3D Co-Seismic Surface Displacements Measured by DInSAR and MAI of the 2017 Sarpol Zahab Earthquake, Mw7.3.

On 12 November 2017, an earthquake occurred in Sarpol Zahab city, located on the Iraq/Iran boundary, with a moment magnitude (Mw) of 7.3. Advanced Land Observing Satellite 2 (ALOS-2) L-band (23.6 cm wavelength) and C-band Sentinel-1A data (ascending and descending) were used to detect the co-seismic displacements maps caused by this earthquake. The ALOS-2 data was utilized to reconstruct the 3D co-seismic displacements maps, as well as estimate the fault-dip and slip distribution along the rupture. The results showed the maximum surface displacement in the north, east, and up directions to be 100, 50, and 100 cm, respectively. The best-fit faulting geometry had a strike of 337.5° and a dip of 11.2° toward the northeast, at a depth of 8 km. The predicted geodetic moment was 1.15 1020 Nm, which corresponds to a magnitude of Mw 7.31. There were two significant slip sources: one in the shallower depth range of 8.5-10 km, with a peak slip of 5 m, and another in the depth range of 10.5-20 km, with a peak slip of 5.3 m. Both controlled the principal deformation signals in geodetic images. The slip was concentrated, along with a strike distance of 20 to 40 km, at a depth of 10 to 20 km. The earthquake was caused by the Zagros Mountains Front Fault (ZMFF), based on the results of 3D co-seismic deformation, inferred slip, preliminary investigation, and interpretation of the mainshock, as well as aftershock distributions.

Production and Characterization of Bacterial Ghost Vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis.

Bacterial ghosts (BGS) are empty non-living envelopes produced either genetically or chemically. This study investigated a novel chemical protocol for the production of Neisseria meningitidis ghost vaccine using tween 80 followed by a pH reduction with lactic acid. For our vaccine candidate, both safety and immunogenicity aspects were evaluated. The ghost pellets showed no sign of growth upon cultivation. BGS were visualized by scanning electron microscopy, illustrating the formation of trans-membrane tunnels with maintained cell morphology. Gel electrophoresis showed no distinctive bands of the cytoplasmic proteins and DNA, assuring the formation of ghost cells. In animal model, humoral immune response significantly increased when compared to commercial vaccine (p < 0.01). Moreover, serum bactericidal assay (SBA) recorded 94.67% inhibition compared to 64% only for the commercial vaccine after three vaccination doses. In conclusion, this is the first N. meningitidis ghost vaccine candidate, proven to be effective, economic, and with significant humoral response and efficient SBA values; however, clinical studies should be performed.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-CarP antibodies in a sample of Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Detection of autoantibodies in sera of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients has an important role in diagnosis and management strategies. Recently, another type of autoantibodies has been detected with activity against carbamylated proteins (anti-CarP) which may play an important role in the diagnosis of RA. The aim of this study was to raise knowledge about the diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-CarP antibodies in RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy RA patients and thirty-four controls were included in this study. DAS28 was used to evaluate disease activity. Joint erosions were assessed by Larsen score using plain X-ray of involved joints of hands and feet. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-CarP antibody titer using the ELISA technique. RESULTS: Out of 70 patients, 35.7% were positive for anti-CarP and only 5.88% of controls had high titer above the cut-off value. A total of 24.29% of the patients were RF-negative and 30% were ACPA-negative. Five patients (29.41%) of the negative RF group were positive for anti-CarP. Four patients (19%) of the ACPA-negative group were positive for anti-CarP, and three patients (4.28%) of the total number of patients were triple negative and seventeen (24.28%) were triple positive. There was a significant correlation between anti-CarP titer and both DAS28 and Larsen scores only in the positive anti-CarP group. In addition, there was a strong association between anti-CarP antibody titer and joint erosions at both baseline and after 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Presence of the anti-CarP antibodies in sera of RA patients may have a prognostic value as it correlates with the disease activity and joint erosions; moreover, it may have a diagnostic value in rheumatoid arthritis especially in RF- and ACPA-negative patients. Key Points • This study was carried out to raise our knowledge about the importance of anti-CarP antibodies in predicting the prognosis of RA. • This study was carried out to assess the correlation between anti-CarP antibodies, disease activity, and joint erosions. • This study was carried out to state the extent to which we can rely on the anti-CarP antibodies as a biomarker for prediction of RA.

First description of gastroenteritis viruses in Lebanese children: a pilot study.

Human enteric viruses are important causes of acute gastroenteritis in infants and children. The role of rotaviruses, adenoviruses, human caliciviruses and astroviruses in the development of severe acute gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization of infants and young children in North Lebanon was investigated. Stool specimens collected between April and May 2010 from 79 Lebanese infants and children hospitalized for severe acute gastroenteritis, were screened for enteric viruses by immunoassays and internally controlled multiplex PCR assay. Out of 79 stool samples, 38 (48%) were positive for rotavirus, and 5 (6%) were positive for norovirus genogroup II. Enteric adenoviruses, sapoviruses and human astroviruses were not detected. Children with severe rotavirus gastroenteritis were younger than those with severe norovirus gastroenteritis. These results highlight the importance of rotavirus and norovirus as causes of severe gastroenteritis in Lebanese children, and the need to incorporate routine screening tests for norovirus infection in clinical settings.