Microbial properties of soil fertilized by sewage sludge and cultivated with energy crops

The microbial activity of soil enriched with sewage sludge and cultivated with energy crops, is little known. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sewage sludge fertilization on selected microorganisms in soil cultivated with the following crops: Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deu), Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) and Common Osier willow (Salix viminalis L.). Sewage sludge was used in two rates 10 and 20 t/ha dry weight (DW). The numbers of total coliforms bacteria, sulphate-reducing spore-forming bacteria, Proteus sp., saprophytic, thermophilic and aerobic spore-forming bacteria were examined. Sewage sludge increased the number of coliforms and sulphate-reducing spore-forming bacteria, and stimulated the growth of saprophytic and thermophilic bacteria. Cultivation of Miscanthus limited the number of coliforms bacteria, while Virginia mallow and Miscanthus reduced the number of sulphate- -reducing spore-forming bacteria. Common Osier willow stimulated the growth of saprophytic bacteria in the soil, while Virginia mallow the number of spore-forming bacteria. Our results revealed that microbial activity of soil expressed as the number of selected bacterial groups, depends not only on the applied rate of sewage sludge fertilizer, but also on the cultivated energy crop

The Efficacy Of Low-Dose Oral Corticosteroids In The Treatment Of Vitiligo Patients

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder that affects 1% of population. It presents as depigmented patches. One of the most probable theories regarding the pathogenesis of vitiligo is autoimmunity. Systemic corticosteroids may arrest the progression of vitiligo and lead to repigmentation by suppressing immune system. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical efficacy of low-dose oral corticosteroids in actively progressing vitiligo. Materials and Methods: Seventy four patients with vitiligo were evaluated. The patients took daily doses of oral prednisolone (0.3 mg/kg) initially for 2 months. Then the dosage was halved monthly, for the five subsequent months of treatment. The effects of treatment were evaluated using photography's before and after the study. Side effects were assessed at the first, second, third and fourth month of the treatment. Results: Arrested progression of vitiligo and repigmentation were noted in 74.3% and 62.1% of patients respectively. The mean pigmentation was 26.8%. The localized form, lower age of disease onset, no hair whiteness on the lesions and less affliction percent showed increased repigmentation with statistical significance. There was no significant difference between sexes and positive family history of vitiligo in patients. The best therapeutic results were obtained for facial lesions and the worst for mucosal lesions. The side effects of treatment were minimal and did not affect the course of the treatment. Conclusion: Low-dose oral corticosteroids are effective and have few serious side effects in preventing the progression of actively progressing vitiligo but regimentation is not significant and this regimen is effective in patients who are refractory to topical corticosteroids or phototherapy

Epidemiology of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 harboring Staphylococcus aureus obtained from clinical samples in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: S. aureus strains, with the capability of producing toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), are more likely to cause complicated infections. However, due to lack of comprehensive local data on the prevalence of TSST-1, we aimed to determine the prevalence of TSST-1 harboring S. aureus isolates in Iran. METHODS: A systematic search was performed by using PubMed and Scopus databases from papers published by Iranian authors from January 2000 to the end of March 2017. Then, 10 publications which were matched with inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction and analysis by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of TSST-1 carrying S. aureus in Iran was 21.3% (95% CI: 7.9%-46.1%), ranging from 0% to 68%. Moreover, from the included studies, the pooled prevalence of TSST-1 producing MRSA isolates was estimated to be 25.2% (95% CI: 13.3%-42.5%), ranging from 0% to 69.8%. From those studies which showed the distribution of toxin-harboring S. aureus it was found that the skin and soft tissue, respiratory and bloodstream infections were the common sites of TSST-1 harboring S. aureus. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it seems that emergence of MRSA strains leads to higher prevalence of TSST-1 carrying strains in the north of Iran. However, further research is required to elucidate the interplay between the outcome of diseases and TSST-1 producing strains, especially in our country

Molecular analysis of drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates by ERIC-PCR

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important pathogen that associated with several hospital-acquired infections. It has the ability to colonize in hospital setting and infections due to A. baumannii can be transferred by direct or indirect contact between patients. Characterization of the local molecular epidemiology is required for control the spread of these strains. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the genetic relatedness amongst drug-resistant A. baumannii strains. A total of 92 A. baumannii isolates were obtained from hospitalized patients. Identification of isolates was done by the standard microbiological and molecular methods. To determine the genetic relationship amongst the isolates, ERIC-PCR was performed using specific primers. ERIC patterns were analyzed using GelJ software. Isolates with a similarity coefficient equal or above 85 were classified into the same genotypes. ERIC-PCR typing showed that 75 isolates were classified into 20 ERIC types. Seventeen isolates were non-typable. Most prevalent types were A, B and C which containing 15, 10, 9 isolates, respectively. According to our results, 64 (69.5) isolates were classified into nine main genotypes. The most heterogeneity amongst the isolates was associated to respiratory infections and ICU ward. Our results showed that the evaluated isolates were heterogeneous, relatively. Based on colonization ability of A. baumannii strains in hospital, infection-prevention strategies such as education of healthcare workers and prudential use of antibiotics are necessary in the healthcare setting