Development and characterization of camel gelatin films: Influence of camel bone age and glycerol or sorbitol on film properties.

This study developed and evaluated camel bone gelatin films (CBGFs) with glycerol or sorbitol as plasticizers. Gelatin extracted from the bones of camels (Camelus dromedarius) at ages ranging from 2.5 to 7 years was used. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, evaluating a range of properties including thickness, moisture sorption capacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), infrared spectral characteristics, light absorption behavior, solubility, as well as mechanical and thermal attributes. This thorough examination allowed for a nuanced understanding of the diverse characteristics exhibited by the camel gelatin samples across different age groups. The results indicated that camel age, glycerol, and sorbitol had a significant impact on the properties of the film (P < 0.05). Tensile strength ranged from 0.32 MPa to 3.99 MPa, while the percentage of elongation at break varied from 89.42 % to 2.68 %. Film color (lightness, L) ranged from 21.39 to 41.33. Glycerol and sorbitol plasticized films were 100 % water soluble. Moisture sorption increased with temperature (25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C), with sorbitol films retaining less water. WVP was low in films from old camel bones and high in glycerol-plasticized CBGF-2.5Y and CBGF-4.5Y. Thermal analysis showed a melting temperature between 158.60 °C and 174.10 °C, depending on bone age and plasticizer. These films demonstrate promise for use in food packaging, coatings, and pharmaceutical applications.

Hole interactions of aerogen oxides with Lewis bases: an insight into σ-hole and lone-pair-hole interactions.

σ-Hole and lone-pair (lp)-hole interactions of aerogen oxides with Lewis bases (LB) were comparatively inspected in terms of quantum mechanics calculations. The ZOn ⋯ LB complexes (where Z = Kr and Xe, n = 1, 2, 3 and 4, and LB = NH3 and NCH) showed favourable negative interaction energies. The complexation features were explained in light of σ-hole and lp-hole interactions within optimum distances lower than the sum of the respective van der Waals radii. The emerging findings outlined that σ-hole interaction energies generally enhanced according to the following order: KrO4 ⋯ < KrO⋯ < KrO3⋯ < KrO2⋯LB and XeO4⋯ < XeO⋯ < XeO2⋯ < XeO3⋯LB complexes with values ranging from -2.23 to -12.84 kcal mol-1. Lp-hole interactions with values up to -5.91 kcal mol-1 were shown. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory findings revealed the significant contributions of electrostatic forces accounting for 50-65% of the total attractive forces within most of the ZOn⋯LB complexes. The obtained observations would be useful for the understanding of hole interactions, particularly for the aerogen oxides, with application in supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering.

Delving into the death signaling pathway of hemp oil and gamma radiation in solid tumor bearing mice.

Many studies reported the diverse therapeutic potential of essential oils. They have a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. Antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative are mechanisms involved. Also, essential oils may enhance immune function and surveillance, induce enzymes, enhance detoxification, and modulate multidrug resistance. Hemp oil, obtained from Cannabis sativaL. seeds, is known for its health-enhancing properties and bioactivity. Adult female Swiss albino mice were injected with viable Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (2.5 × 106 cells/mouse), and then administered with hemp oil (20 mg/kg) daily for 10 consecutive days pre-, and then 10 days post-exposure to 6 Gy whole-body gamma irradiation. Hemp oil significantly increased Beclin1, VMP1, LC3, cytochrome c, and Bax. More interestingly, Hemp oil showed a significant decrease in Bcl2 and P13k either alone or in combination with γ radiation. Finally, this study documented the possible role of hemp oil in inducing two cell death types, autophagy and apoptosis, as it may be applied as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.

Effects of Lewis Basicity and Acidity on σ-Hole Interactions in Carbon-Bearing Complexes: A Comparative Ab Initio Study.

The effects of Lewis basicity and acidity on σ-hole interactions were investigated using two sets of carbon-containing complexes. In Set I, the effect of Lewis basicity was studied by substituting the X3/X atom(s) of the NC-C6H2-X3 and NCX Lewis bases (LB) with F, Cl, Br, or I. In Set II, the W-C-F3 and F-C-X3 (where X and W = F, Cl, Br, and I) molecules were utilized as Lewis acid (LA) centers. Concerning the Lewis basicity effect, higher negative interaction energies (Eint) were observed for the F-C-F3∙∙∙NC-C6H2-X3 complexes compared with the F-C-F3∙∙∙NCX analogs. Moreover, significant Eint was recorded for Set I complexes, along with decreasing the electron-withdrawing power of the X3/X atom(s). Among Set I complexes, the highest negative Eint was ascribed to the F-C-F3∙∙∙NC-C6H2-I3 complex with a value of -1.23 kcal/mol. For Set II complexes, Eint values of F-C-X3 bearing complexes were noted within the -1.05 to -2.08 kcal/mol scope, while they ranged from -0.82 to -1.20 kcal/mol for the W-C-F3 analogs. However, Vs,max quantities exhibited higher values in the case of W-C-F3 molecules compared with F-C-X3; preferable negative Eint were ascribed to the F-C-X3 bearing complexes. These findings were delineated as a consequence of the promoted contributions of the X3 substituents. Dispersion forces (Edisp) were identified as the dominant forces for these interactions. The obtained results provide a foundation for fields such as crystal engineering and supramolecular chemistry studies that focus on understanding the characteristics of carbon-bearing complexes.

Fabrication and characterization of a pH-sensitive intelligent film incorporating dragon fruit skin extract.

A novel intelligent pH-sensing indicator based on gelatin film and anthocyanin extracted from dragon fruit skin (Hylocereus polyrhizus) (DFSE) as a natural dye was developed to monitor food freshness by the casting method. Anthocyanin content of DFSE was 15.66 ± 1.59 mg/L. Dragon fruit bovine gelatin films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moisture content, mechanical properties, water solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), light transmittance, color, and pH-sensing evaluations were evaluated for potential application. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the extracted anthocyanin could interact with the other film components through hydrogen bonds. When the extract was added, films showed a smooth and clear surface as observed by SEM. The addition of anthocyanin increased the moisture content, thickness, and water solubility of the films, but decreased the WVP and light transmittance of films. Also, the incorporation of 15% v/v DFSE decreased the tensile strength from 17.04 to 12.91 MPa, increasing the elongation at break from 91.19% to 107.86%. The films showed higher ΔE with increasing DFSE content, which indicated that the film had good color variability. A significant difference in the color of the films was observed with exposure to different pH buffer solutions. The findings demonstrated that gelatin film incorporated with DFSE could be used as a visual indicator of pH variations to monitor the freshness of foods during storage time.

Recent advances in extraction, modification, and application of chitosan in packaging industry.

Current environmental concerns fostered a strong interest in extracting polymers from renewable feedstocks. Chitosan, a second most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose, may prove to be a promising green material owing to its renewability, inherent biodegradablity, natural availability, non-toxicity, and ease of modification. This review is intended to comprehensively overview the recent developments on the isolation of chitosan from chitin, its modification and applications as a reinforcing candidate for food packaging materials, emphasizing the scientific underpinnings arising from its physicochemical properties, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. We review various chitosan-reinforced composites reported in the literature and comprehensively present intriguing mechanical and other functional properties. We highlight the contribution of these mechanically robust and responsive materials to extend the shelf-life and maintain the qualities of a wide range of food commodities. Finally, we assess critical challenges and highlight future opportunities towards understanding the versatile applications of chitosan nanocomposites.

Water quality modeling and management for Rosetta Branch, the Nile River, Egypt.

Rosetta Branch (RB) is the Nile western branch, which is considered the main freshwater resource for the western governorates of the Nile Delta, in addition to El-Beheira governorate, Egypt. This work aims to investigate the effectiveness of applying six feasible water quality management scenarios for the RB at Kafr Elzayat (KZ) City, where two major pollution sources (industrial companies and the Tala Drain) are discharging their effluents to the branch. A hydro-ecological model for the branch was developed based on MIKE 11 modeling system (3 modules). The developed model was calibrated using field hydrodynamic and water quality records for the branch during the period from November 2014 to August 2015. The calibrated model results were considered a base case for the simulated management scenarios. According to the study results, diverting the Tala Drain effluents to the nearest main drain will significantly enhance the branch water quality, while diverting of the industrial companies' effluents to the city sewer system will significantly enhance the water quality conditions downstream of the study. The expected scenario of decreasing the RB discharge, due to future climatic changes and/or construction of the new Ethiopian dams, will significantly affect the RB water quality status in a negative way. Urgent management plans, based on the presented scenarios results (or a combination of them), should be applied to enhance the branch water quality. The Tala Drain should be, at least, provided by a water quality treatment plant, and the branch freshwater discharge should be increased.

The forgotten oral microbial transplantation for improving the outcomes of COVID-19.

Ever since the uncovering of the severe discrepancy of COVID-19 manifestations, irrespective of viral load, scientists have raced to locate and manage factors contributing to the genesis of a critical state. Recent evidence delineates the role of oral dysbiosis in the development of low-grade inflammation, characterized by the increase of inflammatory cytokines common to those fundamental to the development of severe COVID. Furthermore, high periodontopathic bacteria were recorded in severe acute respiratory syndrome in COVID patients, as well as its common provoking comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. This can be explained by the immigration and elimination of oral bacteria into the airways, which, in the context of an injured lung, allows for their preferential overgrowth familiar to that, causing the progression to advanced lung diseases. This is why we indicate the promising usage of oral microbiome transplantation as a treatment of oral microbial dysbiosis, not only associated with the worst outcomes of COVID-19 but also in other disorders of low-grade inflammation.

Status of insecticide susceptibility in Anopheles arabiensis and detection of the knockdown resistance mutation (kdr) concerning agricultural practices from Northern Sudan state, Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Chemical control has been the most efficient method in mosquito control, the development of insecticide resistance in target populations has a significant impact on vector control. The use of agricultural pesticides may have a profound impact on the development of resistance in the field populations of malaria vectors. Our study focused on insecticide resistance and knockdown resistance (kdr) of Anopheles arabiensis populations from Northern Sudan, related to agricultural pesticide usage. RESULTS: Anopheles arabiensis from urban and rural localities (Merowe and Al-hamadab) were fully susceptible to bendiocarb 0.1% and permethrin 0.75% insecticides while resistant to DDT 4% and malathion 5%. The population of laboratory reference colony F189 from Dongola showed a mortality of 91% to DDT (4%) and fully susceptible to others. GLM analysis indicated that insecticides, sites, site type, and their interaction were determinant factors on mortality rates (P < 0.01). Except for malathion, mortality rates of all insecticides were not significant (P > 0.05) according to sites. Mortality rates of malathion and DDT were varied significantly (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05 respectively) by site types, while mortality rates of bendiocarb and permethrin were not significant (P >0.05). The West African kdr mutation (L1014F) was found in urban and rural sites. Even though, the low-moderate frequency of kdr (L1014F) mutation was observed. The findings presented here for An. arabiensis showed no correlation between the resistant phenotype as ascertained by bioassay and the presence of the kdr mutation, with all individuals tested except the Merowe site which showed a moderate association with DDT (OR= 6 in allelic test), suggesting that kdr genotype would be a poor indicator of phenotypic resistance. CONCLUSION: The results provide critical pieces of information regarding the insecticide susceptibility status of An. arabiensis in northern Sudan. The usage of the same pesticides in agricultural areas seemed to affect the Anopheles susceptibility when they are exposed to those insecticides in the field. The kdr mutation might have a less role than normally expected in pyrethroids resistance; however, other resistance genes should be in focus. These pieces of information will help to improve the surveillance system and The implication of different vector control programs employing any of these insecticides either in the treatment of bed nets or for indoor residual spraying would achieve satisfactory success rates.

Phytogenic feed additives mixture enhances the lactational performance, feed utilization and ruminal fermentation of Friesian cows.

The assay aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding a recently developed phytogenic feed additives mixture in diets of lactating Friesian cows (n = 30; 514 ± 10.1 kg body weight) for 3 months. Cows were stratified into three groups of 10 cows each and fed a control diet alone or the control diet supplemented with the additives mixture at 3 g (PHY3) or 6 g (PHY6)/cow daily. Menthol, levomenthol, ß-linaloolm, anethole, hexadecanoic acid and p-menthane were the principle compounds identified in the additives mixture. The PHY3 increased (p < 0.01) intake and nutrient digestibility. PHY3 and PHY6 increased (p < 0.01) ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids, propionate and acetate. PHY3 and PHY6 improved serum total protein and antioxidant capacity and decreased the concentrations of serum urea-N, triglycerides, total lipids, cholesterol and malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). PHY3 increased milk production and milk content of total solids, protein, lactose and fat. Both PHY3 and PHY6 did not affect mineral concentrations in blood or milk. It is concluded that the inclusion of 3 g/cow/d of feed additives mixture in the lactating Friesian cows diet enhanced milk production and feed utilization, with negative effects observed with increasing the dose of additives mixture to 6 g/cow daily.

Characterization of pH sensitive sago starch films enriched with anthocyanin-rich torch ginger extract.

The development of intelligent packaging based on natural and biodegradable resources is getting more attention by researchers in recent years. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a pH-sensitive films based on sago starch and incorporated with anthocyanin from torch ginger. The pH-sensitive films were fabricated by casting method with incorporation of different torch ginger extract (TGE) concentration. The surface morphology, physicochemical, barrier, and mechanical properties as well as the pH-sensitivity of films were investigated. The film with the highest concentration of TGE showed the lowest tensile strength (4.26 N/m2), toughness (2.54 MJ/m3), Young's modulus (73.96 MPa) and water vapour permeability (2.6 × 10-4 g·m/day·kPa·m2). However, its elongation at break (85.14%), moisture content (0.27%) and water solubility (37.92%) were the highest compared to other films. pH sensitivity analysis showed that the films containing TGE extract, changes in colour by changing the pH. The colour of films changed from pink to slightly green as the pH increased from pH 4 to 9. Thus, the developed pH-sensitive film with torch ginger extract has potential as intelligent packaging for detection of food freshness or spoilage to ensure their quality and safe consumption.

Template-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of manganese zinc ferrite as a nanofertilizer for squash plant (Cucurbita pepo L).

Manganese, zinc, and iron are the most essential micronutrients required for plant growth and applied as foliar fertilizers. Herein, a simple template-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal green synthesis technique was adapted to produce manganese zinc ferrite nanoparticles (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 NPs) at different temperatures (100, 120, 140, 160 and 180 °C). The prepared nanomaterials were employed at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 30 ppm) as foliar nanofertilizers during the squash (Cucurbita pepo L) planting process. X-ray diffraction patterns of the prepared nanomaterials confirmed successful production of the nanoferrite material. The prepared nanofertilizers showed type IV adsorption isotherm characteristic for mesoporous materials. FE-SEM and HR-TEM imaging showed that the nanoparticles were cubic shaped and increased in particle size with the increase in microwave temperature during production. The impact of application of the synthesized ferrite nanoparticles on vegetative growth, proximate analysis, minerals content and the yield of squash plant was investigated for two consecutive successful planting seasons. The nanoferrite synthesized at 160 °C and applied to the growing plants at a concentration of 10 ppm gave the highest increase in % yield (49.3 and 52.9%) compared to the untreated squash for the two consecutive seasons, whereas the maximum organic matter content (73.0 and 72.5%) and total energy (260 and 258.3 kcal/g) in squash leaves were obtained in plants treated with 30 ppm ferrite nanoparticles synthesized at 180 °C. On the other hand, the maximum organic matter content (76.6 and 76.3%) and total energy (253.6 and 250.3 kcal/g) in squash fruits were attained with plants supplied by 20 ppm ferrite nanoparticles synthesized at 160 °C. These results indicate that the simple template-free microwave-assisted hydrothermal green synthesis technique for the production of manganese zinc ferrite nanoparticles yields nanoparticles appropriate for use as fertilizer for Cucurbita pepo L.

Riboflavin Supplementation in Patients with Crohn's Disease [the RISE-UP study].

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crohn's disease [CD] is characterised by chronic intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis in the gut. Riboflavin [vitamin B2] has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and microbiome-modulatory properties. Here, we analysed the effect of riboflavin on oxidative stress, markers of inflammation, clinical symptoms, and faecal microbiome in patients with CD. METHODS: In this prospective clinical intervention study, patients received 100 mg riboflavin [DSM, Nutritional Products Ltd] daily for 3 weeks. Clinical disease activity [Harvey-Bradshaw Index: HBI], serum biomarkers of inflammation and redox status [plasma free thiols], and faecal microbiome taxonomical composition and functionality [fluorescent in situ hybridisation: FISH; and metagenomic shotgun sequencing: MGS], were analysed before and after riboflavin intervention. RESULTS: In total, 70 patients with CD with varying disease activity were included. Riboflavin supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of inflammatory markers. In patients with low faecal calprotectin [FC] levels, IL-2 decreased, and in patients with high FC levels, C-reactive protein [CRP] was reduced and free thiols significantly increased after supplementation. Moreover, HBI was significantly decreased by riboflavin supplementation. Riboflavin supplementation led to decreased Enterobacteriaceae in patients with low FC levels as determined by FISH; however, MGS analysis showed no effects on diversity, taxonomy, or metabolic pathways of the faecal microbiome. CONCLUSIONS: Three weeks of riboflavin supplementation resulted in a reduction in systemic oxidative stress, mixed anti-inflammatory effects, and a reduction in clinical symptoms [HBI]. FISH analysis showed decreased Enterobacteriaceae in patients with CD with low FC levels, though this was not observed in MGS analysis. Our data demonstrate that riboflavin supplementation has a number of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in CD.

Development and validation of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay-a rapid and sensitive detection tool for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in small ruminants.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to design an assay for the identification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) to be used in faeces and milk samples of small ruminants with a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system, as a time-saving and user-friendly method in contrast to real-time PCR. METHODS AND RESULTS: For the detection of MAP in milk and faeces of small ruminants, we developed a set of primers, specific for the target gene ISMap02. The analytical sensitivity of LAMP, when targeting ISMap02, showed a DNA detection limit of 10 fg µl-1 . After performing spiking experiments with two MAP reference strains, DSM 44133 and ATCC 19698T , the limit of detection, using the LAMP protocol described herein were 3·8 MAP CFU per ml milk and 12·5 MAP CFU per gram faeces. All LAMP results during the establishment of the assay were compared to those of the real-time PCR results. An internal amplification control was incorporated into the assay to exclude false-negative results produced and had no significant negative impact on the analytical sensitivity. Validation of the assay was confirmed by testing field samples of faeces and revising the results with real-time PCR. CONCLUSION: Our study conducted the first MAP detection system with a LAMP targeting ISMap02. Due to the positive results we encourage the use of LAMP in combination with ISMap02, when detecting MAP in faeces samples, as an alternative to targeting other genes as f57 or IS900. Further research on MAP detection in different matrices like raw milk, tissue or sperm with this system is recommended. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides new achievements in MAP diagnostic. Especially small ruminants do not show signs of diarrhoea until the terminal stage of the illness. The greatest task in fighting MAP is to rule out animals, which shed MAP with faeces and milk before showing symptoms of Johne's disease. Worldwide there is a need to eradicate animals, which are low MAP shedders to stop the illness spreading in animal holdings. MAP detection with LAMP is time saving, easy to use, does not need expensive equipment, as, for example, PCR kits and can be used without access to laboratories. The target gene ISMap02 was shown to be a specific insertion element for MAP and is a reliable aim in future MAP detection studies.

Emergence of Multidrug- and Pandrug- Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Five Hospitals in Qatar.

BACKGROUND: A global rise in multidrug-resistant (MDR) nosocomial infections has led to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. MDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are recognised for rapidly developing drug resistance. Despite Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the second most common GNB isolated from healthcare associated infections, the magnitude of MDR P. aeruginosa (MDR-PA) has not been evaluated in Qatar. AIM: To assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of MDR-PA from 5 major hospitals in Qatar. METHODS: A total of 2533 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates were collected over a one-year period. MDR-PA was defined as resistance to at least one agent of ≥ 3 antibiotic classes. Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively. FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of MDR-PA isolates was 8.1% (205/2533); the majority of isolates were from patients exposed to antibiotics during 90 days prior to isolation (85.4 %, 177/205), and the infections were mainly hospital-acquired (95.1%, 195/205) with only 4.9% from the community. The majority of MDR-PA isolates were resistant to cefepime (96.6%, 198/205), ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam (91%, 186/205), and meropenem (90%, 184/205). Patient comorbidities with MDR-PA were diabetes mellitus (47.3%, n=97), malignancy (17.1%, n=35), end-stage renal disease (13.7%, n=28) and heart failure (10.7%, n=22). CONCLUSION: There was a significant prevalence of MDR-PA in Qatar, primarily from healthcare facilities and associated with prior antibiotic treatment. There was an alarming level of antimicrobial resistance to carbapenems. Our results are part of a national surveillance of MDR to establish effective containment plans.

First report on the isolation of Trueperella abortisuis from companion animals.

The present study gives a detailed phenotypic and genotypic characterization of three Trueperella abortisuis strains isolated from a ten year old male Hovawart dog with an abscess of anal sac, from urine of an eight year old European shorthair cat with urolithiasis and nephrolithiasis and from a 14year old Maine Coon cat with a perianal abscess, respectively. All three strains could be identified phenotypically, by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and genotypically by sequencing the 16S rDNA and the molecular target genes gap and tuf. The present study gives a first description of T. abortisuis of this origin.

Knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to soil contamination by Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.

Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, the four major Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and also Strongyloides stercoralis infect humans worldwide. Most studies on Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) carried out in Ibadan were faecal examination based while relatively few soil examination based studies were carried out mostly around school premises using limited number of sampling locations. This study was therefore designed to assess the level of soil contamination with STH and associated risk factors in the eleven local government areas of Ibadan. A total of 1980 soil samples were purposively collected monthly, between January and December 2017, from toilet areas, refuse dump sites, house vicinities, playgrounds, roadsides/walk ways, and examined for the presence of parasite eggs or larvae using automated analysis of light microscopy images by computer. Well-structured questionnaires were administered to 620 consenting participants to obtain information on the Knowledge of STH infections, Attitudes and Practices towards the infections. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, Chi-square and ANOVA were used in the analysis at p < 0.05. Out of soil samples examined, 1087 (54.9%) had at least one species of parasite. The prevalence of hookworm was 74.5% followed by 50.2% and 37.2% for Strongyloides species larvae and adult respectively, and 25.1% for Ascaris species. The highest prevalence was observed in the refuse dump (74.2%) followed by toilet area (36.5%) while the lowest was at house vicinities (1.6%). Fifty-seven percent of the respondents use pit latrine while 20.6% still practice open defecation. A high transmission risk was observed as large percentage (66.8%) of the respondents showed inadequate knowledge of how to avoid STH infections. Moreover, 64.0% and 25.2% reported that they often walk barefooted and suck fingers respectively. The high prevalence of parasitic contamination of soil observed in the present study and the high proportion of respondent with inadequate knowledge of how to prevent transmission of STH pose a high risk of re-infections in the study area even after treatment. Therefore there is a need for proper education on parasite transmission in the area.

Sofosbuvir plus Daclatasvir with or without ribavirin for treatment of chronic HCV genotype 4 patients: real-life experience.

INTRODUCTION: New regimens involving direct-acting antiviral agents have recently been approved for the treatment of HCV. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of 12 or 24 weeks of Sofosbuvir 400 mg plus Daclatasvir 60 mg, with or without ribavirin (800-1000 mg) in treating chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 patients. METHODS: This is an open-label observational study that describes the effect of 12 week or 24 weeks of daily oral Sofosbuvir (SOF) 400 mg plus Daclatasvir (DCV) 60 mg with or without ribavirin (RBV) with dose adjustment if indicated. It included the first 1168 patients that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and treated in the Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt. RESULTS: Sustained viral response after 12 weeks of end of treatment (SVR12) was achieved in 96.6% (95% CI 95.1-98.2%) of the patients receiving 12 weeks of DCV + SOF treatment, in 95.7% (95% CI 93.6-97.8%) of the patients receiving 12 weeks of DCV + SOF + RBV, in 93.3% (95% CI 90.0-96.6%) of those receiving 24 weeks of DCV + SOF, and in 92.2% (95% CI 85.4-98.9%) of patients receiving 24 weeks of DCV + SOF + RBV treatment. SVR12 rate was significantly higher in patients with no cirrhosis receiving DCV + SOF only for 12 weeks or 24 weeks (97.4 and 97.4%, respectively) than in patients with cirrhosis (91.7 and 88.9%, respectively). The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, insomnia, and anemia. No treatment-related serious adverse events or death were reported in the studied groups. CONCLUSION: Treatment with SOF (400 mg) plus DCV (60 mg), with or without RBV (800-1000 mg) for 12 or 24 weeks, was effective and well tolerated in chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 patients. SVR rates were higher for patients with no cirrhosis. Addition of RBV has benefit only in treatment-experienced group receiving 24 weeks.

Structure of O-Antigen and Hybrid Biosynthetic Locus in Burkholderia cenocepacia Clonal Variants Recovered from a Cystic Fibrosis Patient.

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen associated with chronic lung infections and increased risk of death in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In this work, we investigated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of clinical variants of B. cenocepacia that were collected from a CF patient over a period of 3.5 years, from the onset of infection until death by necrotizing pneumonia (cepacia syndrome). We report the chemical structure of the LPS molecule of various sequential isolates and the identification of a novel hybrid O-antigen (OAg) biosynthetic cluster. The OAg repeating unit of the LPS from IST439, the initial isolate, is a [→2)-ß-D-Ribf-(1→4)-α-D-GalpNAc-(1→] disaccharide, which was not previously described in B. cenocepacia. The IST439 OAg biosynthetic gene cluster contains 7 of 23 genes that are closely homologous to genes found in B. multivorans, another member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex. None of the subsequent isolates expressed OAg. Genomic sequencing of these isolates enabled the identification of mutations within the OAg cluster, but none of these mutations could be associated with the loss of OAg. This study provides support to the notion that OAg LPS modifications are an important factor in the adaptation of B. cenocepacia to chronic infection and that the heterogeneity of OAgs relates to variation within the OAg gene cluster, indicating that the gene cluster might have been assembled through multiple horizontal transmission events.

In vitro evaluation of the human gingival fibroblast/gingival mesenchymal stem cell dynamics through perforated guided tissue membranes: cell migration, proliferation and membrane stiffness assay.

BACKGROUND: Migration of gingival fibroblasts/gingival mesenchymal stem cells through macro-perforated barrier membranes may allow them to participate positively in periodontal regeneration. The optimal guided tissue membrane perforation diameter that could favor maximum cell migration into the defect area and at the same time act as an occlusive barrier for gingival epithelium and its associated gingival extracellular matrix component is not yet identified. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cultured human gingival fibroblasts/gingival mesenchymal stem cells were placed in the upper chambers of 12-well collagen-coated polytetrafluoroethylene transwells, which were manually perforated with 0.2, 0.4 and 0.7 mm sized pores. The lower chambers of the transwells received blood clot as an attraction medium. The number of cells that have migrated to the lower chambers was calculated. Proliferation of these cells was evaluated using MTT assay. Scanning electron microscopy images were obtained for the lower surfaces of the transwell membranes. Perforated bovine collagen membranes (Tutopatch® ) were subjected to mechanical testing to determine the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. RESULTS: Group 3 (0.7 mm) showed significantly higher values for cell migration and proliferation. All groups showed a small degree of extracellular matrix migration through membrane perforations. Scanning electron microscopy evaluation revealed variable numbers of cells in fibrin matrices located mainly around the pore edges. There were non-significant differences between groups regarding mechanical properties. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that macro-membrane perforations of 0.2, 0.4 and 0.7 mm are suitable pore diameters that could maintain membrane stiffness and allow for cellular migration. However, these membrane perforation diameters did not allow for total gingival connective tissue isolation.