Molecular analysis of the Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm-associated protein

Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant pathogen associated with hospital outbreaks of infection across the globe, particularly in the intensive care unit. The ability of A. baumannii to survive in the hospital environment for long periods is linked to antibiotic resistance and its capacity to form biofilms. Here we studied the prevalence, expression, and function of the A. baumannii biofilm-associated protein (Bap) in 24 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii ST92 strains isolated from a single institution over a 10-year period. The bap gene was highly prevalent, with 22/24 strains being positive for bap by PCR. Partial sequencing of bap was performed on the index case strain MS1968 and revealed it to be a large and highly repetitive gene approximately 16 kb in size. Phylogenetic analysis employing a 1,948-amino-acid region corresponding to the C terminus of Bap showed that Bap(MS1968) clusters with Bap sequences from clonal complex 2 (CC2) strains ACICU, TCDC-AB0715, and 1656-2 and is distinct from Bap in CC1 strains. By using overlapping PCR, the bap(MS1968) gene was cloned, and its expression in a recombinant Escherichia coli strain resulted in increased biofilm formation. A Bap-specific antibody was generated, and Western blot analysis showed that the majority of A. baumannii strains expressed an similar to 200-kDa Bap protein. Further analysis of three Bap-positive A. baumannii strains demonstrated that Bap is expressed at the cell surface and is associated with biofilm formation. Finally, biofilm formation by these Bap-positive strains could be inhibited by affinity-purified Bap antibodies, demonstrating the direct contribution of Bap to biofilm growth by A. baumannii clinical isolates

Anticancer potential of Thevetia peruviana fruit methanolic extract

Abstract Background: Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum or Cascabela peruviana (L.) Lippold (commonly known as ayoyote, codo de fraile, lucky nut, or yellow oleander), native to Mexico and Central America, is a medicinal plant used traditionally to cure diseases like ulcers, scabies, hemorrhoids and dissolve tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, antiproliferative and apoptotic activity of methanolic extract of T. peruviana fruits on human cancer cell lines. Methods: The cytotoxic activity of T. peruviana methanolic extract was carried out on human breast, colorectal, prostate and lung cancer cell lines and non-tumorigenic control cells (fibroblast and Vero), using the MTT assay. For proliferation and motility, clonogenic and wound-healing assays were performed. Morphological alterations were monitored by trypan blue exclusion, as well as DNA fragmentation and AO/EB double staining was performed to evaluate apoptosis. The extract was separated using flash chromatography, and the resulting fractions were evaluated on colorectal cancer cells for their cytotoxic activity. The active fractions were further analyzed through mass spectrometry. Results: The T. peruviana methanolic extract exhibited cytotoxic activity on four human cancer cell lines: prostate, breast, colorectal and lung, with values of IC50 1.91 ± 0.76, 5.78 ± 2.12, 6.30 ± 4.45 and 12.04 ± 3.43 μg/mL, respectively. The extract caused a significant reduction of cell motility and colony formation on all evaluated cancer cell lines. In addition, morphological examination displayed cell size reduction, membrane blebbing and detachment of cells, compared to non-treated cancer cell lines. The T. peruviana extract induced apoptotic cell death, which was confirmed by DNA fragmentation and AO/EB double staining. Fractions 4 and 5 showed the most effective cytotoxic activity and their MS analysis revealed the presence of the secondary metabolites: thevetiaflavone and cardiac glycosides. Conclusion: T. peruviana extract has potential as natural anti-cancer product with critical effects in the proliferation, motility, and adhesion of human breast and colorectal cancer cells, and apoptosis induction in human prostate and lung cancer cell lines, with minimal effects on non-tumorigenic cell lines. Keywords: Cytotoxic activity, Anti-proliferative activity, Motility, Apoptosis, Human cancer cells, Flavonoid, Cardiac glycoside

Removal of organic matter from reservoir water: mechanisms underpinning surface chemistry of natural adsorbents

One of the key challenges in water treatment industry is the removal of organic compounds by cost-effective methods. This study evaluated the adsorptive removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from reservoir water using fuller’s earth (FE) in comparison with natural (SQ) and modified quartz (MSQ) sands. The removal capacities of FE at different contact times, pH levels, adsorbent dosages and initial DOC concentrations were compared with both the quartz sands. The optimum DOC removals by FE and SQs were achieved at contact time of 60 and 30 min, pH level of 6 and 4, and at adsorbent dose of 1.5 g/150 mL and 10 g/100 mL, respectively. The adsorption capacity of FE (1.05 mg/g) was much higher compared to the MSQ (0.04 mg/g) and SQ (0.01 mg/g). Adsorption equilibrium data better fitted to the Freundlich model than to the Langmuir model, suggesting that adsorption occurred primarily through multilayer formation onto the surfaces of FE and SQ. The pseudo-second-order model described the uptake kinetics more effectively than the pseudo-first-order and intra-particle diffusion models, indicating that the mechanism was primarily governed by chemisorption. These observations were well supported by the physiochemical characteristics and charge behaviour of the adsorbents. In mass-transfer study, the results of liquid film diffusion model showed that the adsorption of DOC on FE was not controlled by film diffusion, but other mechanisms also played an essential role. This study demonstrates that FE is an effective adsorbent for the removal of DOC in surface water treatment

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

The potential diagnostic utility of coexpression of Ki-67 and P53 in the renal biopsy in pediatric lupus nephritis

Mahtab H Rahbar,1 Maryam R Rahbar,2 Nyousha Mardanpour,1 Sourena Mardanpour3 1Pathology Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Nephrology department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 3Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA, USA Background: The proliferative activity as well as apoptosis has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). The aim of the study was to investigate the coexpression of Ki-67-triggered marked proliferation and P53-induced apoptosis in renal biopsy of childhood lupus nephritis (cLN) and to compare the coexpression of proliferative and apoptotic indices between different subgroups and clinicopathologic patterns of renal disease. Methods: Renal biopsy specimens of 33 children with lupus nephritis (LN) and 10 healthy subjects were retrospectively evaluated. The type of LN and activity and chronicity indices were determined. Ki-67 and P53 immunostaining were performed. The coexpression of Ki-67 and P53 was compared among different subgroups of LN and correlated with disease activity index, serum creatinine, proteinuria, anticardiolipin antibodies, and complement levels. Histopathological examination of LN was classified based on the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology. Histological LN activity was measured by the National Institutes of Health activity index (NIH-AI). Results: In comparison with the healthy control group, the coexpression of Ki-67and P53 was greater in cLN (particularly in classes II, III, and IV) than in normal renal tissue. The coexpression of Ki-67and P53 shows a positive correlation with subclasses II, III, and IV of LN (P<0.02) and LN activity index (P<0.03). Moreover, the positive correlation was found between the coexpression of Ki-67 and P53 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P<0.02), D-dimer (P<0.03), serum creatinine (P<0.03), proteinuria (P<0.04), and anticardiolipin antibodies (P<0.05) significantly. Unexpectedly, adverse correlation between the coexpression of Ki-67 and P53 with serum C3 (P<0.02) and C4 complement (P<0.03) was significant. Conclusion: Our data showed that the coexpression of Ki-67-induced marked proliferation and P53-induced apoptosis in proliferative and active phases of cLN could reflect a valuable marker for treatment and remission in cLN patients before reaching the end stage of renal disease. Keywords: Ki-67, P53, lupus nephritis, renal biopsy, childre

Decentralization of Health System in Islamic Republic of Iran

Decentralization is the process of dispersing decision-making closer to the point of peripheral area, service or action. Basically decentralized governance, if properly planned and implemented, offers important opportunities for enhanced human development. The studies about this issue in different countries show that most of the decentralizations have been implemented in European countries and in comparison, the Middle East countries have been utilized lower degrees of the decentralization process. In fact, decentralization in the health system is a policy pursued for a variety of purposes including; increase in service delivery effectiveness and equity, improving efficiency and quality, fairness of financial contribution and planning for choosing the most appropriate interventions for the health priorities in peripheral regions. To implement decentralized governance, there is a spectrum of different choices that the government should regulate their degrees. Providing an appropriate atmosphere for decentralization is essential, otherwise lack of planning and achievement can result in complications for the system

Early Detection of blaTEM in Klebsiella Isolates by the Molecular ‎Polymerase Chain Reaction Method

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obtaining information regarding pathogenesis and prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing genes seems to be necessary, since it can promote prevention modalities and treatment of the infections caused by bacterias such as Klebsiella. The aim of this study was early identification of the blaTEM gene in Klebsiella, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, conducted form April to September 2013, 70 Klebsiella isolates were extracted from clinical samples (i.e., wound, urine, sputum and blood) using biochemical tests, including non-state fermentation and triple sugar iron, negative indole, motile and methyl red, as well as positive Voges–Proskauer and urease tests. Subsequently, the frequency of ESBL producing strains was determined by means of combined disk method. DNA was extracted by boiling and was investigated for the presence of TEM gene using the PCR approach. FINDINGS: In the 70 Klebsiella isolates, 11 cases of ESBL phenotype were observed, of which 10 cases contained TEM beta-lactamase resistance gene. In addition, 9 out of 59 samples (26%) of negative ESBL in antibiogram, were determined positive in terms of blaTEM gene using PCR method. CONCLUSION: Given the increasing prevalence of ESBL producing strains and poor diagnosis rate of antibiotic resistance through antibiogram method, applying more accurate techniques such as PCR is highly recommended

OMAE2009-79245 SEA WATER PUMP STATION BASIN MATHEMATICAL HYDRAULIC MODEL TEST (CFD ANALYSIS)

ABSTRACT Background and aim: A sea water intake, with original design of the six drum screen and twenty sea water pump intake with very different flow rate connected to header bay. The capacity of Origin Sea water intake including huge pump station and drum screen is 200,000 m3/hr. The purpose of the mathematical hydraulic model test of the sea water pumping station is to verify that the basin allows a good operating condition for each pump. To ensure a good operating condition for each pump, the design of the seawater basin has to insure: • A correct filter working • Low transversal velocities • A flow without vortex Method and material: The mathematical model of the basin allows to know the flow and to verify: • The main dimensions of the pumping station • The distance between the inlet ducts and the filters • The distance between the filters and pump chambers Result: in the first basin, the flow patterns no problems. Only swirl at the exit of culverts and near the free surface, and two areas where the flow has no velocity were observed. In the downstream other filters, we observe also a circulation that generates a tangential velocity. Conclusion: The mathematical model of the sea water pumping station has allowed calculating three cases (without and with filter stopped) for the low water level and nominal flow rate. In most difficult case, we observe some recirculation, mainly near the free surface, without more influence on principal flow. In the three cases, the distribution of the flow rate between the drum screens is uniform; the gap is inferior to 2%. At the entry of the pump chambers, the velocity fluctuations and the angle are low. Consequently, the secondary flows in pump chambers will be limited