Antibiotic resistant coliform and faecal coliform bacteria in drinking water

Coliform and faccal coliform were isolated from drinking water samples obtained from tap water (TW) and storage tanks (ST) in Baghdad city. All isolates were identified and tested for their resistance to twelve antibiotics. Bacterial identification revealed that Ent. cloacae and Kl. pneumoniae were the predominant organisms from TW and ST water samples, respectively. Overall, 66% of the isolates from TW and 38% from ST were resistant to one or more of the drugs tested. Ampicillin, Carbenicillin, Cefalotin and Colistin resistance in particular were more frequent among bacterial isolates. The overall frequency of multiple antibiotic resistance among bacterial isolates in TW and ST samples were 47% and 33%, respectively. All bacterial strains isolated from drinking water were sensitive to Rifampicin. Results demonstrated the need for periodical bacteriological examination of drinking water and restriction in the use of antibiotics in this country.     

Investigating Wild Berries as a Dietary Approach to Reducing the Formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts: Chemical Correlates of In Vitro Antiglycation Activity

Evidence supports the health promoting benefits of berries, particularly with regard to the prevention and management of chronic diseases such cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Two related pathophysiological features common to many of these conditions are oxidative stress and the accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). Whereas antioxidant properties are well-established in several species of berries and are believed central to their protective mechanisms, few studies have investigated the effects of berries on AGE formation. Here, employing a series of complementary in vitro assays, we evaluated a collection of wild berry extracts for 1) inhibitory effects on fluorescent-AGE and Nε- (carboxymethyl)lysine-albumin adduct formation, 2) radical scavenging activity and 3) total phenolic and anthocyanin content. All samples reduced AGE formation in a concentration-dependent manner that correlated positively with each extract’s total phenolic content and, to a lesser degree, total anthocyanin content. Inhibition of AGE formation was similarly related to radical scavenging activities. Adding antiglycation activity to the list of established functional properties ascribed to berries and their phenolic metabolites, our data provide further insight into the active compounds and protective mechanisms through which berry consumption may aid in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases associated with AGE accumulation and toxicity. As widely available, safe and nutritious foods, berries represent a promising dietary intervention worthy of further investigation.     

Corridors increase plant species richness at large scales

Habitat fragmentation is one of the largest threats to biodiversity. Landscape corridors, which are hypothesized to reduce the negative consequences of fragmentation, have become common features of ecological management plans worldwide. Despite their popularity, there is little evidence documenting the effectiveness of corridors in preserving biodiversity at large scales. Using a large-scale replicated experiment, we showed that habitat patches connected by corridors retain more native plant species than do isolated patches, that this difference increases over time, and that corridors do not promote invasion by exotic species. Our results support the use of corridors in biodiversity conservation.     

Development of the New Zealand White Rabbit Eye: I. Pre‐ and Postnatal Development of Eye Tunics

The New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit has been and is right now regularly utilized in ophthalmic surgery evaluation. Inside NZW rabbit eye, the visibility of ocular structures throughout surgical procedure is fantastic. Younger rabbits are used in different ages for the evaluation of ophthalmic surgery. Complete studies of ocular development in the NZW rabbits have not been reported previously. The aim of the present investigation was to describe the major landmarks and the time course of the pre‐ and post‐natal development of the complete eye tunics of the NZW rabbit to give a superb model as well as a fruitful area for further ophthalmological investigations. Serial histological sections of NZW rabbit prenatal (E13–E28) and post‐natal (P1–P14) stages were examined, respectively. The eye of the NZW rabbit developed in a similar manner to that of the human and domestic animals eyes; the principal differences were at the time of occurrence of certain developmental events, absence of pigmentation which represent an exploited benefit for ophthalmic surgery, remarkable Bowman's membrane at E25, poor developed ciliary stroma and juvenile retinal layer until P9. In human, the basic morphogenetic processes of the development of eye tunics are completed towards the end of the first half of gestation period. However, the latter represents the beginning stage of the development of eye tunics in the rabbit. Thus, allowing various extensive ophthalmic researches to be performed.     

Investigation the Efficiency of Soil Stabilizers against Soil Loss and their Effects on Chemical Properties of Soil

Soil erosion and dust storms are the main causes of air pollution in regions where there are dust emitting centers and in their adjacent locations. In recent years, various methods have been considered for stabilizing soil surface against wind erosion. In this study, the effects of two stabilizers (anionic polyacrylamide polymer and vegetable-based mulch) for reducing soil loss at four levels of concentration (0, 15%, 30%, and 60%) on three kinds of soils in western Khuzestan, Iran have been studied. The study was conducted in natural and laboratory-based conditions in four, time intervals (0, 3, 6, and 12 months). Moreover, the study covered the persistence and influence of stabilizers on soil chemical properties. The results showed that wind erosion in no treatment was between of 16.36?kg/m²/hand 26.73?kg/m²/^?h. The statistical results showed that there was a significant difference between the no treatment and soils treated with stabilizers. The polymer reduced soil loss by more than 90%. Mulch efficiency reduced in natural conditions after 6?months; however, there were no changes in laboratory conditions. There was no significant difference between polymer efficiency in the laboratory and natural conditions and the polymer was resistant in natural and laboratory conditions. Polymer increased EC, pH, and SAR in the soil after 1 year. Mulch decreased pH and SAR but did not change EC.