Rassam Noura, El Alami Younes, Houari Abdelghani
et al.
You should leave 8 mm of space above the abstract and 10 mm after the abstract. The heading Abstract should be typed in bold 9-point Arial. The body of the Faced with the growing frequency and intensity of urban flooding, particularly in Moroccan cities undergoing rapid and poorly planned urbanization, valley management is a strategic issue that is both environmental and territorial in nature. As a territory exposed to complex dynamics, the Fez metropolitan area provides an ideal case study for developing an integrated model for urban valley management, aimed at reducing flood risk and enhancing the ecological value of river environments. The approach adopted is based on an integrated analysis of hydrogeomorphological dynamics, land use patterns, and socio-environmental vulnerability indicators.
Modeling hydraulic hazards, analyzing hydrogeomorphological features, and assessing the ecological functions of valleys have helped identify sustainable development solutions such as riverbed restoration, the creation of buffer zones, and the integration of green infrastructure. The results highlight the need for collaborative territorial governance and prior environmental assessment to guide development proposals. The objective is to contribute to international debates on integrated water resource management and urban resilience by proposing operational recommendations for sustainable land-use planning based on the ecological and functional potential of valleys.
Guilherme Alves de Lima Henn, Karene Ferreira Cavalcante, Marina Farrel Côrtes
et al.
Introduction/Objective: Difficulty in etiologic diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis delays appropriate treatment and impairs patient care. The lack of Brazilian studies on syndromic molecular tests limits the use of faster and more accurate diagnostics. In this context, we evaluated the potential clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of the BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal (FAGI) panel compared with standard diagnostic methods (control group) in gastroenteritis cases at an infectious disease’s referral hospital in a capital city in Northeast Brazil, a resource-limited region. Methods: Observational, retrospective study including 327 patients ‒ 161 in the FAGI group and 166 in the control group. Data were collected from medical records and analyzed to compare length of hospital stay, number of antimicrobials used per patient, total treatment days and treatment cost. Results: Patients in the FAGI group had a median of 5 fewer days of antimicrobial treatment (median days: 6 vs. 11, p<0.001), an 83% reduction in total antimicrobial costs (median total cost: BRL 4,697 vs. BRL 27,174, p<0.001) and a 77% increase in pathogen detection (median detections: 103 vs. 24, p<0.001) compared with the control group. No differences were observed in length of hospital stay between groups (median days: 12 vs. 13, p=0.44). Conclusion: The FAGI panel was associated with a significant reduction in the duration of antimicrobial treatment and total treatment costs, as well as increased pathogen detection rates. The results suggest that the BioFire panel can offer substantial benefits in terms of patient care and cost savings, highlighting its potential for broader implementation in clinical practice, especially in resource-limited settings, to improve outcomes in the management of infectious gastroenteritis.
ABSTRACT Serratia marcescens is an established pathogen implicated in hospital-acquired infections and is notorious for its propensity to form biofilms on medical devices, leading to persistent environmental contamination and increased infection risks. Addressing this challenge, our study introduces a novel bacteriophage, Weishan phage (WSPA), isolated from the gut of Periplaneta americana L., exhibiting potent activity against multidrug-resistant strains of S. marcescens. Through comprehensive genomic and proteomic characterization, we classified phage WSPA as a member of the genus Muldoonvirus within the class Caudoviricetes. The WSPA phage has a double-stranded DNA genome of 173,655 base pairs and a GC content of 40.09%. Of the 273 open reading frames identified, 124 encode for proteins with recognized functions in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, while the remaining 149 are of unknown function. Additionally, we identified six tRNA genes and did not identify any virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. However, given the presence of numerous hypothetical genes with unknown functions, this phage may possess certain therapeutic safety potential, though additional research validation is still required. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that WSPA shares 86.92% sequence identity with the known Serratia phage 4S (MW082584.1). We further assessed the phage’s one-step growth characteristics, thermal and pH stability, and determined its host range, which are critical for its application in environmental and clinical settings. Our findings suggest that bacteriophage WSPA could serve as an eco-friendly and effective agent in controlling S. marcescens infections, with promising implications for phage therapy and biocontrol in healthcare environments.IMPORTANCEThis study isolated a novel phage, WSPA, from Periplaneta americana L. gut that specifically targets multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens. Genomic analysis identified WSPA as a new Muldoonvirus member lacking virulence/resistance genes. With excellent stability and lytic activity, WSPA shows potential for hospital infection control. As the first phage isolated from the cockroach gut, this work expands phage resources and supports medicinal insect phage library development, advancing phage therapy and biocontrol applications.
Medically relevant Corynebacterium species include Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and non-diphtherial Corynebacteria. A part of the normal flora of the skin and mucous membranes, non-diphtherial Corynebacteria, which is frequently dismissed as a contaminant, has an important role in clinical disease. In the last decades, the pathogenicity among other Corynebacterium spp. has been increasingly reported.
This case report presents a rare occurrence of faucial diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium striatum in a 13-year-old female patient. Molecular analysis confirmed C. striatum, which was non-toxigenic by Elek’s gel precipitation test.
This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of non-diphtherial Corynebacteria as emerging pathogens, their diagnosis and accurate treatment.
Nafisat Aliyu, Maryam L Faragai, Adamu Ibrahim
et al.
Soil fungi are a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems, playing a vital role as decomposers in nutrient cycles. The diversity of soil fungi serves as an indicator of soil health (favorable/deficient). Understanding soil biodiversity and its biological functioning will help not only in crop yields but also in a healthier society as it directly or indirectly enters the food chain. This study aimed at surveying the distribution and diversity of predominant mycobiota in cultivated and uncultivated soils of Zaria, Northwestern Nigeria, focusing on their morphological and microscopic characteristics, percentage frequency, and relationship with physicochemical properties. After removing the surface soil, soil samples were randomly collected from two locations at 0–15 cm depths. Fungi were isolated via the dilution method on PDA. Previously established criteria were used to identify eight different fungal species: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Trichoderma spp. Aspergillus niger was the most dominant species, with a relative frequency of 26%, followed by Fusarium spp. and Rhizopus spp. with 18% and 17%, respectively. Aspergillus fumigatus was the least abundant (2%). The highest fungal isolation frequency (32%) was observed in L1 cultivated soil, closely followed by L2 uncultivated soil (31%), with the lowest in L2 uncultivated soil (16%). Physicochemical analysis indicated that these soils are rich in mycobiota, attributed to a basic pH range of 7.12–9.15, high organic matter content, and optimal moisture levels. Soils with significant organic matter due to litter accumulation, moist deciduous vegetation, and neutral to alkaline pH levels retain considerable moisture content, fostering a rich qualitative and quantitative mycobiota for recycling dead organic matter, making nutrients available for suitable utilization. Further research is recommended to evaluate the impact of these isolated fungi on soil productivity, to determine whether their presence has a positive or negative effect.
This paper shows path of controlling hybrid system with wind and diesel generators via a programmable logic controller, these systems produce the required electrical power from different sources. This system can be used in different areas that have wind speeds between (10-180) km/h. When the winds are within this range, then the wind turbine generator is starting and suppling the electrical power to the load, if there is any fault is occurred or the wind is not within the working range then the wind turbine generator ceases and the diesel generator will start and supply the electrical power to the load.
گیاه Ammi Visnaga Lam. (تیره جعفری)، از جمله گیاهان دارویی ارزشمند بومی کشور می باشد که حاوی ماده موثرهدارویی γ-Pyrones (عمدتا محتوی خلین و ویسناژین) است. مهمترین اثرات درمانی آن بازکنندگی عروق محیطی و قلبی و مجاری تنفسی بوده و در معالجه آسم و آنژین دوپاترین استفاده می گردد. در این تحقیق جداسازی و خالص سازی خلین و ویسناژین از عصاره حاصل از دانه گیاه با استفاده از ستون کروماتوگرافی و روش تبلور مجدد انجام شده، سپس با استفاده از کروماتوگرافی لایه نازک، نقطه ذوب، طیف سنجی تبدیل فوریه مادون قرمز شناسایی گردیده اند. تعیین مقدار و درجه خلوص آنها نیز با روش کروماتوگرافی مایع با کارایی بالا انجام شده است ترکیبات جدا شده از عصاره دانه گیاه (خلین و ویسناژین) با استفاده از تشابه نقطه ذوب بترتیب Cͦ 153-155 و Cͦ 142-145 و داده های طیف سنجی FTIR آنها با نمونه های استاندارد و نیز تعیین Rf آنها 44/0 و 37/0، شناسایی و تایید گردیدند. کروماتوگرام HPLCعصاره (خلین و ویسناژین) با زمان بازداری 617/8 دقیقه و750/10 دقیقه، مشابه با استاندارد های مربوطه، پیکهایی تیز، متقارن و با وضوح بالا نشان داده است. مقدار خلین و ویسناژین بطور میانگین در عصاره به ترتیب mg/g114/1 و mg/g326/0، و درصد خلوص آنها 16/90% و 62/79% تعیین شده است. لذا با توجه به راندمان خوب و خلوص بالای ماده موثره دارویی γ-Pyrones (خلین و ویسناژین) در عصاره، می تواند مورد استفاده صنعت دارویی کشور قرار گیرد.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CF Transmembrane-conductance Regulator gene (<i>CFTR</i>). Remarkable progress in basic research has led to the discovery of highly effective CFTR modulators. Now ~90% of CF patients are treatable. However, these modulator therapies are not curative and do not cover the full spectrum of <i>CFTR</i> mutations. Thus, there is a continued need to develop a complete and durable therapy that can treat all CF patients once and for all. As CF is a genetic disease, the ultimate therapy would be in-situ repair of the genetic lesions in the genome. Within the past few years, new technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas gene editing, have emerged as an appealing platform to revise the genome, ushering in a new era of genetic therapy. This review provided an update on this rapidly evolving field and the status of adapting the technology for CF therapy.
ObjectivesConsidering the high incidence rates of denture stomatitis, research that providing dental biomaterials with antifungal property are essential for clinical dentistry. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effect of zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) modification on the antifungal and cytotoxic properties, as well as the variance in surface characteristics and other physicochemical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin.MethodsPMMA with various mass fraction of ZDMA (1 wt%, 2.5 wt% and 5 wt%) were prepared for experimental groups, and unmodified PMMA for the control. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was applied for characterization. Thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy and water contact angle were performed to investigate the thermal stability and surface characteristics (n=5). Antifungal capacities and cytocompatibility were evaluated with Candida albicans (C. albicans) and human oral fibroblasts (HGFs), respectively. Colony-forming unit counting, crystal violet assay, live/dead biofilm staining and scanning electron microscopy observation were performed to assess antifungal effects, and the detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species production was applied to explore the possible antimicrobial mechanism. Finally, the cytotoxicity of ZDMA modified PMMA resin was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live/dead double staining.ResultsThe FTIR analyses confirmed some variation in chemical bonding and physical blend of the composites. Incorporation of ZDMA significantly enhanced the thermal stability and hydrophilicity compared with unmodified PMMA (p < 0.05). The surface roughness increased with the addition of ZDMA while remained below the suggested threshold (≤ 0.2 µm). The antifungal activity significantly improved with ZDMA incorporation, and cytocompatibility assays indicated no obvious cytotoxicity on HGFs.ConclusionsIn the present study, the ZDMA mass fraction up to 5 wt% in PMMA performed better thermal stability, and an increase in surface roughness and hydrophilicity without enhancing microbial adhesion. Moreover, the ZDMA modified PMMA showed effective antifungal activity without inducing any cellular side effects.
Sirikul Soontararak, Piyathida Ardaum, Napaporn Senarat
et al.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is mostly incurable and non-regenerative with long-term complications. Autologous conditioned serum (ACS), which is enriched in Interleukin 1 receptor antagonists (IL-1RA) and growth factors, could be an alternative treatment to accelerate the positive therapeutic effects. ACS is proposed to alleviate inflammation by blocking IL-1 receptors. However, to date, there is no report focusing on the cell-mediated anti-inflammation and regenerative effect caused by ACS, especially the ACS from patients. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of ACS generated from dogs with spontaneous OA, focusing on its promising anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties in vitro compared to the matched plasma. We found that ACS prepared from ten OA dogs contained significant concentrations of IL-1RA, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta, which are key cytokines in anti-inflammation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, we found that ACS suppressed T cell activity by reducing proliferation of effector T cells and simultaneously expanding numbers of immune suppressive FOXP3<sup>+</sup> T cells. Lastly, we showed that ACS enhanced the proliferation of osteocytes and fibroblasts and promoted extracellular matrix gene expression in primary chondrocyte culture. Therefore, these studies indicate that ACS prepared from dogs with OA is active as an immunomodulatory and regenerative strategy for use in OA management.
Summary: Here, with the example of common copy number variation (CNV) in the TSPAN8 gene, we present an important piece of work in the field of CNV detection, that is, CNV association with complex human traits such as 1H NMR metabolomic phenotypes and an example of functional characterization of CNVs among human induced pluripotent stem cells (HipSci). We report TSPAN8 exon 11 (ENSE00003720745) as a pleiotropic locus associated with metabolomic regulation and show that its biology is associated with several metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cancer. Our results further demonstrate the power of multivariate association models over univariate methods and define metabolomic signatures for variants in TSPAN8.
Anahit H. Hovhannisyan, Hyeonwi Son, Jennifer Mecklenburg
et al.
Abstract Trigeminal (TG), dorsal root (DRG), and nodose/jugular (NG/JG) ganglia each possess specialized and distinct functions. We used RNA sequencing of two-cycle sorted Pirt-positive neurons to identify genes exclusively expressing in L3–L5 DRG, T10-L1 DRG, NG/JG, and TG mouse ganglion neurons. Transcription factor Phox2b and Efcab6 are specifically expressed in NG/JG while Hoxa7 is exclusively present in both T10-L1 and L3–L5 DRG neurons. Cyp2f2, Krt18, and Ptgds, along with pituitary hormone prolactin (Prl), growth hormone (Gh), and proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) encoding genes are almost exclusively in TG neurons. Immunohistochemistry confirmed selective expression of these hormones in TG neurons and dural nerves; and showed GH expression in subsets of TRPV1+ and CGRP+ TG neurons. We next examined GH roles in hypersensitivity in the spinal versus trigeminal systems. Exogenous GH produced mechanical hypersensitivity when injected intrathecally, but not intraplantarly. GH-induced thermal hypersensitivity was not detected in the spinal system. GH dose-dependently generated orofacial and headache-like periorbital mechanical hypersensitivity after administration into masseter muscle and dura, respectively. Periorbital mechanical hypersensitivity was reversed by a GH receptor antagonist, pegvisomant. Overall, pituitary hormone genes are selective for TG versus other ganglia somatotypes; and GH has distinctive functional significance in the trigeminal versus spinal systems.
Ismailov Vladimir, Agasjeva Irina, Ananko Grigory
et al.
Insect pest control is a key mechanism to give humans advantage over insects in competition for food resources. Bioinsecticides are highly virulent in target insects, can control their populations and prevent a sharp increase in their number. The bioinsecticide Virin HSK was created in FBRI SRC VB “Vector”. Helicoverpa zea single nuclear polyhedrosis virus strain HS-18 is the active basis for Virin HSK. Here we studied the effectiveness of Helicovex SK and Virin HSK bioinsecticides as cotton bollworms control agent in comparison with the chemical insecticide Pirinex, CE and determined the safety of these insectisides for the entomophage. The flow rate of the working fluid was 200 l/ha. Helicovex SK and Virin HSK protected soybean during bean ripening and corn in the period from wax ripeness to harvesting. Helicovex SK and Virin HSK had higher efficiency than Pirinex KE.
Setiawan Ruby, Sumerta I Nyoman, Anita Syahfitri
et al.
Carrion beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) is one of the scavengers which obtain nutrition from carcass decomposition which supported by the microbial symbionts through the mutual symbiosis. In this study, we characterized and compared the gut microbial community from the species of Nicrophorinae (Nicrophorus distinctus Grouvelle, 1885) and Silphinae (Necrophila renatae Portevin, 1920) from Dako Mountain, Central Sulawesi using 16S metagenomic approach. A total of 661 bacterial Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) at the species level were obtained from the guts of Ni. distinctus and Ne. renatae. Those numbers were predominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, followed by Bacteriodetes in both species. Interestingly, a high number of Lactobacillales was observed in Ni. distinctus and lower number in Clostridiales and Cardiobacteriales compared to Ne. renatae, which showed higher abundance of those classes. Both of these insect species have nearly the same microbial diversity values, even though there some lower taxa levels were found different abundance. These results suggest that the patterns of the gut microbial structure depicted their roles in certain behavior and habitat on decomposing carcasses and could be correlated to the specific level of taxa roles in nutrient processing.
Performance analysis in terms of gap analysis, yield enhancement and economic viability of improved production technologies of Indian mustard vis-à-vis farmers’ practice was evaluated through front-line demonstrations at farmers’ field during rabi seasons (October to March) of respective years, 2013-2014 to 2018-2019. The front-line demonstrations were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bikaner-II, Rajasthan. Newly released improved varieties of Indian mustard viz., RGN 48, RGN 229 and DRMRIJ 31 were grown under demonstrations. The experimental results envisage that average yield under demonstration ranged from 1550 to 2600 kg ha-1 with a mean of 2154 kg ha-1. In per cent terms, scaling in productivity following improved technology ranged from 14.81 to 33.33% with an average value of 25.89% (over the Farmers’ practice). Moreover, the grain yield also recorded substantially higher under demonstrations (2154 kg ha-1) over district average (1122 kg ha-1) and state average (1427 kg ha-1). The average yield gaps for technology, extension and technology index were 655, 443 kg ha-1 and 22.90 per cent, respectively. Demonstration of improved technologies also enhanced average gross (Rs. 76,318 ha-1), net return (Rs. 50,740 ha-1), effective gain (Rs. 12,393 ha-1) and additional return (Rs. 14,107 ha-1) in comparison to Farmers’ practice. This resulted in realizing higher incremental cost benefit ratio (8.23) and benefit: cost ratio (2.95) compared to the Farmers’ practice (2.50) during six years study period. This enhancement in grain yield and economics of chickpea under demonstrations clearly showed the impact of adoption of improved technology over farmers’ practice in Hyper Arid Partial Irrigated Plain Zone of Rajasthan.
Graciela M. Dias, Araceli deSousa Pires, Vinicius S. Grilo
et al.
Abstract Burkholderia harbors versatile Gram‐negative species and is β‐Proteobacteria. Recently, it was proposed to split the genus in two main branches: one of animal and plant pathogens and another, Paraburkholderia, harboring environmental and plant‐beneficial species. Currently, Paraburkholderia comprises more than 70 species with ability to occupy very diverse environmental niches. Herein, we sequenced and analyzed the genome of Paraburkholderia kururiensis type strain KP23T, and compared to P. kururiensis M130, isolated in Brazil, and P. kururiensis susbp. thiooxydans, from Korea. This study focused on the gene content of the three genomes with special emphasis on their potential of plant‐association, biocontrol, and bioremediation. The comparative analyses revealed several genes related to plant benefits, including biosynthesis of IAA, ACC deaminase, multiple efflux pumps, dioxygenases, and degradation of aromatic compounds. Importantly, a range of genes for protein secretion systems (type III, IV, V, and VI) were characterized, potentially involved in P. kururiensis well documented ability to establish endophytic association with plants. These findings shed light onto bacteria‐plant interaction mechanisms at molecular level, adding novel information that supports their potential application in bioremediation, biofertilization, and biocontrol of plant pathogens. P. kururiensis emerges as a promising model to investigate adaptation mechanisms in different ecological niches.
Fatma SM Moawed, Sawsan M El-Sonbaty, Somaya Z Mansour
Combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy potentiates the outcome of cancer treatment for the more comprehensive attack. In the current study, we continued to assess the therapeutic efficaciousness of the newly synthesized gallium nanoparticles (GaNPs) combined with low level of gamma radiation (IR), on the incidence of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)–induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Oral administration of GaNPs (1 mg/Kg b.wt.) 5 times per week for 6 weeks combined with IR to rats treated with DEN (20 mg/Kg b.wt. 5 times per week for 6 weeks) significantly reduced serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). In addition, the immunoblotting results of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MM-9) showed a marked downregulation of protein expression along with a significant decrease in the hepatic level of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Furthermore, GaNPs and/or low dose of radiation significantly elevated the level of caspase-3 gene transcript accompanied with evoked DNA fragmentation in rats treated with DEN. The ameliorative effect of GaNPs and IR well appreciated with the histopathological alteration finding in DEN groups. It can be concluded that the combination of GaNPs and/or IR can serve as a good therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC, which ought to attract more studies.
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
Gabriel Yarmush, Lucas Santos, Joshua Yarmush
et al.
Methods that rapidly decrease fat in steatotic hepatocytes may be helpful to recover severely fatty livers for transplantation. Defatting kinetics are highly dependent upon the extracellular medium composition; however, the pathways involved are poorly understood. Steatosis was induced in human hepatoma cells (HepG2) by exposure to high levels of free fatty acids, followed by defatting using plain medium containing no fatty acids, or medium supplemented with a cocktail of defatting agents previously described before. We measured the levels of 28 extracellular metabolites and intracellular triglyceride, and fed the data into a steady-state mass balance model to estimate strictly intracellular fluxes. We found that during defatting, triglyceride content decreased, while beta-oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the urea cycle increased. These fluxes were augmented by defatting agents, and even more so by hyperoxic conditions. In all defatting conditions, the rate of extracellular glucose uptake/release was very small compared to the internal supply from glycogenolysis, and glycolysis remained highly active. Thus, in steatotic HepG2 cells, glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation may co-exist. Together, these pathways generate reducing equivalents that are supplied to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation.