Assessment of Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Anticancer Potential of Lactoferrin Extracted from Camel Milk

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein present in mammalian milk. It possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and several biological functions. Owing to the current trend of increasing antibiotic resistance, our study was designed to purify lactoferrin from camel milk colostrum using cation exchange chromatography on the SP-Sepharose high-performance column. The purity and molecular weight of lactoferrin were checked by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The chromatogram of the purification procedure illustrated a single peak corresponding to lactoferrin, while the SDS-PAGE revealed 78 kDa molecular weight protein. Furthermore, lactoferrin protein and its hydrolysate form were assessed for its antimicrobial potential. The highest inhibitory effect of whole lactoferrin at the concentration (4 mg/ml) was observed against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and S. aureus, while 10 mg/ml concentration was effective against K. pneumonia, and 27 mg/ml was potent against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, P. aeruginosa. Likewise, MRSA was more sensitive toward iron-free lactoferrin (2 mg/ml) and hydrolyzed lactoferrin (6 mg/ml). The tested lactoferrin forms showed variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) among tested bacteria. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis images revealed distortions of the bacterial cells exposed to lactoferrin. The antibiofilm effect differed depending on the concentration and the type of the bacteria; biofilm inhibition ranged from 12.5 to 91.3% in the tested pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, the anticancer activity of lactoferrin forms exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cell line (A549).

In Vitro and In Vivo Preventive Effects of Thymoquinone against Breast Cancer: Role of DNMT1

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women and is a major cause of female cancer-related deaths. BC is a multifactorial disease caused by the dysregulation of many genes, raising the need to find novel drugs that function by targeting several signaling pathways. The antitumoral drug thymoquinone (TQ), found in black seed oil, has multitargeting properties against several signaling pathways. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of TQ on the MCF7 and T47D human breast cancer cell lines and its antitumor activity against BC induced by a single oral dose (65 mg/kg) of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) in female rats. The therapeutic activity was evaluated in DMBA-treated rats who received oral TQ (50 mg/kg) three times weekly. TQ-treated MCF7 and T47D cells showed concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. TQ also decreased the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in both cancer cell types. In DMBA-treated animals, TQ inhibited the number of liver and kidney metastases. These effects were associated with a reduction in DNMT1 mRNA expression. These results indicate that TQ has protective effects against breast carcinogens through epigenetic mechanisms involving DNMT1 inhibition.

The clinical significance of some serum tumor markers among chronic patients with Helicobacter pylori infections in Ibb Governorate, Yemen

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a carcinogenic bacterium, it is the greatest risk factor for gastric cancer (GC), according to these evidences, there may be a certain association between chronic H. pylori infections and serum levels of tumor markers. This study was conducted to determine serum levels of some tumor markers, namely carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and cancer antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) in patients with chronic H. pylori infections and evaluate the association between serum tumor marker levels and chronic patients with H. pylori infections in Ibb Governorate, Yemen.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study involved 200 patients who had been diagnosed with H. pylori infections using a serum immunochromatography antibody test. Stool and blood samples were collected from all patients to confirm the presence of H. pylori through detection of serum H. pylori IgG antibody and stool antigen test (SAT). Additionally, serum samples were analyzed to measurement the level of certain tumor markers CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4. These tests were conducted at various Hospitals, Gastroenterology and Hepatology clinics in Ibb governorate, Yemen from October 2019 to November 2020.

RESULTS

The findings of current study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infections by rapid anti H. pylori test were 200 (100%), 157 (78.5%) by serum H. pylori IgG antibody and 108 (54%) by SAT. In addition, the results showed that 42 (21%) of the patients had abnormal level of CEA, 30 (15%) had abnormal level of CA19-9 and 31 (15.5%) had abnormal level of CA72-4. Most importantly, the results indicated that the serum tumor marker levels CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4 were correlated with the levels of serum H. pylori IgG antibody as well as positive results from the SAT (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated that serum tumor marker levels were associated with different infection status. Finally, the results indicated that the serum levels of tumor markers were associated with older ages, symptomatic patients and long duration of H. pylori infections (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicated that there is a significant association between chronic H. pylori infections and the serum levels of tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4). This suggests that the patients with active chronic H. pylori infection may have an increased risk of developing GC. Therefore, monitoring and early detection of H. pylori infection and tumor markers levels in these patients may be crucial for identifying individuals at higher risk and implementing appropriate interventions.

Herpesvirus entry mediator as a potential biomarker in breast cancer compared with conventional cytotoxic T‑lymphocyte‑associated antigen 4

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with 2.3 million cases recorded in 2020. Despite improvements in cancer treatment, patients with BC still succumb to the disease, due to regional and distant metastases when diagnosed at later stages. Several immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for BC treatment, based on their expression and role in maintaining immunosurveillance against tumors. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of 12 immune checkpoints in patients with BC, and assess their role as diagnostic and therapeutic markers. Expression levels were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Among the 12 immune markers, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) was found to be significantly upregulated in patients with malignant BC compared to non-malignant controls, with a relative fold change (FC) of 1.46 and P=0.012. A similar finding was observed for cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4; FC=1.47 and P=0.035). In addition, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that HVEM expression allowed significant differentiation between groups, with an area under the curve of 0.74 (P=0.013). Upregulation in both HVEM and CTLA4 was revealed to be significantly associated with the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-enriched phenotype (FC=3.53, P=0.009 and FC=5.98, P=0.002, respectively), while only HVEM was significantly associated with the triple-negative phenotype (FC=2.07, P=0.016). Furthermore, HVEM was significantly higher in patients with grade III tumors (FC=1.88, P=0.025) and negative vascular invasion (FC=1.67, P=0.046) compared with non-malignant controls. Serum protein levels were assessed by multiplex immunoassay, and a significant increase in HVEM was detected in patients with malignant BC compared with that in non-malignant controls (P=0.035). These data indicated that HVEM may serve as a potential biomarker and target for immunotherapy, especially for certain types of BC.

Virtual reality-based exercises' effects on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVE

The long-term consequences of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which include altered lung functions and compromised cardiopulmonary capacity, impact functional performance and quality of life. This study investigates the effects of virtual reality-based exercise programs on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired CDH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. Fifty-two children with repaired CDH (aged 6-10 years) were enrolled and randomly allocated to virtual reality-based exercises plus traditional physical therapy (VR-EX group, n = 26) or traditional physical therapy alone (control group, n = 26). Interventions were conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

The VR-EX group demonstrated significantly enhanced post-treatment pulmonary functions and cardiopulmonary capacity compared to the control group after accounting for the pre-treatment values (p < 0.05). In addition, the values in functional performance and quality of life measures showed significantly larger improvements in the VR-EX group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with repaired CDH may benefit more from VR-based exercises when combined with traditional physical therapy than from traditional physical therapy alone regarding their pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life.

Optimal Concentration and Duration of Endotracheal Tube Coating to Achieve Optimal Antimicrobial Efficacy and Safety Balance: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and genuine complication in fundamentally sick patients accepting mechanical ventilation. Silver nitrate sol-gel (SN) has been proposed as a potential preventative measure against VAP. Be that as it may, the arrangement of SN with distinctive concentrations and pH values remains a basic factor influencing its effectiveness.

METHODS

Silver nitrate sol-gel was arranged with distinctive concentrations (0.1852%, 0.03496%, 0.1852%, and 0.01968%) and pH values (8.5, 7.0, 8.0, and 5.0) separately. The antimicrobial action of the silver nitrate and NaOH arrangements were assessed against Escherichia coli as a reference strain. The thickness and pH of the arrangements were measured, and biocompatibility tests were performed on the coating tube. The auxiliary changes in the endotracheal tube (ETT) tests after treatment were analyzed utilizing electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

The pH estimations of the diverse arrangements showed that the pH values shifted depending on the test conditions, with pH values extending from 5.0 to 8.5. The consistency estimations of the arrangements showed that the thickness values expanded as the pH values drew closer to 7.5 and diminished when the pH values went over 7.5. The antimicrobial action of the silver nitrate and NaOH arrangements were successful against Escherichia coli, with microbial checks decreasing in concentration (0.03496%, 0.1852% (pH: 8), and 0.01968%). The biocompatibility tests revealed tall cell reasonability rates, demonstrating that the coating tube was secure for therapeutic utilization and did not hurt typical cells. The SEM and TEM investigation gave visual proof of the antibacterial impacts of the silver nitrate and NaOH arrangements on the bacterial surface or interior of the bacterial cells. Moreover, the investigation revealed that a concentration of 0.03496% was the foremost successful in hindering the development of ETT bacterial colonization at the nanoscale level.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that cautious control and alteration of the pH and thickness of the arrangements are essential to guaranteeing the reproducibility and quality of the sol-gel materials. The silver nitrate and NaOH arrangements may serve as a potential preventative degree against VAP in sick patients, with a concentration of 0.03496% appearing to show the most elevated viability. The coating tube may serve as a secure and viable preventative measure against VAP in sick patients. Further investigation is required to optimize the concentration and introduction time of the arrangements to maximize their adequacy in avoiding VAP in real-world clinical settings.

Influence of Tumor Volume on the Fluence Rate Within Human Breast Model Using Continuous-Wave Diffuse Optical Imaging: A Simulation Study

Objective: This article investigates the effect of varying breast tumor size on the fluence rate distribution within a breast model during the diffuse optical imaging procedure. Background: Early detection of breast cancer is of significant importance owing to its wide spread among women worldwide. Mastectomy surgery became very common due to the late detection of breast cancers by the conventional diagnostic methods such as X-ray mammography and magnetic resonance imaging. On the contrary, optical imaging techniques provide a safe and more sensitive methodology, which is suitable for the early detection criteria. Methods: The implementation was performed based on simulating multiple detectors placed on the outer surface of a human breast model to compute the optical fluence rate after probing the breast (normal and different tumor sizes) with laser irradiation. Different laser wavelengths ranging from the red to near-infrared rays spectral range were examined to determine the optimum fluence rate that shows the highest capability to differentiate between normal and cancerous breasts. A three-dimensional breast model was created using the COMSOL multiphysics package where the optical fluence rate was estimated based on the finite-element solution of the diffusion equation. Results: To evaluate the efficiency of the suggested technique for identifying cancers and discriminate them from normal breast at various wavelengths (600-1000 nm) and several tumor sizes. Conclusions: The obtained results reveal different fluence rate distributions in the breast with different radius tumors, especially at 600 nm due to the significant differences in the scattering coefficient between malignancies and healthy tissue.

Improvement of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) for Mechanical Harvesting, High Flower Yield and Essential Oil Content Using Physical and Chemical Mutagenesis

Chamomile (Matricariarecutita L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants with various applications. The flowers and flower heads are the main organs inthe production of essential oil. The essential improvement goals of chamomile are considered to be high flower yield and oil content, as well asthe suitability for mechanical harvesting. The present study aimed to improve the flower yield, oil content and mechanical harvestability of German chamomile via chemical and physical mutagens. Three German chamomile populations (Fayum, Benysuif and Menia) were irradiated with 100, 200, 300 and 400 Gray doses of gamma rays, as well as chemically mutagenized using 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003 mol/mL of sodium azide for 4 h. The two mutagens produced a wide range of changes in the flowers' shape and size. At M₃ generation, 18 mutants (11 from gamma irradiation and 7 from sodium azide mutagenization) were selected and morphologically characterized. Five out of eighteen mutants were selected for morphological and chemical characterization for oil content, oil composition and oil quality in M₄ generation. Two promising mutants, F/LF5-2-1 and B/HNOF 8-4-2, were selected based on their performance in most studied traits during three generations, as well as the high percentage of cut efficiency and a homogenous flower horizon, which qualify them as suitable candidates for mechanical harvesting. The two mutants are late flowering elite mutants; the F/LF5-2-1 mutant possessed the highest oil content (1.77%) and number of flowers/plant (1595), while the second promising B/HNOF 8-4-2 mutant hada high oil content (1.29%) and chamazulene percentage (13.98%) compared to control plants. These results suggest that the B/HNOF 8-4-2 and F/LF5-2-1 mutants could be integrated as potential parents into breeding programs for a high number of flowers, high oil content, oil composition and oil color traits for German chamomile improvement.

Dermatology Life Quality Index in Patients with Dermatophytosis in a Tertiary Care Centre of Bangladesh

In our country a huge number of populations are suffering from dermatophytosis. During the last few years, the number of patients affected by dermatophytosis has been increasing. Dermatophytosis tends to be prolonged, recurrent and persistent course which can affect quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to seek out the effect of dermatophytosis on the quality of life of the patients of dermatophytosis and to analyze its relationship with various demographic and clinical factors. This was a cross-sectional study in which 306 patients aged ≥16 years with dermatophytosis were included and evaluated for impact of dermatophytosis on quality of life using dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire. Independent sample t-test and one way ANOVA were used to find out statistical associations between various variables and mean DLQI scores, wherever applicable. The mean DLQI score in this study was 13.07±8.51. Majority (39.5%) subjects had a 'very large' effect on the QoL. Mean DLQI was significantly higher in young subjects, patients with longer duration of disease, more body surface area involved, involvement of more than one sites (generalized involvement) and topical steroid containing preparation users (p<0.05). This study revealed that the quality of life is adversely affected by dermatophytosis. Hence, Steps must be taken for proper counseling and management, along with early detection and elimination of topical steroid use in dermatophytosis.

Numerical analysis of the optical fluence rate at the scalp for noninvasive brain tumor detection

The present study provides a noninvasive, safe approach for brain tumor detection by numerically analyzing the optical fluence rate at the scalp. The proposed numerical investigation demonstrates the application of different laser wavelengths for identifying different types and volumes of brain tumors (glioma "grade II astrocytoma" and meningioma). The proposed method analyzes the spatial fluence rate distribution over the surface of the head after probing it with different infrared laser wavelengths (1000 and 1100 nm) to distinguish between normal and brain tumors. A multilayer head model is created with COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 simulation software, where the Helmholtz equation is solved using a finite element method to visualize the optical fluence rate at the model's surface. The resultant fluence rate images show different features between normal brain and brain tumors, especially at 1000 nm.

A Comparative Study for Measuring Serum Ferritin Levels with Three Different Laboratory Methods: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay versus Cobas e411 and Cobas Integra 400 Methods

Different laboratory methods are used to measure serum ferritin levels as a marker of iron status in the general population. This study aimed to compare serum ferritin levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) versus immunochemiluminescence (Cobas e411) and immunoturbidimetric (Cobas Integra 400) methods in terms of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, and whether they can be used interchangeably. A comparative cross-sectional study enrolled one hundred and six adult Yemeni patients (33 males and 73 females) aged 18–55 years, recruited from the dermatology and cosmetic center of Hadhramout Modern Hospital, Mukalla, Yemen. Serum ferritin levels were measured using ELISA, Cobas e411, and Cobas Integra 400 methods. For method comparison, a paired-sample t-test was used. For the consistency between the three methods, they were analyzed with regression and Pearson correlation coefficient. For determining accuracy, a receiver operating curve (ROC) was used. Bias error between the methods was determined through a Bland–Altman plot analysis. Our results did not show any significant statistical difference between ELISA and Cobas e411 (52.55 ± 7.4 µg/L vs. 52.58 ± 7.5 µg/L, p = 0.967), while there were significantly higher values from Cobas Integra 400 results than Cobas e411 (56.31 ± 7.8 µg/L vs. 52.58 ± 7.5 µg/L, p < 0.001) and ELISA (52.55 ± 7.4 µg/L vs. 56.31 ± 7.8 µg/L, p < 0.001). According to the correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis, a strong association between ELISA with Cobas e411 (r = 0.993, p < 0.001) and Cobas Integra 400 results (r = 0.994, p < 0.001) were revealed. For determining accuracy, Cobas e411 and Cobas Integra 400 results showed higher sensitivity (92.0%; 90.0%) and specificity (97.7%; 99.9%) respectively. Additionally, the Bland–Altman plot analysis showed a high agreement between the ELISA and Cobas e411 methods (bias: −0.035). In contrast, there was a low agreement between the ELISA and Cobas Integra 400 methods (bias: −3.75). Similarly, the agreement between Cobas e411 and Cobas Integra 400 methods was low (bias: −3.72). Serum ferritin levels were measured by Cobas e411, and Cobas Integra 400 methods were strongly correlated with the ELISA results, with higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. However, further investigations with larger samples are required for improved accuracy and more precise results, and to determine whether they can be used interchangeably.

A modified source-detector configuration for the discrimination between normal and diseased human breast based on the continuous-wave diffuse optical imaging approach: a simulation study

Breast tumors are among the most common types of tumors that can affect both genders. It may spread to the whole breast without any symptoms. Therefore, the early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast tumors are significantly important. Current approaches for breast cancer screening such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have some limitations of being time and money-consuming. In addition, mammography screening is not recommended for women under forty. Consequently, optical techniques have been introduced as safe and functional alternatives. Diffuse optical imaging is a non-invasive imaging technique that utilizes near-infrared light to examine biological tissues based on measuring the optical transmission and/or reflection at various locations on the tissue surface. In this paper, we propose a modified arrangement between the laser source and the detectors for distinguishing tumors from normal breast tissue. A three-dimensional model of the normal human breast with three types of tumors is developed using a COMSOL simulation software based on the finite element solution of Helmholtz equation to estimate optical fluence distribution. The breast model consists of four layers: skin, fat, glandular, and muscle, where the tumor is included in the glandular layer. Different wavelengths were used to determine the most proper wavelength for the discrimination between the normal tissue and tumor. The obtained results were verified using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. The resultant fluence images show different features between normal breast and breast with tumor especially using 600-nm incident laser as demonstrated by the obtained ROC curves.

Studying the effect of stent thickness and porosity on post-stent implantation hemodynamics

This study investigates the effect of stent thickness and stent porosity which are important factors determining the post-treatment intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics. The study uses computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to estimate the hemodynamic behaviour: flow velocity, pressure distributions, time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), besides relative residence time (RRT) blood flow distribution in a proposed stent and three other commercially available stents. The hemodynamic behaviour is compared between four different cases. In each case, each stent has the specific thickness and porosity values. The results show that the velocity magnitude inside the sac declined in thinner stents and lower porosity stents, TAWSS on the aneurysmal wall declined linearly in lower porosity stents, OSI and RRT increased obviously in thicker stents and higher porosity stents. Finally, the results conclude that the stent with the lowest thickness and porosity has the best performance that leads to post-stent thrombus formation and healing. However, the proposed stent design, a more porous construct, has a higher RRT compared to the used commercially available stents, which helps promote the thrombus growth inside the aneurysm sac.

Suppression of circulating AP001429.1 long non-coding RNA in obese patients with breast cancer

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a type of cellular RNA, play a critical regulatory role in several physiological developments and pathological processes, such as tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Obesity is a risk factor for a number of serious health conditions, including breast cancer (BC). However, the underlying mechanisms behind the association between obesity and increased BC incidence and mortality remain unclear. Several studies have reported changes in lncRNA expression due to obesity and BC, independently encouraging further investigation of the relationship between the two in connection with lncRNAs. The present study was designed to first screen for the expression of 29 selected lncRNAs that showed a link to cancer or obesity in the blood of a selected cohort of 6 obese and 6 non-obese patients with BC. The expression levels of significantly expressed lncRNAs, AP001429.1, PCAT6, P5549, P19461 and P3134, were further investigated in a larger cohort of 69 patients with BC (36 obese and 33 non-obese), using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results showed not only that AP001429.1 remained significantly downregulated in the larger cohort (P=0.002), but also that it was associated with several clinicopathological characteristics, such as negative HER2 status, negative E-cadherin expression, negative vascular invasion, negative margin invasion and LCIS. These findings suggest that obesity may have a role in inhibiting AP001429.1 expression, which may serve as a novel potential biomarker and therapeutic target for BC.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction-Frustration Scale (BPNSFS)

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to validate the Arabic version of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS), and to investigate the extent of its invariance across five Arab countries and gender.

METHODS

A back-translated version of the BPNSFS, the second version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) were administered to a sample consisting of 1082 undergraduate students affiliated with universities in five Arab countries (487 males and 595 females: Mage = 20.04 ± 1.87 years). The data of the BPNSFS were examined for univariate and multivariate normality using Shapiro-Wilk tests and Mardia's coefficient, respectively. To evaluate and compare the four models with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we used the following goodness-of-fit indices: the chi-square value (χ2), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), Root Mean-Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), and Baysian Information Criterion (BIC). A multi-group CFA [Byrne in Structural equation modeling with EQS: basic concepts, applications, and programming, Routledge, Abingdon, 2013] on the BPNSFS structure to examine its invariance across the five Arab countries and across genders.

RESULTS

The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the generalizability of the BPNSFS's six-factor model to the five Arab countries. The relationships between the six psychological needs satisfaction and frustrations and both mental health and symptoms of depression provide additional evidence on the construct validity of the BPNSFS through cross cultural data. The findings of BPNSFS's measurement invariance across males and females and across the five Arab countries help ensure that the latent means are comparable across these different groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded that the Arabic version of the BPNSFS which measures satisfaction and frustration of the three basic needs (autonomy, competency, and relatedness) is proved to be invariant across the five Arab countries and gender and can be used to compare the basic psychological needs in the Arab context.

A multiple peptides vaccine against COVID-19 designed from the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) and Spike Glycoprotein (S) via the immunoinformatics approach

Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the rapid discovery of a safe and effective vaccine is an essential issue. Consequently, this study aims to predict a potential COVID-19 peptide-based vaccine utilizing the Nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) and Spike Glycoprotein (S) via the Immunoinformatics approach. To achieve this goal, several Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) tools, molecular docking, and safety prediction servers were used. According to the results, The Spike peptide SQCVNLTTRTQLPPAYTNSFTRGVY is predicted to have the highest binding affinity to the B-Cells. The Spike peptide FTISVTTEI has the highest binding affinity to the Major Histocompatibility Complex class 1 (MHC I) Human Leukocyte Allele HLA-B*1503 (according to the MDockPeP and HPEPDOCK servers, docking scores were −153.9 and −229.356, respectively). The Nucleocapsid peptides KTFPPTEPK and RWYFYYLGTGPEAGL have the highest binding affinity to the MHC I HLA-A0202 allele and the three the Major Histocompatibility Complex class 2 (MHC II) Human Leukocyte Allele HLA-DPA1*01:03/DPB1*02:01, HLA-DQA1*01:02/DQB1-*06:02, HLA-DRB1, respectively. Docking scores of peptide KTFPPTEPK were −153.9 and −220.876. In contrast, docking scores of peptide RWYFYYLGTGPEAGL were ranged from 218 to 318. Furthermore, those peptides were predicted as non-toxic and non-allergen. Therefore, the combination of those peptides is predicted to stimulate better immunological responses with respectable safety.

High Expression of Pd-1 in Circulating Cells of Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Therapy

Among all cancer types, colorectal cancer is the third most common in men and the second most common in women globally. Generally, the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, and colorectal cancer is modulated by various genetic alterations. Alterations in the immune response serve a significant role in the development of colorectal cancer. In primary cancer types, immune cells express a variety of inhibitory molecules that dampen the immune response against tumor cells. Additionally, few reports have demonstrated that classical chemotherapy promotes the immunosuppressive microenvironment in both tissues and immune cells. This study assessed the expression levels of genes using RT-qPCR associated with the immune system, including interferon-γ, programmed death-1, β2-microglobulin, human leukocyte antigen-A, CD3e, CD28 and intracellular adhesion molecule 1, in patients with colorectal cancer, as these genes are known to serve important roles in immune regulation during cancer incidence. Gene expression analysis was performed with the whole blood cells of patients with colorectal cancer and healthy volunteers. Compared with the normal controls, programmed death-1was highly expressed in patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the expression of programmed death-1 was higher in patients receiving adjuvant therapy, which suggests the therapy dampened the immune response against tumor cells. The results of the present study indicate that classical adjuvant therapies, which are currently used for patients with colorectal cancer, should be modulated, and a combination of classical therapy with anti-programmed death-1 antibody should be conducted for improved management of patients with colorectal cancer.

Mechanical characterization of hybrid composites based on flax, basalt and glass fibers

An experimental study on tensile, flexural and impact properties of flax-basalt-glass reinforced epoxy hybrid composites is presented in this paper. Test specimens were fabricated by vacuum bagging process. The effects of reinforcement hybridization, fiber relative amounts and stacking sequence on the mechanical properties were investigated. Morphological studies of the fabricated and fractured surfaces through thickness were performed using scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the developed hybrid composites display enhanced tensile, flexural and impact performance as compared with flax reinforced epoxy composite. The flexural strength increases when partial laminas from flax/epoxy laminate are replaced by basalt/epoxy and/or glass/epoxy laminas. Also, it is realized that incorporating high-strength fibers, i.e. glass or basalt, to the outer layers of the composite leads to higher flexural resistance, whilst the opposite was noticed for tensile properties. The fabricated hybrids were found to have economical and specific mechanical properties benefits. Fiber-relative amounts and stacking sequence have great effects on the mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of hybrid laminates are proven to be highly dependent on the position of the flax layers within the hybrid composite. The Hybridization with basalt and/or glass fibers is an effective method for enhancing the mechanical properties of flax/epoxy composites.

Selective Content Removal for Egocentric Wearable Camera in Nutritional Studies

Automatic Ingestion Monitor v2 (AIM-2) is an egocentric camera and sensor that aids monitoring of individual diet and eating behavior by capturing still images throughout the day and using sensor data to detect eating. The images may be used to recognize foods being eaten, eating environment, and other behaviors and daily activities. At the same time, captured images may carry privacy concerning content such as (1) people in social eating and/or bystanders (i.e., bystander privacy); (2) sensitive documents that may appear on a computer screen in the view of AIM-2 (i.e., context privacy). In this paper, we propose a novel approach based on automatic, image redaction for privacy protection by selective content removal by semantic segmentation using a deep learning neural network. The proposed method reported a bystander privacy removal with precision of 0.87 and recall of 0.94 and reported context privacy removal by precision and recall of 0.97 and 0.98. The results of the study showed that selective content removal using deep learning neural network is a much more desirable approach to address privacy concerns for an egocentric wearable camera for nutritional studies.

A new implementation of EN1839 method T mixture preparation to prepare calibration gas mixtures for anesthetic gas monitors

In this study different mixtures from anesthetic liquids vapours in air and O₂-sevoflurane/air, sevoflurane/O₂ and isoflurane/O₂-were prepared according to EN1839 method T. The gases mixtures were used to calibrate anesthetic gas monitors. The targeted concentrations (TCs) from sevoflurane and isoflurane in air and O₂ were 0 vol%, 0.15 vol%, 0.7 vol%, 1 vol%, 1.5 vol%, 2.5 vol%, 5 vol%, 6 vol% and 8 vol%. The values of liquids, air and O₂ flow rates which are corresponding theoretically to the TCs were calculated. The results showed that the measured concentrations by anesthetic gas monitor are in good agreement with TCs. Full validation was performed to assure the suitability of the method for preparing gas mixtures to calibrate anesthetic gas monitors. Linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, method robustness and uncertainty of measurement results were evaluated in the validation study. The results indicated that the method is valid for the purpose of analysis.

Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Provides Unique Insights to Pathways Associated With Obese Breast Cancer Patients

Information regarding transcriptome and metabolome has significantly contributed to identifying potential therapeutic targets for the management of a variety of cancers. Obesity has profound effects on both cancer cell transcriptome and metabolome that can affect the outcome of cancer therapy. The information regarding the potential effects of obesity on breast cancer (BC) transcriptome, metabolome, and its integration to identify novel pathways related to disease progression are still elusive. We assessed the whole blood transcriptome and serum metabolome, as circulating metabolites, of obese BC patients compared them with non-obese BC patients. In these patients' samples, 186 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, comprising 156 upregulated and 30 downregulated. The expressions of these gene were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, 96 deregulated metabolites were identified as untargeted metabolomics in the same group of patients. These detected DEGs and deregulated metabolites enriched in many cellular pathways. Further investigation, by integration analysis between transcriptomics and metabolomics data at the pathway levels, revealed seven unique enriched pathways in obese BC patients when compared with non-obese BC patients, which may provide resistance for BC cells to dodge the circulating immune cells in the blood. In conclusion, this study provides information on the unique pathways altered at transcriptome and metabolome levels in obese BC patients that could provide an important tool for researchers and contribute further to knowledge on the molecular interaction between obesity and BC. Further studies are needed to confirm this and to elucidate the exact underlying mechanism for the effects of obesity on the BC initiation or/and progression.

Circulating Micro RNA 181A as Biomarker in Breast Cancer, Its Possible Association with Metastasis & Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation

Background:

Recent studies have reported the involvement of micro RNA 181a in diverse cellular functions. Though some studies have shown that miR-181a expression is downregulated in several human solid tumors, others have demonstrated that upregulation of miR-181a may promote metastasis and invasion of human cancers.

Aim of the Study:

The aim of this work is to detect the level of circulating miRNA-181a in breast cancer cases at different stages and to study its role in metastasis & epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) through the possible association between miRNA 181a and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway.

Subjects and Methods:

The present work included 70 female patients, with breast cancer at different stages 30 patients with metastatic disease and 40 patients with non-metastatic disease 20 healthy subjects were taken as a control group. We detected miRNA-181a expression in peripheral blood with qRT PCR, and TGF-beta, SMAD-4, SNAIL-1 and Bim expression by quantitative PCR.

Results:

miRNA-181a, TGF-beta, SNAIL-1 and SMAD-4 were significantly upregulated in patients with metastatic breast cancer compared to patients with non-metastatic disease while Bim is significantly downregulated in metastatic versus non-metastatic group. Also, miRNA-181a was a prognostic marker for disease progression and overall survival.

Conclusion:

signaling pathway of TGFβ-SMAD, regulate miRNA-181a which in turn play role in stabilizing SNAIL transcription factor that promote tumor aggressiveness and metastasis through epithelial mesenchymal transition, as well as down-regulation of Bim.

Orientation-Based Food Image Capture for Head Mounted Egocentric Camera

Current head-mounted wearable sensors for monitoring of food intake operates by fusing multiple modalities such as inertial and image sensing. The image capture may be performed periodically, capturing a large number of irrelevant images, increasing power consumption and reducing the battery life. In this manuscript, we propose an efficient approach for food image capture, that captures the images only when the head tilt angle estimated from the accelerometer data matches that during ingestion of food. The method was developed and validated using data from 15 volunteers consuming unrestricted meals in a free-living environment between 12.5 to 18.5 hours. The tilt angle of the head was computed using 3D accelerometer data. A classifier for image capture was developed using a curve fitting approach on the tilt angles of the head. The proposed method achieved a sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 0.47 in predicting capture of food images, thus potentially improving the battery life of the wearable device.

Immunoinformatics Prediction of Epitope Based Peptide Vaccine Against Schistosoma Mansoni Fructose Bisphosphate Aldolase Protein.. [DOI: 10.1101/755959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Schistosoma Mansonirepresents an important tropical disease that can cause schistosomiasis mostly in Africa and Middle East with high mortality rates. Moreover, no vaccine against it exists. This study predicts an effective epitope-based vaccine against Fructose 1,6 Bisphosphate Aldolase (FBA) enzyme of Schistosoma Mansoni using immunoinformatics approaches. FBA is important for production of energy required for different schistosome activities and survival. The sequences were retrieved from NCBI and several prediction tests were conducted to analyze possible epitopes for B-cell, T-cell MHC class I and II. Tertiary structure of the most promising epitopes was obtained. Two epitopes showed high binding affinity for B-cells, while four epitopes showed high binding affinity for MHCI and MHCII. The results were promising to formulate a vaccine with more than 99.5% population coverage. We hope that these promising epitopes serves as a preventive measure for the disease in the future and recommend invivo and invitro studies.

Abstract 3876: Thymoquinone induces the expression of clock genes in breast cancer cells

Thymoquinone is naturally occurring bioactive compound which showed cumulative preclinical evidence of anticancer effects. However, its exact anti-cancer activity remains to be elusive and is currently being studied. In this study, we assessed the role of thymoquinone as a potential therapy in human breast cancer cell lines in addition to its role in altering molecular clock genes expression, which in turn has been associated with tumorgenesis. Sulfa-Rhodamine-B assay (SRB) assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of thymoquinone in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D). Following 72 h of exposure, thymoquinone showed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 and T47D with IC50’s of 44.4±3 µM and 152±11 µM respectively. Further investigation showed that thymoquinone showed some affect on the cell cycle distribution in both cell lines. It significantly increased the cell population in S-phase in MCF-7cells (P&lt;0.05), while causing a significant G1 phase arrest in T47D cells (p&lt;0.01). Interestingly, treatment of both cell lines with non-cytotoxic concentrations of thymoquinone resulted in a significant increased expression of clock genes, measured by reverse transcription–quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Thymoquinone appeared to increase the expression of BMAL-1 (1.4±0.1 fold), CLOCK (3.4±0.9 fold), PER-1(5.6±0.5 fold), CRY-1 (4.4±0.4 fold), CRY-2(2.2±0.6 fold) in MCF-7 cells. Similarly, thymoquinone increased the expression of BMAL-1 (1.4±0.3 fold), CLOCK (1.4±0.3 fold), PER-1(1.4±0.3 fold), CRY-1 (1.5±0.4 fold), and CRY-2 (1.8±0.1 fold) in T47D cells . In conclusion, thymoquinone possesses a potential in combating breast cancer alone. Despite the promising anti-proliferative activity of thymoquinone against breast cancer cells, the better understanding of these effects is needed to provide a novel approach for the treatment of breast cancer as a disease. Here, we postulate that the drug could be modulating clock genes expression, which ultimately can affect key molecules in cell cycle and cell proliferation. Further studies are needed to confirm this and to elucidate the exact underlying mechanism.

Citation Format: Aliaa A. Alamoudi, Hanan A. Bashmail, Ghada M. Ajabnoor, Hani Choudhry, Mohammed A. Hassan, Alia M. Aldahlawi, Ahmed A. Al-abd. Thymoquinone induces the expression of clock genes in breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3876.

Immunoinformatics Prediction of Epitope Based Peptide Vaccine Against Listeria Monocytogenes Fructose Bisphosphate Aldolase Protein.. [DOI: 10.1101/649111]

Listeria Monocytogenesrepresents an important food-borne pathogen worldwide that can cause life-threatening listeriosis disease especially in pregnant women, fetuses, elderly people, and immuno-compromised individuals with high mortality rates. Moreover, no vaccine against it exists. This study predicts an effective epitope-based vaccine against Fructose 1,6 Bisphosphate Aldolase (FBA) enzyme of Listeria Monocytogenes using immunoinformatics approaches. The sequences were retrieved from NCBI and several prediction tests were conducted to analyze possible epitopes for B-cell, T-cell MHC class I and II. 3D structure of the promising epitopes was obtained. Two epitopes showed high binding affinity for B-cells, while four epitopes showed high binding affinity for MHCI and MHCII. The results were promising to formulate a vaccine with more than 98% population coverage. We hope that these promising epitopes serves as a preventive measure for the disease in the future and recommend invivo and invitro studies.

Middle East respiratory syndrome: pathogenesis and therapeutic developments

The first case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified in the year 2012, which spread rapidly and increased to more than 2200 in 2018. This highly pathogenic virus with high mortality rate is among one of the major public health concerns. Saudi Arabia remains to be the most affected region with the majority of MERS-CoV cases, and currently, no effective drugs and vaccines are available for prevention and treatment. A large amount of information is now available regarding the virus, its structure, route of transmission and its pathophysiology. Therefore, this review summarizes the current understanding of MERS-CoV's pathogenesis, treatment options and recent scientific advancements in vaccine and other therapeutic developments, and the major steps taken for MERS prevention control.

Thymoquinone-Induced Reactivation of Tumor Suppressor Genes in Cancer Cells Involves Epigenetic Mechanisms

The epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is a common finding in several solid and hematological tumors involving various epigenetic readers and writers leading to enhanced cell proliferation and defective apoptosis. Thymoquinone (TQ), the major biologically active compound of black seed oil, has demonstrated anticancer activities in various tumors by targeting several pathways. However, its effects on the epigenetic code of cancer cells are largely unknown. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing to investigate the anticancer mechanisms of TQ-treated T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line (Jurkat cells) and examined gene expression using different tools. We found that many key epigenetic players, including ubiquitin-like containing plant homeodomain (PHD) and really interesting new gene (RING) finger domains 1 (UHRF1), DNMT1,3A,3B, G9A, HDAC1,4,9, KDM1B, and KMT2A,B,C,D,E, were downregulated in TQ-treated Jurkat cells. Interestingly, several TSGs, such as DLC1, PPARG, ST7, FOXO6, TET2, CYP1B1, SALL4, and DDIT3, known to be epigenetically silenced in various tumors, including acute leukemia, were upregulated, along with the upregulation of several downstream pro-apoptotic genes, such as RASL11B, RASD1, GNG3, BAD, and BIK. Data obtained from RNA sequencing were confirmed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in Jurkat cells, as well as in a human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-468 cells). We found that the decrease in cell proliferation and in the expression of UHRF1, DNMT1, G9a, and HDAC1 genes in both cancer cell (Jurkat cells and MDA-MB-468 cells) lines depends on the TQ dose. Our results indicate that the use of TQ as an epigenetic drug represents a promising strategy for epigenetic therapy for both solid and blood tumors by targeting both DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications.

Strong parent-child correlation in circulating vitamin B12 levels and its association with inflammatory markers in Saudi families

Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to adverse effects on human health, but limited information is available as to whether abnormal vitamin B12 levels are associated between parents and offspring. The present study aimed to assess the association between circulating levels of vitamin B12 in Saudi parents and their children as well as its association with pro-inflammatory markers. A total of 104 Saudi families: 49 fathers, 63 mothers, 94 sons and 79 daughters were selected for the study. Fasting blood samples and anthropometrics were collected. Biochemical parameters, various pro-inflammatory markers and vitamin B12 were measured. Results showed a significant positive correlation between B12 levels in most parent-offspring pairs: mother-daughter (N = 46 pairs, r = 0.72, p < 0.0001); father-daughter (N = 39, r = 0.62, p < 0.0001) and mother-son (N = 51, r = 0.42, p < 0.01). This association was absent in father-son pairs (N = 48, r = 0.26, p = 0.09). Also, B12 was inversely associated with tumor necrosis factor-α and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in parents (r = -0.32; p < 0.01 and r = -0.31; p < 0.01 respectively) and children (r = -0.14; p < 0.01 and r = -0.19; p < 0.01 respectively). A significant inverse correlation was found between vitamin B12 and leptin in mothers (r = -0.31, p < 0.05). Our study suggests a strong familial component between B12 levels indicating a possible genetic influence on individual B12 status. Our study also suggests an inverse correlation between circulating levels of vitamin B12 and pro-inflammatory markers. The present study highlights the importance of extending screening in families of patients with abnormal B12 levels and expanding treatment, if necessary, to maximize clinical benefits.

Utilization of crude and recombinant ELISAs for serodiagnosis of camel trypanosomosis in Sudan

This study was carried out to evaluate the application of CATT/T. evansi, crude and recombinant (TeGM6-4r) antigen ELISAs in the diagnosis of camel trypanosomosis caused by two trypanosome species, T. evansi and T. vivax, in Sudan. Concurrently, the current situation of camel trypanosomosis was investigated based on the results of a serological analysis. The recombinant tandem repeat antigen TeGM6-4r is conserved among salivarian trypanosome species and was highly sensitive in the detection Trypanozoon, and T. vivax. It has been validated in the diagnosis of surra in cattle and water buffalo but not in camels. A comparative evaluation of a crude antigen ELISA and a recombinant antigen GM6 (rTeGM6-4r) ELISA was performed using 189 blood samples, which included 148 samples obtained from different camel herds in Eastern Sudan and 41 samples from camels that had been brought from Western Sudan to local markets. The results showed that the rTeGM6-4r ELISA detected the greatest number of positive samples (n = 118, 62%), while CATT/T. evansi and the crude antigen ELISA detected the lowest number of positive samples (n = 73, 39%). The kappa value of rTeGM6-4r as compared to TeCA ELISA was 0.5515, which indicated moderate agreement. We concluded that the rTeGM6-4r ELISA is the test of choice for use in screening camel for trypanosomosis caused by T. evansi and T. vivax in Sudan.

Genitourinary Tract Infection Due to Mycobacterium avium intracellulare Complex Infection in Pretransplant Setting With Recurrence Following Transplant: A Case Report

Genitourinary (GU) tract infection with Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex (MAI) is very rare and, to our knowledge, has never been reported in the solid organ transplant literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 61-year-old Somali-born woman had a history of liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C infection. She was diagnosed as having and treated for latent tuberculosis infection and GU tract infection due to MAI. She received a total of 17 months antimycobacterial therapy consisting of azithromycin, ethambutol, and moxifloxacin. Within 5 months of the initiation of antimicrobial therapy, there was documented sterilization of urine mycobacterial cultures. Liver and kidney transplant was performed 3 months after finishing the treatment course. One year following transplant, GU tract infection due to MAI recurred. She declined further diagnostic testing as well as mycobacterial therapy. She died 15 months following transplant for reasons not related to infections. CONCLUSION: The treatment of MAI infection in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients is challenging, and the duration of therapy in this population is not known. The recurrence of infection following transplant in this case may argue in favor of a duration that extends beyond the date of transplant. The combination of a fluoroquinolone and ethambutol may successfully prevent reactivation of tuberculosis in patients with history of latent tuberculosis infection and deserves further evaluation.

Identification of Deregulated Signaling Pathways in Jurkat Cells in Response to a Novel Acylspermidine Analogue-N4-Erucoyl Spermidine

Natural polyamines such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine are crucial in the cell proliferation and maintenance in all the eukaryotes. However, the requirement of polyamines in tumor cells is stepped up to maintain tumorigenicity. Many synthetic polyamine analogues have been designed recently to target the polyamine metabolism in tumors to induce apoptosis. N⁴-Erucoyl spermidine (designed as N⁴-Eru), a novel acylspermidine derivative, has been shown to exert selective inhibitory effects on both hematological and solid tumors, but its mechanisms of action are unknown. In this study, RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the anticancer mechanisms of N⁴-Eru-treated T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line (Jurkat cells), and gene expression was examined through different tools. We could show that many key oncogenes including NDRG1, CACNA1G, TGFBR2, NOTCH1,2,3, UHRF1, DNMT1,3, HDAC1,3, KDM3A, KDM4B, KDM4C, FOS, and SATB1 were downregulated, whereas several tumor suppressor genes such as CDKN2AIPNL, KISS1, DDIT3, TP53I13, PPARG, FOXP1 were upregulated. Data obtained through RNA-Seq further showed that N⁴-Eru inhibited the NOTCH/Wnt/JAK-STAT axis. This study also indicated that N⁴-Eru-induced apoptosis could involve several key signaling pathways in cancer. Altogether, our results suggest that N⁴-Eru is a promising drug to treat ALL.

Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Against Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase of Madurella mycetomatis Using Immunoinformatics Approaches

Background:

Mycetoma is a distinct body tissue destructive and neglected tropical disease. It is endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries. Mycetoma is caused by bacterial infections (actinomycetoma) such as Streptomyces somaliensis and Nocardiae or true fungi (eumycetoma) such as Madurella mycetomatis. To date, treatments fail to cure the infection and the available marketed drugs are expensive and toxic upon prolonged usage. Moreover, no vaccine was prepared yet against mycetoma.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to predict effective epitope-based vaccine against fructose-bisphosphate aldolase enzymes of M. mycetomatis using immunoinformatics approaches.

Methods and materials:

Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase of M. mycetomatis sequence was retrieved from NCBI. Different prediction tools were used to analyze the nominee’s epitopes in Immune Epitope Database for B-cell, T-cell MHC class II and class I. Then the proposed peptides were docked using Autodock 4.0 software program.

Results and conclusions:

The proposed and promising peptides KYLQ show a potent binding affinity to B-cell, FEYARKHAF with a very strong binding affinity to MHC I alleles and FFKEHGVPL that shows a very strong binding affinity to MHC II and MHC I alleles. This indicates a strong potential to formulate a new vaccine, especially with the peptide FFKEHGVPL which is likely to be the first proposed epitope-based vaccine against fructose-bisphosphate aldolase of M. mycetomatis. This study recommends an in vivo assessment for the most promising peptides especially FFKEHGVPL.

Effect of motion artifact on digital camera based heart rate measurement

Remote health monitoring is an emerging field in biomedical technology. Digital camera based heart rate measurement method is a recent development which would make remote health monitoring reliable and sustainable in future. This paper presents an investigation on the effect of motion artifact on digital camera-based heart rate measurement. The paper will discuss details on the principles and effects of motion artifacts on photoplethysmography signals. An experiment is conducted using publicly available MAHNOB-HCI database. We have investigated the effects of static scenarios, scenarios involving rigid motion and scenarios involving non-rigid motion. The experiment was tested on state of the art digital camera based heart rate measuring methods. The results showed the effectiveness of the methods and provide a direction to overcome/minimize the effect of motion artifacts for future research.

Trypanosoma vivax is the second leading cause of camel trypanosomosis in Sudan after Trypanosoma evansi

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted in response to recurring reports from eastern Sudan of camel trypanosomosis that can no longer be treated by currently available trypanocidal drugs. One hundred and eighty-nine blood samples were obtained from camels in different herds and local markets in the western part of Sudan, and a cross-sectional study was carried out between December 2015 and February 2016 to identify the causative agents and possible circulating genotypes.

RESULTS

The prevalence of trypanosomes detected using the conventional parasitological techniques of Giemsa-stained blood smears, wet blood smears and the microhematocrit centrifugation technique (MHCT) was 7% (13/189), 11% (21/189) and 19% (36/189), respectively. However, a multi-species KIN-PCR targeting the ITS region revealed that the prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi was 37% (70/189), while that of T. vivax was 25% (47/189). Consequently, we used a T. evansi-specific PCR (RoTat1.2 VSG gene) to analyse the KIN-PCR-positive samples and a T. vivax-specific PCR (Cathepsin L-like gene) to analyse all of the samples. The prevalence of T. evansi was 59% (41/70), while the prevalence of T. vivax was 31% (59/189). Mixed infections were detected in 18% (34/189) of the samples. These results were further confirmed by sequencing and a phylogenetic analysis of the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of T. evansi and the TviCatL gene of T. vivax.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that T. vivax was newly introduced to the camel population and that T. evansi is no longer the single cause of camel trypanosomosis in Sudan. The presence of T. vivax in camels detected in this study is a challenge in the choice of diagnostic approaches, particularly serology, and PCRs. However, an analysis of drug resistance should be performed, and the genotypic variation should be verified. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular study on T. vivax and mixed-infection with T. vivax and T. evansi in Sudanese camels.

Effective utilization of distiller's grain soluble-an agro-industrial waste in the feed of cage-reared minor carp Labeo bata in a tropical reservoir, India

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of distiller's grain soluble (brewery waste) as a prospective ingredient to substitute expensive and high demand feed component, soybean meal for farming Labeo bata in cages installed in tropical reservoir. Two isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets comprising brewery waste (49.2 % CP) as test diet and soybean meal (44.4 % CP) as reference diet were formulated and extruded to obtain 2-mm floating pellets. The efficacy of the diets was tested in terms of survival (%), live weight gain (%), SGR (%/day), FCR, PER and ANPU and recorded 65 ± 0.2, 96 ± 8.1, 1.9 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.02, 1.4 ± 0.1, 20.3 ± 2.0 and 66 ± 0.6, 112 ± 9.8, 2.2 ± 0.1, 2.2 ± 0.2, 1.6 ± 0.1 and 20 ± 2.1, respectively, for soybean and brewer's waste-based formulated feed. The analyses of results revealed that survival, growth parameters and biochemical composition of whole body tissue did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) despite complete replacement of soybean meal by brewery waste. However, the cost estimate of diet revealed marked reduction of feed cost of Rs. 9.2/kg (33.8 %) in the test diet as compared to the reference diet. The study suggests that brewery waste could effectively replace soybean meal without effecting survival and growth of the fish. The finding thus may pave a productive way for reducing environmental pressure of disposal of an agro-industrial waste.

A consortium of rhizobacterial strains and biochemical growth elicitors improve cold and drought stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

In the present study, a consortium of two rhizobacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bk7 and Brevibacillus laterosporus B4, termed 'BB', biochemical elicitors salicylic acid and β-aminobutyric acid (SB) and their mixture (BBSB) were investigated for cold and drought stress tolerance in rice plants. After withholding water for 16 days, rice plants treated with BBSB showed 100% survival, improved seedling height (35.4 cm), shoot number (6.12), and showed minimum symptoms of chlorosis (19%), wilting (4%), necrosis (6%) and rolling of leaves. Similarly, BB inoculation enhanced plant growth and reduced overall symptoms in rice seedlings subjected to 0 ± 5 °C for 24 h. Our results imply several mechanisms underlying BB- and BBSB-elicited stress tolerance. In contrast to the control, both treatments significantly decreased leaf monodehydroascorbate (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage, and increased leaf proline and cholorophyll content. Moreover, activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased 3.0- and 3.6-fold, respectively. Moreover, expression of OsMYB3R-2, OsDIL, OsDREB1A and OsCDPK13 genes was significantly up-regulated, suggesting that these genes play important roles in abiotic stress tolerance of rice. In addition, bacterial strains Bk7 and B4 were able to produce high amounts of IAA and siderophores, and colonise the plant roots, while only strain Bk7 exhibited the capability to form biofilms and solubilise inorganic phosphate. This study indicates that the BB and BBSB bio-formulations can be used to confer induced systematic tolerance and improve the health of rice plants subject to chilling and drought stress.

An atlas of tsetse and bovine trypanosomosis in Sudan

Background

After a long period of neglect, initiatives are being implemented in Sudan to control tsetse and trypanosomosis. Their planning, execution and monitoring require reliable information on the geographic distribution of the disease and its vectors. However, geo-referenced and harmonized data at the national level are lacking, despite the fact that a number of epidemiological studies were conducted over the years. The Atlas of tsetse and bovine trypanosomosis in Sudan tries to fill this gap.

Methods

The present study includes both a review of historical datasets on tsetse flies and bovine trypanosomosis, as well as the results of recent, targeted field investigations. The review includes both published and unpublished datasets collected in Sudan from 1960 onwards. Targeted field investigations were conducted for trypanosomosis in Blue Nile (2011) and Gezeira States (2012), for tsetse flies in South Darfur (2012) and Blue Nile States (2009 and 2011), and for other trypanosomosis vectors in seven States (Khartoum, Gezeira, White Nile, Blue Nile, North Kordofan, Kassala and Gadarif). The latter surveys, conducted from 2010 to 2012, also enabled us to confirm the absence of tsetse flies in a number of locations.

Results

Tsetse fly infestation in Sudan appears to be limited to two relatively small areas at the south-western and south-eastern tips of the Country (South Darfur and Blue Nile State respectively). Glossina morsitans submorsitans is present in both areas, whilst G. fuscipes fuscipes is found only in the latter. In contrast, bovine trypanosomosis is widespread, its presence having being confirmed in eleven States and suspected in all the others. Both mechanical transmission by non-cyclical vectors and animal movement contribute to this broad distribution of trypanosomosis. This is especially the case for Trypanosoma vivax, which was found even in sedentary cattle at hundreds of kilometres of the tsetse belt.

Conclusions

The Atlas provides a spatially-explicit synthesis of the current knowledge of tsetse and bovine trypanosomosis in Sudan. Its various epidemiological outputs are being used to target both trypanosomosis control activities and further data collection exercises. Activities are ongoing to expand the Atlas to non-cyclical vectors and hosts other than cattle.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1485-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Topical mitomycin C can effectively alleviate dysphagia in children with long-segment caustic esophageal strictures

Caustic ingestion in children and the resulting long esophageal strictures are usually difficult to be managed, and eventually, esophageal replacement was required for cases refractory to frequent dilatation sessions. Topical mitomycin C (MMC) application has been used recently to improve the results of endoscopic dilatation for short esophageal strictures. The study aims to assess the role of MMC application in management of long-segment caustic esophageal strictures. From January 2009 to June December 2013, patients presented with long caustic esophageal stricture (>3 cm in length) were included in this study and subjected to topical MMC application after endoscopic esophageal dilatation on multiple sessions. Regular follow-up and re-evaluation were done. A dysphagia score was used for close follow-up clinically; verification was done radiologically and endoscopically. During the specified follow-up period, 21 patients with long caustic esophageal stricture were subjected to topical MMC application sessions. Clinical, radiological, and endoscopic resolution of strictures occurred in 18 patients (85.7% cure rate). Number of dilatation sessions to achieve resolution of dysphagia was (n = 14.3 ± 5.7) with application of mitomycin two to six times. There was no recurrence in short- and mid-term follow-up. No complications were encountered related to topical MMC application. MMC is a promising agent in management of long-segment caustic esophageal strictures. Long-term follow-up is needed to prove its efficacy and to evaluate potential long-term side-effects of MMC application.

Tobacco use and associated factors among school students in Dubai, 2010: intervention study

Tobacco smoking is an emerging problem among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to measure the prevalence of current tobacco use and its associated factors among school students in Dubai Emirate and to determine the impact of an intervention programme on knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco use. A school-based intervention programme was carried out among 2457 students aged 10-20 years and data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire. Of the students, 14.6% were tobacco users, mostly cigarettes (11.2%) and waterpipes (2.2%). The most common self-reported reasons for smoking were for the experience (29.4%), for stress relief (22.5%) and because their peers smoked (21.9%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the predictors of tobacco use were: male, higher age, UAE national, higher school level, government school, low knowledge about tobacco and family history of smoking. There were significant improvements in knowledge and attitudes scores after the health education intervention programme.