Role of Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora (Thai Basil) Aqueous Extract Treated with Yeast Suspension in Enhancing Tomato Plant Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most popular vegetable crop in the world. It is grown almost all over the world. The biggest challenge in producing this crop is diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum. In developing eco-friendly antifungal selective substances for controlling Fusarium diseases, the role of Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora (Thai basil) aqueous extract against stimulated F. oxysporum was studied in vivo. The presoaked tomato seeds with yeast-treated and untreated O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora extracts were cultivated in F. oxysporum-infused soil. This part investigated the recovery role of these botanical extracts against the Fusarium infection on tomato plants, especially on its growth and biochemical traits. The research showed that the vegetative and floral growth parameters of plant decreased significantly due to F. oxysporum infection. The pigment contents, including carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene in tomato fruits, were also passively affected by fungus infection at variance to phenolic and flavonoid content. Moreover, the O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora extract presoaked seeds remarkably enhanced the growth parameters of plant and the fruit pigment content. There was no significant difference in fungus infection recovery between infected plants that got yeast-treated extract and infected plants that got yeast-untreated extract. However, the pathogen inhibition percentage with extract from yeast-treated Thai basil plants in vitro increased. This research showed that utilizing O. basilicum var. thyrsiflora extract to control F. oxysporum infection of tomato plants was possible and available

Toxicity test of column chromatography steroids isolates from ethyl acetate fraction of hydrilla verticillata

Hydrilla verticillata is one of the aquatic plants that contain some secondary metabolites, such as triterphenoids and steroids. The aim of this study was to determine the toxicity levels of steroids isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Hydrilla verticillata separated by column chromatoghraphy. The biomass of Hydrilla verticillata was dried and powdered. Hydrilla verticillata powder is then extracted by maceration methods using ethanol solvent. The crude ethanol extracts were hydrolyzed using 2 N of HCl and partitioned using ethyl acetate solvent. The steroids compounds of ethyl acetate fraction were separated by Column Chromatography. The steroid isolates from Column Chromatography were identified by FTIR and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The toxicity level of Column Chromatography steroid isolates was determined by BSLT method. The result of this research showed that extraction through maceration using ethanol produced 2.52 % yield, whereas the percent yield of the partition using ethyl acetate was 45.04 %. Separation by column chromatography resulted 3 steroids isolates B1, B2, and G1. The toxicity test showed that column chromatography steroids isolate from ethyl acetate fraction of Hydrilla verticillata has toxicity properties. The LC50 value of B1, B2 and G1 isolate was 14.58, 7.55 and 4.71 ppm, respectively

Finite element analysis of silicon nanowire array based SAW gas sensor

This work presents the design and finite element analysis of a surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based sensor for the detection of volatile organic compound (VOC) gases. The effect of silicon nanowire array (SiNWA) on a 128º YX-lithium niobate (LiNbO3) substrate for sensing the VOC gases was simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics. The frequency response was investigated in relation to changes in the SiNWA sensitive layer and VOC gas concentration. The resonant frequency of the SAW device was also evaluated, and simulation results were obtained after being exposed to 100ppm concentration of VOC gas. It was determined that the frequency increased, after the sensor was exposed to VOC gases. In general, extending the length of the SiNWA enhances the sensor's sensitivity

Global prevalence of Colistin resistance in Klebsiella Pneumoniae from bloodstream infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Among gram-negative bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of healthcare-related infection. Bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are notorious for being difficult to treat due to resistance to commonly used antimicrobials. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from bloodstream infections are becoming increasingly resistant to carbapenems. In the fight against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, colistin [polymyxin E] is the antimicrobial of choice and is thus widely used.Objective: This study aimed to determine the global prevalence of colistin resistance amongst Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from bloodstream infections. Methods: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched for published articles without restricting the search period. Studies meeting the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were included, and quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. We used a statistical random effect model to analyze data with substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 50%) in the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 10 studies out of 2873 search results that met the inclusion criteria were included in the final synthesis for this study. A pooled prevalence of colistin resistance was 3.1%, 95% CI (1.5–4.7%). The highest colistin resistance pooled prevalence was recorded in isolates studied in 2020 and beyond 12.90% (4/31), while Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates studied in 2015 and before and in 2016–2019 showed a pooled colistin resistance rate of 2.89% (48/1661) and 2.95% (28/948), respectively. The highest colistin resistance was found in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Thailand (19.2%), while the least pooled resistance was in Klebsiella pneumoniae from South Korea (0.8%). The pooled prevalence of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) of Klebsiella pneumoniae from bloodstream infection ranged from 80.1%, 95% CI (65.0–95.2%), and the resistance prevalence of other antibiotics by Klebsiella pneumoniae from bloodstream infections were as follows; ciprofloxacin (45.3%), ertapenem (44.4%), meropenem (36.1%), imipenem (35.2%), gentamicin (33.3%), amikacin (25.4%) and tigecycline (5.1%). Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from the intensive care unit (ICU) showed higher colistin resistance, 11.5% (9/781%), while non-ICU patients showed 3.03% (80/2604) pooled colistin resistance. Conclusion: This study showed low colistin resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from global bloodstream infections. However, significant colistin resistance was observed in isolates collected from 2020 and beyond. Significant colistin resistance was also observed in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in bloodstream infections from the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to those from non-ICUs. As a result, there is a need to institute colistin administration stewardship in the ICU in clinical settings

COVID-19 Vaccination Among Diverse Population Groups in the Northern Governorates of Iraq

Objectives: The present study was carried out to investigate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and host communities in northern Iraq and the related underlying factors.Methods: Through a cross-sectional study conducted in five governorates in April–May 2022, 4,564 individuals were surveyed. Data were collected through an adapted questionnaire designed to gather data on participants.Results: 4,564 subjects were included (59.55% were 19–45 years old; 54.51% male). 50.48% of the participants (51.49% of host communities, 48.83% of IDPs, and 45.87% of refugees) had been vaccinated with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 40.84% of participants (42.28% of host communities, 35.75% of IDPs, and 36.14% of refugees) had been vaccinated by two doses, and 1.56% (1.65% of host communities, 0.93% of IDPs, and 1.46% of refugees) were vaccinated with three doses.Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors including age, gender, education, occupation, and nationality could affect vaccination coverage. Moreover, higher acceptance rate of vaccination is associated with belief in vaccine safety and effectiveness and trust in the ability of the vaccine to prevent complications

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Micropropagation of some fruit rootstock with classical and next generation temporary immersion bioreactor system.

TEZ11576Tez (Yüksek Lisans) -- Çukurova Üniversitesi, Adana, 2019.Kaynakça (s. 41-46) var.xii, 47 s. : res. (bzs. rnk.), tablo ; 29 cm.Tez çalışmasında, farklı Prunus anaçlarının (Myrobolan ve Garnem) in vitro koşullarda mikroçoğaltımı ve köklendirilmesi üzerine yeni nesil doku kültürü tekniklerinden biri olan Plantform geçici daldırma biyoreaktör sisteminin, klasik doku kültürü tekniklerine göre etkisinin karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Her iki sistemde mikroçoğaltım denemelerinde 1 mg/l BA içeren MS besin ortamı kullanılmıştır. Mikroçoğaltım denemelerinde genotiplere ait kardeş sayısı (kardeş/bitki), bitki boyu (cm), yaprak sayısı (adet), yaş ağırlık (mg) ve kuru ağırlık (mg) parametreleri incelenmiştir. Her iki sistemde köklenme denemelerinde 1 mg/l IBA içeren MS besin ortamı kullanılmıştır. Köklenme denemelerinde bitki boyu (cm), kök uzunluğu (cm), kök sayısı (adet), yaş ağırlık (g) ve kuru ağırlık (g) parametreleri incelenmiştir. Ayrıca, mikroçoğaltım ve köklenme denemelerinde bitkilerin genel durumları değerlendirilmiştir. Myrobolan ve Garnem anacında katı kültür ve Plantform sistemi köklenme denemelerinde bitkilerin köklenme oranı %100 olarak belirlenmiştir. Tez çalışmasında kullanılan her iki genotip için Plantform sisteminde gelişen bitkilerin genel görünümünün katı kültüre göre daha sağlıklı ve gelişimlerinin daha iyi olduğu tespit edilmiştir.In this study, aimed to determined the effect of Plantform temporary immersion bioreactor system, which is one of the next generation tissue culture techniques on micropropagation and rooting of different Prunus rootstocks (Myrobolan and Garnem) in in vitro conditions, comparatively with classical tissue culture techniques. In both systems, MS medium containing 1 mg/l BA was used in micropropagation experiments. In micropropagation assays, micropropagation rate (shoot/plant), plant height (cm), number of leaves (pieces), fresh weight (mg) and dry weight (mg) of genotypes were investigated. In both systems, MS medium containing 1 mg/l IBA was used in rooting experiments. Plant height (cm), root length (cm), root number (number), fresh weight (g) and dry weight (g) parameters were investigated. In addition, the general conditions of the plants were evaluated in micropropagation and rooting experiments. The rooting rate of the plants in Myrobolan and Garnem rootstocks was determined as 100%. For the two genotypes used in the thesis study, it was found that the overall appearance of the plants in the Plantform system was beter than the solid culture and their development was better.Bu çalışma Ç.Ü. Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Birimi tarafından desteklenmiştir. Proje No: FYL-2018-10622

Artificial Neural Network and Near Infrared Light in Water pH and Total Ammonia Nitrogen Prediction

Water quality plays an important role in aquaculture. The operation of a freshwater fish farming in aquaculture is highly dependent on one’s ability in understanding, monitoring, and controlling the physical and chemical constituent of water. pH and total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) values are two critical water quality parameters that affect the growth rate and healthiness of fish. However, pH and TAN values are affected by uncontrollable factors e.g. weather, temperature, and biological process that occur in the water. Thus, it is important to frequently monitor the changes of pH and TAN values in order to maintain an optimum condition for the freshwater habitats. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely studied as an alternative measurement approach for rapid quality control without a sample preparation. Hence, this research aims to evaluate the feasibility of machine learning coupled with NIR light in predicting the water pH and TAN values of a fish farming system. The proposed system contains three main components, i.e. a light emitting diode (LED) with multiple wavelengths, a light sensing element, and a machine learning model (i.e. artificial neural network (ANN)). First, the transmitted NIR light with different wavelengths from water samples were measured using the proposed system. After that, the actual pH and TAN values of the water samples were quantified using conventional methods. Next, ANN was used to correlate the measured NIR transmittance to the pH and TAN values. Results show that ANN that used four hidden neurons achieved the best prediction performance with mean square error (MSE) of 0.1466 and 0.3136; and correlation coefficient (R) values of 0.8398 and 0.9560 for the pH and TAN predictions, respectively. These findings show that ANN coupled with multiple wavelength NIR light is promising to be developed for in-situ water quality prediction without a sample preparation

Artificial Neural Network and Near Infrared Light in Water pH and Total Ammonia Nitrogen Prediction

Water quality plays an important role in aquaculture. The operation of a freshwater fish farming in aquaculture is highly dependent on one’s ability in understanding, monitoring, and controlling the physical and chemical constituent of water. pH and total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) values are two critical water quality parameters that affect the growth rate and healthiness of fish. However, pH and TAN values are affected by uncontrollable factors e.g. weather, temperature, and biological process that occur in the water. Thus, it is important to frequently monitor the changes of pH and TAN values in order to maintain an optimum condition for the freshwater habitats. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely studied as an alternative measurement approach for rapid quality control without a sample preparation. Hence, this research aims to evaluate the feasibility of machine learning coupled with NIR light in predicting the water pH and TAN values of a fish farming system. The proposed system contains three main components, i.e. a light emitting diode (LED) with multiple wavelengths, a light sensing element, and a machine learning model (i.e. artificial neural network (ANN)). First, the transmitted NIR light with different wavelengths from water samples were measured using the proposed system. After that, the actual pH and TAN values of the water samples were quantified using conventional methods. Next, ANN was used to correlate the measured NIR transmittance to the pH and TAN values. Results show that ANN that used four hidden neurons achieved the best prediction performance with mean square error (MSE) of 0.1466 and 0.3136; and correlation coefficient (R) values of 0.8398 and 0.9560 for the pH and TAN predictions, respectively. These findings show that ANN coupled with multiple wavelength NIR light is promising to be developed for in-situ water quality prediction without a sample preparation

Antioxidant activity and toxicity test of column chromatography steroids isolates from Hydrilla verticillata chloroform fraction

Hydrilla verticillata contain some secondary metabolites, such as steroids and triterpenoids. The purpose of this study was to determine antioxidant activity and the toxicity levels of steroids isolates from Hydrilla verticillata chloroform fraction. The biomass of Hydrilla verticillata was dried and then powdered. The powder of Hydrilla verticillata was extracted by maceration methods using ethanol as a solvent. The crude ethanol extracts were hydrolyzed with 2 N HCl before partitioned using chloroform. The steroid compounds were separated by Column Chromatography. Antioxidant activities of Column Chromatography steroid isolates were determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) method, and the toxicity levels were determined by the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method. The result showed that extraction by maceration with ethanol produced 2.52 percent yield, whereas the percent yield of the partition with chloroform was 18.48 percent. Separation by column chromatography obtained four steroids isolates B1, B2, B2G1, and G1R1. The steroids isolates of chloroform fraction of Hydrilla verticillata have antioxidant activity and toxicity properties. The EC50 value of the isolates B1, B2, B2G1, and G1R1 were 5375, 179.40, 65.97, and 6.55 ppm, respectively. The LC50 value of B1, B2, B2G1, and G1R1 isolate were 5.99, 3.86, 6.86, and 4.37 ppm, respectivel