1.Genotypic profiles of virulent genes detected among the Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from swiftlets in Borneo
Sui Sien Leong ; Samuel Lihan ; Hwa Chuan Chia
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2020;16(4):275-284
Aims:
The occurrence of multiple pathogenic Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are important nosocomial and hazardous infection clinically challenge worldwide. Thus, the aim of this study was to
screen for the virulent genes profiles to ascertain their prevalence in swiftlets in Borneo.
Methodology and results:
The Enterococci, E. coli and P. aeruginosa bacteria were isolated from the swiftlets’ faeces
and air inside swiftlet houses, which located in the Southern, Central and Northern regions of Borneo. The isolates were
identified to the species level by 16S rRNA sequencing assay. Specific primers were designed for detection of the
potential virulence genes in E. faecalis (ace, AS, efaA and gelE), E. coli (stx) and P. aeruginosa (oprL) by PCR assay. A
total of 38 Enterococci, 26 of E. coli and 2 of P. aeruginosa fecal and airborne bacteria were identified. Sixty-seven
percent of E. faecalis isolates were detected positive for four virulence genes, 27% possessed three (AS, efaA, gelE)
genes and 6% possessed two (ace, AS) genes. There were no stx genes detected among all the E. coli isolates. The
oprL gene was detected in all the P. aeruginosa isolates.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study
Virulence genes are important in the pathogenesis of both clinical and
avian infections which considered to be a serious public health threat. The high incidence of virulence genes detection in
E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa indicates these genes were widely disseminated among the bacteria found in swiftlet
houses, suggesting the important issues in the pathogenesis of infections and diseases which may cause potential
health risks to humans.
Virulence--genetics
2.Consensus statement on Singapore integrated 24-hour activity guide for children and adolescents.
Benny Kai Guo LOO ; Benedict TAN ; Michael Yong Hwa CHIA ; Poh Chong CHAN ; Dinesh SIRISENA ; Mohammad Ashik ZAINUDDIN ; Jean Yin OH ; Oon Hoe TEOH ; Teresa Shu Zhen TAN ; Micheal Chee Meng LIM ; Ethel Jie Kai LIM ; Falk MÜLLER-RIEMENSCHNEIDER ; Ngiap Chuan TAN ; Ratnaporn SIRIAMORNSARP ; Terry Chin Chye TEO ; Phaik Ling QUAH ; Victor Samuel RAJADURAI ; Kok Hian TAN ; Kee Chong NG
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2022;51(5):292-299
INTRODUCTION:
Lifestyle activities, such as regular physical activity, are important for good metabolic health and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Epidemiological studies highlight an increase in the proportion of overweight children in Singapore. A workgroup was formed to develop recommendations to encourage children and adolescents (aged 7-17 years) to adopt a holistic approach towards integrating beneficial activities within a daily 24-hour period for good metabolic and general health.
METHODS:
The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Evidence to Decision framework was employed to formulate the public health question, assess the evidence and draw conclusions for the guide. The evidence for international 24-hour movement guidelines, and guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep and eating habits were reviewed. An update of the literature review from August 2018 to end of September 2020 was conducted through an electronic search of Medline and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases.
RESULTS:
Ten consensus statements were developed. The statements focused on the overall aim of achieving good metabolic health through integration of these activities and initiatives: light and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity on a regular basis; muscle- and bone-strengthening activities; limiting sedentary behaviour; regular and adequate sleep; good eating habits and choosing nutritionally balanced foods and drinks; practise safety in exercise; and aiming to achieve more or all aforementioned recommendations for the best results.
CONCLUSION
This set of recommendations provides guidance to encourage Singapore children and adolescents to adopt health-beneficial activities within a 24-hour period.
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Exercise
;
Humans
;
Public Health
;
Sedentary Behavior
;
Singapore
;
Sleep