Twin-screw extrusion of vitamin D3/iron-blend granules in corn and lentil composite flours: Stability, microstructure, and interaction of vitamin D3 with human osteoblast cells.

Vitamin D3 (VD3) and iron-blend granules were blended with corn and lentil composite flour (75/25, w/w) and fed into a pilot-scale twin-screw extruder to produce ready-to-eat snacks. The morphology and microstructure of extruded snacks were examined using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray powder diffraction, and FT-IR. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis measured the melting temperature and thermal stability of the extrudates. SEM and FT-IR analysis demonstrate that micronutrients are mixed well in formulations used in extrudates at high shear and high temperatures. The SEM-EDX exhibited the presence of iron, whereas high performance liquid chromatography measurements confirmed the significant retention of VD3 in the extruded snacks. The interaction between VD3 and human osteoblast cells was studied using live imaging and the MMT assay. Overall, for the first time, VD3 and Fe2+ blend granules have been used in an extrusion platform, which has significant potential for the intervention of VD3 and iron deficiencies. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: For the first time, we reported the use of VD3/iron-blend granules in extruded products. The findings of this work demonstrated the thermal stability and capability of providing adequate quantities of VD3 and iron in corn flour/lentil flour/VD3-iron blend extruded snacks. Furthermore, the interaction of VD3 with osteoblast cells highlights the potential health benefits of the extrudates.

The potential of nano graphene oxide and chlorhexidine composite membranes for use as a surface layer in functionally graded membranes for periodontal lesions.

Membranes have been used for treating periodontal defects and play a crucial role in guided bone regeneration applications. Nano graphene oxide have been exploited in tissue engineering due to its biomechanical properties. Its composite formulations with hydroxyapatite and chitosan with controlled degradation could aid in becoming part of a surface layer in a functionally graded membrane. The aim of the study was to synthesize chitosan and composite formulations of nano graphene oxide, hydroxyapatite and chlorhexidine digluconate using solvent casting technique and to characterize the physiochemical, mechanical, water vapor transmission rate (barrier), degradation and antimicrobial potential of the membranes. Altogether four different membranes were prepared (CH, CCG, 3511 and 3322). Results revealed the chemical interactions of hydroxyapatite, chitosan and nanographene oxide due to inter and intra molecular hydrogen bonding. The tensile strength of 3322 (33.72 ± 6.3 MPa) and 3511 (32.06 ± 5.4 MPa) was higher than CH (27.46 ± 9.6 MPa). CCG showed the lowest water vapor transmission rate (0.23 ± 0.01 g/h.m2) but the highest weight loss at day 14 (76.6 %). 3511 showed a higher drug release after 72 h (55.6 %) Significant biofilm growth inhibition was observed for all membranes. 3511 showed complete inhibition against A. actinomycetemcomitans. Detailed characterization of the synthesized membranes revealed that 3511 composite membrane proved to be a promising candidate for use as a surface layer of membranes for guided bone regeneration of periodontal lesions.

Dry granulation of vitamin D3 and iron in corn starch matrix: Powder flow and structural properties.

In this work, a twin-screw dry granulation (TSDG) was adopted to produce vitamin D3 (VD3) and iron blended dry granules using corn starch as an excipient. Response surface methodology was applied to determine the effect of the formulation compositions (VD3 and iron) on granule properties [tapped bulk density, oil holding capacity, and volumetric mean particle size (Dv50)]. Results indicated that the model fitted well, and responses, in particular flow properties, were significantly affected by the composition. The Dv50 was only influenced by the addition of VD3. The flow properties were characterized by the Carr index and Hausner ratio, which indicated very poor flow of the granules. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy confirm the presence and distribution of Fe++ and VD3 in the granules. Overall, TSDG was proven to be a simple alternative method for the preparation of dry granules of VD3 and iron in a blend.

Modified Thermal Balloon Endometrial Ablation for Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of modified thermal balloon ablation using Foley's catheter in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with HMB aged 35-55 years underwent modified thermal balloon ablation using Foley's catheter. Patients were selected after complete clinical evaluation and investigations. The procedure was undertaken in the operation theater under general anesthesia/intravenous sedation. Three cycles of modified thermal balloon ablation using Foley's catheter were performed to ablate the endometrium. The time given to each cycle was 7 min. All the cycles were performed in the same setting. The main outcome measures that were studied were reduction in the menstrual flow, the need for further treatment, and relief of dysmenorrhea if present. Outcome measure regarding reduction in menstrual flow was statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was determined at a level of P < 0.05. Results: Eighty-two percent of patients experienced a reasonable reduction in menstrual blood flow at 3-month follow-up. Eighteen percent observed no change in bleeding pattern and needed further treatment after failure of the procedure. Forty-two percent of patients complained of minor side effects such as cramp lower abdominal pain and fever. Rupture of balloon during the procedure occurred in only one case (8%). Conclusion: Modified thermal balloon ablation with Foley's catheter can be a promising management of HMB in resource-poor settings. It is a cost-effective alternative to the original endometrial ablation techniques.

Thermal, structural, antimicrobial, and physicochemical characterisation of thyme essential oil encapsulated in ß- and γ-cyclodextrin.

The present work aimed to encapsulate the thyme essential oil (TEO) in ß-cyclodextrin (BCD) and γ-cyclodextrin (GCD) complexes in two selected cyclodextrin (CD) to TEO ratios (85/15 and 80/20 w/w) and compare the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the encapsulated powders. The inclusion complexes between CD and TEO were prepared by blending aqueous CD and TEO in ethanol followed by freeze-drying. The powder properties were assessed by measuring particle size and microstructure using SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The median values of the particle sizes (GCD: 92.0 ± 4.69 and BCD: 46.2 ± 2.56-mm) significantly influenced the encapsulation efficiency, resulting in a higher encapsulation efficiency of the GCD (92.02 ± 10.79%) than that of the BCD (56.30 ± 12.19%). The encapsulated GCD/TEO (80/20) showed higher antioxidant activity and an antimicrobial inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica sv. typhimurium. Overall, the GCD acts as a superior wall material to the BCD in the TEO encapsulation.

High-pressure treatment of water-filled co-extruded polylactide films: Effect on microstructure, barrier, thermal, and rheological properties.

The impact of high-pressure treatments (450 and 600 MPa) on the morphological, thermal, structural, and barrier properties of commercial coextruded polylactide (PLA) packaging films has been explored to evaluate their applicability in food processing. Pouches filled with water as a food simulant were subjected to high-pressure treatment for 15 min at ambient temperature. Results indicated no significant changes in the visual appearance, color, integrity, or water barrier properties of the post-process pouches. However, high-pressure treatment affected mechanical property results. Thermal analysis of the film showed endothermic double melting peaks (165.12 and 170.55°C), which did not change with the pressurization; however, the exothermic crystallization peak (118.08°C) varied significantly. Both SEM and AFM micrographs demonstrated that the surface morphology and roughness parameters (arithmetic mean [Sa ] and root mean square height [Sq ]) of the films were significantly affected by the HP treatment, which is further complemented by the FTIR spectra and XRD diffractogram. Melt rheology (175-205°C) of the pressure-treated films showed a significant drop (20-30%) in mechanical rigidity (G') when compared to the untreated sample. Changes in the microstructure/crystallinity in the PLA films were indicated by van Gurp and Palmen plot. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results reported here can help to improve the design of the coextruded packaging materials so that it can be successfully implemented to high-pressure processing and high pressure-assisted thermal processing of food.

Antiureolytic activity of new water-soluble thiadiazole derivatives: Spectroscopic, DFT, and molecular docking studies.

Two new water-soluble thiadiazole compounds are prepared and characterized with various techniques. These compounds, 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole hydrochloride (1) and 5-amino-3-(N-propane-2-imine)-1,3,4-thiadiazole chloride salt (2) were synthesized via Mannich reaction, and characterized by microelemental analysis, and some spectroscopic means (FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass), in addition to single-crystal X-ray diffraction for compound 2. DFT calculations were conducted to study their geometry optimization, vibrational spectra, MEP maps, and NBO analysis. In addition, TD-DFT calculations were performed to study their absorption spectra. The prepared compounds were tested against Jack beans urease enzyme (in vitro) to indicate their antiureolytic activity potency. The activity of the enzyme was measured under optimal conditions, before and after mixing with the prepared organic compounds. The results showed that both compounds have potentially inhibited the enzyme activity with respect to their IC50 values: 13.76 µM ± 0.15 for 1, and 18.81 µM ± 0.18 for 2. These values are even lower than that of thiourea (21.40 ± 0.21 µM) as a standard inhibitor. The inhibition activity of urease enzyme was confirmed by a Lineweaver-Burk plot. According to the kinetic parameters obtained from the Lineweaver-Burk plot, the inhibition of urease enzyme by compounds 1 and 2 seems to be non-competitive. Molecular docking studies of the prepared compounds 1 and 2 were performed in order to interpret the obtained biological results and to investigate their interactions with the urease enzyme active site. These studies reveal that compounds 1 and 2 are good candidates as inhibitors for urease enzyme. Moreover, compound 1 exhibits a higher promising inhibition activity.

Distribution and diversity of eukaryotic microalgae in Kuwait waters assessed using 18S rRNA gene sequencing.

The microbial communities play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning through interactions among individuals and taxonomic groups in a highly dynamic marine ecosystem. The structure and functioning of the microbial communities are often influenced by the changes in the surrounding environment. Monitoring the microbial diversity of the marine ecosystem helps to understand spatial patterns of microbial community and changes due to season, climate, and various drivers of biological diversity. Kuwait is characterized by an arid environment with a high degree of temperature variation during summer and winter. Our understanding of spatial distribution patterns of microbial communities, their diversity, and the influence of human activities on the degree of changes in the diversity of the microbial community in Kuwait territorial waters remain unclear. In this study, we employed 18S rRNA sequencing to explore marine microalgal community composition and dynamics in seawater samples collected from Kuwait waters over two seasonal cycles across six locations. A total of 448,184 sequences across 36 replicates corresponding to 12 samples from six stations were obtained. The quality-filtered sequences were clustered into 1,293 representative sequences, which were then classified into different eukaryotic taxa. This study reveals that the phytoplankton community in Kuwait waters is diverse and shows significant variations among different taxa during summer and winter. Dinoflagellates and diatoms were the most abundant season-dependent microalgae taxa in Kuwait waters. Alexandrium and Pyrophacus were abundant in summer, whereas Gonyaulax was abundant during the winter. The abundance of Coscinodiscus and Navicula, of the diatom genera, were also dependent upon both seasonal and possible anthropogenic factors. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of a sequencing-based approach, which could be used to improve the accuracy of quantitative eukaryotic microbial community profiles.

Rheological, thermal, and structural properties of high-pressure treated Litchi (Litchi chinensis) kernel starch.

Starch isolated from litchi kernel was subjected to high-pressure (HP) treatment at selected pressures (300, 450 and 600 MPa) for 10 min, and evaluated for its rheological, morphological, thermal and structural properties. The amylose content of native litchi kernel starch (LKS) was 17.4%, which increased significantly upon pressurization. The temperature sweep test of the untreated starch sample resulted in the peak G' and G″ values of 3417 and 283 Pa, respectively, and those values decreased after pressurization. Oscillatory rheological measurements showed the frequency dependency of tested starch pastes. Furthermore, the mechanical rigidity of the starch pastes improved with pressure treatment. Morphological studies revealed that starch granule structure remained intact after pressurization; however, pressure >450 MPa resulted in surface roughness and small cavities. HP treatment significantly influenced thermal properties of LKS, in particular at 450 and 600 MPa, where a significant drop in the transition temperatures and enthalpy values were recorded. The HP-treated starch samples exhibited distinct X-ray diffraction pattern of native LKS i.e. the blend of A- and B-type allomorphs with a predominating A-type crystalline structure. Upon pressure treatment, the disappearance of 2θ peak at 5.6° and significant changes in peak intensities confirmed the structural change in the starch matrix.

Effect of inulin on rheological, textural, and structural properties of brown wheat flour dough and in vitro digestibility of developed Arabic bread.

The brown wheat flour (BWF)-based Arabic bread was fortified with chicory-derived inulin. The objective of this work was to assess the influence of the inulin concentration (1.25 to 5%) on the rheological, textural properties, and fermentation efficacy of enriched BWF dough. Farinographic measurement established that only 3.75% BWF can be substituted by inulin in a dough formulation, which resulted in lowering the water absorption capacity. The peak gelatinization temperature, Tp detected at 74.4 °C by rheometric measurement, which increased linearly with increasing the inulin concentration. The elastic modulus (G'), however, differed significantly among doughs with the addition of inulin. The dough hardness and compressibility increased as a function of inulin concentration. TPA measurement indicated that the Arabic bread fortified with 3.75% inulin was the best in texture. The addition of inulin improved the volume of CO2 generation in the yeasted dough. The distribution of starch particles on the top layer of bread surface was visualized through SEM. In-vitro digestion and steady-flow measurement of the BWF/inulin bread digesta exhibited a slow digestion and an increment in the apparent viscosity against the control bread, which further confirmed potential health benefits of the developed Arabic bread. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Arabic bread is a staple food in many Asian countries, and an incorporation of soluble fiber, like inulin, definitely improves its health benefits. This work optimized a formulation based on BWF and inulin with technical feasibility. Rheological and textural studies demonstrated that blend bread could be made by replacing 3.75% BWF by inulin with significantly lower water content. Inulin has replaced the sugar in the yeasted dough, and carried out the bread fermentation adequately.

Sex differences in prevalence and determinants of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional survey of one rural village in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention of mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) through control of hypertension is a public health priority in Bangladesh. Our objective was to assess sex differences in prevalence and determinants of hypertension among adults in one rural area of Bangladesh. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: From January 2014 to December 2015, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 2600 men and women aged ≥18 years located in one rural district of Bangladesh. We collected data on demographics, behavioural factors, physical measurements and health history. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Our primary outcome was hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg). RESULTS: The average age of participants was 41.6 years and 53.7% were women. Hypertension prevalence was 6.9% (95% CI 5.9 to 7.9), and was significantly higher among women (8.9%) than men (4.5%). The highest prevalence of hypertension was observed among women aged ≥60 years at 21.3% (95% CI 16.6 to 26.7). A higher proportion of men with hypertension were aware of their condition (72.2%) compared with women (52.4%). Determinants of hypertension included older age, higher education, current tobacco use, increasing body mass index, and hyperglycaemia. CONCLUSION: Our research suggests that hypertension prevalence is higher among women than men in rural Bangladesh. Sex-specific interventions should be developed to inform adults of the necessary lifestyle changes that may reduce the risk of hypertension and subsequent CVDs.

Two new zinc(II) and mercury(II) complexes based on N,N'-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide): synthesis, crystal structures and antibacterial activities.

Reaction of N,N'-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide), C20H18F2N4O2, (LF), with zinc chloride and mercury(II) chloride produced different types and shapes of neutral coordination complexes, namely, dichlorido[N,N'-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide)-κ2N,O]zinc(II), [ZnCl2(C20H18F2N4O2)], (1), and dichlorido[N,N'-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide)-κ4O,N,N',O']mercury(II), [HgCl2(C20H18F2N4O2)], (2). The organic ligand and its metal complexes are characterized using various techniques: IR, UV-Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, in addition to powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), single-crystal X-ray crystallography and microelemental analysis. Depending upon the data from these analyses and measurements, a typical tetrahedral geometry was confirmed for zinc complex (1), in which the ZnII atom is located outside the bis(benzhydrazone) core. The HgII atom in (2) is found within the core and has a common octahedral structure. The in vitro antibacterial activities of the prepared compounds were evaluated against two different bacterial strains, i.e. gram positive Bacillus subtilis and gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The prepared compounds exhibited differentiated growth-inhibitory activities against these two bacterial strains based on the difference in their lipophilic nature and structural features.

Plasma Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO) is Increased in Drug-Naï ve Major Depressed Patients and Treatment with Sertraline and Ketoprofen Normalizes IDO in Association with Pro-Inflammatory and Immune- Regulatory Cytokines.

BACKGROUND: Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is accompanied by an immune response characterized by increased levels of inflammatory and immune-regulatory cytokines and stimulation of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). There is also evidence that anti-inflammatory drugs may have clinical efficacy in MDD. METHODS: This study examined a) IDO in association with interferon (IFN)-γ, Interleukin (IL)-4 and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-ß1 in 140 drug-naïve MDD patients and 40 normal controls; and b) the effects of an eight-week treatment of sertraline with or without ketoprofen (a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug) on the same biomarkers in 44 MDD patients. RESULTS: Baseline IDO, IFN-γ, TGF-ß1 and IL-4 were significantly higher in MDD patients as compared with controls. Treatment with sertraline with or without ketoprofen significantly reduced the baseline levels of all biomarkers to levels which were in the normal range (IDO, TGF-ß1, and IL-4) or still somewhat higher than in controls (IFN-γ). Ketoprofen add-on had a significantly greater effect on IDO as compared with placebo. The reductions in IDO, IL-4, and TGF-ß1 during treatment were significantly associated with those in the BDI-II. CONCLUSION: MDD is accompanied by activated immune-inflammatory pathways (including IDO) and the Compensatory Immune-Regulatory System (CIRS). The clinical efficacy of antidepressant treatment may be ascribed at least in part to decrements in IDO and the immune-inflammatory response. These treatments also significantly reduce the more beneficial properties of T helper-2 and T regulatory (Treg) subsets. Future research should develop immune treatments that target the immune-inflammatory response in MDD while enhancing the CIRS.

Rheological and Dielectric Behavior of 3D-Printable Chitosan/Graphene Oxide Hydrogels.

The effect of concentration, temperature, and the addition of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets on the rheological and dielectric behavior of chitosan (CS) solutions, which influences the formation of the blend materials for various applications including 3D printing and packaging, was studied. Among tested acid solutions, the rheological behavior of 1% CS in acetic and lactic acid solutions was found to be similar, whereas the hydrochloric acid solution showed an abnormal drop in the dynamic moduli. Oscillatory rheology confirmed a distinct gel point for the CS solutions at below 10 °C. Both the G' and G″ of the solutions increased with the loading concentrations of GO between 0.5 and 1%, and it marginally dropped at the loading concentration of 2%, which is consistent with AFM observation. The steady-shear flow data fitted the Carreau model. Dielectric property measurement further confirmed that both the dielectric constant, ε' and the loss factor, ε″ for the CS in hydrochloric acid solutions behaved differently from others. Addition of GO significantly improved both ε' and ε″, indicating an improvement in the dielectric properties of CS/GO solutions. The dispersion of GO into the CS matrix was assessed by measuring XRD, FTIR, and microscopy of the film prepared from the solutions. Furthermore, the inclusion of GO into CS solution containing pluronic F127 (F127) base for potential 3D printing application showed positive results in terms of the printing accuracy and shape fidelity of the printed objects (films and scaffolds). The optimized composition with homogeneous particle distribution indicated that up to ∼50 mg/mL GO concentration (w/v of F127 base) was suitable to print both films and scaffolds for potential biomedical applications.

Lowered zinc and copper levels in drug-naïve patients with major depression: Effects of antidepressants, ketoprofen and immune activation.

Objectives: The aim of the present work is to examine the effects of treatment with sertraline with and without ketoprofen on serum levels of zinc and copper in association with immune-inflammatory biomarkers in drug-naïve major depressed patients.Methods: We measured serum zinc and copper, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, interferon-γ, and transforming growth factor-ß1 in 40 controls and 133 depressed patients. The clinical efficacy of the treatment was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) at baseline and 8 weeks later.Results: We found significantly reduced serum zinc and copper in association with upregulation of all cytokines, indicating activation of the immune-inflammatory responses system (IRS) and the compensatory immune regulatory system (CIRS). Treatment with sertraline significantly increased zinc and decreased copper. During treatment, there was a significant inverse association between serum zinc and immune activation. The improvement in the BDI-II during treatment was significantly associated with increments in serum zinc coupled with attenuation of the IRS/CIRS.Conclusions: Lower zinc is a hallmark of depression, while increments in serum zinc and attenuation of the immune-inflammatory response during treatment appear to play a role in the clinical efficacy of sertraline.

Gene Expression of Promyelocytic Leukemia Proteins and IFN-γ Is Reduced in Rotavirus-Infected Children

Background: Rotavirus infection is one of the most common gastroenteritis in the world, and a million cases are registered to enter hospital every year. Promyelocytic leukemia proteins (PMLs) are IFN-up-regulated proteins, and one of their critical functions is working as antiviral proteins. Recently, promyelocytic leukemia isoform II (PML-II) has been depicted as an isoform responsible for the antiviral function. Methods: Rotavirus prevalence determination was achieved by PCR and Rapid Adeno/Rota Virus test, while the relative expression assay was carried out by real-time PCR technique. Blood and stool samples were collected from 34 children under five years admitted to the hospital with acute gastroenteritis showing signs of dehydration. RNA samples were extracted from blood specimens and converted to cDNA to be used in gene expression analysis of PML, PML-II, and IFN-γ in rotavirus positive or negative samples. Results: Rapid Adeno/Rota Virus Antigen Combo Test and PCR assay could detect the virus in stool samples in 45% and 17.6% of cases, respectively. PML in positive samples decreased to 104fold less than the level in negative ones. The same trend was noticed in the level of IFN-γ and PML-II expression as their expression reduced to 104 or 13fold in rotavirus-infected samples compared to the control, respectively. Conclusion: Altogether, our data showed that the gene expression of PML, PML-II, and type II IFN considerably diminished in rotavirus-infected samples compared to the negative control.

Molecular and phylogenetic study of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from human and cattle of Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, Iraq.

AIM: This study was designed to detect the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, to estimate the frequency of methicillin resistance gene (mecA), femA (specific gene for S. aureus), and lukS gene, and the prevalence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in human and bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 cases of S. aureus were included in this study; 72 specimens were isolated from human with UTIs and 30 specimens were isolated from milk of cattle with acute mastitis. Diagnosis was done by VITEK 2 Compact after subculture and purification. All isolates were examined for the presence of mecA, femA, and lukS (Panton-Valentine leukocidin) using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Culture and biochemical evaluation of the samples revealed the presence of S. aureus, among which the genes mecA, femA, and lukS were positively detected in 68 (94.4%), 36 (50%), and 20 (27.7%) of S. aureus isolates from methicillin-resistant humans, respectively. In the same manner, the genes mecA, femA, and lukS were positively detected in 27 (90%), 14 (46.7%), and 11 (36.7%) of S. aureus isolates from methicillin-resistant cattle. Sequencing of partial order of femA gene isolated from human isolate and from cattle with mecA isolated from human revealed high sequence identity with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)-Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. S. aureus isolates and the phylogenetic analysis showed that there was a significant genetic similarity (0.5 genetic change) between human and animals isolates, and then, the gene sequences were deposited into NCBI-Genbank accession numbers MG696860.1 for mecA and femA from human, MG696861.1 for mecA and femA from cattle, MK474469.1 for mecA and femA gene from human, and MG696862.1 for mecA and femA gene from cattle. CONCLUSION: The study represents the first report of genetic relationship between S. aureus from humans and cattle of Iraq. Therefore, it is essential to define the role of animals as an important source of the distribution of pathogen related to public health. The continuous monitoring of methicillin susceptibility pattern of S. aureus isolates that have high standards of infections might prevent methicillin-resistant S. aureus transmission in either direction between human and cattle, the risk of dairy milk on humans, or self-direction between the same species.

Impact of high pressure processing on the rheological, thermal and morphological characteristics of mango kernel starch.

The effect of high pressure (HP) processing at selected pressures (300, 450 & 600 MPa) for 10 min on physico-chemical and morphological properties of mango kernel starch (MKS) were studied. Peak viscosity of MKS increased with the increase in pressure up to 400 MPa, and then decreased at 600 MPa. During frequency sweep, native and pressurized pastes exhibited predominantly solid-like behaviour in frequency range (0.1-100 rad/s), with G' > G″. Temperature sweep test showed G' and G″ values of native MKS of 1568 and 224 Pa, respectively; pressurization decreased values for both the moduli. tan δ of starches was <1, indicating their elastic behaviour. Shear stress versus shear rate plots for all starch pastes showed shear-thinning behaviour. Thermal properties showed elevation in onset and peak temperatures after pressurization. HP treatment also resulted in narrowing the range (Tc-To) for pressurized MKS. Native MKS had ∆Hgel of 5.23 J/g, which upon pressurization reduced significantly (p < 0.05). The endothermic peak, even at 600 MPa did not completely disappear, indicating incomplete gelatinization of starch. The granular structure was not affected by pressure treatment even after 600 MPa. The surface of native MKS appeared smooth whereas HP treatment resulted in rough surface of the starch granules.

Total and ionized calcium and magnesium are significantly lowered in drug-naïve depressed patients: effects of antidepressants and associations with immune activation.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with alterations in calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), as well as circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used as adjuvant treatments for MDD. However, no studies examined the effects of a combinatorial treatment with sertraline and ketoprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, on Ca and Mg levels in MDD. The present study examined a) differences in both cations between drug-naïve MDD patients and controls, and b) the effects of sertraline and ketoprofen on Ca and Mg (both total and ionized). In the same patients, we also examined the associations between both cations and IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, IFN-γ, TGF-ß1, zinc, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Clinical improvement was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) at baseline and after follow up for 2 months. Serum Ca and Mg (total and ionized) were significantly lower in MDD patients as compared with controls, while treatment significantly increased calcium but decreased magnesium levels. There were significant and inverse correlations between the BDI-II scores from baseline to endpoint and Ca (both total and ionized), but not Mg, levels. The effects of calcium on the BDI-II score remained significant after considering the effects of zinc, IDO and an immune activation z unit-weighted composite score based on the sum of all cytokines. There was a significant and inverse association between this immune activation index and calcium levels from baseline to endpoint. In conclusion, lowered levels of both cations play a role in the pathophysiology of major depression. Antidepressant-induced increases in Ca are associated with clinical efficacy and attenuation of the immune response. The suppressant effect of antidepressants on Mg levels is probably a side effect of those drugs. New antidepressant treatments should be developed that increase the levels both Ca and Mg. Graphical abstract.