TEM-145 and TEM-146 &#223-lactamases produced by Escherichia coli isolates from state hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Two Escherichia coli isolates which were isolated from the urine of patients in state hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were investigated to determine the sequence of the TEM -lactamases responsible for their resistance to -lactamase inhibitors. The isolates were subjected to MICdeterminations, iso-electric focusing analysis, plasmid analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of -lactamase genes and sequencing of the blaTEM. Analysis of the nucleotide sequencesrevealed the presence of two novel TEM -lactamases, TEM-145 and TEM-146 which had the R244H mutation. Mutations at position 244 have been previously reported in other inhibitor-resistant TEMs (IRTs)

A study of the Bhagavadgita as an example of Indian oral-literate tradition.

Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1995.India has complex and sophisticated oral tradition which ha s developed over millennia. The Sanskrit language has had an enormous influence over the whole of India, especially its oral tradition. The advent of the literate tradition in India which began approximately five thousand years ago preserved (in writing) much of the oral style elements. In chapter I of this dissertation the influence of the Sanskrit language and its oral transmission to various parts of the globe are briefly traced. Marcel Jousse, in the early part of this century, developed theories involving the anthropological basis governing human expression. These are rooted in mimism, bilateralism and formulism. Chapter 2 of this dissertation briefly outlines the principles of Jousse's theories and provides a brief overview of orality - literacy studies. The views of other experts in the field like Parry, Lord, Finnegan and Ong are also discussed. The Bhagavadgita (the chosen text) is a popular religious text among Indians. Its style encapsulates the oral style elements of Sanskrit literature. A brief summary of the first six discourses which cover the philosophy of Karma Yoga are provided in Chapter 3. Selected slokas (couplets) of these discourses are used as a basis to discuss certain formulaic techniques like a dialogue within a dialogue, application of the Parry-Lord theory, use of imagery (including simile, comparison and metaphor), use of honorific names and the significance of numbers as mnemotechnical devices. All these are elements of oral style. The discussion of the philosophy of Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) takes up the next six discourses (discourses 7-12) of the Bhagavadg1ta. Chapter 4 provides a brief summary of these discourses. The elements of oral style which are i dentified and discussed among slokas (couplets) in these discourses are the propositional geste, parallelism, key words in a recitation and contextual meaning. The final chapter (chapter 5) deals with the philosophy of Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge). The slokas (couplets) of the next six discourses (13 - 18) which cover this philosophy are used as a basis to identify and discuss the nine characteristics of oral style as described by Ong, borrowing from other sources, alliteration and assonance which are further elements of the oral style. This dissertation concludes that the oral formulaic style has played a significant role in preserving the uniqueness, freshness and originality of the Bhagavadgita

Antimicrobial and chemical analyses of selected bulbine species.

Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2000.The use of plant materials for the treatment of various diseases is very common in African countries. As traditional medicine used by the rural people does not always have a proper scientific basis, research programmes have to be undertaken to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy and safety. In traditional African medicine various Bulbine species are used to treat a number of conditions including sexually transmitted diseases, wound infections, dysentery and urinary tract infections. The Bulbine species belong to the family Asphodelaceae. There are over fifty South African Bulbine species and they are mostly herbs. Their leaves are evergreen and succulent in appearance. Bulbine species have thick fleshy tuberous roots, are easy to grow, are able to withstand drought and heat and are able to grow in poor soil. There is very little documented information on the antimicrobial activity and chemical properties of the Bulbine species. Therefore research programmes of this nature have to be undertaken. Various Bulbine species, viz., B. natalensis Bak, B. frutescens Willd (yellow flowers), B. narcissifalia Salm Dyck, B. abyssinica A Rich and B. frutescens Willd (orange flowers) were collected. The plants were washed with tap water, air dried and separated into the different components. Each component was cut into small pieces and immersed in methanol: dichloromethane (1:1, v/v) for extraction. The organic solvent was decanted from the plant material and evaporated under reduced pressure. The resultant crude extracts were stored in glass vials in the freezer. In addition, the roots, stems and leaves of B. natalensis and B. frutescens (yellow flowers) were extracted aqueously. The crude organic and aqueous were subjected to various tests to evaluate their antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential. To evaluate their antibacterial activities, the Disk Diffusion and Bore Well Methods were employed. The crude extracts were tested against various pathogens implicated in wound and urinary tract infections and dysentery. In these experiments the Disk Diffusion Method produced better results than the Bore Well Method. The crude organic and aqueous extracts were found to be effective against many of the bacteria used in this study including K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. typhi and S. flexneri which are considered to be troublesome pathogens. The TLC bioassay was employed to evaluate the antifungal potential of the various crude extracts against Aspergillus and Penicillium and the Disk Diffusion and Bore Well methods were used to evaluate the antifungal potential of C. albicans. The Bulbine species displayed no antifungal activity against Penicillium and limited antifungal activity against Aspergillus. The two method used to evaluate the antifungal activity of. C albicans was chosen because C. albicans grows in a similar manner to bacteria on solid and liquid culture media. Only the root extracts of the two B. frutescens varieties were inhibitory to C. albicans. The Brine Shrimp Bioassay was used to ascertain the cytotoxic potential of the crude extracts. The majority of the extracts were cytotoxic at the most concentrated dilution (i.e., dilution 1) but not cytotoxic at the lower dilutions. The only extracts that were not cytotoxic at the most concentrated dilution were the organic extract of the root of B. frutescens (yellow flowers), the organic extract of the root of B. narcissifolia and the organic extract of the leaf of B. abyssinica. TLC and column chromatography was carried out to evaluate the chemical composition of the Bulbine species. The TLC indicate that this technique could be a valuable tool in identifying the different species in the genus Bulbine. Column chromatogram was carried out on the extract which displayed a significant amount of antibacterial activity against the bacteria used in this study. The stem extract of B. natalensis was chosen for further analysis. The stem extract was fractitioned into different fractions but unfortunately none of the chemical component could be identified. According to the results obtained in this study, there is considerable scope for further studies of this genus

Synthesize and characterization of cellulose nanofibrils to mitigate radon gas emanations from fabricated composite brick for heathy environment

Radon is a natural radioactive gas produced by U-238 decay series and mostly originated from rock, water, sand and soil. Brick that commonly consist of rock, water and sand becomes the main radon resources to human in indoor building environment. Radon gas can diffuse into respiration system during inhalation process and indirectly affects lung tissues by its energetic α particles that risk to lung cancer. Incorporating kenaf and oil palm cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as liquid fillers into brick with certain ratios enable to mitigate radon gas emanations. This is due to reduction of radon resources utilization such as stone, sand and water as well as miniaturization of brick porosity. CNF were synthesis using combination of chemical pulping and ultrasonication methods before characterized with FESEM, XRD, XRF, BET and UTM. Surface morphology showed fibril diameter ranges were from 30-80 nm for kenaf and 20-60 nm for oil palm. Crystallinity index were 75.3% and 77% for kenaf and oil palm, respectively. Ten CNF composite bricks and one without CNF (control) were fabricated according to Malaysia Standard MS 7.6:1972 protocol. Five different amounts of CNF had been applied which were 40 ml, 80 ml, 120 ml, 160 ml and 200 ml while foaming agent was used to bind the mixtures. All bricks were dried in fume hood at room temperature for 48 hours. Radon Sentinel Monitor model 1030 was used to determine the radon concentrations, humidity, pressure and temperature for each brick within 10 consecutive days in a close-space of prototype perspex room. Control brick gave highest radon concentration of 3.77 pCi/L whereas 40 ml CNF composite bricks from kenaf and oil palm gave 1.4 pCi/L and 0.93 pCi/L, respectively. 40 mlCNF from oil palm was the optimum amount to mitigate radon emanation with ~75% reduction. For physical testing, control brick was cracked at force 39013 N whereas 50458 N for 40 ml kenaf and 42160 N for 40 ml oil palm CNF bricks. Meanwhile, surface area porosity for control brick was 3.4473 m2/g whereas 6.4449 m2/g for 40 ml kenaf and 4.9025 m2/g for oil palm CNF bricks with pore size 2.92 nm, 0.347 nm and 2.27 nm for each. Application of small amount CNF for both plants also reduced the radon emanations and increased the physical strength of the bricks. In this study, 40 ml CNF of both kenaf and oil palm were the optimum ratios in mitigating radon emanations, miniaturization the porosity and increased the physical strength of the fabricated composite bricks

Beta-lactamase mediated resistance in Escherichia Coli isolated from state hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.

Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2008.Escherichia coli, one of the most common pathogens causing urinary tract infections, has shown increased resistance to commonly used antibiotics. In this study we analyzed the β-lactamase profiles of 38 inhibitor-resistant E. coli isolates obtained from public hospitals at three different levels of healthcare in KwaZulu-Natal, selected on the basis of their resistance profiles to the three antibiotic/inhibitor combinations, viz., amoxicillin/clavulanate, ampicillin/ sulbactam and piperacillin/ tazobactam. The isolates were subjected to MIC determinations, IEF analysis, plasmid profile analysis, PCR of the different β-lactamase genes and sequencing thereof to detect the possible mechanism/s of resistance. A range of β-lactamases including two novel inhibitor-resistant TEM β-lactamases, TEM-145 and TEM-146 were detected in two isolates whilst a novel plasmid-mediated AmpC-type β-lactamase, CMY-20 was detected in three isolates. Other β-lactamases included OXA-1, TEM-55, SHV-2, CTX-M-l and TEM-1. Changes were detected in the chromosomal AmpC promoter/attenuator regions in one isolate. Diverse β-lactamase genes and plasmid profiles inferred extensive mobilization of β-lactamase genes causing the concern of limited therapeutic options in the face of increasing resistance

Detection of mutations in the gyrA of clinical Salmonella spp.

The high prevalence of resistance to nalidixic acid and reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin of Salmonella spp. obtained from stool samples of neonates presenting with acute diarrhea in 2001 at the King Edward VIII hospital in Durban, South Africa, prompted this study to determine if there were any mutations in the QRDR of these isolates and to search for the qnrA gene. All isolates with nalidixic acid MICs > 48 μg/ml had the single mutation D87N, or D87G in the QRDR of the gyrA gene, and only 2 strains had an additional mutation; S83L and S83F respectively. The mutation S83T was present in only one isolate with the nalidixic acid MIC of 10 μg/ml whilst the 6 other strains with nalidixic acid MICs < 10 μg/ml had no changes in the QRDR of the gyrA gene. The qnrA gene was not found. These findings indicate that there are mutations in the gyrA of Salmonella isolates which could contribute to resistance to nalidixic acid with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and there is the co-expression of quinolone and extended-spectrum ß-lactam resistance among Salmonella spp

In vitro Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity of a Series of Lipophilic Phenols and Naphthols

Five groups of phenols/naphthols (42 compounds in total) were synthesized and screened against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the fungus Candida albicans. Whereas compounds were found inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, potent activities against Gram-positive bacteria were observed. The activities correlate with the ability of molecules to form quinone methides, suggesting potential new modes of action.KEYWORDS Antimicrobial activity, phenols, naphthols, quinone methides

A Cross-Sectional Study on Bullying and Psychological Disturbances among Malaysian School Children

Abstract Background: Bullying is a common violence in school and has become a major public health and global concern. Bullying influences mental health and is identified as a leading factor of depression. Therefore, this study aimed to identify bullying prevalence and its association toward psychological disturbances (stress, anxiety, and depression). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three secondary schools in Kuantan. After obtaining consent from parents/guardians, participants were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire, including School Climate Bullying Survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Questionnaire-21, Patient Depression Questionnaire, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Demographic data were self-reported. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, and chi-square and correlation tests were conducted for variables. Results: A total of 207 students were included in this study. Of respondents, 50.7% were boys and 49.3% girls, and the majority (92.8%) were Malays. Of students, 63.2% were involved in bullying problems through the school years, with verbal bullying as the highest (55.1%). Bullying is significantly associated with stress (p = 0.045), anxiety (p = 0.018), and depression (p = 0.012). Conclusions: School children in Kuantan continue to be involved in bullying. The current study supported that involvement with any bullying activity was associated with psychological disturbances including anxiety, stress, and depressio

Study of Rn-222 emanations from fabricated composite brick based on treated oil palm fibre

In this thesis, Radon Monitor Sentinel 1030 was used to determine the average concentration of Rn-222 on 3 fabricated composite bricks with different composition of cement, stone and sand. This study was aimed at making composite bricks based on oil palm fiber to identify the amount of radon concentrations in composite bricks with different composition of raw materials where composite brick 1 had less sand, composite brick 2 had less rock and composite brick 3 reduction in composition of cement. Prior to that, radon gas concentrations reading for raw materials such as stone, sand. cement and Perspex box were taken for 24 hours with 48 data to determine the level of radon gas concentration in the different composition of the raw material. Sodium hydroxide is used to treat the fibre to increase it mechanical strength. In addition, this study was also conducted to identify the mechanical strength of the composite brick by performing compression tests. Concrete brick has the highest force that is 50494N compare to fabricated composite 3 that has the lowest force that is 13676N. The composite brick is placed in the Perspex box to ensure it not exposed to radon gas. The reading was taken for consecutive 3 days with a total of 144 data for one composite brick. This study focuses on which material contributes to higher levels of radon concentrations whether sand, cement or stone. In addition, the radon concentration level is also influenced by pressure, temperature and humidity or more suitable to be called weather. Based on the data obtained, composite bricks with the highest concentration of radon were composite bricks 2 where the major contributor to the increase in radon concentration was stone. Concrete bricks have lower levels of radon concentrations than composite bricks where fibers have high carbon levels and are a good absorption material for water and increase humidity levels in composite bricks and cause composite bricks to have higher radon readings than concrete brick. By reducing material that has high levels of radon on the use of fiber, it indirectly reduces the composition of raw materials to make bricks while reducing the cost of buying large raw materials

The effect of mutations in the AmpC promoter region on &#946-lactam resistance from an Escherichia coli clinical isolate in a public sector hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The ampC promoter and attenuator regions of an Escherichia coli clinical isolate from a public hospital in KwaZulu-Natal was investigated to detect the presence of mutations in these regions. The isolate was subjected to MIC determinations, IEF analysis, PCR for the presence of &beta;-lactamases and sequencing of the ampC gene. Analysis of the ampC promoter and attenuator regions of the isolate showed that the isolate had mutations in the promoter region and this included insertions of nucleotides in the spacer region between the -10 and -35 Pribnow boxes. The insertion of an extra nucleotide in the spacer region between the -10 and -35 boxes affects the resistance of bacteria to &beta;-lactam antibiotics