The sample of choice for detecting Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in asymptomatic dromedary camels using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction

The newly identified Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which causes severe respiratory disease, particularly in people with comorbidities, requires further investigation. Studies in Qatar and elsewhere have provided evidence that dromedary camels are a reservoir for the virus, but the exact modes of transmission of MERS-CoV to humans remain unclear. In February 2014, an assessment was made of the suitability and sensitivity of different types of sample for the detection of MERS-CoV by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for three gene targets: UpE (upstream of the E gene), the N (nucleocapsid) gene and open reading frame (ORF) 1a. Fifty-three animals presented for slaughter were sampled. A high percentage of the sampled camels (79% [95% confidence interval 66.9-91.5%, standard error 0.0625]; 42 out of 53) were shown to be shedding MERS-CoV at the time of slaughter, yet all the animals were apparently healthy. Among the virus-positive animals, nasal swabs were most often positive (97.6%). Oral swabs were the second most frequently positive (35.7%), followed by rectal swabs (28.5%). In addition, the highest viral load, expressed as a cycle threshold (Ct) value of 11.27, was obtained from a nasal swab. These findings lead to the conclusion that nasal swabs are the candidate sample of choice for detecting MERS-CoV using RT-PCR technology in apparently healthy camels

Isolation of MERS coronavirus from dromedary camel, Qatar, 2014

We obtained the full genome of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from a camel in Qatar. This virus is highly similar to the human England/ Qatar 1 virus isolated in 2012. The MERS-CoV from the camel efficiently replicated in human cells, providing further evidence for the zoonotic potential of MERS-CoV from camels

3D carboxymethyl cellulose/hydroxyapatite (CMC/HA) scaffold composites based on recycled eggshell

In this study, recycling of eggshell, which possesses valuable biominerals was utilized for production of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite powder. Hydroxyapatite was then converted into 3D porous scaffolds by an eco-friendly method. For enhancing the mechanical resistance and improving the biodegradability of HA porous scaffold, CMC was used to coat the scaffolds with different concentration (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0% w/v) via infiltration method. The produced carboxymethyl cellulose/hydroxyapatite (CMC/HA) scaffold composites were evaluated for biomedical applications. The results revealed that the compressive strength of CMC/HA composite scaffolds increases with the increase in the CMC content up to 1.5% w/v. Furthermore, the results obtained from thin film XRD, SEM and EDS analysis after immersion in SBF solution for 28 days indicate the high bioactivity of the scaffolds. The biodegradability test points out that the CMC/HA are degradable naturally over the time; which is essential for tissue growth

New photosensitizer cyanine dyes: Synthesis and properties

1197-1203New photosensitizers, dimethine, bis dimethine and tetramethine cyanine dyes containing furo, thieno and pyrrolo [2,3-b] pyrazole nucleus are prepared. Spectral characterization of the prepared cyanine dyes are examined in 95% ethanol solution. Structural determination is carried out via elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectra

Granite as flux in stoneware tile manufacturing

Natural granite was used to completely replace both feldspathic and inert components of a traditional ceramic body. Raw material from Sinai(Egypt) was added (in the range 20–35 wt%) to a commercial Egyptian ball clays (from Aswan, Egypt) in order to obtain laboratory tiles sinteredat 1220 ◦C.Densification was studied according to ISO rules, while sinterability was estimated by optical dilatometry. Chemical, physical and microstructuralanalyses were accomplished to find the relationship between both the phase composition and microstructure of the fired bodies properties. The firedsamples show moderate thermal expansion as well as reasonable bending strength. Therefore, as a nonconventional raw material in the modernceramic production, the studied batches are recommended for the production of industrial fast firing tiles showing properties similar to commercialceramic floor and/or wall tiles

Granite as flux in stoneware tile manufacturing

Natural granite was used to completely replace both feldspathic and inert components of a traditional ceramic body. Raw material from Sinai(Egypt) was added (in the range 20–35 wt%) to a commercial Egyptian ball clays (from Aswan, Egypt) in order to obtain laboratory tiles sinteredat 1220 ◦C.Densification was studied according to ISO rules, while sinterability was estimated by optical dilatometry. Chemical, physical and microstructuralanalyses were accomplished to find the relationship between both the phase composition and microstructure of the fired bodies properties. The firedsamples show moderate thermal expansion as well as reasonable bending strength. Therefore, as a nonconventional raw material in the modernceramic production, the studied batches are recommended for the production of industrial fast firing tiles showing properties similar to commercialceramic floor and/or wall tiles

Granite as flux in stoneware tile manufacturing

Natural granite was used to completely replace both feldspathic and inert components of a traditional ceramic body. Raw material from Sinai(Egypt) was added (in the range 20–35 wt%) to a commercial Egyptian ball clays (from Aswan, Egypt) in order to obtain laboratory tiles sinteredat 1220 ◦C.Densification was studied according to ISO rules, while sinterability was estimated by optical dilatometry. Chemical, physical and microstructuralanalyses were accomplished to find the relationship between both the phase composition and microstructure of the fired bodies properties. The firedsamples show moderate thermal expansion as well as reasonable bending strength. Therefore, as a nonconventional raw material in the modernceramic production, the studied batches are recommended for the production of industrial fast firing tiles showing properties similar to commercialceramic floor and/or wall tiles