MOSP - Macao Scientific Publishers

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Evaluation of in vitro solubilization potential of phosphate solubilising Streptomyces isolated from phyllosphere of Heritiera fomes (mangrove)

Nibha Gupta*, Dolly Sahoo and Uday Chand Basak

Abstract: Phosphate solubilising ability of five Streptomyces isolated from the phyllosphere of Heritiera fomes grown in Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem was evaluated using tricalcium phosphate (TCP) in both plates and broth culture conditions as well as with and without NaCl. Streptomyces ST24 showed highest solubilization of TCP, with 50.8 and 48.0 mm of halo zone in the plate assay done at pH 7.2 and temperatures 30 and 37°C. Streptomyces ST21, ST24 and ST26 showed good solubilization of TCP in culture medium with 52.15, 50.77 and 52.07 µg/ml, respectively. The requirement of NaCl for better solubilization of TCP was observed in all Streptomyces. However, ST23 and ST24 showed solubilization activity without addition of NaCl. Thus the solubilization potential varies among different isolates of Streptomyces. It also differed according to incubation period. Over all, the best solubilization ability of all test Streptomyces could be observed in the presence of 0.2% NaCl. The solubilization might be due to production of acids by the culture, since the pH of the culture broth was changed from initial pH of 7.2 and 9.0 to lower pH values.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Phosphate solubilization, Streptomyces, mangrove, salt, NaCl.

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Effects of parental involvement on studentsâ€™ attitude and performance in science

Effects of parental involvement on students’ attitude and performance in science

Abstract: This paper examines the attitude of students towards Biology and Chemistry. There was also a focus on the parental involvement. This research was set out find out how parental involvement influences students’ attitude towards, and performance in the two science subjects. An attitude questionnaire developed and standardized by the researcher was used. It’s split-half reliability coefficient yielded 0.59 and 0.51 for Biology and Chemistry respectively. A sample of four hundred and eighty students participated in the study. Three hypotheses were raised and tested. The result obtained using chi-square analysis revealed that the level of the home influence has implication on school learning and that performances of students in science are a function of their attitudes to the subject. The phenomena observed were discussed in the light of prevailing conditions in most of the developing West African countries. Conclusively, home influence can be a tool to enhance school learning.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Attitude of students, biology, chemistry, parental involvement, performance, level of the home influence, influence of parental involvement.

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Antibiotic susceptibility profile of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from nasal samples of hospitalized patients

Muhammad Arfat Yameen, Hina Nasim, Naeem Akhtar, Saira Iram, Imran Javed and Abdul Hameed*

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rate and antibiotic resistant pattern of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). A prospective study was conducted at Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan and Microbiology Research Laboratory, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan during the period from December 2007 to August 2008. The antibiotic resistance pattern was studied for MRSA and MRSE isolated from nasal samples from patients admitted in medical and surgical intensive care units. The study was conducted on 283 isolates. The results depicted that 25% isolates of S. aureus were MRSA and 29.78% isolates of S. epidermidis were MRSE. All MRSA and MRSE were susceptible to vancomycin and quinopristin/dalfopristin while all isolates of MRSE were susceptible to teicoplanin. All the isolates of MRSA and MRSE were multidrug-resistant. The susceptibility of the isolates to the drugs varied greatly. The resistance rate of MRSA to various antibiotics was found to be as follow: cephalaxin (90%), cephalothin (58%), cephradine (86%), ciprofloxacin (80%), gentamicin (34%), imipenum (42%), levofloxacin (75%), tetracycline (49%), rifampicin (14%) and teicoplanin (3%). The resistance rate of MRSE to various antibiotics was found to be as follow: cephalaxin (64%), cephalothin (29%), cephradine (64%), ciprofloxacin (50%), gentamicin (21%), imipenum (7%), levofloxacin (21%), tetracycline (21%) and rifampicin (29%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for MRSA and MRSE in case of vancomycin ranged 1-4 g/ml, for tetracycline 4-128 g/ml, for rifampicin 0.5-32 g/ml and for gentamicin 0.5 – 64 g/ml. Both MRSA and MRSE showed variable susceptibility with different antibiotic groups but high susceptibility with streptogramin and glycopeptide antibiotics.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, minimum inhibitory concentration.

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A review of bacterial isolates in blood cultures of children with suspected septicemia in a Nigerian tertiary Hospital

S. I. Nwadioha*, E. O. P. Nwokedi, E. Kashibu, M. S. Odimayo and E. E. Okwori

Abstract: Septicaemia is a common condition in children with a resultant high morbidity and mortality. The gold standard for diagnosis of septicemia is the isolation of bacteria agents from blood cultures. To determine the common etiology of septicemia in children and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern, a retrospective study with a review of blood culture reports of paediatric patients aged 0 - 15 years, suspected of septicemia, from October 2006 to October 2008 in the Medical Microbiology department of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria was carried out. Out of a total of 3840 blood culture samples, only 18.2% was culture positive. Gram–negative and gram–positive bacteria constituted 69.3 and 30.7%, respectively. The most prevalent bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (44.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (30.7%). E. coli were sensitive to Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Clavulinate – Amoxyl. The commonest bacterial isolate from blood culture of children with suspected septicemia in Kano was E. coli. The most sensitive and preferable among the tested antibiotics was Ceftriaxone. Rational use of antibiotics with regular antibiotic susceptibility surveillance studies is recommended to maintain high antibiotic therapeutic profile.[...] Read More.

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Microbiological quality of yoghurt commercialized in ViÃ§osa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

L. A. Rodrigues, M. B. T. Ortolani and L. A. Nero*

Abstract: Yoghurt consumption has been increasing since 1980 decade due to the search for healthy foods by consumers, including Brazil. In order to evaluate the quality of the yoghurt commercialized in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 36 samples were collected from markets and analyzed for coliforms (total and thermotolerant) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) enumeration and pH, considering different times for expiration. Coliforms were not detected at levels higher than 0.3 MPN/g, and only 7 (19.4%) samples showed LAB counts lower than 107 CFU/g. However, the mean pH observed in these samples (4.4) was not significantly different when compared to samples with higher LAB counts, suggesting addition of weak starter cultures during the processing. In the samples with less than 15 days for expiration the LAB counts and pH values were 7.4 log CFU/g and 4.1, respectively, and they were lower when compared to samples with more than 16 days of commercial viability, but without significant differences. The obtained results indicate adequate quality of yoghurt commercialized in Viçosa.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Yoghurt, quality, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, pH.

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Fungi associated with deterioration of sour-sop (Anona muricata. Linn) fruits in Abia State, Nigeria

Okwulehie, Ikechukwuka Cyriacus* and Alfred, Nnamdi Kingsley

Abstract: Anona muricata commonly known as sour-sop, belong to the family Annonaceae. It is a small slender tropical tree usually grown for its large fleshy and juicy fruits. The fruit of A. muricata plays an important role in the diet of many in many parts of the tropics including Nigerian. Unfortunately, the usefulness of the fruits of Anona is decimated by many fungi species. Investigation of the fungi that cause the deterioration of sour-sop (Anona muricata) was carried out in order to recommend the appropriate control measures. Mature fruits of A. muricata were collected from different locations in Abia State. Isolation, characterization and identification of fungi were made by plating washings from skin surface and extracted juice from pulp of the fruits in test tubes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA) and yeast malt extract agar (Difco) into which streptomycin sulphate was incorporated to inhibit bacterial growth. Inoculated tubes were incubated at 28 ± 2°C for 48 h. Control experiment was carried out with sterile peptone water instead of using the washings. The following filamentous and yeast fungi were isolated from the skin surface and pulp of the fruits: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium solani, Mucor sp., Penicillium chrysogenium, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus stolonifer and Rigidoporus sp., Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces rouxii and Torulopsis spp. The pathogenicity tests of the filamentous fungi isolated were carried out on mature green Anona fruits and were found to be pathogenic. The filamentous fungi were mainly responsible for the deterioration of the fruits of A. muricata in Abia state while the yeasts were fermentative.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Abia state, Anona muricata (Sour-sop) fruits, fungi, deterioration.

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Isolation and characterization of cypermethrin utilizing bacteria from Brinjal cultivated soil

A. G. Murugesan*, T. Jeyasanthi and S. Maheswari

Abstract: The ability of five bacterial isolates (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella Sp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus Sp. and Corynebacterium) isolated from Brinjal cultivated field to degrade cypermethrin was studied. It was confirmed that these isolated organisms were able to utilize and degrade cypermethrin. In this five different bacterial colonies, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella Sp., E. coli were found active in utilizing cypermethrin (1%) where as Bacillus Sp. and Corynebacterium were moderately active in utilizing cypermethrin (0.1%). The growth curve experiment was performed at 0.1 and 1% dose of cypermethrin to analyze the viable count of P. aeruginosa.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Cypermethrin, bacteria, utilization, growth kinetics, degradation, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

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Association of IGF- 1 gene polymorphism with milk production traits and paternal genetic trends in Iranian Holstein bulls

Yousef Mehmannavaz*, Cyrus Amirinia, Mortaza Bonyadi and Rasoul Vaez Torshizi

Abstract: The effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 polymorphism were examined on milk production traits and genetic trends in the Iranian Holstein bulls. A total of 282 bulls were genotyped for SnaBI restriction site in the 5' flanking region of IGF-1 by applying PCR-RFLP method. The allele frequencies for C and T alleles were 0.562 and 0.438, respectively. The results indicated that genetic variants at the 5'-noncoding region of the bovine IGF-1 gene had a marked effect on estimated breeding values of milk (EBVM) and fat yields (EBVF). The heterozygous bulls (CT genotype) had higher EBVM and EBVF than homozygous bulls (P < 0.1) . The average substitution effects of alleles were not significant for none of studied traits (P > 0.1). The studied polymorphism of IGF-1 showed no significant association with genetic trends of milk related traits (P > 0.1). These results suggest that allelic interaction in IGF-1 polymorphism as over dominance and might be effectiveness in animal improving by crossbreeding.[...] Read More.

Keywords: IGF-1, polymorphism, Holstein, genetic trend.

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A changing pattern in antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella enterica serotype isolated In North India

Deepak Arora, Rakendra Singh*, Manjot Kaur and Rajinder S. Ahi

Abstract: Typhoid fever continues to remain a health problem as the causative organism Salmonella typhi has developed resistance to many of the antibiotics used. This study was undertaken to determine the current pattern of resistance to antimicrobial agents of S. typhi isolates obtained in a tertiary Health care Hospital. 309 samples were taken. Sensitivity to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone was determined by disc diffusion, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. Antibiotic sensitivity was carried out by Kirby-Bauer method. ESBL screening and phenotype confirmation were done following National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) recommendations for Escherichia coli. Isolation rates of Salmonella typhi was prominent in 2002 - 2003 and have remained stable. S. paratyphi-A is showing an increasing trend. The 3 common antibiotics which were showing resistance earlier are now showing sensitivity. The study indicates that MDR S. typhi is on the rise. There is also re-emergence of chloramphenicol sensitivity. Sensitivity pattern of causative organism must be sought before instituting appropriate therapy to prevent further emergence of drug resistance. Indiscriminate use of ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone should be strongly discouraged. They should be used as second line agents. Also, the treatment must not be completely dependent on the Widal test. Blood culture and clinical history must be taken into consideration for treatment.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, Enteric fever, multi-drug resistant (MDR) Salmonella, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

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Effect of processing on functional properties of Spirulina protein preparations

Amita Mahajan*, Neetu and A. S. Ahluwalia

Abstract: The present investigation has been undertaken selecting a protein rich blue green alga Spirulina platensis in relation to change in functional properties of its proteins on chemical treatment with succinic anhydride, acetic anhydride and formaldehyde for succinylation, acetylation and methylation respectively. Modified proteins have been studied for their functional properties such as protein solubility, foaming properties; emulsification properties and viscosity. Protein solubility in unmodified water soluble Spirulina protein fraction was found to be 23%. It decreased considerably on treatment with all the three modifying reagents. Emulsification activity (EA) increased slightly on methylation, whereas succinylation and acetylation resulted in a decreased EA and emulsion stability (ES). Foam capacity (FC) increased on treatment with succinic anhydride at all the concentrations used, whereas acetylation and methylation could show an increase in FC only at lower concentrations. FC was found to be maximum on succinylation and minimum on acetylation. Foam Stability (FS) was found to be much higher with methylation and acetylation. The protein fraction modified with succinic anhydride has shown the maximum viscosity followed by acetylation. Methylation however, caused a rapid decrease in viscosity and it was more pronounced at lower concentrations.[...] Read More.

Keywords: Acetylation, functional properties, methylation, proteins, Spirulina platensis, succinylation.

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