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Bacillus cereus vs. Bacillus subtilis | Microbiology Unknown Lab Report
Microbiology
Unknown Lab Report
Kelly Downar
Spring 2015
Introduction
Identifying a specific bacterium from a wide variety of bacteria is important in trying to help a sick patient take the correct preventative measures needed. It is essential in knowing the right bacteria causing the problem, so that the person can be treated in the correct way and the correct antibiotics are administered. In this particular study an unknown was given by the professor. The procedures taken to figure out, and isolate the two separate bacteria were taught thus far in Microbiology lab class. Doing specific tests on the two bacteria’s will give you the ultimate answer at the end as to what the bacteria is, so correct measures can be taken. Once the correct identity of the bacteria is know, more information on the specific bacteria can take place.
Materials and Methods
Mr. Snaric gave each student a specific unknown labeled with different numbers on them that contained both specimen. Unknown labeled 104 was given to me in lab by the instructor. Numbers of different methods were used to identify the specific bacteria given. The procedures following the various different methods can be found in our lab manual.
The first procedure that took place was to take the mixed culture of bacteria, and do a streak plate. The streak plate is done on a nutrient agar plate to try and isolate a pure culture of each unknown. (pg.10 Lab Manual) Alternate number 4 and 6 were given by the professor due to overgrowth on the original streak plate. Separate streak plates are done on the nutrient agar using the quadrant streak method. This would get the bacteria to grow as isolated pure colonies in order to run tests on them.
Once growth appeared for my alternates it was then time to figure out which alternate number was gram negative, and which was gram positive. In order to figure this out you have to do a Gram stain. This is where a small scrap of each sample of bacteria, is placed on the slide using all the specific dyes. The dyes used in order are Gram Crystal Violet, Gram Iodine, Gram Decolorizer, and Gram Safarin. The exact procedure followed is in the lab manual. (pg.67 Lab Manual) Once this is done the microscope is used to identify the color and shape, which will tell whether the bacteria is gram positive or negative.
Each bacterium is now isolated and alternate number 4 is gram negative, and other tests are now needed to identify the exact bacteria. The next procedure performed on alternate 4 was the Simmons Citrate. A citrate agar slant is inoculated with the bacteria on the surface of the test tube. Once that is done it is inoculated, and the results are checked the next day. This is used to determine if the bacteria that produce the enzyme citrase breakdown citrate. (pg.36 Lab Manual) The next procedure performed on alternate 4 was the Urea test. For this urea tubes are used that contain a broth known as urea. The citrate agar slants is inoculated, and then incubate it. If the ph indictor turns a bright magenta color then it indicates the breakdown of urea by the particular bacteria. (pg.38 Lab Manual) The last procedure was the indole and Hydrogen Sulfide test. This was done with the Sim tube that is a liquid medium. The Sim tube is inoculated, and then incubated. The “I” in Sim stands for indole. To test for indole you add Kovac’s reactant as stated in the lab procedure. This reactant brings indole to the top of the test tube. (pg.36 Lab Manual) The “S” in Sim stands for sulfur reduction. The Sim tube is inoculated, and then incubated to find the results a day later. These tests gave the answer to which bacteria alternate number 4 was.
The other alternate given was number 8. From doing the Gram stain it was found that is it positive, and is rod shaped. For the gram stain you follow the procedures in the lab manual , and then look at the results under the microscope.(pg.67 Lab Manual) Knowing that it gave two options of bacteria to go with, and run tests on. The first procedure was the Casein, and a milk agar was used for this. It is to be inoculate with the bacteria, and then incubated. Clearing around the inoculated area was to be observed, as stated in the lab manual. (pg.28 Lab Manual) The next procedure was Methyl Red which the MR-VP test tubes are used. It is a broth based test tube that essential is used to test whether or not glucose is fermented. (pg.34 Lab Manual) These were the only procedures done for this because I had it narrowed down to two from the beginning, so not as many test needed to be run. This gave the answer to alternative number 8.
All the following tests were performed on Alternate 4:
- Simmons Citrate
- Urea
- Indole
- Hydrogen Sulfide
All the following tests were performed on Alternate 8:
- Casein
- Methyl red
Results
Simmion Citrate test- Purpose: Is the ammonium phosphate in the test tube broken down? – If so then it produces a blue color on the surface, otherwise if not it stays its normal green color.
Urea test- Purpose: Does the enzyme urease break down urea? If so then the broth turns magenta pink, otherwise it stays the same color it normally is.
Indole test- Purpose: Does the enzyme trytophanase degrade the amino acid tryptophan into indole? If so then when the Kovac’s Reagent is added it will bring the indole to the surface of the test tube producing a red color making the result positive, otherwise no red color is produced.
Hydrogen Sulfide test- Purpose: Does the hydrogen sulfide react with ferrous sulfate to produce a black precipitate? If black is produced in the tube then the test would be positive, otherwise if not then a negative result.
Casein test- Purpose: Does the bacteria produce the enzyme casease which hydrolyzes the milk protein casein? If so and there is clearing around the bacteria then it indicates a positive result, otherwise would be negative.
Methyl Red- Purpose: Is a mixture of acids produced as a result of glucose fermentation? If so the broth will turn red indicating a positive result, otherwise it will be a negative result.
Discussion/ Conclusion
The only problem encountered was in the beginning when given the initial number 104. When a streak plate was done on 104 to try and isolate the two different bacteria’s there was always overgrowth. They were never able to isolate on their own, so two different alternate numbers were given by the professor.
Alternate number 4 from doing a Gram stain was figured out to be gram negative rods. First the Simmons Citrate test was performed it did not turn blue on the surface, so I knew the results were negative. The citrate test tube stayed it’s normal green color. Next was the Urea test, which came back negative because it didn’t turn the bright magenta color. The urea stayed the color it normally is in the test tube. With those two tests being done it narrowed it down to two options, which were Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia Coli. Next were the Hydrogen sulfide and indole test. The indole test gave me a positive result because the surface of the test tube turned red. The Hydrogen sulfide test on the other hand was negative because it didn’t turn the test tube a black color. Proteus vulgaris would be positive for both urea and hydrogen sulfide. Leaving to believe that alternate number 4 gram negative rod is E.coli.
Alternate number 8 when a Gram stain was done came out to be gram positive rod. That being known it only left two options Bacillus cereus or Bacillus subtilis. The first test was the Casein , which came out to be a positive result because there was clearing around the bacteria. Next was the Methyl Red test this also gave a positive result showing that it does produce a mixture of acids as a result of glucose fermentation, which turns the broth a red color. This concluded that alternate number 8 gram positive rod is Bacillus cereus because both these tests were positive. If both the test were negative then it would have been Bacillus subtilis.
Background Information on Alternate number 8
Bacillus cereus is a large gram positive, rod shaped bacteria that produce toxins and is capable of producing endospores. “B. cereus is mesophilic, growing optimally at temperatures between 20°C and 40°C, and is capable of adapting to a wide range of environmental conditions”, as stated in Bacillus cereus article. There are two illnesses that this particular bacterium can cause. “The first illness gives you diarrhea, whereas the second one gives you vomiting on top of diarrhea”, as stated in Bacillus cereus. The duration of this illness can last up to 24 hours at the most. As in most illness you are to get rest and drink lots of fluids, just like it is essential to do with this illness. This bacterium is found in many foods especially certain foods that sit out for long periods of time at room temperature. Their main habitat is soil. “Many sources of outbreak for B. cereus is said to be rice, meat loaf, turkey loaf, and many vegetables.” (Bacillus Species)
Sex Hormones and Multiple Sclerosis Link by Kelcey Rankin
Unless someone you know well or love has Multiple Sclerosis, it is probably safe to assume your knowledge is limited to a few facts. Multiple Sclerosis, or it’s common acronym MS, is a chronic, progressively debilitating, incurable disease. MS occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin, a sheath or covering that protects nerve fibers. The nerves in the spinal cord, brain, and optic nerve are damaged by this disease, which then leads to scaring, also know as sclerosis. The nerves begin to work improperly causing numbness and tingling. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, feeling fatigued, trouble walking, and chronic pain.
When my sister was diagnosed with MS, her symptoms where unusual. Her vision became blurry and colors, especially blue and red looked dull and faded. She was diagnosed with Optic Neuropathy, which can indicate an onset of Multiple Sclerosis. However, Optic Neuropathy can be caused by other illnesses too, so at first we weren’t thinking she had MS. Her doctor ordered an MRI and it revealed that she had multiple lesions on her brain, which were affecting her optic nerve. Lesions are inflammations of brain tissue and they show up on a MRI.
My sister has decided to manage her MS strictly through diet and a healthy lifestyle. There have been extensive studies done which indicate that the consumption of certain nonsaturtated fats and unprocessed foods can slow down the progression of MS. So far, her MS has been managed entirely by it. My sister does not eat sugar, meat, dairy, or anything processed. The success from this diet has put her symptoms on the back burner.
MS can be hard to diagnose because it could just as easily a pinched nerve, vitamin deficiency, lupus, or stress-related disorders. Unfortunately, there is not a fool-proof test to determine the presence of MS. As many as 10% of the people diagnosed with MS don’t actually have it. To be sure you should consult a neurologist or an MS specialist.
My sister is not the other person in my family who has MS. My first cousin Sarah was diagnosed at age 26. She has more lesions more frequently. She has had two kids since finding out. Sarah went into remission while pregnant both times. In some instances when woman have babies they stay in remission indefinitely. Unfornatly Sarah relapsed after both babies.
Correlation between sex hormones and magnetic resonance imaging lesions is not being studied. The objective is to determine if sex hormones play a role in the pathogenesis in MS. They have put serum estradiol and progesterone in patients right before their menstrual cycle. The result shows that patients with high estradiol and low progesterone levels had a significantly greater number of lesions than those with low levels of both of these hormones. Patients with high estrogen and progesterone levels had significantly low number of lesions on their MRI. The conclusion is that estradiol and progesterone may influence disease activity in MS. If further studies confirm these results, it may be possible to develop therapy by altering levels in hormones.
There are many helpful treatments to help manage MS, such as Corticosteroids, ACTH(adrenocorticotropic hormone), intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange. My cousin takes the first one, which is basically a steroid. There are many other drugs that help with MS but these are the ones that cause less side affects and help you to feel better faster. Researchers are working hard to find a cure, and many believe it is not far off.
In conclusion, MS used to be a depressing, sad disease that caused crippling muscle degeneraton. Now there are good treatment options that slow and in some cases reverse the affects of the disease. As I said before my sister manages hers just with diet and my cousin takes medication. We hope for a cure soon so my family and others do not have to suffer anymore. MS is strong, but we are STRONGER. Lets find a cure!
Works cited
Pregnancy and remission with MS, http://ms.about.com/od/livingwellwithms/tp/ms_pregnancy.htm
Diagnosing MS, Signs and symptoms http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-diagnosing
Medications for MS http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/tc/multiple-sclerosis-ms-medications
Hormones affect MS, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Changing your diet for MS, www.overcomingms.org
Allergies: An Easy to Read Article by Dalal Abduljaleel
For the food allergies, symptoms may cause a person to have tingling mouth and a swelling in lips, tongue, throat, or even the face. In an insect sting allergy, a person is more likely to have an edema (a large area of swelling around the sting area), chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, and itching. Drug allergies may include rash, facial swelling, itchy skin, and wheezing. Atopic dermatitis can cause itchiness, redden, and flakiness of the skin. Anaphylaxis is a term that describes a severe allergy reaction. It can be a symptom for food allergies, insects’ stings, and drug allergies.
Some of the signs that are associated with anaphylaxis include rashness in skin, lightheadedness, vomiting, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. In this severe case, calling 911 and receiving immediate medical help is important. An allergy reaction is caused when the immune system mistakenly produces an antibody for a harmless allergen. Therefore, when a person is exposed to that same allergen again, the immune system would releases substances that cause the allergy symptoms. Some common allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, insect stings, medications, substances that we come in touch with, and certain foods. Also, heredity can play a role in increasing the chances of having allergies. Children are expected to have higher rates of allergies than adults.
Children can get rid of those allergies, as they get older. However, it is important to note the rarity of having an allergy that outgrows and then appears back at a later time in a person’s lifetime. As complications, allergies can lead to other medical problems. Those medical problems include asthma, anaphylaxis, fungal complication of lungs, and atopic dermatitis. If a person was experiencing some of the above symptoms, then he or she should schedule an appointment with a doctor for diagnosis and available treatments. In this case, the doctor will ask several questions and do a physical test to try to assess the actual health problem and whether it’s allergies or something else. If the allergy was related to foods, then expect the doctor to ask you to keep a dietary diary of all the foods being eaten.
Furthermore, a person with allergies will be asked to complete either a skin test or a blood test. In a blood test, a blood sample is taken to measure the immune system’s reactions to particular allergens. The skin test is also important, as it demonstrates if a person is allergic to specific things by applying them to the skin. In this case, if the skin develops irritation, then there is an allergy reaction. Although there is no cure for many allergies, there are many treatments that can aid in reducing the effect of an allergy. Those treatments include an immunotherapy, symptoms-reducing symptoms, emergency epinephrine, and allergen avoidance. Therefore, it is important to seek a medical help, as those symptoms can be minimized.
Reference:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/basics/definition/con-20034030
Alzheimer’s: An Easy to Read Article by Lauren VonOehsen
What causes Alzheimer’s? Still slightly unclear about the full cause of Alzheimer’s, scientists and physicians believe that it is mainly due to genetic, environmental, and lifestyle changes over time affecting the brain. Although, suffering from Alzheimer’s due to genetics is less than a five percent chance. However, Alzheimer’s is very clear in the brain and the effects this disease has on people. There are two types of abnormalities happening in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s that do not occur (as much) in a healthy person’s brain. These are called plaques and tangles. Plaques are proteins that clump up, damaging brain cells and interfering with the communication that happens between cells. Tangles are twisted strands of protein called tau. In areas where tangles are forming, the tau gets caught up and causes the transport system, which is vital for nutrients and other materials for the brain to function correctly, to disintegrate. As people get older some plaques and tangles develop but in a person with Alzheimer’s many more develop.
Unfortunately, not just elderly people suffer from Alzheimer’s. It can set in in a person’s 40s or 50s. Some symptoms of someone who is suffering from Alzheimer’s include many cognitive difficulties, behavioral changes, mood and psychological changes. Simple tasks like delay in recognizing a family member, frequent forgetfulness and confusion, and delusion are all cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s (dementia). Behavioral changes include agitation, aggression, wandering or getting lost, repetition of words, and general personality changes. Mood and psychological changes range from anger, loneliness, paranoia, and hallucination. Loss of appetite and inability to combine muscle movements are also common symptoms of Alzheimer’s (dementia). There are tests, blood and genetic, that can be done to identify if someone has Alzheimer’s or another kind of dementia.
There is not yet a cure for Alzheimer’s but there are many treatment options. Medications, alternative medications, sensory therapy and more can all be done to help someone cope with Alzheimer’s and help the symptoms decrease. A lot of treatment to help Alzheimer’s involves one-on-one interaction. Many times home nurses are brought into a home to help that person with every day simple activities; brushing their teeth, changing clothes, opening a water bottle. Alzheimer’s patients can also be moved into health facilities and assisted living where the nurses are specifically taught how to care for people of dementia.
Of course if you, a family member, or someone you know has Alzheimer’s it is not all sad and gloomy. There are times where the person is smiling and laughing and can hold a conversation with someone at times. Anyone with any branch of dementia should always have a strong support system and should not be abandoned or left alone. Although, caring for a person with Alzheimer’s can be very difficult and frustrating at times, one must be patient and remember this disease is not their fault and just to stay by their side and love them. There are many organizations that help greatly with Alzheimer’s to find a cure and end this disease.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/basics/definition/con-20023871
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/
What You Need to Know About Melanoma by Jenna Visintine
A spot on the skin that looks abnormal to you can be warning sign you might have melanoma. Of course not all spots on the skin are cancerous. You can follow the ABCD rule to give you an idea if you should get checked out by a doctor. Asymmetrical moles can be a warning sign along with border irregularity. Color on your mole should only be one shade of brown. Also, the diameter of the mole should be smaller than the eraser on your pencil. You should also pay attention to if a mole grows or not. A skin biopsy may be done to determine whether the mole is benign or needs further treatment.
Melanoma can be curable if detected soon enough. Treatment can require cutting the mole out which is called a resection which can cause a scar, but that is not nearly as important as your life! The thicker the tumor the more severe the cancer is. Removal of a lymph gland that is nearby the mole can be suggested depending on the moles size, shape, and thickness.
Anyone can get melanoma, but one’s own family history can out some at more risk than others. If you have had a relative that has had Melanoma could increase your risk. Having faire skin and freckles can make you more at risk. A passed of many sunburns give you higher chances. The more moles you have the higher risk you have even though most are benign. Interestingly enough before the age forty five women are more at risk, but after the age forty five the chances for men go up.
A very common concern with melanoma patients is the reoccurrence of the cancer. The severity of your melanoma will determine what happens next. A close watch and follow up examinations are performed every three to six month for the first two to three years. Sometimes x rays may be and CT scans may be done.
A patient of melanoma can also be impacted mentally. Anxiety and stress can occur from fear of the cancer reoccurrence. Precautions always have to be taken before going out into the son. Scars can also be embarrassing and make someone self-conscious.
Melanoma is a cancer that can in many cases be warded off by some common sense. A few things that you can refrain from doing is laying out in the sun trying to your extreme tan on. Put sunscreen when you know you are going to be over exposed. For girls, you can buy make up that has SPF in the ingredients which it always helpful. That way you can look good and not have sun rays damage your skin. When you go to those tropical areas on vacation where the sun a very strong you should definitely lather up. That is where I find I get the most easily burned. Wearing a hat if you have fair skin to prevent freckles and sun damage. Staying away from those tanning beds is one of the easiest things to do to not increase your chances.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/melanoma/page4.htm#how_do_doctors_determine_the_prognosis_outlook_of_a_melanoma
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-after-follow-up
My Experience with V-Tach (Ventricular Tachycardia) by Nick Tarnawczyk
All of the above where things that I learned about myself at the age of 17. It is a very devastating thing to happen to someone at the prime age of their youth when you are a senior in high school, and have many things to look forward too. This all occurred when I was in my prime working out at Golds Gym, and I had a syncope spell. They believed that it was simply the effects of me using a stimulant for working out (a pre workout with enough caffeine to keep a normal person up for a week!) and becoming dehydrated. The stimulant made for a lot of fun I tested positive for Meth getting questioned by the cops in the emergency room was the highlight of waking up, and not knowing where I was. The symptoms that were noticed in the future were only discovered because of a stress test. The results showed that I had a fast and irregular heartbeat that did not provide enough oxygen enriched blood to keep me on my two feet. Once all of this was discovered many actions such as the ones I stated above came into play. I was monitored by a portable heart monitor that was nearly useless being a teen that forgets everything. The last result was that of surgically putting a loop recorder in my chest that automatically records any abnormality. The surgery itself is an in and out type ordeal, but you must be in a sling for about a week. I was only allowed to take walks with other never by myself. As far as diet went it was a much healthier lifestyle rather than the 900 calories I was eating a day. Also to make sure I was placed on Atenolol which is a blood pressure medication to help slow my heart rate. Although the treatments are easy to follow you must be monitored for the next 4 years of your life.
The condition itself is treated easily once it is discovered. After a year or so the condition itself can go away although there is no exact treatment to directly stop it. I hope that this article will help open one’s eyes to the medical facts, and the actual experience of one having this condition first hand.
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/ventricular-tachycardia-topic-overview
The Harsh Reality of Heart Disease in Women By Kelcey Rankin
One of the most common symptoms of a heart attack in men is a constant pain or pressure in the chest and upper arms. Women, conversely, rarely report chest pain at all. The symptoms women complain of include: neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, and even abdominal discomfort. Some others include: shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, sweating heavily, and shortness of breath. These symptoms rarely alert women to the fact that they are facing a serious issue – a heart attack.
Women tend to not only have blockages in their main arteries but in the smaller ones too. This condition is called small vessel heart disease or micro vascular disease.
A really horrible thing about heart attacks in women is that symptoms may come on when they are sleeping or resting and they may not feel them because they are asleep. Women also tend to downplay their symptoms and be reluctant to go to the emergency room or the hospital. They may wait too long and then it may be too late.
Heart disease risk factors for women include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. Interestingly, diabetes in women increases heart disease at a much higher rate then in men. Some other factors that increase the risk of heart attacks in women with heart disease (more than in men) are smoking, fat around the midsection and higher than normal blood sugar and high triglycerides. Also depression with stress is much higher in women and a big part in damaging the heart. Lower levels of estrogen after menopause may cause a significant risk factor for micro vascular disease.
Women, as a group, tend to exercise less then men and this adds to the list of factors. And very important for all women to know is that this disease isn’t something only older women should worry about. Women under the age of 65 and with family history of heart disease should take this disease very seriously. If you take care of your body by not smoking and exercising 60 minutes a day you may dodge the bullet. Another way to keep your heart in tip-top shape is to eat healthy, eliminating high cholesterol foods, consuming less salt, and eating foods with no saturated fat.
If you want your heart and other organs to work properly you need to establish a healthy body weight and BMI. BMI stands for body mass index. This scale considers your height and weight to see if you’re overweight or obese. If your BMI is over 25 you have now doubled your risk for heart disease and other health complications. Again this is why exercise is so vital to your overall health. Losing only 10 pounds can lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes which can then help lower the risk for heart disease and heart attack.
Taking a daily baby Aspirin is extremely beneficial to heart health, along with taking krill fish oil pills. Choosing whole grains, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats can help you maintain a healthy weight which is excellent for your heart.
I have talking about how to keep yourself at a safe weight and how to drop your risk of heart disease. It is more important to start these healthy habits early in life so you can live a long life. Take care of your heart and your heart will take care of you.
Works Cited
http://www.mayoclinic.org/
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/women-heart-disease
What is Down Syndrome by Sabrina Hassan
This additional genetic material affects individuals differently, however, all individuals with Down Syndrome experience varying forms of intellectual disability as well as developmental delays. It is estimated that nearly 400,000 Americans have Down syndrome, and that Down Syndrome is the most common genetic disorder in the United States. Often, individuals with Down Syndrome contain similar physical traits, as the genetic disorder produces common characteristics in the human body. Such characteristics include but are not limited to low/poor muscle tone, upward slanting eyes, a small head with flattened facial features, and a single deep crease which extends across the palm of an individual. Furthermore, individuals with Down Syndrome tend to be on the shorter side, and it is not uncommon for such individuals to experience developmental troubles, including heart defects, as well as a weakened immune system. Lastly, people with Down Syndrome are more likely to develop problems with obesity when compared with the rest of the population, and are more prone to have poor eyesight.
It is important to note that Down syndrome is not inherited, or at least in most cases it is not. Out of the three cases of Down syndrome, Translocation Down syndrome is the only case in which Down Syndrome may be inherited from the parent. The other two case of Down syndrome include Trisomy 21 and Mosaic Down syndrome. These two cases combined account for roughly 96% of the cases of Down syndrome, with the most common case of Down syndrome being caused by the case of Trisomy 21 (makes up 95 percent of cases of Down syndrome.)
Trisomy 21 occurs when abnormal cell division takes place during the development of either the sperm cell or the egg cell. This causes a child to be born with 47 chromosomes instead of the typical 46. Mosaic Down Syndrome also accounts for children to be born with 7 chromosomes instead of 46, however the abnormality in cell division occurs after fertilization of the egg. Translocation Down syndrome on the other hand can occur either before or at fertilization, however, this case of Down syndrome occurs when a part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome, resulting in a child carrying the normal amount of chromosomes, yet still suffering from the genetic disorder. *Note, that the reason this is called “Translocation Down syndrome” is because the act of chromosome 21 attaching to another chromosome is called.. you guessed it! Translocation!
There is no strong scientific evidence that seems to prove the theory that Down syndrome can be caused by specific environmental factors, or by actions performed by the parent before or during their pregnancy. However, with the advancement of technology, parents are able to determine whether their child has the genetic disorder prior to the birth of the child. Parents who have a greater chance of carrying a child with Down syndrome are often advised to seek the help of a genetic counselor before or after becoming pregnant. Such individuals include older mothers, mothers who have previously given birth to a child with Down syndrome, and both male and females who carry traces of a translocated chromosome 21in their DNA. Although there is no way to prevent Down syndrome, advancements in technology, our health care system, and understanding of the disorder continues to allow the parents and children and Down syndrome to live longer, and better lives than ever before.
What is Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure by Inayatullah Shaheen
Know your blood pressure number is important. Let’s say your all fine and feel great. Still knowing your number can be best way to keep your and your organ out of danger. If the numbers are reaching high, then you can work with your health care doctor to help prevent any more damage to your body and organs. Not know your numbers will give you hard time later on in your life. Blood pressure is measured in systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic means, blood pressure when heart beats while pumping blood. And Diastolic means when heart is at rest and beating normally. Systolic can been, when you are running and check your blood pressure, we all know that time our blood pressure is going to be high, in which this case is its normal. Let’s say you’re sitting in a relax position and you check your blood pressure and the number come out to be rocket high. At this cause you must go and see your doctor as soon as possible.
You have seen that blood pressure number are written as systolic number above and before the diastolic number such as (120/80 mmHg) which stands for millimeter of mercy, units use to measured blood pressure. Blood pressure doesn’t stay the same all the time. It lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up. Blood pressure also rises when you’re excited, nervous, or active. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you’re at risk for health problems. The risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. “Prehypertension” means you may end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it.
If you’re being treated for HBP and have repeat readings in the normal range, your blood pressure is under control. However, you still have the condition. You should see your doctor and follow your treatment plan to keep your blood pressure under control.
Your systolic and diastolic numbers may not be in the same blood pressure category. In this case, the more severe category is the one you’re in. For example, if your systolic number is 160 and your diastolic number is 80, you have stage 2 HBP. If your systolic number is 120 and your diastolic number is 95, you have stage 1 HBP. If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, HBP is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. HBP numbers also differ for children and teens
To keep yourself and your organ in a healthy condition then you must go and see your health care doctor regularly even when your feel well. You never know what is going on inside of your body. But going to doctor and getting yourself check every 3 months is not a bad thing. High blood pressure is one of the dangerous disease to have.
Reference: Webmd.com
Identifying Bacillus cereus | Microbiology Unknown Lab
Microbiology
UNKNOWN LAB REPORT
Unknown Number 124
Caroline Marshak
April 5, 2015
Jay Snaric
Spring 2015
INTRODUCTION
There are very many reasons to know about microorgansims, a few of which have been shown in the microbiology lecture class. These materials were then transferred to the lab portion and studied by several students to learn more about the significant effects that bacteria can have on people. It is important to know differences between microorganisms, especially in the health industry, to help diagnose and treat illnesses. There are some illnesses that are talked about everyday in the US, such as Staphlococcus (staph) infections and Streptococcus (strep) throat infections but there are hundreds of microbacterium that kill human beings everyday which are not as obvious. On the other hand, microbacteria are very important for a normal, healthy body, which can make it difficult to tell the difference between the good and bad. In the microbiology class at Meramec, students applied the information that was studied throughout the year to identify 2 unknown bacterium. To do so, the unknown organisms were placed in numerous environments and put through different tests to see what grew and how it grew. This information was written down and by the process of elimination, the two microbacterium could be identified.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A vial with 2 unknown specimen labeled #124 was given out by the lab instructor. Procedures learned during the lab portion of this class were performed on each bacterium to figure out what they are. These methods were followed as stated in the lab manual by McDonald et. Al (1).
The first procedure performed was to streak the unknowns on to a nutrient agar plate. To isolate the unknowns, the quadrant streak method was used, described in the lab manual on page 10 (1). Once the plate was streaked with the bacteria in zigzag lines on the edge of the plate, it was placed into the incubator at 37°C. Two days prior to incubation, the plate was removed and 2 distinct colonies were present which were then isolated on to 2 separate plates using the quadrant streak method. These two plates were incubated for another two days.
The second procedure that needed to be done was gram staining. To do this, a series of reagents (seen on table 1) were flooded onto slides for an allotted amount of time (1). After the stains were complete, the slides were viewed under the microscope to then decide which were Gram- and Gram+ and the shapes of each. After looking through the microscope, it was obvious that there were Gram- rods on one slide and Gram+ rods on the second slide, which lead to the next test.
Since the Gram- shapes were rods, no organisms on the unknown chart could be eliminated. To narrow down the organisms, the Simmon’s Citrate test was performed. After inoculating the citrate tube with unknown Gram-, the tube was placed in the incubator. Two days later, the tube was removed and it was still green, indicating a negative test. This left Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris as possible organisms. Professor Bohra substituted as lab instructor on this day and stated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa glows green, which was not the case for either unknown organism given. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was then eliminated from the unknown chart.
To determine which of the two left was the unknown Gram- organism, a nitrate test and H2S test were done.
The unknown Gram- was inoculated in the nitrate broth and stabbed into the Kligler tube, then incubated for 2 days. The following class, the Kligler tube was black, indicating a reduction of sulfur (a positive result). Nitrate reagents A and B were added to the Gram- Nitrate broth and there was no color change. Zinc was added and the color still remained the same, which ended up as a false negative. The tests used and results of unknown Gram- are shown in Table 1.
The following tests were performed on the unknown Gram-.
- Simmon’s Citrate
- Kligler (H2S)
- Methyl Red
- Nitrate
Since the Gram+ bacteria were shown as rods on the gram stain, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis could be eliminated, leaving Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtillis as possible organisms. To determine which of these two organisms was in tube #124, the methyl red test was used along with the casein test.
The unknown Gram+ was inoculated onto a milk agar plate then incubated for 2 days. The following class, there was a clearing where the bacteria was placed, indicating the presence of the enzyme casease (a positive result). To make sure that the test’s results were correct, a methyl red test was done.
An MRVP tube was inoculated with the unknown Gram+ and incubated until the following class. When class returned, 10 drops of the methyl red reagent was placed into the tube and it immediately turned red at the top, indicating the presence of a mixture of acids (a positive result).
The tests used and results of unknown Gram+ are shown in Table 2.
The following tests were performed on the unknown Gram+
1.Methyl Red
2. Casein
Table 1: Gram- Physiological Results
TEST | REAGENTS OR MEDIA | TEMP | OBSERVATIONS | RESUTS | INTERPRETATIONS |
Gram Stain | Crystal violet, Iodine, Alcohol, Safranin | None | Pink Rods | Gram negative rods | Gram negative bacteria |
Simmon’s Citrate | Citrate Slant | 37°C | No color change | Negative | Organism is unable to use citrate as a carbon source |
Kligler (H2S) | Kligler iron tube | 37°C | Black appearance in slant | Positive | Organism is able to reduce sulfur |
Nitrate Test | Nitrate tubes | None | No red color after adding Nitrate A & B. No color change after zinc addition | False Negative | Organism cannot reduce Nitrate |
Table 2: Gram+ Physiological Results
TEST | REAGENTS OR MEDIA | TEMP | OBSERVATIONS | RESULTS | INTERPRETATIONS |
Gram Stain | Crystal violet, Iodine, Alcohol, Safranin | None | Purple rods | Gram Positive rods | Gram positive bacteria |
Methyl Red | MRVP | 37°C | Red color at the top of the tube | Positive | Organism is able to produce acid from glucose fermentation |
Casein | Milk Agar plate | 37°C | Clearing where bacteria was inoculated | Positive | Organism is able to produce the enzyme casease |
NOTE: Flowcharts were removed due to formatting issues.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
The test results for the unknown Gram- bacteria showed that the specimen was Proteus vulgaris. The conclusion was made by three important tests. The first was the Simmon’s Citrate test which came back green, meaning that it was unable to use citrate as a carbon source. The second test that was done was the Kligler test for H2S, which came back as a positive result. The third test was Nitrate, which came back as a false negative. Perhaps when trying to inoculate the broth with the Gram- bacteria, the inoculating loop was still too hot and killed the Gram- cells, which would make the broth then, without bacteria. With these three tests the unknown Gram- bacteria has been identified as Proteus vulgaris.
The test results for the unknown Gram+ bacteria showed that the specimen was Bacillus cereus. The conclusion was made by doing two tests. The first test that was done was Methyl red, which came back positive, as the broth turned red after adding MRVP reagent. To be sure that the results were correct, the Casein test was done on a milk agar plate. After incubation there was a clearing around the bacteria, which is a positive test. With these tests, the unknown Gram+ bacteria has been identified as Bacillus cereus.
Bacillus cereus is a facultative aerobic bacterium that is highly pathogenic to humans if not handled properly. This specimen is a soil-derived drug, which makes it easy to get into foods form the ground. It produces toxins which can result in diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Bacillus cereus is often found in rice dishes, but can be found in most types of food that have sat out too long at room temperature, as well (2). It can also be found in foods that are not cooked to the optimum temperatures, which allows the bacteria to continue to thrive. Some strains of this bacteria can have a positive effect for animals, acting as a probiotic. This is because Bacillus cereus competes with other bacteria of the intestine, such as salmonella. Often times, animals will be given food with a B. cereus additive so that the animal does not get salmonella in the gut (3) This helps the animal grow as well as helping to protect the humans who eat it. This bacterial strain can be doubled in less than 30 minutes at room temperature. B. cereus can produce protective endospores which help the bacterial strain live on, even if it is inactive (4).
REFERNCES
- Virginia, McDonald. Lab Manual for General Microbiology (2011). Print.
- Bacillus Cereus.” Bacillus Cereus. Web. 29 Apr. 2015. <http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/bcereus/>.
- “Bacillus Cereus.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 30 Apr.
- <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_cereus>.
- “Bacillus Cereus.” – MicrobeWiki. Web. 29 Apr. 2015. <https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Bacillus_cereus>.