Cloning, expression and characterization of L-arabinose isomerisefrom thermophilic Anoxybacillus kestanbolensis AC26Sari strain:Bioconversation of L-arabinose to L-ribulose

L-Arabinose isomerase (L-AI) is a pivotal enzyme in the microbial pentose phosphate pathway. It is considered as asignificant biological catalyst in rare sugar production. This enzyme can isomerize L-arabinose into L-ribulose and alsoD-galactose into D-tagatose. Here, we cloned the araA gene encoding L-arabinose isomerase from Anoxybacilluskestanbolensis AC26Sari strain, sequenced and over-expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3): pLysS. This gene is involved inL-arabinose operon in A. kestanbolensis AC26Sari. DNA sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1,506 bp,capable of encoding a polypeptide of 502 amino acid residues with calculated molecular weight of 55.6776 kDa. Therecombinant was purified by heat treatment and Ni-HisTaq chromatography. The purified enzyme showed maximal activityat pH 8.5 and 65ºC and required divalent cations such as Co2+ and Mn2+ for its activity and thermostability. The apparent Kmvalue of the enzyme for L-arabinose was 6.5 mM (Vmax, 140.1002 U/mg) as determined in the precence of both 1 mM Co2+and Mn2+.

Clinical, pathological and molecular evaluations and CT scan screening of coenurosis (Coenurus cerebralis) in sheep and calves / Avaliação clínica, patológica e molecular e tomografia computadorizada de cenurose (Coenurus cerebralis) em carneiros e bezerros

Abstract The aims of this study were to diagnose coenurosis by means of computerized tomography (CT) scan imaging and molecular characterization of the CO1 gene using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sheep and calves were necropsied, and CT scans on the cephalic region were performed on the animals. Sections of brain tissue infected with parasites were then stained with hematoxylin and eosin for microscopic examination. Material collected from brain cysts was fixed in 70% ethanol. PCR amplification was carried out using the CO1 mitochondrial gene. A total of 60 calves and 80 sheep were examined clinically and, of these, 15 calves and 38 sheep showed signs of depression, with counterclockwise circling movements and altered head carriage. Four sheep and one calf were necropsied, and C. cerebralis cysts were detected in all of them. A hypodense cyst was monitored in the right cerebellar hemisphere on a CT scan on one sheep. A cyst was found in the left frontal lobe on a CT scan on one calf. Microscopically, C. cerebralis cysts were surrounded by a fibrous or epithelial wall that presented necrosis on cerebral sections of both the sheep and the cattle. The CO1-PCR assay yielded a 446 bp band, which was sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed: the results confirmed the presence of T. multiceps. This study reports the first use of CT imaging on naturally infected calves and sheep for diagnosing coenurosis.

Resumo Os objetivos deste estudo foram diagnosticar cenurose por tomografia computadorizada (CT) por imagem de digitalização e caracterização molecular do gene CO1, usando a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Ovelhas e bezerros foram necropsiados, e uma tomografia computadorizada da região cefálica foi realizada nos animais. Em seguida, cortes microscópicos de cérebro infectado com parasitas foram corados com hematoxilina e eosina e posterior avaliação ao microscópio de luz. Em seguida, o material recolhido de cada cisto cerebral foi fixado em etanol a 70%. A amplificação pela PCR foi realizada utilizando-se o gene mitocondrial CO1. Um total de 60 bezerros e 80 ovelhas foram clinicamente examinados e, desses, 15 bezerros e 38 ovelhas apresentaram sinais de depressão, com movimentos circulares em sentido anti-horário, e desvio da cabeça. Quatro carneiros e uma vitela foram necropsiados, e cistos de C. cerebralis foram detectados nos animais. Um cisto hipodenso foi monitorado no hemisfério cerebelar direito por imagem do CT de um carneiro. O cisto foi encontrado no lobo frontal esquerdo por imagem do CT de um bezerro. Microscopicamente, cistos de C. cerebralis foram envolvidos por uma parede fibrosa ou epitelial, apresentando necrose em ambos os cortes cerebrais de ovinos e de bovinos. O ensaio CO1-PCR produziu uma banda de 446 pb, sequenciado e submetido à filogenia, confirmou ser T. multiceps. Este estudo relata a primeira utilização de imagens de CT em bezerros e ovelhas naturalmente infectados para o diagnóstico de coenurosis.

Red Cell Distribution Width and Coronary Artery Calcification

No abstract available.

Apelin Levels in Patients with Coronary Artery Ectasia

No abstract available.

Evaluación de 200 pacientes pediátricos expuestos al riesgo de contraer rabia / Assessment of 200 pediatric patients exposed to rabies risk

Antecedentes/Objetivo: La rabia continúa siendo un grave problema de salud pública, especialmente en los países subdesarrollados o en vías de desarrollo. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las características demográficas y los programas de vacunación de los pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico presuntivo de rabia al Centro de Emergencias Pediátricas de nuestro hospital, que funciona como uno de los centros de vacunación antirrábica de nuestra provincia. Métodos: En este estudio, se analizaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de 200 pacientes ingresados al Centro de Emergencias Pediátricas con presunta exposición al virus de la rabia. Resultados: Entre los 200 casos, se halló que el riesgo de contraer rabia era mayor en el grupo de 5 a 9 años. El 68,5% de los casos tenían antecedentes de haber sido mordidos por un perro; el 29,5%, de haber sido rasguñados por un gato; y el 2%, de haber tenido contacto con otros animales. En el 76% de los casos se trataba de animales callejeros, solamente el 11% tenían dueño y habían sido vacunados, y estaban bajo supervisión. Se administró solamente la vacuna antirrábica al 42,5% de los pacientes ingresados, la vacuna antirrábica y la vacuna antitetánica al 51,5%, y la vacuna antirrábica, la vacuna antitetánica y concentrado de inmunoglobulinas antirrábicas al 6%. Se detectó que la profilaxis postexposición se había realizado según las recomendaciones en el 83,5% de los casos. Conclusión: La rabia continúa siendo un problema de salud pública grave en los países en vías de desarrollo, como el nuestro. Consideramos que es necesario sensibilizar a la sociedad; las autoridades locales deben esforzarse por luchar contra los animales callejeros y supervisar los servicios; el personal de la salud involucrado debe actualizarse mediante capacitaciones para reducir los casos de rabia.

Background/Purpose: Rabies is still an important health problem particularly in underdeveloped or developing countries. In this study, the aim was to investigate demographic characteristics and vaccination schedules of cases suspected of having rabies and admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Clinic of our hospital, which serves as one of the Rabies Vaccination Centers in our province. Methods: In our study, medical records of 200 patients admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Clinic with suspicion of risk of contact with the rabies virus were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Of those 200 cases, rabies risk was found to be greater in the 5-9 year old group. There was a history of having been bitten by dogs in 68.5% of cases, cat scratch in 29.5%, and contact with other animals in 2%. While 76% of animals were stray animals, only 11% of them had an owner and had been vaccinated, and were under supervision. Rabies vaccination only had been administered to 42.5% of admitted patients, tetanus and rabies vaccination to 51.5%, tetanus; rabies vaccination and human rabies immune globulin were administered to 6%. Post-exposure prophylaxis was found to have been given as recommended to 83.5% of cases. Conclusion: Rabies remains an important public health problem in developing countries Like ours. We consider that public awareness should be raised; local authorities should devote efforts to control stray animals and supervise such services, and updated guidance and training should be provided to the concerned health staff to reduce the risk of rabies.

Serum neuron-specific enolase and S-100β levels as prognostic follow-up markers for oxygen administered carbon monoxide intoxication cases.

Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100β levels are considered novel biochemical markers of neuronal cell injury. In this study, the initial and post-treatment levels of NSE and S-100β were compared in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning patients, who received normorbaric oxygen (NBO) or hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. Forty consecutive patients with acute CO poisoning were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. According to their clinical symptoms and observations, twenty patients were treated with NBO, and the other twenty with HBO. Serum S-100β and NSE levels were measured both at time of admission and 6 h later (post-treatment). Serum NSE and S-100β values decreased significantly in both of the therapeutic modalities. The initial and post-treatment values of NSE and S-100β in NBO or HBO patients were comparable. A clear negative correlation was observed between the decrease of NSE and S-100β levels and initial blood carboxyhemoglobin levels. In conclusion, the present results suggested the use of serum S-100β and NSE levels as indicators for brain injury. Due to the significant increase of their values with oxygen therapy, they may also be useful as prognostic follow-up markers. However, the current findings reflected no difference between the efficacy of NBO or HBO therapy.

Pseudotumor cerebri associated with Pickwickian syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome:a case report / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To report a male patient with Pickwickian syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) who presented with pseudotumor cerebri and visual loss. METHODS:Case report.RESULES:A 54-year-old obese man with a three-month history of bilateral visual deterioration was evaluated. His visual acuity was 20/200 in OD and 20/400 in OS. Color vision was impaired only in the left eye. Funduscopy revealed bilateral disc edema and peripapillary hemorrhages together with macular exudates in OS. Physical examination and laboratory investigations were consistent with OSA and Pickwickian syndrome. Lumbar puncture demonstrated an opening pressure of 350mm H2O and computed brain scan was normal. The diagnosis was pseudotumor cerebri in association with OSA and Pickwickian syndrome. Fundus findings and visual acuity improved with phlebotomy, blood pressure regulation, weight reduction and bi-level positive airway pressure therapy. CONCLUSION:OSA and Pickwickian syndrome should be kept in mind when facing a patient with pseudotumor cerebri.

Temporary exudative retinal detachment following photodynamic therapy in a patient with retinal capillary hemangioblastoma

A 21-year-old male with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome was treated for a retinal hemangioblastoma with photodynamic therapy [PDT]. We employed the standard PDT protocol with doubled treatment duration. Seven days after the procedure, there were some perilesional intra-and subretinal hemorrhages and significant exudative retinal detachment extending inferiorly. Four weeks later, the hemorrhages had mostly cleared, and diminished subretinal fluid and partial regression of the hemangioblastoma were noted. PDT might induce temporary subretinal fluid accumulation in eyes with retinal hemangiomas

Paratesticular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma; report of a case

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common pediatric soft-tissue sarcoma, often presenting in the first two decades after birth. Paratesticular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma [RMS] is a rare tumor arising from the mesenchymal tissues of the spermatic cord, epididymis, testis and testicular tunics. It represents only 7% of all patients entered in the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study [IRS] and 17% of all malignant intrascrotal tumors in children less than 15 years old. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy with a left paratesticular tumor, who undergone inguinal surgery and misdiagnosed as being inguinal hernia. During operation, the surgeon realized that the mass was not an inguinal hernia, it seemed like a testicular tumor. A urologist was consulted. The patient underwent left high inguinal orchiectomy. His serum markers for oc-fetoprotein, [3-human chorionic gonadotropin and lactate dehydrogenase were normal. In the result of further investigation, the patient was diagnosed as having paratesticular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with retroperitoneal lymph node mass. We referred him to the oncology department. The patient was followed up post-operatively with chemotherapy. Vincristine, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide [VAC] regimen was used. One year after completion of chemotherapy there was no evidence of the disease. In the patients with testicular and paratesticular mass, ultrasound should be considered the imaging modality of choice for evaluating intra-scrotal pathologies in adolescents

Horizontol dissemination of TEM- and SHV-typr beta-lactamase genes-carrying resistance plasmids amongst clonical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae / Disseminação horizontal de plasmídios de resistência contendo genes de beta-lactamase dos tipos TEM e SHV entre isolados clínicos de Enterobacteriaceae

The extended-spectrum â-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria have been isolated at increasing frequency worldwide. Expression of ESBL is often associated with multidrug resistance and dissemination by resistance plasmids. During a two-month period in 2000, 133 clinical isolates of enterobacterial strains were randomly collected from outpatients and inpatients at a university hospital in Turkey. The ESBL producing strains were determined by double-disk synergy (DDS) testing. Twenty ESBL producing strains (15 percent) including Escherichia coli (n = 9), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 2) and Enterobacter aerogenes (n = 2) were detected and further analyzed for their resistance transfer features, plasmid profile and nature of the resistance genes. Plasmid transfer assays were performed using broth mating techniques. TEM- and SHV- genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization using specific probes. EcoRI restriction enzyme analyses of R plasmids were used in the detection of epidemic plasmids. Fourteen plasmid profiles (A, B1, B2, C1, and C2 to L) were obtained with EcoRI restriction enzyme analysis. Most of these plasmids were detected to carry both TEM- and SHV-derived genes by PCR, and confirmed by localizing each gene by hybridization assay. Epidemiological evidence indicated that there was an apparent horizontal dissemination of conjugative R plasmids among multidrug-resistant enterobacterial genera and species in this hospital

O isolamento de bactérias produtoras de beta-lactamases de espectro expandido (ESBL) está aumentando no mundo todo. Freqüentemente, a expressão de ESBL está associada com resistência a múltiplas drogas e disseminação por plasmídios de resistência. Durante um período de dois meses em 2000, 133 isolados clínicos de cepas de enterobactérias foram obtidos aleatoriamente de pacientes internos e externos de um hospital universitário na Turquia. As cepas produtoras de ESBL foram identificadas pelo teste de sinergia em disco-duplo (DDS). Foram detectadas vinte cepas produtoras de ESBL, entre as quais Escherichia coli (n=9), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=7), Klebsiella oxytoca (n=2) e Enterobacter aerogenes (n=2), que foram posteriormente analisadas quanto a suas características de transferência de resistência, perfil plasmidial e natureza dos genes de resistência. Os testes de transferência de plasmídios foram realizados empregando técnicas de conjugação em caldo. Os genes TEM e SHV foram analisados pela reação da polimerase em cadeia (PCR) e hibridização com sondas especificas. A detecção de plasmídios epidêmicos foi feita por análise dos plasmídios R com a enzima de restrição EcoRI. Através desta análise, foram obtidos catorze perfis plasmidiais (A, B1, B2, C1 e C2 até L).Observou-se pela PCR que a maioria dos plasmidios carregavam genes derivados de TEM e SHV, confirmados através da detecção dos genes pelos testes de hibridização. As evidencias epidemiológicas indicaram que havia uma aparente transferência horizontal dos plasmídios R conjugativos entre as enterobactérias multiresistentes neste hospital.

Whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the detection of primary tumours in patients with a metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the detection of primary tumors in patients with a metastatic cancer from an unknown primary site. METHODS: The study population consisted of 43 patients with a biopsy proven metastatic disease, negative conventional diagnostic procedures (including CT/MRI/endoscopic procedures) and a whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT examination. Patients' records were retrospectively analyzed. According to the final pathologic diagnoses, rate of detection of the primary tumor site was determined. Additionally, overall patient survival was calculated to evaluate the prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT findings. RESULTS: A primary tumor site was shown by 18F-FDG PET/CT in 24 patients (24/43; 55.8%). In 18 patients 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were negative (18/43; 41.8%). In a patient with an adenocarcinoma metastasis 18F-FDG PET/CT was falsely positive for an inflammatory lesion in the lung. Among the 18F-FDG PET/CT positive and negative groups median overall survival was not significantly different (log-rank p=0.573). CONCLUSION: Whole body 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging has a high rate of detection of a primary tumor in patients with a carcinoma of unknown origin.

Innovative strategy in learning & memory - memorization made easy! : a preliminary study.

Background: Medical curriculum is heavily packed with information and student find very difficult to memorize this information. Acquiring knowledge involves both learning and memory, memorizing the factual information is the difficult task especially in the preclinical years as most of the information in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry involves lot of new vocabulary. Since most of the student entering the medical school is from high school background who has studied in their local language medium, sudden transition in learning with English medium is an added burden and seldom students excel in their studies. Major complaint from the student was, memorizing different anatomical terminologies, physiological neural tracts and biochemical bonds and recalling them during the examination is beyond imagination and many a time they end up in mugging up the information. Methods: Based on this observation we developed a simple method/tool (charts) on the lecture. Students for this study were selected on a random selection method. Before hand the lecture on anatomy and physiology of cranial nerves was given and two groups of students, A & B were selected. A group was asked to study by their own routine method whereas group B was given the innovative proposed method. Lecture content was put in a concise way in two charts and told the student to place those charts at a visible distance in their resting area such as in front of their bed. Students were asked to glance through daily on these charts repeatedly whenever they were free and in leisure time during their relaxing time. A week long exercise was introduced and they were examined at the end of a week both by written and viva voce and compared with the students who have studied with their routine method. Based on nonparametric Spearman correlation test, (followed by Kulnogorov Smirnov two sample test to test the difference) examination scores were much higher in the group which used these flip charts (about 25 to 30% higher than conventional group). Results: Analysis of their examination results and viva voce revealed a better response and memorization by this method. Conclusion: In conclusion, innovative method of charts helps in a better memory retention and this study needs to be expanded further using a bigger student group for its scientific authenticity.

Lessons learned from health and fitness prescription: a Malaysian experience.

Proportion of chronic diseases sufferers are increased by age. The usual control measures are therapeutic prescription and clinical counseling. However, its low compliance rate has interfered this effort. Therefore, community intervention can be a suitable prescriptive option to provide a long lasting effect. For that, a package of community intervention has been established in one sub-urban area in Malaysia to observe its acceptability, thus it can be acted as a social instrumentation to bring both biological and social benefits to this group of community. This study used quasi-experimental design on a cohort of elderly citizen aged 45 and above. Respondents are exposed to a mixed and planned prescribed fitness activity using participatory approach. Process involved in program implementation is closely observed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Community participation occurred in a positive and fast mode, with 78% being the elderly people aged above 45 years old. Initial observation revealed that about 47.6% suffering hypertension, while 38.4% hypercholesterolemia, 16.8% obese and 7.1% diabetes mellitus. Physically active members were moderate - about 31.0%. In term of process, participatory approach seems to be very effective to mobilize community towards health and fitness. A planned community fitness program is a form of social instrumentation to bring biological and social benefits to chronic diseases sufferers. It has also useful to promote favorable lifestyle and quality of life of this group of people.

prevalence of pediculosis capitis in primary school children in Assuit governorate [a socioeconomic study]

This study was carried out in 2005 to determine the prevalence of pediculosis capitis and some risk factors among primary - school pupils in Assuit .We selected 1200 pupils [53% girls] from primary schools by random sampling. Their hair was examined for head rate of infestation: 45 [3.8%] were infected with lice, 43 [95.5%] girls and 2 [4.5%] boys. The highest louse of infestation was in 9 - years olds. There was a significant relationship between head louse infestation and sex [P < 0.0001], age [P<0.05], parents education [P<0.0001], father's job [P< 0.01], family size [P< 0.01], length of hair [P< 0.0001] and having separate bathing facilities in the house [P< 0.0001]