Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Aeromonas caviae for Antibacterial Activity and In Vivo Effects in Rats

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have excellent antimicrobial properties, as they can inhibit multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Furthermore, bio-AgNPs have potential applications in medicine due to their low toxicity and high stability. Here, AgNPs were synthesized from the biomass of Aeromonas caviae isolated from a sediment sample and subsequently characterized. The UV-Vis spectra of AgNPs in aqueous medium peaked at 417 nm, matching their plasmon absorption. The X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) pattern of AgNPs showed four peaks at 2θ values, corresponding to Ag diffraction faces. Absorption band peaks at 3420.16, 1635.54, and 1399.43 cm-1 were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis as belonging to functional groups of AgNP-associated biomolecules. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the nanoparticles are spherical and pseudospherical, with sizes of 15-25 nm. Agar well diffusion minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were used to assess the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles against MDR pathogens. AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against MDR bacteria. Two groups of albino rats received intraperitoneal injections of AgNPs at 15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg for 7 days. Blood, kidney, and liver samples were collected to investigate hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations. Administered AgNPs in rats fluctuated in liver and kidney function parameters. The ultrastructural impacts of AgNPs were more prominent at higher doses. The results proved the easy, fast, and efficient synthesis of AgNPs using A. caviae isolates and demonstrated the remarkable potential of these AgNPs as antibacterial agents. Nanotoxicological studies are required to identify the specific dose that balances optimal antibacterial activity with minimal toxicity to human health.

Evaluation of physiochemical, heavy metals, and bacteriological parameters of celery and its irrigation water within Sulaymaniyah city of Iraq

This study rigorously assesses the physicochemical, heavy metal concentrations, and bacteriological parameters of celery and its irrigation water across three rural areas of Sulaymaniyah city, Iraq. The investigation revealed that irrigation water's pH ranged significantly from 6.9 to 8.9. Notably, phosphate concentrations (PO43-) exceeded permissible levels in Tanjaro and Kanaswra across all seasons, with the highest recorded concentration being 10.4 mg L-1 during autumn in Kanaswra. Conversely, sulfate (SO42-) and sodium (Na+) concentrations remained within standard limits, with SO42- peaking at 115.1 mg L-1 in Tanjaro during summer. Celery samples reflected high Na+ concentrations in some seasons, with values exceeding 570 mg·kg in Kanaswra during summer. Heavy metal analysis indicated remarkably low levels in irrigation water, yet celery samples from Tanjaro and Aziz Awa exhibited Pb concentrations above the safety threshold of 0.3 mg·kg in all seasons. Furthermore, bacterial contamination, including total aerobic count and coliform in both water and celery, surpassed standard limits, highlighting significant health risks. This study underscores the imperative need for stringent water treatment processes to mitigate contamination and safeguard agricultural productivity and human health.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of Begonia multangula Blume. leaf extract against Candida albicans

Candida albicans is a fungus that is included in the normal microbiota of humans. In general, C. albicans remains a lifelong commensal microorganism. This fungus has a hazardous impact. C. albicans can cause infection and is fatal. The spread of this fungus is one of the factors caused by antibiotic resistance, which causes C. albicans to be resistant and form strong colonies (biofilms) to survive. Natural ingredients for treatment is an alternative that is often used by the community because their use is effortless and practical. One of the plants is the leaves of Begonia multangula Blume. This plant is known to have potent antifungal activity, but its antibiofilm activity against C. albicans has not yet been reported in-depth about its antibiofilm. The discovery of new antibiofilm against C. albicans biofilms is a way to prevent the effects of infections caused by these biofilms. This research is a form of dedication to the effectiveness of Begonia multangula Blume leaf extract in inhibiting and eradicating C. albicans biofilm formation. Planktonic testing, inhibition, and biofilm eradication activity were carried out using the microtiter broth method. Antibiofilm activity of begonia leaves on C. albicans was measured by calculating the minimum concentration of biofilm inhibitor (MBIC50). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) with a 95% confidence level. The begonia leaves showed inhibitory activity against the tested C. albicans biofilm formation. Begonia multangula Blume leaf extract 1% gave C. albicans antibacterial activity of 75±0.01% and mid-phase antibiofilm activity of 65.21±0.01% and maturation phase of 50.11±0.01. The results also provided evidence that the ethanolic extract of C. albicans can degrade (eradication) the formation of C. albicans biofilms. Therefore, the ethanol extract of begonia leaves can be developed as a new antibiofilm agent against C. albicans.

Altered severity of the current SARS-CoV-2 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

The article's abstract is not available.

Nutritional composition, phytochemicals and acute toxicity of herbal mixture (lemon, apple cider, garlic, ginger and honey) in zebrafish embryo and Wistar rat

This study was aimed to provide the reference frame for the safe dose design of polyphenol-rich herbal mixture, which consist of lemon, apple cider, garlic, ginger and honey (PRM) for the future efficacy study. Prior to this, the nutritional composition was first conducted and the identification of metabolites that present in PRM was determined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. The acute toxicity of the PRM was then evaluated in zebrafish embryo and Wistar rats following The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The PRM nutritional composition and sugar profile showed it was high in carbohydrate, ash and protein and the main sugar is fructose. It also contains metabolites such as fructosefuranose, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, cycloalliin, pyruvate, 5- hydroxymethylfurane, α- and β-glucose. From the zebrafish embryo acute toxicity result, the lethal concentration, LC50 of PRM was at 487.50 μg/mL. Meanwhile, in Wistar rats’ model, no lethality was observed in the group treated with PRM at the end of the study (14 days). No changes were also observed from the behavioural and appetite as well as the biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, total protein and creatinine) of the treated group. Therefore, the safe dose for PRM can be up to 2000 mg/kg b.w. in Wistar rats and below 487.50 μg/mL in zebrafish embryo model.

Analyzing formation of silver nanoparticles from the filamentous fungus Fusarium oxysporum and their antimicrobial activity

In recent years much attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their important medical applications. The current study employs Fusarium oxysporum for the formation of silver nanoparticles and examines the antimicrobial activity of the particles against some multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbes. Silver nitrate was transformed into silver oxide, forming well-dispersed nanoparticles, by the action of F. oxysporum metabolically. The size of the nanoparticles ranged from 21.3 to 37.3 nm, and UV-spectroscopy showed a peak at 408-411 nm. Moreover, SEM, TEM, and AFM results revealed spherical and oval shapes and showed no sign of aggregation. Furthermore, the FT-IR histogram detected amide I and amide II, which are responsible for the stability of AgNPs in the aqueous solution. The AgNPs halted the growth of MDR bacteria, including some members of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus species at a concentration of 50% (v/v). The AgNPs also have the ability to inhibit pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans and Candida krusei. The AgNPs displayed antigrowth activity against MDR microbes, suggesting that they might be potential alternatives to antibiotics. However, additional studies may be necessary to substantiate the fact that the benefits of using nanoparticles outweigh the potential risks.

Infective endocarditis caused by Brucella melitensis: a case report highlighting the importance of history taking and laboratory analysis

We present a case of Brucella endocarditis in a 13 year old patient with known aortic stenosis. She was admitted to the National Heart Institute/Institut Jantung Negara, Malaysia with complains of fever, pain and swelling of left knee. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography showed no evidence of vegetations on the aortic valve. Differential diagnosis was made based on clinical manifestations, positive serology tests and isolation of Brucella melitensis from blood culture. The patient has a history of consumption of unpasteurised goat's milk prior to clinical symptoms. Although rare, the case emphasize that Brucella could be a potential complication of infective endocarditis (IE) involving patient who consumed unpasteurised goat's milk. The diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis based on clinical findings and supported by laboratory results has led to the appropriate treatment of this patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported for Brucella endocarditis in Malaysia.

Effect of LiBF4 Salt Concentration on the Properties of Plasticized MG49-TiO2 Based Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolyte

A nanocomposite polymer electrolyte (NCPE) comprising of 49% poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted natural rubber (MG49) as polymer host, titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a ceramic filler, lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) as dopant salt, and ethylene carbonate (EC) as plasticizer was prepared by solution casting technique. The ceramic filler, TiO2, was synthesized in situ by a sol-gel process. The ionic conductivity, chemical interaction, structure, and surface morphology of nanocomposite polymer electrolyte have been investigated as a function of wt% LiBF4. The interaction between lithium ions and oxygen atoms occurred at carbonyl and ether groups. The crystalline phase of polymer host slightly decreases with the addition of salt. TGA and DTG analysis suggested that the thermal stability of the electrolyte decreases with the salt content. The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte was found to increase with the increase of salt concentration and then decreased after an optimum value. The highest conductivity achieved was  S cm−1 at 25 wt% of LiBF4.

Pain control after thoracotomy. An extrapleural tunnel to provide a continuous bupivacaine infusion for intercostal nerve blockade

This study was undertaken to determine whether an infusion of local anesthetic (LA) delivered through an extrapleural tunnel could provide satisfactory control of pain in the postthoracotomy period. Twelve patients undergoing thoracotomy were studied. A T-shaped tunnel was created by elevating the parietal pleura at the posteromedial end of the thoracotomy wound. An irrigation catheter was then inserted and an infusion of bupivacaine commenced, initially at 5 mg/kg/24 h and subsequently at 3 mg/kg/24 h. Pain was well controlled in eight patients and satisfactory in four patients. The latter required one dose of opiate analgesia each in the 48-h postoperative period. We conclude that an infusion of bupivacaine into the extrapleural space is an effective means of control of pain after thoracotomy.

Liver rupture in pregnancy: a typical case?

We report a patient who presented with abruptio placenta and hepatic rupture at 30 weeks gestation. The latter is a recognised but rare complication of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. The typical features of this entity as described in the literature and as seen in this patient are emphasized as increased awareness can lead to early diagnosis and better prognosis.