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Title : Opportunistic performance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates associated with Covid-19 cases
Abstract :The most important complications that can be observed with Covid-19 cases is secondary bacterial infections that are chief causes of increase human morbidity and mortality rates. The current study was conducted from three hospitals in Baghdad city through a period from January to June 2021. Five hundred specimens (sputum and bronchial fluids) were obtained from patients who suffered from Covid-19 infection. Opportunistic performance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates were diagnosed as secondary bacterial through bacterial culture and confirmed the identification by API 20 strep system (Analytical Profile Index and Vitek-2 system. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates against nine antibiotics (Levofloxacin, Azithromycin, Imipenem, Vancomycin, Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin, Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, Amikacin and Tobramycin) was tested by Vitek-2 system methods. In addition, Molecular detection of 16Sr RNA gene of isolated Stenotrophomonas maltophilia used through polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results explained that the distribution of 500 study specimens included 490 (98%) sputum and 10 (2%) were bronchial fluids with statistical differences (P≤0.01). 233 (46.6%) specimens were presented positive bacterial culture and able to grow on; blood, MacConkey and chocolate agar, so that all these results were confirmed by analytical assays API 20 test and VITEK 2 system. Results of isolation and identification appeared that there were 15 types Gram-negative isolates and 8 types Gram-positive isolates. While Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated with 3(1.29%). Antibiotics susceptibility pattern that obtained by VITEK-2 system methods of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates showed different susceptibility pattern to the antibiotics that used. The PCR amplification assays of the region of 16S rRNA gene of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates were documented the isolation and identification of bacterial culture and VITEK 2 system. Study concluded that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacterium occurred in severe Covid-19 cases specially in hospital’s patients. In addition, this bacterium appeared resistance for different types of antibiotics which used in treatment protocol of Covid-19 cases which lead to increase the mortality among these patients and had no significant impact on patient’s survival alive.
Title : Polystyrene Waste Treatment Using Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite
Abstract :In this research, a polymeric composite material with a polystyrene basis reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was manufactured at a percentages of (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%). Samples were subjected to the surface hardness, Flexural strength tests to identify their ability to endure the thermophysical effect (T= 40, 60 and 80C°) and in specified periods of time (3, 6 and 9 hours). Results showed that an increase in the values of surface hardness and flexural strength when adding ZnO nanomaterial to the polystyrene with a concentration of 20% and temperature of 80 Cº according to the control treatment. From the other hand, the values began to decrease when the percentage of the ZnO nanoparticles to 25%. These values differed with the difference in the temperature of the sample treatment and also with the period of the exposure of the samples to the thermophysical effect. Results of X-ray diffraction spectrum and Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed the beginning of decomposition of polystyrene reinforced with ZnO nanoparticles with a concentration of 20% under a temperature of 60 Cº.
Title : Assessment of follicular fluid levels of PlGF and PlGF/sFlt on ICSI outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome women
Abstract :Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by increased ovarian angiogenesis and vascularity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is main angiogenic factor which increased in PCOS and may play an important role in these vascular changes. Placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF family member. PlGF and VEGFA that are expressed by both granulosa cells and theca cells, are required for ovulation, luteinization, and follicular angiogenesis. Considering potential roles of PlGF and its receptor (sflt-1) in ovarian function and embryo implantation, in the present study, the association of these factors with ICSI outcome among PCOS women during controlled ovarian stimulation have evaluated. This comparative cross sectional study include of 30 PCOS women (Rotterdam criteria) and matched 30 non- PCOS women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Serum was collected on day 3 and day of oocyte retrieval. Follicular fluid (FF) was collected on retrieval day. PlGF and sFlt-1 concentrations were measured using ELISA. In the present study, at the measured time point of controlled ovarian stimulation the result observed no significant difference in the serum PlGF and sFlt levels between PCOS women compared with non PCOS women (p<0.001). As well as the FF PlGF was correlated positively with total number of oocyte retrieved, number of MII oocyte and the ovarian reserve marker antimullerian hormone (AMH) but it was correlated negatively with basal FSH level. PlGF bioavailability in FF was significantly greater in PCOS women compared with non-PCOS (p < 0.001). These data provide evidence that FF PlGF was correlated with ovarian stimulation and ICSI outcome. Moreover, its level is significantly increased in women with PCOs undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. Thus that PlGF may be played a role in PCOs pathogenesis and its angiogenic dysregulation.
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