Identification of micro- and nanoplastic particles in postnatal sprague-dawley rat offspring after maternal inhalation exposure throughout gestation.

Micro-nanoplastic particulates (MNPs) have been identified in both indoor and outdoor environments. From these real-world exposures, MNPs have been identified in human fluids and organ tissues, including the placenta and breastmilk. Laboratory studies have identified MNPs are capable of crossing the placental barrier and depositing in fetal tissues; however, it remained unclear if MNPs persist in offspring tissues after birth.

Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus during contrast-enhanced computed tomography scanning.

We have investigated two cases of acute hepatitis C that occurred in patients who underwent digestive endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning at two different centers. Investigations to identify the sources of infection included an on-site review of diagnostic procedures, interview of the involved healthcare staff, serological testing of the patients who underwent the procedures before and after the index cases and a molecular analysis of viral isolates from the patients and from potential viremic sources. In both cases, the epidemiological investigation identified a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) carrier who had been subjected to CT-scanning immediately before the index patient.

Comparative study of Escherichia coli virulence determinants in strains causing urinary tract bacteremia versus strains causing pyelonephritis and other sources of bacteremia.

To assess the role of phylogenetic background and putative virulence factors (VFs) in Escherichia coli causing urinary bacteremia, 50 strains isolated from this condition were compared with 50 strains isolated from pyelonephritis and 50 from other sources of bacteremia. papA and papGII were significantly more prevalent in urinary bacteremia and pyelonephritis (78%, 66% and 70%, 58%) than in other-source bacteremia (48% and 24%), whereas sfa/focDE and cnf1 were more prevalent in urinary-source bacteremia (56% and 44%) than in pyelonephritis and other-source bacteremia (28%, 42% and 20%, 28%). Group B2 was the most frequent in all conditions (63% of isolates) and exhibited the greatest concentration of VFs.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli: could steroid therapy play a role?

Prophylaxis with norfloxacin has been shown to be effective in preventing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in liver cirrhosis. This therapy is associated with the appearance of quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli. However, only four cases of SBP caused by quinolone-resistant E.