Synthesis and Characterization of Co1-xSnx Magnetic Nanowires

High-density and uniform-sized Co1-xSnx alloy nanowires have been prepared electrochemically in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. This highly ordered arrays of nanowires have magnetic properties that affect by several agents including Sn concentration in structure of nanowires and annealing process. The morphologies of the nanowires were obtained by using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The measurement of magnetic properties was made using the alternating gradient fors magnetometer (AGFM). The composition of the Co1-xSnx nanowires was analyzed by EDX. It has been observed that these properties were changed significantly with increasing of Sn content in nanowires. Also the affect of annealing temperature, up to 575˚C, on the magnetic properties and microstructure of as-prepared nanowires have been investigated. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/3534

Comparison of culture and microscopic methods by PCR for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum

Background: It is difficult to diagnose Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection due to a lack of rapid, sensitive, and specific tests. Newer methods, which are easy and reliable, are required to diagnose TB at an early stage. Our aim is to evaluate the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, using primers directed against the IS6110 gene, for the detection of M. tuberculosis in the sputum samples, and calculate the sensitivity and specificity of PCR. Patients and methods: A total of 248 sputum samples from patients suspected of mycobacterial diseases were studied. DNA was extracted by boiling method. IS6110 PCR method by a specific pair of primers designed to amplify 123bp and 245bp sequences of the insertion sequence, 6110, in the M. tuberculosis genome was used to analyze sputum samples. Results: Totally, 32 (12.9) samples had positive culture. PCR yielded a sensitivity of 93.8 and specificity of 99.1 for the diagnosis of TB, when diagnosis was confirmed by culture. There were 2 out of 32(6.3) PCR-positive cases among the patients with non-TB disease. Conclusion: We concluded that the performance of an IS6110 PCR assay is valuable in the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis. © 2009 IDTMRC, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center

Prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme and patern of antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pnomoniae isolated from patients with urinary tract infection in Qom city during 2013-2014

Bachground: Klebsiella pnomoniae is one of the most important etiologic agents of urinary tract infection (UTI). An increasing occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among uropathogenic bacterial isolates has complicated the treatment process. The aim of this study was to determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns and prevalence of the metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme of K. pneumoniae isolates collected from UTI. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with complicated UTI reffered to hospitals in Qom city, Iran. A total of 1807 culture positive samples of pathogens were collected from the patients, among which 457 isolates were K. pneumoniae. The isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by the disc-diffusion method recommended by the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI 2013). In addition, the dubble disk synergy test was used to detect the K. pneumoniae isolates of metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme. Results: The prevalence of UTI infection due to K. pneumoniae was 25.3. Among 1807 positive urine cultures, 62.4 were from females and 37.6 from males. Results of antimicrobial susceptibility showed that the highest antibiotic resistance was seen for trimetoprium-sulfametoxazole (98.5) and the lowest resistance levels were seen for amikacin (9.4), meropenem (22.8) and imipenem (25.6). The results of the imipenem-EDTA combined disk showed that 93.2 imipenem resistance isolates were positive for the metallo-beta- lactamase enzyme. Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance and production of the metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme in K. pneumoniae uropathogenic are increasing. However, amikacin is still effective against these bacterial infections and its effectiveness should be maintained

ATTRIBUTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS IN SUICIDE OCCURRENCE

The present study aimed to determine attribution of mental disorders in suicide occurrence. By a cross-sectional study, all suicide records (n = 5188), between 1993 and 2009 in Ilam province, were investigated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was adopted. Totally, 27.5 of the suicides occurred due to mental disorders. This was significantly higher in males (29.3), individuals born in 1996(44) and 1990s (30.3), those aged 30 years and above (33.2) and suicide attempters (28.3), respectively and separately. The risk of suicide due to mental disorders was observed for females (OR = 0.85, CI = 0.74-0.97), those born in 1994 (OR = 2.82, CI = 1.27-6.24), completed suicides (OR = 0.81, CI = 0.68-0.97) and the age group 25 to 29 years old (OR = 0.82, CI = 0.66-1.01). Suicide due to mental disorders was higher among males compared to females, the rate of which was directly proportional to attempted suicide and age. It is therefore recommended that health educations be seriously carried on targeted groups

Detection of VIM-1 and IMP-1 genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and relationship with biofilm formation

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important human pathogen that is considered in recent years due to nosocomial infections resistant to treatment as well as the ability to form biofilms particularly in patients with urinary tract infection in ICU or hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of VIM1, IMP1 genes and their ability to form biofilm in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection. In the study, using culture and biochemical methods, 1807 K. pneumoniae samples were isolated from patients with urinary tract infection hospitalized or referred to hospitals in Qom in 2013–2014. For isolation of MBL producing isolates, Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) was used. Then MBL positive isolates were examined for the presence of VIM1, IMP1 genes using PCR method. Furthermore, all strains were investigated for biofilm formation by phenotypic microplate method. From 3165 urine samples cultured, 1807 isolates of K. pneumoniae were isolated and 109 strains (93.2%) were positive for MBL enzymes production. PCR results showed that the prevalence of VIM1 and IMP1 genes are 15.6 and 6.4%, respectively. The Phenotypic method indicated that 91.2% of isolates formed biofilm. Biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae isolates is high and there is a significant relationship between strong biofilm formation and prevalence of VIM1 and IMP1 genes. Also due to the presence of MBL genes in K. pneumoniae and horizontal transfer of genes to other bacteria, and to control the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the hospital infection control methods must be considered

A catalytic method for the synthesis of 4-alkyl(aryl)-6-aryl-3-cyano-2(1H)-pyridinones and their 2-imino isosteres as nonsteroidal cardiotonic agents

A highly efficient procedure for the synthesis of 4-alkyl(aryl)-6-aryl-3-cyano-2(1H)-pyridinones and their 2-imino isosteres via a one-pot multicomponent reaction of 3,4-dimethoxyacetophenone, malonitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate, an aldehyde and ammonium acetate in the presence of K2CO3 is achieved in good yields. KEY WORDS: 3-Cyano-2(1H)-pyridinones, 2-Imino, Cardiotonic, Dimethoxyacetophenone  Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2010, 24(3), 433-438

Effects of an Exercise-Oriented Rehabilitation Program on Mechanical Efficiency and Aerobic Capacity in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

AbstractObjectiveChildren suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP), exhibit movement limitations and physiological abnormalities as compared to normal individuals.The objective of this study was to assess mechanical efficiency and certain cardiovascular indices before and after an exercise-rehabilitation program in children with dipelegia spastic cerebral palsy (experimental group) in comparison with able-bodied children(controls). Material and MethodsIn this study, 15 spastic cerebral palsy (dipelegic) children participated in an exercise-rehabilitation program, three days a week for three months with an average 144bpm of heart rate. The mechanical efficiency (net, gross), rest and submaximal heart rate and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were measured before (pretest) and after (posttest) exercise program on the cycle ergometer according to the Macmaster ergometer protocol. Then control group, of 18 normal children underwent the exercise program and were assessed, following which results of the 2 groups were compared using SPSS for statistical analysis (P<0.05). ResultsMechanical efficiency (net, gross) increased significantly in CP patients after the exercise-rehabilitation program; reults did not alter significantly for the controls.Rest and submaximal heart rate in CP patients decreased significantly after exercise program. Maximal oxygen consumption, which remained unchanged in patients following the exercise program, was similar in patients and controls after the program. ConclusionCerebral palsy patients, because of their high muscle tone, severe degree of spasticity, and involuntary movements are physically more incapacitated and need more energy than normal able-bodied individuals. Rehabilitation and aerobic exercise can be effective in improving their cardiovascular fitness and muscle function and increasing their mechanical efficiency

The efficacy of ethanolic extract of lemon verbena on the skin infection due to Staphylococcus aureus in an animal model

Daily increasing of Staphylococcus aureus resistance to various antibiotics in particular penicillin and Methecilin has led the scientist to look fore new medicines in this area. In an in vitro laboratory studies, it has been demonstrated that ethanolic extract of Lemon verbena can prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. In this study the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Lemon verbena against Staphylococcus aureus skin infection were assessed in an in vivo, in animal model. 200λ of Staphylococcus aureus suspension, were inoculated intradermally on the shoulder of 63 laboratory 20-30 g mice. the mice were divided in to 4 groups, 2 control groups: Negative (without treatment) and positive(treated with Mupirucin) and 2 test groups that treated for 7 days by ointment prepared from ethanolic extract of Lemon verbena (group3), or injection of Lemon verbena solution (group 4). The status of wounds, the rate of recovery was studied and the presence of local pus after dissection of mice on day 8 recorded and compared with each other. The wound appearance in the second day, on the injection site of S. aureus, in Group 1, 4, 3 and 2 were 84.2, 66.7, 46.2 and 23.1%, respectively. In the final day, the lesion still was remained in 78.9, 23.1, 92.3 and 77.7% in groups 1 -4, respectively. The necrotic and wide wounds were more observed in groups 1 and 3 vs two other groups. The results from this investigation indicate that the ointment prepared from ethanolic extract of Lemon verbena is a proper medication to prevent the skin infection by Staphylococcus aureus in early phase. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information

A novel multi-peptide subunit vaccine admixed with AddaVax adjuvant produces significant immunogenicity and protection against Proteus mirabilis urinary tract infection in mice model

Abstract Proteus mirabilis is a common pathogen in urinary tract infections (UTIs). There is no vaccine against P. mirabilis, thus a novel multi-peptide vaccine of MrpA, UcaA and Pta factors of P. mirabilis we designed and a mice model was used to evaluate its efficacy in combination with AddaVax adjuvant. According to the bioinformatics studies, 7 fragments of MrpA (31–75, 112–146), UcaA (68–117, 132–156) and Pta (210–265, 340–400, 496–570) with B and T cell epitope regions were selected for fusion construction. Mice subcutaneously vaccinated with the fusion MrpA.Pta.UcaA induced a significant increase in serum and mucosal IgG and IgA responses. The fusion also showed a significant induction in cellular responses (Th1 and Th2). The addition of AddaVax to fusion and the mixture of MrpA, UcaA, and Pta (MUP) improved the humoral and cellular responses, especially the IgG2a and IFN-γ (Th1 responses) levels. Fusion with and without AddaVax and MUP + AddaVax could maintain significant humoral responses until 6 months after the first vaccine dose. All vaccine combinations with and without adjuvant showed high effectiveness in the protection of the bladder and kidney against experimental UTI; this could be attributed to the significant humoral and cellular responses. The present study suggests that the AddaVax-based vaccine formulations especially the fusion Pta.MrpA.UcaA admixed with AddaVax as potential vaccine candidates for protection against P. mirabilis. Furthermore, AddaVax could be considered as an effective adjuvant in designing other vaccines against UTI pathogens. Keywords UTI Proteus mirabilis AddaVax Multi-peptide vaccine Immune responses