Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
-
The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic determinants of fusidic acid (FA) resistance in MRSA isolated from patients in Kuwait hospitals. ⋯ The MRSA isolates belonged to diverse genetic backgrounds with the majority carrying the fusC resistance determinants. The high prevalence of FA resistance belonging to diverse genetic backgrounds warrants a review of FA usage in the country to preserve its therapeutic benefits.
-
Football is characterised by intermittent high-intensity efforts varying according to the field position of a player. We aimed to ascertain whether polymorphisms in the ACTN3 gene are associated with different playing positions in elite professional football players. ⋯ Genetic biomarkers may be important when analysing performance capability in elite professional football. Identifying the genetic characteristics of a player to adapt his playing position may lead to orientation of positions based on physical capabilities and tissue quality in young football players, and also to performance enhancement in those who are already playing in professional teams.
-
The aim of this study was to correlate plasma levels of the synaptic proteins α-synuclein and γ-synuclein in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children in order to elucidate their possible contribution to the pathogenesis of ASD and to study their association with the severity of the disorder. ⋯ Our study showed that alteration in α-synuclein and γ-synuclein might be associated with ASD pathogenesis and could be an indicator of the severity of the disorder.
-
The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution pattern of genes responsible for erythromycin and tetracycline resistance and their association with resistance phenotypes in enterococcus isolates. ⋯ A high prevalence of high-level resistance to both erythromycin and tetracycline was documented. Alterations at the ribosomal level was more frequently detected in erythromycin and tetracycline resistance than efflux systems. Concurrent resistance mechanisms were more involved in resistance to erythromycin than tetracycline.
-
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) is the most frequently encountered rhythm problem after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This situation decreases the capacity of the patients with respect to functional exercise and creates a risk for stroke. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of coronary artery disease extensiveness and HATCH score on PoAF in patients undergoing CABG surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. ⋯ Of the 352 patients, 274 had HATCH scores ≤2 (71.1% male, mean age: 61.7 ± 12.4 years), and 78 had HATCH scores >2 (69.2% male, mean age: 65.9 ± 11.7 years). Significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of the age (p = 0.014), presence of hypertension (p = 0.012), PoAF (p < 0.001), and SYNTAX (synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery) score I (p = 0.001). A HATCH score >2 and SYNTAX score I were identified as independent predictors of PoAF (OR: 1.022, 95% CI: 1.004-1.128, p = 0.032, and OR 1.098, 95% CI 1.035-1.164, p = 0.002, respectively). For predicting PoAF, the cutoff level in the ROC curve analysis was 19.7 for SYNTAX score (AUC 0.647, 95% CI 0.581-0.714, p < 0.001, 72.2% sensitivity and 66.4% specificity), and the cutoff level for HATCH score was 2 (AUC 0.656, 95% CI 0.595-0.722, p < 0.001, 69.4% sensitivity and 56.8% specificity) Conclusions: HATCH and SYNTAX scores are predictors of PoAF.