Quorum sensing (QS) is a perfectly orchestrated molecular communication system. It is a boon for Klebsiella pneumoniae, and bane for the host. This system is believed to make K. pneumoniae a leading cause of multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial infections. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential of medicinal plant extracts through interfering with QS of K. pneumoniae. The effect of different concentrations of ethanolic extracts of cinnamon and clove on K. pneumoniae was determined by analyzing the growth curve, survival assay (MTT), Qualitative and quantitative biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, along with studying gene expression of the genes encoding the above traits, using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The low concentrations of the plant extracts did not affect neither on the bacterial growth, nor on the viability of K. pneumoniae, supported with growth curves. Additionally, the biofilm production was inhibited even by lower plant concentrations, and both cinnamon and clove extracts were able to render the MDR bacteria to be more susceptible to antibiotics. At the molecular levels, the bacterium treated with either clove or cinnamon or in combination showed under expression of the biofilm formation regulation gene (bssS), the carbapenem resistance gene (bla), as well as the QS target gene (LuxS). Both clove and cinnamon ethanolic extracts exerted potent impacts on reducing pathogenic traits regulated by QS in K. pneumoniae. Finally, the study recommends further exploration of clove and cinnamon extracts separately or in combination to develop alternative therapies against MDR K. pneumoniae infections.
The paper generates a geological model of a giant Middle East oil reservoir, the model constructed based on the field data of 161 wells. The main aim of the paper was to recognize the value of the reservoir to investigate the feasibility of working on the reservoir modeling prior to the final decision of the investment for further development of this oilfield. Well log, deviation survey, 2D/3D interpreted seismic structural maps, facies, and core test were utilized to construct the developed geological model based on comprehensive interpretation and correlation processes using the PETREL platform. The geological model mainly aims to estimate stock-tank oil initially in place of the reservoir. In addition, three scenarios were applie
... Show MoreThe aim of this paper is to present a method for solving third order ordinary differential equations with two point boundary condition , we propose two-point osculatory interpolation to construct polynomial solution. The original problem is concerned using two-points osculatory interpolation with the fit equal numbers of derivatives at the end points of an interval [0 , 1] . Also, many examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability, accuracy and efficiency of the method by compared with conventional method .
After the fall of the Third Dynasty of Ur at the hands of the Elamites during the reign of its last ruler, King Ibi-Sin, the Amorites continued to flow more into Mesopotamia in the form of large migrations that established a number of contemporary and conflicting ruling dynasties that formed the Old Babylonian era. Among these dynasties was the Larsa dynasty, founded by King Nablanum in the city of Larsa. The fourth king who ruled in the Larsa dynasty, Gungunum, was one of the most powerful kings who stood up to the Isin dynasty, which had until that time enjoyed great political superiority in the country. The kings who ruled after him expanded their influence and controlled a number of cities, especially the cities of Nippur and Uruk, whic
... Show MorePPSU hollow fiber nanofiltration membranes are prepared by applying two concentrations and various extrusion pressures according to the phase inversion method. Cross-sectional area and outer structures were characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In additional to the pore size distribution, either the mean roughness or the mean pore size of the PPSU hollow fiber surfaces was evaluated by AFM. It was found that the morphology of the PPSU fibers had both sponge-like and finger-like structures through different extrusion pressures and PPSU concentrations. The mean pore size and mean roughness for inner and outer surfaces were seen to be decreased with the increase of extrusion pressure at
... Show MoreGas hydrate formation poses a significant threat to the production, processing, and transportation of natural gas. Accurate predictions of gas hydrate equilibrium conditions are essential for designing the gas production systems at safe operating conditions and mitigating the problems caused by hydrates formation. A new hydrate correlation for predicting gas hydrate equilibrium conditions was obtained for different gas mixtures containing methane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The new correlation is proposed for a pressure range of 1.7-330 MPa, a temperature range of 273-320 K, and for gas mixtures with specific gravity range of 0.553 to 1. The nonlinear regression technique was applie
This research aims to investigate and improve multi-user free space optic systems (FSO) based on a hybrid subcarrier multiplexing spectral amplitude coding-optical code division multiple access (SCM-SAC-OCDMA) technique using MS code with a direct decoding technique. The performance is observed under different weather conditions including clear, rain, and haze conditions. The investigation includes analyzing the proposed system mathematically using MATLAB and OptiSystem software. The simulation is carried out using a laser diode. Furthermore, the performances of the MS code in terms of angles of bit rate, beam divergence and noise are evaluated based on bit error rate (BER), received
Background: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) relates to the torch virus family and is believed to have a substantial impact on mortality and perinatal events, as shown by epidemiological and viral studies. Moreover, there have been documented cases of EBV transmission occurring via the placenta. Nevertheless, the specific location of the EBV infection inside the placenta remains uncertain. Methods: The genomic sequences connected to the latent EBV gene and the levels of lytic EBV gene expression in placental chorionic villous cells are examined in this work. A total of 86 placentas from patients who had miscarriage and 54 placentas from individuals who had successful births were obtained for analysis. Results: The research employed QPCR to dete
... Show MoreThe relationship between respiratory diseases and natural geographical variables relative to temperature, relative humidity, wind and solar radiation is a strong one.
The environmental factors have impact on increasing the proportion of people with respiratory diseases in the province of Najaf, especially industrial pollution and working conditions as well as the economic level.
Ah-Mishkhab was in the first rank in terms of the number of people infected with respiratory diseases reached 135177 and 41%, followed by Najaf governorate which reached its numbers to 77801 and 23%. The district of Kufa ranked third with 42051 and 13%, and the other administrative units at fourth and fifth rank respectively.
When comparing diseases and
The aim of this paper is to determine the flexural moment capacity of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) two-way slabs based on three models proposed by previous studies (Model 1, Model 2, and Model 3). The results obtained from these models were compared with those obtained from experimental work to check the accuracy and the applicability of the adopted theoretical models. The experimental program included the testing of three simply supported RPC two-way slabs (1000x1000x70) mm each. The tested specimens had identical properties except their steel fibres volume ratios (0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %). The comparison with the experimental data showed that (Model 3) is the most suitable one among the three models. Model 1 was found to underestimate the
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