Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Baby-Led Cookies Produced from Rice, Banana and Cashew-nut Flour Blends

Aim: Cookies from rice, banana and cashew-nut flour blends were prepared as alternative to gluten-free baby-led food for children. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria and Food Processing Laboratory, Department of Food Technology, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria between August, 2022 and January, 2023. Methodology: Baby-led weaning cookies were formulated from flour blends as 100% raw rice (RRC), 50% rice and 50% wheat (RWC) and 40% rice, 20% cashew and 40% unripe banana (RCB) and their physical properties, sensory attributes, proximate properties, mineral compositions, vitamin profiles and anti-nutrients were determined and compared with 100% commercial cookie (CMC) with the view to substituting wheat flour with suitable flour blends with enhanced nutritional quality. Results: The peak diameter (10.40±0.20 mm), thickness (6.37±0.06 mm) and weight (17.65±0.04 g) were obtained in RCB. Spread ratio was highest (2.66±0.11) and lowest (1.42±0.01) in CMC and RWC respectively while spread factor decreased from 100% in CMC to 77.19% (RRC), 53.46% (RWC) and 62.47% (RWC). The grittiness, texture, aroma, taste and general acceptability of RCB were significantly similar to those of CMC (P < 0.05). Na, K, Mg and Zn contents increased in RCB. Proximate compositions (%) of the cookies formulated varied significantly from CMC. Peak crude protein (14.49±0.59), crude fibre (4.03±0.02) and fat (32.22±0.00) in RCB, ash (3.28±0.02) and carbohydrate by difference (58.15±0.13) in CMC and moisture (18.19±0.11) in RRC. The peak values of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C) were most abundant in RCB. The proportions (mg/g) of phytate, oxalate, tannins and phenols in the cookies formulated were comparatively lower than the lethal dose, implying that the cookies would be safe for consumption. Conclusion: RCB cookie had excellent nutritional quality, which, as a novel baby-led weaning cookie, could serve as a suitable alternative to commercial cookies.

Linfoma de células T/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal enmascarado en una sinusopatia

Introducción: El linfoma de células T citotóxico/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal es poco frecuente, pero con alta tasa de mortalidad. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad pueden simular una infección de senos paranasales. Objetivo: Presentar las manifestaciones clínicas de un paciente de 34 años de edad con diagnóstico de linfoma de células T citotóxico/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal. Caso clínico: Se presenta un paciente masculino de 34 años de edad con rinorrea verdosa fétida recurrente y obstrucción en fosa nasal derecha. En la evaluación inicial sugiere sinusitis crónica, sin embargo, debido al empeoramiento de las manifestaciones clínicas se realiza una tomografía computarizada que muestra lesiones sugestivas de infiltración neoplásica, una biopsia de la lesión confirma el diagnóstico de linfoma de células T/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal. Conclusiones: Los linfomas de células T citotóxico/natural killer extranodal de tipo nasal son considerados neoplasias poco frecuentes, caracterizadas por el patrón rápidamente progresivo con afectación ósea; en su etapa inicial presenta manifestaciones clínicas similares a una sinusitis. La tomografía computarizada y la histopatología, son indispensables en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Nasal-type extranodal natural killer/cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma is rare but has a high mortality rate. The clinical manifestations of the disease can mimic a paranasal sinus infection. Objective: To present the clinical manifestations of a 34-year-old patient diagnosed with nasal-type extranodal natural killer/cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma. Clinical case: A 34-year-old male patient with recurrent greenish fetid rhinorrhea and obstruction in the right nostril is presented. In the initial evaluation, it suggests chronic sinusitis, however, due to the worsening of the clinical manifestations, a computed tomography is performed that shows lesions suggestive of neoplastic infiltration, a biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma/extranodal natural killer. Conclusions: Nasal-type extranodal natural killer/cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas are considered rare neoplasms characterized by a rapidly progressive pattern with bone involvement; in its initial stage it presents clinical manifestations similar to sinusitis. Computed tomography and histopathology are essential in the diagnosis of the disease.

ATAD3A gene variations in a family with Harel-Yoon syndrome / 浙江大学学报·医学版

An 11-day-old female neonate was admitted for cough with mouth foaming and feeding difficulties. The laboratory results indicated hyperlactatemia, elevated markers of myocardial injury and inflammation, and high levels of acylcarnitine octanoylcarnitine and decanoylcarnitine in tandem mass spectrometry. Ultrasonography and MRI suggested cardiac insufficiency and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Whole exome sequencing showed that both the proband and her elderly sister had a compound heterozygous variant of c.1492dup (p.T498Nfs*13) and c.1376T>C (p.F459S) in the ATAD3A gene, inherited from their father and mother, respectively. The diagnosis of Harel-Yoon syndrome was confirmed. The proband and her sister were born with clinical manifestations of metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, feeding difficulties, elevated markers of myocardial injury as well as cardiac insufficiency, and both died in early infancy.

Investigation of androgen receptor-dependent alternative splicing has identified a unique subtype of lethal prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

A complete proteomics study characterizing active androgen receptor (AR) complexes in prostate cancer (PCa) cells identified a diversity of protein interactors with tumorigenic annotations, including known RNA splicing factors. Thus, we chose to further investigate the functional role of AR-mediated alternative RNA splicing in PCa disease progression. We selected two AR-interacting RNA splicing factors, Src associated in mitosis of 68 kDa (SAM68) and DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box helicase 5 (DDX5) to examine their associative roles in AR-dependent alternative RNA splicing. To assess the true physiological role of AR in alternative RNA splicing, we assessed splicing profiles of LNCaP PCa cells using exon microarrays and correlated the results to PCa clinical datasets. As a result, we were able to highlight alternative splicing events of clinical significance. Initial use of exon-mini gene cassettes illustrated hormone-dependent AR-mediated exon-inclusion splicing events with SAM68 or exon-exclusion splicing events with DDX5 overexpression. The physiological significance in PCa was investigated through the application of clinical exon array analysis, where we identified exon-gene sets that were able to delineate aggressive disease progression profiles and predict patient disease-free outcomes independently of pathological clinical criteria. Using a clinical dataset with patients categorized as prostate cancer-specific death (PCSD), these exon gene sets further identified a select group of patients with extremely poor disease-free outcomes. Overall, these results strongly suggest a nonclassical role of AR in mediating robust alternative RNA splicing in PCa. Moreover, AR-mediated alternative spicing contributes to aggressive PCa progression, where we identified a new subtype of lethal PCa defined by AR-dependent alternative splicing.

Toxicity of Herbicide, Paraquat Dichloride and Insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin on Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, Pantoa dispersa in Aquatic Ecosystems

Aim: The study was aimed to determine the toxicity of paraquat dichloride and lambda-cyhalothrin on phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Pantoa dispersa in aquatic ecosystems.Study Design: This study employs randomized block design, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation.Place and Duration of the Study: Soil sample was collected from the root nodules of leguminous plants in a sterile polythene bag from the Elele, in Etche L.G.A, Rivers State. The fresh water sample was collected from Bane town in Khana L.G.A, brackish water sample was collected from Choba river in Obio/Akpor L.G.A while the marine water was collected from Bonny River of Bonny L.G.A., all of Rivers State, Nigeria. The samples were collected aseptically and transported in an ice-pack immediately to the Rivers State University, Microbiology laboratory for analysis. The study lasted for three months.Methodology: The bacterium, Pantoa dispersa was isolated and identified based on conventional and molecular characterization from water and soil samples. Different concentrations (3.13%, 6.25, 12.50, 25.00%, 50.00% and 75.00%) and the control (0%) of the herbicide (paraquat dichloride) and insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin were prepared using fresh, brackish and marine water samples and 10ml of the test organism, Pantoa dispersa was introduced and the survival count was determined at 0, 4hr, 8hr, 12hr and 24hr. The Mean Lethal Concentration (LC50) of the insecticide and herbicide on Pantoa dispersa in the three aquatic ecosystem was determined.Results: The LC50 of the herbicide (Paraquat dichloride) was recorded as 15.8% in brackish water, 17.37% in fresh water and 27.44% in marine water. While the LC50 of the insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin to Pantoa dispersa was 26.84% in fresh water, 27.26% in brackish water and 32.33% in marine water.Conclusion: From the study, the herbicide, Paraquat dichloride was more toxic in the three aquatic ecosystems compared to the insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin. The use of these agrochemicals should be monitored as they result in the mortality of beneficial soil bacteria like Pantoa dispersa which is phosphate solubilizing bacteria in aquatic ecosystems.

Acute toxicity study and phytochemical screening of Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood

Background: Conventionally, Ayurvedic herbs are being used to treat various diseases. These medicinal compounds have to be evaluated for their safety and presence of therapeutic compounds for the clinical application. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to obtain the scientific knowledge on the safety profile as well as to assess the presence of pharmacologically active principles in the Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood. Materials and methods: The aqueous extract of P. marsupium heartwood was subjected to an acute toxicity in albino rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 6) and fed with graded doses (1000, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg p.o.) of plant extract, respectively, whereas control group had received 2 ml distilled water orally. Animals were continuously observed for the toxicological symptoms for 2 h and intermittently for 48 h and latter once in a day for 14 days. The body weight of the animals was recorded. In addition, the qualitative phytochemical investigations were conducted to identify the presence of active principles. Results: The animals fed with aqueous extract of P. marsupium heartwood did not exhibit any toxic symptoms and the mortality. However, there was a significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent change in the weight gain observed in comparison to the control group. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the plant extract was considered as >5000 mg/kg. Furthermore, the phytochemical investigations of the plant extract showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, tannins and phenols. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of P. marsupium heartwood was found to be safe and well tolerated even at a large dose of 5000 mg/kg. Furthermore, the plant extract found to possess pharmacologically active principles having wide pharmacological spectrum. Hence, it can be preferred in various therapeutic conditions.

Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Artisanal Effluents on Bacillus, Enterobacter, Amorphotheca, Cladosporium and Penicillium Species in Brackish Water

Aim: To assess the effect of the hydrocarbon discharges from the artisanal refineries on the community structure of microbial mats in an aquatic environment Study Design: The study employs experimental design, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation. Place and Duration of Study: The microbial mats, surface water and sediments samples were collected from four hydrocarbon polluted stations (A, B, C and D) and a control sampling station in Yellow island (Iyalla kiri) in Degema Local Government Area, in Rivers state Nigeria. The samples were immediately transported with ice packs to the Microbiology Laboratory of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The study lasted from March 2020 to February 2021, covering both wet and dry seasons. Methodology: Different concentrations of fresh effluent (0, 1.625, 3.25, 6.5, 12.5, 25, 50 and 75%) were prepared in test tubes to final volume of 10ml. Each of the test tubes was inoculated with one milliliter (1ml) of the test organism. Five sets of concentrations were prepared for the five test organisms (Bacillus subtillis MW808817, Enterobacter ludwigiiMW767009, Amorphotheca resinae EU040230, Cladosporium cladosporioides MW793722 and Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857). The organisms were exposed to the pollutant for duration of 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours and plated out using spread plate technique. The cultures were incubated for 24 hours for bacteria and five days for fungi. Median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined using SPSS version 20. Results: The results showed that the percentage logarithm survival of the test organisms decreased with increase in exposure time and concentration. The LC50 of Bacillus subtillis MW808817 was 30.93%, Enterobacter ludwigii MW767009 was 29.74%, Amorphotheca resinae EU040230 was 19.65%,Cladosporium cladosporioides MW793722 was 20.08% and Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857 was 17.77%, (noting; the lower the LC50 the more toxic the pollutant). Conclusion: The effluent discharge was more toxic on Penicillium chrysogenum MN184857 than the other test organisms. Also, the ecotoxicological evaluation of the effluents on the test organisms isolated from the study area showed that LC50 of the effluent was slightly toxic on the microbial population when the results obtained were compared to GESAMP Standard for Toxicity Ranking of Chemicals/Effluents in Marine Environment.

Compression Properties of Fat Layer under Impact Loading / 医用生物力学

Objective To study dynamic compression performance of adipose tissues, so as to further reveal the damage mechanism, and provide references for medical treatment.Methods Based on the improved split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experimental device, the adipose tissue dynamic compression experiment was conducted. The stress-strain curves of adipose tissues at different strain rates were obtained. Then the numerical model of SHPB was established, and the experimental process was simulated and analyzed. The numerical simulation for penetration process of 32 mm diameter rubber non-lethal projectile into the simulated target in human abdomen was carried out.Results Adipose tissues had a noticeable strain rate effect. The stress-strain curves at two high strain rates were approximately straight lines. The slope was similar, and the elastic modulus was 3.25 MPa, which was about 6 times of that under a quasi-static state. The simulation curves of fat SHPB were consistent with the experimental curves, which verified correctness of the constitutive model. In the process of non-lethal projectile penetrating human abdomen, an annular convex area similar to water wave appeared on skin surface, and the fat layer absorbed about 67% of the impact kinetic energy.Conclusions The experimental data of adipose tissues are very accurate. Numerical simulation can reproduce the penetration process well, and provide references for studying the damaging effect of non-lethal weapons on human body.

A Report on the Distribution of "Lethal Dose/Pharmaceutical Product Strength” in High-Risk Drugs / 医薬品情報学

Objective: This study assessed the distribution of "lethal dose/pharmaceutical product strength" in high-risk drugs.Methods: In 707 pharmaceutical products (312 ingredients) that had been defined as high-risk drugs in Japan, we collected acute toxicity information from these products on single dose toxicity studies conducted in mice, including median lethal dose (LD50) and approximate lethal dose (aLD). The LD50 and aLD were then divided by the strength (quantity of active ingredients) of the pharmaceutical product, after which the LD50or aLD values having an inequality sign was excluded.Results: We collected data on the acute lethal dose of 707 products (312 ingredients) from high-risk drugs. Data with an inequality sign, which was 143 of 495 products (28.9%) in tablets and capsules, then 43 of 212 items (20.3%) in injections, were excluded from the analysis. As observed, median (Q1, Q3) of "LD50/pharmaceutical product strength" and "aLD/pharmaceutical product strength" for tablets or capsules was 36.8 tablet/kg (11.5 tablet/kg, 144 tablet/kg) and 16.7 tablet/kg (6.9 tablet/kg, 65 tablet/kg), respectively. However, median (Q1, Q3) of "LD50/pharmaceutical product strength" and "aLD/pharmaceutical product strength" for injections were 1.3 bottle/kg (0.6 bottle/kg, 4.7 bottle/kg) and 0.8 bottle/kg (0.4 bottle/kg, 15 bottle/kg), respectively. In both cases, injections were distributed at a lower value than oral products.Conclusion: From this study, the distribution of "lethal dose/pharmaceutical product strength" in high-risk drugs was clarified. This information will therefore help pharmacists assess risks associated with individual pharmaceutical products.

Linking toxicity and predation in a venomous arthropod: the case of Tityus fuhrmanni (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a generalist predator scorpion

Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33 specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T. fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct strategies to subdue them.(AU)

Linking toxicity and predation in a venomous arthropod: the case of Tityus fuhrmanni (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a generalist predator scorpion

Abstract Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33 specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T. fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct strategies to subdue them.

Evaluación de la toxicidad de chalconas sintéticas con potencial anti-Leishmania en ratones BALB/c / Toxicity assessment of synthetic chalcones with antileishmanial potential in BALB/c mice

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la toxicidad de tres chalconas sintéticas administradas por vía intraperitoneal en ratones BALB/c. Materiales y métodos: La dosis letal media (DL50) se estimó por el método Up-and-Down de Dixon. La toxicidad subcrónica de las chalconas se evaluó a 20 y 40 mg/kg por 21 días. Se evaluó el efecto tóxico a nivel de comportamiento, fisiológico, bioquímico e histológico. Resultados: La chalcona 43 generó moco en las heces, daño visceral (hígado) y alteración en el coeficiente de órganos (riñón, p = 0,037 y cerebro, p = 0,008) en comparación con el grupo control. Además, en el análisis histológico se observó que esta chalcona produjo edema, inflamación y necrosis en los órganos evaluados, aunque no hubo diferencia significativa con el control. Todos los parámetros bioquímicos no difirieron significativamente entre los grupos de tratamiento a dosis de 40 mg/kg y el control. Conclusiones: La DL50 para las tres chalconas fue superior a 550 mg/kg de peso corporal. Las chalconas 40 y 42 son relativamente no tóxicas. Ambas pueden considerarse seguras para la aplicación vía intraperitoneal en ratones BALB/c y, en consecuencia, son posibles candidatas para ser usadas en el tratamiento contra las leishmaniosis.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the toxicity of three synthetic chalcones administered intraperitoneally to BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: The median lethal dose (LD50) was estimated by Dixon's Up-and-Down method. Subchronic toxicity of chalcones was evaluated at 20 and 40 mg/kg for 21 days. Behavioral, physiological, biochemical, and histological toxic effects were evaluated. Results: Chalcone 43 produced mucus in feces, visceral damage (liver) and alterations in organ coefficient (kidney, p = 0.037 and brain, p = 0.008) when compared to the control group. In addition, histological analysis showed that this chalcone produced edema, inflammation and necrosis in the evaluated organs, although there was no significant difference with the control. None of the biochemical parameters differed significantly between the treatment groups at 40 mg/kg dose and the control. Conclusions: The LD50 for all three chalcones was greater than 550 mg/kg of body weight. Chalcones 40 and 42 were found to be relatively non-toxic. Both can be considered safe for intraperitoneal application in BALB/c mice and, consequently, are potential candidates for use in the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Analysis of a dose-response assay in Scaptotrigona bipunctatabees, Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) using the logistic regression model under the Bayesian approach

This paper shows the results of a dose-response study in Scaptotrigona bipunctatabees, Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) exposed to the insecticide Fastac Duo. The aim was to evaluate the lethal concentration that causes the death of 50% of bees (LC50) and investigate the odd of mortality after exposure to different concentrations, using the logistic regression model under the Bayesian approach. In this approach, it is possible to incorporate a prior information and gives more accurate inferential results. Three independent dose-response experiments were analyzed, dissimilar in their lead time according to guidelines from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in which each assay contained four replicates at the concentration levels investigated, including control. Observing exposure to the agrochemical, it was identified that the higher the concentration, the greater the odd of mortality. Regarding the estimated lethal concentrations for each experiment, the following values were found, 0.03 g a.i. L-1, for 24hours, 0.04 g a.i. L-1, for 48hoursand 0.06 g a.i. L-1for 72hours, showing that in experiments with longer exposure times there was an increase in LC50. Concluding, the study showed an alternative approach to classical methods for dose-response studies in Scaptotrigona bipunctatabees exposed to the insecticide Fastac Duo.

Developmental toxicity of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene in zebrafish embryos / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the developmental toxicity of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene in zebrafish embryos.@*Methods@#AB wild-type male and female zebrafish were selected to mate and spawn, then the eggs were cultured with Holt buffer solution. Six dose groups ( 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0 μg/mL ), a solvent control group and a cosolvent control group, were set up with 20 embryos each. Malformations and death of embryos were observed at 48, 72 and 96 hpf ( hours post fertilization ), the mortality and 50% lethal concentration ( LC50 ) were also calculated. @*Results@#At 48, 72 and 96 hpf, the LC50 of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene on zebrafish embryos were 1.668, 1.043 and 0.895 μg/mL, respectively, with a downward trend. After 72 hpf, when the concentration reached 2.0 μg/mL, all the zebrafish died. In the range of 0.4-2.0 μg/mL, the mortality of zebrafish at 48, 72 and 96 hpf increased with the increase of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene concentration ( all P<0.05 ); the malformation rate of zebrafish embryos at 48 hpf increased with the increase of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene concentration ( P<0.05 ). Zebrafish embryos exposed to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene led to yolk sac edema, pericardial edema and spinal curvature. @*Conclusion@#2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene can affect the development of zebrafish embryos, which will lead to lethal and teratogenic effects.

Role and treatment of ARIDIA in mutant tumors / 中国药理学通报

ARIDI A encodes a non-catalytic subunit of SWI/SNF chromosome remodeling complex BAF. Cancer genome sequencing data based on next-generation sequencing techniques have shown that ARIDIA is frequently mutated in a variety of cancers, up to 20% in some cancer types. A growing body of evidence shows that ARIDIA, as a tumor suppressor gene, affects the occurrence and development of cancers. ARIDIA plays an important role in cell cycle, DNA replication, DNA repair and transcriptional regulation, which might contribute to tumor formation, proliferation and migration. This review article mainly describes the research progress on ARIDIA in pan-cancer, as well as potential therapeutics, hoping to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Eficacia protectora de una vacuna inactivada contra el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 preparada a partir de un aislado local en Egipto / Protective efficacy of an inactivated vaccine against Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 prepared from a local isolate in Egypt

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a contagious viral disease of rabbits controlled by vaccination. The present study was aimed to diagnose rabbit hemorrhagic disease from 11 infected farms from Qalubia governorate during 2019 and to prepare homologous vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2. For this purpose, 11 liver samples were collected from suspected cases and subjected to detection and identification of circulating rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Ten samples were confirmed to be rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus using hemagglutination test, animal inoculation and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of two isolates (R5&R6) revealed the presence of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (A/Qalubia/2019 and B/Qalubia/2019) under accession number MT07629 and MT067630 respectively. The inactivated rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus vaccines were prepared using Montanide ISA 206 oil or aluminum hydroxide gel adjuvants. Prepared vaccines were inoculated subcutaneously in susceptible rabbits and submitted to sterility, safety and potency tests. Obtained results showed that mean hemagglutination inhibition titer for aluminum hydroxide gel vaccine was 6,7.7,8.9 and 9.1 log2 while, Montanide vaccine reached to 6.7,8.7,9.2 and 9.5 log2 at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks post vaccination, respectively. Immunized rabbits with Montanide vaccine showed better protection reach to 70 percent, 90 percent percent, 100 percent and 100 percent when compared to aluminum hydroxide gel vaccine 60 percent, 70 percent, 90 percent and 90 percent at 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks post vaccination respectively. It was concluded that newly emerged rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 was isolated from suspected cases. The two prepared vaccines were sterile, safe and potent. The oily adjuvanted rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 vaccine stimulated an earlier and higher humoral immune response than the aluminum hydroxide gel adjuvanted vaccine. This humoral immune response achieved significant level of protection(AU)

La enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo es una enfermedad viral contagiosa de los conejos que se controla mediante vacunación. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo diagnosticar la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo en 11 granjas infectadas de la provincia de Qalubia, durante 2019 y preparar una vacuna homóloga contra el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2. Para este propósito, se recolectaron 11 muestras de hígado de casos sospechosos y se sometieron a detección e identificación de virus circulante de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo. Se confirmó que diez muestras eran positivas al virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo, utilizando para ello la prueba de hemaglutinación, inoculación en animales y Reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa. La secuenciación y el análisis filogenético de dos aislamientos (R5 y R6) revelaron la presencia del virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 (A/Qalubia/2019 y B/Qalubia/2019) con los números de acceso MT07629 y MT067630 respectivamente. Las vacunas inactivadas del virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo se prepararon usando adyuvantes de gel de hidróxido de aluminio o aceite Montanide ISA 206. Las vacunas preparadas se inocularon por vía subcutánea en conejos susceptibles y se sometieron a pruebas de esterilidad, seguridad y potencia. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que el título medio de inhibición de la hemaglutinación para la vacuna en gel de hidróxido de aluminio fue de 6; 7,7; 8,9 y 9,1 log2, mientras que la vacuna de Montanide alcanzó 6,7; 8,7; 9,2 y 9,5 log2 en la 1ª, 2ª, 3ª y 4ª semanas después de la vacunación, respectivamente. Los conejos inmunizados con la vacuna Montanide tuvieron una mejor protección, alcanzándose niveles de 70 por ciento, 90 por ciento, 100 por ciento y 100 por ciento en comparación con la vacuna en gel de hidróxido de aluminio 60 por ciento, 70 por ciento, 90 por ciento y 90 por ciento en la 1ª, 2ª, 3ª y 4ª semanas después de la vacunación, respectivamente. Se concluyó que el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 de reciente aparición se aisló de los casos sospechosos. Las dos vacunas preparadas fueron estériles, seguras y potentes. La vacuna contra el virus de la enfermedad hemorrágica del conejo tipo 2 con adyuvante oleoso estimuló una respuesta inmune humoral más temprana y mayor que la vacuna con adyuvante en gel de hidróxido de aluminio. Esta respuesta inmune humoral confirió un nivel significativo de protección(AU)

Determination of insecticides' lethal concentrations and metabolic enzyme levels in Triatoma dimidiata / Determinación de concentraciones letales y niveles de enzimas metabólicas de insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata

Abstract: Objective: The feasibility of the use of WHO impregnated paper and biochemical assays to determine lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) and insecticide metabolic enzyme levels of Triatoma dimidiata. Materials and methods: LC50 and LC99 were calculated with WHO papers impregnated at different concentrations of malathion, propoxur and deltamethrin; the percentage of insensitive acetylcholinesterase (iAChE); and the levels of esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and monooxygenases in laboratory nymphs of the first stage (5 to 7 days), were undertaken using the WHO biochemical assays. Results: Respectively the LC50 and LC99 µg/cm2 obtained for malathion were 43.83 and 114.38, propoxur 4.71 and 19.29, and deltamethrin 5.80 and 40.46. A 30% of the population had an iAChE, and only a few individuals had high P450 and β-eterase levels. Conclusion: Impregnated papers and biochemical tests developed by WHO for other insects, proved to be feasible methods in monitoring insecticide resistance and metabolic enzymes involved in T. dimidiata.

Resumen: Objetivo: La factibilidad de usar los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS para determinar concentraciones letales (CL50 y CL99) y niveles enzimáticos en la resistencia a insecticidas en Triatoma dimidiata. Material y métodos: Se calcularon la CL50 y CL99 con papeles impregnados según la OMS a diferentes concentraciones de malatión, propoxur y deltametrina; el porcentaje de acetilcolinesterasa insensible (iAChE); y los niveles de esterasas, glutatión S-transferasas, y monooxigenasas en ninfas de laboratorio del estadio I (5-7 días) se determinaron usando los ensayos bioquímicos según la OMS. Resultados: Se obtuvieron las CL50 y CL99 µg / cm2 respectivamente para malatión 43.83 y 114.38, propoxur 4.71 y 19.29, y deltametrina 5.80 y 40.46. Un 30% de las chinches tuvo iAChE, y sólo pocos individuos tuvieron niveles superiores de P450 y β-eterasas. Conclusión: Los papeles impregnados y ensayos bioquímicos que describe la OMS para otros insectos demostraron ser métodos factibles para monitorear la resistencia a insecticidas y las enzimas metabólicas involucradas en T. dimidiata.

Neutralización de la actividad letal del veneno de serpiente Bothrops atrox por suero hiperinmune de llama (Lama glama) / Neutralization of the lethal activity from Bothrops atrox venom by hyperimune llama serum (Lama glama)

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la capacidad del suero hiperinmune de llama (Lama glama) para neutralizar la letalidad del veneno de la serpiente Bothrops atrox en ratones de laboratorio. Materiales y métodos: Se calculó la dosis letal media (DL50) de un pool de venenos de serpientes de Bothrops atrox de Perú, y se midieron los títulos de anticuerpos por ensayo ELISA; así como la potencia de neutralización del suero inmune por el cálculo de la dosis efectiva media (DE50) durante el periodo de inmunización. Resultados: La DL50 del veneno fue de 3,96 µg/g, similar a otros trabajos realizados en Bothrops atrox en Perú. Los títulos de anticuerpos contra el veneno se incrementan rápidamente en la llama mostrando una rápida respuesta inmune; sin embargo, la capacidad de neutralización se incrementa más lentamente y requiere de varias dosis y refuerzos de las inmunizaciones alcanzado una DE50 de 3,30 µL/g ratón y una potencia de neutralización 3,6 mg/mL después de 15 inmunizaciones. Conclusiones: El suero hiperinmune de llama es capaz de neutralizar la letalidad del veneno de la serpiente Bothrops atrox de Perú en ratones de laboratorio.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the capacity of the hyperimmune llama serum (Lama glama) to neutralize the lethal activity of Bothrops atrox venom in laboratory mice. Materials and methods: Mean lethal dose (LD50) was calculated from a Bothrops atrox venom sample pool from Peru. The antibody titers were measured by ELISA assay; and the immune serum neutralization potency was measured by calculating the mean effective dose (ED50) during the immunization period. Results: The venom's LD50 was 3.96 μg/g; similar to what was found in other studies about Bothrops atrox carried out in Peru. The titers of antibodies against the venom increased rapidly in the llama, demonstrating a fast immune response; however, the neutralization capacity increased slowly and required several doses and immunization reinforcements, obtaining a ED50 of 3.30 μL/g mouse and a neutralization potency of 3.6 mg/mL after 15 immunizations. Conclusions: The hyperimmune llama serum is able to neutralize the lethality of the Bothrops atrox venom from Peru in laboratory mice.

Propiedades balísticas de perdigones antidisturbios "menos letales" y su relación con trauma ocular severo en Chile / Ballistic properties of "less-lethal" shotgun pellets and severe ocular trauma in Chile

Se analiza el comportamiento balístico de dos tipos de perdigones "menos letales" usados por las fuerzas policiales en Chile para entender mejor los factores fundamentales que conllevan a la inusual cifra de lesiones oculares en el marco de las manifestaciones masivas ocurridas en Chile desde octubre de 2019. Para evaluar los riesgos de penetración y trauma ocular severo, se construyeron curvas de energía normalizada (E/a) en base a información publicada por las fuerzas policiales y fabricantes de municiones. Aun cuando el riesgo asociado al uso de las municiones según protocolos es leve, este artículo presenta que de todas formas existe riesgo de trauma ocular severo en todas las distancias de uso. La balística de los perdigones, combinada con la imprecisión de municiones multiproyec-tiles, son factores importantes para explicar la alta incidencia de trauma ocular severo. El caso de Chile es parte de un aumento global en la incidencia de lesiones oculares causadas por municiones consideradas menos letales, lo cual demanda una reevaluación de las políticas que regulan su uso.

The ballistic characteristics of two types of "less-lethal" multi-projectile shotgun rounds used by law enforcement in Chile are analyzed to better understand their contribution to the unusually high occurrence of ocular injuries at mass demonstrations since October 2019. Normalized energy (E/a) curves are constructed using publicly-available information from law enforcement and the manufacturers of the munitions to evaluate the risks of skin penetration and severe ocular trauma. Although the risk of penetration is small when these munitions are used according to local protocols, the risk of severe ocular trauma exists at all distances of approved use, and the ballistics of these pellets­along with the imprecision of multi-projectile shotgun rounds­help to explain the high inci-dence of severe ocular trauma. The example of Chile is part of a worldwide acceleration in the incidence of ocular injuries by "less-lethal" munitions and demands a reevaluation of their suitability for crowd control.

Thermodynamic analysis and applications of the Abraham solvation parameter model in the study of the solubility of some sulfonamides / Análisis termodinámico y aplicaciones del modelo de parámetros de solvatación de Abraham en el estudio de la solubilidad de algunas sulfonamidas

SUMMARY Solubility of sulfadiazine (SD), sulfamerazine (SMR) and sulfamethazine (SMT) in cosolvent mixtures octanol+methanol was investigated to 278.15 K, 298.15 and 313.15 K. In all cases, the lowest solubility of each drug was obtained in pure octanol at 278.15 K. The maximum solubility depends on the polarity of the drug, thus SMR and SMT reached their maximum solubility in cosolvent mixtures methanol-rich. The solution thermodynamic functions were calculated from the experimental solubility data, using the van't Hoff and Gibbs equations, following the approach proposed by Krug et al. The enthalpy of solution is positive in all cases, which is an indication of the endothermic process with a marked entropic favor. Theoretical solubility and mean lethal concentration were calculated using the Abraham model.

RESUMEN Se investigó la solubilidad de sulfadiazina (SD), sulfamerazina (SMR) y sulfametazina (SMT) en mezclas codisolventes de octanol + metanol a 278,15 K, 298,15 y 313,15 K. En todos los casos, la solubilidad más baja de cada fármaco se obtuvo en octanol puro a 278,15 K. La solubilidad máxima depende de la polaridad del fármaco, por lo que SMR y SMT alcanzaron su máxima solubilidad en mezclas cosolventes ricas en metanol. Las funciones termodinámicas de solución se calcularon a partir de los datos experimentales de solubilidad, utilizando las ecuaciones de van't Hoff y Gibbs, siguiendo el enfoque propuesto por Krug et al. La entalpia de la solución es positiva en todos los casos, lo cual es una indicación del proceso endotérmico con un marcado favorecimiento entrópico. La solubilidad teórica y la concentración letal media se calcularon utilizando el modelo de Abraham.