Characterization of Faecal Enterococci from Wild Birds in Turkey and Its Importance in Antimicrobial Resistance

ΔΕΝ ΔΙΑΤΙΘΕΤΑΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗThis research aimed to investigate the diversity of faecal enterococci isolated from wild birds, to detecttheir antibiotic resistance patterns and to determine their distribution of genes related to vancomycin resistance. Additionally, to investigate their virulence factors that are important in the development of the disease. One hundred seven cloacal/rectal samples were inoculated onto Enterococcus Agar, and presumptive colonies were identified and confirmed by PCR. Multiplex PCR assays were used to screen vanA, vanB, vanC1 and vanC2/3. The virulence-related genes; ace, gelE, efa and agg were determined by PCR. Among the 103 enterococci, 62 E.faecalis, 23 E.faecium 3 E.gallinarum, 2 E.durans, 1 E.casseliflavus and 12 Enterococcus spp. were identified. Of the 103 enterococci, 26 were found to be resistant against to three or more antibiotics. The highest percentages were detected for chloramphenicol (52%), tetracycline (33%) and erythromycin (30%). Two E.gallinarum isolates were harboring three virulence factors, and one isolate was carrying a single virulence factor. There is no virulence factor in the E.casseliflavus isolate. Also, vanA and vanB genes were not found. Forty-two of 103 enterococci were harboring virulence factors, more frequently in E.faecalis. Forty-two enterococci carried efa A, 31 isolates carried gel E, and ace was found in 18 isolates. Virulence gene agg was not detected. When the results of the study were evaluated in general, multiple drug resistance was described as 25%. Considering the risk of polluting the water resources of wild animals, it is suggested that the continuity of this type of epidemiological study in wildlife animals is necessary. In conclusion, the wild birds may act as substantial reservoirs carrying antimicrobial resistance among enterococci and estimate the potential risk for man, pets and farm animals

Au Nanoparticles-Mesoporous TiO2 Thin Films Composites as SERS Sensors: A Systematic Performance Analysis

The combination of plasmonic nanoparticles and mesoporous materials is of much interest in applications such as sensing or catalysis. The production of such hybrid materials can be done in various ways, leading to different architectures. We present a comparative study of the SERS performance of different nanocomposite architectures comprising mesoporous TiO2 thin films and Au nanoparticles (NPs). The selection of TiO2 as mesoporous support material was based on its high chemical and mechanical stability. Au NPs of different sizes and shapes were placed at different locations of the composite and used as a plasmonic material compatible with the synthesis conditions of the mesoporous films, displaying a high chemical stability. Using p-nitrothiophenol as a molecular probe, we evaluated the performance toward surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing, on the basis of minimum acquisition time, spot-to-spot reproducibility, and limit of detection. The obtained results indicate that each platform features different sensing capabilities. While systems comprising Au NPs within the mesopores allow working with low acquisition times and present high signal uniformity, only a detection limit of micromolar was achieved. On the other hand, those systems made of branched Au NPs covered with mesoporous films require low acquisition times and can achieve detection limits as low as 10 pM, but signal uniformity is compromised. We propose that careful comparison of different SERS platforms based on Au NPs and mesoporous thin films will facilitate selecting an appropriate configuration for any desired application.Fil: Zalduendo, María Mercedes. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; ArgentinaFil: Langer, Judith. Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biomateriales; EspañaFil: Giner Casares, Juan J.. Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biomateriales; EspañaFil: Halac, Emilia B.. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; ArgentinaFil: Soler Illia, Galo Juan de Avila Arturo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto de Nanosistemas; ArgentinaFil: Liz Marzán, Luis M.. Centro de Investigación Cooperativa en Biomateriales; España. Basque Foundation for Science; EspañaFil: Angelome, Paula Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; Argentin

Color variation: initial physico-chemical analyses of the rock art of La María, Santa Cruz province

Presentamos los primeros resultados de los análisis físico-químicos realizados sobre pinturas rupestres de la localidad arqueológica La María, provincia de Santa Cruz. Implementamos un estudio microestratigráfico, el cual constituye una vía novedosa para el estudio de los pigmentos en el arte rupestre de la Patagonia meridional. Dicho abordaje incluye el análisis por microscopía electrónica de barrido con análisis elemental por espectroscopia dispersiva de rayos X y microespectroscopia Raman. Así, caracterizamos en términos elementales y moleculares los principales conjuntos tonales registrados en la localidad (rojos, blancos, amarillos y negros). Los resultados indican que la composición de las pinturas es heterogénea aun al interior de cada conjunto cromático. Se destaca el uso como pigmento de distintos óxidos de hierro para las pinturas rojas y amarillas, el empleo de óxido de manganeso y carbón para el negro y de sulfato de calcio y probablemente caolinita para el blanco. Asimismo, en algunos casos se habría empleado el yeso como carga. Por último, se describen los alcances, límites y desafíos futuros de esta investigación.In this paper, the initial results of the physico-chemical analyses of the rock art of the La Maria archaeological locality, Santa Cruz province, are presented. A micro-stratigraphic approach, a novel methodology for the study of pigments in Southern Patagonia, was implimented. Samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. This methodology enabled the main colors found in the locality (red, white, yellow and black) to be characterized in elemental and molecular terms. Results show that the composition of the paintings is heterogeneous, even within each tone. These data highlight the use of different iron oxides as pigments for red and yellow paintings. Manganese oxide and charcoal were used for black and calcium sulfate -- and probably kaolinite -- for white. In addition, gypsum was used as a filler in some cases. Finally, thescope, limits and future challenges of this research are discussed.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

The use of raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy in the analysis of pigments from vaquerías ceramics

Se presentan resultados del estudio arqueométrico de pigmentos rojos y negros provenientes de diseños pintados en cerámicas Vaquerías, estilo polícromo del Período Formativo del Noroeste Argentino. Se combinan las técnicas de espectroscopia Raman, difracción de rayos X (DRX) y microscopia electrónica de barrido con espectroscopia de energía dispersiva (SEM-EDS) para analizar la composición de los pigmentos en fragmentos de piezas cerámicas de los sitios Cardonal y Bordo Marcial (Catamarca, Argentina). Los pigmentos rojos están compuestos esencialmente de hematita; en los pigmentos negros se determinó alto contenido de manganeso y se confirmó la presencia de jacobsita y bixbyita.This paper presents the results of using archaeometric techniques to analyze red and black pigments from designs painted onto Vaquerías ceramics (a polychrome style of the Argentine Northwest Formative period). Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were all employed in the compositional analysis of pigments on ceramic pieces from Cardonal and Bordo Marcial (Catamarca, Argentina) that were inhabited during the first two centuries of the Christian era. The red pigments have proven to be primarily hematite, while black pigments showed high contents of manganese and the presence of jacobsite and bixbyite.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

New Superhard Phases for 3D C60-based Fullerites

We have explored new possible phases of 3D C60-based fullerites using semiempirical potentials and ab-initio density functional methods. We have found three closely related structures - two body centered orthorhombic and one body centered cubic - having 52, 56 and 60 tetracoordinated atoms per molecule. These 3D polymers result in semiconductors with bulk moduli near 300 GPa, and shear moduli around 240 GPa, which make them good candidates for new low density superhard materials.Comment: To be published in Physical Review Letter

Nuclear medicine procedures and the evaluation of male sexual organs: a short review

Sexuality consists of three aspects that are interrelated and inseparable, biological, physiological and social. The biological aspect considers the individual's capability to give and to receive pleasure. In consequence, it covers the functionality of the sexual organs and the physiology of human sexual response cycle. Diagnostic imaging modalities, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been used to evaluate clinical disorders of the male reproductive system. PET and SPECT procedures basically involve the administration of a radiopharmaceutical that has a higher uptake in a specific tumor or tissue. The aim of this brief review is to present some radiopharmaceuticals that have been used in the clinical evaluation of the male sexual organs (testes, prostate, seminal vesicles, penis) related with male sexuality. This information could be useful in better understanding the male sexual response cycle, as well as the sexual disorders, when considering the male sexual organs and the pelvic floor. Moreover, the findings obtained with PET and SPECT imaging could help to evaluate the efficacy of clinical results of therapeutic procedures. In conclusion, the knowledge from these images could aid in better understanding the physiology of the different organs related with sexuality. Furthermore, they could be important tools to evaluate the physiological integrity of the involved organs, to improve clinical strategies and to accompany the patients under treatment