Quantitative analysis of residual butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole in Salmo salar, milk, and butter by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are two commonly used antioxidants with potential health risks associated with excessive intake from multiple sources. Several countries have implemented strict regulations to curb these risks. This study presents a simple LC-MS/MS method for estimating BHT and BHA levels in Salmo salar, butter, and milk. To mitigate any potential interference from the three complex matrices with the ionisation of the target analytes, the method utilised the standard addition approach. The mobile phase used to elute the analytes consisted of 0.1 % formic acid in a mixture of water and acetonitrile (25:75 v/v). Both antioxidants were detected in negative ionisation mode. BHT was identified through single-ion monitoring at a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 219.4, while BHA was detected using multiple-reaction monitoring, with a transition from m/z 164.0 to 149.0. The environmental assessment of the applied procedures verified that the approach is eco-friendly.

Spectrofluorimetric determination of butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole in their combined formulation: application to butylated hydroxyanisole residual analysis in milk and butter.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are two antioxidants that have been extensively used in many applications. Both are well known for their debatable health risks due to their multiple intake sources. Therefore, conservative limits are set for them in different regulations adapted to the matrices in which they exist. Here we present a simple spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of BHT and BHA based on their native fluorescence and synchronous scanning mode. The type of solvent and the interval between emission and excitation wavelengths were carefully optimized. Under the optimized conditions, good linearities were obtained between the emission intensity and the corresponding concentrations of BHT and BHA over the range of 3-18 µg/mL and 0.1-7 µg/mL, respectively with a good correlation coefficient (r > 0.99). The limits of detection were 0.9 and 0.02 µg/mL, and the quantification limits were 3 and 0.05 µg/mL for BHT and BHA, respectively. The suggested procedure was validated according to ICH guidelines Q2 (R1). Furthermore, the method's greenness was assessed by three different methods, and it proved to be eco-reasonable. The method was successfully applied to the determination of BHT and BHA in pharmaceutical formulations. We also applied the suggested method for monitoring the residual BHA in conventional, powdered milk and butter, with good recovery in spiked samples.

Persistent Hiccups Shortly after Tramadol Intake: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tramadol can inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake leading to stimulation of the central component of the hiccup reflex arc. We have found only two previous cases of tramadol-induced hiccups. Additionally, three pharmacovigilance studies have investigated the involvement of tramadol in cases who have developed hiccups as adverse effects. Herein, we have presented a case of a middle-aged male who has developed hiccups shortly after tramadol intake. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old male complaining of chronic pain in the right knee was treated with tramadol. The individual developed hiccups within 10 hours of the first tramadol dose. The patient tried to stop the hiccups with non-pharmacological measures, such as stopping the air inside the lungs and drinking cold fluids. The patient appeared to concentrate on avoiding hiccups, which he could avoid for some time. However, then, the hiccups would come all at a unique time. The hiccups occurred at a frequency of one hiccup/5-10 seconds, interrupting the patient's nutrition and sleep pattern. Eventually, tramadol was suspected of inducing hiccups, and baclofen was started. CONCLUSION: Tramadol as well as opioids should be considered as a cause of hiccups. We aim to improve awareness about the safety of such drugs among physicians and the proper management of associated risks.

Valorization of Citrus peels: GC/MS-based metabolites profiling, multivariate analysis, and antiaging potential.

Aging and agro-waste are major challenges. Natural ingredients are preferred in skincare. This study intended to isolate the essential oils (EO) from the leftover peels obtained from three commonly edible Citrus species fruit peels, namely Citrus paradisi (grapefruit), Citrus sinensis (sweet orange), and Citrus deliciosa (mandarin). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis identified volatile constituents in EO and headspace aroma. Multivariate analysis distinguished between the three species. The antiaging effects of Citrus EO were assessed in vitro and in silico, studying volatile interactions with target enzymes. C. sinensis peels had the highest oil yield, rich in monoterpenes. C. paradisi and C. deliciosa contained sesquiterpenes. Limonene dominated the hydrodistilled EO: 94.50% in C. paradisi, 96.80% in C. sinensis, and 80.66% in C. deliciosa. Unsupervised multivariate analysis of Citrus species revealed that  d-limonene, γ-terpinene, and ß-pinene are the key phytochemical markers contributing to their diverse chemical composition. C. paradisi exhibited the highest enzyme inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 12.82, 27.58, and 18.16 µg/mL for tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase, respectively. In silico studies showed that the volatiles can inhibit the tested antiaging enzymes. According to these findings, the investigated agro-waste might slow aging in skin care.

Development of chromatographic methods to determine multivitamins formulation depending on their solubility and polarity: comparative study using three greenness assessment tools.

High performance liquid chromatography is one of the techniques of choice for the separation and quantitative determination of drugs in mixture form. Ipriflavone, ascorbic acid, pyridoxine, vitamin D3, and lysine are formulated together as an adjuvant combination in osteoporosis. In this work, we developed and validated two complementary high performance liquid chromatographic methods to determine the five compounds in their pharmaceutical dosage form. The first method (method A) was capable of determining ipriflavone, ascorbic acid, pyridoxine, and vitamin D3 in their bulk and combined pharmaceutical formulation. The method is based on Liquid Chromatographic separation with UV detection at 254 nm using Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of 25 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4.2): methanol in gradient mode. Due to the high polarity of lysine, it was difficult to achieve satisfactory retention on reversed phase columns. So, we separated it on a strong cation exchange column (Exsil 100 SCX) without derivatization with a mobile phase consisting of 10 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate and 200 mM sodium chloride (pH 6) with UV detection at 210 nm (method B). Validation of the proposed methods was performed according to ICH guidelines Q2(R1). The proposed methods proved to be valid for selective analysis of the stated drugs in their bulk and combined pharmaceutical formulation. Greenness assessment of the developed methods was evaluated using three assessment tools: ESA, GAPI and the most recently developed tool AGREE, showing a satisfactory comprehensive guide of the greenness of the developed methods.

A new strategy for the determination of the antidiabetics alogliptin, saxagliptin and vildagliptin using all-solid state potentiometric sensors.

Herein, we report on the development of disposable screen printed carbon, nanostructure thin film Au/Pt and Pt/Pt all-solid state potentiometric sensors for some antidiabetic compounds called glibtins. The electrodes showed excellent calibration curves (1 × 10-5-1 × 10-2 M) for alogliptin, saxagliptin and vildagliptin. The electrodes were fully characterized with respect to potential stability, dynamic response time, detection limit, effect of pH and interference according to the IUPAC recommendation. The proposed method is rapid and can be applied for the determination of gliptins at low cost with satisfactory precision (RSD ≤ 1%) and accuracy.

Radiation synthesis of chitosan/poly(acrylamide-co-maleic acid) hydrogel for the removal of 152+154Eu (III) ions.

Using gamma radiation, a chitosan-poly (acrylamide-co-maleic acid) hydrogel was created by copolymerizing acrylamide and maleic acid onto the surface of chitosan. The shape, thermal stability, and structure of the hydrogel were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis. The batch adsorption of 152+154Eu(III) ions from an aqueous solution showed a rapid initial uptake with an equilibrium time of 24 h at pH (∼4). The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models were used to study the adsorption equilibrium data. The adsorption behavior of 152+154Eu(III) ions closely followed the Langmuir isotherm, exhibiting a maximum adsorption capacity of 144.96 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics of 152+154Eu(III) ions are best described by the pseudo-second order model. The thermodynamic parameters were studied and revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic, and favorable at a lower temperature. 0.1 M HCl and AlCl3 desorbed 152+154Eu(III) ions with 97.09% and 88.63%, respectively. Hence, the hydrogel will serve as a starting point for the adsorption of trivalent lanthanide ions in the future.

Phytochemical, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Acute and Sub-Chronic Toxicity of Moroccan Arbutus unedo Leaves.

Objectives: Moroccan Arbutus unedo is an essential medicinal plant; however, little is known about the biological properties of its leaves mentioned in Moroccan traditional medicine. Methods: Various standard experiments were performed to evaluate the phytochemical, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and acute and sub-chronic toxicity characteristics of A. unedo leaves. Results: Phytochemical screening led to the identification of several phytochemical classes, including tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones, with high concentrations of polyphenols (31.83 ± 0.29 mg GAEs/g extract) and flavonoids (16.66 ± 1.47 mg REs/g extract). Further, the mineral analysis revealed high levels of calcium and potassium. A. unedo extract demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting α-amylase (1.350 ± 0.32 g/mL) and α-glucosidase (0.099 ± 1.21 g/mL) compared to the reference drug Acarbose. Also, the methanolic extract of the plant exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity than the aqueous extract. Precisely, three of the four examined bacterial strains exhibited substantial susceptibility to the methanolic extract . Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values indicated that A. unedo harbor abundant bactericidal compounds. For toxicological studies, mice were administered with A. unedo aqueous extract at single doses of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg. They did not exhibit significant abnormal behavior, toxic symptoms, or death during the 14-day acute toxicity test and the 90-day sub-chronic toxicity test periods. The general behavior, body weight, and hematological and biochemical status of the rats were assessed, revealing no toxicological symptoms or clinically significant changes in biological markers observed in the mice models, except hypoglycemia, after 90 days of daily dose administration. Conclusion: The study highlighted several biological advantages of A. unedo leaves without toxic effects in short-term application. Our findings suggest that conducting more comprehensive and extensive in vivo investigations is of utmost importance to identify molecules that can be formulated into pharmaceuticals in the future.

Prevalence, clinical presentation, and therapeutic outcome of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in Egypt.

Background: Skin diseases are usually chronic in nature but not life-threatening. They affect the well-being and pose a threat to the general health of the affected animals. Aim: This study aimed to investigate epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of ectoparasitic infestations in dogs in a number of Egyptian governorates. Methods: Ninety dogs (58 males and 32 females) aged from 1 month to 11 years from 6 Egyptian governorates were clinically examined during the years 2022 and 2023. Skin scraping samples were taken from all examined dogs, and deep ear swab specimens from five dogs suspected to have ear mites were obtained and parasitologically examined. Different ectoparasites were classified according to their morphological features. Twenty dogs were treated in four different patterns of administration of local, systemic, and supportive medications. Results: The prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in examined dogs was 64% (58/90). The majority of ectoparasitic infestations (50/58) were single, while the rest (8/58) were mixed. Nine species of ectoparasites of fourtaxa were identified: a tick species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus); which had the highest prevalence among isolated ectoparasites from dogs (29%, 26/90), three flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides orientis, and Ctenocephalides felis) isolated from 18 out of 90 cases (20%), two types of dog chewing louse species (Trichodectes canis and Heterodoxus spiniger) isolated from 2/90 (2.2%) and three mite species: Demodex canis (18/90, 20%), Sarcoptes scabei var. canis (5/90, 6%) and Otodectes cynotis (2/90, 2.2%). The logistic regression analysis of the potential risk factors associated with the prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs revealed that age, breed, housing environment, habitat, and season were the significant factors affecting the prevalence of ectoparasites (p < 0.05) in contrast dog gender did not have a significant effect. Treated dogs showed variations in recovery times and dogs that received ancillary treatment showed rapid skin improvement and hair regrowth. Doramectin was effective against ticks and fleas, but fluralaner was more effective against Demodex mites. Conclusion: The prevalence of ectoparasites in dogs in Egypt could be considered high and necessitates efforts toward accurate diagnosis, treatment, and control to reduce their impact on animal and public health.

Benefits and challenges of fostering research-focused communities of practice at a specialised health sciences university: An exploratory study.

Introduction: Structured undergraduate research, whether mandatory or elective, provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to develop their research skills. However, the majority of the students undertake individual research projects rather than working in a group. This study explores the perceived benefits and challenges of fostering research focused communities of practice at a specialised health sciences university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC). A self-administered questionnaire was developed that assessed the perceived benefits and challenges of doing research in groups. Data were collected using a mixture of a dichotomous and a 5-point Likert scale and were analysed using Statistical Program for Social Scientists (SPSS). Results: Of the 380 medical students invited to participate in this study, 307 completed the questionnaire, with a response rate of 80.7%. The majority of the medical students (87%) agreed on the importance of teamwork in conducting medical research. Almost all medical students (96%) believed patience and tolerance were required to make the team successful. Significant differences were found between junior and senior medical students regarding their perceived benefits (P-value = 0.0001) and challenges (P-value = 0.0007). Conclusion: Although most of the students believed that doing research in groups is essential and that working within such groups enhances their research knowledge, forming these research groups was not without problems. The need for patience and tolerance to keep the group together, the issue of free-riders and the difficulties related to which research group to join were some of the challenges students encountered.

Development of green differential pulse voltammetric strategy for the determination of alfuzosin hydrochloride at pencil graphite and modified carbon paste electrodes.

A sensitive and inexpensive differential pulse voltammetric technique was applied to investigate the electrochemical behavior of alfuzosin hydrochloride at two different working electrodes: silica gel modified carbon paste and pencil graphite electrodes (PGE). The voltammetric conditions were optimized using cyclic voltammetry, showing an irreversible anodic peak in Britton-Robinson buffered medium (pH 6) at 0.86-0.90 V. The electrochemical responses were linearly correlated with alfuzosin concentrations (R2> 0.999) in the ranges of 0.6-20 and 0.3-20 µM, exhibiting higher electrocatalytic activity at PGE with a low detection limit/ detectability of 0.099 µM. In addition, this study was a successful attempt for the drug determination in tablets and spiked urine samples with green profile evaluation, employing the National Environmental Methods Index, analytical Eco-Scale score, and Green Analytical Procedure Index.

Profiling of secondary metabolites and DNA typing of three different Annona cultivars grown in Egypt.

OBJECTIVES: Natural products are often efficacious and safe alternatives to synthetic drugs. This study explored secondary leaves and bark metabolites profiles in extracts of a new Egyptian hybrid, Annona cherimola × Annona squamosa, known as Abdel Razek. This hybrid exhibited 100% similarity with A. cherimola as evidenced by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analyses. METHODS: Primary constituents in methanol extracts of different plant organs were identified. Extracts richest in alkaloids and polyphenolics were assessed for in vitro antioxidant activity and the most potent were further studied in vivo for treating gastric ulcer in rats. The latter activity was assessed histopathologically. RESULTS: Structural analysis with HPLC/ESI-MSn, and UPLC/HESI-MS/MS identified 63 metabolites, including seven amino acids, 20 alkaloids, 16 flavonoids, eight phenolics and other compounds. Severe stomach alteration was observed after ethanol induction in rats. Ulcer score, oxidative stress biomarkers, cell organelles biomarker enzymes, and gastrointestinal histological features improved to variable degrees after treatment with Annona Abdel Razek hybrid leaves and bark methanol extracts. CONCLUSION: Extracts of Annona Abdel Razek had showed in vitro antioxidant effect and may be promising for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Role of MicroRNA-31 (miR-31) in Breast Carcinoma Diagnosis and Prognosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Breast cancer (BC) is among the most widespread malignant tumors in women. In the current study, we evaluated the role of miR-31 in BC patients and its relation to the different prognostic, clinical, and pathological features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MiR-31 levels were determined by RT-PCR in BC and adjacent normal breast tissues from 100 BC patients. BC diagnosis was established through histopathological examinations. The expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptor in all tumors was determined using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: MiR-31 expression was reduced in BC tissues relative to adjacent healthy breast tissue (mean levels were 0.93 and 7.2, respectively). Also, the low expression of miR-31 in BC patients was significantly correlated with adverse clinical and pathological features such as: young patient's age, premenopausal status, infiltrative lobular carcinoma, ER and PR negative tumors, HER2 positive tumors, and advanced clinical stage. CONCLUSION: MiR-31 was expressed at low levels in BC tissues and correlated with adverse clinical and pathological features, and poor survival.

Effect of docosahexaenoic acid as a chemopreventive agent on experimentally induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

PURPOSE: The current study was directed to investigate the effectiveness of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as a chemopreventive agent on experimentally induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP) carcinogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we used 40 Syrian male hamsters, five weeks old, were divided into 4 groups (GI, GII, GIII, and GIV) of 10 animals in each as follows, GI: Topical application of liquid paraffin alone (thrice a week for 14 weeks), GII: Topical application of 7, 12 dimethyl benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) alone (0.5% in liquid paraffin, thrice a week for 14 weeks), GIII: Topical application of DMBA (0.5% in liquid paraffin, thrice a week for 14 weeks) + Oral administration of DHA (125 mg/kg b.w. in 1 ml distilled water by oral gavage, thrice a week for 14 weeks on alternative days of DMBA application), GIV: Oral administration of DHA alone (125 mg/kg b.w. in 1 ml distilled water by oral gavage, thrice a week for 14 weeks). RESULTS: Gross observations and histopathological findings revealed that, in GI: normal stratified squamous epithelium, in GII: well and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in GIII: variable results ranges from hyperkeratosis, hyperkeratosis and focal hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, and well differentiated SCC with superficial invasion of tumor cells not extended to deeper areas, while in GIV: normal similar to GI. Immunohistochemical results indicated that oral DHA treatment to DMBA treated hamsters restored the normal expression of bcl-2. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that DHA has the potential to be a dietary chemopreventive agent due to its capacity to improve carcinogen detoxification and to block/suppress the initiation and promotion stages of experimentally produced HBP carcinogenesis.

Assessment of Glutathione Peroxidase-1 (GPX1) Gene Expression as a Specific Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a malignant tumor of the mesothelial lining of the thorax. It has been related to frequent exposure to asbestos. Diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma is considered a criticizing problem for clinicians. Early diagnosis and sufficient surgical excision of MPM are considered the cornerstone success factors for the management of early MPM. Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) is an intracellular protein found to be extensively distributed in all cells, and it belongs to the GPX group. In the current study, we included ninety-eight patients with MPM that underwent surgery at the Zagazig University Hospital in Egypt. We assessed GPX1 gene expression level as it was thought to be related to pathogenicity of cancer in a variety of malignant tumors. We observed a significant elevation in GPX1-mRNA levels in MPM relative to the nearby normal pleural tissues. It was found to be of important diagnostic specificity in the differentiation of MPM from normal tissues. Moreover, we studied the survival of patients in correlation to the GPX1 expression levels and we reported that median overall survival was about 16 months in patients with high GPX1 expression levels, while it was found to be about 40 months in low GPX1 levels.

Double mutations in the H9N2 avian influenza virus PB2 gene act cooperatively to increase viral host adaptation and replication for human infections.

Avian H9N2 influenza viruses in East Asia are genetically diversified and multiple genotypes (A-W) have been established in poultry. Genotype S strains are currently the most prevalent strains, have caused many human infections and pose a public health threat. In this study, human adaptation mutations in the PB2 polymerase in genotype S strains were identified by database screening. Several PB2 double mutations were identified that acted cooperatively to produce higher genotype S virus polymerase activity and replication in human cells than in avian cells and to increase viral growth and virulence in mice. These mutations were chronologically and phylogenetically clustered in a new group within genotype S viruses. Most of the relevant human virus isolates carry the PB2-A588V mutation together with another PB2 mutation (i.e. K526R, E627V or E627K), indicating a host adaptation advantage for these double mutations. The prevalence of PB2 double mutations in human H9N2 virus isolates has also been found in genetically related human H7N9 and H10N8 viruses. These results suggested that PB2 double mutations in viruses in the field acted cooperatively to increase human adaptation of the currently prevalent H9N2 genotype S strains. This may have contributed to the recent surge of H9N2 infections and may be applicable to the human adaptation of several other avian influenza viruses. Our study provides a better understanding of the human adaptation pathways of genetically related H9N2, H7N9 and H10N8 viruses in nature.

Results of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Different Types of Macular Holes.

PURPOSE: To compare different types of macular holes regarding the anatomic and functional success following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with macular holes treated by PPV, ILM removal with gas tamponade from January 2014 to July 2017 in Magrabi Eye Hospital. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven eyes of 153 patients were analyzed. The eyes were classified according to the etiology of macular hole into four groups: 79 eyes with idiopathic macular hole (IMH), 51 eyes with traumatic macular hole (TMH), 16 eyes with macular hole in diabetic patients (DMH) and 11 eyes with myopic macular hole (MMH). We classified the IMH group based on the International Vitreomacular Traction Study Classification according to size into 3 subgroups; subgroup 1: ≤250µ, subgroup 2: >250 to 400µ and subgroup 3: ≥400 µ. All types of macular hole showed statistically significant postoperative improvement in BCVA compared to the baseline except cases with MMH. Anatomic postoperative hole closure was achieved in 86.1%, 60.7%, 43.65%, an 45.46% of eyes with IMH, TMH, DMH and MMH, respectively. In eyes with IMH, closure rate in subgroup 1 was significantly higher than in subgroups 2, and 3. CONCLUSION: PPV, ILM peel and C2F6 technique yielded variable anatomic and functional outcomes in different types of macular holes. Anatomic results were most favorable in IMH and least favorable in MMH. The smaller the diameter of the hole the better the results. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms that lead to different types of macular holes are pivotal in determining the final outcome.

Effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea extract on immune deficiency induced by azathioprine in male albino rats

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea (E.P.) on azathioprine (AZA)-induced immune deficiency in albino rats. Thirty six male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. The first group served as normal control, the second and third groups were treated with two doses of AZA (3 and 5mg/kg/b.w/day IP), respectively for six weeks. The fourth group was treated with 50 mg kg/b.wt/day of Echinacea. The fifth and sixth groups were treated with3 and 5 mg AZAm respectively followed by50 mg E.P. administration. At the end of the experimental period, both doses of AZA revealed a significant reduction in total body and spleen weights, increase in tissue total protein with a significant increase in serum total protein and albumin, a marked decrease in the number of WBCS associated with a decrease in the number of lymphocytes, a significant decrease in serum total anti-oxidant capacity. Also,concentration of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) and interleukins (IL4 &IL6) showed a significant increase, while the level of IL10 decreased significantly in splenic tissue. The dose of AZA (5 mg /kg b.wt.) only resulted in a highly significant increase in serum level of T3 and T4. However, treatment with Echinacea purpurea extract had a significant influence on immune deficiency induced by azathioprine. These findings demonstrated that E.P. extract is a promising immunomodulatory agent with a potent therapeutic value in stimulating the immune response.

Prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Taif social correctional center, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus are primarily distinguished through their genetic characteristics. These strains carry the smaller types of staphylococcal cassette chromosome, specifically types IV and V. These infections occur mostly in healthy younger patients, and have been linked to such severe clinical conditions as necrotizing pneumonia and sepsis. A higher risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contagion exists among incarcerated sub-populations; therefore, this study investigated colonization rate and risk factors among the residents of the Taif Social Correctional Center. METHODOLOGY: The study included 93 inmates and 19 employees. Specimens were collected from participants' noses and hands and from different environmental locations. The isolated organisms were identified according to standard microbiological methods. Methicillin resistance was evaluated using the standard cefoxitin disk diffusion method and oxacillin screen agar procedure. Methicillin resistance was further confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: High methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization rate was found among the center residents (24.7%) and employees (15.8%). Long duration of residence in the correctional institution and bad hand hygiene emerged as prominent risk factors for this colonization. An antibiogram categorized the isolated strains into six phenotypes, with a predominance of two antibiotic-resistant patterns suggesting cross-contamination and the presence of local foci of dissemination. CONCLUSIONS: Taif Social Correctional Center residents exhibited a higher prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization than was found in similar institutions. Poor personal hygiene and infection control measures are likely the major contributors to the problem.

PA Mutations Inherited during Viral Evolution Act Cooperatively To Increase Replication of Contemporary H5N1 Influenza Virus with an Expanded Host Range.

Adaptive mutations and/or reassortments in avian influenza virus polymerase subunits PA, PB1, and PB2 are one of the major factors enabling the virus to overcome the species barrier to infect humans. The majority of human adaptation polymerase mutations have been identified in PB2; fewer adaptation mutations have been characterized in PA and PB1. Clade 2.2.1 avian influenza viruses (H5N1) are unique to Egypt and generally carry the human adaptation PB2-E627K substitution during their dissemination in nature. In this study, we identified other human adaptation polymerase mutations by analyzing phylogeny-associated PA mutations that H5N1 clade 2.2.1 viruses have accumulated during their evolution in the field. This analysis identified several PA mutations that produced increased replication by contemporary clade 2.2.1.2 viruses in vitro in human cells and in vivo in mice compared to ancestral clade 2.2.1 viruses. The PA mutations acted cooperatively to increase viral polymerase activity and replication in both avian and human cells, with the effect being more prominent in human cells at 33°C than at 37°C. These results indicated that PA mutations have a role in establishing contemporary clade 2.2.1.2 virus infections in poultry and in adaptation to infect mammals. Our study provided data on the mechanism for PA mutations to accumulate during avian influenza virus evolution and extend the viral host range.IMPORTANCE Clade 2.2.1 avian influenza viruses (H5N1) are unique to Egypt and have caused the highest number of human H5N1 influenza cases worldwide, presenting a serious global public health threat. These viruses may have the greatest evolutionary potential for adaptation from avian hosts to human hosts. Using a comprehensive phylogenetic approach, we identified several novel clade 2.2.1 virus polymerase mutations that increased viral replication in vitro in human cells and in vivo in mice. These mutations were in the polymerase PA subunit and acted cooperatively with the E627K mutation in the PB2 polymerase subunit to provide higher replication in contemporary clade 2.2.1.2 viruses than in ancestral clade 2.2.1 viruses. These data indicated that ongoing clade 2.2.1 dissemination in the field has driven PA mutations to modify viral replication to enable host range expansion, with a higher public health risk for humans.