Microplastics (MPs) are synthetic contaminants that have received global attention due to their ubiquitous occurrence, extreme durability, and capacity to harm ecosystems and human health. This study ...investigated the occurrence of MPs in three fish species (Channa striata, Puntius sophore and Anabas testudineus) collected from two locations (Ashulia Bridge and Mirpur Road) of the Turag River, which flows alongside the Dhaka city, Bangladesh. MPs abundance (items/individuals) was highest in Channa striata (3.8 ± 0.6) from the Ashulia Bridge area and lowest in Puntius sophore (1.8 ± 0.4) from the Mirpur Road area. Fiber was found to be the most dominant (89–93%) form of MPs followed by fragments (21–35%), films (0–26%) and foams (0–5%). The dominant color of MPs was blue (69–83%), then red (20–33%), black (11–14%), green (8–20%), and purple (6–8%). The majority (56–71%) of the MPs assessed were <0.5 mm in size, followed by 0.5–1.0 mm (29–33%) and 1–5 mm (38–53%). ATR-FTIR examination revealed three specific polymer varieties - PP (40%), PS (30%) and LDPE (30%). The results of this study provided a baseline of MPs pollution in one of the major protein sources freshwater fishes and raised concern on public health particularly who consume fishes from the urban waterways.
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Aims
The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of aluminium oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) against multidrug‐resistant clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and their ...interaction with cell envelope biomolecules.
Methods and Results
Al2O3 NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HR‐TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Antibacterial activity and interaction of Al2O3 NPs with E. coli and its surface biomolecules were assessed by spectrophotometry, SEM, HR‐TEM and attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR). Of the 80 isolates tested, about 64 (80%) were found to be extended spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) positive and 16 (20%) were non‐ESBL producers. Al2O3 NPs at 1000 μg ml−1 significantly inhibited the bacterial growth. SEM and HR‐TEM analyses revealed the attachment of NPs to the surface of cell membrane and also their presence inside the cells due to formation of irregular‐shaped pits and perforation on the surfaces of bacterial cells. The intracellular Al2O3 NPs might have interacted with cellular biomolecules and caused adverse effects eventually triggering the cell death. ATR‐FTIR studies suggested the interaction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and L‐α‐Phosphatidyl‐ethanolamine (PE) with Al2O3 NPs. Infrared (IR) spectral changes revealed that the LPS could bind to Al2O3 NPs through hydrogen binding and ligand exchange. The Al2O3 NPs‐induced structural changes in phospholipids may lead to the loss of amphiphilic properties, destruction of the membrane and cell leaking.
Conclusions
The penetration and accumulation of NPs inside the bacterial cell cause pit formation, perforation and disorganization and thus drastically disturb its proper function. The cell surface biomolecular changes revealed by ATR‐FTIR spectra provide a better understanding of the cytotoxicity of Al2O3 NPs.
Significance and Impact of the Study
Al2O3 NPs may serve as broad‐spectrum bactericidal agents to control the emergent pathogens regardless of their drug‐resistance mechanisms.
Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a rapid and proven method for the compositional analysis of raw milk; however, its usage is limited to laboratories due to instrumentation cost and bulkiness. The ...objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Fabry–Pérot Interferometer (FPI)-based micro NIR sensors to quantify macro-components in raw milk such as fat, protein, lactose, and total solids for in-situ analysis. An experimental prototype was designed to acquire the spectra of 250 raw milk samples in transmission mode using two micro NIR sensors. Calibration models were developed for macro-components of raw milk using partial least square (PLS) regression, and prediction performance was assessed using statistical metrics. It was observed that the sensor S-2.0 was able to quantify fat (RMSEP = 0.15 %), protein (RMSEP = 0.15 %) and total solids (RMSEP = 0.30 %). However, S-2.5 resulted in relatively lower prediction accuracy for fat (RMSEP = 0.35 %) and protein (RMSEP = 0.33 %), possibly due to the NIR region's lower penetration power where the sensor S-2.5 captures the response. The results showed that the micro/handheld NIR sensors could quantify certain macro-components (fat and protein) in raw milk, while they may not be suitable for other components (e.g., lactose).
•The potential of micro NIR sensors to quantify raw milk macro-components.•Effect of a lower resolution and limited spectral range of micro NIR sensors.•Influence of NIR regions on penetration power and signal-to-noise ratio.•Obstacles in acquiring the reflectance spectra of raw milk using micro NIR sensors.
The pathogenicity in Candida spp was attributed by several virulence factors such as production of tissue damaging extracellular enzymes, germ tube formation, hyphal morphogenesis and establishment ...of drug resistant biofilm. The objective of present study was to investigate the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on growth, cell morphology and key virulence attributes of Candida species.
AgNPs were synthesized by the using seed extract of
(Sc), and were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ScAgNPs were used to evaluate their antifungal and antibacterial activity as well as their potent inhibitory effects on germ tube and biofilm formation and extracellular enzymes viz. phospholipases, proteinases, lipases and hemolysin secreted by
spp.
The MICs values of ScAgNPs were ranged from 0.125-0.250 mg/ml, whereas the MBCs and MFCs were 0.250 and 0.500 mg/ml, respectively. ScAgNPs significantly inhibit the production of phospholipases by 82.2, 75.7, 78.7, 62.5, and 65.8%; proteinases by 82.0, 72.0, 77.5, 67.0, and 83.7%; lipase by 69.4, 58.8, 60.0, 42.9, and 65.0%; and hemolysin by 62.8, 69.7, 67.2, 73.1, and 70.2% in
,
,
,
and
, respectively, at 500 μg/ml. ScAgNPs inhibit germ tube formation in C. albicans up to 97.1% at 0.25 mg/ml. LIVE/DEAD staining results showed that ScAgNPs almost completely inhibit biofilm formation in C. albicans. TEM analysis shows that ScAgNPs not only anchored onto the cell surface but also penetrated and accumulated in the cytoplasm that causes severe damage to the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane.
To summarize, the biosynthesized ScAgNPs strongly suppressed the multiplication, germ tube and biofilm formation and most importantly secretion of hydrolytic enzymes (viz. phospholipases, proteinases, lipases and hemolysin) by Candia spp. The present research work open several avenues of further study, such as to explore the molecular mechanism of inhibition of germ tubes and biofilm formation and suppression of production of various hydrolytic enzymes by Candida spp.
<正>Objective:To delineate immunomodulatory role of histamine on antibody generation pr of ile in rabbit in the present dose-dependent histamine study.Methods:The cohort comprised of three ...groups(Ⅲ,ⅣandⅤ),containing six rabbits each,and received subcutaneous histamine 50μg/kg×bis in die(b.i.d.),100μg/kg×b.i.d.and 200μg/kg X b.i.d.,respectively for 10 days (starting from the 1st day).They were subsequently immunized on the 3rd day with intravenous injection of sheep blood cell(SRBC)(1×10 cells/mL).GroupⅡ(positive control)(n=6) received vehicle(sterile distilled water) and immunized at day 3 similarly while groupⅠ(negative control) (n=6) remained non-immunized and received only vehicle.All experimentations were performed in triplicate.Blood samples were collected on pre-immunization(pre-I)(day 0),as well as on days 7-,14-,21-,28- and 58- post-immunization(post-I).Immunological parameterstotal immunoglobulins(Igs),IgM and IgGwere analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.Results:Histamine could influence a detectable antibody response to SRBC as early as day 7-post-I,which lasted until day 58- post-I.The results were found statistically significant(P< 0.05).Conclusions:Our results provide evidence that histamine has a short-term effect on antibody generation(until its presence in the body),and the antibody generation titer in vivo were affected by the concentration of histamine.
Purpose: Different approaches have been used for preventing biofilm-related infections in health care settings. Many of these methods have their own de-merits, which include chemical-based ...complications; emergent antibiotic resistant strains, etc. The formation of biofilm is the hallmark characteristic of Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis infection, which consists of multiple layers of bacteria encased within an exopolysachharide glycocalyx. Nanotechnology may provide the answer to penetrate such biofilms and reduce biofilm formation. Therefore, the aim of present study was to demonstrate the biofilm formation by methicillin resistance S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin resistance S. epidermidis (MRSE) isolated from wounds by direct visualisation applying tissue culture plate, tube and Congo Red Agar methods. Materials and Methods: The anti-biofilm activity of AgNPs was investigated by Congo Red, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) techniques. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be in the range of 11.25-45 μg/ml. The AgNPs coated surfaces effectively restricted biofilm formation of the tested bacteria. Double fluorescent staining (propidium iodide staining to detect bacterial cells and fluorescein isothiocyanate concanavalin A (Con A-FITC) staining to detect the exopolysachharides matrix) technique using CLSM provides the visual evidence that AgNPs arrested the bacterial growth and prevent the glycocalyx formation. In our study, we could demonstrate the complete anti-biofilm activity AgNPs at a concentration as low as 50 μg/ml. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that AgNPs can be exploited towards the development of potential anti-bacterial coatings for various biomedical and environmental applications. In the near future, the AgNPs may play major role in the coating of medical devices and treatment of infections caused due to highly antibiotic resistant biofilm.
OBJECTIVES: Acne is a common skin disorder, commonly prevalent in younger adults and characterized with papules, cysts and skin scar. Acne is often reported to result in psychological distress, low ...self-esteem and reduced quality of life. The prevalence and management of acne varies among countries according to gender, ethnicity and age group mostly due to hereditary causes, social behaviors, and environmental factors. The data on acne prevalence, distribution of clinical forms of acne in Pakistan is still limited. There is a need to its study prevalence, sociodemographic factors and gender preference associated with management of acne in local population. To determine prevalence and distribution of clinical forms of acne among students of pharmacy at Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Further, to explore a relationship between its prevalence sociodemographic factors, geographical location and life style. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on students in Pharmacy department the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to a representative number of students representing the whole population. RESULTS: Overall, 83.45% were females aged 20-25 years. Individuals with oily skin type were most likely affected (62%) with acne while 80% of participants affected by some form of acne. In our sample mild (55.8 %), moderate (28.5 %) papular-pustular and severe comedonal (4%) were most prevent affecting mostly the face. Only 2.4% had sought doctors' advice, and 18.4% tried some form of medical treatment, out of which 11.7% used topical treatment and 6.7% used oral treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that acne and its associated complications are highly prevalent in younger adults in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. While, only third of participants sought medical help, and lack of preference or knowledge to treat the illness. These findings emphasize the need of educating the local youth and improve their awareness about acne treatments.
OBJECTIVES: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized with reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and uncontrollable behaviors (compulsions), paralyzing patient's ...comprehension and reducing his quality of life. In today's fast changing world, periodic epidemiological studies on OCD patients are essential to ensure proper clinical diagnosis and treatment for such patients and to promote a healthier and productive society. The objective of study was to get an update on descriptive epidemiology of OCD in local population of Bahawalpur Pakistan. METHODS: A retrospective study on prevalence of self-reported OCD in patients age 11-20, 21-30, and 31-40 and above 40 years. Followed by seven months (November 2013-May 2014) longitudinal analysis of clinical predictors of OCD according to DSM-IV criteria as reported in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. RESULTS: We found that the OCD prevalence rate is 46% as observed in 480 individuals over the course of seven months. Milder OCD (34%) was most occurring form and cleanness (26%) was most common obsession in OCD patients in Bahawalpur Pakistan. There was no specific pattern in gender distribution of OCD but its prevalence and severity was increased with increase in age, and it was highest in individuals >40 years age (59.5%), followed by 31-40 years (53.5%), 21-30 years (48.5) and 11-20 years (46%). Most of the OCD cases also fall under the criteria of depression, social phobia and stress. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OCD seems to be underestimated in local population, perhaps due to cultural and societal reasons. Our analysis suggests that despite the heterogenic nature of the disease there is a significant diagnostic overlap with other DSM disorders. Our data suggest that risk factors such as advance age, family history of depression and stress were found to contribute towards OCD, same as it is previously reported in literature.
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