilm microstructure was observed using scanning electron microscopy.Results: The main active contents of SFAs were matrine and oxymatrine. Nineteen metronidazole-resistant strains were isolated and identified (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC≥32 μg/mL), of which four clinical strains were observed to be strong biofilm producer and the final minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of metronidazole was increased to 512 μg/mL. SFAs could not only inhibited the growth of metronidazole-resistant Gardnerella vaginalis in planktonic (MIC: 0.3125-1.25 mg/mL), but also eliminated the biofilm formation (MBIC: 0.625-1.25 mg/mL). Also, there was less biomass biofilm formation which was sparse and relatively thin. In the high-magnification scanning electron, it was observed that the water channels were destroyed, and furturemore, the biofilm morphology changed from a thick to flaky shape and was nearly depleted.Conclusions: Our results indicate that SFAs could not only inhibite the growth of metronidazole-resistant Gardnerella vaginalis in planktonic and biofilm levels, but also destroyed the biofilm morphology and microstructure, which may contribute to the prevention of BV recurrence.

scholarly journals Cervical Gardnerella vaginalis in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245937
Author(s):  
Marian Kacerovsky ◽  
Lenka Pliskova ◽  
Radka Bolehovska ◽  
Daniel Lesko ◽  
Romana Gerychova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Amniotic Cavity ◽  
Bacterial Dna ◽  
Microbial Invasion ◽  
Prelabor Rupture Of Membranes ◽  
Time Of Admission ◽  
Singleton Pregnancies

Objective To determine the association between microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) and the cervical prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis DNA in pregnancies with preterm prelabor rupture of membrane (PPROM). Method In total, 405 women with singleton pregnancies complicated with PPROM were included. Cervical fluid and amniotic fluid samples were collected at the time of admission. Bacterial and G. vaginalis DNA were assessed in the cervical fluid samples using quantitative PCR technique. Concentrations of interleukin-6 and MIAC were evaluated in the amniotic fluid samples. Loads of G. vaginalis DNA ≥ 1% of the total cervical bacterial DNA were used to define the cervical prevalence of G. vaginalis as abundant. Based on the MIAC and IAI, women were categorized into four groups: with intra-amniotic infection (both MIAC and IAI), with sterile IAI (IAI without MIAC), with MIAC without IAI, and without either MIAC or IAI. Results The presence of the abundant cervical G. vaginalis was related to MIAC (with: 65% vs. without: 44%; p = 0.0004) but not IAI (with: 52% vs. without: 48%; p = 0.70). Women with MIAC without IAI had the highest load of the cervical G. vaginalis DNA (median 2.0 × 104 copies DNA/mL) and the highest presence of abundant cervical G. vaginalis (73%). Conclusions In women with PPROM, the presence of cervical G. vaginalis was associated with MIAC, mainly without the concurrent presence of IAI.

Pathogenesis of Human Hair Defects

1974 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 12-13
Author(s):  
P.S. Porter ◽  
T. Aoyagi ◽  
R. Matta
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Human Hair ◽  
Standard Techniques ◽  
Scanning Electron

Using standard techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), over 1000 human hair defects have been studied. In several of the defects, the pathogenesis of the abnormality has been clarified using these techniques. It is the purpose of this paper to present several distinct morphologic abnormalities of hair and to discuss their pathogenesis as elucidated through techniques of scanning electron microscopy.

Morphology, Distribution and Identification of Micro-Constituents Along Grain Boundaries in Nickel-Base Alloys

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 176-177
Author(s):  
D. E. Fornwalt ◽  
A. R. Geary ◽  
B. H. Kear
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Grain Boundaries ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Rupture Life ◽  
Stress Rupture ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Precipitate Morphology ◽  
Stress Rupture Life ◽  
Nickel Base ◽  
Scanning Electron

A systematic study has been made of the effects of various heat treatments on the microstructures of several experimental high volume fraction γ’ precipitation hardened nickel-base alloys, after doping with ∼2 w/o Hf so as to improve the stress rupture life and ductility. The most significant microstructural chan§e brought about by prolonged aging at temperatures in the range 1600°-1900°F was the decoration of grain boundaries with precipitate particles.Precipitation along the grain boundaries was first detected by optical microscopy, but it was necessary to use the scanning electron microscope to reveal the details of the precipitate morphology. Figure 1(a) shows the grain boundary precipitates in relief, after partial dissolution of the surrounding γ + γ’ matrix.

The Use of Advanced Analytical Techniques for Characterization of the Chemical, Physical, and Crystallographic Nature of a Surface

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 132-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Herfert
Keyword(s):  
Surface Characterization ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Depth Of Penetration ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Past ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Electron

Studies of the nature of a surface, either metallic or nonmetallic, in the past, have been limited to the instrumentation available for these measurements. In the past, optical microscopy, replica transmission electron microscopy, electron or X-ray diffraction and optical or X-ray spectroscopy have provided the means of surface characterization. Actually, some of these techniques are not purely surface; the depth of penetration may be a few thousands of an inch. Within the last five years, instrumentation has been made available which now makes it practical for use to study the outer few 100A of layers and characterize it completely from a chemical, physical, and crystallographic standpoint. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) provides a means of viewing the surface of a material in situ to magnifications as high as 250,000X.

The Critical Point Drying Method Applied to Scanning Electron Microscopy of L-929 Cells

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 278-279
Author(s):  
Charles TurnbiLL ◽  
Delbert E. Philpott
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Surface Tension ◽  
Critical Point ◽  
Freeze Drying ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Crystal Formation ◽  
Critical Point Drying ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Scanning Electron

The advent of the scanning electron microscope (SCEM) has renewed interest in preparing specimens by avoiding the forces of surface tension. The present method of freeze drying by Boyde and Barger (1969) and Small and Marszalek (1969) does prevent surface tension but ice crystal formation and time required for pumping out the specimen to dryness has discouraged us. We believe an attractive alternative to freeze drying is the critical point method originated by Anderson (1951; for electron microscopy. He avoided surface tension effects during drying by first exchanging the specimen water with alcohol, amy L acetate and then with carbon dioxide. He then selected a specific temperature (36.5°C) and pressure (72 Atm.) at which carbon dioxide would pass from the liquid to the gaseous phase without the effect of surface tension This combination of temperature and, pressure is known as the "critical point" of the Liquid.

Ultrastructural Analysis of the Salivary Glands of Gromphadorhina Portentosa (Schaum)

1977 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 638-639
Author(s):  
P.J. Dailey
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Salivary Glands ◽  
Secretory Vesicles ◽  
The Past ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Means Of Transmission ◽  
Gromphadorhina Portentosa ◽  
Scanning Electron ◽  
Topographical Relief

The structure of insect salivary glands has been extensively investigated during the past decade; however, none have attempted scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in ultrastructural examinations of these secretory organs. This study correlates fine structure by means of SEM cryofractography with that of thin-sectioned epoxy embedded material observed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Salivary glands of Gromphadorhina portentosa were excised and immediately submerged in cold (4°C) paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixative1 for 2 hr, washed and post-fixed in 1 per cent 0s04 in phosphosphate buffer (4°C for 2 hr). After ethanolic dehydration half of the samples were embedded in Epon 812 for TEM and half cryofractured and subsequently critical point dried for SEM. Dried specimens were mounted on aluminum stubs and coated with approximately 150 Å of gold in a cold sputtering apparatus.Figure 1 shows a cryofractured plane through a salivary acinus revealing topographical relief of secretory vesicles.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document