Proteus mirabilis is considered as a third common cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, with urease production, the potency of catheter blockage due to the formation of biofilm formation is significantly enhanced. Biofilms are major virulence factors expressed by pathogenic bacteria to resist antibiotics; in this concern the need for providing new alternatives for antibiotics is getting urgent need, This study aimed to explore whether green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) can function as an anti-biofilm agent produced by P.mirabilis. Bacterial cells were capable of catalyzing the biosynthesis process by producing reductive enzymes. The nanoparticles were synthesized from cell free extract of P.mirabilis. Characterization of biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles was carried out to determine the chemical and physical properties of the product using AFM, TEM, FESEM, XRD and UV visible spectrometry. The hexagonal structure was confirmed by XRD, Particle size was marked at 84.45 nm by TEM, FESEM was used to confirm the surface morphology. AFM analysis was used to reveal the roughness and distribution of nanoparticles. UV–visible spectra of the synthesized nanoparticles recorded maximum peak at 287 nm. Zinc nanoparticles showed remarkable biofilm inhibitory effect on clinical isolates of multidrug resistant Proteus mirabilis. Strong biofilm producer strains show weak biofilm production After incubation for 24 and 48 hours at 37Co with 32 μg/ml sub -MIC concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. Down regulation changes in LuxS expression using Real time PCR technology were detected after treatment with zink nanoparticles of these isolates compared to untreated isolates. From all findings conducted by this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles can function as anti-bacterial agent in concentration dependent manner.
A novel demountable shear connector for precast steel-concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high-strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents bolts from slipping within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes the typical construction tolerance issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly. Therefore, it can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow including the following: (1) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (2) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (
... Show MoreSoil improvement has developed as a realistic solution for enhancing soil properties so that structures can be constructed to meet project engineering requirements due to the limited availability of construction land in urban centers. The jet grouting method for soil improvement is a novel geotechnical alternative for problematic soils for which conventional foundation designs cannot provide acceptable and lasting solutions. The paper's methodology was based on constructing pile models using a low-pressure injection laboratory setup built and made locally to simulate the operation of field equipment. The setup design was based on previous research that systematically conducted unconfined compression testing (U.C.Ts.). Th
... Show MoreDyes are extensively water-soluble and toxic chemicals. The disposing of wastewater rich with such chemicals has severely impacted surface water quality (rivers and lakes). In the current study, an anionic dye, methyl orange, were extracted from wastewater fluids using bulk liquid membranes supplemented with an anionic carrier (Aliquat 336 (QCI)). Parameters including solvent type (carbon tetrachloride and chloroform), membrane stirring speed (100-250 rpm), mixing speed of both phases (50-100 rpm), The feed pH (2-12) and implemented temperature (35-60 °C) were thoroughly analyzed to determine the effect of such variables on extraction effectiveness. Furthermore, the effect of methyl orange (10-50 ppm) in the feed stage and NaOH (0
... Show MoreThe engagement of pharmacists in research activities is pivotal in the advancement of the pharmacy practice. The study aims to evaluate the confidence and competence of Malaysian hospital pharmacists in conducting clinical and practice-based research.
A cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2019 and April 2020 using an online survey. Pharmacists from eight different hospitals in Malaysia were involved in the study. The survey link was sent to all pharmacists of the included hospitals via email. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.
A total of 226 pharmacists participated in this study, and their average age was 28 years old. About 82 % of the participants reported that they did not have any previous re
... Show MoreTo evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of three minimally invasive (MI) techniques in removing deep dentin carious lesions. Forty extracted carious molars were treated by conventional rotary excavation (control), chemomechanical caries removal agent (Brix 3000), ultrasonic abrasion (WOODPECKER, GUILIN, China); and Er, Cr: YSGG laser ablation (BIOLASE San Clemente, CA, USA). The assessments include; the excavation time, DIAGNOdent pen, Raman spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness, and scanning electron microscope combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). The rotary method recorded the shortest excavation time (p < 0.001), Brix 3000 gel was the slowest. DIAGNOdent pen va
Background: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can monitor the transmission of COVID-19 and viral alterations. Objectives: To provide information about testing techniques and infection control measures, as well as to direct the development of vaccines and treatments for the Corona virus. Methods: Six Iraqi SARS-CoV-2 strains were investigated using whole-genome sequencing using the next-generation sequencing method. The sequencing was carried out with an Illumina MiSeq system, and phylogenetic analysis was carried out for all Iraqi sequences retrieved from GISAID. Results: The analysis of the isolates from this study showed that all the sequences from the most recent wave, which happened in the summer of 2022, were primarily clustered
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