Plasmid profile, antibiotic resistance, and phenotypic virulent strains of S. flexneri

Shigellosis is an acute gastroenteritis caused by Shigella species. The purpose of this study was to determine plasmid profile, antibiotic resistance and phenotypic virulent by Congo red between S. flexneri strains. The isolated bacteria were identified by standard bacterial and biochemical methods. Plasmids were isolated by alkaline lysis method. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed according to "kirby-Bauer" method. Serological reactions were carried by slide agglutination tests with both polyclonal and monoclonal antiserum kits. Virulent strains were isolated on a TSA plate contained Congo red dye concentration. From 350 isolated Shigella species, 142 (40.57) were S. flexneri. Eleven distinct plasmid profile patterns were identified. Of S. flexneri isolates, 95 were resistant to tetracycline, 85.6 to SXT and 75.3 to ampicillin. All the isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Our results showed that 39 were serotype II. 45.56 of S. flexneri were Congo red positive. Antibiotic resistant determination in each case may prevent drug resistance increase. Since Congo red binding test is cheap and simple it can be used to determine virulence properties of S. flexneri

Determination of distribution of icsA gene and IcsA protein bands between Shigella flexneri isolated from 3 hospitals in Tehran

Introduction: Shigella is a facultative intracellular pathogen that uses the host actin cytoskeleton protein for intra- and intercellular spread. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of icsA gene and IcsA expressed protein bands among Shigella flexneri strains isolated from 3 clinical centers in Tehran. Material and Methods: Two hundred and seventy five isolated Shigella flexneri strains were identified by standard microbiological and biochemical methods. DNA isolation was performed using sodium perchlorate method. Hot start-PCR was done with 2 pairs of primers and the products were separated through agarose gel (0.8) in TAE buffer. DNA fragments were visualized by ethidium bromide staining under UV illumination. Whole membrane preparation was used to examine the protein profiles and identification of probable IcsA (120-kda) protein band by SDS-PAGE. Results: From 100 isolated Shigella flexneri strains, both bands of 1600 bp and 1709 bp were detected in 46 isolates (46). A 120 kDa band which seems to be related to IcsA protein was detected in 46 isolates (46). The protein bands varied between 30 and 150 kDa. Discussion: IcsA is both necessary and sufficient for actin assembly in Shigella flexneri. Since icsA gene and IcsA protein band were not found in all Shigella strains, it seems that not all strains have the same pathogenesis. On the other hand, since the demonstration of icsA gene by PCR in all Shigella strains (46) corresponded to the presence of a 120 kDa protein band by SDS-PAGE (46), it seems that both tests may confirm each other. However, the PCR may be more accurate than SDS-PAGE

Pulsational frequencies of the eclipsing delta-Scuti star HD 172189

The eclipsing delta-Scuti star HD 172189 is a probable member of the open cluster IC 4756 and a promising candidate target for the CoRoT mission. The detection of pulsation modes is the first step in the asteroseismological study of the star. Further, the calculation of the orbital parameters of the binary system allows us to make a dynamical determination of the mass of the star, which works as an important constraint to test and calibrate the asteroseismological models. From a detailed frequency analysis of 210 hours of photometric data of HD 172189 obtained from the STEPHI XIII campaign we have identified six pulsation frequencies with a confidence level of 99% and a seventh with a 65% confidence level in the range between 100-300 uHz. In addiction, three eclipses were observed during the campaign, allowing us to improve the determination of the orbital period of the system.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figure

Comparing invasive and non-invasive of isolated Shigella flexneri by electron microscopy of cell culture, SDS-PAGE and congo red method

Background: The aim of this study was to compare invasive and non-invasive strains of Shigella flexneri isolated from Tehran by a 120 kDa protein band by SDS-PAGE, electron microscopy of cell culture and Congo red dye methods. Methods: S. flexneri strains were isolated by standard bacterial methods from fecal specimens of children attending to the 3 children's hospitals. Phenotype analysis for screening virulent of strains of S. flexneri was done on a plate of tryptic soy agar contained 0.003 Congo red dye. Whole membrane protein preparations were used to examine the protein profiles of the inner and outer membrane of these Gram-negative bacteria. The protein mixture was electrophoresed through a polyacrylamide gel. The gel was stained with Coomassie brilliant blue R250 and destained with ethanol and acetic acid. HeLa cell culture was done by two-step preparations: one for light microscopy and the other for electron microscopy. Results: Some of S. flexneri (46) were Congo red positive colonies. S. flexneri with negative Congo red phenotype could not enter the HeLa cell culture. A 120 kDa protein band was found in 46 of these bacteria which could enter into HeLa cell culture. Pseudopod structures which facilitate bacterial cell-to-cell spread were readily identified by electron microscopy. Discussion: Since the existence of 120-kDa protein band was corresponded to enter of S. flexneri into the HeLa cell culture and correlated with Congo red dye positive, for identification of invasive and non-invasive S. flexneri strains, the use of a 120-kDa protein band by SDSPAGE or a simple, rapid and very cheap Congo red dye method is recommended. Because, there are some deaths due to Shigella sp. in our country, notification on the isolation of these bacteria in both children hospitals laboratories and private clinical laboratories is important

Possibility of trout farms efluent return to groundwater In non-agricultural seasons

This project is trying to investigate water contamination after use in ponds. For this aquaculture status, physical and chemical water properties, microbial pollutants and heavy metals levels in the some of trout ponds effluent in East Azerbaijan province were evaluated in 2007 to 2009. The information of groundwater and climate conditions in ten years, Drilling and wells piezometric Information, in local wells are reviewed. According to data obtained from analysis of water samples in the output pools range studied concentrations(term mg/l) some parameters are as follows:(BOD: 1.9-3.2), (COD: 3.4-34.1), (TSS: 26.6-42.7), (N-NO_2:0.003-.136),(P-Po4:0.0170.067), (pH:7.75-8.28). Electrical conductivity (500 ±2 to 1129±144 term µm/cm) in the effluent ponds. Based on the results of we can say that between input and effluent ponds in the review of all factors as chlorine, sulfate, sodium, potassium, total nitrogen, soluble phosphorus, total phosphorus, calcium, total hardness, magnesium, alkalinity and silica significant changes not be observed. Review of water analysis data to some factors (such as: water temperature, EC, pH, NO_2, CO_2, HCO_3, CO_3, DO, COD, BOD) and compare this data with the authorities standard confirmed that the All factors mentioned in effluent is allowed now. In terms of microbial contamination and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ca, Pb, Fe, Cr) is no pollution. Appropriate strategies for removing suspended materials must to use. We can use Watershed Management solutions to inject output water to the underground table. Should be noted status change (eg change in flow rate, an unusual increase in temperature, fish density increasing, reducing food quality, lack of appropriate management actions and ...) may reduce the effluent quality and the ability of injection water underground to lose. In this case, measures must be for wastewater treatment and improve the quality ponder

Insights into the 1968–1997 Dasht-e-Bayaz and Zirkuh earthquake sequences, eastern Iran, from calibrated relocations, InSAR and high-resolution satellite imagery

The sequence of seismicity in the Dasht-e-Bayaz and Zirkuh region of northeastern Iran, which includes 11 destructive earthquakes within a period of only 30 years, forms one of the most outstanding examples of clustered large and intermediate-magnitude seismic activity in the world.We perform a multiple-event relocation analysis, with procedures to remove systematic location bias, of 169 earthquakes, most of which occurred in the period 1968–2008, to better image the distribution of seismicity within this highly active part of Iran. The geographic locations of the clustered earthquakes were calibrated by the inclusion of phase arrivals from seismic stations at short epicentral distances, and also by matching the relative locations of the three largest events in the study to their mapped surface ruptures. The two independent calibration methods provide similar results that increase our confidence in the accuracy of the distribution of relocated epicentres. These calibrated epicentres, combined with the mapping of faults from high-resolution satellite imagery, and from an InSAR-derived constraint on fault location in one case, allow us to associate individual events with specific faults, and even with specific segments of faults, to better understand the nature of the active tectonics in this region during the past four decades. Several previous assumptions about the seismicity in this region are confirmed: (1) that the 1968 August 30 Mw 7.1 Dasht-e-Bayaz earthquake nucleated at a prominent segment boundary and left-step in the fault trace, (2) that the 1968 September 11 Mw 5.6 aftershock occurred on the Dasht-e-Bayaz fault at the eastern end of the 1968 rupture and (3) that the 1976 November 7 Mw 6.0 Qayen earthquake probably occurred on the E–W left-lateral Avash Fault. We show, in addition, that several significant events, including the 1968 September 1 and 4 (Mw 6.3 and 5.5) Ferdows earthquakes, the 1979 January 16 (Mw 6.5) and 1997 June 25 (Mw 5.9) Boznabad events and the 1979 December 7 (Mw 5.9) Kalat-e-Shur earthquake are likely to have ruptured previously unknown faults. Our improved description of the faulting involved in the 1968–1997 earthquake sequence highlights the importance of rupturing of conjugate left- and right-lateral faults in closely spaced events, or potentially even within a single earthquake, as was likely the case at the eastern end of the 1979 November 27 (Mw 7.1) Khuli-Buniabad main shock. The high level of clustered seismic activity probably results from the simultaneous activity on left- and right-lateral faults, an inherently unstable arrangement that must evolve rapidly. The combination of high-resolution satellite imagery and calibrated earthquake locations is a useful tool for investigating active tectonics, even in the absence of detailed field observations

Electron-topological, energetic and π-electron delocalization analysis of ketoenamine-enolimine tautomeric equilibrium

The ketoenamine-enolimine tautometic equilibrium has been studied by the analysis of aromaticity and electron-topological parameters. The influence of substituents on the energy of the transition state and of the tautomeric forms has been investigated for different positions of chelate chain. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules method (QTAIM) has been applied to study changes in the electron-topological parameters of the molecule with respect to the tautomeric equilibrium in intramolecular hydrogen bond. Dependencies of the HOMA aromaticity index and electron density at the critical points defining aromaticity and electronic state of the chelate chain on the transition state (TS), OH and HN tautomeric forms have been obtained

Proximal major limb amputations – a retrospective analysis of 45 oncological cases

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Proximal major limb amputations due to malignant tumors have become rare but are still a valuable treatment option in palliation and in some cases can even cure. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse outcome in those patients, including the postoperative course, survival, pain, quality of life, and prosthesis usage.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data of 45 consecutive patients was acquired from patient's charts and contact to patients, and general practitioners. Patients with interscapulothoracic amputation (n = 14), shoulder disarticulation (n = 13), hemipelvectomy (n = 3) or hip disarticulation (n = 15) were included.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The rate of proximal major limb amputations in patients treated for sarcoma was 2.3% (37 out of 1597). Survival for all patients was 42.9% after one year and 12.7% after five years. Survival was significantly better in patients with complete tumor resections. Postoperative chemotherapy and radiation did not prolong survival. Eighteen percent of the patients with malignant disease developed local recurrence. In 44%, postoperative complications were observed. Different modalities of postoperative pain management and the site of the amputation had no significant influence on long-term pain assessment and quality of life. Eighty-seven percent suffered from phantom pain, 15.6% considered their quality of life worse than before the operation. Thirty-two percent of the patients who received a prosthesis used it regularly.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Proximal major limb amputations severely interfere with patients' body function and are the last, albeit valuable, option within the treatment concept of extremity malignancies or severe infections. Besides short survival, high complication rates, and postoperative pain, patients' quality of life can be improved for the time they have remaining.</p