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The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from dairy cows with subclinical mastitis. Antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci were evaluated by breakpoint values specific to the species (EU-CAST). The presence of resistance-encoding genes was detected by multiplex PCR. A total of 191 CNS isolates were obtained. The CNS isolates were typically resistant to penicillin (67.4%), tetracyc-line (18.9%), and erythromycin (13.7%). CNS isolates (78.0%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial compound, and 22.0% were multiresistant. The multiresistant isolates were predominantly Staphylococcus chromogenes (28.6%), Staphylococcus warneri (19%) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (14.3%). According to MIC pattern data, multiresistant isolates showed the highest resistance (p<0.05) rates to penicillin (85.7%), tetracycline (66.7%), and erythromycin (48.2%), but all of them were sensitive to daptomycin, oxacillin, qiunupristin/dalfopristin, and vancomycin. S. chromogenes (9.5%), S. haemolyticus (4.8%), and S. capitis ss capitis (2.4%) strains were resistant to methicillin; their resistance to oxacillin and penicillin was more than 8 mg/l. A high rate of resistance to penicillin was linked to a blaZ gene found in 66.6% of the isolated multiresistant CNS strains. Resistance to tetracycline via the tetK (38.1%) gene and penicillin via the mecA (23.8%) gene were detected less frequently. Gene msrAB was responsible for macrolides and lincosamides resistance and detected in 28.6% of the CNS isolates. Antimicrobial resistance genes were identified more frequently in S. epidermidis, S. chromogenes, and S. warneri.

The aim of this study was to characterize Staphylococcus pseudintermedius for its antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors with a special focus on methicillin-resistant (MRSP) strains isolated from sick dogs in Lithuania. Clinically sick adult dogs suffering from infections (n=214) and bitches with reproductive disorders (n=36) from kennels were selected for the study. Samples (n=192) from the 250 tested (76.8%) dogs were positive for Staphylococcus spp. Molecular profiling using the species-specific nuc gene identified 51 isolates as S. pseudintermedius (26.6% from a total number of isolated staphylococci) of which 15 isolates were identified as MRSP. Ten MRSP isolates were isolated from bitches with reproductive disorders from two large breeding kennels. Data on susceptibility of S. pseudintermedius to different antimicrobials revealed that all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid. Two isolates (3.9%) were resistant to rifampicin. A high resistance was seen towards penicillin G (94.1%), tetracycline (64.7%) and macrolides (68.7%). Resistance to fluoroquinolones ranged from 25.5% (gatifloxacin) to 31.4% (ciprofloxacin). The most prevalent genes encoding resistance included blaZ, aac(6')-Ie-aph(2'')-Ia, mecA, and tet(M). The Luk-I gene encoding a leukotoxin was detected in 29% of the isolates, whereas the siet gene encoding exfoliative toxin was detected in 69% of the S. pseudintermedius isolates. This report of MRSP in companion animals represents a major challenge for veterinarians in terms of antibiotic therapy and is a concern for both animal and public health.

The aim of this study was to test and analyse the antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus isolates from Lithuanian poultry farms. Investigations were carried out during the years 2008-2009. The sampling sites, located all over the country, included eight poultry farms of large capacity. All samples were collected from broilers. Enterococcus spp. were isolated from intestines immediately after slaughtering. A total of 160 samples were collected, 20 samples from each farm. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of eleven antimicrobial agents were determined for each of the isolates using the broth microdilution method with specific microtitre plate panels (Trek Diagnostic Systems, Inc.). Susceptibility according to clinical breakpoints of chloramphenicol, linezolid, erythromycin, penicillin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, tetracycline, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin was evaluated. One hundred and forty seven samples from a total of 160 tested samples were positive for Enterococcus spp., however, only 74 strains were selected as non-duplicate isolates. The most predominant species were identified as E. faecium (38%), E. faecalis (17.5%), E. gallinarum (12%) and E. casseliflavus (12%). The most frequent resistance properties were resistances to tetracycline (75.6%), erythromycin (56.8%) and ciprofloxacin (41.9%). No strains resistant to vancomycin and linezolid were found. High percentages of susceptibility to chloramphenicol (82.4%) and penicillin (71.6%) were also observed. A high MIC of tigecycline (equal or more than 1 mg/L) to 12.2% of enterococci was determined; 44.6% of tested strains had a high MIC (equal or more than 64 mg/L) to tylosin. There was no significant correlation found between resistances of different species to different antimicrobial agents in vitro.

A screening method for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and dye Syto 9 was developed and evaluated. The assay was based on the two duplex reactions run simultaneously. The detection reaction amplified staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCC mec ) right extremity sequences and S. aureus -specific 442-bp DNA (Sa442). The control reaction amplified S. aureus -specific nuclease gene nuc and a marker of methicillin resistance, mecA . The method was evaluated by analyzing 214 clinical S. aureus isolates yielding 98.7 % sensitivity, 100 % specificity, 100 % positive predictive value and 96.6 % negative predictive value for detection of MRSA. The detection limit was determined to be 15–80 genome copies per real-time PCR. It was able to discriminate between MRSA, methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococci and methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates containing only small fragments of the right extremity of the SCC mec (MSSA revertants).

The aim of this research was to formulate oleogel with thyme essential oil with potential antimicrobial activity, design optimal formulation, and evaluate the influence of ingredients on texture parameters of preparation. Central composite design was applied to statistical optimization of colloidal silica and paraffin oil mixture for the modeling of oleogel delivery system. The influence of designed formulations on response variables (texture parameters), firmness, cohesiveness, consistency, and index of viscosity, was evaluated. Quality of essential oil of thyme was assessed by determinate concentration of thymol and carvacrol using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Microbiological tests have shown that oleogel with thyme essential oil affects Candida albicans microorganism when thyme essential oil's concentration is 0,05% in oleogel mixture.

There have been numerous reports that the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic has disproportionately impacted traditionally vulnerable communities associated with neighborhood attributes, such as the proportion of racial and ethnic minorities, migrants, and the lower income households. The goal of this ecological cross-sectional study is to examine the demographic and economic nature of spatial hot and cold spots of SARS-CoV-2 rates in New York City and Chicago as of April 13, 2020 using data from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Illinois Department of Public Health, and the American Community Survey. In both cities, cold spots (clusters of low SARS-CoV-2 rate ZIP code tabulation areas as identified by the Getis-Ord (GI*) statistic) demonstrated social determinants of health characteristics typically associated with better health outcomes and the ability to maintain physical distance (“social distancing”). These neighborhoods tended to be wealthier, have higher educational attainment, higher proportions of non-Hispanic white residents, and more workers in managerial occupations (all p values < 0.01 using Wilcoxon two-sample test). Hot spots (clusters of high SARS-CoV-2 rate ZIP code tabulation areas) had similarities as well, such as lower rates of college graduates and higher proportions of people of color. It also appears that household size (more people per household), rather than overall population density (people per square mile), is more strongly associated with hot spots. New York City had an average of 3.0 people per household in hot spots and 2.1 in cold spots (p < 0.01), and Chicago had 2.8 people per household in hot spots and 2.0 in cold spots (p = 0.03). However, hotspots were located in neighborhoods that were significantly less dense (New York City: 22,900 people per square mile in hot spots and 68,900 in cold spots (p < 0.01); Chicago: 10,000 people per square mile in hot spots and 23,400 in cold spots (p = 0.03)). Findings suggest important differences between the cities’ hot spots as well. NYC hot spots can be described as working-class and middle-income communities, perhaps indicative of greater concentrations of service workers and other occupations (including those classified as “essential services” during the pandemic) that may not require a college degree but pay wages above poverty levels. Chicago’s hot spot neighborhoods, on the other hand, are among the city’s most vulnerable, low-income neighborhoods with extremely high rates of poverty, unemployment, and non-Hispanic Black residents.

Urban parks may promote health through physical activity, stress management, and social connectedness. However, poor-quality parks in disrepair are underutilized, limiting these benefits. This study evaluated the impact of a citywide park renovation program known as the Community Parks Initiative (CPI) on changes in park use patterns and park satisfaction among residents living in low-income New York City neighborhoods. Repeated cross-sectional surveys were administered to residents living near 31 parks undergoing CPI renovations (545 pre-renovation and 201 post-renovation respondents) and near 21 parks in socio-demographically matched control neighborhoods (345 pre-renovation and 129 post-renovation respondents). Surveys measured self-reported past-month park visits, typical park visit duration, and satisfaction with park quality and facilities. Using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach, generalized estimating equations were fit to compare changes over time in park use and satisfaction among residents living near parks receiving renovations compared to those living near control parks. Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, income, public housing, marital status, and children in household. Residents in neighborhoods receiving park renovations reported a larger increase in minutes spent at the park on weekdays [DID = 30.0 min (95% CI 10.3, 49.7)] and total minutes spent at the park in the last 30 days [DID = 466.3 min (95% CI 63.0, 869.6)] compared to controls. Residents of renovated park neighborhoods also reported larger increases in park satisfaction relative to residents of control neighborhoods, with the largest improvements in the percent of residents satisfied with overall park quality [DID = 38.4% (95% CI 25.2, 51.6)] and maintenance of grounds and facilities [DID = 40.9% (95% CI 27.7, 54.1)]. This study provides evidence that park renovations are an important urban planning strategy to support community health through increased park use and improved park perceptions.

Background Quality parks have the potential to promote well-being and health equity in urban communities through reduced stress, yet high-quality epidemiological evidence is limited. This quasi-experimental study measured associations between park renovation and changes in perceived stress among low-income adults in New York City. Methods Pre- and post-renovation data on the Perceived Stress Scale and park use from 162 adults living near (< 0.3 miles) 31 renovated parks and 151 adults living near 21 sociodemographically matched control parks were analyzed. Linear mixed-effects difference-in-difference (DID) regression measured the association between park renovation and change in perceived stress (post-pre) in the overall sample and stratified by baseline sociodemographics. Additional models explored the interaction of post-renovation park use frequency [high (≥ once/week), low (< once/week)] and intervention status on changes in perceived stress. Results Overall, changes in perceived stress were similar between intervention and control groups [DID = 0.28 (95% CI -1.48, 2.03)]. However, park renovation was associated with a significant decrease in perceived stress among divorced/separated/widowed participants [DID = -4.22 (95% CI -7.92, -0.53)] and middle-aged participants (35-49y) with high park use [DID = -4.46 (95% CI -8.28, -0.64)]. Among intervention but not control participants, those with high park use experienced a significantly larger decrease in perceived stress compared to those with low park use [DID = -2.92 (95% CI -5.36, -0.47)]. Conclusions In one of the first and largest studies on park quality improvement and mental health, park renovation near one’s home was associated with decreased perceived stress among divorced/separated/widowed adults and middle-aged frequent park users. Frequent users of renovated parks experienced a larger drop in perceived stress than infrequent users, suggesting that high-quality parks may be an important pre-condition to the benefits of frequent park use on stress reduction.

A series of new derivatives based on sulfamethoxazole were designed and synthesized in this study. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed based on a comprehensive characterization of spectral data by applied IR and 1H as well as 13C NMR spectroscopy. The prepared compounds were tested for their anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Hydrazone 16b demonstrated convincing anticancer effect against all tested cell cultures such as human prostate carcinoma PPC-1 and human kidney carcinoma CaKi-1 cell lines, and human fibroblasts HF, n = 3. The most promising compound 16b showed higher activity against CaKi-1 cell line than the anticancer drugs axitinib and pazopanib used to treat renal cancer. Also, it was more active in the PPC-1 cell line compared to the approved PARP inhibitor Olaparib. Hydrazone 16b was also found to possess good antimicrobial properties against gram-positive bacteria strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as Bacillus cereus.