Protection tools and intestinal parasitic infection among farmers in Bait-lahia, Gaza strip, Palestine

Protection tools are very important to avoid the transmission of intestinal parasite infection. The present study has examined the use of personal protective equipment(PPE) and its relation to intestinal parasitic infection among farmers in Bait-lahia, Gaza strip. A total of 140 stool samples were collected from the farmers between September and November 2009. Stool examinationdid not provide full protection from infection with intestinal parastic was carried out in the Department of Biology. Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Gaza. The stool samples were preserved in formalin. For stool sample examination three methods were applied: wet mount method, concentration technique and agar plate method. The results of the present study indicated that wet mount overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 18.6% where Entameoba histolytica/dispar 6.4%. Girdia lamblia 2.1% and Ascaris lumbricoides 7%. Hymenolepis nana 1.4%. Entamoeba coli 1.4%. Chilomastix mesnili 0.7%. Low awareness regarding the use of PPE during ther work in farms was observed. However, using PPE did not provide full protection from infection with intestinal parasitic infection which manifested by some symptoms

Antibacterial and anticancer activities of orphan biosynthetic gene clusters from Atlantis II Red Sea brine pool

© 2019 The Author(s). Background: Cancer and infectious diseases are problematic because of continuous emergence of drug resistance. One way to address this enormous global health threat is bioprospecting the unlikeliest environments, such as extreme marine niches, which have tremendous biodiversity that is barely explored. One such environment is the Red Sea brine pool, Atlantis II Deep (ATII). Here, we functionally screened a fosmid library of metagenomic DNA isolated from the ATII lower convective layer (LCL) for antibacterial and anticancer activities. Results: Selected clones, 14-7E and 10-2G, displayed antibacterial effects on the marine strain Bacillus sp. Cc6. Moreover, whole cell lysates from 14-7E and 10-2G exhibited decreased cell viability against MCF-7 (39.1% ± 6.6, 42% ± 8.1 at 50% v/v) and U2OS cells (35.7% ± 1.9, 79.9% ± 5.9 at 50% v/v), respectively. By sequencing the insert DNA from 14-7E and 10-2G, we identified two putative orphan biosynthetic gene clusters. Both clusters harbored putative ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter permeases and S-adenosylmethionine-related genes. Interestingly, the biosynthetic gene cluster identified on 14-7E is of archaeal origin and harbors a putative transcription factor. Several identified genes may be responsible for the observed antibacterial and anticancer activities. The 14-7E biosynthetic gene cluster may be encoding enzymes producing a specialized metabolite (effect of detected genes involved in C-C bond formation and glycosylation). The bioactivity may also be due to predicted subtilases encoded by this cluster. The 10-2G cluster harbored putative glycosyltransferase and non-ribosomal peptide synthase genes; thus the observed activity of this clone could be caused by a bioactive peptide. Conclusions: The ATII LCL prokaryotic metagenome hosts putative orphan biosynthetic gene clusters that confer antibiotic and anticancer effects. Further biochemical studies should characterize the detected bioactive components, and the potential use of 14-7E metabolite for antibiosis and 10-2G metabolite as a selective anti-breast cancer drug

Antibacterial and anticancer activities of orphan biosynthetic gene clusters from Atlantis II Red Sea brine pool

Abstract Background Cancer and infectious diseases are problematic because of continuous emergence of drug resistance. One way to address this enormous global health threat is bioprospecting the unlikeliest environments, such as extreme marine niches, which have tremendous biodiversity that is barely explored. One such environment is the Red Sea brine pool, Atlantis II Deep (ATII). Here, we functionally screened a fosmid library of metagenomic DNA isolated from the ATII lower convective layer (LCL) for antibacterial and anticancer activities. Results Selected clones, 14-7E and 10-2G, displayed antibacterial effects on the marine strain Bacillus sp. Cc6. Moreover, whole cell lysates from 14-7E and 10-2G exhibited decreased cell viability against MCF-7 (39.1% ± 6.6, 42% ± 8.1 at 50% v/v) and U2OS cells (35.7% ± 1.9, 79.9% ± 5.9 at 50% v/v), respectively. By sequencing the insert DNA from 14-7E and 10-2G, we identified two putative orphan biosynthetic gene clusters. Both clusters harbored putative ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter permeases and S-adenosylmethionine-related genes. Interestingly, the biosynthetic gene cluster identified on 14-7E is of archaeal origin and harbors a putative transcription factor. Several identified genes may be responsible for the observed antibacterial and anticancer activities. The 14-7E biosynthetic gene cluster may be encoding enzymes producing a specialized metabolite (effect of detected genes involved in C–C bond formation and glycosylation). The bioactivity may also be due to predicted subtilases encoded by this cluster. The 10-2G cluster harbored putative glycosyltransferase and non-ribosomal peptide synthase genes; thus the observed activity of this clone could be caused by a bioactive peptide. Conclusions The ATII LCL prokaryotic metagenome hosts putative orphan biosynthetic gene clusters that confer antibiotic and anticancer effects. Further biochemical studies should characterize the detected bioactive components, and the potential use of 14-7E metabolite for antibiosis and 10-2G metabolite as a selective anti-breast cancer drug

Amphotericin B-PEG Conjugates of ZnO Nanoparticles: Enhancement Antifungal Activity with Minimal Toxicity

Amphotericin B (AMB) is commonly used to treat life-threatening systemic fungal infections. AMB formulations that are more efficient and less nephrotoxic are currently unmet needs. In the current study, new ZnO-PEGylated AMB (ZnO-AMB-PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and their antifungal effects on the Candida spp. were investigated. The size and zeta potential values of AMB-PEG and ZnO-AMB-PEG NPs were 216.2 ± 26.9 to 662.3 ± 24.7 nm and −11.8 ± 2.02 to −14.2 ± 0.94 mV, respectively. The FTIR, XRD, and EDX spectra indicated that the PEG-enclosed AMB was capped by ZnO, and SEM images revealed the ZnO distribution on the surface NPs. In comparison to ZnO-AMB NPs and free AMB against C.albicans and C.neoformans, ZnO-AMB-PEG NPs significantly reduced the MIC and MFC. After a week of single and multiple dosage, the toxicity was investigated utilizing in vitro blood hemolysis, in vivo nephrotoxicity, and hepatic functions. ZnO-AMB-PEG significantly lowered WBC count and hematocrit concentrations when compared to AMB and ZnO-AMB. RBC count and hemoglobulin content, on the other hand, were unaltered. ZnO-AMB-PEG considerably lowered creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels when compared to AMB and ZnO-AMB. The difference in liver function indicators was determined to be minor by all formulae. These findings imply that ZnO-AMB-PEG could be utilized in the clinic with little nephrotoxicity, although more research is needed to determine the formulation’s in vivo efficacy

Development of Chitosan-Coated PLGA-Based Nanoparticles for Improved Oral Olaparib Delivery: In Vitro Characterization, and In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Studies

Olaparib (OLP) is an orally active poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme inhibitor, approved for treatment for the metastatic stage of prostate, pancreatic, breast and ovarian cancer. Due to its low bioavailability, an increase in dose and frequency is required to achieve therapeutic benefits, which also results in associated toxicity in patients. In the current study, OLP-loaded poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) (OLP-PLGA NPs) and a coating of OLP-PLGA NPs with chitosan (CS) (OLP-CS-PLGA NPs) were prepared successfully in order to improve the dissolution rate and bioavailability. The developed OLP-PLGA NPs were evaluated for hydrodynamic particle size (392 ± 5.3 nm), PDI (0.360 ± 0.03), ZP (−26.9 ± 2.1 mV), EE (71.39 ± 5.5%) and DL (14.86 ± 1.4%), and OLP-CS-PLGA NPs, hydrodynamic particle size (622 ± 9.5 nm), PDI (0.321 ± 0.02), ZP (+36.0 ± 1.7 mV), EE (84.78 ± 6.3%) and DL (11.05 ± 2.6%). The in vitro release profile of both developed NPs showed a sustained release pattern. Moreover, the pharmacokinetics results exhibited a 2.0- and 4.75-fold increase in the bioavailability of OLP-PLGA NPs and OLP-CS-PLGA NPs, respectively, compared to normal OLP suspension. The results revealed that OLP-CS-PLGA NPs could be an effective approach to sustaining and improving the bioavailability of OLP

Pathological Findings and Oxidative Stress Status Associated with Hydatidosis in Dromedary Camels

(1) Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic helminth disease that causes severe economic losses. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and viability of cystic echinococcosis in examined camels. In addition, assessing the histological, morphological, oxidative, and antioxidant state related to the cystic echinococcosis infection; (2) Methods: The study was performed on 152 slaughtered dromedary camels between March and September 2022 at El-Basatin abattoir in Cairo Governorate, Egypt; (3) Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of hydatidosis was 21.7% in slaughtered camel and the highest infection rate observed in lungs was 87.87%, while it was 9% in livers. Camels’ liver infections were rare, whereas their lung infections were more common. By comparing to non-infected camels, the level of MAD was significantly increased with hydatid cysts infection, while the level of GSH, SOD and CAT was significantly decreased. Histopathological section of camel cyst revealed layered membranes surrounded by a zone of cellular infiltration and an outermost fibrous tissue reaction. In addition, there was evidence of atelectasis, emphysema, hemorrhage, congestion, and fibrosis in the surrounding tissues. Nonetheless, the degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes and other pathological alterations in liver cyst sections were remarkably comparable to those seen in the lungs. Furthermore, calcification was detected

المهددات التي تواجه البيئة البحرية والصيد السمكي في قطاع غزة: دراسة ميدانية ومرجعية

The importance of marine resources in the Gaza Strip stems from the fact that it represents a significant source of animal protein to the Palestinians and as a source of income to the fishery sector which covers more than 2500 fishermen. Due to the small fishing area available to the Palestinians, the fishermen usually exert intensive fishing efforts using all available means to achieve abundant catches with no respect to the impacts of their activities on the marine environment and fisheries resources. The current study aims at identifying the threats facing the marine environment and fisheries resources in the Gaza Strip and at suggesting possible recommendations dealing with their progress. The factors threatening the marine environment and fishing in the Gaza Strip included untreated wastewater disposal from various sources including Wadi Gaza, multi-source solid waste disposal and alteration of the landscape of the marine coast through rock removal, shanty constructions and coastal sand dunes depletion. The weakness of fishermen infrastructure, overfishing using inappropriate means including bottom trawling and small-meshed nets, fishing using chemical pesticides, catch of threatened marine turtles and lack of efficient fishing harbors are also major threats to marine life and environment. Besides, the Israeli military aggressions and restrictions by controlling fishing areas, sea closure, poaching and arresting of fishermen and intentional destruction of fishing gear are actual threats to marine fishing and fishermen saftey. Finally, the study suggests the necessity of stopping pollution sources, improving the infrastructure of fishing sector and fishermen and improving the cooperation level among different parties to ensure better management and sustainability of the coastal and marine environment. The role of official and non-official media and educational institutions in enhancing research, respect and awareness to all stakeholders and public towards marine environment should be encouraged, elevated and put into action.تكمن أهمية الثروة السمكية في قطاع غزة في كونها تمثل أحد مصادر البروتين الحيواني الذي يحتاج إليه الفلسطينيون لتلبية احتياجاتهم الغذائية و مصدر دخل مستمر لقطاع الصيادين الذين يفوق تعدادهم الـ 2500 صياد. ونظرا لضيق المساحة البحرية المتاحة للصيد السمكي في قطـاع غزة يلجأ الصيادون إلي تكثيف جهد الصيد بكافة السبل و الوسائل للحصول على إنتاج سمكي وفير دون الاكتراث بالنواحي البيئية لهذا النشــاط على الموارد السمكية و البيئة البحرية. تهدف هذه الدراسة المسحية إلى تحديد المهددات التي تواجه البيئة البحرية و الصيد السمكي في قطاع غزة و إلى وضع مقترحات ممكنة في سبيل النهوض بهما. أظهرت الدراسة العديد من العوامل التي تعترض البيئة البحرية والصيد السمكي في قطاع غزة متمثلة بإلقاء المياه العادمة غير المعالجة من مصادر متعددة تشمل مجرى وادي غزة و بؤر التفريغ المنتشرة على طول الساحل، طرح النفايات الصلبة متعددة المصادر، تغيير تركيبة و ملامح الساحل الفلسطيني باقتلاع الصخور و بناء المنشآت العشوائية و استنزاف رمال البحر و الكثبان الرملية الساحلية مما يثبط من الوظيفة البيئية لها، ضعف البنية التحتية للصيادين، الصيد الجائر باستخدام معدات و وسائل صيد غير ملائمة مثل شباك الجر القاعي و الشباك ذات العيون الصغيرة، استعمال السموم الكيماوية في صيد الأسماك، صيد السلاحف البحرية المهددة بالاختفاء عالميا، افتقار قطاع غزة لموانئ صيد عالية الكفاءة مما يحدو بالصيادين لاستخدام رمال الشاطئ لإنزال مراكبهم في البحر و إخراجها منه مما يؤثر على العمر الإنتاجي لها. تضاف إلى ذلك كله القيود و الانتهاكات العسكرية الإسرائيلية المتمثلة بالتحكم بمناطق الصيد السمكي و إغلاق البحر أمام الصيادين و المطاردات الزورقية و الاعتقالات للصيادين و تدمير معدات الصيد و إتلافها. و في الختام، اقترحت الدراسة ضرورة وقف مصادر التلوث البحري و التعديات، و ضرورة تحسين البنية التحتية لقطاع الصيد و الصيادين، و تحسين مستوى التعاون بين المؤسسات المختلفة بما يكفل إدارة و تنمية البيئة البحرية و الساحلية بشكل مستدام، كما و تؤكد الدراسة على ضرورة تناول وسائل الإعلام الرسمي و غير الرسمي لقضايا البيئة البحرية الفلسطينية و على دور المؤسسات التعليمية في زيادة النشاط العلمي و التثقيفي و التوعوي لكافة شرائح المجتمع الفلسطيني و ضرورة افتتاح أقسام و مراكز بحوث للعلوم البحرية

Pathological Findings and Oxidative Stress Status Associated with Hydatidosis in Dromedary Camels

(1) Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic helminth disease that causes severe economic losses. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and viability of cystic echinococcosis in examined camels. In addition, assessing the histological, morphological, oxidative, and antioxidant state related to the cystic echinococcosis infection; (2) Methods: The study was performed on 152 slaughtered dromedary camels between March and September 2022 at El-Basatin abattoir in Cairo Governorate, Egypt; (3) Results: The results revealed that the prevalence of hydatidosis was 21.7% in slaughtered camel and the highest infection rate observed in lungs was 87.87%, while it was 9% in livers. Camels’ liver infections were rare, whereas their lung infections were more common. By comparing to non-infected camels, the level of MAD was significantly increased with hydatid cysts infection, while the level of GSH, SOD and CAT was significantly decreased. Histopathological section of camel cyst revealed layered membranes surrounded by a zone of cellular infiltration and an outermost fibrous tissue reaction. In addition, there was evidence of atelectasis, emphysema, hemorrhage, congestion, and fibrosis in the surrounding tissues. Nonetheless, the degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes and other pathological alterations in liver cyst sections were remarkably comparable to those seen in the lungs. Furthermore, calcification was detected

Development of Sustained Release Baricitinib Loaded Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles with Improved Oral Bioavailability

Baricitinib (BTB) is an orally administered Janus kinase inhibitor, therapeutically used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Recently it has also been approved for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. In this study, four different BTB-loaded lipids (stearin)-polymer (Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)) hybrid nanoparticles (B-PLN1 to B-PLN4) were prepared by the single-step nanoprecipitation method. Next, they were characterised in terms of physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential (ζP), polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL). Based on preliminary evaluation, the B-PLN4 was regarded as the optimised formulation with particle size (272 ± 7.6 nm), PDI (0.225), ζP (−36.5 ± 3.1 mV), %EE (71.6 ± 1.5%) and %DL (2.87 ± 0.42%). This formulation (B-PLN4) was further assessed concerning morphology, in vitro release, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats. The in vitro release profile exhibited a sustained release pattern well-fitted by the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model (R2 = 0.879). The in vivo pharmacokinetic data showed an enhancement (2.92 times more) in bioavailability in comparison to the normal suspension of pure BTB. These data concluded that the formulated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles could be a promising drug delivery option to enhance the bioavailability of BTB. Overall, this study provides a scientific basis for future studies on the entrapment efficiency of lipid-polymer hybrid systems as promising carriers for overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations

Application of CO2 Supercritical Fluid to Optimize the Solubility of Oxaprozin: Development of Novel Machine Learning Predictive Models

Over the last years, extensive motivation has emerged towards the application of supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) for particle engineering. SCCO2 has great potential for application as a green and eco-friendly technique to reach small crystalline particles with narrow particle size distribution. In this paper, an artificial intelligence (AI) method has been used as an efficient and versatile tool to predict and consequently optimize the solubility of oxaprozin in SCCO2 systems. Three learning methods, including multi-layer perceptron (MLP), Kriging or Gaussian process regression (GPR), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) are selected to make models on the tiny dataset. The dataset includes 32 data points with two input parameters (temperature and pressure) and one output (solubility). The optimized models were tested with standard metrics. MLP, GPR, and KNN have error rates of 2.079 × 10−8, 2.173 × 10−9, and 1.372 × 10−8, respectively, using MSE metrics. Additionally, in terms of R-squared, they have scores of 0.868, 0.997, and 0.999, respectively. The optimal inputs are the same as the maximum possible values and are paired with a solubility of 1.26 × 10−3 as an output