632 research outputs found
An investigation of horizontal transfer of feed introduced DNA to the aerobic microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract of rats
No full textBACKGROUND:
Horizontal gene transfer through natural transformation of members of the microbiota of the lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mammals has not yet been described. Insufficient DNA sequence similarity for homologous recombination to occur has been identified as the major barrier to interspecies transfer of chromosomal DNA in bacteria. In this study we determined if regions of high DNA similarity between the genomes of the indigenous bacteria in the GIT of rats and feed introduced DNA could lead to homologous recombination and acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes.
RESULTS:
Plasmid DNA with two resistance genes (nptI and aadA) and regions of high DNA similarity to 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes present in a broad range of bacterial species present in the GIT, were constructed and added to standard rat feed. Six rats, with a normal microbiota, were fed DNA containing pellets daily over four days before sampling of the microbiota from the different GI compartments (stomach, small intestine, cecum and colon). In addition, two rats were included as negative controls. Antibiotic resistant colonies growing on selective media were screened for recombination with feed introduced DNA by PCR targeting unique sites in the putatively recombined regions. No transformants were identified among 441 tested isolates.
CONCLUSIONS:
The analyses showed that extensive ingestion of DNA (100 μg plasmid) per day did not lead to increased proportions of kanamycin resistant bacteria, nor did it produce detectable transformants among the aerobic microbiota examined for 6 rats (detection limit < 1 transformant per 1,1 × 108 cultured bacteria). The key methodological challenges to HGT detection in animal feedings trials are identified and discussed. This study is consistent with other studies suggesting natural transformation is not detectable in the GIT of mammals
Some Bacillus thuringiensis strains share rpoB nucleotide polymorphisms also present in Bacillus anthracis
No full textIdentification of Bacillus anthracis is considerably difficult because of its very high phenotypic and genotypic similarity to other members of the Bacillus cereus group. Differentiation methods based on morphological and phenotypic characteristics are time-consuming, and false results may be obtained for atypical strains. On the other hand molecular discrimination based on the presence of two B. anthracis virulence plasmids, pXO1 and pXO2, is not sufficient because plasmids can be lost or transferred to other bacilli. Therefore, several chromosomal markers have been investigated and applied (1, 8). In 2001 Qi et al. (7) described single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the rpoB gene and their usefulness for B. anthracis identification. Since then, several articles describing various molecular methods for rpoB sequence-based detection of B. anthracis have been published (for example see references 2 and 9).
We conducted studies of single-strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCPs) of the rpoB gene in a large collection of B. cereus group strains. Surprisingly, we found that the nucleotide sequence of the rpoB gene fragment containing the marker SNPs of two reference strains of Bacillus thuringiensis was identical to that of the homologous region in B. anthracis. Therefore, rpoB gene-based tools could not distinguish these strains from B. anthracis, thus resulting in false-positive anthrax identification
Strategy for identification of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis strains closely related to Bacillus anthracis
No full textBacillus cereus strains that are genetically closely related to B. anthracis can display anthrax-like virulence traits (A. R. Hoffmaster et al., Proc. Nail. Acad. Sci. USA 101:8449-8454, 2004). Hence, approaches that rapidly identify these "near neighbors" are of great interest for the study of B. anthracis virulence mechanisms, as well as to prevent the use of such strains for B. anthracis-based bioweapon development. Here, a strategy is proposed for the identification of near neighbors of B. anthracis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) containing tRNA genes, characteristic of B. anthracis. By using restriction site insertion-PCR (RSI-PCR) the presence of two SNP typical of B. anthracis was screened in 126 B. cereus group strains of different origin. Two B. cereus strains and one B. thuringiensis strain showed RSI-PCR profiles identical to that of B. anthracis. The sequencing of the entire ITS containing tRNA genes revealed two of the strains to be identical to B. anthracis. The strict relationship with B. anthracis was confirmed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of four other independent loci: cerA, plcR, AC-390, and SG-749. The relationship to B. anthracis of the three strains described by MLST was comparable and even higher to that of four B. cereus strains associated with periodontitis in humans and previously reported as the closest known strains to B. anthracis. SNP in ITS containing tRNA genes combined with RSI-PCR provide a very efficient tool for the identification of strains closely related to B. anthracis
Factors associated with physical activity levels among healthcare workers in Al Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Physical inactivity among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a growing public health concern, especially in Saudi Arabia, where inactivity rates remain high. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing physical activity levels among HCWs. Objectives: to examine the associations between physical activity levels and various sociodemographic and work-related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 healthcare workers (HCWs) employed in governmental healthcare facilities. Physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between physical activity levels and various sociodemographic and work-related factors. Results: Among the participants, 38.7% were classified as inactive, 42.7% as minimally active, and 18.7% as health-enhancing physically active (HEPA Active). The regression model was found to be significant (χ² = 50.205, df = 34, p = .036; Nagelkerke R² = 0.31). Marital status (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4–3.8; p = .005) and pregnancy status (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2–2.7; p = .015) were identified as significant predictors. Conclusions: Marital and pregnancy status were significant factors influencing physical activity levels among healthcare workers. 
The microbiota associated to grape yellows leafhopper vectors: which potential for symbiotic control?
No full textEurope is the main wine-producing area in the world. Flavescence
Dorée (FD), an insect-borne grape yellow disease, is
causing economic losses from Portugal to Hungary and is a
major cause of concern, among others, in wine production areas
in north Spain, south France and north Italy (Angelini et al.,
2001, Vitis 40:79–86). Cell wall less bacteria, previously termed
mycoplasma-like organisms, and re-named as ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma
vitis’, are the causative agents of FD in grapevine
(Lefol et al., 1994, J. Invertebr. Pathol. 63:285–293). FD is transmitted
by a leafhopper widespread in vineyards, Scaphoideus
titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), which inoculates the phytoplasma
into the phloem of healthy plants while feeding on the
lymph. FD control is a high priority in European wine producing
areas and is currently achieved through the destruction of
infected vineyards and by extensive insecticide treatments
against S. titanus, while direct control strategies are not yet available.
The actual control strategy by chemical treatments has
obvious economical and ecological impacts, and insecticide
treatments are incompatible with organic production. In recent
years there has been an increasing interest in the potential use of
biological control microorganisms, which are pathogenic to
insect. However this technology, when available, require spraying
of the biocontrol agent at each growing season, with consequent
economic charge and risk of resistance development
The Association Between Dietary Habits and Other Lifestyle Indicators and Dysglycemia in Saudi Adults Free of Previous Diagnosis of Diabetes
No full textObjective: Study the association of dietary habits and other indicators of lifestyle with dysglycemia in Saudi adults. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, data were obtained from 1403 Saudi adults (> 20 years), not previously diagnosed with diabetes. Demographics, lifestyle variables and dietary habits were obtained using a predesigned questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test were used to identify dysglycemia. Regression analysis was performed to determine the associations of dietary factors and other indicators of lifestyle with dysglycemia. Results: A total 1075 adults (596 men, and 479 women) had normoglycemia, and 328 (195 men, and 133 women) had dysglycemia. Following adjustment for age, BMI and waist circumference, in men the weekly intake of 5 portions or more of red meat and Turkish coffee were associated with decreased odds of having dysglycemia odds ratio (OR) 0.444 (95% CI: 0.223, 0.881;P = .02) and 0.387 (95% CI: 0.202, 0.74;P = .004), respectively. In women, the intake of fresh juice 1 to 4 portions per week and 5 portions or more were associated with OR 0.603 (95% CI: 0.369, 0.985;P = .043) and OR 0.511 (95% CI: 0.279, 0.935;P = .029) decreased odds of having dysglycemia, respectively compared with women who did not drink fresh juice. The intake of 5 times or more per week of hibiscus drink was associated with increased odds of having dysglycemia, OR 5.551 (95% CI: 1.576, 19.55,P = .008) compared with women not using such a drink. Other lifestyle factors were not associated with dysglycemia. Conclusion: Dietary practices by studied Saudis have some impact on risk of dysglycemia, with obvious sex differences.Peer reviewe
Mortality, morbidity, and hospitalisations due to influenza lower respiratory tract infections, 2017: an analysis for the global burden of disease study 2017
No full textAlthough the burden of influenza is often discussed in the context of historical pandemics and the threat of future pandemics, every year a substantial burden of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and other respiratory conditions (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are attributable to seasonal influenza. The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017 is a systematic scientific effort to quantify the health loss associated with a comprehensive set of diseases and disabilities. In this Article, we focus on LRTIs that can be attributed to influenza. Methods: We modelled the LRTI incidence, hospitalisations, and mortality attributable to influenza for every country and selected subnational locations by age and year from 1990 to 2017 as part of GBD 2017. We used a counterfactual approach that first estimated the LRTI incidence, hospitalisations, and mortality and then attributed a fraction of those outcomes to influenza. Findings: Influenza LRTI was responsible for an estimated 145 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 99 000–200 000) deaths among all ages in 2017. The influenza LRTI mortality rate was highest among adults older than 70 years (16·4 deaths per 100 000 [95% UI 11·6–21·9]), and the highest rate among all ages was in eastern Europe (5·2 per 100 000 population [95% UI 3·5–7·2]). We estimated that influenza LRTIs accounted for 9 459 000 (95% UI 3 709 000–22 935 000) hospitalisations due to LRTIs and 81 536 000 hospital days (24 330 000–259 851 000). We estimated that 11·5% (95% UI 10·0–12·9) of LRTI episodes were attributable to influenza, corresponding to 54 481 000 (38 465 000–73 864 000) episodes and 8 172 000 severe episodes (5 000 000–13 296 000). Interpretation: This comprehensive assessment of the burden of influenza LRTIs shows the substantial annual effect of influenza on global health. Although preparedness planning will be important for potential pandemics, health loss due to seasonal influenza LRTIs should not be overlooked, and vaccine use should be considered. Efforts to improve influenza prevention measures are needed. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.E Troeger, ChristopherF. Blacker, BrigetteA. Khalil, IbrahimM Zimsen, Stephanie RAlbertson, Samuel B.Abate, Degu-will be generated-orcid-0000-0001-6849-0577-600Abdela, JemalAdhikari, Tara Ballav-will be generated-orcid-0000-0002-7654-5483-600Aghayan, Sargis-will be generated-orcid-0000-0001-8516-2778-600Agrawal, Sutapa-will be generated-orcid-0000-0001-8088-2143-600Ahmadi, Alireza-will be generated-orcid-0000-0002-5455-1815-600Aichour, Amina-will be generated-orcid-0000-0003-1729-5127-600Aichour, IbtihelEddine Aichour, Miloud TakiAl-Eyadhy, Ayman-will be generated-orcid-0000-0002-6051-9125-600Al-Raddadi, Rajaa-will be generated-orcid-0000-0002-4188-0169-600Alahdab, Fares-will be generated-orcid-0000-0001-5481-696X-600Alene, Kefyalew Addis-will be generated-orcid-0000-0002-1904-4682-600Aljunid, Syed Mohamed-will be generated-orcid-0000-0002-0380-1335-600Alvis-Guzmán, Nelson-will be generated-orcid-0000-0001-9458-864X-60
Meningococcal disease and immunization activities in Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage: a review
No full textThe above Graphical Plain Language Summary and audio narration represents the opinions of the authors. For a full list of declarations, including funding and author disclosure statements, please see the full text online (see “read the peer-reviewed publication” opposite).
© The authors, CC-BY-NC [2022].</p
Factors associated with adherence to Mediterranean diet among Saudi non-diabetic patients attending primary health care centers: A cross-sectional study
No full textالملخص: أهداف البحث: للتحقيق في العوامل المسؤولة ودرجة الالتزام بحمية البحر الأبيض المتوسط بين المرضى غير المصابين بالسكري من مراجعي مراكز الرعاية الصحية الأولية. طرق البحث: أُجريت دراسة مستعرضة في مراكز الرعاية الصحية الأولية بجدة، بواسطة استبانة مصدقة ذاتية الاستخدام، تقوم بتقييم مستويات الالتزام لـ ١٤ جانبا غذائيا متعلقا بحمية البحر الأبيض المتوسط. تمكِّن الاستبانة من حساب درجة التزام (٠- ١٤)، في حين تم افتراض التزام غير كافي للنتائج ≥٧. وقد شملت عوامل الالتزام الخصائص الديموغرافية الاجتماعية العامة والتاريخ المَرَضي ونمط الحياة وعوامل الخطورة القلبية الوعائية مثل مؤشر كتلة الجسم ونسبة الخصر إلى الورك وضغط الدم والصيام ومستوى الجلوكوز في الدم بعد الأكل بساعة واحدة. النتائج: من بين المشاركين الـ ٢٦٥ (٥٠.٦٪ ذكورا)، سُجِّل عدم الالتزام الكافي في ٧٤.٣٪. وكانت درجات الالتزام أعلى في المشاركين المتزوجين (٦.٨٦ ± ١.٧٤مقابل ٦.٢٤ ± ١.٧٩) والممارسين للنشاط البدني المنتظم (٦.٧٩ ± ١.٩٠مقابل ٦.٣٠ ± ١.٦٣) بالمقارنة مع نظرائهم، على التوالي. علاوة على ذلك، فقد ازداد الالتزام بالحمية المتوسطية مع التقدم في العمر (معامل انحدار غير معياري=٠.٠٢ ومعامل ارتباط= ٠.١٣٣). ومن المثير للاهتمام، أنه لم ترتبط درجات الالتزام بعوامل الخطورة الرئيسة المتعلقة بالقلب والأوعية الدموية، فيما عدا الارتفاع البيّن في ضغط الدم الانبساطي بين المشاركين الملتزمين مقارنة بقرنائهم قليلي الالتزام (٧٧.٩٦± ١٢.٢٠مقابل ٧٤.٠١± ١٢.٢٤، على التوالي). الاستنتاجات: كان لواحد من أصل ٤ مرضى غير مصابين بداء السكري من الذين راجعوا مراكز الرعاية الصحية الأولية، التزام جيد بحمية البحر الأبيض المتوسط دون ارتباط يُذكر بعوامل الخطورة القلبية الوعائية. يُوصى بإجراء المزيد من الدراسات للتحقيق في الوعي والمعرفة حول النظام الغذائي المتوسطي بين السكان السعوديين، ومن بعدها يمكن تفصيل برامج التوعية وفقًا لذلك. Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the degree and factors responsible for adherence to a Mediterranean diet among non-diabetic patients attending primary health care centres (PHCCs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah PHCCs using a validated self-administered questionnaire which assessed adherence levels to 14 dietary aspects related to the Mediterranean diet. The questionnaire enabled calculation of an adherence score (0–14), where inadequate adherence was assumed for scores ≤7. Factors of adherence included general socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, and fasting and 1-h postprandial blood glucose levels. Results: Of the 265 participants (50.6% males), inadequate adherence was reported in 74.3%. Adherence scores were higher in married participants than in unmarried ones (6.68 ± 1.74 vs. 6.24 ± 1.79, p = 0.04), as well as in those who engaged in regular physical activity vs. those who did not (6.79 ± 1.90 vs. 6.30 ± 1.63, p = 0.02). Furthermore, Mediterranean diet adherence increased with age (B = 0.02, r = 0.133; p < 0.001). Interestingly, adherence scores were not associated with major cardiovascular risk factors except for a significantly higher diastolic blood pressure in participants with adequate as opposed to low adherence (77.96 ± 12.20 vs. 74.01 ± 12.24, respectively, p = 0.022). Conclusion: One out of 4 non-diabetic patients attending PHCCs exhibited good adherence to a Mediterranean diet without considerable association with cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies are recommended to investigate awareness and knowledge regarding the Mediterranean diet among Saudi populations. Subsequently, awareness programs could be tailored accordingly. الكلمات المفتاحية: حمية البحر الأبيض المتوسط, غير السكري, الالتزام, المملكة العربية السعودية, القلب والأوعية الدموية, Keywords: Adherence, Cardiovascular, KSA, Mediterranean diet, Non-diabete
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