Complete genome sequence of Vibrio sp. strain AH4, a close relative of Vibrio metoecus isolated from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Here, I report the complete genome sequence of Vibrio sp. strain AH4, which had been isolated from moribund farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Assessment of the genome sequence of this strain revealed the presence of two linear chromosomes 2,894,109 bp and 1,082,372 bp.

Whole-genome sequence of Staphylococcus epidermidis strain AH3, isolated from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The whole-genome sequence of Staphylococcus epidermidis strain AH3 isolated from moribund farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was performed using a combination of the Illumina and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) sequencing platforms. The genome sequence is composed of a single chromosome of 2,464,380 bp with a GC content of 32.2% and 2,220 predicted protein-coding genes.

Interleukin -37 in rheumatoid arthritis: Correlation with clinical severity and genetic polymorphisms in Mosul city, Iraq.

The contribution of anti-inflammatory cytokines to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not fully comprehended. In the current research we assessed the serum concentration of interleukin (IL)-37 anti-inflammatory cytokine in RA, studied its association to disease activity score 28 (DAS28) and investigated single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2723176) of IL-37 gene as a threat for RA development. The case-control study included 60 RA patients and 30 normal control individuals. Serum IL-37 was assessed by ELISA and genotyped by "sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR)". The mean IL-37 was elevated in RA patients (69.42 ng /l ± 62.99) compared to control individuals (14.66 ng /l ± 23.58, p < 0.001). IL-37 tended to increase with age where highest levels were noted in patients more than 60 years (p = 0.037). No Gender influence was found on IL-37 level (p>0.05). At best cut-off value of 31.5 ng/ l, IL-37 had a sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 83.3%. No correlation of IL-37 with DAS 28 score was observed (r=0.1497, p=0.2535). For IL-37 (rs2723176) gene polymorphism, C/C genotype was prevailing in both RA (90%) and normal controls (93.3%) compared to A/C or A/A. Also, no variation was found between patents and controls in regard to C/C genotype (OR = 0.643, 95% CI (0.122-3.39, p=0.603). The mean IL-37 concentration in RA patients with C/C genotype (59.70± 67.92) was not different from AC genotype (80.54± 94.18, p=0.4748). We concluded that serum IL-37 had the implication as a diagnostic marker in RA. However, it did not correlate with clinical severity of the disease. Meanwhile, IL-37 (rs2723176) gene polymorphism did not seem to be as a risk factor for RA, nor contributed to the increase of IL-37 level among patients.

Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus agalactiae Strain AH2, Isolated from Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus).

This work describes the draft genome sequence of Streptococcus agalactiae strain AH2, which was isolated from moribund farmed hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus) in Saudi Arabia. The draft genome is composed of a single chromosome of 2,104,071 bp, with a GC content of 35.7%.

Whole-Genome Sequence of Streptococcus iniae Strain AH1, Isolated from Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus).

Here, we describe the whole-genome sequence of Streptococcus iniae strain AH1, which was isolated from moribund farmed hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus) in Saudi Arabia. The genome is composed of a single linear chromosome of 2,068,661 bp, with a G+C content of 36.8%.

Organometallic Zirconium Compounds in an Oxygen-Rich Coordination Environment: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Tris(oxoimidazolyl)hydroboratozirconium Compounds.

A series of tris(oxoimidazolyl)hydroborato ligands, which serve as L2X [O3] donors, have been employed to obtain organometallic zirconium compounds in an uncommon oxygen-rich coordination environment. For example, Cp[ToMeBenz]ZrCl2 has been synthesized via the reaction of [ToMeBenz]Na with CpZrCl3 and bears a structural resemblance to the bent metallocene dichloride derivative Cp2ZrCl2. In addition, the half-sandwich counterparts [ToMeBenz]ZrCl3 and [ToBut]ZrCl3 have been obtained by metathesis of ZrCl4 with [ToMeBenz]Na and [ToBut]Na, respectively. The structurally related zirconium benzyl compounds [ToRBenz]Zr(CH2Ph)3 (R = Me, But, 1-Ad) have also been synthesized via the reactions of [ToRBenz]Tl with Zr(CH2Ph)4, and X-ray diffraction studies demonstrate that the benzyl ligands in these compounds are conformationally flexible and exhibit a large range of Zr-CH2-Ph bond angles (94.7-131.7°). Protolytic cleavage of one of the benzyl ligands of [ToRBenz]Zr(CH2Ph)3 (R = But, 1-Ad) may be achieved by treatment with [PhNHMe2][B(C6F5)4] to generate {[ToRBenz]Zr(CH2Ph)2}[B(C6F5)4], which are catalysts for the polymerization of ethylene. The molecular structure of the ether adduct, {[ToButBenz]Zr(CH2Ph)2(OEt2)}[B(C6F5)4], has been determined by X-ray diffraction. In addition to the use of tris(oxoimidazolyl)hydroborato ligands, bis(oxoimidazolyl)hydroborato ligands have also been used to obtain zirconium benzyl compounds in oxygen-rich environments, namely, [BoMeBenz]2Zr(CH2Ph)2 and [BoAdBenz]2Zr(CH2Ph)2.

Bis- and Tris(2-oxobenzimidazolyl)hydroborato Complexes of Sodium and Thallium: New Classes of Bidentate and Tridentate Oxygen Donor Ligands.

A series of bis- and tris(oxobenzimidazolyl)hydroborato compounds, namely, [BoRBenz]Na and [ToRBenz]-Na (R = Me, But, Ad), which feature uncommon sterically demanding LX [O2] and L2X [O3] donor ligands, have been obtained via the reactions of NaBH4 with 1-R-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-ones. Evidence that the alkyl substituents are suitably located to have a significant impact on the coordination environment is provided by the observation that the methyl derivative [ToMeBenz]Na(κ3-diglyme) exhibits κ3-coordination of the diglyme, whereas the t-butyl and adamantyl derivatives, [ToButBenz]Na(κ2-diglyme) and [ToAdBenz]Na(κ2-diglyme), exhibit κ2-coordination. The [BoRBenz] and [ToRBenz] ligands also allow for isolation of discrete mononuclear thallium compounds, [BoRBenz]Tl and [ToRBenz]Tl, for which the steric demands of the ligands have been quantified in terms of both cone angle and buried volume concepts.

Prevalence and seasonal variation of ectoparasites in cultured Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in Saudi Arabia.

The prevalence, mean intensity and abundance of ectoparasites (monogeneans and trichodinids) from Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were investigated during different seasons of two consecutive years, from January 2011 to December 2012. A total of 360 O. niloticus was collected from three fish farms located in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance of monogeneans on fish gills were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in farm(C) (81.67, 495.23, 405.84 %) than farm (A) (7.5, 81.25, 8.34 %) and farm (B) (4.17, 62.5, 5 %) respectively. Similarly, the same parameters for trichodinids on gills were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in farm (C) (97.5, 97.5, 97.5 %), followed by farm (A) (39.17, 234.37, 35.00 %) and farm (B) (6.67, 347.92, 30.00 %) respectively. The results of monogenean parameter on fish skin were found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in farm (C) (66.67, 443.68, 294.16) followed by farm (A) (16.67, 124.58, 21.67 %) then farm (B) (0.83, 25, 0.83 %) respectively. Similar results for trichodinid parameters on the skin were found to be higher (p < 0.01) in farm (C) (97.5, 875, 857.5 %), then farm (A) (26.67, 399.70, 215.01 %) and farm (B) (4.17, 154.17, 12.5 %) respectively. These results indicated that water quality and nutritional qualities were the major factors that affecting parasite occurrence, while the effect of temperature, seasonality and stocking density might have a secondary role on ectoparasite occurrence. Further studies should investigate that how the nutritional and water qualities affect the immunity of the fish to resist parasite infection.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Use of Information Technology by Selected Students of Health Colleges of a Saudi University.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the use of information technology (IT) among students of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy in Prince Sattam Bin AbdulAziz University, Al-Khraj, Saudi Arabia (PSAU). STUDY DESIGN: Across-sectional survey. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: From September 2014 to January, 2015. METHODOLOGY: Aclose-ended questionnaire consisting of 30 multiple choice questions (MCQs) was distributed to the students. The questions were related to their access to computers, skills and training, computer activities, and internet access. Data analyses and descriptive analyses for various variables were performed using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: An overall response rate of 84.9% (488 out of 575) was obtained. All of the students (100%) had an access to the computers. Most of the students (61.9%) used computers for academic purposes. Amajority of the students (74.4%) preferred the use of powerpoint presentations aided by marker-and-board method for teaching. For communication from the colleges, 62.9% of the respondents preferred it through the email; 100% of the students had an email account. All of the students (100%) used internet; 83.1% considered the information as accurate. The internet was used by 47.6% of the students for seeking the medical information. CONCLUSION: All of the students had an access to ITand used it for their educational purposes.

Synthesis and structural characterization of tris(2-pyridonyl)methyl complexes of zinc and thallium: a new class of metallacarbatranes and a monovalent thallium alkyl compound.

Tris(2-pyridonyl)methanes may be synthesized via the reactions of the respective 2-pyridone with CHX3 (X = Cl, Br) and K2CO3 in the presence of [Bu(n)4N]Br, followed by acid-catalyzed isomerization with camphorsulfonic acid. These compounds provide access to a new class of alkyl ligands that feature oxygen donors and are capable of forming metallacarbatranes and a monovalent thallium alkyl compound.

Synthesis and structural characterization of bis(2-oxoimidazolyl)hydroborato complexes: a new class of bidentate oxygen-donor ligands.

A new class of bidentate ligands that feature oxygen donors, namely, the bis(2-oxo-1-tert-butylimidazolyl)hydroborato and bis(2-oxo-1-methylbenzimidazolyl)hydroborato ligands, [Bo(Bu(t))] and [Bo(MeBenz)], have been synthesized via the reactions of MBH4 with 2 equiv of the respective 2-imidazolone. Chelation of [Bo(Bu(t))] and [Bo(MeBenz)] to a metal center results in a flexible eight-membered ring that is capable of adopting a "boatlike" conformation that allows for secondary M···H-B interactions.

Structural characterization of 2-imidazolones: comparison with their heavier chalcogen counterparts.

The molecular structures of 1-t-butyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-one [H(oim(Bu(t)))], 1-methyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one [H(obenzim(Me))], 1-t-butyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one [H(obenzim(Bu(t)))], and 1-t-butyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-thione [H(mbenzim(Bu(t)))] have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Consideration of the C-O bond lengths in the 2-imidazolones, together with the respective values for 2-thiones and 2-selones, indicates that the C-E bonds in these compounds are intermediate between those of formal C-E single and double bonds, an observation that may be rationalized in terms of a significant contribution of zwitterionic structures that feature single C(+)-E(-) dative covalent bonds. In this regard, a natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of the bonding in H(xim(Bu(t))) derivatives demonstrates that a doubly bonded C═E resonance structure is most significant for the oxygen derivative, whereas singly bonded C(+)-E(-) resonance structures are dominant for the tellurium derivative, despite the fact that oxygen is more electronegative. The C-E bonding in these compounds is, therefore, significantly different from that in chalcogenoformaldehyde derivatives for which the bonding is well represented by a H2C═E double bonded resonance structure. Comparison of the C-E bond lengths of the imidazolechalcogenones with those of C-E single bonds indicates that the C-O bonds are anomalously short. This observation may be rationalized in terms of the oxygen derivative having not only the most significant π-component but also a substantial ionic component. The latter results from the C-O bond being the most polar due to a substantial polarization of the σ-bond in the direction of oxygen, which thereby supplements the π-polarization and increases the negative charge on oxygen. In contrast, the σ-polarization for the heavier chalcogens opposes the zwitterionic C(+)-E(-) π-polarization and thereby reduces the negative charge on the chalcogen. As such, the C-E bond becomes less polar as the chalcogen becomes heavier, despite the fact that the zwitterionic C(+)-E(-) contribution increases.

Synthesis and structural characterization of bis and tris(2-mercapto-1-methylbenzimidazolyl)hydroborato complexes: benzannulation promotes κ³-coordination.

The benzannulated bis and tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borohydride compounds, [BmMeBenz]Na and [TmMeBenz]Na, have been synthesized via the reactions of NaBH4 with two and three equivalents of 1-methyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazole-2-thione, respectively. X-ray diffraction studies on the THF adducts, {µ-[BmMeBenz]Na(THF)2}2 and {[TmMeBenz]Na}2(µ-THF)3, indicate that both compounds are dinuclear but differ according to the nature of the bridging ligand. Specifically, {µ-[BmMeBenz]Na(THF)2}2 possesses bridging [BmMeBenz] ligands and terminal THF ligands, while {[TmMeBenz]Na}2(µ-THF)3 possesses terminal [TmMeBenz] ligands and bridging THF ligands. The tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borohydride ligand of {[TmMeBenz]Na}2(µ-THF)3 coordinates in a κ³-manner, which is in marked contrast to the κ²-, κ¹- and κ°-modes that have been reported for various [TmMe]Na derivatives. Density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimization calculations of the anions [TmMeBenz]⁻ and [TmMe]⁻ in the gas phase indicate that the conformation required for κ³-S3 coordination, i.e. one in which the three sulfur donors point away from the B-H group, is relatively more stable for [TmMeBenz]⁻ than for [TmMe]⁻, and thus provides a rationalization for the observation that benzannulation enables κ³-coordination of tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borohydride ligand in {[TmMeBenz]Na}2(µ-THF)3. Furthermore, comparison of the molecular structure and IR spectroscopic properties of [TmMeBenz]Re(CO)3 with those of [TmMe]Re(CO)3 indicates that benzannulation reduces the electron donating properties of the ligand, but has little effect on its steric properties. {µ-[BmMeBenz]Na(THF)2}2 and {[TmMeBenz]Na}2(µ-THF)3 react with [Me3PCuCl]4 to give [BmMeBenz]CuPMe3 and [TmMeBenz]CuPMe3, the first pair of structurally related bis and tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)hydroborato copper(I) compounds.

Research practices and publication obstacles among interns at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: Medical students can play a vital role in health research at any institute. Moreover, scientific publication by medical students is a strong indicator of students' knowledge, skills and attitudes towards scientific research. Very little information exists, however, on this matter in Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the publication practices of medical interns who graduated from King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine and to investigate barriers to conducting and publishing research during their medical studies. A questionnaire was distributed to 394 interns and 249 (63.2%) responded. RESULTS: About 31% of the responding interns started research during their undergraduate study years. About 12% discontinued their research, whereas only 7% submitted their research for publication. Only 3.2% of the interns had their research papers published and 3.2% had their research paper accepted for publication; 2% had research papers under revision. Interns had positive attitudes towards research, although only a few of them had submitted their papers for publication. Furthermore, interns expressed the need for training in research design, scientific paper writing and publication practice. They recommended devoting slots in medical school curriculum, in addition to other extracurricular training workshops, to teach and train students on such practices and also to provide more convenient opportunities for student participation in conferences. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Interns in King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine have a positive attitude towards research; however, few students submit papers for publication. Lack of time and training in research methods were the main obstacles cited by the interns for conducting and publishing research. Interns welcome training in research, scientific writing and publication practice. These requirements will be issued to the main curriculum committee at the faculty of medicine and recommendations on possible actions will be discussed with the administration.

Synthesis and structural characterization of tris(2-oxo-1-tert-butylimidazolyl) and tris(2-oxo-1-methylbenzimidazolyl)hydroborato complexes: a new class of tripodal oxygen donor ligand.

A new class of tripodal L(2)X ligands that feature three oxygen donors, namely the tris(2-oxo-1-tert-butylimidazolyl) and tris(2-oxo-1-methylbenzimidazolyl)hydroborato ligands, [To(Bu(t))] and [To(MeBenz)], has been synthesized via the reactions of NaBH(4) with the respective imidazolone. Structural and spectroscopic studies indicate that both [To(Bu(t))] and [To(MeBenz)] are significantly more sterically demanding but less electron donating than the related [O(3)] donor ligand, [CpCo{P(O)(OEt)(2)}(3)].

A Study of Prescribing Valsartan in Out-patient Clinics at the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.

OBJECTIVES: Angiotensin Receptor Blockers such as Valsartan, are a newer class of drugs associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. They are commonly used in hypertension, chronic heart failure, diabetes-related nephropathy and post-myocardial infarction in patients who are intolerant to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). A review of medicines used in Royal Hospital (an Omani tertiary health care centre) during 2004 and 2005 showed that Valsartan was one of 20 most expensive drugs used. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of prescribing valsartan in out-patient clinics. METHODS: a retrospective study, applying medicines use evaluation, to describe the pattern of prescribing Valsartan in comparison with international guidelines. The study carried out in the outpatient pharmacy setting, Royal Hospital from 15th May to 30th June 2006. It included 120 adult patients who had been prescribed Valsartan at the outpatient clinics during the study period. RESULTS: among the 120 patients only 109 patients were finally included in the study. Elevenpatients who had had duplicated prescriptionswere excluded from the study. 78% of the patients were on Valsartan for its FDA-approved indications while 22% of patients were for other non-approved indications. Half of the patients were initiated on an ACEi before shifting to Valsartan. The other half of the patients was started with Valsartan as a first line choice without any clinical justification. CONCLUSION: The study showed that half of the patients were initiated on Valsartan without being prescribed an ACEi prior to that, while the recommendation in most of the international guidelines based on indication stated that ARBs are used in patients who are intolerant to ACEi. The study emphasizes the need for further research to highlight the need for developing national guidelines and adhering to these guidelines for rational prescribing.