Measurement of the serum level of Elabela for the early detection of acute kidney injury in hospitalized Iraqi COVID-19 patients

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affecting people worldwide. The angiotensin converting enzyme2 (ACE2) represents a receptor of SARS-CoV-2 on the infected host cell. Apelin or its receptor agonists suppress the production of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II (Ang-II) and is characterized by a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2. Objective: The study aims to assess the serum level of Elabela biomarker as an early detector for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in patients with COVID-19. Cases and Methods: This is a case-control study which included 45 hospitalized adult patients in multiple centers (public hospitals) receiving COVID-19 cases in Baghdad. These cases had a positive real-time or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of nasal/oropharyngeal swabs. Excluded from the study were those with a negative PCR and comorbidities and 43 apparently healthy adult subjects as controls. The age range of the cases and controls was (20 to 60) years Result: There are no a statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age and gender distribution. Statistically significant differences were found in terms of eGFR, S. Creatinine, D. dimer, NEU×103 /µL, LYM×103 /µL and ELA biomarker. Significant negative correlations were found between Elabela with D. dimer and NEU×103 /µL, and between eGFR with S. creatinine, D. Dimer, and NUT×103 /µL. Conclusion: The Elabela biomarker can be used for the early detection of acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients

Assessing the reliability of serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a marker for diabetic nephropathy prediction in type 2 diabetes patients and the effect of ACE inhibitors on its level

Abstract Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent chronic microvascular diabetic complication. As inflammation plays a vital role in the development and progress of DN the macrophages migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory multifunctional cytokine approved to play a critical function in inflammatory responses in various pathologic situations like DN. This study aimed To assess serum levels of MIF in a sample of Iraqi diabetic patients with nephropathy supporting its validity as a marker for predicting nephropathy in T2DM patients. In addition, to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in terms of their influence on MIF levels. This is a case-control study involving ninety subjects that have been divided into three groups: twenty apparently healthy control group and seventy patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus divided into two equal groups according to the presence of diabetic nephropathy that has been further divided into two groups according to the use of ACE inhibitors or not. Serum MIF, urea, creatinine, RBS, HbA1c, BMI, eGFR, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio have been measured for each subject. Serum MIF’s highest levels were observed in the diabetic nephropathy patients (24.9 ng/ml) followed by the diabetics (14. 1 ng/ml) with the lowest level observed in the control group (4.8 ng/ml). There was a significant relation between MIF levels and ACE inhibitors (p-value <0.05) with reduced MIF levels in ACE inhibitors users. The ROC curve showed that MIF has a good performance in disease prediction. These findings support the reliability of MIF as a biomarker for the prediction of diabetic nephropathy and the possible reducing effect of ACE inhibitors on MIF levels

Isolation of filter passing bacteria from a range of dental clinic surfaces

Filter passing bacteria have been isolated from a variety of natural environments, appearing as a mixture of Gram-positive and Gram-negative, as well as nano-forms and wall-free species. In this study, filter passing bacteria were isolated from surfaces located in various dental departments at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University Hospital. Surface samples were obtained by using Q-tip swabs, with ten different surfaces being sampled in each clinic during pre-patient and post-patient visits. Filterable bacteria (using 0.4 and 0.2 micron filters, but not 0.1 micron filter) were isolated, being mainly Gram-positive cocci. Isolation results of filterable bacteria were compared before and after patient treatment in the clinic. More frequently, filter passing bacteria were isolated on clinic surfaces after patient treatment. The results show that dental settings are contaminated with filterable bacteria which may act as a reservoir for the wider contamination of hospital environments

Longevity-Related Gene Transcriptomic Signature in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (grade IV astrocytoma) has been assumed to be the most fatal type of glioma with low survival and high recurrence rates, even after prompt surgical removal and aggressive courses of treatment. Transcriptional reprogramming to stem cell-like state could explain some of the deregulated molecular signatures in GBM disease. The present study aimed to quantify the expression profiling of longevity-related transcriptional factors SOX2, OCT3/4, and NANOG to evaluate their diagnostic and performance values in high-grade gliomas. Forty-four specimens were obtained from glioblastoma patients (10 females and 34 males). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for relative gene expression quantification. In silico network analysis was executed. NANOG and OCT3/4 mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated while that of SOX2 was upregulated in cancer compared to noncancer tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high diagnostic performance of NANOG and OCT3/4 than SOX2. However, the aberrant expressions of the genes studied were not associated with the prognostic variables in the current population. In conclusion, the current study highlighted the aberrant expression of certain longevity-associated transcription factors in glioblastoma multiforme which may direct the attention towards new strategies in the treatment of such lethal disease

Derivatization and biological activity studies of 3-chloro-3-chlorosulfenyl spiro tetrahydropyran/tetrahydrothiopyran-4,2'-chroman-4'-one

1502-1510The adducts 4a,b-7a,b have been obtained either by reducing α-chloro-β-oxosulfenyl chlorides 2a,b with iodide ion in the presence of dienes namely, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoperene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,2,3,4- tetrachlorocyclopentadiene, or 1,3-cyclohexadiene, respectively; or by thermolysis of oxadithiin derivatives 3a,b in the presence of the same aforementioned dienes presumably via the formation of the same intermediate A in both cases of compounds 2a,b and 3a,b. It is observed that α-chloro-β-oxosulfenyl chlorides 2a,b undergo straight forward substitution with potassium cyanide to give 8a,b. Direct oxidation of 2a,b with H2O2/AcOH affords 3,3-dichloropyran-4-ones 9a,b, while conversion of 2a,b to the sulfonamides 10a,b followed by oxidation provides 3-chloropyranones 11a,b. Antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation of compounds 4a,b-6a,b shows moderate activiy. MIC of the derivative 6b reveals a remarkable inhibition of the pathogenic gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ) as well as gram negative E coli

Derivatization and biological activity studies of 3-chloro-3-chlorosulfenyl spiro tetrahydropyran/tetrahydrothiopyran-4,2'-chroman-4'-one

The adducts 4a,b-7a,b have been obtained either by reducing α-chloro-β-oxosulfenyl chlorides 2a,b with iodide ion in the presence of dienes namely, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoperene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorocyclopentadiene, or 1,3-cyclohexadiene, respectively; or by thermolysis of oxadithiin derivatives 3a,b in the presence of the same aforementioned dienes presumably via the formation of the same intermediate A in both cases of compounds 2a,b and 3a,b. It is observed that α-chloro-β-oxosulfenyl chlorides 2a,b undergo straight forward substitution with potassium cyanide to give 8a,b. Direct oxidation of 2a,b with H2O2/AcOH affords 3,3-dichloropyran-4-ones 9a,b, while conversion of 2a,b to the sulfonamides 10a,b followed by oxidation provides 3-chloropyranones 11a,b. Antioxidant and antimicrobial evaluation of compounds 4a,b-6a,b shows moderate activiy. MIC of the derivative 6b reveals a remarkable inhibition of the pathogenic gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ) as well as gram negative E coli.

The Palestinian Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Preserved at the Biology Exhibitions of the Universities of the Gaza Strip

The Gaza Strip (365 km2 ) of Palestine (27,000 km2 ) is home to a wealth of terrestrial vertebrate fauna. Some of these faunistic species find their ways to preservation at the local universities. Hence, the current study comes to document the Palestinian terrestrial vertebrate fauna acquired by the biology exhibitions (BEs) of Al-Azhar University, Islamic University of Gaza and Al-Aqsa University that are located at the Gaza City of the Gaza Strip. The amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals preserved at BEs of the universities in question were surveyed and scientifically classified during a three-month period extending from January to March, 2012. The study showed that all BEs of local universities are underdeveloped, lacking attention and suffer from specimen scarcity and good preservation. The BE at Al-Azhar University is the best in the arrangement and preservation of bird specimens. A total number of 200 specimens belonging to 54 terrestrial vertebrate fauna species, 39 families and 17 orders was recorded at BEs. Reptiles constituted 40.7% of the total species recorded, followed by birds (38.9%), mammals (14.8%) and amphibians (5.6%). The Islamic University of Gaza was considered the best in terms of the number of preserved species (39.8%), followed by Al-Azhar University (36.3%) and Al-Aqsa University (23.9%). The Common Toad (Bufo viridis) was the most preserved among the amphibian species recorded. Squamata was the biggest reptilian order, comprising 20 species (8 lizards and 12 snakes), with the Syrian Black Snake (Coluber jugularis asianus) was the commonest. The Palestine Viper (Vipera palaestinae) is endemic to Palestine and most venomous and dangerous to human health. The Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) was the largest Palestinian bird preserved at BE of Al-Azhar University. The Egyptian Mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) and the Common Badger (Meles meles) were the biggest mammalian specimens preserved, while the Palestine Mole-rat (Spalax leucodon ehrenbergi) was the only Palestine endemic species encountered among the preserved mammals. Finally, the improvement of BEs of local universities and the construction of a Central Museum of Natural History is highly recommended in order to change the Palestinians’ attitudes toward a sustainable ecological conservation in the Gaza Strip

Molecular detection and characterization of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi infections in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Egypt

IntroductionFew studies have investigated the occurrence of microeukaryotic gut parasites in dromedary camels in Egypt, and the majority of these investigations are based on microscopic analysis of fecal material.MethodsHerein, we assessed the occurrence, molecular diversity, and zoonotic potential of protozoan (Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis) and microsporidian (Enterocytozoon bieneusi) pathogens in individual fecal samples (n = 102) of dromedary camels with (n = 26) and without (n = 76) diarrhea from Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt. Other factors possibly associated with an increased risk of infection (geographical origin, sex, age, and physical condition) were also analyzed. The SSU rRNA or ITS genes were targeted by molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) techniques for pathogen detection and species identification.Results and discussionThe most abundant species detected was G. duodenalis (3.9%, 4/102; 95% CI: 1.1–9.7), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (2.9%, 3/102; 95% CI: 0.6–8.4). All samples tested negative for the presence of E. bieneusi. Sequence analysis data confirmed the presence of zoonotic C. parvum (66.7%, 2/3) and cattle-adapted C. bovis (33.3%, 1/3). These Cryptosporidium isolates, as well as the four Giardia-positive isolates, were unable to be amplified at adequate genotyping markers (Cryptosporidium: gp60; Giardia: gdh, bg, and tpi). Camels younger than 2 years old were significantly more likely to harbor Cryptosporidium infections. This connection was not statistically significant, although two of the three cryptosporidiosis cases were detected in camels with diarrhea. The spread of G. duodenalis infections was unaffected by any risk variables studied. This is the first report of C. parvum and C. bovis in Egyptian camels. The finding of zoonotic C. parvum has public health implications since camels may function as sources of oocyst pollution in the environment and potentially infect livestock and humans. Although preliminary, this study provides useful baseline data on the epidemiology of diarrhea-causing microeukaryotic parasites in Egypt. Further research is required to confirm and expand our findings in other animal populations and geographical regions of the country

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