Evaluation of gamma irradiation effect and Pseudomonas flourescens against Penicillium expansum

Antagonistic effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens and influence of gamma irradiation on the development of Penicillium expansum, the causal agent of postharvest disease on apple fruit was studied. P. fluorescens was originally isolated from rhizosphere of the apple trees. Suspension of P. fluorescens and P. expansum were mixed in test tubes in proportions of 1:5, 2:5, 3:5 and 4:5 (V/V). The inhibitory effect depended on the proportion of the bacterium to the fungus in the mixture. The best inhibition was observed after 48 h at the ratio of 3:5. Gamma irradiation above 3 KGy completelyinhibited mycelial growth, while the highest dose around 600 Gy mostly killed P. expansum spores. Our experiment demonstrates that the combination of gamma irradiation and P. fluorescens was more effective in reducing P. expansum growth, than either treatment alone and that the integration of irradiation and antagonist treatments can be more effective. The results of this study show that improved control by irradiation at labeled dose in combination with antagonist could allow direct incorporation of the biocontrol agent. Thus, the combination of the P. fluorescens with gamma irradiation showed an impressive effect on increasing applied range of irradiation for postharvest control by decreasing of dose rate.Key words: Antagonist treatment, gamma irradiation, Penicillium expansum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, postharvest disease

Pattern and antimicrobial sensitivity of pathogens in acute bacterial meningitis beyond neonatal period at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Shika, Zaria

The causative agents of acute bacterial meningitis vary from time to time and from place to place. In addition, changes in pathogen’s sensitivity to antibiotics in use occur. The study was undertaken to identify the pattern and susceptibility of pathogens to antibiotics among children beyond neonatal period for prompt empirical treatment of this important cause of morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries.Objective. To identify the pattern and susceptibility of pathogens in acutebacterial meningitis among children aged one month to 12 years atABUTH Shika, Zaria.Method: This was a prospective study carried out in children presentingto Emergency Pediatric Unit of ABUTH Shika, Zaria, from October1st 2005 to September 30th, 2006. Children who met the inclusion criteriafor lumbar puncture were consecutively recruited. Cerebrospinalfluid (CSF) samples were collected for microscopy, culture, sensitivity,and Latex Particle Agglutination (LPA) test. Sixty-six (66) patientssatisfied the criteria for acute bacterial meningitis and were studied.Results: The prevalence of acute bacterial meningitis in this study was6.9%. Sixty-six patients with acute bacterial meningitis were identifiedusing 3 diagnostic methods (Gram stain, culture and LPA). The 3 commonest organisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae 34 (51.5%), Haemophilus influenzae 18 (27.3%), and Neisseria meningitidis 12(11.2%). The sensitivity of the isolates to three commonly used noncephalosporin antibiotics was chloramphenicol 74.4%, penicillin38.5%, and ampicillin 2.6%. The sensitivity to the cephalosporin wascefotaxime 97.4%, and ceftriaxone 89.7% while that to Ofloxacin, aquinolone, was 100%.Conclusion: The three commonest bacterial agents causing post neonatalmeningitis were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae,and Neisseria meningitidis. There is an increasing resistance to the three commonly used non c e p h a l o s p o r i n a n t i b i o t i c s(chloramphenicol, ampicillin and penicillin) and hence, cefotaxime orceftriaxone should be used in the empirical treatment of children withsuspected acute bacterial meningitis beyond neonatal period

Design and simulation of 120 capacity automobile parking control system using up/down decade counters

In this work, a 120 capacity automobile parking control system was designed and simulated. The design was carried out using 3-cascaded 74HC190 decade up/down counters in connection with MCT6 phototransistor optocoupler sensors, Gated S/R latch, LEDs display, logic gates and DC motor circuitry. The up/down counters were used for both up count from 1 to 120 and down count from 120 to 0. The sensors are placed at both the entry and exit gate of the parking lot in order to provide a pulse to the up/down counter whenever an automobile enters or leaves the parking lot. The DC motor circuitry is used to control the gate(entry gate) by closing the entry when the counter counts up to 120, so that no automobile will be allowed in. When one or more automobile leave(s) the parking lot through the exit gate the counter counts down, and the DC motor circuitry drives the entry gate open to allow access for the same number of automobiles that leave(s) the parking lot. The design was implemented and simulated using National instrument (multisim 11.0) and proteus softwares. The simulation results shows that the system functioned as desired.Keywords: Decade up/down counters, phototransistor optocoupler, Gated S/R latch, LEDs display, logic gates and DC motor circuitry

Cholesterol promotes interaction of the protein CLIC1 with phospholipid monolayers at the air–water interface

© 2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. CLIC1 is a Chloride Intracellular Ion Channel protein that exists either in a soluble state in the cytoplasm or as a membrane bound protein. Members of the CLIC family are largely soluble proteins that possess the intriguing property of spontaneous insertion into phospholipid bilayers to form integral membrane ion channels. The regulatory role of cholesterol in the ion‐channel activity of CLIC1 in tethered lipid bilayers was previously assessed using impedance spectroscopy. Here we extend this investigation by evaluating the influence of cholesterol on the spontaneous membrane insertion of CLIC1 into Langmuir film monolayers prepared using 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoylphosphatidylcholine, 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phospho‐ethanolamine and 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phospho‐L‐serine alone or in combination with cholesterol. The spontaneous membrane insertion of CLIC1 was shown to be dependent on the presence of cholesterol in the membrane. Furthermore, pre‐incubation of CLIC1 with cholesterol prior to its addition to the Langmuir film, showed no membrane insertion even in monolayers containing cholesterol, suggesting the formation of a CLIC1‐cholesterol pre‐complex. Our results therefore suggest that CLIC1 membrane interaction involves CLIC1 binding to cholesterol located in the membrane for its initial docking followed by insertion. Subsequent structural rearrangements of the protein would likely also be required along with oligomerisation to form functional ion channels

Isolation, Library Preparation, and Bioinformatic Analysis of Historical and Ancient Plant DNA

The ability to sequence DNA retrieved from ancient and historical material plays a crucial role in reinforcing evolutionary and anthropological inference. While the focus of the field is largely on analyzing DNA from ancient hominids and other animals, we have also learned from plant ancient DNA (aDNA), in particular, about human farming practices, crop domestication, environment management, species invasion, and adaptation to various environmental conditions. In the following protocols, we outline best practices for plant aDNA isolation, preparation for sequencing, bioinformatic processing, and authentication. We describe the process all the way from processing of archaeological or historical plant material to characterizing and authenticating sequencing reads. In alternative protocols, we include modifications to this process that are tailored to strongly degraded DNA. Throughout, we stress the importance of precautionary measures to successfully analyze aDNA. Finally, we discuss the evolution of the archaeogenomics field and the development of new methods, which both shaped this protocol. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of aDNA Alternate Protocol 1: Isolation of ultra-short DNA (Dabney modification) Support Protocol 1: Preparation of PTB-based mix Support Protocol 2: Preparation of binding buffer Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of genomic libraries Alternate Protocol 2: Preparation of genomic libraries with uracil removal Basic Protocol 3: Bioinformatic processing and authentication of aDNA

Understanding current retrofit practices to prevent the unintended consequences affecting IEQ and health

The climate crisis demands an urgent societal shift, and the UK government has responded with a strong policy targeting energy retrofit to improve the energy performance of homes to achieve the net zero target by 2050. However, research has shown that standard retrofit measures have resulted in undesirable unintended consequences. Incorrect interventions such as using incompatible materials can affect the equilibrium of the building, increasing the risk of surface and interstitial condensation due to excessive humidity levels. Mould growth may develop under high levels of humidity, damaging the building fabric but also posing a risk to the occupants; it has been linked to asthma exacerbation and other respiratory infections. Therefore, what is needed is a well-integrated retrofit approach that not only reduces energy use but protects the building and the health and well-being of its occupants. This paper discusses the retrofit practices, the main challenges that retrofit practitioners face in the UK, and which guidance and tools they work with through the lens of the impact on occupants. A deeper understanding of the current practices is needed if those unintended consequences are to be avoided. For instance, replacing a 'fabric-first' mindset with a 'people-first' approach that considers more factors like the causes of thermal discomfort, and the gains to be made from passive and adaptive comfort approaches, could contribute to deliverer energy and carbon savings and increased building's indoor environment quality and usability justified

Les conduites addictives en anesthésie réanimation: à propos d’un cas

L’anesthésie et la réanimation sont des métiers difficiles, faits de contraintes et de stress. En milieu anesthésique, des agents toxicomanogènes sont à la disposition des praticiens pour leur usage professionnel. L'exposition quotidienne, la facilité d'acquisition et d'utilisation de ces agents est un danger aux médecins et infirmiers, susceptibles de développer une toxicomanie. L'addiction ou toxicomanie aux agents anesthésiques ne représente qu'une partie du problème des dépendances chimiques qui incluent, les drogues licites que sont le tabac et l'alcool, mais aussi d'autres agents de la pharmacopée comme les antidépresseurs et les sédatifs. Nous rapportons le cas d'un infirmier anesthésiste, ayant des antécédents psychiatriques, toxicomane, admis au service d'accueil des urgences de l’hôpital militaire Moulay Ismail de Meknés dans un tableau de choc hémorragique compliquant un faux anévrysme rompu de l’artère fémorale commune droite.Key words: Addiction, toxicomanie, anesthésie, Maro

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women in Maiduguri, North‑Eastern Nigeria

Objective: This study determined the prevalence and socio‑demographic characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge.Study Design: Descriptive cross‑sectional study.Setting: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.Materials and Methods: Vaginal swab samples and data on epidemiological risk factors were collected from 400 consecutive pregnant women with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Association between variables was compared by using the Chi‑square (χ2) and Fisher’s exact tests while P < 0.05 was considered significant at 95.0% confidence level.Result: The prevalence of BV among pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge was 17.3%. Age 20‑24 years, multigravidity, lack of western education and unemployment were associated with increased prevalence of BV. Yellowish, watery vaginal discharge (P = 0.001) was associated with BV. Dysuria, dyspareunia and lower abdominal tenderness were associated with BV (P = 0.001). Fifty three (77%) of patients had BV during the second trimester compared to 6 (9%) who had it in the 1st trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.012).Conclusion: The high prevalence of BV in this study may necessitate adequate screening of pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge in order to give appropriate treatment and avoid complications associated with it.Key words: Bacterial vaginosis, pregnancy, vaginal discharg

Aesthetic appealing wall insulation: A novel approach for uptake of solid wall insulation in the UK

Solid wall dwellings in the UK are in urgent need for energy retrofit to support achieving the UK net-zero strategies in the building sector and reduce fuel poverty. Several barriers are a cause of uncertainty for householders about Solid Wall 1nsulation (SWI) and slow down the progress. This paper aims to examine people's perceptions of possible inclusion of aesthetics elements in Internal Wall Insulation (IWI), providing a suitable solution to promote wall insulation intake and attractiveness. To achieve this aim, first, the current literature is critically reviewed and analysed to highlight the gap between energy studies and design/aesthetic features of SWI retrofit. Then, an online survey is conducted, and the collected data are analysed. The results show that the aesthetic factor is very important for participants with more than 90% agreement. This level of agreement is as high as other well-known critical factors in renovation such as cost and energy saving. Also, aesthetic integration in IWI can surpasses negative concerns such as the retrofit cost or losing internal space. Furthermore, over 2/3rd of participants are in agreement with a suggested business model for delivering both aesthetic and energy improvement in combined retrofit plans by established approved organizations. It is concluded that aesthetic inclusion is the priority and an encouraging factor in the internal renovation to reduce the barriers and increase success. Finally, the findings from this research pointed to how the retrofit industry, policymakers, and designers should evolve to achieve the benefits of aesthetics in SW