Extraction of chitin from edible crab shells of Callinectes sapidus and comparison with market purchased chitin / Extração de quitina de cascas de caranguejo comestíveis de Callinectes sapidus e comparação com quitina adquirida no mercado

Chitin and its derived products have immense economic value due to their vital role in various biological activities as well as biomedical and industrial application. Insects, microorganism and crustaceans are the main supply of chitin but the crustaceans shell like shrimp, krill, lobsters and crabs are the main commercial sources. Chitin content of an individual varies depending on the structures possessing the polymer and the species. In this study edible crabs’ shells (Callinectes sapidus) were demineralized and deproteinized resulting in 13.8% (dry weight) chitin recovery from chitin wastes. FTIR and XRD analyses of the experimental crude as well as purified chitins revealed that both were much comparable to the commercially purchased controls. The acid pretreatment ceded 54g of colloidal chitin that resulted in 1080% of the crude chitin. The colloidal chitin was exploited for isolation of eighty five chitinolytic bacterial isolates from different sources. Zone of clearance was displayed by the thirty five isolates (41.17%) succeeding their growth at pH 7 on colloidal chitin agar medium. Maximum chitinolytic activity i.e. 301.55 U/ml was exhibited by isolate JF70 when cultivated in extracted chitin containing both carbon and nitrogen. The study showed wastes of blue crabs can be utilized for extraction of chitin and isolation of chitinolytic bacteria that can be used to degrade chitin waste, resolve environmental pollution as well as industrial purpose.

A quitina e seus produtos derivados têm imenso valor econômico devido ao seu papel vital em várias atividades biológicas, bem como em aplicações biomédicas e industriais. Insetos, microrganismos e crustáceos são o principal suprimento de quitina, mas a casca dos crustáceos como camarão, krill, lagosta e caranguejo são as principais fontes comerciais. O conteúdo de quitina de um indivíduo varia dependendo das estruturas que possuem o polímero e da espécie. Neste estudo, as cascas de caranguejos comestíveis (Callinectes sapidus) foram desmineralizadas e desproteinizadas, resultando em 13,8% (peso seco) de recuperação de quitina a partir de resíduos de quitina. As análises de FTIR e XRD do bruto experimental, bem como das quitinas purificadas, revelaram que ambas eram muito comparáveis aos controles adquiridos comercialmente. O pré-tratamento com ácido cedeu 54 g de quitina coloidal que resultou em 1.080% da quitina bruta. A quitina coloidal foi analisada para isolamento de 85 isolados bacterianos quitinolíticos de diferentes fontes. A zona de eliminação foi exibida pelos 35 isolados (41,17%) que sucederam seu crescimento a pH 7 em meio de ágar de quitina coloidal. A atividade quitinolítica máxima, ou seja, 301,55 U / ml, foi exibida pelo isolado JF70 quando cultivado em quitina extraída contendo carbono e nitrogênio. O estudo mostrou que resíduos de caranguejos azuis podem ser utilizados para extração de quitina e isolamento de bactérias quitinolíticas que podem ser usadas para degradar resíduos de quitina, resolver a poluição ambiental e também para fins industriais.

Extraction of chitin from edible crab shells of Callinectes sapidus and comparison with market purchased chitin

Abstract Chitin and its derived products have immense economic value due to their vital role in various biological activities as well as biomedical and industrial application. Insects, microorganism and crustaceans are the main supply of chitin but the crustaceans shell like shrimp, krill, lobsters and crabs are the main commercial sources. Chitin content of an individual varies depending on the structures possessing the polymer and the species. In this study edible crabs shells (Callinectes sapidus) were demineralized and deproteinized resulting in 13.8% (dry weight) chitin recovery from chitin wastes. FTIR and XRD analyses of the experimental crude as well as purified chitins revealed that both were much comparable to the commercially purchased controls. The acid pretreatment ceded 54g of colloidal chitin that resulted in 1080% of the crude chitin. The colloidal chitin was exploited for isolation of eighty five chitinolytic bacterial isolates from different sources. Zone of clearance was displayed by the thirty five isolates (41.17%) succeeding their growth at pH 7 on colloidal chitin agar medium. Maximum chitinolytic activity i.e. 301.55 U/ml was exhibited by isolate JF70 when cultivated in extracted chitin containing both carbon and nitrogen. The study showed wastes of blue crabs can be utilized for extraction of chitin and isolation of chitinolytic bacteria that can be used to degrade chitin waste, resolve environmental pollution as well as industrial purpose.

Resumo A quitina e seus produtos derivados têm imenso valor econômico devido ao seu papel vital em várias atividades biológicas, bem como em aplicações biomédicas e industriais. Insetos, microrganismos e crustáceos são o principal suprimento de quitina, mas a casca dos crustáceos como camarão, krill, lagosta e caranguejo são as principais fontes comerciais. O conteúdo de quitina de um indivíduo varia dependendo das estruturas que possuem o polímero e da espécie. Neste estudo, as cascas de caranguejos comestíveis (Callinectes sapidus) foram desmineralizadas e desproteinizadas, resultando em 13,8% (peso seco) de recuperação de quitina a partir de resíduos de quitina. As análises de FTIR e XRD do bruto experimental, bem como das quitinas purificadas, revelaram que ambas eram muito comparáveis aos controles adquiridos comercialmente. O pré-tratamento com ácido cedeu 54 g de quitina coloidal que resultou em 1.080% da quitina bruta. A quitina coloidal foi analisada para isolamento de 85 isolados bacterianos quitinolíticos de diferentes fontes. A zona de eliminação foi exibida pelos 35 isolados (41,17%) que sucederam seu crescimento a pH 7 em meio de ágar de quitina coloidal. A atividade quitinolítica máxima, ou seja, 301,55 U / ml, foi exibida pelo isolado JF70 quando cultivado em quitina extraída contendo carbono e nitrogênio. O estudo mostrou que resíduos de caranguejos azuis podem ser utilizados para extração de quitina e isolamento de bactérias quitinolíticas que podem ser usadas para degradar resíduos de quitina, resolver a poluição ambiental e também para fins industriais.

Survey data of COVID-19 vaccine side effects among Qassim University members

Background:Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was initially reported as a culprit for many unexplained cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. Since then, COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended as a protective measure of this pandemic. This study aimed to measure the safety profile of theCOVID-19 vaccine among Qassim University members.Methods:This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted among Qassim University members, Saudi Arabia. A pre-specified questionnaire was distributed among prospective members of the campus using an online survey. Participants who were vaccinated by either one or two doses were the subjects of this study. Consent was sought from the participants or next of kin and the data collection were lasted for over three months.Results:The 604 respondents were able to recruit (51.7% males versus 48.3% females). 55.6% of respondents were in the younger age group (age ?25 years). The most commonly received vaccine was Pfizer (67.3%) while the most common side effect was local pain at the site of injection (89.4%) and tiredness (76.7%). Females were significantly more being associated with having COVID-19 vaccine side effects, while complained about fever was significantly higher in the AstraZeneca vaccine (p<0.001).Conclusions:Our findings were consistent with literatures, our study finds local pain at the site of injection, tiredness, muscle pain, headache and fever as the most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine had a greater impact on female respondents than their male counterparts.

Prenatal care perception of Saudi females of childbearing age: an epidemiological study

Background: The purpose of this study is to assess perception of Saudi women of childbearing age regarding prenatal care.Methods: Participants were invited to participate in a voluntary online survey. The brief survey consisted of 15 basic multiple choice questions administered in Arabic, and delivered as a secure link through private social media messaging services. The survey permitted only 1 attempt per user. In order to reach and capture non-respondents, 2 follow-up reminders 10 days apart were sent through the same channels of communication. The survey data was collected and analyzed using the survey software platform, Qualtrics by Qualtrics © LLC 2017.Results: Approximately 9% of participants reported previous pregnancy without use of prenatal care. Nearly 12% of respondents thought that prenatal care is only indicated for malnourished pregnant females, and 7% reported not knowing who prenatal care is specifically indicated for. Nearly 21% reported prenatal care should start after confirmation of pregnancy, 14% thought proper start is anytime within the first 3 months, 8% reported proper start should be after confirmation of healthy pregnancy and 8% reported not sure when to initiate prenatal care. Approximately 12% thought taking prenatal vitamins should be once weekly or some days of the week, while 5% do not advice women to take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy at all.Conclusions: The majority of Saudi women are well educated on prenatal care. However, women in early and late twenties are less aware of proper usage of prenatal care.

novel technique for the reconstruction of resected sternoclavicular joints: a case report with a review of the literature

Sternal metastasis in thyroid cancer is an uncommon occurrence with only a handful of cases of chest wall resections being done. Sternal reconstruction for both primary and secondary tumors has been performed using various techniques and materials such as the mesh, methyl acrylate resin, and steel plates; however, this is a case of papillary thyroid cancer involving the sternum in a 50-year-old woman who had resection of the sternum with reconstruction using titanium bars and clips [STRATOS system] fixed to the clavicles with an underlying Proceed mesh. STRATOS system showed good recovery postoperatively. The functional results were excellent with the patient being able to perform all daily activities unassisted after 1 month and almost complete range of motion with acceptable limitations in power of the shoulder muscles after 2 months. We have reviewed all the English language publications of the subject by doing Medline search for the last 25 years and we present here the surgical management of this pathology with our novel approach by using the titanium steel bars to stabilize both medial aspects of the resected clavicles as a promising therapy for manubrial reconstruction and clavicular fixation

Low-grade malignant myoepithelioma arising in a pleomorphic adenoma: a rare case

Malignant myoepithelioma is a very rare salivary gland tumor that can arise de novo or within a preexisting pleomorphic adenoma. We report a case of malignant myoepithelioma most probably arising in a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma of the left parotid gland. The patient was a 60-year-old man who presented with a multinodular mass lesion over left side of the face and neck. He had undergone removal of a pleomorphic adenoma of the left parotid gland twice [8 and 22 years ago]. Histological examination showed locally concentrated highly invasive myoepithelial cells with bland-looking morphology and no evidence of mitosis or necrosis. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the myoepithelial differentiation [S-100+, SMA+] and a low Ki-67 labeling index [<5%]

Infantile and early childhood masturbation: sex hormones and clinical profile

Few studies have explored the hormonal triggers for masturbation in infants and young children. Thus, we aimed to study the sex hormones and clinical profiles of masturbating infants and young children. This case-control study involved infants and young children who masturbate and were referred to three pediatric neurology clinics between September 2004 and 2006 [n=13], and a similar control group. All children underwent basic laboratory investigations prior to referral. Other tests included electroencephalography [n=8] and brain neuroimaging [n=9]. We measured dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, free testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG], and androstenedione in all participants. The median age at the first incident was 19.5 months [range, 4-36 months]; the median masturbation frequency, 4 times/day; and the median duration of each event, 3.9 min. The subjects masturbated in both prone [n=10] and supine positions [n=3]; two subjects used the knee-chest position. All subjects showed facial flushing; 6, friction between the thighs; 5, sweating; 9, sleeping after the event; and 12, disturbance on interruption. EEG was abnormal in one of eight subjects tested, and neuroimages were normal in all of nine subjects examined. The case and control groups had comparable levels of all sex hormones, except estradiol, which showed significantly lower levels in the case group [P=.02]. Masturbation in children seems to be associated with reduced estradiol levels, but not with other sex hormones. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings

Parathormone and estrogen in relation to osteoporosis in post-menopausal uremic women

Osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent epidemic," it is a global problem that is increasing in significance as the population of the world both increases and ages. It is the most prevalent bone disorder in the general population, particularly in the middle and older age groups. Although more than half of the prevalent dialysis population is within these age groups, little concern has been given to the possible role of estrogen deficiency in the pathogenesis of bone disease in end stage renal disease [ESRD]. The purpose of this study is to evaluate both estradiol [E2] and parathormone [iPTH] as evidence that supports a potential role of the postmenopausal state in the pathogenesis of bone disease in ESRD to search for treatment. A total of 20 women below 50 years and had persistent amenorrhea with ESRD [under prolonged hemodialysis] were selected from Faysal Kidney Dialysis Unit Giza, Egypt [ESRD group] and a control group of 20 women matched with same age were selected from the healthy volunteers of the medical staffs. For all subjects, bone mass density [BMD] analysis by dual x-ray absorptiometry [DEXA] was done. Routine chemistry as serum creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were estimated using chemistry autoanalyzer. Serum E2 and iPTH levels were also measured by enhanced chemiluminescnce technique. It was shown that although the risk factors for fracture in ESRD were similar to the general population, the incidence was four folds higher in our cases. In ESRD cases the lower E2 level, the higher iPTH level [r=-0.861; p<0.001], and consequently the higher incidence of osteoporosis and fractures. Recent evidence on the risk of HRT therapy should caution about its use in ESRD patients. In conclusion, osteoporosis should be recognized as an important entity that may modify the current conception of renal osteodystrophy in postmenopausal patients with ESRD. Low serum E2 and high iPTH levels are risk factors in decreased BMD in postmenopausal women on dialysis. Early detection of osteoporosis leads to good prevention of the disease. The use of selective estrogen receptor modulators [SERM] which may increase bone mass without significant secondary effects needs further clinical studies in order to propose strategies that may reduce postmenopausal osteoporosis in the dialysis population and may be an essential part of post-renal-transplant care

Thoracic actinomycosis.

Thoracic actinomycosis represents about one-fourth of all cases of the disease. Isolated pleural effusion due to Actinomycosis is rare. We report a case of right sided pleural effusion with discharging sinus in the right anterior chest wall. Actinomycosis was suspected and confirmed by microscopic identification of "sulfur granules" in the discharge of the sinus tract and also identification of gram-positive filamentous bacteria in the specimen of discharging sinus. The patient improved clinically and radiologically after treatment with intravenous penicillin G followed by oral penicillin and aspiration of pleural fluid.

Febrile convulsions in children

The term febrile convulsion is not a diagnostic entity. It simply describes any seizure that occurs in response to a febrile stimulus. It usually occurs between the age of 3 months and 5 years and occurs in 2-4% of young children. The typical febrile convulsion is a generalized tonic clonic seizure lasting between a few seconds and 15 minutes, followed by a period of drowsiness. Febrile seizures tend to occur in families, although the exact mode of inheritance is not known. Viruses are the most common cause of illness in children admitted to the hospital with a first febrile seizure. Routine laboratory studies are not indicated for patients who have febrile seizures and should be performed only as part of the evaluation for a source of fever. Prognosis is generally good. Only a small minority of children develop epilepsy or recurrent non-febrile seizures. Children with febrile seizures are at no greater risk of intellectual impairments than their peers. Treatment to prevent recurrence has not been shown to prevent later development of epilepsy

Guillain-barre syndrome clinical profile and the efficacy of immunoglobulin therapy

A retrospective study was performed to report the results obtained with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy with Guillain-Barre syndrome, and to look at the clinical profile and outcome of those patients. the clinical profile of 26 patients with proved Guillain-Barr'e syndrome were reviewed, all were admitted to the Pediatric department at King Hussein Medical Center. Amman, Jordan over the period from June 1988-June 1997. The presenting complaints, neurological examination, cerebrospinal fluid and neurophysiological studies and follow up assessment were analyzed. It has been shown that the male to female ratio is 1.6:1.0, all patients presented with flaccid symmetrical ascending paralysis with loss of deep tendon reflexes. Twelve patients [46.1%] had sensory manifestations, 10 patients [38.4%] developed cranial nerves palsy, and 6 patients [23%] had autonomic involvement, CSF measurement of protein in the first 10 days of the illness was high in 17 patients [65.3%] and normal in 9 patients [34.6%]. Nerve conduction of all patients showed demyelization polyneuropathy of varying severity, 3 patients [11.53%] developed permanent motor neurological deficit, one patients [3.8%] died. Immunoglobulin was given to 12 patients [46.1%] and it showed their efficacy at a dosage of 0.4 gm/kg/day for 5 days. Guillain-Barre syndrome has a good prognosis and mortality and morbidity rates are comparative to rates in other studies. Treatment with immunoglobulins is easy, safe and morbidity is lower

Shigella and vibrionaceae species as a cause of diarrhoea among children in Aden

In Aden, the incidence of diarrhoea among infants and children is still high. The present work aimed at investigation of Shigelleae and Vibrionaceae as etiologic agents of enteric infections. Stool specimens obtained from 1056 children complaining of diarrhoea were cultured on plating media and on enrichment media. Suspected colonies were then serotyped and antibiotic sensitivity tests performed. Seven percent of the specimens were found positive for Shigella strains, Shigella boydii was the commonest, particularly serotypes 14 and 1. Two percent of specimens were positive for Vibrionaceae, Plesiomonas shigelloides had the highest frequency.Several Shigella strains revealed multiple resistance to antibiotics, this was explained as due to a plasmid role

Sanaa university experience in medical education: a medical laboratory sciences educational programme

The need for establishing an institution in high education to graduate medical laboratory scientists was highly recommended by both political authorities and publicsectors in the Arab Republic of Yemen as early as 1970's. The decree of establishing such an institution as a section in the Faculty of Science was placed by the university of Sanaa, after which five students were enrolled as first batch in the program in 1987. In 1987/1988 the program was evaluated and reconstructured on the basis of a spiral approach of systematic course design recognized by the WHO. The suggested program of education in the field of medical laboratory scientists, able to deliver service efficiently in both hospital and private sectors in the field of medical laboratory investigations. The job description of the graduates and the educational program are discussed in the text

Bacteriological study of suppurative otitis media in Yemeni children

The study entailed bacteriological study of Suppurative Otitis Media. The disease is a major health problem in underdeveloped countries including Yemen Arab Republic.260 cases [154 males and 106 females] suffering from continuous or recurrent ear discharge for more than two days, were the subject of this study. Most of the patients were infants and children and only few of more than 12 years old .Bacteria were isolated from 248 [95%] of cases. Staphylococcus aureus were recovered from [34.2%] of cases followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa [19.2%], proteus species [11.5%], Streptococcus pyogenes [11 .5%], Streptococcus fecalis [6.9%], Escherichia coli [3.5%], Klebsiella species [3%], Haemophilus influenzae [3.5%], Streptococcus viridence [1.1%] and Dephtheriods [0.8%]. Mixed infections were recovered in [3.8%] of cases and no growth in [4.6%] of cases.The susceptibility of isolated organisms showed high resistance of proteus species to most tested antimicrobial agents. Amikacine was found the most effective [81%] followed by Gentamycin [73%]. The majority of the isolated proteus strains were resistant to the rest of the tested antibiotics