Molecular diagnosis of hen eggs microbiota.

The study was conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2020 and 2022. The identification, characterization, and evaluation of microbes found in hen eggs was done and it was found very important to prevent contamination caused by various harmful pathogenic microbes. It was found that contaminated eggs harbor various harmful microbes which affect health due to multiple infectious diseases. Hen eggs contain a wide variety of microbes, and several distinct approaches were utilized as well as available for achieving detailed pathogenic information. The information obtained is highly essential for people who consume eggs as a food product.  It is of the utmost importance to protect people from getting sick due to the consumption of contaminated eggs or eggs from chickens that have been infected by various harmful pathogens.  During the experiment, we found that eggs were contaminated directly or the chicken that laid the egg was contaminated. Using molecular genetic analysis, it is possible to detect pathogenic and non-pathogenic contaminations in eggs.  During present studies, the cutting-edge molecular techniques of 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology were used to carry out the objective of performing a molecular identification of the microbial communities infecting eggs. The present research is aimed at determining whether the microbial communities in hen eggs are harmful to humans. The results further indicated most bacteria have the potential to cause illness in humans including Escherichia fergusonii, Salmonella enterica, Pseudocitrobacter faecalis, Yakenella regensburgei, and Erwinia pyrifoliae. Further, research suggested that eggs need to be properly cooked and thoroughly washed to eliminate the possibility of consuming infected eggs.

Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Microwave Synthesis of Nano-Hydroxyapatite from Decarbonized Eggshells.

The sustainable microwave (MW) synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) from decarbonized eggshells was investigated. Decarbonization of eggshells, as a natural source of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), was carried out in the current study at ambient conditions to reduce the footprint of CO2 emissions on our environment where either calcination or acidic direct treatments of eggshells produce CO2 emissions, which is a major cause for global warming. Eggshell decarbonization was carried out via the chemical reaction with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) alkaline solution in order to convert eggshell waste into calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and simultaneously store CO2 as a sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) by-product which is an essential material in many industrial sectors. The produced Ca(OH)2 was mixed with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH4H2PO4) reagent at pH~11 before being subjected to MW irradiation at 2.45 GHz frequency for 5 min using 800 Watts to prepare HAp. The prepared Nano-HAp was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) where the crystal size was ~28 nm using the Scherrer equation. The elongated rod-like nano-HAp crystals were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with dispersive energy X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). MW synthesis of decarbonized eggshells is considered as a sustainable and environmentally friendly route to produce promising bioceramics such as nano-HAp. Concurrently, decarbonization of eggshells offers the ability to store CO2 as a high value-added Na2CO3 material.

Molecular diagnosis for camel raw milk microbiota.

The existence of diverse microbes in unprocessed camel milk poses a significant threat to the well-being of a large population, especially infants and toddlers. The objective of this study was to ascertain the existence of microorganisms in unprocessed raw camel milk by employing a molecular-based technique in combination with a histological examination of bacteria. The identification of microbial species was achieved by employing PCR amplification and sequencing of 16s rRNA gene fragments. Various micorganisms found includes the probiotic Lactobacillus species, Staphylococcus succinic, Macrococcus casealyticus, Bacillus cohnii, and Salinicoccus kunmingensis. To prevent microbial contamination in raw milk, it is necessary to adequately heat or pasteurise the milk and to wash and sterilise the udder before milking the camel. This is because raw milk contains microbes that cause multiple diseases. Moreover, in the current era of the COVID-19 pandemics, ensuring proper sanitary conditions in milk and its derivatives might potentially mitigate the transmission of various diseases among consumers shortly. Keywords: camel, microbiota, 16s rRNA gene, PCR.

Improving the optical, thermal, mechanical, electrical properties and antibacterial activity of PVA-chitosan by biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles: Eco-friendly nanocomposites for food packaging applications.

In this study, nanocomposite films were produced by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (Cs) polymers with 70 % PVA and 30 % Cs, incorporating silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via a solution-casting method. The research aims to investigate the impact of the biosynthesized Ag NPs by Chenopodium murale leaf extract on optical, morphological, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and antibacterial properties. XRD analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity degree with Ag NPs addition. TEM revealed Ag NPs in cubic and spherical shapes with an average size of 23.4 nm. SEM and AFM indicated surface morphology changes. FT-IR spectra showed interaction between Ag ions and the blend. The energy gap decreased with increasing Ag NPs concentration. TGA exhibited enhanced thermal stability. Mechanical properties improved significantly. AC electrical conductivity and dielectric parameters were studied. Antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was observed. Overall, PVA/Cs-Ag NPs films show promise for food packaging and optoelectronic applications.

MoO3 nanoplates reinforced the structural, electrical, mechanical, and antibacterial characteristics of polyvinyl pyrrolidone/sodium alginate polymer blend for optoelectronics and biological applications.

Organic/Inorganic nanostructures enable the development of new functional materials for optoelectronics and biological applications. In this work, nanocomposite films of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium alginate (NaAlg) blend matrix (30/70 wt%) filled with molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoplates were prepared using solution casting procedure. The effect of MoO3 nanoplates on structural, optical, electrical and antibacterial characteristics of pure PVP/NaAlg blend was investigated. The sizes of MoO3 nanoplates had dimensions between 90 and 420 nm with orthorhombic phase as indicated by the TEM and XRD techniques. Also, the XRD patterns of filled films suggested that the presence of crystalline phases of MoO3 within PVP/NaAlg matrix. FTIR analysis revealed the primary vibrational peaks of PVP and NaAlg, whose strength altered randomly after filling. The UV absorption increased gradually and shifted to the higher wavelength side. The alternating current (AC) conductivity and dielectric parameters were improved with increasing MoO3 concentration. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli increased with increase of MoO3 nanoplates concentration. The filled PVP/NaAlg-MoO3 samples displayed considerable enhancements in the values of Young's modulus (Y), tensile stress (σt) and elongation at break (εB). The obtained results imply that these nanocomposite films can be potentially used in optoelectronics and biological applications.

Screening for diabetes in the adult population above the age of 20 years among inhabitants of rural agricultural and rural desert areas of Egypt.

AIMS: The present study focused on identifying the current prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in rural desert and rural agricultural areas of Egypt and comparing these findings to those of previous studies that reported lower prevalence rates of DM in rural desert versus rural agricultural areas. METHODS: The study included a total of 15,000 participants aged 20 years or older; 10,000 were from rural agricultural areas and 5000 were from rural desert areas in Egypt. The prevalence of DM and impaired fasting glucose for each group was recorded, participants were interviewed, medical history was obtained, physical examinations were performed, and fasting plasma glucose was used for diagnosis of DM and IFG using American Diabetes Association criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM was 12.7% in agricultural areas and 4.7% in desert areas. The prevalence of newly diagnosed cases was 15.8% and 9.9% in agricultural and desert areas, respectively. The prevalence of IFG was 11.14% in agricultural and 8.04% in desert areas. These results suggest that living in a rural area makes patients at a higher risk of developing DM (OR = 2.968 CI (2.570-3.428) p < 0.001) and IFG (OR = 1.43, CI (1.272-1.616), p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that increased age, living in agricultural areas, higher body mass index and positive family history of diabetes were the significant predictors affecting the prevalence of DM. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DM, IFG, and overall dysglycemia (DM + IFG) in Egypt has generally increased in rural areas, with a lower prevalence in rural desert compared to rural agricultural areas.

Characterization of the Native Oxide Shell of Copper Metal Powder Spherical Particles.

The native oxide layer that forms on copper (Cu) metal spherical particle surfaces under ambient handling conditions has been shown to have a significant effect on sintering behavior during microwave heating in a previous study, where an abnormal expansion was observed and characterized during sintering of Cu compacts using reducing gases. Because microwave (MW) heating is selective and depends greatly on the dielectric properties of the materials, this thin oxide layer will absorb MW energy easily and can consequently be heated drastically starting from room temperature until the reduction process occurs. In the current study, this oxide ceramic layer was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized using the carrier gas hot extraction (CGHE) method, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and a dual-beam focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscope (SEM) system that combines both FIB and SEM in one single instrument. Two different commercial gas-atomized spherical Cu metal powders with different particle sizes were investigated, where the average oxygen content of the powders was found to be around 0.575 wt% using the CGHE technique. Furthermore, AES spectra along with depth profile measurements were used to qualitatively characterize this oxide layer, with only a rough quantitative thickness approximation due to method limitations and the electron beam reduction effect. For the dual-beam FIB-SEM system, a platinum (Pt) coating was first deposited on the Cu particle surfaces prior to any characterization in order to protect and to preserve the oxide layer from any possible beam-induced reduction. Subsequently, the Pt-coated Cu particles were then cross-sectioned in the middle in situ using an FIB beam, where SEM micrographs of the resulted fresh sections were characterized at a 36° angle stage tilt with four different detector modes. Quantitative thickness characterization of this native oxide layer was successfully achieved using the adapted dual-beam FIB-SEM setup with more accuracy. Overall, the native Cu oxide layer was found to be inhomogeneous over the particles, and its thickness was strongly dependent on particle size. The thickness ranged from around 22-67 nm for Cu powder with a 10 µm average particle size (APS) and around 850-1050 nm for one with less than 149 µm.

Comparative molecular studies of halophilic bacteria from saline water and soil in the Saudi environment / Estudos moleculares comparativos de bactérias halofílicas de água salina e solo no meio ambiente saudita

Halophilic bacteria are microorganisms that grow optimally in the presence of the very high concentration of sodium chloride. Halophiles are vital sources of various enzymes including hydrolases, which are very stable and catalytically highly efficient at high salt concentration and other extreme conditions such as high temperature, pH and presence of organic solvents. Several hydrolases such as amylases, proteases, and lipases have been obtained from halophilic bacteria and are commonly used for various industrial applications. We initiated a screening to isolate and characterize the halophilic bacteria from the Red Sea, which is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. Water and soil samples, collected from the Red Sea coast, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were screened for isolation of halophilic bacteria. Ten bacterial isolates were obtained, which were characterized by biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Hydrolase producing bacteria among the isolates were screened by plate assay on starch and gelatin agar plates for amylase and protease, respectively. Two bacterial isolates i.e. Bacillus glycinifermentans S3 and Enterobacter cloacae W1were found to possess significant amylase and protease activity.

Bactérias halofílicas são microrganismos que crescem de maneira ideal na presença de uma concentração muito alta de cloreto de sódio. Halófilos são fontes vitais de várias enzimas, incluindo hidrolases, que são muito estáveis e cataliticamente altamente eficientes em alta concentração de sal e outras condições extremas, como alta temperatura, pH e presença de solventes orgânicos. Várias hidrolases como amilases, proteases e lipases foram obtidas a partir de bactérias halofílicas e são comumente usadas para várias aplicações industriais. Iniciamos uma triagem para isolar e caracterizar as bactérias halofílicas do Mar Vermelho, que é um dos corpos de água mais salgados do mundo. Amostras de água e solo, coletadas na costa do Mar Vermelho, Jeddah, na Arábia Saudita, foram examinadas quanto ao isolamento de bactérias halofílicas. Foram obtidos dez isolados bacterianos, caracterizados por testes bioquímicos e seqüenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. As bactérias produtoras de hidrolase entre os isolados foram triadas por ensaio em placa em placas de amido e ágar de gelatina para amilase e protease, respectivamente. Verificou-se que dois isolados bacterianos, isto é, Bacillus glycinifermentans S3 e Enterobacter cloacae W1, possuíam significativa atividade de amilase e protease.

Parche vascular del donante para reconstrucción de aorta y vena cava inferior en trasplante de riñón pediátrico en bloque / Donor vascular patch for reconstruction of the aorta and inferior vena cava in pediatric en bloc kidney transplantation

No disponible

Risk factors and molecular features of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria at southwest of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the risk factors, the prevalence rate, and gene types of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria as the causative agents of infection at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital (KAASH), Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted during the period between February 2017 and January 2018. All samples obtained from the KAASH were analyzed. The MicroScan Walkaway System, bacteriological examination and double disk synergy tests were used to detect ESBL-producing bacteria. To identify ESBL genes, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used. Results: The ESBL phenotype was detected in 351 of 1151 isolates (30.5%); Escherichia coli (E. coli) (62.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) (23.6%) were the most prevalent. The highest proportion of ESBL specimens was found in urine (62%.5), and these organisms were mainly isolated from the female medical ward (20.2%). Based on the statistical analysis, lung diseases, renal diseases, diabetes and heart diseases contributed to the spread of ESBL infections. Amikacin, imipenem, meropenem and tigecycline were found to be effective in overcoming ESBL infections; however, these antibiotics may be inappropriate for new strains of K.pneumoniae. The distribution of the blaCTX-M gene was high (87%), compared with blaTEM (74.9%) and blaSHV (29.4%).   Conclusion: These data provide new epidemiological information about the prevalence of ESBL-producing organisms among patients in KAASH, Taif, Saudi Arabia. In addition, this study identified the clonal nature of isolated E.coli and K.pneumoniae.

Transcription and regulation of hepatitis B virus genes in host sperm cells.

To investigate whether transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene occurs in human sperm, total RNA was extracted from sperm of patients with chronic HBV infection (test-1), from donor sperm transfected with a plasmid containing the full-length HBV genome (test-2), and from nontransfected donor sperm (control), used as the template for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive bands for HBV DNA were observed in the test groups but not in the control. Next, to identify the role of host genes in regulating viral gene transcription in sperm, total RNA was extracted from 2-cell embryos derived from hamster oocytes fertilized in vitro by HBV-transfected (test) or nontransfected (control) human sperm and successively subjected to SMART-PCR, suppression subtractive hybridization, T/A cloning, bacterial amplification, microarray hybridization, sequencing and the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search to isolate differentially expressed genes. Twenty-nine sequences showing significant identity to five human gene families were identified, with chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 2 (CSH2), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2), pterin-4 alpha-carbinolamine dehydratase 2 (PCBD2), pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 4 (PSG4) and titin (TTN) selected to represent target genes. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), when CSH2 and PCBD2 (or EIF4G2, PSG4 and TTN) were silenced by RNA interference, transcriptional levels of HBV s and x genes significantly decreased (or increased) (P < 0.05). Silencing of a control gene in sperm did not significantly change transcription of HBV s and x genes (P > 0.05). This study provides the first experimental evidence that transcription of HBV genes occurs in human sperm and is regulated by host genes.

Transcription and regulation of hepatitis B virus genes in host sperm cells / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

To investigate whether transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene occurs in human sperm, total RNA was extracted from sperm of patients with chronic HBV infection (test-1), from donor sperm transfected with a plasmid containing the full-length HBV genome (test-2), and from nontransfected donor sperm (control), used as the template for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Positive bands for HBV DNA were observed in the test groups but not in the control. Next, to identify the role of host genes in regulating viral gene transcription in sperm, total RNA was extracted from 2-cell embryos derived from hamster oocytes fertilized in vitro by HBV-transfected (test) or nontransfected (control) human sperm and successively subjected to SMART-PCR, suppression subtractive hybridization, T/A cloning, bacterial amplification, microarray hybridization, sequencing and the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search to isolate differentially expressed genes. Twenty-nine sequences showing significant identity to five human gene families were identified, with chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 2 (CSH2), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2), pterin-4 alpha-carbinolamine dehydratase 2 (PCBD2), pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 4 (PSG4) and titin (TTN) selected to represent target genes. Using real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), when CSH2 and PCBD2 (or EIF4G2, PSG4 and TTN) were silenced by RNA interference, transcriptional levels of HBV s and x genes significantly decreased (or increased) (P < 0.05). Silencing of a control gene in sperm did not significantly change transcription of HBV s and x genes (P > 0.05). This study provides the first experimental evidence that transcription of HBV genes occurs in human sperm and is regulated by host genes.

Host genes regulate transcription of sperm-introduced hepatitis B virus genes in embryo.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can invade the male germline, and sperm-introduced HBV genes could be transcribed in embryo. This study was to explore whether viral gene transcription is regulated by host genes. Embryos were produced by in vitro fertilization of hamster oocytes with human sperm containing the HBV genome. Total RNA extracted from test and control embryos were subjected to SMART-PCR, SSH, microarray hybridization, sequencing and BLAST analysis. Twenty-nine sequences showing significant identity to five human gene families were identified, with CSH2, EIF4G2, PCBD2, PSG4 and TTN selected to represent target genes. Using qRT-PCR, when CSH2 and PCBD2 (or EIF4G2, PSG4 and TTN) were silenced by RNAi, transcriptional levels of HBV s and x genes decreased (or increased). This is the first report that host genes participate in regulation of sperm-introduced HBV gene transcription in embryo, which is critical to prevent negative impact of HBV infection on early embryonic development.

Heteroannelation of Cyclic Ketones: Synthesis, Characterization and Antitumor Evaluation of Some Condensed Azine Derivatives.

A series of pyrimidine and thiazine derivatives was synthesized by one-pot reaction of cyclopentanone with a mixture of an aromatic aldehyde, namely o-anisaldehyde, and different ureas, namely urea, guanidine and thiourea, respectively. Furthermore, cycloaddition reaction of active methylene reagents, namely acetyl acetone, malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate, cyanoacetamide and N-phenyl cyanoacetamide with 2,6-bis(2-methoxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone afforded chromene and quinoline derivatives in basic medium. The antitumor evaluation of some new compounds against three human cell lines, namely MCF-7, NCI-H460 and SF-268 showed significant and moderate activity compared with the positive control doxorubicin.

Descriptive epidemiology of physical activity among Omani adults: the Oman World Health Survey, 2008.

There is an increasing burden of obesity and obesity-related noncommunicable diseases in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Oman. This descriptive, epidemiological study assessed physical activity among 2977 Omani adults using a population-based household survey in 2008. Overall, 54.2% of men and 41.6% of women were physically active; the rate was higher in younger cohorts and varied significantly by region of residence. Physical activity related to the transportation (walking and cycling) domain was higher than in the leisure or work domains. Unmarried men aged 30-39 years were twice as likely to be physically active (OR 2.25) and unmarried women aged 40+ years were half as likely to be active (OR 0.58) than their married counterparts. Young women not working were less active (OR 0.18) than working women. Higher education was significantly associated with leisure activity for men aged 30+ years and women aged 40+ years. Further research to understand regional variations and to identify culturally appropriate strategies to promote physical activity is required.

Microwave Crystallization of Lithium Aluminum Germanium Phosphate Solid-State Electrolyte.

Lithium aluminum germanium phosphate (LAGP) glass-ceramics are considered as promising solid-state electrolytes for Li-ion batteries. LAGP glass was prepared via the regular conventional melt-quenching method. Thermal, chemical analyses and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to characterize the prepared glass. The crystallization of the prepared LAGP glass was done using conventional heating and high frequency microwave (MW) processing. Thirty GHz microwave (MW) processing setup were used to convert the prepared LAGP glass into glass-ceramics and compared with the conventionally crystallized LAGP glass-ceramics that were heat-treated in an electric conventional furnace. The ionic conductivities of the LAGP samples obtained from the two different routes were measured using impedance spectroscopy. These samples were also characterized using XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microwave processing was successfully used to crystallize LAGP glass into glass-ceramic without the aid of susceptors. The MW treated sample showed higher total, grains and grain boundary ionic conductivities values, lower activation energy and relatively larger-grained microstructure with less porosity compared to the corresponding conventionally treated sample at the same optimized heat-treatment conditions. The enhanced total, grains and grain boundary ionic conductivities values along with the reduced activation energy that were observed in the MW treated sample was considered as an experimental evidence for the existence of the microwave effect in LAGP crystallization process. MW processing is a promising candidate technology for the production of solid-state electrolytes for Li-ion battery.

Descriptive epidemiology of physical activity among Omani adults:the Oman World Health Survey, 2008

هناك تزايد في عبء السمنه والامراض غير الساريه المرتبطة بالسمنه في بلدان مجلس التعاون الخليجي بما فيها سلطنه عمان وقد قيمت هذه الدراسة الوبائيه الوصفيه النشاط البدني لدى 2977 بالغا عمانيا باستخدام مسح اسري سكاني في عام 2008 فكان بالاجمال 54.2% من الرجال و 41.6% من النساء نشيطين بدنيا وكان المعدل أعلى لدى الفئات الاصغر سنا وشديد التباين باختلاف منطقة الاقامه وكان النشاط البدني المرتبط بمجال المواصلات ( المشي وركوب الدراجات ) اعلى من النشاط الذي يبذل في مجالات الترفيه او العمل وكان النشاط البدني لدي الرجال غير المتزوجين ممن هم باعمار 39-30 عاما ضعف نشاط نظرائهم المتزوجين OR=2.25 ولدي النساء غير المتزوجات اللواتي تجاوزن الـ 40 سنه نصف نشاط نظيراتهن المتزوجات OR=0.58 وكانت الشابات اللواتي لايعملن اقل نشاطا OR=0.18 من النساء العاملات وكان هناك ارتباط كبير بين التعليم العالي وبين النشاط الترفيهي لدى الرجال الذين تزيد اعمارهم عن 30 سنه والنساء اللواتي تجاوزن الـ 40 سنه هناك حاجة الى مزيد من البحوث لفهم التباينات الاقليميه ولتحديد استراتيجيات ملائمه ثقافيا لتعزيز النشاط البدني

There is an increasing burden of obesity and obesity-related noncommunicable diseases in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Oman. This descriptive, epidemiological study assessed physical activity among 2977 Omani adults using a population-based household survey in 2008. Overall, 54.2% of men and41.6% of women were physically active; the rate was higher in younger cohorts and varied significantly by region of residence. Physical activity related to the transportation (walking and cycling) domain was higher than in the leisure or work domains. Unmarried men aged 30–39 years were twice as likely to be physically active (OR 2.25) and unmarried women aged 40+ years were half as likely to be active (OR 0.58) than their married counterparts. Young women not working were less active (OR 0.18) than working women. Higher education was significantlyassociated with leisure activity for men aged 30+ years and women aged 40+ years. Further research to understand regional variations and to identify culturally appropriate strategies to promote physical activity is required.

Le fardeau de l’obésité et des maladies non transmissibles liées à l’obésité est en augmentation dans les pays du Conseil de Coopération du Golfe, notamment à Oman. La présente étude épidémiologique descriptive a évalué l’activité physique de 2977 adultes omanais à l’aide d’une enquête de population auprès des ménagesen 2008. Globalement, 54,2 % des hommes et 41,6 % des femmes avaient une activité physique ; le taux était supérieur dans les cohortes plus jeunes et variait significativement en fonction de la région de résidence. L’activité physique liée aux déplacements (marche et vélo) était plus fréquente que l’activité physique professionnelle ou de loisir. Les hommes célibataires entre 30 et 39 ans étaient deux fois plus susceptibles d’être physiquement actifs (OR 2,25) alors que les femmes célibataires âgées de plus de 40 ans étaient deux fois moins actives (OR0,58) que les femmes mariées. Les femmes jeunes sans emploi étaient moins actives physiquement (OR 0,18) que les femmes occupant un emploi. Un niveau d’études supérieur était nettement associé à une activité physique de loisir chez les hommes de plus de 30 ans et les femmes de plus de 40 ans. Des recherches plus approfondies pour comprendre les variations régionales et identifier des stratégies culturellement appropriées visant à promouvoir l’activité physique sont nécessaires.

Spectroscopic investigation of amber color silicate glasses and factors affecting the amber related absorption bands.

The effects of carbon, Fe2O3 and Na2SO4 contents on the amber color of glass with composition (wt%) 64.3 SiO2, 25.7 CaO, 10 Na2O were studied. The effect of some additives that could be found in glass batch or cullets on the amber related absorption band(s) was also studied. An amber related absorption band due to the chromophore Fe(3+)O3S(2-) was recorded at 420 nm with shoulder at 440 nm. A second amber related band recorded at 474 nm with shoulder at 483 nm was assigned to FeS. Increasing melting time at 1400°C up to 6h caused fainting of the amber color, decreases the intensities of the amber related bands and shifted the first band to 406 nm. Addition of ZnO, Cu2O and NaNO3 to the glass produced decolorizing effect and vanishing of the amber related bands. The effects of melting time and these additives were explained on the bases of destruction the amber chromophore and its conversion into Fe(3+) in tetrahedral sites or ZnS. Addition of Se intensifies the amber related bands and may cause dark coloration due to the formation of Se° and polyselenide. Amber color can be monitored through measuring the absorption in the range 406-420 nm.

Cell factories for insulin production.

The rapid increase in the number of diabetic patients globally and exploration of alternate insulin delivery methods such as inhalation or oral route that rely on higher doses, is bound to escalate the demand for recombinant insulin in near future. Current manufacturing technologies would be unable to meet the growing demand of affordable insulin due to limitation in production capacity and high production cost. Manufacturing of therapeutic recombinant proteins require an appropriate host organism with efficient machinery for posttranslational modifications and protein refolding. Recombinant human insulin has been produced predominantly using E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for therapeutic use in human. We would focus in this review, on various approaches that can be exploited to increase the production of a biologically active insulin and its analogues in E. coli and yeast. Transgenic plants are also very attractive expression system, which can be exploited to produce insulin in large quantities for therapeutic use in human. Plant-based expression system hold tremendous potential for high-capacity production of insulin in very cost-effective manner. Very high level of expression of biologically active proinsulin in seeds or leaves with long-term stability, offers a low-cost technology for both injectable as well as oral delivery of proinsulin.