Erector spinae plane block for perioperative analgesia in an adolescent patient undergoing major thoracic surgery with multiple rib resection: A case report

Pain following thoracotomy incisions, particularly involving multiple rib resections, can be devastating. We report our experience using erector spinae plane block with catheter placement for perioperative pain management in a 16 year old patient with Ewing sarcoma. The patient required major thoracic surgery involving resection of the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th ribs and part of the diaphragm to remove the tumour, followed by mesh reconstruction. Ultrasound guided erector spinae plane block is a simple technique that can provide excellent static and dynamic pain control following major thoracic surgery in adolescents.

Genomic assembly, characterization, and quantification of DICER-like gene family in Okra plants under dehydration conditions

Background

Okra is a plant farmed for its pods, leaves, and stems all of which are edible. It is famous for its ability to tolerate long desiccation periods. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is a sister species to hibiscus, cotton, and cacao plants.

Methods

In the current study, okra plants were used as a model to sequence, assemble, and analyze the evolutionary and functional characteristics of the Dicer-like protein gene family (DCL) based on DNAseq and qPCR techniques.

Results

Four Dicer-like (DCL) single-copy genes of the okra plant Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (AeDCL) were successfully assembled. The lengths of the AeDCL copies were 8,494, 5,214, 4,731, and 9,329 bp. The detected exons in these samples ranged from a single exon in AeDCL3 to 24 exons in AeDCL4. AeDCLs had five functional domains of two DEAD-like helicase superfamilies, N and C; one Dicer domain; one ribonuclease III domain (a and b); and one double-stranded RNA-binding domain. The PAZ domain was completely annotated only for AeDCL1 and AeDCL3. All AeDCLs were up-regulated under drought conditions, with leaves showing more extensive fold changes than roots. The study focused on a comprehensive genome-wide identification and analysis of the DCL gene family in naturally drought-tolerant okra plants, an orphan crop that can be used as a model for further genomic and transcriptomic studies on drought-tolerance mechanisms in plants.

Evolutionary insights and expression dynamics of the CaNFYB transcription factor gene family in pepper (Capsicum annuum) under salinity stress

Introduction: The Capsicum annuum nuclear factor Y subunit B (CaNFYB) gene family plays a significant role in diverse biological processes, including plant responses to abiotic stressors such as salinity. Methods: In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the CaNFYB gene family in pepper, encompassing their identification, structural details, evolutionary relationships, regulatory elements in promoter regions, and expression profiles under salinity stress. Results and discussion: A total of 19 CaNFYB genes were identified and subsequently characterized based on their secondary protein structures, revealing conserved domains essential for their functionality. Chromosomal distribution showed a non-random localization of these genes, suggesting potential clusters or hotspots for NFYB genes on specific chromosomes. The evolutionary analysis focused on pepper and comparison with other plant species indicated a complex tapestry of relationships with distinct evolutionary events, including gene duplication. Moreover, promoter cis-element analysis highlighted potential regulatory intricacies, with notable occurrences of light-responsive and stress-responsive binding sites. In response to salinity stress, several CaNFYB genes demonstrated significant temporal expression variations, particularly in the roots, elucidating their role in stress adaptation. Particularly CaNFYB01, CaNFYB18, and CaNFYB19, play a pivotal role in early salinity stress response, potentially through specific regulatory mechanisms elucidated by their cis-elements. Their evolutionary clustering with other Solanaceae family members suggests conserved ancestral functions vital for the family's survival under stress. This study provides foundational knowledge on the CaNFYB gene family in C. annuum, paving the way for further research to understand their functional implications in pepper plants and relative species and their potential utilization in breeding programs to enhance salinity tolerance.

Culturable and unculturable potential heterotrophic microbiological threats to the oldest pyramids of the Memphis necropolis, Egypt

A large percentage of the world's tangible cultural heritage is made from stone; thus, it deteriorates due to physical, chemical, and/or biological factors. The current study explored the microbial community inhabiting two prehistoric sites with high cultural value in the Memphis necropolis of Egypt (Djoser and Lahun Pyramids) using amplicon-based metabarcoding and culture-dependent isolation methods. Samples were examined by epifluorescent microscopy for biological signs before environmental DNA extraction and in vitro cultivation. The metabarcoding analysis identified 644 bacterial species (452 genera) using the 16S rRNA and 204 fungal species (146 genera) using ITS. In comparison with the isolation approach, an additional 28 bacterial species (13 genera) and 34 fungal species (20 genera) were identified. A total of 19 bacterial and 16 fungal species were exclusively culture-dependent, while 92 bacterial and 122 fungal species were culture-independent. The most abundant stone-inhabiting bacteria in the current study were Blastococcus aggregatus, Blastococcus saxobsidens, and Blastococcus sp., among others. The most abundant rock-inhabiting fungi were Knufia karalitana and Pseudotaeniolina globosa, besides abundant unknown Sporormiaceae species. Based on previous reports, microorganisms associated with biodeterioration were detected on color-altered sites at both pyramids. These microorganisms are potentially dangerous as physical and chemical deterioration factors and require proper conservation plans from a microbiological perspective.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Mango tilapia (Sarotherodon galilaeus: Cichlidae)

BACKGROUND

Sarotherodon galilaeus (Linné, 1758) is a member of the family Cichlidae, which is considered the most important aquaculture freshwater species endemic to Africa and the Middle East. The genetics and molecular biology of this species are rare. This requires more comprehensive mitochondrial genomes-based phylogenetics to enhance understanding of the relationship and delineate this species.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, we assembled the complete mitogenome of S. galilaeus using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. The mango tilapia mitogenome was 16,631 bp in length with an AT composition of 53.4% and 46.4% GC content. It encodes 37 genes comprising two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) as well as the D-loop known as the control region. The phylogenetic tree was conducted to provide a relationship within the haplotilapiine lineage based on the maximum likelihood method, and the newly sequenced S. galilaeus was clustered with other Sarotherodon species.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a new perception of the genetic basis of S. galilaeus species for further research on systematics, evolution, population genetics, and molecular ecology.

Comparative Evaluation of Wild and Farmed Rainbow Trout Fish Based on Representative Chemosensory and Microbial Indicators of Their Habitats

Wild and farmed rainbow trout were compared with chemical profiling, chemosensory properties, carbon concentration and isotope analyses, 1- and 2-GC/O-MS, GC-FID, and aroma profile analyses. Results were linked with the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiological profile of the fish sources using multivariate statistical analysis. Fish from natural environments proved to have better sensory properties in terms of fruity, sweet, and citrusy attributes, compared to farmed fish. However, the farmed fish were found to have higher nutritional value based on their lipid contents. These differences might relate to the introduction of feed extrudates, which could influence the overall quality of fish products. Thereby, malodor episodes linked to musty/earthy off-odor notes related to odorants including geosmin, β-caryophyllene, (E,Z)-2,4-nonadienal, and (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal. These compounds, in turn, correlated with Asticcacaulis benevestitus, Curvibacter sp., Albidiferax sp., Aquabacterium commune, and Aquabacterium citratiphilum abundance and were further affected by oxygen levels in the water column.

Mitogenomic Features and Evolution of the Nile River Dominant Tilapiine Species (Perciformes: Cichlidae)

To better understand the diversity and evolution of cichlids, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete mitochondrial genomes of three Nile tilapiine species (Coptodon zillii, Oreochromis niloticus, and Sarotherodon galilaeus) dominating the Nile River waters. Our results showed that the general mitogenomic features were conserved among the Nile tilapiine species. The genome length ranged from 16,436 to 16,631 bp and a total of 37 genes were identified (two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 1 control region). The ND6 was the only CDS that presented a negative AT skew and a positive GC skew. The most extended repeat sequences were in the D-loop followed by the pseudogenes (trnS^GCU). The ND5 showed relatively high substitution rates whereas ATP8 had the lowest substitution rate. The codon usage bias displayed a greater quantity of NNA and NNC at the third position and anti-bias against NNG. The phylogenetic relationship based on the complete mitogenomes and CDS was able to differentiate the three species as previously reported. This study provides new insight into the evolutionary connections between various subfamilies within cichlids while providing new molecular data that can be applied to discriminate between Nile tilapiine species and their populations.

An indigenous inland genotype of the black yeast Hortaea werneckii inhabiting the great pyramid of Giza, Egypt

Within the context of cultural heritage conservation, the biological study of tangible archeological sites is an important task to extend their existence and strengthen the transmission of their cultural value to future generations. In Egypt, a hyper-arid region, a microcolonial fungus with inky black growth was observed on a stone surface in the royal corridor of the Great Pyramid of Giza (King Khufu’s pyramid). The isolate was studied and characterized by microscopic morphometric measurements, evaluation of enzymatic activities, and genotyping techniques. The isolate was identified as Hortaea werneckii, a pleomorphic black yeast that naturally inhabits hypersaline environments and infects human skin. It has been reported from humid temperate, subtropical, and tropical zones, mainly from marine habitats and adjacent areas, and is associated with marine life. Since it was observed in an unusual habitat, it raises the question of its type and origin, whether environmental or clinical. The Egyptian Hortaea werneckii GPS5 isolate was profiled and characterized by adaptive extremophilic tolerance to arid salt stress, low portability to infect human skin, and the capability of solubilizing calcite; besides it was phylogenetically clustered with previous recorded environmental accessions. A profile that matches the biodeterioration fungal agents known as rock-inhabiting fungi, a potential threat to cultural heritage sites that requires attention and prevention plans.

Microbial Profiling of Potato-Associated Rhizosphere Bacteria under Bacteriophage Therapy

Potato soft rot and wilt are economically problematic diseases due to the lack of effective bactericides. Bacteriophages have been studied as a novel and environment-friendly alternative to control plant diseases. However, few experiments have been conducted to study the changes in plants and soil microbiomes after bacteriophage therapy. In this study, rhizosphere microbiomes were examined after potatoes were separately infected with three bacteria (Ralstonia solanacearum, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Pectobacterium atrosepticum) and subsequently treated with a single phage or a phage cocktail consisting of three phages each. Results showed that using the phage cocktails had better efficacy in reducing the disease incidence and disease symptoms’ levels when compared to the application of a single phage under greenhouse conditions. At the same time, the rhizosphere microbiota in the soil was affected by the changes in micro-organisms’ richness and counts. In conclusion, the explicit phage mixers have the potential to control plant pathogenic bacteria and cause changes in the rhizosphere bacteria, but not affect the beneficial rhizosphere microbes.

Space deformation based path planning for Mobile Robots

An excellent path planning algorithm of a robot should compromise three major criteria; low computational time, high level of smoothness and optimal length. In this work, a hybrid algorithm is developed to enable the robot to navigate smoothly in a partially known environment with a low computation time. The proposed method takes as input a global path connecting a start and a target point, then an initial optimal smoothed path is generated which is accordingly updated due to unexpected changes in the workspace. This is achieved by assuming that the robot exits on a thin metal plate which can be deformed to guarantee a convenient path for the robot. This deformation of the space continues as long as changes are detected in the environment. Numerical simulations and experimental analysis showed the high performance of the proposed algorithm, where it showed superiority in terms of smoothness and execution time.

The complete chloroplast genome of the Egyptian henbane (Hyoscyamus muticus L., Solanaceae)

Egyptian henbane (Hyoscyamus muticus L. Mant. Pl. 1767) is an important medicinal plant of the family Solanaceae. Its complete chloroplast (cp) genome was assembled using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology to contribute to its conservation genetics studies. Here, we report the complete sequence of the chloroplast genome of H. muticus. The cp genome was 156,271 bp in length with an asymmetric base composition (30.9% A, 18.9% C, 18.6% G and 31.6% T). It encodes 132 genes comprising 87 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the H. muticus chloroplast genome was 37.5%, and the corresponding values in the large single-copy (LSC), the small single-copy (SSC), and the inverted repeat (IR) regions were 35.5%, 31.5%, and 43.0%, respectively. The complete chloroplast genome sequence was deposited to the GenBank (NCBI, Accession number: MZ450974). The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis showed that the H. muticus and H. niger were clustered into one clade with strong support values, indicating their closer relationship.

Differential expression of metallothionein and p21 in gastric cancer and some precursor lesions

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease with molecular diversity between and within tumors; therefore, searching for altered genes within this cancer is mandatory to reach the proper individualized targeted therapy. Expressions of Metallothionein (MT) and p21 are not uniform in various types of cancers and their predictive value in GC is controversial. This study aimed to assess the role of MT and p21 in intestinal-type GC and some of its precursor lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining for MT and p21 was applied on paraffin blocks belonging to 30 GCs and 51 benign gastric lesions/precancerous lesions [33 chronic gastritis and 18 chronic gastritis with gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM)]; 27 of them were associated with H. pylori infection.

RESULTS

MT expression was dramatically increased while p21 expression was dramatically decreased from chronic gastritis to GIM to GC. In precancerous lesions, H. pylori-positive cases had significantly higher MT expression and lower p21 expression compared to H. pylori-negative cases. In GCs, decreased expression of both MT and p21 was associated with high-grade and advanced-stage cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Both MT and p21 may have a role in the development and progression of GC, and both proteins may be useful for selecting targeted therapy for GC patients.

Security of medical images for telemedicine: a systematic review

Recently, there has been a rapid growth in the utilization of medical images in telemedicine applications. The authors in this paper presented a detailed discussion of different types of medical images and the attacks that may affect medical image transmission. This survey paper summarizes existing medical data security approaches and the different challenges associated with them. An in-depth overview of security techniques, such as cryptography, steganography, and watermarking are introduced with a full survey of recent research. The objective of the paper is to summarize and assess the different algorithms of each approach based on different parameters such as PSNR, MSE, BER, and NC.

Comparative 16S Metabarcoding of Nile Tilapia Gut Microbiota from the Northern Lakes of Egypt

Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is the principal fish bred in Egypt. A pilot study was designed to analyze the bacterial composition of the Nile tilapia fish guts from two saltwater lakes in Northern Egypt. Fish samples were obtained from two Delta lakes: Manzala (ML) and Borollus (BL). DNA was extracted, and the bacterial communities in the stomach content were classified (down to the species level) using the 16S rRNA-based analysis. From the two metagenomics libraries in this study, 1,426,740 reads of the amplicon sequence corresponding to 508 total taxonomic operational units were recorded. The most prevalent bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Synergistetes in all samples. Some of the strains identified belong to classes of pathogenic zoonotic bacteria. A notable difference was observed between gut bacteria of Nile tilapia fish obtained from BL and ML. There is a remarkable indication that Nile tilapia fish living in BL is heavily burdened with pathogenic microbes most remarkably those involved with methylation of mercury and its accumulation in fish organs. These pathogenic microbes could have clinical implications and correlated with many diseases. This result was also consistent with the metagenomic data's functional prediction that indicated that Nile tilapia species harboring these two Egyptian northern lakes may be exposed to numerous anthropogenic pollutants. The findings show that the host environment has a significant impact on the composition of its microbiota. The first step towards exploring the better management of this profit-making fish is recognizing the structure of the microbiome.

Implication of miRNA-153 on PTEN expression in prostatic adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

A little is known about the role of miRNA-153 expression in prostate cancer (PCa), in this study we aimed to determine the prognostic value of miRNA-153 and PTEN expression in PCa, by correlating their expression with Gleason patterns, Gleason scores, and Grade groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 In situ hybridization for miRNA-153 and immunohistochemical staining for PTEN were applied on microarray sections of 80 PCa, with different Gleason grades, and 20 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) cases.

RESULTS

We found that miRNA-153 expression was significantly higher and PTEN was significantly lower in PCa compared to BPH. In PCa, high miRNA-153 expression and loss of PTEN expression were associated significantly with higher Gleason patterns, higher Gleason scores, and higher Grade groups. The expression of miRNA-153 showed a significant inverse correlation with PTEN expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased miRNA-153 expression and lost PTEN expression in PCa may provide information on their role in the progression of this cancer, suggesting that miRNA-153 could affect PTEN directly in prostatic neoplastic and hyperplastic lesions, and therefore miRNA-153 can be considered a new tool to improve the treatment efficacy and prognosis of PCa patients.

The Effect of Clinical Characteristics and Stent Parameters on Left Ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony

Aim. To study short term effect of stent size and number on left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery.

Materials and methods. the study included 150 adult patients with LAD lesion treated with PCI using drug-eluting stent. Patients were evaluated pre PCI then 1 month and 3 months post PCI for evaluation of mechanical dyssynchrony using tissue synchronization image (TSI).

Results. Before revascularization mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 51.2±5.7 %, mean time to peak TSI was 213.6±10.9 ms; 1 month after PCI TSI improved significantly to 163.7±17.6 ms (p<0.001), 3 months after PCI showed more improvement to 120.7±26.9 ms (p<0.001). After 3m; 61 patients (40.7%) showed recovery to normal TSI value. The predictors of non-improvement of time to peak TSI after 3 months were diabetes mellitus (p=0.007), dyslipidemia (p=0.001) and stent length (p=0.001), number of stents (p=0.004). There were strong negative correlation between stent length and improvement of the time to peak TSI at 1 month (r=-0.352, p<0.001) and at 3 months (r=-0.509, p<0.001),and also with number of stent at 1 month (r= -0.173, p=0.034) and at 3 months (r=-0.499, p<0.001), but the correlation between stent diameter and improvement of the TSI wasn’t significant neither at 1 month nor at 3 months (r=0.055, p=0.504 and r= -0.018, p=0.827) respectively.

Conclusion. Increased number and length of the implanted stents were predictors to non-improvement of mechanical dyssynchrony, while stent diameter didn’t affects the recovery.

Testicular transcriptome analysis under the dietary inclusion of l-carnitine reveals potential key genes associated with oxidative defense and the semen quality factor in aging roosters

l-carnitine (LC) has been widely studied as a natural antioxidant molecule for treating low-fertility gametes. However, the molecular mechanism of the effect of LC supplementation on the testes of aging cocks has not been evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to reveal the mechanism of testicular oxidative defense induced by LC supplementation in relation to the semen quality factor (SQF) in the aging cock through a transcriptome study conducted from a new perspective. A total of 24 Jinghong cocks at 55 wk of age were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 12). All cocks were fed a standard isocaloric and isonitrogenic breeder diet (control, LC-0), and the other group was supplemented with LC at 150 mg/kg/d (treated, LC-150) for 12 wk. Remarkably, seminal characteristics and enzymes, sex hormones, and cock fertility related to testicular oxidative defense were considerably improved by LC supplementation. LC-150 testes showed the differential upregulation and downregulation of 97 and 90 transcripts, respectively, compared with LC-0 testes. Most upregulated transcripts were involved in testicular oxidative defense and spermiogenesis optimization, whereas the downregulated genes were responsible for oxidative stress, in contrast to the SQF. Functional analysis of the transcriptionally altered genes indicated the testicular deregulation of long-chain fatty acid and lipid peroxidation, enhancing fatty acid breakdown to release ATP production via β-oxidation. These findings could lay the foundation for the discovery of new molecular markers of SQF-associated LC supplementation and potential targets for therapeutic intervention to optimize fertility in aging cocks.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum), the wild progenitor of Capsicum annuum L

The complete mitochondrial genome of chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum var glabriusculum) was sequenced. The mitogenome of the American bird pepper was 505,190 bp, with 44.4% of GC content. A total of 218 genes were fully annotated, including 190 CDS (31 known genes and 158 open reading frames), three rRNA, and 25 tRNA genes. The gene synteny and number were equal to those of C. annuum var annuum, except for the partial annotation of ATP subunit 6 and the absence of ORF172 and ORF104b. The complete mt genome sequence was deposited to the GenBank (NCBI, Accession number: MN196478).

Pan-plastome approach empowers the assessment of genetic variation in cultivated Capsicum species

Pepper species (Capsicum spp.) are widely used as food, spice, decoration, and medicine. Despite the recent old-world culinary impact, more than 50 commercially recognized pod types have been recorded worldwide from three taxonomic complexes (A, B, and P). The current study aimed to apply a pan-plastome approach to resolve the plastomic boundaries among those complexes and identify effective loci for the taxonomical resolution and molecular identification of the studied species/varieties. High-resolution pan-plastomes of five species and two varieties were assembled and compared from 321 accessions. Phyloplastomic and network analyses clarified the taxonomic position of the studied species/varieties and revealed a pronounced number of accessions to be the rare and endemic species, C. galapagoense, that were mistakenly labeled as C. annuum var. glabriusculum among others. Similarly, some NCBI-deposited plastomes were clustered differently from their labels. The rpl23-trnI intergenic spacer contained a 44 bp tandem repeat that, in addition to other InDels, was capable of discriminating the investigated Capsicum species/varieties. The rps16-trnQ/rbcL-accD/ycf3-trnS gene set was determined to be sufficiently polymorphic to retrieve the complete phyloplastomic signal among the studied Capsicum spp. The pan-plastome approach was shown to be useful in resolving the taxonomical complexes, settling the incomplete lineage sorting conflict and developing a molecular marker set for Capsicum spp. identification.

Genome-wide identification and evolutionary analysis of TGA transcription factors in soybean

The gain of function in genes and gene families is a continuous process and is a key factor in understanding gene and genome evolution in plants. TGACG-Binding (TGA) transcription factors (TFs) have long been known for their essential roles in plant defence in Arabidopsis, but their roles in legume symbiosis are yet to be explored. Here, we identified a total of 25 TGA (named GmTGA1-GmTGA25) genes in soybean. Through phylogenetic analysis, we discovered a clade of GmTGA proteins that appear to be legume-specific. Among them, two GmTGAs were unique by possessing the autophagy sequence in their proteins, while the third one was an orphan gene in soybean. GmTGAs were structurally different from AtTGAs, and their expression patterns also differed with the dominant expression of AtTGAs and GmTGAs in aerial and underground parts, respectively. Moreover, twenty-five GmTGAs showed a strong correlation among the gene expression in roots, nodules, and root hairs. The qRT-PCR analysis results revealed that among 15 tested GmTGAs, six were induced and four were suppressed by rhizobia inoculation, while 11 of these GmTGAs were induced by high nitrate. Our findings suggested the important roles of GmTGAs in symbiotic nodulation and in response to nitrogen availability in soybean.

Genomic scanning using AFLP to detect loci under selection in the moss Funaria hygrometrica along a climate gradient in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Spain

The common cord moss Funaria hygrometrica has a worldwide distribution and thrives in a wide variety of environments. Here, we studied the genetic diversity in F. hygrometrica along an abiotic gradient in the Mediterranean high mountain of Sierra Nevada (Spain) using a genome scan method. Eighty-four samples from 17 locations from 24 to 2700 m were fingerprinted based on their amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) banding pattern. Using PCA and Bayesian inference we found that the genetic diversity was structured in three or four clusters, respectively. Using a genome scan method we identified 13 outlier loci, which showed a signature of positive selection. Partial Mantel tests were performed between the Euclidean distance matrices of geographic and climatic variables, versus the pair-wise genetic distance of the AFLP dataset and AFLP-positive outliers dataset. AFLP-positive outlier data were significantly correlated with the gradient of the climatic variables, suggesting adaptive variation among populations of F. hygrometrica along the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We highlight the additional analyses necessary to identify the nature of these loci, and their biological role in the adaptation process.

Genetic structure of Mugil cephalus L. populations from the northern coast of Egypt

AIM

The gray mullet, Mugil cephalus, has been farmed in semi-intensive ponds with tilapia and carps in Egypt for years. The current study used the fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (F-AFLP) technique to search for genetic differences between the populations of M. cephalus in the northern region of Egypt and to detect the gene flow between sampled locations and the homogeneity within M. cephalus genetic pool in Egypt.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To fulfill the study objectives 60 (15/location) samples were collected from four northern coast governorates of Egypt (Alexandria "sea," Kafr El-Sheikh "farm," Damietta "farm" and Port Said "sea"). Three replicates of bulked DNA (5 samples/replicate) for each location were successfully amplified using the standard AFLP protocol using fluorescent primers. DNA polymorphism, genetic diversity, and population structure were assessed while positive outlier loci were successfully detected among the sampled locations. Based on the geographical distribution of sampling sites, the gene flow, the genetic differentiation, and correlations to sampling locations were estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 1890 polymorphic bands were scored for all locations, where 765, 1054, 673, and 751 polymorphic bands were scored between samples from Alexandria, Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta and Port Said, respectively. The effective number of alleles (ne) for all bulked samples combined together was 1.42. The expected heterozygosity under Hardy-Weinberg assumption (He) for all bulked samples combined together was 0.28. Bulked samples from Damietta yielded the lowest ne (1.35) and the lowest He (0.23) when inbreeding coefficient (FIS) = 1. Bulked samples from Kafr El-Sheikh scored the highest ne (1.55) and the highest He (0.37). Bulked samples from Alexandria scored 1.40 for ne and 0.26 for He, while bulked samples from Port Said scored 1.39 for ne and 0.26 for He. The observed bulked samples formed three sub-population groups, where none is limited to a certain sampling location. A high differentiation among locations was detected, however, is not fully isolating the locations. Gene flow was 0.58. Positive outliers loci (117) were detected among the four sampled locations while weak significant correlation (r=0.15, p=0.03) was found for the distance between them.

CONCLUSION

Even though this species is cultivated in Egypt, the wild population is still present and by the current study a flow of its genes is still exchanged through the northern coast of Egypt. Which contribute to the cultivated populations leading to heterogeneity in its genetic pool and consequently affects the production consistency of M. cephalus in Egypt.

Limb-salvage angioplasty in poor surgical chronic liver disease and diabetic patients

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) in high surgical risk patients with chronic liver diseases has a grave prognosis with a one-year mortality rate of 20% and a one-year amputation rate of 25% after the initial diagnosis. According to Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC)-II Guidelines, revascularization (surgical & endovascular) is the treatment of choice for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). The primary goal of revascularization is to relieve ischemic rest pain, heal ulcers, prevent amputation, improve patient's quality of life (limb salvage) and secondary goal was the periprocedural complications. Endovascular techniques include balloon angioplasty, stents, stent-grafts, and plaque debulking procedures. Surgical options, identification of patients at risk of postoperative complications could have an impact on the indications for a procedure as well as permitting modifications of treatment to reduce the surgical risk This study evaluated the treatment out comas after limb salvage angioplasty for patients who otherwise would be candidates for primary amputation due to poor co-morbid conditions as chronic liver disease and diabetes. The clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations and abdominal ultrasonography were performed to all patients to evaluate their liver status. Patients were classified according to Child-pugh classification into child A, B & C. All patients were subjected to either detailed arterial duplex or C.T. angiography to assess their arterial lesions from January 2008- January 2010. 95 patients with critical limb ischemia (Rutherford categories 4, 5, 6) were treated by primary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). No patient was excluded on the basis of the extent of arterial occlusive disease. The primary end points were immediate technical success, clinical improvement and limb salvages rates. Secondary end points were periprocedural complications and mortality. Most of the patients were male (54.7%) with mean age 62 (48-70 years). Underlying cirrhosis due to HCV was (82.2%), HBV (5.4%), while mixed viral infections was (12.4%). 54% were categorized as Child B, 32% as child A and 14% as child C. Associated diabetes mellitus was present in 96% of the cases, hypertension in 64.2%, ischemic heart disease in 74% and hyperlipedemia in 32%. Rest pain, tissue loss, or both, were the presenting symptoms in 83% while infection and ulcer were present in the other 17% of patients. The total numbers of interventions were 154; the treated lesions were 89 in the tibial arteries, 12 in the popliteal artery, 44 in the superficial femoral artery, 3 in the common femoral artery and 6 in the iliac arteries with initial technical success rate of 93.6% and periprocedural complications of 12.6%. All patients were in Rutherford clinical category 4, 5, 6 none of these patients had a previous bypass operation. Mean follow-up was 15 months. The limb-salvage rate was 87.4%. Eighty patients (84.2%) of toe amputation sites healed primarily. three patients with rest pain had resolution of their symptoms after angioplasty. All technical failures were due to inability to cross the lesions. Of the 6 technical failures, 4 required amputation, and 2 refused any further therapy.

Elevational patterns of genetic variation in the cosmopolitan moss Bryum argenteum (Bryaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

The Baas Becking tenet posits that 'everything is everywhere, but the environment selects' to explain cosmopolitan distributions in highly vagile taxa. Bryophyte species show wider distributions than vascular plants and include examples of truly cosmopolitan ranges, which have been interpreted as a result of high dispersal capacities and ecological plasticity. In the current study, we documented patterns of genetic structure and diversity in the cosmopolitan moss Bryum argenteum along an elevational gradient to determine if genetic diversity and structure is homogenized by intense migrations in the lack of ecological differentiation. •

METHODS

60 specimens were collected in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Spain) between 100 and 2870 m and sequenced for ITS and rps4. Comparative analyses, genetic diversity estimators, and Mantel's tests were employed to determine the relationship between genetic variation, elevation, and geographic distance and to look for signs of demographic shifts. •

KEY RESULTS

Genetic diversity peaked above 1900 m and no signs of demographic shifts were detected at any elevation. There was a strong phylogenetic component in elevational variation. Genetic variation was significantly correlated with elevation, but not with geographic distance. •

CONCLUSIONS

The results point to the long-term persistence of Bryum argenteum in a range that was glaciated during the Late Pleistocene. Evidence for an environmentally driven pattern of genetic differentiation suggests adaptive divergence. This supports the Baas Becking tenet and indicates that ecological specialization might play a key role in explaining patterns of genetic structure in cosmopolitan mosses.

P5-19-10: Correlation of Response of Weekly Paclitaxel and Paraplatin as First Line Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer with p53 Status

Background Paclitaxel is one of the most active drugs in metastatic breast cancer. Weekly paclitaxel seems less toxic & more efficient compared with paclitaxel every 3 weeks (possibly because of the proapoptotic and antiangiogenic activity), the dose intensity is quiet higher with tolerable toxicity. The sensitivity of tumors overexpressing p53 to paclitaxel is a matter of debate.

The purpose of study is to evaluate weekly paclitaxel and paraplatin in patients with metastatic breast cancer in terms of response rate, toxicity profile, relation of response to p53 status, progression free survival & overall survival.

Patients & Methods: Between September 2006 & September 2008, 60 patients with measurable metastatic breast cancer after adjuvant anthracycline treatment, WHO PS &lt;2, adequate renal, liver & bone marrow function. Patients received no prior chemotherapy for metastasis. Pathology specimens were evaluated for p53 status by immunohistochemistry (IHC). All patients received weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 D1, D8, D15 (one hour IV infusion) and paraplatin AUC 5 D1 (IV infusion over half an hour) every 4 weeks for six cycles. Response was assessed every 2 cycles, patients showed an objective response (CR, PR or SD) had continued to 8 cycles.

Results: All patients were evaluable for response, toxicity & survival. Median age was 50 years range (42-64 years), median WHO PS 0. Main metastatic sites were lung 40%, liver 30%, LN 20%, Skin 12% & bone 50%. Forty percent of patients had one metastatic site, 40% had 2 metastatic sites and 20% had &gt; 2 metastatic sites.

The total number of cycles delivered was 466 with a median of 7 cycles / patient with no dose reduction. The overall response rate was 65% (CR 25%, PR 40%), SD 27% & PD 8%. Overexpression of p53 was found in 18 (30%) of the 60 studied patients, four of them showed only PR, compared to 30 patients having normal p53 status responded to treatment including 15 CRs. Overexpression of p53 had a significant negative impact on response to treatment (p=0.01). No grade 4 toxicity G2 anemia 15%, G3 neutropenia observed in 13.3%, G2 neuropathy occurred in 15%. Median time to progression & median survival were 18.5 & 28 months respectively.

Conclusion: The overall response rate achieved with weekly paclitaxel plus paraplatin is among the highest in metastatic breast cancer. However, the poor response rate seen in patients with p53 overexpression suggests the use of other combinations that may help to improve the outcome.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-19-10.

Incidence of erectile dysfunction in 800 hypertensive patients: A multicenter Egyptian national study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED), its severity, and other sexual function domains in 800 Egyptian patients with hypertension.

METHODS

All patients completed a detailed questionnaire addressing their general medical history, with special emphasis on hypertension (ie, duration of hypertension, type of antihypertensive treatment, compliance, and presence of any complications). Sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function.

RESULTS

The mean +/- SD patient age was 59.2 +/- 2.3 years (range 28 to 75). Of the 800 patients, 739 (92.3%) had regular sexual activity (one to two times per week) and 346 (43.2%) had ED. Of the 346 men, 40 (5%), 96 (12%), and 210 (26.2%) had mild, moderate, and severe ED, respectively. A highly statistically significant correlation was found between the duration of hypertension and the duration of weak erections. Only 41 patients (12%) with ED reported receiving erectogenic drug therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have shown a greater prevalence of ED in the Egyptian hypertensive population. The presence of another risk factor in addition to elevated blood pressure can increase the incidence of ED further.