Tuberculosis in Dr Granville's mummy: a molecular re-examination of the earliest known Egyptian mummy to be scientifically examined and given a medical diagnosis

‘Dr Granville's mummy’ was described to the Royal Society of London in 1825 and was the first ancient Egyptian mummy to be subjected to a scientific autopsy. The remains are those of a woman, Irtyersenu, aged about 50, from the necropolis of Thebes and dated to about 600 BC. Augustus Bozzi Granville (1783–1872), an eminent physician and obstetrician, described many organs still in situ and attributed the cause of death to a tumour of the ovary. However, subsequent histological investigations indicate that the tumour is a benign cystadenoma. Histology of the lungs demonstrated a potentially fatal pulmonary exudate and earlier studies attempted to associate this with particular disease conditions. Palaeopathology and ancient DNA analyses show that tuberculosis was widespread in ancient Egypt, so a systematic search for tuberculosis was made, using specific DNA and lipid biomarker analyses. Clear evidence for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA was obtained in lung tissue and gall bladder samples, based on nested PCR of the IS6110 locus. Lung and femurs were positive for specific M. tuberculosis complex cell-wall mycolic acids, demonstrated by high-performance liquid chromatography of pyrenebutyric acid–pentafluorobenzyl mycolates. Therefore, tuberculosis is likely to have been the major cause of death of Irtyersenu

Sequentially aerated membrane biofilm reactors for autotrophic nitrogen removal: microbial community composition and dynamics

Membrane-aerated biofilm reactors performing autotrophic nitrogen removal can be successfully applied to treat concentrated nitrogen streams. However, their process performance is seriously hampered by the growth of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB). In this work we document how sequential aeration can bring the rapid and long-term suppression of NOB and the onset of the activity of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed that such shift in performance was mirrored by a change in population densities, with a very drastic reduction of the NOB Nitrospira and Nitrobacter and a 10-fold increase in AnAOB numbers. The study of biofilm sections with relevant 16S rRNA fluorescent probes revealed strongly stratified biofilm structures fostering aerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in biofilm areas close to the membrane surface (rich in oxygen) and AnAOB in regions neighbouring the liquid phase. Both communities were separated by a transition region potentially populated by denitrifying heterotrophic bacteria. AOB and AnAOB bacterial groups were more abundant and diverse than NOB, and dominated by the r-strategists Nitrosomonas europaea and Ca. Brocadia anammoxidans, respectively. Taken together, the present work presents tools to better engineer, monitor and control the microbial communities that support robust, sustainable and efficient nitrogen remova

The transformation strategy and its role in forming the structure of future architecture

Nature\u27s strategies and solutions represent a significant and rich source to benefit from in creating an architectural composition that corresponds to its structure, which leads to the emergence of unexpected, vibrant, and constantly changing architectural forms due to the continuous development and progress in technology and science. Transformation is one of the strategies of nature that can be used to form the structure of future architecture, characterized by diversity and continuous formal change. Therefore, this strategy must be studied to create an adaptive architectural structure. The research aims to develop a theoretical framework that explains the role of transformation strategy in forming the structure of future architecture. The study thus reviews the basic concepts of transformation and future architecture. Then it presents the mechanisms to achieve transformation in architecture. Indicators of the conceptual framework of the transformation strategy are extracted from the knowledge provided about it. The conceptual framework represents a tool for enhancing the transformation strategy taken from nature to create innovative future architectural structures that look like living organisms, where they can perform adaptation processes and formal diversity

The gene expression of caspasses is up-regulated during the signaling response of Aedes caspius against larvicidal bacteria

Our current knowledge on the key molecular mechanisms and cognate signaling transduction, by the δ-endotoxin-mediated mosquitoticidal effects, associated with exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Bacillus sphaericus (Bs), is limited. Moreover, this observed mosquitocidal activity that is related to program cell death is largely unknown. Therefore, in an attempt to answer this question, the current study was primarily sought to provide evidence as to the molecular mechanism of mortality in Bt/Bs infected Aedes caspius mosquito larvae. Thus, the impact of Bt and Bs treatment on the expression of some selected apoptosis related caspase genes in A. caspius mosquito larvae was investigated, via quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Mosquito larvae were collected from natural water niches. Larvae were grown to adult stage and were subsequently identified as A. caspius at Natural History Museum, London, UK. Remarkably, light and transmission electron microscopy studies of the midgut epithelial tissues revealed that both Bt and Bs brought about significant histopathological effects. Moreover, this treatment resulted in severe destruction at the sub-cellular organelle level for the mitochondria. Interestingly, qRT-PCR studies revealed that the treatment of A. caspius mosquito larvae with both Bt and Bs caused a significant up-regulation in the transcription level of all caspase genes under study, namely: CASPS17, CASPS18, CASPS19, CASPS20 and CASPS21. The results are discussed in the light of our current understanding of the signaling transduction pathway of apoptosis in insects and mosquitoes and the putative role of caspases gene expression in response to the treatment of A. caspius mosquito larvae with larvicidal bacteria.Keywords: Aedes caspius, Bacillus thuringenesis, Bacillus sphaericus, apoptosis, caspase, larvicidal bacteri

Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Patients with End Stage of Renal Disease on Hemodialysis , Ras Al Khaimah-United Arab Emirates

Background: Nowadays, a dramatically increase on the incidence and prevalence of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) were more than one million ESRD suffer worldwide, thus, ESRD is an important public health concern for it has considerable repercussion on the quality of life (QoL) of patients and the community’s increased social and health care needs. Purposes: Were to describe the quality of life in patients with end stage of renal disease on hemodialysis and to examine the contributing factors that may affect quality of life. Methodology: A cross sectional design was used to describe the QoL in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis and to determine the contributing factors that may affect quality of life; and a correlational design was utilized to examine associations among the independent variables (demographic characteristics and biological factors) that may influence the dependent variable (QoL). Setting of the study: It was at dialysis unit located in Ibrahim Bin Hamad Obaidulla Hospital (IBHOH), affiliated to the Ministry of Health , Medical District in Ras Al-Khaimah Emirate - UAE which provided the medical services to all patients regularly attending the in-patient hemodialysis (Emirates citizens and Non- Emirates citizens) and were managed by medical and paramedical staff working within the same hospital. Sampling: A purposive sampling was conducted and the accessible population was comprised of 129 regular patients. Out of 129 patients, 74 patients were qualified in the inclusion criteria to participate in the research. Participants were interviewed individually to measure Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) using Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36TM (KDQoL 36TM) scale and compared KDQoL scores by demographic factors, and biological factors. Results: the overall quality of life of patients with ESRD on hemodialysis was low, with M+SD(39.57+16.13). Increase poor quality was independently associated with female gender, aged >60 years, low educational level, unemployment status have poor QoL. The Physical Component Summary (PCS) domain came in the first rank with the lowest rated and scored with M+SD (32.66+17.30), whereas the mean of the Burden of Kidney Disease domain came in second rank with M+SD (34.61+12.26). Meanwhile, the Symptoms and Problems domain came in third rank with M+SD (38.56+22.8), followed by the Effects of Kidney Disease on Daily Life domain that came in fourth rank with M+SD (42.22+10.56), and then lastly, Mental Component Summary (MCS) domain came in fifth rank with M+SD (49.84+17.73). In this study, the results revealed that the level of serum albumin and gender were the most significant predictors that influence QoL in patients with (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis at (P>0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: The results of the present study shown the evidence that patients with ESRD have poor QoL. Lowest score of KDQoL 36TM scale was found in the "PCS , while highest score was MCS. Furthermore , the study revealed that level of the serum albumin was the most significant predictor influence QoL in patients with ESRD and the most modifiable factor which has a strong association with poorer HRQoL was education, whereas non-modifiable factor was female gender. Because of those factors attention should be given to the nurses and other health care providers as formal caregivers for early interventions that prevent further morbidity and minimize the mortality as well as provide the evidence-based for clinical practice that assist the nurses to have a comprehensive assessment of their patients’ lives and integrated all these crucial aspects in inclusive plan for appropriate nursing intervention and improve quality of patient’s life and HRQoL. Keywords : End stage renal disease, hemodialysis, Quality of lif

Derivati aminokiselina. Dio 1. Sinteza, antivirusno i antitumorsko djelovanje novih estera alfa-aminokiselina s kumarinskim supstituentom

A series of amino acid esters bearing coumarin (3-15) were synthesized and evaluated, in vitro, against HIV-1, and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The in vitro cytotoxicity of 3-10 and 12 were assyed against a panel of tumor cell lines consisting of CD4 human T-cells. Compound 14 showed inhibition of HIV-1 with EC50 > 1.6 microg mL-1, meanewhile compound 9 exhibited activity against leukaemia (MT4) with CC50 = 24 micromol L-1).U radu je opisana sinteza estera aminokiselina s kumarinskim ostatkom 3-15. Ispitano je antivirusno djelovanje sintetiziranih spojeva na HIV-1 i goveđi virus diareje (BVDV) te in vitro citotoksičnost spojeva 3-10 i 12 na tumorskim linijama CD4 humanih T-stanica. Spoj 14 pokazao je inhibiciju HIV-1 s EC50 > 1.6 microg mL-1, dok je spoj 9 djelotvoran na leukemiju (MT4) s CC50 = 24 micromol L-1

Reflections of Nursing Students’ Perceptions Toward Factors Influencing Their Academic Performance

The students' academic performance is one of the most imperative component in all universities to make sure in delivering the best quality graduates who will set out to be extraordinary pioneer and employees who have a positive reflection on the nation's financial growth and social advancement of the national and international area. Thus, the current study aimed to describe nursing students' perceptions toward factors influencing academic performance. A quantitative descriptive-design was conducted with a convenience sample of 150 female nursing students in the third and fourth academic year, college of nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh-Kingdom Saudi Arabia. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. The results of the study showed that the "learner – related" subscale on the success factor scale was rated as 1st rank. “Regular attendance at lecture” item was attained the highest M+SD score (3.95 + 0.22), with high influence (UI) on the academic performance of the respondents. Meanwhile, “Reading beyond prescribed material” item was obtained the lowest M+SD score (2.84 + 1.44) with low influence (LI). Similarly, on the failure factor scale, the "learner– related" subscale was taken 1st ranked. Moreover, "lack of attendance at lecture" item was occupied the highest M+SD score (3.73 + 0.443) as well as" lack of interest in the course" item was stated the lowest M+SD score (1.88 + 2.40). As a result of this study, " learner-related factor" was employed the first rank in both success and failure scales and most of the learner-related items have a greater impact on the students' academic performance. So, this study recommended to administrators, lecturers, academic advisors to carry out more studies on students' academic performance factors, with specific focus on the ways which provide the students with the important skills which help them to overcome and manage these factors which contributed to their academic performance negatively. Keywords: Reflections, Nursing Students' Perceptions, Academic Performance, Success, Failure, Influencing Factors

Bacterial community structure in High-Arctic snow and freshwater as revealed by pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes and cultivation

The bacterial community structures in High-Arctic snow over sea ice and an ice-covered freshwater lake were examined by pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of cultivated isolates. Both the pyrosequence and cultivation data indicated that the phylogenetic composition of the microbial assemblages was different within the snow layers and between snow and freshwater. The highest diversity was seen in snow. In the middle and top snow layers, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria dominated, although Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were relatively abundant also. High numbers of chloroplasts were also observed. In the deepest snow layer, large percentages of Firmicutes and Fusobacteria were seen. In freshwater, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia were the most abundant phyla while relatively few Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were present. Possibly, light intensity controlled the distribution of the Cyanobacteria and algae in the snow while carbon and nitrogen fixed by these autotrophs in turn fed the heterotrophic bacteria. In the lake, a probable lower light input relative to snow resulted in low numbers of Cyanobacteria and chloroplasts and, hence, limited input of organic carbon and nitrogen to the heterotrophic bacteria. Thus, differences in the physicochemical conditions may play an important role in the processes leading to distinctive bacterial community structures in High-Arctic snow and freshwater