Test Tube Research Articles

Antifungal Potency of Some Antifungal Chemotherapeutics and Antidandruff Solutions against Dermatophytic Flora from Local Hairdressers’ Tools in Awka, Nigeria

Dermatophytes produce spores that can survive for a long time on fomites such as hairdressing tools (combs, scissors, clippers and hairpins). These fomites intend serve in the transmission of dermatophytosis. This study was aimed at evaluating and comparing the antifungal efficacy of some antifungal chemotherapeutics and antidandruff solutions against dermatophytic flora of hairdressers’ tools in Eke-Awka Market in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of forty-five (45) samples were collected by swabbing the hairdressing tools of the local hair dressers using sterile swab sticks. The antifungal drugs (Ketoconazole, Miconazole and Griseofulvin) and the antidandruff solutions (Shampoo and Conditioner) were also bought from Eke-Awka Market. The samples where inoculated into sterile Sabouraud Dextrose Broth base in test tubes and incubated at 25-27ºC for 5-14 days. After incubation, the test tubes with visually observed growth (turbidity) were subsequently plated out by streaking on freshly prepared Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with Chloramphenicol (50µg/ml) and incubated at 25°C for up to 7-14 days. Identification was done using standard methods. Agar well diffusion method was employed for the in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing using different concentrations of both the antifungal drugs and antidandruff solutions obtained using double fold serial dilutions. Twenty Four (24) dermatophytes were isolated and identified. The isolates included Microsporum ferrugineum 6 (25%), Microsporum gypseum 3 (12.5%), Micosporum audouinii 6 (25%), Trichophyton schoenleinii 5 (20.8%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes 4 (16.7%). The percentage susceptibility pattern of the isolates showed that 60℅ of the isolates were susceptible to Ketoconazole, 40℅ respectively susceptible and susceptible doze dependent to Miconazole and 100℅ resistant to Griseofulvin. For the antidandruff solutions, 20℅ of the isolates were susceptible to hair shampoo while 100℅ were resistant to hair conditioner. The results of this study showed that dermatophytes are prevalent on the tools used by local hair dressers and also that the antifungal drugs had better activity on the isolates than the antidandruff solutions used. Also, based on this study, ketoconazole is recommended for dermatophytosis. There is therefore need to educate the populace on the health hazards associated with sharing local hair making tools and the need for clients to have their personal hair making tools.

Microgravity-like Crystallization of Paramagnetic Species in Strong Magnetic Fields

The crystallization of paramagnetic species in a magnetic field gradient under microgravity-like conditions is an area of interest for both fundamental and applied science. In this paper, a setup for the crystallization of paramagnetic species in the magnetic field up to 7 T generated by a superconducting magnet is described. The research includes calculations of the conditions necessary to compensate for the gravitational force for several types of paramagnetic substances using the magnetic field of superconducting magnets (4.7 T, 7 T, 9.4 T, and 16.4 T). Additionally, for the first time, the crystallization of copper sulfate and cobalt sulfate, as well as a mixture of copper sulfate and cobalt sulfate under gravitational force compensation in a superconducting magnet, was performed. This paper experimentally demonstrates the feasibility of growing paramagnetic crystals within the volume of a test tube on the example of copper and cobalt sulfate crystals. A comparison of crystals grown from the solution of a mixture of copper and cobalt sulfates under the same conditions, with and without the presence of a magnetic field, showed changes in both the number and size of crystals.

The effect of preparation of biocemented sand sample on its strength measured using direct shear tests

Urea, calcium, and urease are the primary components of enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP) method. The composition of these ingredients significantly effects the content and strength of the precipitate. The objective of this study is to investigate the optimum dosage of urea-calcium chloride and urease enzyme from test tube experiments, on the calcium carbonate precipitate when used with sand. The results of samples prepared using two different methods are compared using direct shear tests to note the effect of biocementation on the strength of the cemented sand. Bench-scale conductivity tests show that large urea-calcium chloride concentrations in combination with adequate urease activity improves the precipitate efficiency. The method of treatment also affects the strength of the treated sand, with the injection method being more efficient in cementing the sand particles compared to the mix-and-compact approach. While both the sample preparation methods resulted in the increase in peak friction angle and cohesion intercept, concentration of urea-calcium chloride higher than 0.75 mol/L and urease activity more than 30 kU/L reduced the overall shear strength. The shear behaviour of the precipitate seemed to be influenced by its morphology, which was different for different chemical concentrations and urease activities. Stress dilatancy relations were determined for EICP treated sands and appear to follow Taylor's work-hypothesis relationship.

Effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma on Streptococcus mutans isolated from Dental Caries

A total of (40) oral cavity swabs were sampled from various sites of dental caries (pit, fissure and dental roots) from patients who referred to the Dental Clinic at the College of Dentistry, Aliraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq. Initially, the swabs were placed in test tubes supplied with Stuart transport medium and then distributed by streaking on semi-selective Mitis Salivaris agar medium (MSA). The findings indicated that the isolates are gram-positive cocci that are arranged in chains. The isolates were further morphologically and biochemically identified, using the VITEK instrument, revealing only 32.5 % (n= 13) of S. mutans. The nonthermal plasma (cold atmospheric pressure plasma; CAP) has many uses in the area of research and development of clinical application worldwide. According to the biofilm assay, all isolates showed the capability of producing biofilm, with differences in thickness of the formed layer, with 3 isolates (7.5%) forming a strong layer, 6 (15%) forming a moderate layer, and 4 (10%) forming a weak layer. The non-thermal plasma (cold atmospheric pressure plasma; CAP) has many uses in the area of research and development of clinical application worldwide.

YIG-Based Sensor System for Millisecond Time Range Magnetorelaxometry.

In the current study we propose a magneto-optical system for registration and analysis of magnetic nano- and microparticles magnetic relaxation. The core of our system is the novel compact magnetometer based on an yttrium-iron garnet film and working at room temperature. The sensor demonstrates sensitivity of 35 pT/√{Hz} at 79 Hz and recovery time less than 100 µs, which allows to register quite fast magnetic relaxations of a low amplitude. All these facts make the system feasible for usage in biological magnetorelaxometry and theranostics. Statistical processing of the relaxation curves allowed us to estimate both amplitudes and relaxation times for various biocompatible magnetic particles at the amount of 100 µg in the test tubes experiments. The system has a great potential of further development for usage in the areas of targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia, magnetic imaging. Being comparatively cheap, the system potentially is of a great interest in the fields of biomedicine and nanomedicine.

Small peptide CSF fingerprint of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal protein aggregation in the motor neurons. Present and earlier proteomic studies to characterize peptides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associated with motoneuron pathology did not target low molecular weight proteins and peptides. We hypothesized that specific changes in CSF peptides or low molecular weight proteins are significantly altered in ALS, and that these changes may support deciphering molecular pathophysiology and even guide approaches towards therapeutic interventions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 50 ALS patients and 50 non-ALS controls was collected, centrifuged immediately after collection, aliquoted into polypropylene test tubes, frozen within 30-40 min after the puncture, and stored at -80°C until use. Peptides were sequenced using capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS or LC-MS/MS). In the CSF of 50 patients and 50 non-ALS controls 33 peptides were found, of which 14 could be sequenced using a non-lytic single-pot proteomic detection method, CE/MS. ALS deregulated peptides vs. controls included Integral membrane protein 2B, Neurosecretory protein VGF, Osteopontin, Neuroendocrine protein 7B2 (Secretogranin-V), EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1, Xylosyltransferase 1 XT-1, Chromogranin-A, Superoxide dismutase SOD-1, Secretogranin-1 (Chromogranin B), NR2F2 Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 2 and Collagen alpha-1(VII) chain. Most striking deregulations in CSF from ALS patients were found in VGF, Osteopontin, SOD-1 and EFEMP1 peptides. No associations of disease severity, duration and region of onset with sequenced peptides were found.

Phytochemical Constituents of Sap, Root and Leaf Extracts of Calotropis Procera from Select Regions in the Gambia

Medicinal plants serve as potential cure for animal and human diseases as they contain phytochemicals for therapeutic values. Most of the modern drugs produced are isolated from herbal plants. This research reports on the phytochemical constituents of the methanolic and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of the sap, root and leaf of Calotropis procera in three select regions in The Gambia namely the West Coast Region, North Bank Region, and Lower River Region. The sap was collected in an air-tight test tube; the root and leaf were dried at room temperature for three weeks and one month, respectively and further ground into powder. Soxhlet extraction of the sap was done using both DCM for 30 minutes at 40oC to 50oC and methanol for 3 h at 60oC to 70oC. The root and leaf were extracted using cold maceration for 72 h. The methanolic extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, quinones, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and carbohydrates in the sap and leaf. Quinones were present in the DCM extract of the sap and root, but absent in the leaf. While flavonoids and terpenoids were present in the sap and leaf extracts, they were absent in the root. Alkaloids, saponins, and steroids were absent in the sap and root extracts, but found in the leaf. Tannins and phenols were absent in both the methanolic and DCM extracts. The results of each of the samples collected at the three different regions were similar in their phytochemical constituents for the extracting solvents; but varied with the different solvent. The findings of this research allude to the fact that the sap, root and leaf of C. procera are good sources of therapeutic compounds that are responsible for the use of this plant in herbal medicine in The Gambia.

Preclinical Data Extrapolation to Clinical Reality: A Translational Approach.

In vivo investigations are much more complex than trials conducted in a test tube; the results sometimes aren't as illuminating and could raise more questions than answers. Preclinical data projection into clinical truth is a transcriptional science that remains a compelling trial in drug development. Preclinical in vivo and in vitro education is important in novel drug's non-violent or active growth. Pharmacokinetic and metabolic research is necessary to better understand the chemical and biological effects of medicines and their metabolites. Information produced by such a policy can be used to progress Phase I studies, primarily for anticancer medication. Both living and deceased in vitro models are theoretically excellent preclinical tools for calculating the pharmacological action of counterparts from the same family, such as vinca alkaloids. The animal species most closely linked to humans are chosen based on metabolic patterns. The estimation of the duration of drug action, particularly for medicines with varied metabolic clearances (e.g., benzodiazepines); The empathetic or estimate of medicine relations, i.e., those defined for cyclosporin A and macrolide antibiotics; and Sclarification of the metabolic roots of individual inconsistencies in pharmaceutical action.

Entropy Generation of R513A Condensation Flow Inside the Horizontal Microfin Tubes

Abstract It is widely acknowledged that the pressure drop increases with enhanced heat transfer in heat exchanger tubes, and entropy generation analysis serves as an effective method to comprehensively evaluate heat transfer and pressure drops. This paper conducts experimental research on in-tube condensation heat transfer using refrigerants R513A and R134a in six test tubes, comprising both smooth and microfin tubes with outer diameters of 9.52 mm and 12.7 mm, respectively. The microfin tubes are available in two types, with 60 and 65 fins, respectively, and a helix angle of 18 deg. The experimental conditions included mass fluxes of 50–250 kg/m2 s and condensation temperatures of 35 °C, 38 °C, and 40 °C. The findings indicate that replacing R134a with R513A is feasible. The 9.52 mm tube exhibits superior overall heat transfer performance compared to the 12.7 mm tube, and the 60-fin microfin tube outperforms the 65-fin tube in terms of heat transfer efficiency. This suggests that microfin tubes with smaller diameters and an optimal number of fins are more effective in enhancing condensation heat transfer performance.

In vitro Growth of Trichophyton Rubrum in the Presence of 80% Ethanolic Extract of Grapefruit Pepins as Antifungal Agent

Introduction: Many modern antifungal drugs have limits in terms of germ resistance, and to remedy this, plant compounds are being explored to find new more effective principles. Aim: With the aim of complementing the efforts of modern medicine against viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal diseases, the plant extract of 80% hydroalcoholic grapefruit seed extract of Citrus paradisi was tested on the in vitro growth of Trichophyton rubrum. Methods: Antifungal tests were carried out on Sabouraud medium, to which the plant extracts were incorporated using the double dilution method in inclined tubes. A 10 µL volume of the Trichophyton rubrum suspension was inoculated on the culture medium contained in the test tubes. Results: Results showed that Trichophyton rubrum was sensitive to the 80% hydroethanolic extract of Citrus paradisi in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The hydroethanolic extract may be a source for the development of Traditional Improved Medicines (TIM) against skin mycosis.

Warm reactive autoantibodies detected by solid phase technology: Patient characteristics, laboratory features, and clinical significance.

This study focused on the serology, clinical characteristics, and hemolytic potential of warm reactive autoantibodies detected by solid phase red cell adherence. Ninety-seven patients with warm autoantibodies were evaluated. Serologic characteristics included the strength of solid phase reactivity, the results of tube-based ancillary testing, direct antiglobulin test and eluate results, and an assessment for contemporaneous alloantibodies. Clinical characteristics of the patients included age, sex, and primary diagnosis. Each patient was also assessed for evidence of hemolysis. Most of the 97 study patients were female (63.9%), and the average age was 66 years. Hematologic disorders were the most common diagnosis. A majority (70.1%) of the warm autoantibodies had 3 to 4+ reaction strengths, and approximately 90% had negative testing with at least 1 test tube method. There was an even distribution of direct antiglobulin test reaction strengths, with 74% reactive with anti-immunoglobulin G only. Alloantibodies were identified in 20% of patients. Evidence of hemolysis was identified in only 13 patients (13.4%). Warm reactive autoantibodies are more likely to be hemolytic, have strongly reactive indirect and direct antiglobulin tests, remain reactive in tube-based ancillary testing methods, and are seen primarily in patients with hematologic disorders.

Polysaccharide intercellular adhesin and proper phospholipid composition are important for aggregation in Tetragenococcus halophilus SL10.

Aggregating strains of Tetragenococcus halophilus tend to be trapped during soy sauce mash-pressing process and are, therefore, critical for clear soy sauce production. However, the precise molecular mechanism involved in T. halophilus aggregation remains elusive. In previous studies, we isolated a number of aggregating strains, including T. halophilus AB4 and AL1, and showed that a cell surface proteinaceous aggregation factor is responsible for their aggregation phenotype. In the present study, we explored the role of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) in aggregate formation in T. halophilus SL10, isolated from soy sauce. SL10 exhibited similar aggregation to AB4 and AL1 but formed a non-uniform precipitate with distinctive wrinkles at the bottom of the test tube, unlike AB4 and AL1. Insertion sequence mutations in each gene of the ica operon diminished aggregation and PIA production, highlighting the critical role of IcaADBC-mediated PIA production in T. halophilus aggregation. Furthermore, two non-aggregating cardiolipin synthase (cls) gene mutants with intact ica operon did not produce detectable PIA. Phospholipid composition analysis in cls mutants revealed a decrease in cardiolipin and an increase in phosphatidylglycerol levels, highlighting the association between phospholipid composition and PIA production. These findings provide evidence for the pivotal role of cls in PIA-mediated aggregation and lay the foundation for future studies to understand the intricate networks of the multiple aggregation factors governing microbial aggregation.IMPORTANCEAggregation, commonly observed in various microbes, triggers biofilm formation in pathogenic variants and plays a beneficial role in efficient food production in those used for food production. Here, we showed that Tetragenococcus halophilus, a microorganism used in soy sauce fermentation, forms aggregates in a polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA)-mediated manner. Additionally, we unveiled the relationship between phospholipid composition and PIA production. This study provides evidence for the presence of aggregation factors in T. halophilus other than the proteinaceous aggregation factor and suggests that further understanding of the coordinated action of these factors may improve clarified soy sauce production.

Marginal Leakage in Interfaces Formed by Bovine Dentin and Adhesive Cements Applied with Different Bonding Techniques

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal microleakage in interfaces formed by bovine dentin and adhesive cements applied with different bonding techniques. Materials and Methods: Thirty bovine teeth dentin blocks measuring 5 mm x 5 mm x 1 mm were made with one side completely in dentin substract (20 mm2). The dentin blocks were randomly divided into three groups according to the cementation technique used: CTS+RX (conventional 3-step adhesive + dual-activation resin cement), SBS+RX (single-bottle self-etching adhesive + dual-activation resin cement), and SAC (self-adhesive cement). A photopolymerizable composite resin block with the same dimensions was fixed on the dentin block according to the instructions for each adhesive technique. The dentin-composite resin blocks made with each adhesive technique were separated into subgroups (n = 5) for 7 days (control) and for 6 months of water storage. After each period, the blocks were individually immersed in test tubes containing neutral methylene blue dye for 2 hours. The samples were washed, dried, and evaluated with a stereoscopic magnifying glass, and the amount of infiltrated pigment was analyzed using spectrophotometry (Beckman DU 65). The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (5%). Results: Microleakage level for the conventional 3-step or self-etching technique remained similar for 7 days (18 ± 25 and 43 ± 45 μm, respectively) or 6 months (42 ± 55 and 52 ± 87 μm, respectively). The self-adhesive technique showed higher microleakage levels for 7-day (263 ± 98 μm) and 6-month periods (441 ± 226 μm) compared to other adhesive techniques. There was a statistically significant difference between evaluation times only for the self-adhesive technique. Conclusions: Higher microleakage levels by storage in water occurred with the self-adhesive technique in both evaluation periods. Clinical Relevance: The different microleakage levels promoted at the dentin-composite resin interface should be considered in adhesive clinical procedures in relation to long-term use.

Evaluation of genetic diversity, haplotype, and virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum field isolates from Alabama.

The United States is the third largest producer of cotton and the largest exporter of cotton globally. Fusarium wilt, caused by the soilborne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), was estimated to cause a $21 million cotton yield loss in 2022. Historically, Alabama was an important producer of cotton in the southeastern United States and was the first state in which Fusarium wilt on cotton was described. To assess the genetic diversity of Fov field isolates in Alabama, 118 field isolates were collected from six counties across the state from 2014 to 2016. Phylogenetic analysis using TEF1 and RPB2 placed the Fov field isolates into 18 haplotypes. Upon profiling the Tfo1 transposon insertion in the NAT gene, it was determined that no race 4 isolates were recovered in Alabama. Representatives of all field isolate haplotypes caused disease on Upland cotton variety Rowden in a hydroponic test tube assay. Two haplotype A isolates were the most aggressive isolates recovered and haplotype A isolate TF1 was more aggressive than the race 4 isolate 89-1A on Upland cotton and had similar symptom severity on Pima cotton. Karyotype profiling indicted an abundance of small chromosomes characteristic of karyotypes that include accessory chromosomes, with considerable variability between isolates. Collectively, our study indicates that Fov isolates from Alabama are genetically diverse which may have been promoted by its persistence in cotton fields.

Enzymatic Modification of Cow, Buffalo and Goat Milk Proteins and their Effect on Anti-Oxidant Activity and Digestibility

Aim: Buffalo milk and goat milk were enzymatically hydrolyzed to have 5, 10 and 15 per cent DH to improve the techno-functional properties of milk proteins in order to utilize in production of channa based dairy products. Study Design: A significant contribution to total milk production of India comes from buffalo milk and followed by cow and goat milk. Inspite of that, Buffalo milk and goat milk are not being utilized for many products in view of their inherent problems associated in production of Chhana based dairy products. Buffalo milk and goat milk were enzymatically hydrolyzed to have 5, 10 and 15 per cent DH to improve the techno-functional properties of milk proteins in order to utilize in production of products. Place and Duration of Study: Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Dairy Science College, Hebbal, Bangalore Karnataka, India Methodology: The Goat milk samples were collected from Sinchana Goat and sheep farm, Marenahalli village (Bengaluru Rural Dist) and Buffalo milk was obtained from country Delight Pvt. Ltd., J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Cow milk used in this investigation was collected from SEDP, Dairy Science College, Hebbal, Bangalore. Commercially available pure Neutrase enzyme was purchased from DSM Nutritional Products India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore. All the glassware used were soaked in chromic acid solution, repeatedly washed with water, rinsed with distilled water and dried before use. For microbiological analysis dried test tubes, conical flask, pipettes were cotton plugged and sterilized in hot air oven. The chemicals and reagents used in this study were mainly of analytical grade procured from Prince Laboratory Company Pvt limited, Bangalore. The protein molecular weight markers were used for the electrophoretic study were procured from Bangalore Genei Pvt Ltd. Results: Highest protein content was noted in buffalo casein hydrolysate (83.0 %) than cow (81.0 %) and goat (81.16 %) and lowest nitrogen and ash content was observed in goat casein hydrolysate (13.65 %) and (15.20 %) respectively. (Akshya pl include few lines of enzymatic modification on anti-oxidant property and digestibility copy from discussions) Conclusion: Though buffalo milk contributes nearly half of the total milk production of India and goat milk carries both nutritional and therapeutic benefits, the potential utilization of both these milks are very much limited due to the inherent problems associated with them. This investigation has shown that by enzymatically hydrolyzing buffalo milk and goat milk to 5 per cent DH results significant improvement in physico-chemical and functional attributes Rasagulla which is on par with cow’s milk protein hydrolysates. Recommendation: Scavenging activity or anti-oxidant activity and Digestibility of hydrolysates has been studied as influenced by the extent of enzymatic modification in this study.

Light-triggered reactions in a new “light” of nanoparticles engineering

This study presents an innovative light-triggered synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) utilizing UV radiation (λ = 254 nm), thiols (non-toxic mercaptosuccinic acid, MSA), and metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Se4+). Efficient formation of various nanoparticles is achieved by exposing a precursor blend of metal ions and thiols (MSA) to ultraviolet light in compact volumes, like UV-transparent 96-well plates (50 – 300 μL per well) or plastic tubes (1.5 – 50 mL). This process effectively produces different types of nanoparticles, including fluorescent zinc-cadmium quantum dots (ZnCd QDs), non-fluorescent copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The scalability of the method allows for easy upscaling using larger test tubes or downsizing by depositing precursors (10 – 100 μL) on a paper matrix, where UV treatment not only induces NP formation in solution but also facilitates their anchoring to the paper surface. The developed one-pot in situ approach offers a cost-effective, user-friendly, and energy-efficient method for NP production and chemical engineering on paper surfaces. The technique is promising for a wide range of applications, such as interferometric measurement using ZnCd QDs, bactericidal effects of CuNPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MIC100 = 0.14 mg/mL), and visible light switchable (ON/OFF) nanozymatic reactors employing SeNPs. We suggest light-triggered chemistry based on thiols and metal ions for effective “soft” synthesis of various nanoparticles and NPs-based devices.

Investigating the Status of Contamination With Pulex irritans and Xenopsylla cheopis in Pets, Guard and Stray Dogs in Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Fleas are the most prevalent ectoparasites indoors and outdoors due to their high reproductive rate, ability to feed on different hosts, and the unpleasant effects of their bites. Methods: This study was conducted on 360 dogs in and around Tabriz to find the rate and type of human flea contamination in these dogs, which were divided into three categories: pets, guards, and stray dogs. After fleas were identified in the dogs’ skin, they were taken with glue and fixed on the slide with glue. When the number of fleas was large, the captured fleas were transported to a test tube and treated with 70% alcohol. Dehydration of fleas was performed with ascending percentages of ethanol from 50 to 100% absolute and was kept inside each alcohol percentage for 10 to 20 minutes. Results: Regarding the dogs studied in this research, the rate of actual contamination in guard dogs was 76.67% (92 dogs were contaminated with flea feces). However, 74 dogs (about 15%) were infested with different fleas. Unfortunately, the rate of contamination in stray dogs was 100%. The rate of real contamination based on the separation of fleas and flea excrement from the body of this group of dogs was equal. The rate of flea infestation in pet dogs was 14 out of 100 dogs, representing 14% contamination. Conclusion: It should be acknowledged that, unfortunately, flea infestation is expected in the region’s dogs, depending on the type of dogs kept. Infestation with these insidious skin parasites with varying rates and symptoms is common, which, in addition to the economic damage of spending time and money on medicine for disease in animals, causes environmental pollution, increases the likelihood of disease transmission by these parasites, and increases the possibility of human infection and disease transmission from them to humans, as well as environmental pollution.

Abstract LB036: Back and forth from structure to functional target: The interplay between Vimentin and non-canonical nucleic acid arrangements

Abstract Vimentin, a member of type III intermediate filaments (IFs), is a cytoskeletal protein that covers multiple architectural and functional roles, including the maintenance of organelle positioning in the cytoplasm, the regulation of cytoskeletal rearrangements, while more recently its potential involvement as a regulatory factor in gene expression emerged. Additionally, it is involved in cell migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In previous works, we identified Vimentin as the first known protein that selectively binds G-quadruplexes repeats (G4-repeats). This DNA folding consists of repeated units of nucleic acid sequences arranged into G-quadruplex (G4s). Their three-dimensional features largely differ from the most common single-stranded or double-helix nucleic acids as well as from the isolated G4 modules. Noteworthy, they occur at a small subset of genomic sites, associated with cell proliferation and migration, where they can recruit the soluble nuclear pool of Vimentin. Altogether, this information led us to consider the Vimentin-DNA complex as a promising target for developing small molecule binders capable of inhibiting cell migration and, eventually, EMT. To properly set up a rational drug-design approach, we integrated different advanced biophysical tools (Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange, Cryo-Electron Microscopy) to derive a comprehensive picture of the protein-DNA complex at the molecular level. This approach allowed us to map the interaction surface between the soluble tetrameric form of Vimentin and a G4-repeat. Based on this data, we initiated a screening campaign using focused libraries of small molecules and peptides, which were rationally designed according to the structural features of the Vimentin-G4-repeats complex. The capability of the identified hits to prevent the recognition of the nucleic acid by Vimentin has been investigated This approach allowed us to identify attractive novel entities that prevent the Vimentin-G4-repeat complex formation according to different molecular mechanisms. These systems are now under further refinement moving from the test tube to the cellular environment, where the dynamic behavior of these nucleic acid domains as well as the recruitment of different proteins by Vimentin might alter the architectural features of the target.

To Estimate and Compare the Level of Serum Immunoglobulin A in Patients of Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Leukoplakia, and Control Group

ABSTRACT Aim: To estimate and compare the level of serum immunoglobulin A in patients of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), leukoplakia, and control group. Introduction: OSMF is a well-recognized potentially malignant condition in the oral cavity, and a transformation rate as high as 7.6% over a period of 10 years has been reported from India. Leukoplakia has evolved as a clinico-pathologic concept over many years, with the current clinical designation being accepted worldwide. Materials and Methods: Quantia IgA is a turbidometric immunoassay for the detection of IgA in human serum and is based on the principle of agglutination reaction. The test specimen is mixed with the activation buffer (R1) and then with antihuman IgA reagent (R2) and allowed to react. For the estimation of serum IgA, 500 μl of Quantia IgA activation buffer R1 is taken in a clean test tube. Serum sample is diluted in the ratio of 1:5 with normal saline. Ten microliters of diluted serum sample are added to R1. After incubation for 10 min, 50 μl of R2 is added, which is Quantia IgA antihuman IgA reagent to the sample, and the reading is recorded at wavelength 340 nm at 37°C. The level of IgA will be estimated by a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer machine and then data analysis will be done. Results: The immunologic alterations observed by us in OSMF and leukoplakia are almost similar or nearer to the alterations observed in oral cancer, so it is reasonable to assume that OSMF and leukoplakia can be an intermediate stage in the transformation process of a normal cell to oral malignancy. Conclusion: Prevention and early detection is the best way to reduce the incidence and mortality of premalignant disorders and oral cancer. There are many ways and methods of early detection of premalignant disorders and oral cancer, and the immunological method is one of them.

Antibacterial Effect of Nanoparticles Synthesized from Ficus exaseprata (Sandpaper Leaves)

The eco-friendly, cost effectiveness, and the less toxic nature of synthesized green nanoparticles to the environment have become a global attraction to many studies. The study aim to synthesize Silver (Ag) nanoparticles from Ficus exasperata (Sandpaper leave) leaves and to determine its antimicrobial effect on bacteria isolates. Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized from the plant extracts using standard extracting techniques and their presence was verified and confirmed using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometer.  A prepared series of silver nitrate (AgNO3) solutions were mixed with the plant extracts at a ratio of 1:1 (v/v) to a total volume of 20ml in a text-tube.  The test tubes were rapped with aluminum foil and heated in a water bath at 60OC for 3 hours and allowed to cool and analyzed using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The UV-Vis spectra confirmed the different concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3) that produced Ag nanoparticles and their average size was more than 50nm and less than 100nm. The mixture of the leave extract was tested for its antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli respectively. The results showed that the growth of the different bacteria was inhibited by the extracts containing silver nitrate on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and not on Bacillus cereus using Ficus exaseprata nanoparticles. Statistical evaluation showed that zones of inhibition on the three bacteria produced by the aqueous leave extracts containing different concentration of silver nitrate (AgNO3¬¬) precursor was significantly different from the silver nitrate (AgNO3) precursor. It were observed that the higher the concentration of the silver nitrate (AgNO3) the greater the zone of inhibition. It can be concluded that Ficus exaseprata leave extracts dope with silver nanoparticles, can produce antimicrobial effects on some microorganisms.