Biofilms contain group(s) of microorganisms that are found to be associated with the biotic and abiotic surfaces. Biofilms contain either homogenous or heterogeneous populations of bacteria which remain in the matrix made up of extracellular polymeric substances secreted by constituent population of the biofilm. Biofilms can be either single or multilayered. Biofilms are an increasing issue of concern that is gaining importance with each passing day. Due to the ubiquitous nature of biofilms, it is difficult to eradicate them. It has been seen that many infectious diseases harbour biofilms of bacterial pathogens as the reservoir of persisting infections which can prove fatal at times. The presence of biofilms can be seen in diseases like endocarditis, cystic fibrosis, periodontitis, rhinosinusitis and osteomyelitis. The presence of biofilms has been mostly seen in medical implants and urinary catheters. Various signalling events including two-component signalling, extra cytoplasmic function and quorum sensing are involved in the formation of biofilms. The presence of an extracellular polymeric matrix in biofilms makes it difficult for the antimicrobials to act on them and make the bacteria tolerant to antibiotics and other drugs. The aim of this review was to discuss about the basic formation of a biofilm, various signalling cascades involved in biofilm formation, possible mechanisms of drug resistance in biofilms and recent therapeutic approaches involved in successful eradication of biofilms.

Biofilm, pathogenesis and prevention—a journey to break the wall: a review

https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/file_store/production/226666/B8EBC48F-59D4-4E1B-AADC-594D208679A4.pdf

Exploring the path to big data analytics success in healthcare

https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(14)00407-2/pdf

A Systematic Review of the Demoralization Syndrome in Individuals With Progressive Disease and Cancer: A Decade of Research

This review evaluates current clinical literature on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), including leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) and leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP), in order to develop evidence-based recommendations for various musculoskeletal indications. Abundant high-quality evidence supports the use of LR-PRP injection for lateral epicondylitis and LP-PRP for osteoarthritis of the knee. Moderate high-quality evidence supports the use of LR-PRP injection for patellar tendinopathy and of PRP injection for plantar fasciitis and donor site pain in patellar tendon graft BTB ACL reconstruction. There is insufficient evidence to routinely recommend PRP for rotator cuff tendinopathy, osteoarthritis of the hip, or high ankle sprains. Current evidence demonstrates a lack of efficacy of PRP for Achilles tendinopathy, muscle injuries, acute fracture or nonunion, surgical augmentation in rotator cuff repair, Achilles tendon repair, and ACL reconstruction. PRP is a promising treatment for some musculoskeletal diseases; however, evidence of its efficacy has been highly variable depending on the specific indication. Additional high-quality clinical trials with longer follow-up will be critical in shaping our perspective of this treatment option.

Current Clinical Recommendations for Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma.

Silicon (Si) has been known to augment plant defense against biotic and abiotic pressures. Maize (Zea maize L.) is classified as a Si accumulator and is relatively susceptible to alkaline stress. In this study, seeds of maize were grown in pots and exposed to various concentrations of Na2CO3 (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM) with or without 1.5 mM Si in the form of sodium metasilicate Na2O3Si.5H2O for 25 days. Alkaline-stressed plants showed a decrease in growth parameters, leaf relative water content (LRWC), and the contents of photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, total phenols and potassium ion (K(+)), as well as potassium/sodium ion (K(+)/Na(+)) ratio. By contrast, alkaline stress increased the contents of soluble proteins, total free amino acids, proline, Na(+) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) in stressed plants. On the other hand, application of Si by seed-priming improved growth of stressed plants, which was accompanied by the enhancement in LRWC, and levels of photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, soluble proteins, total free amino acids and K(+), as well as activities of SOD, CAT, and POD enzymes. Furthermore, Si supplement resulted in a decrease in the contents of proline, MDA and Na(+), which together with enhanced K(+) level led to a favorable adjustment of K(+)/Na(+) ratio, in stressed plants relative to plants treated with alkaline stress alone. Taken together, these results indicate that Si plays a pivotal role in alleviating the negative effects of alkaline stress on maize growth by improving water status, enhancing photosynthetic pigments, accumulating osmoprotectants rather than proline, activating the antioxidant machinery, and maintaining the balance of K(+)/Na(+) ratio. Thus, our findings demonstrate that seed-priming with Si is an efficient strategy that can be used to boost tolerance of maize plants to alkaline stress.

/pdf/impacts-of-priming-with-silicon-on-the-growth-and-tolerance-3nzfiperme.pdf

Impacts of Priming with Silicon on the Growth and Tolerance of Maize Plants to Alkaline Stress.

Background. Although the prevalence of work-limiting diseases is increasing, the interplay between occupational exposures and chronic medical conditions remains largely uncharacterized. Research has shown the detrimental effects of workplace bullying but very little is known about the humanistic and productivity cost in victims with chronic illnesses. We sought to assess work productivity losses and health disutility associated with bullying among subjects with chronic medical conditions. Methods. Participants () with chronic diseases answered a self-administered survey including sociodemographic and clinical data, workplace bullying experience, the SF-12 questionnaire, and the Work Productivity Activity Impairment questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of significant impairment was higher among victims of workplace bullying as compared to nonvictims (SF-12 PCS: 55.5% versus 67.9%, ; SF-12 MCS: 59.4% versus 74.3%, ). The adjusted marginal overall productivity cost of workplace bullying ranged from 13.9% to 17.4%, corresponding to Italian Purchase Power Parity (PPP) 2010 US$ 4182–5236 yearly. Association estimates were independent and not moderated by concurrent medical conditions. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that the burden on workers’ quality of life and productivity associated with workplace bullying is substantial. This study provides key data to inform policy-making and prioritize occupational health interventions.

/pdf/estimating-the-impact-of-workplace-bullying-humanistic-and-125tzgt89a.pdf

Estimating the impact of workplace bullying: humanistic and economic burden among workers with chronic medical conditions

Summary


Aims: The role of type A behaviour in cardiovascular disease is controversial and most of the research is based on self-rating scales. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of type A behaviour in cardiology and in other medical settings using reliable interview methods that reflect its original description.



Methods:  A sample of 1398 consecutive medical patients (198 with heart transplantation, 153 with a myocardial infarction, 190 with functional gastrointestinal disorders, 104 with cancer, 545 with skin disorders and 208 referred for psychiatric consultation) was administered the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV and the Structured Interview for the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) which identifies 12 clusters, including type A behaviour.



Results:  A cardiac condition was present in 366 patients. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of type A behaviour in cardiovascular disease (36.1%) compared with other medical disorders (10.8%). Type A behaviour frequently occurred together with psychiatric and psychosomatic disturbances, particularly irritable mood, even though in the majority of cases it was not associated with DSM-IV diagnoses. Among cardiac patients, those with type A behaviour were less depressed, demoralised and worried about their illness.



Conclusions:  Type A behaviour was found to occur in about a third of cases of patients with cardiovascular disease. Only in a limited number of cases was it associated with depression. It has a lifestyle connotation that may have important clinical consequences as to stress vulnerability and illness behaviour.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1742-1241.2012.02993.x

Roberto Quartesan

Papers

Estimating the impact of workplace bullying: humanistic and economic burden among workers with chronic medical conditions

Type A behaviour: a reappraisal of its characteristics in cardiovascular disease