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.
Many of mechanical systems are exposed to undesired vibrations, so designing an active vibration control (AVC) system is important in engineering decisions to reduce this vibration. Smart structure technology is used for vibration reduction. Therefore, the cantilever beam is embedded by a piezoelectric (PZT) as an actuator. The optimal LQR controller is designed that reduce the vibration of the smart beam by using a PZT element.
In this study the main part is to change the length of the aluminum cantilever beam, so keep the control gains, the excitation, the actuation voltage, and mechanical properties of the aluminum beam for each length of the smart cantilever beam and observe the behavior and effec
... Show MoreMethotrexate (MTX), a folate antagonist agent, is mainly used in treatment of malignant tumors and autoimmune diseases. The present study was undertaken to determine whether antioxidant vitamin (vitamin A) could ameliorate methotrexate induced oxidative stress in male rabbits. Twenty male rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups. Group 1: control group, Group 2: MTX-treated group (received 20 mg/kg MTX intraperitoneally), Group 3: Vit.A treated group received 5000 IU Vit.A orally) and Group 4: MTX+Vit.A treated group received MTX 20 mg/kg plus 5000 IU vit.A). After 4 weeks of treatment, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to determine the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), as a good indicator for lipid peroxidation and
... Show MoreThe removal of boron from aqueous solution was carried out by electrocoagulation (EC) using magnesium electrodes as anode and stainless steel electrodes as cathode. Several operating parameters on the removal efficiency of boron were investigated, such as initial pH, current density, initial boron ion concentration, NaCl concentration, spacing between electrodes, electrode material, and presence of carbonate concentration. The optimum removal efficiency of 91. 5 % was achieved at a current density of 3 mA/cm² and pH = 7 using (Mg/St. St. ) electrodes, within 45 min of operating time. The concentration of NaCl was o. 1 g/l with a 0.5cm spacing between the electrodes. First and second order rate equation were applied to study adsorp
... Show MoreThis study focused on treating wastewater to remove phosphorus by adsorption onto naturaland local materials. Burned kaolin, porcelinite, bauxite and limestone were selected to be testedas adsorption materials.The adsorption isotherms were evaluated by batch experiments, studyingthe effects of pH, temperature and initial phosphorus concentration. The results showed that at pH6, temperature 20°C and 300 mg/l initial phosphorus concentration; the sorption capacity was0.61, 9, 10 and 13 mg/g at 10 h contact time, for burned kaolin, porcelanite, limestone and bauxiterespectively. As the pH increased from 2 to 10 the removal efficiency for the materials differs inbehaviour. The removal efficiency increased from 40 to 90 % for limestone, and dec
... Show MoreDifferent bremsstrahlung spectra from tungsten anode x-ray tube generated at 30, 40 and 50 kV have been examined theoretically and experimentally for an attempt to find a most suitable spectrum to radiograph a test object of 0.01 cm thickness of Cu and Ag. The high contrast using this suitable spectrum is demonstrated and the possible effects of fluorescent radiation are discussed.
This is prospective study began in Jan. 2003 and concluded in April 2004, was undertaken to examine the benefits of 810 nm diode laser in treatment of four patient with bilateral vocal cord paralysis also to compare the results with conventional treatment Material and methods: 810 nm diode laser 15 watts was used in these cases under general anesthesia, and induction of anesthetic drug done through tracheostomy tube in all patients. All patients were decanulated “Tracheostomy tube removed”, the voice of all preserved within normal. Laser surgery in this case has more benefit and advantage than conventional methods even if the patient need more than on session of laser operation because of high success rate, less complication and easy
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