Islamic Perspectives on Polygenic Testing and Selection of IVF Embryos (PGT-P) for Optimal Intelligence and Other Non-Disease-Related Socially Desirable Traits.

In recent years, the genetic testing and selection of IVF embryos, known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), has gained much traction in clinical assisted reproduction for preventing transmission of genetic defects. However, a more recent ethically and morally controversial development in PGT is its possible use in selecting IVF embryos for optimal intelligence quotient (IQ) and other non-disease-related socially desirable traits, such as tallness, fair complexion, athletic ability, and eye and hair colour, based on polygenic risk scores (PRS), in what is referred to as PGT-P. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-based analysis of big data sets collated from genome sequencing of specific human ethnic populations can be used to estimate an individual embryo's likelihood of developing such multifactorial traits by analysing the combination of specific genetic variants within its genome. Superficially, this technique appears compliant with Islamic principles and ethics. Because there is no modification of the human genome, there is no tampering with Allah's creation (taghyir khalq Allah). Nevertheless, a more critical analysis based on the five maxims of Islamic jurisprudence (qawa'id fiqhiyyah) that are often utilized in discourses on Islamic bioethics, namely qasd (intention), yaqin̄ (certainty), darar (injury), darura (necessity), and `urf (custom), would instead reveal some major ethical and moral flaws of this new medical technology in the selection of non-disease-related socially desirable traits, and its non-compliance with the spirit and essence of Islamic law (shariah). Muslim scholars, jurists, doctors, and biomedical scientists should debate this further and issue a fatwa on this new medical technology platform.

Fabrication of magnesium oxide-calcium alginate hydrogel for scaffolding yttrium and neodymium from aqueous solutions.

In this research, the possibility of using sustainable nano-MgO/Ca-alginate beads for efficient sorption of some rare earth metal ions such as neodymium(III) and yttrium(III) from an aqueous acidic solution was explored. The nano-MgO/Ca-alginate beads adsorbent was characterized before and after sorption of Nd(III) and Y(III) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Batch sorption parameters were investigated, such as contact time, initial metal ion concentration, and adsorbent dose (V/m). The calculated experimental results showed that the suitable selected sorption conditions were carried out using 100 mg/L of Nd(III) and Y(III) with nano MgO/Ca-alginate beads (contact time = 90 min, pH = 2, V/m = 0.05 L/g). The maximum sorption capacity of 0.1 g of nano MgO/Ca-alginate was found to be 7.85 mg/g and 5.60 mg/g for Nd(III) and Y(III), respectively. The desorption of Nd(III) and Y(III) from the loaded nano MgO/Ca-alginate was achieved with 1.0 M sulfamic acid and found to be 51.0% and 44.2%, respectively. The calculated thermodynamic parameters for the nano MgO/Ca-alginate/Nd/Y system show that the positive charge of ΔHo confirmed the endothermic nature of the sorption process, ΔSo (positive) indicates an increase in reaction system disordering, and ΔGo (negative) indicates a spontaneous process. These kinetic results indicate that the sorption process of Nd(III) and Y(III) on nano MgO/Ca-alginate beads is performed by the chemisorption process.

Alternative therapy to manage otitis media caused by multidrug-resistant fungi.

During the last few decades, the increase in the incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) fungal infections has become an emerging threat to public health. Therefore, it is important to illuminate the usage of alternative therapy to treat MDR fungal infection. This study was carried out to elucidate the usage of plant extract and essential oil, either alone or with other antifungal drugs to treat otitis media caused by MDR fungi. Medicinal plant is a safe and cheap source when compared with chemical antifungal drugs. Twenty-one fungal isolates out of 104 ear swabs from patients suffering from otitis media were characterized using both phenotypic and genotypic methods. The antibiogram typing was used to determine the MDR isolates. The sensitivity of MDR fungal isolates was tested against several plant extracts and essential oils, either alone or with other antifungal drugs. Thyme oil and clove extracts proved to have synergistic effects suggesting their use in the treatment of fungal infections, especially otitis media caused by MDR fungi. The ultrastructure of MDR fungal isolates exhibited a complete destruction post exposure to the used materials when observed under the transmission microscope (TEM). Thyme oil and clove extract were found to be the most effective agents against MDR fungal isolates and they constitute a promising tool for the management of fungal infection causing the otitis media.

Survival of multiple-surface ART restorations using a zinc-reinforced glass-ionomer restorative after 2 years: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a new zinc-reinforced glass-ionomer in comparison to a common high-viscous glass-ionomer cement (HVGIC) used in multiple-surface ART-prepared cavities. The hypothesis tested was that the cumulative survival percentage of the new HVGIC is higher than that of the common HVGIC over 2 years. METHODS: A randomized triple-blind parallel group clinical trial was used. A total of 218 participants, average age 15.4 years (SD=0.2), with an occluso-proximal carious lesion in a permanent (pre-) molar were included. Restorations using test (ChemFil Rock) and control (Fuji IX GP) restoratives were placed according to the ART method by four calibrated operators. Restorations were evaluated after one week (baseline), and at 6-, 12-, 18- and 24 months from replicas and coloured photographs according to the ART restoration assessment criteria by two independent evaluators. Restoration survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and difference between dependent and independent variables tested with a Wald (chi-square) test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in cumulative survival percentages between the two types of restorations at 2 years (P=0.02). A higher percentage of multiple-surface restorations of Fuji IX GP (95.4%) than ChemFil Rock (85.3%) survived. Gender (P=0.64), operator (P=0.56) and cavity size (P=0.81) had no effect on the survival of the type of restoration observed. Type of tooth (P=0.004) and type of jaw (P=0.05) showed an effect. Severe wear was the major reason for restoration failure (ChemFil Rock=7; Fuji IX GP=1). SIGNIFICANCE: ChemFil Rock appears not to be a viable alternative to Fuji IX GP in restoring ART multiple-surface cavities in permanent posterior teeth.

Uveitis and optic perineuritis in the context of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody seropositivity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) have been identified in both children and adults with demyelination, with a strong association with bilateral or recurrent optic neuritis (ON). However, the full clinical spectrum of this newly described condition is unknown. We sought to describe non-ON inflammatory ophthalmological presentations such as uveitis and optic perineuritis in the context of MOG antibody seropositivity. METHODS: Using a live cell-based assay analysed by flow cytometry, we identified seropositive patients referred for MOG antibody testing in Australasia between 2014 and 2017. We identified four MOG antibody-positive patients with non-ON inflammatory ophthalmological presentations and present their detailed clinical information in this case series. RESULTS: Three patients had uveitis either in association with, or remote from, ON. One patient had optic perineuritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis. We describe the presentation, examination, investigation findings and clinical course of these four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of these novel clinical associations may expand the clinical spectrum of MOG antibody-associated presentations. An expedited diagnosis may guide the management of these complex patients.

Utilization of nano-cryptomelane for the removal of cobalt, cesium and lead ions from multicomponent system: Kinetic and equilibrium studies.

Nano-cryptomelane was prepared and characterized using SEM with mapping, HRTEM, FT-IR spectra, thermal analysis and surface area. The diameter distribution of nano-cryptomelane was found to be 4-6 nm. Sorption performance of the prepared material was studied for the removal of Co2+, Cs+ and Pb2+ from a multi-system solution of equal molar ratio, 1:1:1. The sorption capacity of nano-cryptomelane was found to be 179.6, 442.6 and 716.9 mg/g for Co2+, Cs+ and Pb2+, respectively. The kinetic studies revealed that the sorption process obeys non-linear pseudo-second-order model and is controlled by an intra-particle diffusion mechanism. The equilibrium isotherm investigations outlined that the extended Langmuir isotherm model fits the data reasonably well and it is more applicable than Freundlich multicomponent sorption isotherm. The value of diffusion coefficient for the three metal ions is in the order 10-17 m2/s which indicates the chemisorption nature of the process. The desorption percentage attains the maximum value (98.13%, 97.29 and 97.04 for lead, cesium and cobalt ions, respectively) using 0.7 mol/L of HNO3. This revealed that nano-cryptomelane can be regenerated and reused for farther sorption of Pb2+, Cs+ and Co2+ from wastewater.

[Culturally sensitive communication in end-of-life care: the care for Muslim patients as an example]. / Cultuursensitieve communicatie bij het levenseinde.

Suffering and death are an inevitable part of life. In our increasingly multicultural society, healthcare professionals are frequently confronted with ideas on suffering and death that are different from their own. As Muslims are the largest migrant group in the Netherlands, this article focuses specifically on their perspective, illustrated by a clinical case. The different experience of these phenomena, influenced by culture and religion, can lead to confusion and frustration for patients, their relatives, and healthcare professionals alike. It is essential that healthcare professionals are aware of both their own views and those of the patient, and have some knowledge of other cultures and religions. Healthcare professionals can use cultural (self-)reflection and culturally sensitive communication, examples of which are provided in this article, to build mutual trust and understanding. This may improve the patient-physician relationship and may make end-of-life communication, complex as it will ever be, a little more comprehensive.

Interleukin-22 and Chemokine Interferon γ -Inducible-10 (IP-10) Levels in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients and Treatment Response to Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Therapy.

IL-22 plays a vital role in improving hepatic damage by targeting hepatocytes that express high levels of IL-22 receptor1. IP-10 is a chemokine that recruit mononuclear cells to liver parenchyma and improves the host immune response against hepatitis C virus. The study targeted 27 patients with chronic HCV who received pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin. IL-22 and IP-10 serum levels were measured by Elisa. The level of the serum IL-22 is higher in HCV patients groups receiving the antiviral treatment compared to control group and its levels significantly increased with response to treatment. The level of the serum IP-10 is higher in HCV patients groups compared to control group and its level significantly decreased with effective antiviral treatment. In conclusion, IL-22 and IP-10 levels could be used with a high sensitivity and specificity during antiviral treatment of HCV infected patients as predictive markers for treatment response.

Characterization of Streptomyces isolates causing colour changes of mural paintings in ancient Egyptian tombs.

Paintings in ancient Egyptian tombs often suffer colour changes due to microbial growth and colonization. Streptomyces strains were isolated from mural paintings of Tell Basta and Tanis tombs (East of Nile Delta, Egypt) and were identified using biochemical and molecular methods. The16S rDNA sequences data indicated that isolated strains were closely related to S. coelicolor, S. albidofuscus, S. ambofaciens, S. canarius, S. parvullus, S. corchorusii, S. albidofuscus and S. nigrifaciens. It could be shown that Streptomyces strains are involved on a large scale in the colour changes of paintings and stone support by producing a wide range of metabolites such as acids (oxalic, citric and sulphuric acids), biopigments of melanin, carotenoids, and hydrogen sulphide.

Association of catalase gene polymorphisms with catalase activity and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in the Suez Canal area, Egypt.

The present study evaluated the relationship of genetic variants in both promoter (-262 C/T) and in exonic (389 C/T) regions of the catalase (CAT) gene to CAT activity and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Suez Canal-area patients. CAT gene polymorphisms were assessed by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). CAT activity was measured by using a spectrophotometer. We compared the frequencies of CAT 389 C/T and -262 C/T polymorphic variants between SLE patients (n = 103) and healthy controls (n = 103). CAT 389 C/T is associated with SLE susceptibility, with the T allele being significantly more frequent among SLE patients than healthy controls. There was no association, however, between CAT activity and genotypes of 389 C/T. We did not observe significant differences in the prevalence of CAT -262 C/T polymorphic variants in SLE patients and controls, however, we found that patients with the CAT -262 CT and TT genotypes had low CAT activity, and these genotypes showed a significant association with thrombocytopaenia, leukopaenia and the presence of anti-snRNP in SLE patients. In conclusion, the present study supports the notion of in vivo oxidative stress in SLE as indicated by the decrease in CAT activity. The allelic variations in the CAT gene -262 are more likely to affect the expression or the function of the enzyme. Since CAT may be pathogenetically linked to SLE, and owing to its free-radical origin, it appears reasonable to target lipid peroxidation by dietary and/or pharmacological antioxidants.

Multivariate modeling of encapsulation and release of an ionizable drug from polymer microspheres.

In the formulation of polymer microspheres (MSs) loaded with verapamil hydrochloride (VRP), a low molecular weight ionizable drug, by W/O/W emulsification, the pH of the external aqueous phase proved to be a primary determinant of both IE and drug release behavior. Increasing the pH of the external aqueous phase enhanced IE (approximately 100% at pH 8.4). This was associated with a considerable increase in initial release rate at pH 1.2. Two multivariate methods, factorial analysis (FA) and artificial neural network (ANN), were used to investigate the impact of the combined effect of the external phase pH and other parameters (polymer concentration and initial drug load) on MS characteristics; IE, initial drug release, MS size and yield. FA indicated that the external aqueous phase pH affected all responses, with a particularly strong correlation with IE in addition to a combined synergistic effect with polymer concentration on MS size. ANN showed better internal and external predictive ability of responses compared to FA. The ANN model developed in the study can be successfully used for multivariate modeling of the encapsulation and release of VRP and similar drug salts from hydrophobic polymer MSs prepared by multiple emulsification in addition to other MS characteristics.

Enhancement of olive mill wastewater biodegradation by homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation.

Olive mills wastewater (OMW) is characterized by its high organic content and refractory compounds. In this study, an advanced technology for the treatment of the recalcitrant contaminants of OMW has been investigated. The technique used was either photo-Fenton as homogeneous photocatalytic oxidation or UV/semi-conductor catalyst (such as TiO(2), ZrO(2) and FAZA) as heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation for treatment of OMW. For both the processes, the effect of irradiation time, amounts of photocatalysts and semi-conductors, and initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide has been studied. At the optimum conditions, photo-Fenton process achieved COD, TOC, lignin (total phenolic compounds) and total suspended solids (TSSs) removal values of 87%, 84%, 97.44% and 98.31%, respectively. The corresponding values for UV/TiO(2) were 68.8%, 67.3%, 40.19% and 48.9%, respectively, after 80 min irradiation time. The biodegradability expressed by BOD(5)/COD ratio for treated wastewater was ranged from 0.66 to 0.8 compared to 0.19 for raw wastewater indicating enhancement of biodegradation.

Photochemical oxidation of p-chlorophenol by UV/H2O2 and photo-Fenton process. A comparative study.

In this study, photochemical advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) utilizing the combinations of UV/H2O2 and the photo-Fenton reaction (UV + classical Fenton reaction) were investigated in lab-scale experiments for the degradation of p-chlorophenol. The study showed that the photo-Fenton process, (a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous or ferric ion), was the most effective treatment process under acidic conditions and produced a higher rate of degradation of p-chlorophenol at a very short radiation time. It accelerated the oxidation rate by 5-9 times the rate for the UV/H2O2 process. The reaction was found to follow the first order, the reaction was influenced by the pH, the input concentration of H2O2 and the amount of the iron catalyst and the type of iron salt. The experimental results showed that the optimum conditions were obtained at a pH value of 3, with 0.03 mol/l H2O2, and 1 mmol/l Fe(II) for the UV/H2O2/Fe(II) system and 0.01 mol/l H2O2 and, 0.4 mmol/l Fe(III) for the UV/H2O2/Fe(III) system. The reactions were accompanied by the generation of Cl- which reached its maximum value at a short reaction time when using the photo-Fenton process. Finally a rough comparison of the specific energy consumption shows that photo-Fenton process reduced the energy consumption by at least 73 to 83% compared with the UV/H2O2 process.

Membrane-bound quinoprotein D-arabitol dehydrogenase of Gluconobacter suboxydans IFO 3257: a versatile enzyme for the oxidative fermentation of various ketoses.

Solubilization of membrane-bound quinoprotein D-arabitol dehydrogenase (ARDH) was done successfully with the membrane fraction of Gluconobacter suboxydans IFO 3257. In enzyme solubilization and subsequent enzyme purification steps, special care was taken to purify ARDH as active as it was in the native membrane, after many disappointing trials. Selection of the best detergent, keeping ARDH as the holoenzyme by the addition of PQQ and Ca2+, and of a buffer system involving acetate buffer supplemented with Ca2+, were essential to treat the highly hydrophobic and thus labile enzyme. Purification of the enzyme was done by two steps of column chromatography on DEAE-Toyopearl and CM-Toyopearl in the presence of detergent and Ca2+. ARDH was homogenous and showed a single sedimentation peak in analytical ultracentrifugation. ARDH was dissociated into two different subunits upon SDS-PAGE with molecular masses of 82 kDa (subunit I) and 14 kDa (subunit II), forming a heterodimeric structure. ARDH was proven to be a quinoprotein by detecting a liberated PQQ from SDS-treated ARDH in HPLC chromatography. More preliminarily, an EDTA-treated membrane fraction lost the enzyme activity and ARDH activity was restored to the original level by the addition of PQQ and Ca2+. The most predominant unique character of ARDH, the substrate specificity, was highly versatile and many kinds of substrates were oxidized irreversibly by ARDH, not only pentitols but also other polyhydroxy alcohols including D-sorbitol, D-mannitol, glycerol, meso-erythritol, and 2,3-butanediol. ARDH may have its primary function in the oxidative fermentation of ketose production by acetic acid bacteria. ARDH contained no heme component, unlike the type II or type III quinoprotein alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and did not react with primary alcohols.

Recurrent cholangiocarcinoma: negative autopsy results after aggressive management.

Cholangiocarcinoma is one of the most common malignancies of the biliary tree. Most cases are perihilar. Cholangiocarcinoma usually has an indolent, slowly progressive course and is associated with a high mortality rate. In this article, we discuss the management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma by radiation therapy and chemotherapy in a case in which no recurrence was found on autopsy.

Use of propolis and ultragriseofulvin to inhibit aflatoxigenic fungi.

Propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) at 3 and 4 g/L and ultragriseofulvin (UG) at 0.75 and 1 g/L reduced the percentage of conidia germination in two Aspergillus flavus isolates. PEE at 1-4 g/L decreased the mycelial dry mass of A. flavus isolates by 11-80%, and aflatoxin B1 production by 34-100%. UG concentrations of 0.25-1 g/L reduced the growth and aflatoxin B1 production of the isolates by 16-88 and 48-98%, respectively. Any increase in PEE and UG concentration was accompanied by a clear decrease in the per cent conidia germination, growth and aflatoxin B1 production. At equal concentration, UG was about 4-times more effective than PEE.

Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.

Superior mesenteric venous occlusion may be difficult to recognize, but is important as it carries a better prognosis than superior mesenteric arterial occlusion, and may be amenable to surgical treatment. Three successful cases treated by thrombectomy have appeared in the literature. A case of successful superior mesenteric vein thrombectomy with bowel resection is reported.

Comparative pharmacology and clinical efficacy of newer agents in treatment of heart failure.

The animal and human pharmacology of several new drugs (prazosin, trimazosin, pirbuterol, and carbazeran) useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) is delineated in relation to the pharmacology of other agents employed for CHF management. Prazosin and trimazosin are selective alpha 1-blockers that cause a balanced increase in cardiac output (CO) and reduction in left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP); the reduction in diastolic blood pressure with these drugs is significantly related to increase in treadmill exercise, fall in LVFP, and increase in CO. Pirbuterol is a relatively selective beta 2-agonist with somewhat greater effects on CO than on LVFP. Early promise in CHF therapy is being shown by a novel series of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitors with combined direct inotropic and vasodilator effects. Double-blind long-term studies demonstrate persistent efficacy of prazosin and trimazosin in CHF as measured by improvement in New York Heart Association functional class, treadmill exercise performance, and noninvasive measures of cardiac function; these data are supported by studies in which repeat cardiac catheterization has been performed after several months of therapy. Double-blind studies of other CHF drugs are in progress.