Entwined African and Asian genetic roots of medieval peoples of the Swahili coast

The urban peoples of the Swahili coast traded across eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean and were among the first practitioners of Islam among sub-Saharan people1,2. The extent to which these early interactions between Africans and non-Africans were accompanied by genetic exchange remains unknown. Here we report ancient DNA data for 80 individuals from 6 medieval and early modern (AD 1250-1800) coastal towns and an inland town after AD 1650. More than half of the DNA of many of the individuals from coastal towns originates from primarily female ancestors from Africa, with a large proportion-and occasionally more than half-of the DNA coming from Asian ancestors. The Asian ancestry includes components associated with Persia and India, with 80-90% of the Asian DNA originating from Persian men. Peoples of African and Asian origins began to mix by about AD 1000, coinciding with the large-scale adoption of Islam. Before about AD 1500, the Southwest Asian ancestry was mainly Persian-related, consistent with the narrative of the Kilwa Chronicle, the oldest history told by people of the Swahili coast3. After this time, the sources of DNA became increasingly Arabian, consistent with evidence of growing interactions with southern Arabia4. Subsequent interactions with Asian and African people further changed the ancestry of present-day people of the Swahili coast in relation to the medieval individuals whose DNA we sequenced.

The emerging role of lncRNA MEG3 and MEG3 rs7158663 in hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy in Egypt. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development. This study explored the association between the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 rs7158663 polymorphism, MEG3 expression, and the risk of HCC and other clinicopathologic characteristics in an Egyptian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This case-control study included 114 patients with HCC and 110 healthy controls. TaqMan Real-time PCR was used to analyze lncRNA MEG3 rs7158663. Serum MEG3 expression levels were measured using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The AA, GA+AA, and A alleles were associated with increased risk for HCC (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 11.84%, 95% CI 4.07-34.45, p < 0.0001; adjusted OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.79-5.67, p < 0.0001; and adjusted OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.91-4.34, p < 0.0001, respectively). The mutant genotype and allele were linked to an increased risk in male patients and patients ≥ 50 years old. MEG3 serum expression level was downregulated in HCC patients. The rs7158663 G > A polymorphism and downregulated MEG3 were significantly associated with larger tumor size and advanced disease stage.

CONCLUSIONS

MEG3 rs7158663 single nucleotide polymorphisms and downregulated lncRNA MEG3 were associated with HCC risk and may represent diagnostic and bad prognostic factors for HCC patients.

The Correlation between Serum Creatinine and PTH Levels in Dialysis Patients in Egypt

Introduction/Objective

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is affecting about 14% of the general population. CKD is associated with a decrease in calcium level in the body. In the early stages of (CKD), dialysis may not be needed. The late stages of CKD will require dialysis or a kidney transplant to save a life.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a crucial disorder in CKD patients. It explains why the illness causes a significant change in bone and mineral metabolism. This study aims to study renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT) in dialysis patients with late-stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods/Case Report

A total of 55 subjects were enrolled in this study for late-stage dialysis patients from Egypt. Serum creatinine and PTH levels were measured. Among the 55 subjects; 41 subjects (74.5%) were males, 14 subjects (25.5%) were females with a mean age of 52.7 and 34.3 years for males and females, respectively.

Subjects were divided into two groups; Study group I consists of 33 dialysis patients; three patients were females (9%) while 30 patients were males (91%), and control group II consists of 22 healthy individuals, 11 subjects were females (50%), and 11 subjects were males (50%).

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

In our study, in comparison between two groups as regards blood investigations. The means of creatinine and PTH in the study group I were 8.93 mg/dl and 316.8, while in the control group II were 0.9, and 38.4 respectively.

Comparing the two groups shows that mean of Creatinine and PTH in the study group was statistically significantly higher than the control group (p-value less than 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with CKD, accurate measurement of (PTH) is critical for treatment decision-making to reduce the risk of bone and cardiovascular diseases.

We recommend that patients with diabetes and high blood pressure be aware that they must take their medications consistently to avoid kidney problems.

Impact of miR-155 (rs767649 A>T) and miR-146a (rs57095329 A>G) polymorphisms in System Lupus Erythematosus susceptibility in an Egyptian cohort

OBJECTIVE

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. miR-155 and miR-146a were expressed in many autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to examine miR-155 rs767649 and miR-146a rs57095329 polymorphisms in SLE susceptibility in an Egyptian cohort and to investigate the correlation between them and clinical data and disease activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The two SNPs were analyzed in 120 patients with SLE and 100 healthy controls using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The TT genotype and T allele of miR-155 rs767649 were associated with a significant increase in the risk of SLE, particularly in females. On the other hand, miR-146a (rs57095329) polymorphism was not associated with SLE risk. The AT/TT genotypes of miR-155 rs767649 showed higher distributions among patients with higher SLEDAI and nephritis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study had demonstrated for the first time the association between miR-155 rs767649 and the risk of development of SLE in an Egyptian cohort, mostly in females.

Switching to instant black coffee modulates sodium selenite-induced cataract in rats

The influence of daily consumption of some common beverages on the development of cataract in rats was investigated. Total phenol content was determined in the beverages and an oral standardized dose of total phenols from each beverage was given to the treated rats. Weaned male albino rats were used and divided into five groups (n=7). Rats were fed Ain 93G and administered the standardized dose of instant coffee, black tea and hibiscus beverages for 30 days. On day 14 all rats were injected with a single dose of sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) 15 µmol/kg bodyweight, except the control groups NC (negative control, did not receive Na₂SeO₃) and PC (positive control, was already injected on day 1 of the study). The rats were continued on Ain 93G and the standardized dose for another 16 days. Positive control rats were used. Total phenols were 210, 40, and 44 mg/g dry weight gallic acid equivalent in black coffee, black tea, and hibiscus, respectively. Decreased levels (statistically significant P<0.05) of malondialdehyde, total nitric oxide, Ca-ATPase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, superoxide dismutase, and conversely, increased levels (statistically significant P<0.05) of total protein, reduced glutathione, catalase were found in the lenses of the coffee group compared to PC. There are co-phenol substances in the instant black coffee that promoted coffee to be the most effective beverage.

Preparation and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles coated with chitosan for removal of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) from aqueous solution

This study investigated the applicability of magnetite Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles coated with chitosan (CMNs) for the removal of some toxic heavy metals from simulated wastewater. Magnetic nanomaterials were synthesized using the co-precipitation method and characterized by transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of the prepared magnetic nanoparticles were determined by a vibrating-sample magnetometer. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) and Cd(II) by magnetic nanoparticles. It is noteworthy that CMNs show a highly efficient adsorption capacity for low concentration Cr(VI) and Cd(II) ions solution, which can reach 98% within 10 min.

Abstract P1-05-11: Biological characterization of tumor-associated leukocytes in positive and negative lymph node breast cancer patients

Background: Leukocytes plays crucial role in breast cancer progression and lymph node metastasis. Veins draining the breast through the axillary tributaries contain tumor-associated leukocytes migrating away from tumor microenvironment. Collecting tumor-associated leukocytes and characterizing their immunophenotype and biological properties in positive and negative lymph node patients may elucidate their role in lymph node metastasis.

Aims: Using an innovative surgical approach previously described, wecollectedtumor-associated leukocytes from venous drainage of the breast during breast cancer surgery of positive and negative lymph node (LN)metastasis patients. Isolated leukocytes were subjected to: 1) immunophenotyping; 2) cytokine profiling; and 3) assessment of the expression level of total and phospho NF-kβ.

Material and Methods: We enrolled 40 patients diagnosed with breast cancer from Ain Shams University Hospitals. Patients were sub-grouped into negative (zero) and positive (4) LN metastasis patients. All enrolled patients had not received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. During modified radical mastectomy or conservative breast surgery, 15–20 ml of blood were collected from axillary vein tributaries for the isolation of tumor-associated leukocytes by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. The immunophenotype of the isolated mononuclear cells was assessed using flow cytometry to identify the percentage of T lymphocytes (CD3+) and their subpopulations (CD4+ and CD8+), NK cells (CD56+) and B-lymphocytes (CD19+). Tumor-associated leukocytes isolated from positive and negative LN patients were seeded overnight in appropriate culture media at 37°C in a humidified CO2 incubator. Conditioned media containing secreted cytokines/chemokines were profiled using RayBio human cytokine antibody arrayIIIand then analyzed and quantified using ImageJ software. In addition, using immunoblottingwe assessed the level of expression of total and phospho NF-kβ in leukocyte lysates from positive and negative LN patients.

Result: Flow cytometric analysis revealed a significant increase in the percentage of T lymphocytes and T helper(CD3+/CD4+) cells collected from axillary tributaries of positive LN patients as compared to negative LN patients. Leukocytesisolated from positive LN patients were characterized by more than five-foldincreases in IL-12, Thrombopoietin, IL-13, INF-ϒ, TARC, IGF-1, IL-3, TNF-α, IL-4, GCSF, IL-5 and IL-1α. Moreover, we detected an increase in cellular expression of total and phospho NF-kβ in leukocytes isolated from positive LN as compared to negative LN breast cancer patients.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate for the first time that tumor-associated leukocytes of positive LN patients possess different cytokine patterns than those ofnegative LN patients. Moreover, we identified major cytokines that may contribute to LN metastasis and could be therapeutically targeted.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-05-11.

Monocytes/macrophages and natural killer cells characterize the tumor microenvironment of inflammatory breast cancer in Egyptian patients

Abstract #1054

Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. IBC incidence appears to be higher in Egypt as compared to USA. Although the role of leukocytes in regulating breast cancer dissemination has been studied extensively, their role in IBC progression is not well understood. Previously, we showed that human monocytes augment the invasiveness and proteolytic activity of IBC cell lines. Aim: To compare the immunophenotype of IBC and non-IBC and to identify IBC tumor-infiltrated immune cell that may be associated with poor prognosis of IBC.&#x2028; Methods: We enrolled two groups of patients: IBC (n=13) and non-IBC (n=27) being treated at Ain Shams University hospitals. All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy. IBC patients had 7 or more metastatic axillary lymph nodes whereas non-IBC patients had 3 or less metastatic axillary lymph nodes. During surgery, blood draining from the breast tumor microenvironment, through branches of axillary vein, and peripheral blood was collected. Total mononuclear cells were isolated from collected blood and their phenotype was examined using flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies specific for cell surface markers for particular cells types were used: namely T-helper cells (CD3+CD4+), T-cytotoxic cells (CD3+CD4-), natural killer (NK) cells (CD56+) and monocytes/macrophages (CD14+). Results: Within each group we compared the leukocytic composition of blood collected from the tumor drainage to that of peripheral blood in IBC and non-IBC patients. 1) In IBC, we detected a significant increase in the mean percentage of NK cells and monocytes collected from the tumor site, but no significant difference in CD8+ and CD4+ cells. 2) In non-IBC, the percentage of CD4+ T cells collected from the tumor site was significantly higher than from peripheral blood. No significant differences were detected in CD8+, CD56+ and CD14+ cells.&#x2028; We compared the leukocyte composition of blood collected from both IBC and non-IBC patients. 1) In peripheral blood of IBC patients, we detected a significant increase in CD4+ T cells, but no significant differences in CD8+, CD56+ and CD14+ cells when compared to non-IBC patients. 2) When we compared the leukocyte content of blood collected from the tumor site in IBC and non-IBC, we found a significant increase in CD56+, and CD14+ cells and a significant decrease in CD4+ T cells in IBC, but no significant difference in CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: Differences in the immunophenotype of IBC versus non-IBC suggests a role for these immune cells in the metastatic dissemination and progression of IBC.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1054.

Assessing the accuracy of a food frequency questionnaire for estimating usual intake of phytoestrogens

The primary objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of a modified Block food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with respect to its ability to assess usual dietary intakes of daidzein and genistein. Participants were a convenience sample of 51 Japanese and 18 Caucasian women. All interviews were conducted between February 1997 and October 1997. At each of the four study visits, participants provided a 24-hour urine specimen and a 48-hour dietary recall. At the first visit, participants also completed an interviewer-administered modified Block FFQ. The daidzein and genistein intakes estimated using the FFQ were moderately correlated with the mean estimates of daidzein and genistein intake calculated from four 48-hour dietary recalls (correlation for daidzein = 0.49-0.58 and correlation for genistein = 0.45-0.54) and estimates of urinary concentrations of these compounds calculated from four collections (correlations for daidzein and genistein = 0.49 and 0.30, respectively). The accuracy of the modified Block FFQ for assessment of usual daidzein and genistein intakes is supported by this study. These results support the use of this instrument in epidemiological studies as an easy and low-cost method to assess the usual dietary daidzein or genistein intake.

Interaction of diphenyltin(IV) dichloride with some selected bioligands

The interaction of diphenyltin(IV) with selected bioligands having a variety of model functional groups were investigated using the potentiometric technique. The hydrolysis constants of diphenyltin(IV) cation and the step-wise formation constants of the complexes formed in solution were calculated using the non linear least-squares program MINIQUAD-75. The participation of different ligand functional groups in binding to organotin is discussed. The concentration distribution of the various complex species was evaluated as a function of pH.

Spectroscopic and Kinetic Studies of the Reaction of CO+H(2)O and CO+O(2) and Decomposition of HCOOH on Au/H-Mordenite Catalysts

The surface species formed from the reaction of CO+H(2)O and CO+O(2) and decomposition of HCOOH on Au incorporated into H-mordenite zeolite have been studied by means of in situ FTIR spectroscopy. On H-mordenite, a bidentate formate species (2912, 1536, and 1390 cm(-1)) is produced upon exposure to the CO+H(2)O gas mixture at 323 K, as well as different carbonate-like species (1956, 1852, 1705, and 1360 cm(-1)). The latter species was extensively formed in a short time and was responsible for hindering the CO(2) adsorbed species. However, Au/H-mordenite presented different vibration modes of formate species with a high emphasis on the monodentate ones (2950, 2916, 2896, 1690, and 1340 cm(-1)). The HCOOH adsorption on Au/H-mordenite showed two bands at 1622 and 1590 cm(-1) of the nu(as)(OCO) species, suggesting the formation of two types of formate species. The decomposition rate of the formate species formed on Au moieties was faster than that formed on H-mordenite. This was consistent with the calculated activation energies of CO(2) formation that showed a lower value (40.1 kJ/mol) on the former sample than on the latter one (63.3 kJ/mol). A dehydrogenation mechanism is proposed (HCOOH-->H(2)+CO(2)) for the decomposition of HCOOH on the Au/H-mordenite catalyst. On the other hand, the Au/H-mordenite catalyst activated the CO oxidation reaction. This reaction proceeded mainly through the formation of carboxylate species at first, which tended to obviate with time, preferring the formate species. The latter species resulted from the interaction of CO with OH stretching of the zeolite assisted by the presence of gas phase O(2). The formate species is further decomposed with time to carbonate species. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Three-phase double-arc plasma for spectrochemical analysis of environmental samples

A new instrument, which uses a three-phase current to support a double-arc argon plasma torch for evaporation, atomization and excitation of solid or powder samples, is described. The sampling arc is ignited between the first and second electrode while the excitation arc is ignited between the second and third electrode. Aerosol generated from the sample (first electrode) is swept by argon gas, through a hole in the second electrode (carbon tubing electrode), into the excitation plasma. A tangential stream of argon gas is introduced through an inlet orifice as a coolant gas for the second electrode. This gas stream forces the excitation arc discharge to rotate reproducibly around the electrode surface. Discharge rotation increases the stability of the excitation plasma. Spectroscopic measurements are made directly in the current-carrying region of the excitation arc. An evaluation of each parameter influencing the device performance was performed. Analytical calibration curves were obtained for Fe, Al, K, and Pb. Finally, the present technique was applied for the analysis of environmental samples. The present method appears to have significant, low cost analytical utility for environmental measurements.

Spectroscopic Identification of Adsorbed Intermediates Derived from the CO+H(2)O Reaction on Zeolite-Encapsulated Gold Catalysts

Identification of reaction intermediates in the water-gas shift reaction (WGSR: H(2)O+CO-->H(2)+CO(2)) on Au(n+) (1</=n<3) incorporated into NaY, Na-mordenite, and Na-ZSM-5 zeolites has been studied by means of in situ FT-IR spectroscopy. Exposure of Au(n+)/zeolites to a gas mixture consisting of CO+H(2)O at 323 K produced IR carbonyl spectra characterized by Au(+)-CO at 2192 cm(-1) and Au(0)-CO at 2128 cm(-1). On Au(n+)/NaY, a unidentate formate species (1710, 1620, and 1340 cm(-1)) is produced as a surface intermediate, which was very readily removed upon evacuation at 323 K. The reduction of the catalyst by H(2) at 423 K prior to the admission of the reacting gas mixture caused inhibition of formate species formation. This result suggests that Au(+) is the dominant species on which the reaction took place. Au(+)/Na-mordenite displayed unidentate formate and organic carbonate species (1936 and 1850 cm(-1)). The latter bands showed a significant increase in intensity with time at the expense of the adsorbed CO(2) bands at 2384 and 2338 cm(-1). On the other hand, Au(+)/Na-ZSM-5 resulted in the formation of different carbonate-like species (1936, 1850, 1730, and 1400 cm(-1)) as well as the rapid appearance of deformation vibrations of adsorbed water molecules at 1630 cm(-1) that built up very quickly compared to that in the Au(+)/Na-mordenite sample. These results were consistent with the catalytic activity data that showed the highest formation rates of CO(2) on Au(+)/NaY compared to those on Au(+)/Na-mordenite and Au(+)/Na-ZSM-5 catalysts. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Characterization of Sm20.8, a member of a family of schistosome tegumental antigens

Two cDNA clones each encoding a 20.8-kDa protein (Sm20.8) were identified from the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni sporocyst and adult worm cDNA expression libraries by antibodies derived from rabbits vaccinated with irradiated cercariae and purified over an NP-40 extract of 3h schistosomula. Each identified cDNA has an open reading frame encoding a protein of 181 amino acids and shows homology (29-30%) with Sm21.7, Sm22.6, and Sj22.6, previously identified as belonging to a family of soluble schistosome tegumental antigens. An EF-hand calcium-binding motif is found in Sm20.8 protein in two different positions. However, neither motif binds 45calcium (45Ca) Recombinant Sm20.8 showed immunoreactivity with sera from infected humans and rabbits vaccinated with irradiated cercariae. Polyclonal rabbit sera against the Sm20.8 recognized the native protein in an extract of infected snail (sporocyst), cercariae, 3 hour schistosomules (3 h NP-40) and an adult worm preparation but not in uninfected snail tissue or eggs. Further demonstration that Sm20.8 was expressed in the different developmental stages of the parasite was by RT-PCR. Confocal microscopy demonstrates that Sm20.8 localizes to the tegument of adult worms and 3 h np-40. The IgG fraction specific to Sm20.8 mediated complement killing of schistosomules in vitro by 34%. Vaccination of mice with naked DNA containing the Sm20.8 gene and subsequently challenged with cercariae showed 30% reduction in worm burden compared to controls.

Timing of stress testing in an asymptomatic survivor of inferior myocardial infarction

Exercise electrocardiography with or without thallium-201 scintigraphy was performed (pre-hospital discharge) in 66 asymptomatic survivors of a first inferior myocardial infarction (IMI). Although coronary angiography revealed an 82% incidence of multivessel coronary artery disease (MV-CAD) in the total cohort, the sensitivity of exercise ECG for MV-CAD in the group with absent anterior ST-depression in the acute phase was low (11%). In contrast the presence of acute phase anterior ST-segment depression improved the yield for MV-CAD to 55%. Forty-six patients agreed to a symptom-limited exercise ECG plus/minus thallium imaging at 8-10 weeks post IMI. The sensitivity of detecting MV-CAD improved by 15% in patients with no acute phase anterior ST-segment depression and 16% in patients with acute phase anterior ST-segment depression. At each exercise protocol, thallium improved the sensitivity of exercise in detecting ischemia in the noninfarct zone. It is concluded that following IMI, a high percentage of asymptomatic patients whose acute phase ECG showed anterior ST-segment depression will have MV-CAD detected by heart-rate limited and, more so, by symptom-limited exercise ECG. The detection rate will double in patients with no anterior ST-segment depression if exercise testing is delayed until 8-10 weeks post IMI.

Quantitative analysis of cardiac function: comparison of electro-cardiogram dual gated single photon emission tomography, planar radionuclide ventriculogram and contrast ventriculography in the determination of LV volume and ejection fraction

A dual gated tomography (DGT) program for end systolic and end diastolic acquisition and subsequent processing for calculation of LVEF, end diastolic and end systolic volumes (EDV, ESV) has been evaluated in 20 healthy volunteers (25 years-40 years) and 45 patients (25 years-60 years): 20 with ischaemic heart disease and 25 with valvular heart disease (VHD). All had biplane multigated blood pool (MUGA) studies in the 40 degrees LAO projection using in vivo 99mTc- RBCs, immediately followed by DGT. The results in the patients group were correlated with contrast ventriculography (CV). In the volunteer group, the normal values for LVEF, EDV and ESV measured with DGT were found to be 63% +/- 10%, 91 ml +/- 6 ml and 30 ml +/- 6 ml and r value for the LVEF = 0.91 compared with MUGA. In the IHD group, r values compared with CV were 0.915 and 0.97 for the EDV and ESV and 0.934 for the LVEF. Compared with the MUGA, the r value for LVEF was 0.883. In the VHD group, r values were 0.98 for both the EDV and ESV and 0.948 for the LVEF (P less than 0.002) compared with CV and 0.789 for the LVEF compared with the MUGA. We feel that DGT is an accurate and reproducible technique for LV function measurements.