Cellular and molecular biology最新文献

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a non-motile, encapsulated, environmental gram-negative bacterium. Once the bacteria have infiltrated the body, they can display substantial degrees of resistance to drugs and virulence. Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) are most typically seen in K. pneumoniae. The objective of this study was to investigate the morbidity and mortality associated with ESBL K. pneumoniae infection in different albino rat administration route groups. Four cohorts of albino rats were acquired and categorized into the subsequent groups: inhalation, oral administration via food, water, and control group. Each group was infected independently and the isolate administration lasted 6 days. The clinical diagnosis revealed the presence of K. pneumoniae infection. Within one day of infection, the inhalation group exhibited the initial clinical signs and symptoms, such as red eyes, coughing, and closed eyelids. Subsequently, the infection was verified through the process of sample cultivation. Additionally, blood clinical findings, including blood tests such as CBC, lipid profile, CRP, and kidney and liver function tests, further supported the confirmation of the infection. The K. pneumoniae isolates had a severe influence on the CBC, liver, and kidney functioning causing elevated liver enzymes, and high RBC levels with impaired kidney functioning. Due to K. pneumonia's affinity for lung tissue, it had the greatest impact in the albino rat inhalation group.

One of the prevailing trends in contemporary agriculture is the application of biological control. Nevertheless, several reports suggest that biocontrol bacteria exhibit poor survival rates in host plants. Consequently, the concept of shielding biological control agents by encapsulating them in outer coatings has gained popularity. Several techniques, including extrusion, spray drying, and emulsification, have been introduced to encapsulate biocontrol bacteria. Much research has focused on the preparation of suitable synthetic hormone products capable of influencing plant growth and development in agriculture. The most effective approach to address this demand is through controlled release systems. One of these techniques involves encapsulating growth hormones. The encapsulation procedure must adhere to crucial standards such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and provision for sustained viability and performance. Nonetheless, it is essential to conduct further research on the consequences of encapsulation and targeted release in organic farming systems. The creation of a novel composition grounded on biodegradable polymers has the potential to enhance the volume and quality of agricultural yields significantly. The current investigation endeavors to scrutinize the encapsulation of plant hormones and microencapsulation and their effectiveness in counteracting plant pathogens.

Extensive research on COVID-19 has revealed a notable link between the disease and thyroid disorders, highlighting complex interactions between thyroid hormones, immunomodulatory signaling molecules within the thyroid gland, and viral infections. This study evaluated the relationship between thyroid function and COVID-19 in Iraqi patients at Adiwaniyah Teaching Hospital. The cohort for this investigation comprised all patients who were admitted to the isolation center at the Teaching Hospital during the timeframe extending from January 2024 to June 2024. Each participant included in this research underwent comprehensive evaluations of their thyroid function, which is composed of the measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T3), and serum total thyroxine (T4) levels. Results showed that the serum T4 levels in all participants included in the study were observed to range from 20 to 182 (ng/dl), with the average concentration recorded at 87.26 ± 38.29 (ng/dl); no statistically significant disparity was noted in the mean serum T4 levels relative to the severity of the disease (p = 0.291). The serum TSH levels across all enrolled individuals spanned from 0.03 to 82 (mU/L), with a mean concentration of 5.55 ± 12.36 (mU/L); similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean serum TSH levels when assessed against the disease severity (p = 0.926). According to the serum thyroid hormone concentrations, the cohort was stratified into 17 (24.6%) individuals classified as hypothyroid, 34 (49.3%) categorized as euthyroid, and 18 (26.1%) identified as hyperthyroid. Furthermore, no significant correlation was identified between the disease's severity and the participants' thyroid status (p = 0.556). In conclusion, patients with COVID-19 are liable to develop thyroid function abnormalities that may explain several of the long-term symptoms associated with the disease.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are recognized as the second most common medical condition, following respiratory infections. Despite the availability of numerous efficacious antibiotics for the management of UTIs, the rising incidence of bacterial resistance presents significant challenges in the treatment of these infections. Bacteria are endowed with the ability to reproduce and develop resistance mechanisms against antibiotics. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of bacterial isolates from urinary tract infections (UTIs) to a variety of antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim, amikacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, meropenem, and novobiocin. Additionally, the study sought to quantify the levels of the inflammatory immune marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) in UTI patients. It also explored the correlation between IL-6 levels in UTI patients and healthy controls, as well as the relationship between IL-6 levels and blood parameters in both infected and healthy individuals. The present study involved the collection of 155 samples from patients diagnosed with urinary tract infections of both genders and varying age groups, ranging from 15 to 75 years, at Salah al-Din General Hospital. The findings revealed that 102 urine samples tested positive for bacterial growth, resulting in a prevalence rate of 68%. In contrast, 53 urine samples were negative for bacterial growth, reflecting a prevalence rate of 32%. The diagnostic outcomes for all isolates, following the application of laboratory diagnostic methodologies, revealed a diverse array of bacterial species, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The immunological analysis revealed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in IL-6 concentrations in the positive control group compared to the levels observed in the infected cohort. Our study concluded that significant antibiotic resistance in UTI pathogens, emphasizing the need for tailored treatments.

A medicinal plant is any plant that in one or more of its organs contains substances that can be used by it or their constituent for therapeutic purposes. The present work was done to evaluate pharmacognostic, fluorescence, proximate and phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extracts of Cistanche tubulosa (Orobanchaceae) along with antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity against four bacterial strains S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi along with five fungal strains such as F. oxyfurum, P. notatum, Candida albicans, A. fumigatus, and A. niger evaluate using agar well diffusion method. The powder drug study of various tissues of plants revealed higher concentrations (20.29 mg/l) of essential macro and micronutrients. Fluorescence analysis of the stem powdered with various chemical reagents showed different colors. Proximate analysis showed the presence of crude substances such as proteins (8.5 %), fat (1.5 %), fibres (6.6 %), carbohydrates (73.87 %), moisture contents (3.23 %) and ash contents (6.3 %) respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins and dozen other important secondary metabolites. The presence of these bioactive constituents associated with the antimicrobial activity of S. aureus showed the maximum zone of inhibition (15.1 ± 3.7 mm), while in antifungal activity C. albicans showed the highest zone of inhibition (11.0 ± 3.15 mm). The pharmacognostic study, fluorescence analysis and antimicrobial activity are helpful in the standardization of the drug establishing a good support for the use of C. tubulosa in traditional medicine.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) gene polymorphism (rs2853550) and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a sample of the Iraqi population. The study included 100 RA patients and 100 healthy controls. Demographic characteristics, including age and gender, were collected and compared between the two groups. The IL-1β (rs2853550) polymorphism was genotyped using the ARMS-PCR method. The distribution of genotypes and alleles of the IL-1β (rs2853550) polymorphism was significantly different between RA patients and healthy controls. The frequency of the heterozygous AG genotype was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (33% vs. 25%, p=0.001). The odds ratio for RA in individuals with the AG genotype was 1.5038 (95% CI: 0.7274-3.1086), indicating that it may be a potential risk factor. Additionally, the frequency of the G allele was significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls (129 vs. 109, p=0.0021), with an odds ratio of 1.5169 (95% CI: 1.0151-2.2667). The present study demonstrates that the IL-1β (rs2853550) polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in the Iraqi population. The AG genotype and the G allele of this polymorphism may serve as genetic markers for susceptibility to RA.

ABCG2 transporter protein is one of several markers of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). Gene variants of ABCG2 could affect protein expression, function, or both. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic variability of the ABCG2 gene in Mexican patients with prostate cancer. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was obtained from peripheral blood samples of 32 Mexican patients with prostate cancer. ABCG2 gene was sequenced. The electropherograms were analyzed using mutation surveyor DNA mutation analysis software (Softgenetics). The ABCG2 gene sequence revealed the presence of 22 variants: 19 previously described and three previously undescribed gene variants as part of the ABCG2 gene variability in the Mexican mestizo population (R263K G>A, R378K G>A, and Q531Q G>A). No ABCG2 variant was identified in one patient, but 1 to 12 variants were identified in the remaining 31 patients. The transition G>A was the most frequently found substitution. The largest number of ABCG2 variants was located in exon 9, and at least one of them was present in 28 of the 31 subjects in the Mexican population. The individual genetic variability of ABCG2 should be analyzed, considering its possible usefulness in personalized medicine in patients with prostate cancer.

Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant and is frequently used as an adjunct treatment in cancer therapy. Busulfan is a commonly used drug for cancer treatment. In this study, twenty-eight male rats, ten weeks old and weighing between 250 and 300 grams, were divided into four groups. The first group served as the control and received daily intraperitoneal injections of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for four weeks. The second group received a single dose of Busulfan at 40 mg/kg body weight via intraperitoneal injection. The third group received the same single dose of Busulfan along with daily intraperitoneal injections of Vitamin E at 100 mg/kg body weight for four weeks. The fourth group was given only Vitamin E at the same dosage for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected to test antioxidant enzyme levels (GSH, SOD, CAT) and analyze serum concentrations of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, and testosterone). Additionally, sperm motility and viability were assessed after collecting epididymal spermatozoa. The findings revealed that Busulfan significantly increased serum levels of both FSH and LH while causing a notable decrease in testosterone levels. Furthermore, Busulfan treatment resulted in a significant reduction in sperm count, motility, and viability, along with a marked increase in sperm morphological abnormalities. In contrast, supplementation with Vitamin E alongside Busulfan improved hormone levels and enhanced sperm function. In conclusion, Busulfan has a toxic effect on sperm and directly impacts body weight and testicular weight. However, Vitamin E demonstrates beneficial therapeutic effects on testicular tissue and enhances sperm production in rats treated with Busulfan.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant cause of liver disease and cancer worldwide. Understanding the genetic factors influencing HBV evolution is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Host genetic and environmental factors particularly influence the evolution of this infection. Recent studies have implicated the ECM1 gene in HBV pathogenesis, mainly two specific polymorphisms (rs3834087 and rs3754217). In an African cohort, we comprehensively analyzed these ECM1 gene polymorphisms and their association with HBV evolution.In this case-control analysis, 167 samples, consisting of 59 controls and 108 cases, were examined. The cases included 50 patients with Chronic Hepatitis B(CHB), 16 with cirrhosis, and 42 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genomic DNA extraction was executed using INVITROGEN and FAVORGEN kits. Genotyping of rs3834087 and rs3754217 polymorphisms in the ECM1 gene was accomplished via real-time PCR on the QuantStudioTM 5 Real-Time instrument, followed by allelic discrimination using TaqMan Genotyper Software. Data was interpreted using SPSS version 20 and Epi info version 7.5.2.0. Odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), and p-values were derived for risk and significance evaluation.In our study, the heterozygous genotype (GT) of rs3754217 could confer protection to controls against the onset of chronic hepatitis in the event of infection (OR=0.05; CI=0.006-0.46; p=0.002). In addition, carriage of mutated alleles of the two (2) polymorphisms was associated with the course of infection and may influence the appearance of severe forms at certain stages of the disease.Our study is the first to assess the association between polymorphisms (rs3834087 and rs3754217) in the ECM1 gene and the course of HBV infection in Burkina Faso. It showed that combining specific genotypes of the two (2) polymorphisms would be associated with protection against chronic hepatitis.

Uropathogens, particularly bacteria, can infect any part of the urinary tract and cause bacteriuria. Our study aimed to examine the antibiotic-resistant profile, associated risk factors, and phenotypic and genotypic features of ESBL, carbapenemase, and mcr resistance genes in multidrug-resistant bacteria. Samples were inoculated on culture media, identified using standard biochemical tests, and species confirmation was performed via 16S rRNA gene amplification. Furthermore, antibiotic susceptibilities were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The phenotypically confirmed resistant strains were further inspected for ESBL, carbapenemases, and mcr variants using PCR. Merely 57.24% (83/145) of the samples exhibited growth. Of these, 39.70% (33/83) were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae, 27.70% (23/83) as Escherichia coli, 10.80% (9/83) as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9.60% (8/83) as Staphylococcus aureus, 7.20% (6/83) as Proteus mirabilis, and 4.80% (4/83) as Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Overall, 22.54% (16/71) of the gram-negative strains were confirmed molecularly to have resistant genes. The ESBL - producers accounted for 21.74% (5/23) of E. coli, 21.21% (7/33) of K. pneumoniae, and 22.22% (2/9) of P. aeruginosa. Likewise, carbapenemase-harboring strains included 6.06% (2/33) of K. pneumoniae, 4.35% (1/23) of E. coli, and 11.11% (1/9) of P. aeruginosa. Notably, 3.03% (1/33) of K. pneumoniae, 8.70% (2/23) of E. coli, and 11.11% (1/9) of P. aeruginosa strains tested positive for the mcr-1 gene. None of the Proteus strains showed any resistant genes. The most common variants were blaSHV-11 (non-ESBL) and blaCTX-M-15 (ESBL) accounted for 28.57% (4/14) each, blaTEM-116 accounted for 14.29% (2/14), blaSHV-1, blaSHV-75, blaTEM-1 and blaOXA-1 accounted for 7.14% (1/14) each of the ESBL. Similarly, the carbapenemase variants included blaOXA-48, blaNDM-1, blaVIM-1, and blaKPC-2, each accounting for 25.0% (1/4), while 37.50% (6/16) of the strains exhibited co-existence of different gene variants. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that females, especially those in middle age, were more infected. These pathogens exhibited a wide range of ESBL, carbapenemase, and mcr-1 variants. Imipenem was suggested as the preferred medication.