Stachybotrys chartarum: A Novel Biological Agent for The Extracellular Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Activity

Microbial assisted biosynthesis of nanoparticles is a rapidly progressing area of nanobiotechnology. Inthis paper Stachybotrys chartarum assisted extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reportedwhen challenged with 1mM silver nitrate (AgNO3). The characterization of AgNPs was carried out visualobservation and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Further analysis carried out by Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy (FTIR), provides evidence for the presence of proteins as capping agent, which helps in increasingthe stability of the synthesized AgNPs. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) investigations confi rmedthat AgNPs were formed. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were found in the range of 65-108 nm. Finally,the antimicrobial susceptibility of AgNPs synthesized was investigated which exhibited more potent activityagainst bacteria than fungi compared with using silver nitrate at concentration 1mM. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Stachybotrys chartarum, Silver nanoparticle

Stachybotrys chartarum: A Novel Biological Agent for The Extracellular Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Activity

Microbial assisted biosynthesis of nanoparticles is a rapidly progressing area of nanobiotechnology. Inthis paper Stachybotrys chartarum assisted extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reportedwhen challenged with 1mM silver nitrate (AgNO3). The characterization of AgNPs was carried out visualobservation and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Further analysis carried out by Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy (FTIR), provides evidence for the presence of proteins as capping agent, which helps in increasingthe stability of the synthesized AgNPs. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) investigations confi rmedthat AgNPs were formed. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were found in the range of 65-108 nm. Finally,the antimicrobial susceptibility of AgNPs synthesized was investigated which exhibited more potent activityagainst bacteria than fungi compared with using silver nitrate at concentration 1mM.Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Stachybotrys chartarum, Silver nanoparticles</div

MEASURING JOB CHARACTERISTICS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION CENTERS' PERSONNEL IN ASSIUT GOVERNORATE USING HACKMAN AND OLDHAM’S MODEL

The purpose of this study is to measure the job characteristics of agricultural extension centers' personnel in Assiut governorate using Hackman and Oldham’s Model, and to examine the model fit with the current study. The job diagnostic survey was used as the assessment tool to measure the components of the job characteristics model. Data were collected from all of the agricultural extension centers' personnel in Assiut governorate (84 personnel) by questionnaire. The job characteristics model’s overall fit with the data was evaluated using common model goodness of fit measures estimated by AMOS. The results showed that dealing with others and feedback received the highest ratings; autonomy and skill variety received the lowest ratings from the core job characteristics. The moderate feelings towards the core job dimensions yielded a low motivating potential score. Knowledge of results yielded the highest rating and experienced responsibility yielded the lowest rating from the psychological states. Internal work motivation received the highest rating and growth satisfaction received the lowest rating from the personal/work outcomes. Stimulating work environment yielded the highest rating and pay satisfaction yielded the lowest rating from the moderators of the model. The various indices of overall goodness of fit for the model lent sufficient support for the results to be an acceptable representation of the job characteristics model

ASSESSING THE BIOACTIVITY AND ANTIOXIDATIVE PROPERTIES OF SOME COMPOUNDS ISOLATED FROM ABUTILON HIRTUM (LAM.)

ABSTRACTObjectives: The present study on the methanol extract of Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) [Malvaceae] afforded ten compounds. Findings from this assessmentindicated that A. hirtum leaves possessed vast potential as medicinal product especially in liver cancer treatment.Methods: Dried-powdered leaves were boiled under reflux in 10 L of petroleum ether for 8 hrs. After filtration, the solvent was evaporated; afforded15 g of petroleum ether extract followed by boiling with reflux for 8 hrs with chloroform, then filtration and the residue was evaporated to give 34 gchloroform extract. Ethyl acetate was added and refluxed for 8 hrs, then filtration and evaporation to give 31 g ethyl acetate extract. Finally the leaveswere refluxed with 10 L of 85 % aqueous MeOH, after cooling, the solution was filtered and evaporated and the residue was 210 g methanol extractthen the residue was dissolved in de-ionized water (250 ml), then the salt was removed by adding excess methanol solution (2.5 L), and finally filtered.The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was evaluated towards HepG2 liver-carcinoma cell line using MTT assay, the antimicrobial activity wastested using the Disc agar plate method and the total antioxidant capacity was determined according to phosphomolybdenum method.Results: The isolated compounds identified as methyl gallate, cuneataside E, bergapten, gallic acid, ellagic acid, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate,kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside, benzyl-1-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 2(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and β-sitosterol. All the isolatedcompounds are known; but they were isolated from Abutilon hirtum for the first time.Conclusion: This report may serve as a footprint concerning the biological and pharmacological activities of A. hirtum leaves.Keywords: Abutilon hirtum, Malvaceae, HepG2, Phenolics, Antioxidant.Â

Effect of Time of Interradilarcular Preparation on Apical Microleakage of Endodontically Treated Teeth

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REFORMING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN EGYPT FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF CENTRAL LEVEL EXTENSION EMPLOYEES

This study explored the opinions of central level extension employees about whether the Egyptian agricultural extension system needs to be reformed or not, and the alternatives they consider to be the best-fit options for extension in Egypt. The study covered 98 extension employees at the central level; findings show that all aspects of the Egyptian extension system are good candidates for reform and possible restructuring. These aspects could be ranked as financing, policy & organizational structure, staffing, and field operations as reported by 100%, 95%, 91%, and 68% of the respondents, respectively. Concerning the overall extension system, about 91% of the respondents reported that the Egyptian extension system is a good candidate for reform and possible restructuring. Findings also show that devolution, deconcentration, and delegation were the appropriate arrangements for extension decentralization as mentioned by 85%, 82%, and 55% of the respondents, respectively. Moreover, alternatives of providing and financing extension services were suggested and prioritized

Correlation between Colour Duplex and Technetium-99m Thyroid Scan in Identifying the Cause of Toxic Goitre

Introduction: Differentiation between thyroiditis induced thyrotoxicosis and Graves' disease is important for selection of proper therapy. It is often difficult to make this distinction without performing thyroid scintigraphy. Color flow Doppler sonography (CFDS) is gaining importance for the functional evaluation of the thyroid disorders. We aimed to determine the value of CFDS for the etiological diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis.Patients and methods: Thirty patients with clinical and lab signs of hyperthyroidism (12 Graves’ disease and, 18 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) with 10 euthyroid controls were evaluated.Etiological diagnosis was carried out using standard methods. Conventional grey scale sonography was done, followed by CFDS. Doppler patterns of the glands were scored and peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements were obtained from superior and inferior thyroid arteries. Results were correlated to isotope scanning which was used as a golden standard.Results: Vascular patterns were significantly more prominent, and the mean PSV values were significantly higher in the Graves' Disease patients compared to the thyroiditis patients than controls. CFDS could differentiate the untreated Graves' Disease from the thyroiditis which had similar grey scale findings but higher vascular patterns and significantly higher PSV values, sensitivity = 96.6%, specificity= 96.6 %, and P&gt;0.001Conclusion: As an inexpensive, fast, and noninvasive imaging procedure, CFDS could be helpful in the initial clinical evaluation and may avoid scintigraphy in a substantial number of thyrotoxic patients

Correlation between Colour Duplex and Technetium-99m Thyroid Scan in Identifying the Cause of Toxic Goitre

Introduction: Differentiation between thyroiditis induced thyrotoxicosis and Graves' disease is important for selection of proper therapy. It is often difficult to make this distinction without performing thyroid scintigraphy. Color flow Doppler sonography (CFDS) is gaining importance for the functional evaluation of the thyroid disorders. We aimed to determine the value of CFDS for the etiological diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis. Patients and methods: Thirty patients with clinical and lab signs of hyperthyroidism (12 Graves’ disease and, 18 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) with 10 euthyroid controls were evaluated.Etiological diagnosis was carried out using standard methods. Conventional grey scale sonography was done, followed by CFDS. Doppler patterns of the glands were scored and peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements were obtained from superior and inferior thyroid arteries. Results were correlated to isotope scanning which was used as a golden standard.  Results: Vascular patterns were significantly more prominent, and the mean PSV values were significantly higher in the Graves' Disease patients compared to the thyroiditis patients than controls. CFDS could differentiate the untreated Graves' Disease from the thyroiditis which had similar grey scale findings but higher vascular patterns and significantly higher PSV values, sensitivity = 96.6%, specificity= 96.6 %, and P&gt;0.001 Conclusion: As an inexpensive, fast, and noninvasive imaging procedure, CFDS could be helpful in the initial clinical evaluation and may avoid scintigraphy in a substantial number of thyrotoxic patients