Allergenic Ribosomal P Proteins | Author : M Serdal Sevinc* and Hari M Vijay | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Characteristics of ribosomal P proteins
Ribosomal P proteins are small molecules (10-11 kDa) that form the ribosomal stalk structure which plays a key role in the elongation step of protein translation [1]. Ribosomal P proteins have an isoelectric point in a very acidic range (pI 3-4), and are phosphorylated. For these reasons, they are also called acidic ribosomal P proteins. In addition to ribosome-bound P proteins, they are also found in a free-state in cytoplasm and an exchange occurs between the nucleus and cytoplasmic sites [2]. Free ribosomal proteins are contained in the nuclear sap and participate in the assembly of ribosome subunits that takes place in the nucleolus. Ribosomal proteins are ubiquitous and abundant in the cell. They are prime candidates for recruitment towards extraribosomal functions that are often related to overall cellular health, such as balancing the synthesis of the RNA and protein components of the ribosome and involving in apoptosis [3]. |
| Impact of the “Omics Sciences” in Medicine: New Era for Integrative Medicine | Author : Noelia Clemente Plaza, Manuel Reig García-Galbis and Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa* | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background and objective: This work collects and analyses information about the evolution of medical practice during the last centuries. The main aim is to summarise new insights on “omics sciences” and their impact in medicine.
Methods: Use of appropriate keywords, use of different engines of research information and the subsequent bibliometric analysis of the information.
Results: The impact of the “omics sciences” in the early diagnosis of diseases is highly significant. Consequently, the implementation of “omics sciences” in medical practises contribute to the improvement of the monitoring and treatment of several diseases (particularly those based on molecular disorders).
Conclusions: Advances in the techniques of biotechnology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology are the source of the emergence and rapid evolution of a new omics era. This omic era has allowed the introduction and development of a medicine much more optimised and personalised, which is considered by many professionals as the medicine of the 21st century. This work is timely due to the high international interest for personalised medicine, healthcare and quick medical diagnosis. |
| Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Blood Specimens and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Acinetobacter Species in a University Hospital, Konya | Author : Selin Ugrakli, Emine Ülkü Okumus and Metin Dogan* | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Acinetobacter species are important nosocomial pathogens because they can develop resistance to antibiotics and survive for a long time in the hospital environment. This study aimed to investigate the changes in antibiotic resistance profiles of Acinetobacter spp. strains isolated from blood speciemens of hospitalized patients in our hospital.
Between 01.01.2014 – 31.12.2015, 19244 blood samples from hospitalized patients with suspected bacteremia in different departments of the Meram Medical Faculty were incubated by automated blood culture system BacT / Alert 3D ( BioMerieux, France).
Of the 19244 blood specimens collected from different wards of the hospital, 3347samples (17,3%) showed bacterial growth after incubation. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibilities of clinical isolates were determined by conventional methods and an automated system (VITEK 2 Compact, Biomerieux, France) according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).
Distribution of strains isolated from blood culture were identified as Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus
(n=1755, 52 %), Enterococcus spp. ( n=267, 8 %), Klebsiella spp. (n=182, 5 %), E.coli (n=182, 5 %), Candida spp. (n=153, 5 %), Pseudomonas spp. (n=91, 3 %), Staphylococcus aureus ( n=72, 2 %) and other bacteria. The identified isolates as Acinetobacter baummanii (n=152, 5 %) and Acinetobacter spp. (n=2, 0,1 % ) from blood specimens which were collected from intensive care units (n=111, 72.2 %) and other clinics (n=43, 27.8 %) of our hospital, all specimens in the study were consisted of hospitalized patients.
In this study, the results of in vitro antibiotic susceptibility test of Acinetotobacter strains isolated from blood culture will be evaluated. Susceptibility to ceftazidime was 8 %, amikacin 25 %, imipenem 5 %, meropenem 6 %, tigesiklin 94 %, colistin 98 %, gentamicin 34 %, cefepime 5 %, ceftazidim 8 %, piperacillintazobactam 5 %, ampicillin-sulbactam 7 %, ciprofl oxacin 5 %, levofl oxacin 4 %. Results of antibiotic susceptibility tests for Acinetobacter species initiated that the most effective antibio tics were colistin and tigecycline with the resistance ratio 2 %, 6 %, respectively. Compared with other antibiotics, lower rates of resistance to amikacin and gentamicin were observed.
The in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test results of this study reveal that Acinetobacter species strains demostrated high resistance ratio against all beta-lactam drugs including carbapenems and quinolones.
In conclusion, the presents of this study determine that colistin has the best activity against Acinetobacter species strains. Morever, amicasin and gentamicin may be good choices for the empirical treatment because of lower resistance ratio than other antibiotics. |
| The First Evidence of Epidemic Strain Clostridium Difficile (027/NAP1/BI) in Eastern Croatia | Author : Maja Tomic Paradžik*, Dijana Andric, Domagoj Drenjancevic and Jasminka Talapko | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive spore-forming anaerobe that can be found in the stomach and the intestines of healthy people. There are two forms of C. difficile bacteria – an active form that cannot survive in the environment for long periods of time and the dominant form, a spore, which can survive for a long period of time. Spores are very difficult to remove from surfaces and therefore can contaminate the environment by living on them for weeks to months. Spores cause infection after they have been ingested and have germinated into the active form of C. difficile. When the normal fl ora of the intestinal tract is disrupted (e.g. with antibiotics), C. difficile can multiply and produce toxins that cause mild to very severe diarrhea known as Clostridium diffi cile infection or CDI [1,2]. |
| Evaluation of Preliminary Phytochemical Constituents and Antibacterial Activity of Edible Plants against Urinary Tract Infection Causing Bacteria in Children | Author : Arun Thangavel*, Omprakash Sahu, Saravanan Ponnappan, Abenezer Tadele, Gezahegn Abawa and Karthikeyan M | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The present study is aimed to determine the preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of acetone extract of the edible plants, Solanum nigrum (L.), Murraya koenigii (L.), Sesbania grandiflora (L.) against urinary tract infection causing bacteria in children. These edible plant extracts were checked for their antibacterial activity by the agar disc diffusion method. The preliminary phytochemical screening of this extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, proteins, amino acids, anthraquinone glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, saponins and steroids. In the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, Ciprofl oxacin showed the high zone formation against all the isolated bacterial strains. Among all the extracts, Murraya koenigii (L.) from winter season showed maximum inhibitory activity for all the isolated bacterial strains. The minimal inhibitory concentration values of the acetone extract of these three edible plants from two different seasons against the isolated bacterial strains were observed. The acetone extracts of these edible plants have a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and support the traditional use of these plants as medicines. |
| Talins and Cancer | Author : Mohamed S Attia Gaballah, Zeinab A Hassan and Mahmoud Youns* | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Talin is a large cytoskeletal adaptor protein that is an important component of focal adhesion complexes of adherent cells. It was originally identified as a component of focal adhesions and ruffling membranes of fibroblasts. It was the first cytoplasmic protein partner of integrins to be identified. Many studies proved that talin connects the intracellular actin cytoskeleton with the extracellular environment through interactions with integral membrane proteins in the dynamic focal adhesions. The modular structure of talin is responsible for its ability to serve as a linker protein. It was thought that animal cells contained only one talin. However, studies have been identified a second talin (Talin-2) in vertebrates. Talin-1 levels are very low in brain and striated muscle, but high in kidney, liver, spleen, stomach, lung, and rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Talin-2 levels are high in brain and striated muscle. The variable expression of Talin-2 in these differentiated cells reflects that these proteins have different roles, which would be reflected in different properties of each protein. Moreover, Talins may be a good target for treatment of certain types of cancers. Talins levels are altered in various types of cancer indicating its possible use as cancer biomarker. |
| Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolates from Healthy Poultry, Bovine and Ovine in Tunisia: A Real Animal and Human Health Threat | Author : Mohamed Salah Abbassi*, Hajer Kilani, Mohamed Zouari, Riadh Mansouri, Oussama El Fekih, Salah Hammami and Noureddine Ben Chehida | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :A total of 174 E. coli isolates collected from healthy poultry, bovine and ovine recovered between December 2009 and June 2013 in different geographic location in Tunisia, were assessed and examinated for resistance to antimicrobial agents. Avian isolates showed the highest rates of antibiotic resistance: tetracycline (74.7 %), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin with the same rate of resistance (57 %). Prevalences of resistance to the same four antimicrobials in bovine isolates were 33.3 %, 65 %, 30 %, 28.3 %, respectively. However, for ovine isolates, low resistance rates were observed, except for tetracycline (40 %) and amoxicillin (22.85 %). Only one ESBL-producing isolate from chicken was detected. In addition, seventy-seven (44.2 %) isolates were resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics and were considered multidrug resistant (MDR). Interestingly, avian E. coli isolates were more resistant than bovine and ovine ones. These results provide novel insights into the epidemiological characteristics of poultry, bovine and ovine E.coli isolates in Tunisia, and suggest the need for the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in husbandry and the urgent need to establish a national antibiotic resistance monitoring program. |
| An Account of Dengue Epidemics in Central India | Author : Priyanka Namdev, Rajesh K Mondal, Rupesh K Srivastava, Vandana Soni and Rajaneesh Anupam* | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Dengue virus is one of most rapidly growing arthropod born viral disease in the world which has serious health and economic implications. Dengue infection can lead to life threating condition with no specific drug or vaccine currently available for its treatment or prevention. The scenario of dengue infections in developing and under developed countries is very grim with increase in the number of endemics and poor health care infrastructure. The situation in central India needs more attention because it is backward, underdeveloped and tribal dominated region of India. Over the past five decades there have been various outbreaks of dengue in central India. An overview of reported outbreaks has been presented here and many outbreaks have not even been scientifically studied and validated, which is essential to get a real picture of the prevalence of dengue in central India. |
| Relationship between Il28b Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development within Vietnamese Hepatitis B Virus Carriers | Author : Ngo Tat Trung, Dao Phuong Giang, Dao Thanh Quyen, Mai Thanh Binh, Mai Hong Bang, Nguyen Linh Toan, Phan Quoc Hoan and Le Huu Song* | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :IL28B’s SNPs are considered the most important host factors predicting the success of Peg-INF alpha/ribavirin based regimens against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the associations of HBV mediated etiologies have not been well documented. This study investigated the relationship between the three most clinically relevant IL28B SNPs (rs8099917, rs12980275, and rs12979860) with the risk of HBV/HCV infection and HCC development within Vietnamese HBV carriers. By using kinetics and allele specifi c real-time PCR, the study demonstrated holders of the T/G allele at SNP rs8099917 were less susceptible to HBV/HCV infection. Notably, HBV carriers with the SNP rs8099917 T/G allele were at lower risk of being transformed into HCC. However, because of a small sample size, statistical analysis did not reach significance to demonstrate an association between frequencies of IL28B SNPs and HBV mediated HCC development, even though only the minor allele carriers (either 4 G/G cases of rs8099917 or one T/T case of rs12979860) were recorded in the HCC group. |
| Membrane and Secretory Protein Extraction of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Mycobacterium Bovis Using One Dimensional Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) | Author : M K Sharifi Yazdi, Mohammad Khalifeh-Gholi, H Choobineh, A Hadizadeh Tasbiti*, S Sharifi Yazdi and Sh Yari | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background & Aim: Despite the drug resistance M.bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) are still regarded as two of the global health problems in the world. In the present study, a comparison was made between protein profiles of M.bovis and MTB in order to achieve effective biomarkers for diagnosis of TB. The clinical samples, sputum and gastric lavage (and the other samples) were processed by N-acetyl-Lcysteine-sodium hydroxide methods and consequently were cultured on Lowenstein–Jensen medium. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and bovis strains were distinguished according to the biochemical tests and susceptibility testing system. Colonies were grown in 7H9 medium and membrane and secretory proteins were extracted, purifi ed by ammonium sulfate and refrigerated alcohol methods. The protein contents were measured by Bradford method. Comparison of protein bands in each strain were performed by one dimensional electrophoresis. The major discrepancy between the two strains in the banding separation membrane proteins could be observed in 45 and 60 KDa and also less than 45 and 14 KDa. The results showed that discrepancy in the proteins bands could be used as protein effective biomarker for TB diagnosis. We should use antibody against TB for further investigation for rapid TB diagnosis |
| Talins, hopes and promises | Author : Mohamed S. Attia Gaballah*, Mahmoud Youns, Zeinab A. Hassan | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Talins were the firstly identifi ed cytoplasmic protein partners of integrins. Vertebrates have two talin genes, TLN1 and TLN2, which encode Talin-1 and Talin-2, respectively. Talin-1 is essential for cell adhesion and motility and is the primary talin component of focal adhesions. Many studies have demonstrated, involvement of talins in different mechanisms inside many body cells, induction of some diseases. Moreover, recent and ongoing research indicates the diagnostic and prognostic roles of talins in various clinical settings especially in critically ill patients. Additionally, talins may be a good target for treatment of certain types of diseases. Talins levels are altered in various physiological and pathological conditions indicating its importance and possible use as a biomarker or a tool for diagnosis or treatment. However, further research using talins in various clinical settings will prove its cost-effectiveness and clinical usefulness. |
| ß-glucuronidase activity determination as an indirect estimate of Escherichia coli: development of a miniaturized assay and its application to seawater samples | Author : Caruso G*, Caruso R, Monticelli LS, Maimone G and Crisafi E | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Background: The search of rapid methods for the detection of Escherichia coli in coastal marine waters is a topic of scientific interest to evaluate potential risks to human health related to their low bacteriological quality.
The context and purpose of the study: A miniaturized assay for the analytical determination of ß-glucuronidase activity in seawater as a selective marker of Escherichia coli was developed by using the chromogenic Indoxyl-ß-D-glucuronide (IBDG) substrate. This compound is specifically cleaved by E. coli, releasing an insoluble chromophoric blue-indigo product that precipitates and is measured at 450 nm wavelength by a microplate reader.
Results: After its preliminary optimization, the enzymatic assay was applied to the analysis of seawater samples and enabled to discriminate them according to their pollution level.
Main findings: The first obtained data proved the suitability of the developed miniaturized enzymatic assay for fecal contamination monitoring. It can be used for the detection and indirect quantification of E. coli, without the need for confirmatory steps.
Conclusions: This study suggests that the proposed analytical protocol is suitable for E. coli monitoring in seawater, and provides in a short time (i.e. 2 hours from sampling) results which are in agreement with the standard culture counts.
Brief summary: The results obtained with the developed IBDG protocol encourage its use for environmental quality assessment.
Any potential implications: The possibility to obtain near “real-time” data on the occurrence and distribution of anthropogenic inputs makes this method a simple and quick tool for early warning detection of marine fecal pollution. |
| Antibiotic Susceptibility of the First Streptococcus Constellatus Isolated from Epidural Abscess in Dakar | Author : Assane Dieng*, Serigne ML Ndiaye, Khadidiatou Gueye, Frederic C Diaz, Samba Diao, Safi etou Ngom, Habsa Diagne, Moustapha Cisse, Maguette Diop, Pape I Ndiaye, Makhtar Camara and Cheikh SB Boye | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Streptococcus constellatus can sometimes cause serious invasive infections, as infections of the liver
and lung, brain abscesses, bacteraemia, endocarditis and intra-abdominal infections.
The study aimed to identify S.constellatus and to assess their susceptibility to several antibiotics.
Methods: In a 59-year-old patient hospitalized in intensive unit care for an epidural abscess, pus was
collected and bacterial were grown, then bacterial identifi cation was performed by routine laboratory methods.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using standard disk diffusion method and MIC of
several antibiotics was determined by using the BioMérieux Vitek 2.
Results: S.constellatus was identifi ed in abscess and was resistant to penicillin, aminoglycosides,
macrolides, lincomycin, and fl uoroquinolones. Only vancomycin, pristinamycin and rifampin were active.
Conclusion: S.constellatus is considered commensal organism, but identifi cation and antibiotic
susceptibility of this species are necessary for good management of the abscess. |
| Biochemical parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) exposed to Cadmium change to the leaf extract of Abutilon indicum | Author : S Rajeshwari* and SP Sevarkodiyone | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Heavy metals pollution in aquatic ecosystem is global issue due to persistence and continuous accumulation of these pollutants in aquatic environment. This results in excess release of heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc etc. The contamination by heavy metals in plants and water is one of the major issues to be faced throughout the world and requires attention because heavy metals above their normal ranges are extremely threatened to both plant and animal life. The Common carp, Cyprinus carpio was exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium for various exposure periods (10, 20, and 30days). Carbohydrate lipids and protein were measured both in control and experimental fi sh. During various exposure periods (10, 20, and 30days), the levels of carbohydrate lipids and protein levelss were (P<0.05) signifi cantly elevated in the experimental fi sh over the control and the serum total protein was decreased signifi cantly (P<0.05) in experimental fish. |
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