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Effect of Chitinase Producing Bacteria and Humate on Growth, Productivity and Root Knot Nematode Control of Flame Seedless Grapevines.

Hager I. Tolba¹ and Magda N. Mohamed²

¹Microbiology Res. Dept., SWE Res. Instit., Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt

²Viticulture Res. Dept., Hort. Res. Instit., Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt

Hagertolba14@gmail.com, magdanagib2101@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study was conducted for two successive seasons (2013 and 2014) in a private vineyard located at 64 Km of Cairo-Alexandria desert road to study the effect of chitinase producing bacteria and humate on growth, productivity and root knot nematode control of Flame Seedless grapevines. The chosen vines were ten-years-old, grown in a sandy loam soil, spaced at 2 X 2.75 meters apart and irrigated by the drip irrigation system, trained to bilateral cordon with spur pruning, and trellised by the "Y" shape system. The vines were pruned during the last week of January with bud load of (60 buds/vine). The chitinase producing bacteria strains were isolated from soil of the same farm 10 to 15 cm depth from the rhizospheric zone of grape plants and enriched in a minimal medium containing chitin as a sole source of carbon. The screening of chitinase producing isolates was performed by spot inoculating each of the isolates at the center of Colloidal Chitin Agar (CCA) plates containing colloidal chitin 0.5% w/v. The three isolates which showed the most clear zone were considered as the potential chitinase producing strain and then grown in chitin broth to determine chitinase enzyme activity. Then identified by Bio-log Technique as Bacillus subtilis Bs12, Bacillus subtilis Bs14 and Pseudomonas fluorescens, these strains were used in the experimented field with humate supported by macro-elements NPK (10: 10:10 ) (HA1) or micro-elements (Fe 1%, Mn 0.5%, Mg 1%) (HA2). Bacterial inoculants and humate were soil drench applied at 10 L/ fed either individually or in combination among them at three application dates: the 1^st date (after bud burst), the 2^nd date (after shattering) and the 3^rd date (4 weeks after shattering). The results showed that, the inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens + Humate (HA1) significantly were the best results in comparison with the other treatments and control in both seasons. However, it reduced in nematode no. in soil and roots, which it reflected later in increasing the yield and its components and achieve the best physical characteristics of bunches including bunch weight, length and width, as well as improving the physical characteristics of the berries, i.e. (berry weight, size and dimensions) and chemical characteristics of the berries, including T.S.S. (%), total acidity (%), TSS /acid ratio and total anthocyanin, in addition enhancement of some vegetative attributes i.e. (shoot length and number of leaves) and leaf content of total chlorophyll and mineral content including NPK (%). The economical study indicated that bio inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria accompanied with Humate supported by macro-elements (HA1) gave the highest net income as compared to the control of Flame Seedless grapevines.

[Hager I. Tolba and Magda N. Mohamed. Effect of Chitinase Producing Bacteria and Humate on Growth, Productivity and Root Knot Nematode Control of Flame Seedless Grapevines. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):1-14]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 1. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.01.

Key words: Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, humate, Flame Seedless, grapevine, yield, anthocyanin, root knot nematode.

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Assessment of the Relationships Between Infrastructural Development and Residents’ Level of Satisfaction in Six States Capitals in the South-South of Nigeria.

Samuel B. Arokoyu¹; Albert K. Chepaka²; and Olanrewaju Lawal³.

Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port- Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

alchez108@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study assessed the relationships between infrastructural development and residents’ level of satisfaction in the south-south of Nigeria. The study adopted the cross-sectional research design and copies of questionnaire were used to collect data from respondents in six state capitals including; Benin City, Asaba, Yenagoa, Port-Harcourt, Uyo and Calabar on a 4–point ordinal rating scale. The Taro-Yamane assumption was used to determine the sample population and sample size for the study became 2380 respondents. Data was presented in tables and simple percentages and the Spearman’s rank correlation co-efficient model was used for data analysis. Analyses were carried out using the data collected from the three (3) basic indices of political stability, environmental quality, and environmental safety. Findings were that: environmental safety is poor at (47%), this is followed by low with 25.60% while environmental quality across the cities shows a high rate at 33.23% of the total. Low and very low shared 29.72% and 30.6% respectively. While political stability also shows high at 47.% of the total with low and very low also sharing 27% and 16% respectively. The analysis result of the hypothesis shows high correlation as Benin correlated with Asaba with a co-efficient of 0.692%, (P-value <5%) and Asaba correlated with Calabar 0.691 and Uyo also correlated with Calabar at 0.695 (P-value < 5%) thus, the null hypothesis was rejected. Thus, it was concluded that the cities lacked adequate infrastructural development coupled with poor governance for a stable and safe environment. It was therefore recommended that the government should try to improve on the quality of the urban environment, basic public infrastructure, should as a matter of urgency be improved on etc.

[Arokoyu S.B, Chepaka A.K, Lawal O. Assessment of the Relationships Between Infrastructural Development and Residents’ Level of Satisfaction in six States Capitals in the South-South of Nigeria. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):15-22]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 2. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.02.

Key words: Liveability, Infrastructure, South-South, satisfaction and QOL (quality of life)

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Prevalence of Anti-Measles Virus IgM antibodies in Vaccinated Children aged 0-5 years and Pregnant Women aged 16-43 years presenting at the Rumuewhor Primary Health Centre in Emohua, Rivers State Nigeria

Agbagwa OE, Mbah AE, Okonko IO

Medical Microbiology Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt. P.M.B 5323, Choba, East-West Road Port Harcourt, Rivers State, 500102, Nigeria. E-mail: iheanyi.okonko@uniport.edu.ng, mac2finney@yahoo.com, Tel: +2348035380891

Abstract: The study sets to define the seroprevalence of anti-measles virus IgM antibodies in representative samples of the vaccinated children and pregnant women population of Emuohua LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria. Standard ELISA kit was used for the determining anti-measles virus IgM antibodies in the plasma of the immunized children and pregnant women in Emohua, Rivers State Nigeria. Ninety-one (91) sera was used for this study, 46 were from pregnant women and 45 from immunized children. Of the 91 subjects tested, 75(82.4%) were positive and 16 (17.6%) were negative. Of the 45 immunized children that were tested, 33 (73.3%) were positives and 12(26.7%) were negatives. Of the 46 pregnant women tested, 42(91.3%) were positives and 4(8.7%) were negative results. Of the 33 immunized children that tested positive to measles IgM, children between 4-5 years old had the highest prevalence (85.7%). This was followed by children 0 – 1 year old (80.0%) and children 2 to 3 years old had the least prevalence (61.9%). Age showed lack of significant (p>0.05) link with infection rate as no specific pattern was observed among the age-groups of children. Also, the seroprevalence of Measles virus IgM was higher in male children (73.3%) than the females (26.7%). Sex showed significant (p<0.05) infection rate in males than female children. Of the 42 immunized pregnant women that tested positive to Measles IgM, pregnant women within age-groups 16-20 years and age-groups 25-29 years had the highest prevalence (100.0%). This was followed by age-groups 30 years and above (90.5%) and age-groups 21-24 years old had the least prevalence (77.8%). Prevalence of anti-Measles virus IgM antibody was higher among women with no educational background (100.0%), followed by those with tertiary level of education (93.3%) and primary level (90.9%). Pregnant women with secondary level of education had the least prevalence (86.7%). It showed that pregnant women in their first trimester (100.0%) and third trimester (100.0%) had the highest prevalence of Measles virus IgM compared to those in their 2^nd trimester (81.0%). According to the Table 3 pregnant women in their 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th pregnancy. Pregnant women having their 1^st pregnancy had 81.3% positive and 18.8% negative results. Women having their 2^nd pregnancy yielded 93.7% positive results and 6.3% negative results. Women having their 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th pregnancy all tested positive for Measles IgM. Age, education, trimester and number of pregnancies showed lack of significant (p>0.05) infection rate in pregnant women. The study suggests that a review of vaccination age of infants be made by health care providers and policy makers and vac­cination campaign programs should also be intensified. Additional studies is needed to define the geographical extents of immunity gaps and the dynamics influencing resistance to measles virus in the community. Vaccination program and campaigns should be increased and maintained in rural areas.

[Agbagwa OE, Mbah AE, Okonko IO. Prevalence of Anti-Measles Virus IgM antibodies in Vaccinated Children aged 0-5 years and Pregnant Women aged 16-43 years presenting at the Rumuewhor Primary Health Centre in Emohua, Rivers State Nigeria. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):23-32]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 3. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.03.

Keywords: Prevalence, Measles Virus, IgM antibodies, Vaccinated Children, Pregnant Women

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Management of Maxillofacial Defects by Stem Cells Therapy

Hossam Abdelbaky; Mohamed Ali El Said; Mohamed Elsaid and Haitham Elsaid Abdalla Mohamed

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine-Benha University.

Dr.haithamabdalla@yahoo.com

Abstract: Stem cell biology is now one of the most exciting and rapidly advancing areas of scientific effort. Promises of cures of a wide variety of diseases through specific replacement of damaged or malfunctioned tissues by the use of stem cells are on the horizon in clinical practice. Stem cells are able to divide and renew themselves over long periods of time. They are not specialized and can differentiate into specialized cells. Various sources for stem cells include embryonic tissue (blastocysts), bone marrow, adipose tissue, skin, and the brain. Stem cell therapy can be used in the field of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery in sensorineural hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, tympanic membrane perforations, auricular reconstruction, tracheal resection, incisional wounds, cancer treatment and head & neck reconstructive surgery.

[Hossam Abdelbaky; Mohamed Ali El Said; Mohamed Elsaid and Haitham Elsaid Abdalla Mohamed. Management of Maxillofacial Defects by Stem Cells Therapy. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):33-39]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 4. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.04.

Keywords: stem cells-application of stemcells in otolaryngology (alveolar margine –septum _tympanic membrane-cranial defects_mandible)

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Effect of Instructing Attention Focus & Comparative Frequency of Feedback on Learning a Targeting Skill in Girls between 8 to 11 years in Ahvaz city

Nahid Rezvani¹, Dr. Mahdi Zarghami²

^1. MSc in Physical Education and Sports Science, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, Khouzestan, Iran

^2. Associate Professor in Physical Education and Sports Science, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, Khouzestan, Iran

nrezvani86@gmail.com

Abstract: Purpose: Considering importance of feedback in motional learning & feedback concept which will lead to a kind of attentive focus, the general purpose of current study is effect of giving instruction by cell and comparative frequency of feedback in learning a targeting skill in girls between 8 to 11 years in Ahvaz city. Method of research: 90 girls between 8 and 11 were attending in this research who were selected by multi- stages clustered sampling from four districts of Ahvaz. Duty of this research included a target on the grand which was made up of 10 concentric circles. After taking pre-examination homogenously. Subjects were stayed on in one of six experimental groups (focus of internal attention with feed­back of 0%, focus of internal attention with feedback of 150, focus of internal attention with feedback of %100, focus of external attention with feedback of 0%, focus of external attention with feedback of 50% & focus of external attention with feedback of 100%), subject practiced duty of targeting in acquisition level for one section. (9 blocks of 9 trials). So that they could receive feedbacks of self-related feedbacks of attention focus (internal & external) with related affluences (0%, 50% & 100%), similarly retention test was done two days after pre-examination (a 12-attempt-category). Results of research: results indicated that during test, group of external attention was acted better than internal attention and also frequencies of 0% & %100. Conclusion: Generally results showed affluence of feedback of feedback depends on focus of attention.

[Nahid Rezvani, Mahdi Zarghami. Effect of Instructing Attention Focus & Comparative Frequency of Feedback on Learning a Targeting Skill in Girls between 8 to 11 years in Ahvaz city. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):40-49]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 13. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.05.

Keywords: focus of attention, internal focus, external focus, affluence of feedback, targeting

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Diversity of Algae and Cyanobacteria Associated with Bathroom Wall Biofilms within Diobu Port Harcourt, Nigeria

*F.I. Okoronkwo, C.B. Chikere and G.C. Okpokwasili

Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. Tel: +2348038664201, E-mail: greatadajesus2014@yahoo.com

Abstract: Algal and Cyanobacterial growths on surfaces are responsible for their discolorations and degradations. Ten concrete, ten wooden and five tiled bathroom wall surfaces were sampled by scrapping and the growths of these two organisms on them were compared using the morphological method. Cyanobacteria were found to predominate the wall surfaces with the genera Chroococcus ranking the top in the tile and concrete surfaces and Osillatoria, in the wooden surface. The wooden surface showed a predominance of the Chlorophytes with Chlorella occurring most times in the three surface types. The concrete and wooden surfaces showed equal number of Bacillariophyta taxa. The tiled wall surfaces were found to have the least number of taxa of all the genera, showing a reduced potential for support of microbial growth due to low porosity of its material type. This study had confirmed the diversity of cyanobacteria and algae on different bathroom wall surfaces and the influence of material surface types on their growth.

[F.I. Okoronkwo, C.B. Chikere and G.C. Okpokwasili. Diversity of Algae and Cyanobacteria Associated with Bathroom Wall Biofilms within Diobu Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):50-54]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 6. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.06.

Keyword: Algae; Cyanobacteria; Bathroom wall surface; Biofilms; Surface material type

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Locate suitable areas for implementation of surface and pressurized irrigation using (GIS) (case study: Izeh plain)

Atefeh Behdadfar, Abdolrahim Hooshmand, Mohammad Albaji

Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Water Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz

atefeh.behdadfar@yahoo.com

Abstract: Successful pressurized irrigation system accomplishment in a region is related to factors such as climatic conditions, water quality, topography condition, soil specifications, production variety and socio-economic factors. The purpose of this study was to compare three methods of irrigation, according to the storyʼs parametric evaluation method. The study on land of Izeh the semi-detailed soil studies Underlying area & extract eight factors slope, texture, depth, salinity, drainage, salinity, alkalinity, water and wind speed, using geographic information systems (GIS) maps of land suitability for surface irrigation, drip and sprinkler were prepared. The final determination of these parameters, and after taking into account the relevant Rating irrigation capability index (Ci) is calculated and areas suitable for different irrigation methods were extracted. The results showed that in plain of Izeh the drip irrigation for 7451 hec (67%) of land was highly suitable (S1), for surface irrigation 6300 hectares (57%) is very appropriate. Also, there are no region suitable for sprinker irrigation. In comparison irrigation systems because of the capability index for drip irrigation was higher then other irrigation system so this system was selected as the most suitable. The most important limiting factors in the area were water quality (salinity), soil texture and soil depth.

[Behdadfar A, Hooshmand A, Albaji M. Locate suitable areas for implementation of surface and pressurized irrigation using (GIS) (case study: Izeh plain). Nat Sci 2016;14(6):55-59]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 7. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.07.

Key words: surface irrigation, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, land evaluation, parametric method, GIS

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Bacteriological quality and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates from suya spice sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Ngozi Nma Odu and Akwasiam Best

Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323 Choba, East-West Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, 500102 Nigeria.

E-mail: ngozi.odu@uniport.edu.ng; Tel: +2348064341944

Abstract: Suya is a spiced, barbecued, smoked or roasted meat product, prepared basically from meat of animals. The occurrence of microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic in spices used in suya preparation is regarded as main cause of gastrointestinal disturbances resulting from the consumption of suya in Nigeria.The essence of this study was to assess the bacteriological quality of suya spices sold at different suya spice depot in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria and to compare it with the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF). One hundred and fifty (150) samples of suya spice were sampled from three different suya spice depot located at Rumuokoro, Woji, and Trans – Amadi all in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Standard and established methods was used for bacteriological analyses. The Total plate counts (log cfu/g) for the samples varied from 3.45 to 6.16. Staphylococcus sp was present at high levels in all samples ranging from 3.69 to 6.02 that may indicate an inappropriate hygienic quality of samples. Isolates were equally identified using Analytical Profile Index. Unsatisfactory qualities were found to be 28.67%% of the samples due to the presence of E. coli. In all samples examined, only 12% of Salmonella was detected from the sample collected from Woji. The Antibiotic sensitivity pattern was carried out to ascertain the best antibiotic suitable for a particular microorganism. Result from this study that some organisms have multiple resistance to antibiotics; this is of public health importance. Isolates were sensitive to some of the antibiotics tested, with Kocuria kistina and Paenibacillus polymyxin been the most sensitive to gram- negative disc, while Citrobacter is most resistant for gram negative disc. Whereas for Antibiotic gram positive disc salmonella is most sensitive and is most resistant is Paenibacillus polymyin. Considering the results obtained, the samples analyzed contain a high level of total viable count of 7.90 (log cfu/g) as against 5.70 to 6.70 of ICMSF. Only eight samples (5.33%) had acceptable levels for all microbial factors according to EU Commission Recommendation of (plate count: 5.70 to 6.70 (log CFU/g) staphylococcus: 2 (log CFU/g) E.coli: Not detected, salmonella: Not detected. The isolation of these potential pathogens from these spice samples analyzed is of public health significance. The need to provide control mechanisms and establish best practice to improve the quality and safety of spices, means more studies are needed.

[Odu NN and Best A. Bacteriological quality and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates from suya spice sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):60-68]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 8. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.08.

Keywords: Bacteriological quality, antibiotic sensitivity pattern, Suya spice, Nigeria

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Determination of Beta-lactamase Producing Bacteria and their Antibiogram for Urethral Catheterized Patients in Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

^1&2Iwu, J. O. ²Chikere, C.B. and ²Otokunefor, T.V.

¹Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

²Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria

E-mail: justuso.iwu@gmail.com; Tel: +2348036633033

Abstract: The increasing rates of catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and the resistance in empirical antibiotic therapy became a threat to mankind. This study was centered on isolating the common organisms responsible for this menace and their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility pattern. A total of 1000 urine specimens from 1000 patients on urethral catheter were used in the study. The specimens were cultured, biochemical tests were done including API and also antibiogram conducted. The organisms were cured of plasmid and re-subjected to antibiogram which revealed susceptibility to 98% of the isolated organisms. Delineation at 0.05level of significance did not show homogeneity among the different strains. There is high level of resistance to antibiotics by the organisms isolated and no single antibiotic used in the study was able to eliminate all the isolates identified. There was 100% resistance by all the organisms to Cotrimoxazole, Ceftazidime (93%), Cefuroxime (93%), Gentamycin (67%), Cefixime (99%), Nitrofurantoin (89%), Ciprofloxacin (77%), Cotrimoxazole (100%), Cloxacillin (100%), Erythromycin (94%), Streptomycin (94%), Tetracycline (98%), Chloramphenicol (83%), and Augemetin (96%). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed insignificant difference between means for the various parameters examined at P ≤ 0.05. Beta-lactamase test conducted for the isolates showed 96% positive reaction confirming that quite a good majority of the isolates possess the enzyme beta-lactamase. The isolates were treated with acridine orange to eliminate the effect of plasmid and isolates re-subjected to antibiogram. Result shows almost 100% sensitive after plasmid curing. Resistance to antibiotics by the isolates are plasmid mediated. Therefore, we conclude that CAUTI organisms’ resistance to antibiotics are mostly engineered by plasmids.

[Iwu, J. O. Chikere, C.B. and Otokunefor, T.V. Determination of Beta-lactamase Producing Bacteria and their Antibiogram for Urethral Catheterized Patients in Federal Medical Center (FMC), Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):69-78]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 9. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.09.

Key word: CAUTI, Catheter, Beta-lactamase, Bacteria, Antibiogram, Urethral Catheterized Patients

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Study Role of Bacterial Consortium Rhodococcus and Gordona in Clean up Contaminated Soil with Naphthalene and Anthracene in the Natural Environment

Shadi Shahrokhi Moghaddam¹, Dr. Abbas Akhavan Sepahi²

^1. MSc in Chemical Engineering, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

^2. Associate Professor in Microbiology, Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

Shadi.shahrokhi@yahoo.com

Abstract: Carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic compounds are common and dangerous pollutants of water, air, and soil. Bioremediation is a major solution for decomposing these pollutants, inexpensively and efficiently without any harmful environmental side effects. This study aims to examine the bioremediation of the polycyclic aromatic compounds naphthalene and anthracene through a consortium of Gordona and Rhodococcus bacteria, the bacteria previously isolated at Iran Industrial Microorganism Collection Center. In the first stage, the ability of the bacteria consortium to eliminate naphthalene and anthracene (100 ppm in the liquid phase in the Erlenmeyer flask) was studied. In the second stage of the study, the effects of temperature and pH on liquid phase elimination of the pollutants were examined. In the third stage, a bioreactor was designed for bioremediation of the existing naphthalene and anthracene in the oil-polluted soil in Isfahan Refinery using the studied bacterial consortium. To provide suitable conditions for bioremediation, we adjusted the three parameters of air flowrate, moisture, and mixing of materials inside the bioreactor. In the last stage, the naphthalene and anthracene elimination levels in the polluted soil at the designed bioreactor in Isfahan Refinery were measured. This stage of bioexcitation took 120 days, during which bioaugmentation and bioventilation techniques were implemented. The obtained results showed that the maximum elimination of naphthalene in the liquid phase (96% reduction in the chromatograph peak) occurred within 60 days under the following conditions: temperature=30C, pH=7.0 and shaker rpm=150. The reduction of anthracene obtained under similar conditions was 83%. The peak naphthalene and anthracene concentrations in the 0.9 L/min bioreactor within a 120 day period were reduced by 100% and 89% respectively.

[Shadi Shahrokhi Moghaddam, Abbas Akhavan Sepahi. Study Role of Bacterial Consortium Rhodococcus and Gordona in Clean up Contaminated Soil with Naphthalene and Anthracene in the Natural Environment. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):79-83]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 10. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.10.

Keywords: Rhodococcus, Gordona, Clean up contaminated soil with naphthalene and anthracene

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Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in Organic Chicken Meat sold in Some Selected Local Markets in Rivers State, Nigeria

Omorodion NJP, Odu NN, Njoku HO

Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. Tel: +2349083622583, E-mail: nnenna.omorodion@uniport.edu.ng, nnennaomorodion@gmail.com

Abstract: Listeria is a bacterium that causes the infection listeriosis which is one of the most important food-borne diseases in humans. This study is aimed on the determination of Listeria sp. in organic chicken thighs and wings, followed by isolation, identification and confirming the organism through biochemical test. During the research a total of twelve Organic chicken wing and thigh meat samples were collected and twenty five bacteria of the Listeria genera were isolated. Of the twenty five isolates obtained, twelve were identified as L. monocytogenes, seven were L. innocua, three were L. invanovii and one was L. murrayi. The total viable count of the organic chicken wings and thighs were also carried out, which ranged from 5.6x10⁶cfu/g – 9.25x10⁶cfu/g for the wings and 1.01x10⁷cfu/g – 1.83x10⁷cfu/g for the thighs. L. monocytogenes was most prevalent followed by L. innocua, then L. invanovi and constitute a considerable challenge to food processors and consumers. When ingested, infection starts with sudden onset of fever, headache, nausea and vomiting and may be followed by meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia and endocarditis and localized abscesses. In pregnancy, abortion, stillbirth or premature labour may occur, According to Food-borne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet). The research carried out has shown that chicken meat is conducive for the growth of microorganisms as it is rich in nutrients and possesses optimum growth environments; consequently it should be handled, cooked and stored with extreme care and hygiene consciousness in order to minimise ingestion of pathogen, and suggest that the principles of HACCP for the production and handling of fresh chicken meat as well as establishing legal prosecution for enforcing microbiological standards should be formulated and standardized.

[Omorodion NJP, Odu NN, Njoku HO. Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in Organic Chicken Meat sold in Some Selected Local Markets in Rivers State, Nigeria. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):84-88]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 11. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.11.

Keywords: Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria spp., Organic Chicken, Meat, Local Markets

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Natural Polymers. II. Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Gum Arabic Nanocomposite

Muyiwa Turoti* and Chinedu Oti

Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

muyiwaturoti@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: The effect of Cloiste 20A (herafter referred to as C20A), an organo-clay nanoparticle, on the thermal and mechanical properties of Gum Arabic(hereafter called GA), a biopolymer, is presented. The study is executed using DSC to obtain the glass transition temperature (T_g), crystalline melting point (T_m), delta specific heat capacity (ΔC_p), enthalpy of melting (ΔH_m) and % crystallinity for the thermal analysis while the tensile strength (TS), initial (Young) modulus (YM), energy at break, (EAB), as well as elongation at break (EB%), for the mechanical properties of both the GA alone and the nanocomposites. Viscometry, UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy as well as XRD were employed for characterization. The results show that while all the T_g values and generally the ΔH_m decrease, the T_m, % crystallinity and ΔC_p increase, as the loading of the organoclay are increased up to 9.5% (w/w). The TS of the biopolymer is optimally improved at 4.5% loading, YM at 9% loading, the EAB at 7% while EB decreases mostly at 4.5% loading, of the nanoparticle. The studies via viscometry, UV-visible and FTIR show a high level of interaction between the biopolymer and C20A. In addition the XRD indicate an appreciable level of intercalation/exfoliation of the nanoparticles particularly at 4.5% loading.

[Muyiwa Turoti and Chinedu Oti. Natural Polymers. II. Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Gum Arabic Nanocomposite. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):89-98]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 12. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.12.

Key words: Gum Arabic, Cloisite 20A, Tensile strength, Young’ modulus, Elongation at break, Energy at break, X-ray diffraction, Infra-red spectroscopy.

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Knowledge, attitudes and practices about use of antibiotics among guardians visiting regional hospital, Guyana

Rajini Kurup, Cecil Boston, Zameena Esahack

Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana

kurup_rajini@yahoo.com

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is gaining a major concern globally as it places a great burden on the economy. Many factors lead to antibiotic resistance with misuse of antibiotics by patient’s lack of knowledge, cultural misconceptions, and poor access to appropriate medical care. The objective of this study, therefore, serves to highlight the prevailing situation in Guyana, as it relates to parents/guardians knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use. Design and Methods: The study was conducted at the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital. Caregivers of children, under five years, were interviewed on their perceptions of antibiotics and various practices involving them. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from this structured interview. Results: Only 20% of the respondents had a good knowledge on antibiotic and 6.3% were aware of emerging drug resistance. Almost 86% felt that antibiotics are generally safe drugs. Surprisingly 75% stated that they did not allow their child to use the full dosage of antibiotics for illnesses in the past, and 46.9% admitted of buying antibiotics from pharmacies without visiting a doctor. Of these, 90% reported that it was not difficult to obtain antibiotics without a prescription. Conclusions: The level of knowledge on antibiotics among caregivers is very low. Significant inappropriate practices in this population include purchasing antibiotics directly from pharmacies, storing antibiotics at home, and not consuming the full dose of antibiotics. Therefore, health promotion and education is essential in combating this public health issue.

[Kurup R, Boston B, Esahack Z. Knowledge, attitudes and practices about use of antibiotics among guardians visiting regional hospital, Guyana. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):99-104]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 13. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.13.

Keywords: KAP; antibiotics; resistance

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Waste management practices of infectious waste at the Reference Laboratory, Guyana.

Cecil Boston¹, Rajini Kurup¹, Tandika Allicock¹

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana

Email: kurup_rajini@yahoo.com

Abstract: Objective: This research attempts to assess the degree and priority of action taken to minimize the risk posed by potential hazard. It is being undertaken to find out the sterility of treated waste that are sent out into the environment from (National Public health reference laboratory (NPHRL) and the means by which they are disposed. Design and Methods: A prospective study was carried out at NPHRL which targeted waste emanating from the Microbiology and Tuberculosis departments. A steam sterilizer was used to access the sterility of waste before disposal and the conditions that may affect the sterility of waste were examined. Waste loads of 15lbs, 10lbs and 5lbs were processed on different days. Thermal and Biological data were obtained using a chemical indicator (autoclave tape) and a biological indicator containing spores of Geobacillus stearthermophilus respectively. Results: Heat transfer was more efficient when waste was tested in stainless steel containers and single polypropylene autoclave bags rather than double. Growth of bacteria from residue was seen after exposure times of 10 and 15 minutes at 121°C. Growth of Geobacillus stearthermophilus was observed in waste processed in autoclave bags even after a cycle of 121°C for 45 minutes. Conclusion: Therefore, decontamination of infectious waste by autoclaving at 121°C for 10 minutes is insufficient due to the fact that conditions such as composition of waste, volume of waste, type of container used, and orientation in the autoclave contributes a great deal to the effective heat transfer during the autoclaving process. It is recommended therefore that waste be processes in smaller amounts in stainless steel containers and composition of waste load be standardized.

[Boston C, Kurup R. Allicock T. Waste management practices of infectious waste at the Reference Laboratory, Guyana. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):105-109]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 14. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.14.

Key words: Waste management, infectious agents, hospitals, laboratories.

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Clinical Complications of Solitary Kidney

El-Metwally L. El-Shahawy; Mohammed E. Salem; Hassan G. Abdel Salam; Ashraf T. Mahmoud and Amina A. Abdel Rahman

Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine-Benha University, Benha, Egypt

dramina_a@yahoo.com

Abstract: Objectives: To present causes, diagnosis and clinical complications of solitary kidney. Data Sources: Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, and ScienceDirect. EMF-Portal) and all materials available in the Internet from 2006 to 2016.Study Selection: The initial search presented 170 articles of which 44 met the inclusion criteria. Data Extraction: If the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Study quality assessment included whether ethical approval was gained, eligibility criteria specified, appropriate controls, adequate information and defined assessment measures. Data Synthesis: Comparisons were made by structured review with the results tabulated. Findings: It seems that still there are major gaps in our knowledge regarding the most effective way to manage pain in neonates. The kidneys form a paired organ system located in the retroperitoneal space. Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the predominant cause of ESRD in childhood. The congenital SK would present about 75% of the nephrons of a person with 2 functional kidneys. It undergoes compensatory enlargement starting with the 20th week of gestation. It has a higher number of nephrons, being hyperplastic not hypertrophic. It is accepted that the SK presents a lower number of nephrons (75%) than that of 2 functional kidneys. The congenital SK is generally well tolerated, being frequently diagnosed accidentally. The long-term outcome of individuals with a solitary functioning kidney from childhood has been a topic of extensive debate fueled by the conflicting results of observational studies. Caring for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) requires specialized knowledge in areas as varied as nephrology, immunology, pharmacology, endocrinology, infectious disease and cardiology. Conclusion: Recommendations are limited because of the lack of consensus for long-term follow up and the fact that longitudinal data on the clinical outcomes of individuals with a solitary functioning kidney are absent. Efforts to keep attention on early diagnosis and evaluation of high-risk patients with CAKUT, small renal size, low birth weight, prematurity, and history of urinary tract infection.

[El-Metwally L. El-Shahawy; Mohammed E. Salem; Hassan G. Abdel Salam; Ashraf T. Mahmoud and Amina A. Abdel Rahman. Clinical Complications of Solitary Kidney. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):110-117]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 15. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.15.

Key words: kidney, solitary functioning kidney

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The relationship between leaf area and crop load and its effect on fruit quality of Red Globe grapevines

Ola .A. Ahmad

Viticulture Res. Dept., Hort. Res. Inst., Agric. Res. Center, Giza, Egypt

Abstract: This investigation was conducted for two successive seasons (2013 & 2014) on mature Red Globe grapevines to disclose the relationship between leaf area and crop load and its effect on fruit quality of Red Globe grapevines. The chosen vines were ten-year-old, grown in a sandy loam soil, located at El-Khatatba, Menoufiya governorate; spaced at 2 X 3 meters apart and irrigated by the drip irrigation system, cane-pruned to 120 buds per vine (10 canes x 12 buds/cane) and trellised by Spanish Parron system. Four different degrees of cluster thinning treatments were applied after berry set as follows; control (without cluster thinning, adjusted to 30 clusters/vine), removing 10% of the total number of clusters/vine (27 clusters retained), removing 20% of the total number of clusters/vine (24 clusters retained) and removing 30% of the total number of clusters/vine (21 clusters retained). The results revealed that all cluster thinning treatments ensured the best vegetative growth expressed shoot length, number of leaves, total leaf area/vine and total leaf area/crop load ratio. The critical limit of cluster thinning was determined by removing 20% of the total number of clusters/vine so as 24 clusters are retained, which it can be recommended as the best effective treatment. The slight decrease in the yield obtained from this treatment could be compensated by improving vegetative growth and enhancing leaf content of total chlorophyll and cane content of total carbohydrates, which reflected afterwards in increasing cluster weight and improving berry physical attributes, as well as achieving a higher percentage of TSS, better colouration and a lower percentage of acidity in the juice. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the optimum total leaf area per vine (m²)/yield per vine (kg) index was obtained from cluster thinning by removing 20% of the total number of clusters/vine, which it revealed that one kg of yield requires 2.25m² of total surface leaf area per vine to obtain a remarkable enhancing in cluster and berry quality attributes of Red Globe grapevines.

[Ola .A. Ahmad. The relationship between leaf area and crop load and its effect on fruit quality of Red Globe grapevines. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):118-123]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 16. doi:10.7537/marsnsj14061616.

Keywords: Grapevines, Red Globe, leaf area, crop load, vegetative growth, yield and berry quality

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Efficacy and Biosafety of Lepidium sativum Seeds on Hyperglycemia and Villin Gene of Renal Brush Border in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

Mohamed A. Ismail

Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

mohesmael@hotmail.com

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder constituting a major health concern today. The study used Lepidium sativum (LS), Garden cress, as an edible plant and is native to Egypt. Furthermore, aqueous LS seeds are known for their various ethnic pharmacological properties as mentioned in some medical researches. The present study aimed to examine the hypoglycaemic efficacy of aqueous LS seeds on alloxan-induced diabetic male mice by applying biochemical analysis of BUN and creatinine, and glucometer in sera, besides PAS-glycogenic inclusions in liver and kidney cells. In more precise manner, the present work was constructed to detect the point of mutation of alloxan by the protocol of renal villin gene, which expressed in the brush-border membranes of proximal tubules in mice kidney. The alteration of that gene as a result of alloxan-injected diabetic mice was reflected in its impacts on PAS-carbohydrate contents in hepatocytes and renal brush border. Such parameters were used to evaluate the ameliorative potential of LS on these processes. The study used forty mice, were divided into four groups of 10 animals each as follows: Control, alloxan-induced diabetic group, besides the third group of injected alloxan+LS aqueous extract, and the fourth group fed only LS. The biochemical results recorded the ability of LS as a hypoglycaemic and has ameliorative efficacy on renal functions and manifested a distinct mitigation on PAS-glycogenic content in alloxan-diabetic mice at significance decrease (p<0.05). PCR product of mouse villin gene patterns by specific primers for both treated groups (alloxan in a lone manner or injected before LS-fed group) were exhibited a progressive variation between these specimens comparable to control once, except LS group, which is corresponded to controls. The study suggested the biosafety of LS on carbohydrate inclusions in hepatocytes and renal tubules, beside its relative alleviation on damaged-mouse villin gene at proximal brush border and improver to alloxan-kidney dysfunctions.

[Mohamed A. Ismail. Efficacy and Biosafety of Lepidium sativum Seeds on Hyperglycemia and Villin Gene of Renal Brush Border in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):124-136]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 17. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.17.

Keywords: Lepidium sativum, Alloxan, Brush border, Diabetic mice, BUN, Creatinine, PAS, Villin gene.

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Risk Factors of Cognitive Impairment in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Mahmoud M Abdel-Sayed, Hassan K Gad, Abdel-Hamid R Seiam and Mohammad F Shoura

Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

seiam.ahr@gmail.com

Abstract: Background: Cognitive impairment represents one of the most common causes of specific and overall functional disability of patients suffering from stroke. Objective: to evaluate the progression of cognitive impairment in ischemic stroke patients and to assess for the influencing and associated factors. Patients and methods: The present study prospectively recruited 50 patients and other 20 healthy subjects as a control group, matched for both age and sex. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for patients presented with acute ischemic stroke according to the WHO (2010) stroke definition. All patients were evaluated for ischemic stroke risk factors, radiological investigations, stroke severity using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS), cognitive state using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instruments (CASI) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Both were applied at baseline, 3 and 6 months follow up. Control group underwent evaluation using both MMSE and CASI. Results: Post stroke dementia affected up to 22% of stroke survivors and another 24% suffered from cognitive impairment without dementia. The maximum significant changes of cognitive function were seen at 3 months with less remarkable changes at 6 months follow up. The following factors were significantly associated with increased incidence of post stroke cognitive impairment: (1) demographically related factors; elderly patients and high body mass index (BMI) (2) stroke risk factors; family history of dementia, high pack-year smoking index, hypertension, low hemoglobin level, high cholesterol level, high C reactive protein level, presence of >30% carotid stenosis, atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease, (3) stroke related factors; high stroke severity, large size of infarction, presence of silent infarctions and left sided brain infarction. Conclusion: Adverse cognitive decline is a common consequence in patients with vascular ischemic stroke with many influencing associated factors. Better awareness about these factors should increase the awareness for better management and effectiveness of preventive strategies with subsequent improvement of quality of life outcome in patients with ischemic stroke.

[Mahmoud M Abdel-Sayed, Hassan K Gad, Abdel-Hamid R Seiam and Mohammad F Shoura. Risk Factors of Cognitive Impairment in Ischemic Stroke Patients. Nat Sci 2016;14(6):137-143]. ISSN 1545-0740 (print); ISSN 2375-7167 (online). http://www.sciencepub.net/nature. 18. doi:10.7537/marsnsj140616.18.

Key words: Cognition, dementia, ischemic stroke, risk factors

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