Analysis of Two Generalized Exponential Populations Under Joint Type-I Progressive Hybrid Censoring Scheme

This paper discussed inference for two generalized exponential using the joint type-I progressively hybrid censoring (JPHC-I) scheme. It assumed that the lifetime distribution of the items from the two populations follow generalized exponential distribution. Based on the JPHC-I scheme, we first consider the maximum likelihood estimators of the unknown parameters along with thier asymptotic confidence intervals. Next, we provide the Bayesian inferences of the unknown parameters under the assumptions of independent gamma priors on the scale parameters using squared error (SE) and linear-exponential (LINEX) loss functions. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques is applied to carry out the Bayesian estimation procedure and in turn calculate the credible intervals. To evaluate the performance of the estimators, numerical example is carried out

Effects of Exogenous Enzymes, Lactobacillus acidophilus or their Combination on Feed Intake, Digestibility and Performance of Rabbits Fed Sugarcane Bagasse

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC), exogenous enzymes ZAD® or their combination on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and performance of rabbits fed increasing levels of sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Five rations were allotted randomly to five groups of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits (838±42.4g average BW at 5 weeks of age. Rabbits were fed: (i) a control diet made of 100% berseem hay and 0% SCB, (ii) 50% berseem hay and 50% untreated SCB (USCB), (iii) 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC), (iv) 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with ZAD® (ZAD), and (v) 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with LAC+ZAD® (LZ). Treatment of SCB with Lactobacillus acidophilus, ZAD® and LAC+ ZAD® led to higher CP content and lower contents of ADF, NDF and DM. Total DM intake was not affected by treatments. Digestibility coefficient of CP for LAC and LZ were higher (P<0.05) compared to the other groups. The BW for LAC and LZ rabbits was higher (P<0.05) than for the other groups, while the BW for LAC rabbit was the highest (P<0.05) and for USCB was the lowest. It can be concluded that treating sugarcane bagasse with Lactobacillus acidophilus, exogenous enzymes of ZAD® or their combination improved feeding values; however, the treatment with Lactobacillus acidophilus was found to be the best

Recently integrated Alu elements and human genomic diversity

A comprehensive analysis of two Alu Y lineage subfamilies was undertaken to assess Alu-associated genomic diversity and identify new Alu insertion polymorphisms for the study of human population genetics. Recently integrated Alu elements (283) from the Yg6 and Yi6 subfamilies were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and 25 of the loci analyzed were polymorphic for insertion presence/absence within the genomes of a diverse array of human populations. These newly identified Alu insertion polymorphisms will be useful tools for the study of human genomic diversity. Our screening of the Alu insertion loci also resulted in the recovery of several young Alu elements that resided at orthologous positions in nonhuman primate genomes. Sequence analysis demonstrated these young Alu insertions were the products of gene conversion events of older, preexisting Alu elements or independent parallel forward insertions of older Alu elements in the same short genomic region. The level of gene conversion between Alu elements suggests that it may have an influence on the single nucleotide polymorphism within Alu elements in the genome. We have also identified two genomic deletions associated with the retroposition and insertion of Alu Y lineage elements into the human genome. This type of Alu retroposition-mediated genomic deletion is a novel source of lineage-specific evolution within primate genomes

Effects of exogenous enzymes, Lactobacillus acidophilus or their combination on feed performance response and carcass characteristics of rabbits fed sugarcane bagasse

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAC), exogenous enzymes of ZAD® (exogenous enzyme preparation) or their combination on feed conversion, and dressing of rabbits fed different treatments of sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Five rations were allotted randomly to five groups of New-Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (n=10) with initial live body weight of (838±42.4) g and 5 weeks of age. Rabbits were fed on diets with different sources of fiber as follows, (i) a control diet composed of 100% berseem hay and 0% SCB, (ii) 50% berseem hay and 50% untreated SCB (USCB), (iii) 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with L. acidophilus (LAC), (iv) 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with ZAD® (ZAD), and (v) 50% berseem hay and 50% SCB treated with a combination of LAC+ZAD® (LZ). Treatments of SCB with L. acidophilus, ZAD® and LAC+ZAD® had the highest feed conversion ratio than both USCB and control. The dressing percentage of rabbits that fed the LAC and LZ diets was higher (P<0.05) compared with that in the other groups. Performance index (PI) for LAC group was improved (P<0.05) compared to that for the other groups; however, PI for USCB group was the lowest (P<0.05). It could be concluded that treating SCB with L. acidophilus, exogenous enzymes of ZAD® or their combination improved feed conversion and performance with more positive effects with L. acidophilus than the other treatments

Genotoxicity assessment of amino zinc nanoparticles in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as cytogenetical perspective

This is the final version. Available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this record. Nanoparticles have a positive impact in several subjects especially in agriculture, while their safety is still being debated. Numerous commercial nano pesticide, insecticides, and fertilizers products are found in the local markets without any intensely studies on the side effect of these products on plant, human as well as environmental effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the genotoxicity of commercial amino zinc nanoparticles (AZ NPs) on Triticum aestivum L. during seeds germination and root elongation using concentration ranges (50, 100, and 150 ppm) at different exposure times (8, 16 and 24 hrs). Long term exposure to AZ NPs, exhibited only slight variation in germination rates and the elongation of roots was affected by AZ NPs treatment ranged from 97.66 to 100%. Significant reduction in the mitotic index was 35.33% after 24 hrs and 150 ppm of AZ NPs, was also observed comparing with control which was 88.0%. Genotoxicity was evaluated at a cytological level in root meristems that revealed sever variations in mitotic activity, chromosomal aberrations, and micronuclei release. Results exhibited that nano amino zinc could enter effortlessly into the cells and inhibit the normal cellular function. The decrease in the emergence of chromosomal aberrations resulting from AZ NPs exposure in a dose-dependent manner was clearly indicated that AZ NPs has induced genotoxic effect on wheat root tips.King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi

Predictors of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations among a Sample of Egyptian Schoolchildren

Objective. To assess the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D status among a sample of Egyptian schoolchildren and to evaluate predictors of deficiency and insufficiency. Subjects and Methods. A cross-sectional study comprising 200 prepubescent schoolchildren aged from 9 to 11 years was performed. A questionnaire including frequency of midday sun exposure, milk intake, physical activity, and level of maternal education was taken. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated; serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone were measured. Results. Vitamin D deficiency [serum 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL] was detected in 11.5% of subjects while its insufficiency (serum 25(OH)D is between 20 and 29.9 ng/mL) was detected in 15%. Results revealed that obesity, low physical activity, low sun exposure, and low maternal education level are significant predictors of insufficiency, though female gender, low maternal education level, and low milk intake are significant predictors of deficiency. Lower serum phosphorus and higher serum parathyroid hormone were significantly associated with both deficiency and insufficiency (p<0.05). Conclusion. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common among schoolchildren in Egypt. Food fortification, vitamin D supplementation, and increasing maternal awareness about the importance of physical activity and exposure of their children to ultraviolet light may help to overcome this problem

Environmental, maternal, and reproductive risk factors for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egypt : a case-control study

BACKGROUND\ud Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer. The exact cause is not known in most cases, but past epidemiological research has suggested a number of potential risk factors. This study evaluated associations between environmental and parental factors and the risk for ALL in Egyptian children to gain insight into risk factors in this developing country.\ud METHODS\ud We conducted a case-control design from May 2009 to February 2012. Cases were recruited from Children's Cancer Hospital, Egypt (CCHE). Healthy controls were randomly selected from the general population to frequency-match the cumulative group of cases by sex, age groups (<1; 1 - 5; >5 - 10; >10 years) and region of residence (Cairo metropolitan region, Nile Delta region (North), and Upper Egypt (South)). Mothers provided answers to an administered questionnaire about their environmental exposures and health history including those of the father. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression with adjustment for covariates.\ud RESULTS\ud Two hundred ninety-nine ALL cases and 351 population-based controls frequency-matched for age group, gender and location were recruited. The risk of ALL was increased with the mother's use of medications for ovulation induction (ORadj = 2.5, 95 % CI =1.2 -5.1) and to a lesser extend with her age (ORadj = 1.8, 95 % CI = 1.1 - 2.8, for mothers ≥ 30 years old). Delivering the child by Cesarean section, was also associated with increased risk (ORadj = 2.01, 95 % CI =1.24-2.81).\ud CONCLUSIONS\ud In Egypt, the risk for childhood ALL appears to be associated with older maternal age, and certain maternal reproductive factors

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Sinteza, antimikrobno i antitumorsko djelovanje nekoliko novih N-etil, N-benzil i N-benzoil-3-indolil heterocikličkih spojeva

A series of 1-(N-substituted-1H-indol-3-yl)-3-arylprop-2-ene-1-ones (2a,b-4a,b) were prepared and allowed to react with urea, thiourea or guanidine to give pyrimidine derivatives 5a,b–13a,b. Reaction of 2a,b-4a,b with ethyl acetoacetate in the presence of a base gave cyclohexanone derivatives 14a,b-16a,b. Reaction of the latter compounds with hydrazine hydrate afforded indazole derivatives 17a,b-19a,b. On the other hand, reaction of 2a,b-4a,b with some hydrazine derivatives, namely hydrazine hydrate, acetyl hydrazine, phenyl- hydrazine and benzylhydrazine hydrochloride, led to the formation of pyrazole derivatives 20a,b-31a,b. Moreover, reaction of 2a,b-4a,b with hydroxylamine hydrochloride gave isoxazole derivatives 32a,b-34a,b. The newly synthesized compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity and showed that 4-(N-ethyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-6-(p-chlorophenyl)-pyrimidine-2-amine (11b) was the most active of all the test compounds towards Candida albicans compared to the reference drug cycloheximide. Eighteen new compounds, namely pyrimidin-2(1H)-ones 5a,b-7a,b, pyrimidin-2(1H)-thiones 8a,b-10a,b and pyrimidin-2-amines 11a,b-13a,b derivatives, were tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against HEPG2, MCF7 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. 4-(N-ethyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-6-(p-methoxyphenyl)-pyrimidin-2-amine (11a) was found to be highly active with IC50 of 0.7 µmol L1.Sintetizirana je serija 1-(N-supstituiranih-1H-indol-3-il)-3-arilprop-2-en-1-ona (2a,b-4a,b) i podvrgnuta reakciji s ureom, tioureom ili gvanidinom, pri čemu su nastali derivati pirimidina 5a,b–13a,b. Reakcijom 2a,b-4a,b s etil-acetoacetatom u prisutnosti baze nastali su derivati cikloheksanona 14a,b-16a,b. Njihovom reakcijom s hidrazin hidratom dobiveni su derivati indazola 17a,b-19a,b. S druge strane, reakcijom 2a,b-4a,b s određenim derivatima hidrazina, tj. s hidrazin hidratom, acetil hidrazinom, fenilhidrazinom i benzilhidrazin hidrokloridom, nastali su derivati pirazola 20a,b-31a,b. Nadalje, reakcijom 2a,b-4a,b s hidroksilamin hidrokloridom dobiveni su derivati izoksazola 32a,b-34a,b. Pripravljeni spojevi ispitani su na antimikrobno djelovanje. Pokazalo se da je 4-(N-etil-1H-indol-3-il)-6-(p-klorfenil)-pirimidin-2-amin (11b) najaktivniji spoj za Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) uz cikloheksimid kao poredbeni lijek. Testirano je antitumorsko djelovanje in vitro osamnaest novih spojeva, tj. pirimidin-2(1H)-ona 5a,b-7a,b, pirimidin-2(1H)-tiona 8a,b-10a,b i pirimidin-2-amina 11a,b-13a,b na tumorske stanice HEPG2, MCF7 i HCT-116. Najaktivniji spoj bio je 4-(N-etil-1H-indol-3-il)-6-(p-metoksifenil)-pirimidin-2-amin (11a) uz IC50 0,7 µmol L1

Characterization of greater middle eastern genetic variation for enhanced disease gene discovery

The Greater Middle East (GME) has been a central hub of human migration and population admixture. The tradition of consanguinity, variably practiced in the Persian Gulf region, North Africa, and Central Asia1-3, has resulted in an elevated burden of recessive disease4. Here we generated a whole-exome GME variome from 1,111 unrelated subjects. We detected substantial diversity and admixture in continental and subregional populations, corresponding to several ancient founder populations with little evidence of bottlenecks. Measured consanguinity rates were an order of magnitude above those in other sampled populations, and the GME population exhibited an increased burden of runs of homozygosity (ROHs) but showed no evidence for reduced burden of deleterious variation due to classically theorized ‘genetic purging’. Applying this database to unsolved recessive conditions in the GME population reduced the number of potential disease-causing variants by four- to sevenfold. These results show variegated genetic architecture in GME populations and support future human genetic discoveries in Mendelian and population genetics