Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) from the Algerian Sahara

(1) Intestinal microbial parasites are major contributors to the global burden of gastrointestinal disease. Such infections are mainly caused by Cryptosporidium, Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. These parasites are transmitted either directly or indirectly through oral–fecal routes. Previous reports suggested that camels could play a role in the zoonotic transmission of various clinically and veterinary important intestinal parasites, however, limited data are available on intestinal infections of camels, particularly on a molecular level. We aimed to explore the occurrence of these three parasites in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria. (2) A total of 68 samples—63 stool samples from camels and five from the environment—were collected from two desert regions in Algeria and analyzed using PCR and qPCR methods. (3) Overall, 7% of the camels tested positive for zoonotic subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp., while 16% of the camels tested positive for G. duodenalis. Two environmental samples also tested positive for G. duodenalis. None of the samples were positive for Entamoeba histolytica. (4) Our results provide one of the first molecular-based identification of these gut parasites in dromedary camels in Algeria. The presence of G. duodenalis in the host and the environment unveils, in part, the circulation route of this parasite. Our results will spearhead further investigations into the prevalence and epidemiology of gut parasites in hoofed animals and raise questions concerning their role in health and disease in the area

The Association of AMPK with ULK1 Regulates Autophagy

Autophagy is a highly orchestrated intracellular bulk degradation process that is activated by various environmental stresses. The serine/threonine kinase ULK1, like its yeast homologue Atg1, is a key initiator of autophagy that is negatively regulated by the mTOR kinase. However, the molecular mechanism that controls the inhibitory effect of mTOR on ULK1-mediated autophagy is not fully understood. Here we identified AMPK, a central energy sensor, as a new ULK1-binding partner. We found that AMPK binds to the PS domain of ULK1 and this interaction is required for ULK1-mediated autophagy. Interestingly, activation of AMPK by AICAR induces 14-3-3 binding to the AMPK-ULK1-mTORC1 complex, which coincides with raptor Ser792 phosphorylation and mTOR inactivation. Consistently, AICAR induces autophagy in TSC2-deficient cells expressing wild-type raptor but not the mutant raptor that lacks the AMPK phosphorylation sites (Ser722 and Ser792). Taken together, these results suggest that AMPK association with ULK1 plays an important role in autophagy induction, at least in part, by phosphorylation of raptor to lift the inhibitory effect of mTOR on the ULK1 autophagic complex

Cells and gene expression programs in the adult human heart

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Advanced insights into disease mechanisms and strategies to improve therapeutic opportunities require deeper understanding of the molecular processes of the normal heart. Knowledge of the full repertoire of cardiac cells and their gene expression profiles is a fundamental first step in this endeavor. Here, using large-scale single cell and nuclei transcriptomic profiling together with state-of-the-art analytical techniques, we characterise the adult human heart cellular landscape covering six anatomical cardiac regions (left and right atria and ventricles, apex and interventricular septum). Our results highlight the cellular heterogeneity of cardiomyocytes, pericytes and fibroblasts, revealing distinct subsets in the atria and ventricles indicative of diverse developmental origins and specialized properties. Further we define the complexity of the cardiac vascular network which includes clusters of arterial, capillary, venous, lymphatic endothelial cells and an atrial-enriched population. By comparing cardiac cells to skeletal muscle and kidney, we identify cardiac tissue resident macrophage subsets with transcriptional signatures indicative of both inflammatory and reparative phenotypes. Further, inference of cell-cell interactions highlight a macrophage-fibroblast-cardiomyocyte network that differs between atria and ventricles, and compared to skeletal muscle. We expect this reference human cardiac cell atlas to advance mechanistic studies of heart homeostasis and disease

Factors Affecting Farmers Tendency towards Joining the Production Cooperatives of the Tabas City

Considering the important position of the country's production cooperatives (i.e. the most advanced stage of cooperation) in development and stability of rural areas, the current study aims to identify and evaluate the factors affecting farmer's tendency towards joining production cooperatives in Tabas City, Yazd Province in 2007-2008. Statistical population of the study consists of 1418 individuals, 32 women and 1386 men and the sample size of 120 persons was determined using Cochrane Formula. The prepared questionnaires were distributed using simple random method. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 utilizing Spearman Correlation and Mann Whitney Tests in two sections, Descriptive (determining frequency and frequency percentage, mean, standard deviation and etc) and Analytic or Inferential. The most important descriptive results are: 1- Cooperative companies have suitable basis for attracting individuals' participation, 2- Agricultural inputs provided by the cooperatives to the members contribute to farmers' tendency towards joining, 3- The most effective information source of the members in their profession are rural production cooperative companies. The most important analytical and inferential results are: 1- Proximity of residence and the production cooperative company has significant meaning for the tendency of individuals to become a member, 2- There is a significant relationship between the managing director and the tendency of individuals to become a member, 3- Using Mann Whitney, there are significant differences between satisfaction, need, motivation, knowing the company, capital growth (each one individually) and the individuals' tendency to become a member

Economical factors Affecting on Empowerment of memxers of Women Rural cooperatives in Ilam province

The purpose of this stady was to identify economical factors affection on empowerment of members of women rural cooperatives in Ilam province.this study was an applied research and was done by descriptive method.The statistical population of this research consists of all of the members women of rural cooperatives in Ilam province in 2010-11 (N=1242)،which 128 members have been chosen by simple random sampling method.The instrument for collecting data was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by jury of experts and its reliability was established through calculating Cronbach Alpha coefficient (0.91). The results of Espirman correlation test showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the build and operate the business،controlling income،buihd entrepreneurial spirit،and market cognitive with empowerment of members. The result of regression analysis regarding the effectiveness of eight studied variables on empowerment of members indicated that build and operate the business through cooperatives was the important factor on em powerment of members.This variable could just specify 7.6% of variance of dependent variable

Experiences of Homelessness Among Afghan Refugees in Iran: Empowerment Through a 4Es Model (Education, Employment, Emotional and Economical Support)

Displaced people from Afghanistan comprise the largest protracted refugee population in Asia and the second-largest refugee population in the world. For nearly 40 years, most Afghan refugees have been received in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. In Iran, they have been provided with such provisions as healthcare, education, housing, employment, food, visas, and continuing residence. However, many Afghan refugees face significant barriers in accessing services, particularly when it comes to undocumented persons. This study identifies the factors affecting homelessness among refugees, drawing on interviews with eight Afghan men. We explore a four key elements (4Es) construct for supporting the empowerment of refugee people in Iran through education, employment, economic, and emotional support. The study argues that the 4Es approach can alleviate homelessness among refugees