The Prevalence of Microorganisms and Antibiotics Activity Tests of Natural and Industrial Products in Surgical Site Infections in Referral Hospitals in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region – Iraq

Background and objectives: To study the prevalence of microorganisms and antibiotics activity tests of natural and industrial products, SSIs were found in referral hospitals in Erbil, Iraq's Kurdistan province. MethodsPus samples were collected from 29 surgical patients using sterile swabs and primed for culture collection. Disc diffusion method was used to determine the bacterial activity of three types of plants (cinnamon, ginger, and radish) against three bacterial species including Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp., and S.epidermidis. Result: Overall 29 pus samples were processed for culture testing. One gram negative bacterium (7.14%) and thirteen gram positive cocci (92.85%) were isolated from the 14 bacteria. The three most potent isolates were found to be resistant to the variable of tested antibiotics, while they showed any sensitivity to the tested plant extracts. Cinnamon, ginger, and radish extracts were discovered to be among the few variable effective plant extracts against the tested pathogenic bacteria isolates. Conclusion: The data collected from this research showed a better way of explanation of the microorganism’s etiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) in hospitals where they might have epidemiological and healing insinuations. Keywords: Surgical Site Infections, Bacteria isolated from wounds, antimicrobial resistance, pus, plant extract

Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Poultry Feces

Enterococci, especially Enterococcus faecalis and faecium, have emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen and represent a serious threat to patients with impaired host defenses. E. faecalis and faecium are part of the normal intestinal microbial flora of poultry and man under most conditions, they are considered as an opportunistic pathogen. In the current study, an investigation of Enterococcus spp. isolated from poultry feces and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was studied, due to the worldwide attachment with poultry by human being. Samples were collected from different sites of Allahabad, India, 80 samples collected screened for the presence of E. faecalis and E. faecium and identified based on cultural and biochemical characteristics. Thirty-five isolates were identified as E. faecalis (57.37%), while 26 were E. faecium (42.62%). The pathogens isolated were tested for their susceptibility toward 10 different commonly prescribed antibiotics. Most of the isolates showed resistance toward antibiotics under study. E. faecalis strain suggested a higher percentage of possibility of infection estimated by 15% in comparison with E. faecium as it was found to be less in a screening. The high resistance rate also indicates the negative impact of the antibiotic therapy. To evaluate the extent of transmission and impact of such transmission on the effectiveness of the antibacterial use in human medicine, further study is imperative. Periodic monitoring of antibiotic resistance pattern to detect any change in it would be necessary for the effective treatment against these pathogens. Enterococci revealed an alarming rate of resistance to the standard antimicrobial agents used for therapy and raised MIC values to vancomycin. The importance and infection control were stressed

Influence of torsion on the inelastic response of three-dimensional r.c. frames

A three-dimensional reinforced concrete framed building was modelled using finite element method. Two types of elements, the beam-column element and flat shell element were used for modelling the frame and floor slabs, respectively. A computer program has been developed for the analysis of 3D framed building by integrating the finite element and stiffness method. The lumped inelasticity model with three-dimensional point hinges at the ends of the beam-column element was implemented. A yield surface for a reinforced section of the member subjected to simultaneous actions of biaxial bending, torsion and axial forces was evolved. The developed yield surface integrated with the theory of plasticity was used to develop a suitable procedure for inelastic analysis of three-dimensional problems with the floor slab assumed to remain elastic throughout the analysis. The inelastic procedure is able to predict the sequential formation of plastic hinges in the frame members and the continuous deterioration of the stiffness of the frame. A single storey one bay reinforced concrete space frame was analysed for twist loading to study the inelastic response of the reinforced concrete frame. The results indicate that, the consideration of torsion in defining the yielding surface plays a significant role in the inelastic behaviour and estimation of failure load for reinforced concrete frames under torsional loading

Strength Estimation of Concrete in Different Environments Using UPV

Deterioration of concrete in a structure is a result of several internal and external degradation mechanisms which decrease the strength or the integrity of the structure. This paper presents results of use of non-destructive ultrasonic pulse velocity tests (UPV) to determine the strength of concrete in three different environments, namely oven-dry, air-dry and saturated conditions, as the full potential of UPV in different environments is still not fully explored. Moisture is known to have a significant effect on ultrasonic pulse velocity. In order to improve the efficiency of UPV in estimating the concrete strength, the degree of moisture present in the concrete i.e. the physical condition of the concrete is to be considered. Pulse velocity path in the different physical conditions of concrete also has to be examined. In the present investigations, four different grades of concrete in three different environments were considered. Extensive series of tests were carried out in the laboratory to obtain a correlation of the UPV test results with the actual compressive strength of concrete. A total of 108 cubes were cast. The cement used was the ordinary Portland cement and the coarse aggregate consisted of granite with the maximum aggregate size of 19mm as is generally used in conventional RC structures. The DOE-method of mix-design was used to design four different grades of concrete in order to simulate concrete strengths found in practice. Test results indicated that the presence of moisture in concrete changes the UPV values significantly. The UPV tests through the direct transmission measurements display better estimates compared to the indirect measurements. Exponential expressions have been proposed for the strength estimation of concrete under oven dry and air dry conditions

Different Concentrations of Honey's Antimicrobial Activity Against ‎Staphylococcus Aureus by HPLC Determination

Honey has been used in ancient times as a treatment. It is used for healing wounds and also can be used as antiseptic to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. The aim of this study was to examine the activity of honey as a bactericidal and bacteriostatic and to measure the most active compounds of honey with highly bacterial inhibition zone using HPLC technique. In this experiment and the honey was used to check whether the honey can be used as an antimicrobial agent or not. First by well diffusion method is done by adding different concentrations of honey (25, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, microliter). Th results showed a little inhibition zone for the three types of honey but in different size for each type. The industrial honey showed the largest effect. Different concentrations were used (10 %, 30 % 50%). The antibiotic sensitivity was applied, the result showed only two resistant antibiotics (Azithromycin and Erythromycin). The concentration of Catalase, Amylase, Invertase, Glucose oxidase in honey tested by HPLC and showed the concentration of each substance cons of catalase = (32877 ÷ 170253 ) x 20 = 3.862 u/ml; cons of amylase = (136985 ÷ 180849) x 20 = 15.149 u/ml; cons of Invertase = (58466  ÷ 193624) x 20 = 6.039 u/ml; cons of glucose peroxide = (105204 ÷ 163245) x 20 =12.889 u/ml. Moreover, the presence of gluconic acid ‘Organic acid’ gives the honey its acidic characteristic which is about 3.2 pH

Development of an innovative interlocking load bearing hollow block system in Malaysia

The paper describes the development of a new interlocking hollow block masonry system appropriate for load bearing masonry wall construction. The developed system is an alternative to the traditional bonded masonry system where the blocks in the wall are integrated through mortar layers. In the system developed, the blocks are stacked on one another and three-dimensional interlocking protrusions are provided in the blocks to integrate the blocks into walls. This paper includes the background, concept and procedure used to develop an efficient interlocking hollow block system, which may be used in the construction of load bearing walls. Twenty-one different block models have been investigated and analysed with respect to weight, bearing and shear areas, shape, ease of production, ability to accommodate vertical and horizontal reinforcing stabilising ties and efficiency of the interlocking mechanism under imposed loads. The blocks, developed under the name ‘PUTRA BLOCK’, have been used to construct a single-storey house at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The system provides a fast, easy and an accurate building system

Experimental and theoretical investigations of Erbium complex: DNA/BSA interaction, anticancer and antibacterial studies

To assess the biological potential of an Er complex that contains a 2,2'-bipyridine ligand, various techniques such as multispectral and molecular modeling procedures were utilized to examine its DNA-binding ability, BSA binding affinity, antimicrobial effects, and anticancer properties. By analyzing fluorescent information and employing the vant’ Hoff equation, important parameters such as the innate docking coefficient (Kb), Stern-Volmer coefficient (KSV), and thermodynamic properties including modifications in liberated energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (∆H°), and entropy (∆S°) were determined. The trial findings suggest that the compound can bind to DNA, primarily through groove binding. Additionally, the engagement between the Er compound and the protein BSA was examined using emission spectroscopy technique, revealing a powerful binding affinity between the compound and BSA. The Er complex binds to BSA primarily via hydrogen links and van der Waals forces, as indicated by the adverse values of ΔH° and ∆S°. Through a static quenching process, the complex significantly reduces the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. Molecular binding calculations and rivalrous binding trials confirm that this compound dock to hydrophobic remains found in site III of BSA. Additionally, the Er complex demonstrates promising results in terms of its anticancer and antimicrobial activities based on screening tests

Gabapentin for chronic pelvic pain in women (GaPP2): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Chronic pelvic pain affects 2–24% of women worldwide and evidence for medical treatments is scarce. Gabapentin is effective in treating some chronic pain conditions. We aimed to measure the efficacy and safety of gabapentin in women with chronic pelvic pain and no obvious pelvic pathology. Methods: We performed a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial in 39 UK hospital centres. Eligible participants were women with chronic pelvic pain (with or without dysmenorrhoea or dyspareunia) of at least 3 months duration. Inclusion criteria were 18–50 years of age, use or willingness to use contraception to avoid pregnancy, and no obvious pelvic pathology at laparoscopy, which must have taken place at least 2 weeks before consent but less than 36 months previously. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive gabapentin (titrated to a maximum dose of 2700 mg daily) or matching placebo for 16 weeks. The online randomisation system minimised allocations by presence or absence of dysmenorrhoea, psychological distress, current use of hormonal contraceptives, and hospital centre. The appearance, route, and administration of the assigned intervention were identical in both groups. Patients, clinicians, and research staff were unaware of the trial group assignments throughout the trial. Participants were unmasked once they had provided all outcome data at week 16–17, or sooner if a serious adverse event requiring knowledge of the study drug occurred. The dual primary outcome measures were worst and average pain scores assessed separately on a numerical rating scale in weeks 13–16 after randomisation, in the intention-to-treat population. Self-reported adverse events were assessed according to intention-to-treat principles. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISCRTN77451762. Findings: Participants were screened between Nov 30, 2015, and March 6, 2019, and 306 were randomly assigned (153 to gabapentin and 153 to placebo). There were no significant between-group differences in both worst and average numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at 13–16 weeks after randomisation. The mean worst NRS pain score was 7·1 (standard deviation [SD] 2·6) in the gabapentin group and 7·4 (SD 2·2) in the placebo group. Mean change from baseline was −1·4 (SD 2·3) in the gabapentin group and −1·2 (SD 2·1) in the placebo group (adjusted mean difference −0·20 [97·5% CI −0·81 to 0·42]; p=0·47). The mean average NRS pain score was 4·3 (SD 2·3) in the gabapentin group and 4·5 (SD 2·2) in the placebo group. Mean change from baseline was −1·1 (SD 2·0) in the gabapentin group and −0·9 (SD 1·8) in the placebo group (adjusted mean difference −0·18 [97·5% CI −0·71 to 0·35]; p=0·45). More women had a serious adverse event in the gabapentin group than in the placebo group (10 [7%] of 153 in the gabapentin group compared with 3 [2%] of 153 in the placebo group; p=0·04). Dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances were more common in the gabapentin group. Interpretation: This study was adequately powered, but treatment with gabapentin did not result in significantly lower pain scores in women with chronic pelvic pain, and was associated with higher rates of side-effects than placebo. Given the increasing reports of abuse and evidence of potential harms associated with gabapentin use, it is important that clinicians consider alternative treatment options to off-label gabapentin for the management of chronic pelvic pain and no obvious pelvic pathology. Funding: National Institute for Health Research

Gabapentin for chronic pelvic pain in women (GaPP2):a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundChronic pelvic pain affects 2–24% of women worldwide and evidence for medical treatments is scarce. Gabapentin is effective in treating some chronic pain conditions. We aimed to measure the efficacy and safety of gabapentin in women with chronic pelvic pain and no obvious pelvic pathology.MethodsWe performed a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial in 39 UK hospital centres. Eligible participants were women with chronic pelvic pain (with or without dysmenorrhoea or dyspareunia) of at least 3 months duration. Inclusion criteria were 18–50 years of age, use or willingness to use contraception to avoid pregnancy, and no obvious pelvic pathology at laparoscopy, which must have taken place at least 2 weeks before consent but less than 36 months previously. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive gabapentin (titrated to a maximum dose of 2700 mg daily) or matching placebo for 16 weeks. The online randomisation system minimised allocations by presence or absence of dysmenorrhoea, psychological distress, current use of hormonal contraceptives, and hospital centre. The appearance, route, and administration of the assigned intervention were identical in both groups. Patients, clinicians, and research staff were unaware of the trial group assignments throughout the trial. Participants were unmasked once they had provided all outcome data at week 16–17, or sooner if a serious adverse event requiring knowledge of the study drug occurred. The dual primary outcome measures were worst and average pain scores assessed separately on a numerical rating scale in weeks 13–16 after randomisation, in the intention-to-treat population. Self-reported adverse events were assessed according to intention-to-treat principles. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISCRTN77451762.FindingsParticipants were screened between Nov 30, 2015, and March 6, 2019, and 306 were randomly assigned (153 to gabapentin and 153 to placebo). There were no significant between-group differences in both worst and average numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at 13–16 weeks after randomisation. The mean worst NRS pain score was 7·1 (standard deviation [SD] 2·6) in the gabapentin group and 7·4 (SD 2·2) in the placebo group. Mean change from baseline was −1·4 (SD 2·3) in the gabapentin group and −1·2 (SD 2·1) in the placebo group (adjusted mean difference −0·20 [97·5% CI −0·81 to 0·42]; p=0·47). The mean average NRS pain score was 4·3 (SD 2·3) in the gabapentin group and 4·5 (SD 2·2) in the placebo group. Mean change from baseline was −1·1 (SD 2·0) in the gabapentin group and −0·9 (SD 1·8) in the placebo group (adjusted mean difference −0·18 [97·5% CI −0·71 to 0·35]; p=0·45). More women had a serious adverse event in the gabapentin group than in the placebo group (10 [7%] of 153 in the gabapentin group compared with 3 [2%] of 153 in the placebo group; p=0·04). Dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances were more common in the gabapentin group.InterpretationThis study was adequately powered, but treatment with gabapentin did not result in significantly lower pain scores in women with chronic pelvic pain, and was associated with higher rates of side-effects than placebo. Given the increasing reports of abuse and evidence of potential harms associated with gabapentin use, it is important that clinicians consider alternative treatment options to off-label gabapentin for the management of chronic pelvic pain and no obvious pelvic pathology.FundingNational Institute for Health Research

Utilization of extracted protein from fish fin and chicken feather waste for alkaline protease production by indigenous bacteria

Environmental pollution is a major problem in the developed and developing countries. Fish fins (FF) and chicken feathers (CF) can be sources of solid waste contamination; hence, both FF and CF were investigated for alkaline protease (AP) production through microbial degradation. Proteins were extracted from these samples and added into the production medium containing the bacterial suspension, and assayed for AP production. The process parameters were optimized by OFAT and the optimum conditions for CF and FF were pH 9.0, temperature of 28°C for CF and 40°C for FF, incubation period was 6 and 10 days for CF and FF, respectively. The optimum carbon source was galactose and glucose for CF and FF respectively, and the optimum nitrogen source was ammonium chloride and beef extract, respectively. The inoculum size of 1.5 mL and a protein volume of 0.5 and 2.0 mL for CF and FF, respectively was recorded. The present study indicates the protein was successfully extracted from the waste used and degraded by AP enzyme that produced and optimized using OFAT by indigenous bacterial isolates