Isolation and Molecular Identification of Insecticidal Activity Bacillus Thuringiensis Strain Alex-13 Isolated From Different Ecosystems in Egypt against Spodoptera Littolaris

The entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most widely used biopesticide. The specific toxic activity to insects and other organisms is related to the presence of crystals that have different morphologies, sizes, numbers and compositions according to the Bt strain. The crystals contain different proteins, which are encoded by distinctCry (crystal) genes. In this work we isolated 334 colonies from 59 soil samples in 13 local area in Egypt, colonies examination has carried out under microscope for toxin production, during screening of these isolates we found 16 bacterial strains has been identified by using biochemical reactions and insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littolaris inaddition to Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder comparable to standard strain, only one isolate which are considered most potent strain were confirmed by molecular characterization. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the presence of cuboidal crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis Alex-13, and observed bipyramidal crystals in case of Bacillus thuringiensisHD-1, as standard strain. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) revealed the presence of Cry1-like sequences in addition to standard strain, which confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Also, during the studying environmental and nutritional conditions requirements (data not show). Bioassay recorded that the highest mortality rate by determination of LC50 for 5 days againstSpodoptera littolaris third instars larvae were 69, 86, and 100(%) in case of Bt Alex-13, Bt-HD-1 standard strain and Bt commercial wettable powder, respectively

Construct validity of a questionnaire for measuring student engagement in problem-based learning tutorials

Background: Student engagement is student investment of time and energy in academic and non-academic experiences that include learning, teaching, research, governance, and community activities. Although previous studies provided some evidence of measuring student engagement in PBL tutorials, there are no existing quantitative studies in which cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement of students in PBL tutorials is measured. Therefore, this study aims to develop and examine the construct validity of a questionnaire for measuring cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement of students in PBL tutorials. Methods: A 15-item questionnaire was developed guided by a previously published conceptual framework of student engagement. Focus group discussion (n = 12) with medical education experts was then conducted and the questionnaire was piloted with medical students. The questionnaire was then distributed to year 2 and 3 medical students (n = 176) in problem-based tutorial groups at the end of an integrated course, where PBL is the main strategy of learning. The validity of the internal structure of the questionnaire was tested by confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling assuming five different models. Predictive validity evidence of the questionnaire was studied by examining the correlations between students’ engagement and academic achievement. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicates a good fit between the measurement and structural model of an 11-item questionnaire composed of a three-factor structure: behavioral engagement (3 items), emotional engagement (4 items), and cognitive engagement (4 items). Models in which the three latent factors were considered semi-independent provided the best fit. The construct reliabilities of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors were 0.82, 0.82, and 0.76, respectively. We failed however to find significant relationships between academic achievement and engagement. Conclusions: We found a strong evidence to support the construct validity of a three-factor structure of student engagement in PBL tutorial questionnaire. Further studies are required to test the validity of this instrument in other educational settings. The predictive validity is another area needing further scrutiny.</p

Characterization and Toxicity of Bacillus Thuringiensis Strain Kfr-24, And Commercial Formulations against Spodoptera Littolaris

Under these studies Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder comparable to standard strain, there are only one isolate which confirmed by molecular characterization. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the presence of cuboidal crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis Alex-13 and observed bipyramidal crystals in case of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, as standard strain. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) revealed the presence of Cry1-like sequences in addition to standard strain, which confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Also, during these studies. Bioassay recorded that the highest mortality rate by determination of LC50 for 5 days against Spodoptera littolaris third instars larvae were 69, 86, and 100(%) in case of Bt Alex-13, Bt-HD-1 standard strain and Bt commercial wettable powder, respectively

Characterization and Toxicity of Bacillus Thuringiensis Strain Kfr-24, And Commercial Formulations against Spodoptera Littolaris

Under these studies Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder comparable to standard strain, there are only one isolate which confirmed by molecular characterization. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the presence of cuboidal crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis Alex-13, and observed bipyramidal crystals in case of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, as standard strain. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) revealed the presence of Cry1-like sequences in addition to standard strain, which confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Also, during these studies.Bioassay recorded that the highest mortality rate by determination of LC50 for 5 days against Spodoptera littolaris third instars larvae were 69, 86, and 100(%) in case of Bt Alex-13, Bt-HD-1 standard strain and Bt commercial wettable powder, respectively

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Insecticidal Activity Bacillus Thuringiensis Strain Alex-13 Isolated from Different Ecosystems in Egypt against Spodoptera Littolaris

The entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is the most widely used biopesticide. The specific toxic activity to insects and other organisms is related to the presence of crystals that have different morphologies, sizes, numbers and compositions according to the Bt strain. The crystals contain different proteins, which are encoded by distinct Cry (crystal) genes. In this work we isolated 334 colonies from 59 soil samples in 13 local area in Egypt, colonies examination has carried out under microscope for toxin production, during screening of these isolates we found 16 bacterial strains has been identified by using biochemical reactions and insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littolaris in addition to Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder comparable to standard strain, only one isolate which are considered most potent strain were confirmed by molecular characterization. Scanning electron microscopy observed that the presence of cuboidal crystals in Bacillus thuringiensis Alex-13 and observed bipyramidal crystals in case of Bacillus thuringiensis HD-1, as standard strain. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) revealed the presence of Cry1-like sequences in addition to standard strain, which confirmed by gel electrophoresis. Also, during the studying environmental and nutritional conditions requirements (data not show). Bioassay recorded that the highest mortality rate by determination of LC50 for 5 days against Spodoptera littolaris third instars larvae were 69, 86, and 100(%) in case of Bt Alex-13, Bt-HD-1 standard strain and Bt commercial wettable powder, respectively

Efficiency Increase and Fuel Save Benefits of Combined Cycle Operation (Garri Power Plant as a Case Study)

Thermal power plants’ overall efficiency increase, and fuel consumption decrease draw worldwide researcher’s attention due to the limited resources and high cost of fossil fuel. Considering Al-Jaily power plant, the so-called Garri power plants 1 and 2 in Sudan as the case study, this paper compares overall plant efficiency and fuel save with the combined cycle and open cycle operation in which both plants could run. Evaluation of plant’s efficiency is based on the first law of thermodynamics. The results reveal advantage of the combined cycle operation mode in terms of efficiency increase, and on the other hand, in terms of fuel consumption decrease with the same amount of energy produced

Elastic properties of TeO2–ZnO–Ag2O doped with Nd2O3

A series of Neodymium doped zinc-tellurite glasses incorporated with Ag2O with chemical composition {[(TeO2)0.70(ZnO) 0.30] (1-X)Nd2O3(X)}(0.99)Ag2O(0.01), x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05, were synthesized by applying the melt-quenching technique. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of only two (2) active functional group (TeO3 and TeO4) in the wavenumber range of 200–4000 cm−1. The spectra of the XRD confirmed the glassy and amorphous nature of the studied glasses. With the addition of more Nd2O3 in the glass composition, both the density and molar volume increased. The elastic moduli (longitudinal modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus and Bulk modulus) were calculated from the measured density and ultrasonic velocities obtained from the non-destructive ultrasonic testing performed at 5 MHz frequency. The experimental results showed that the elastic moduli and density rely upon the composition of the glass system and the impact of Nd2O3 within the glass network. The increase in ultrasonic velocities and the elastic moduli is associated with the increase in rigidity and change in the structural network of the glass system. The effects of Nd2O3 on the Debye temperature, softening temperature, micro-hardness and Poisson's ratio of TeO2–ZnO–Ag2O glasses were also studied in this work. The acoustic impedance, as well as the coefficient of thermal expansion of the studied glasses, were also calculated. The elastic and the physical properties' parameters suggest that the glasses are strong enough for utilization in both fibre and laser technology

Molecular Characterization of Kidd Antigens Polymorphism (Jk) among Sudanese patients with Chronic Renal Failure in Khartoum State - Sudan

Background: The Kidd glycoprotein is expressed in the kidney, where it enables the kidney to build up a high concentration of urea, which is needed for the kidney to produce concentrated urine. The urea transport across Kidd null RBC membranes is ~1000 times slower than across normal RBC membrane. Chronic kidney disease develops slowly and, initially, show few symptoms. CKD can be the long term consequence of irreversible acute disease or part of a disease progression. The most common causes of chronic renal failure are related to poorly controlled diabetes, poorly controlled high blood pressure. Objective: the aim of this study was to assess the association between the Kidd antigen polymorphism and chronic kidney disease, in Sudan. Results: The distribution of kidd blood group between chronic kidneydisease patient and control group were (49%) and (50%) for Jk (a + b−), 40% and 44% for Jk (a + b+) and 11% and 6% Jk (a − b+) respectively. also there were different in ten samples represented genomic typing (Jk ab ) but phenoptying represented as (Jka). Conclusion: There were no obvious effects of&nbsp; kidd antigens polymorphism on kidney function . Keywords: Kidd blood group, Genomic typing, Phenotyping, Chronic kidney disease

Consensus evidence-based recommendations for treat-to-target management of immunoglobulin A vasculitis

IgA vasculitis (IgAV), formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is the most common cause of systemic vasculitis in childhood. Given its potential life-threatening systemic complications, early and accurate diagnosis as well as management of IgAV represent a major challenge for health care professionals. This study was carried out to attain an evidence-based expert consensus on a treat-to-target management approach for IgAV using Delphi technique. The preliminary scientific committee identified a total of 16 key clinical questions according to the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) approach. An evidence-based, systematic, literature review was conducted to compile evidence for the IgAV management. The core leadership team identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in IgAV management in Egypt upon which experts were gathered from different governorates and health centers across Egypt. Delphi process was implemented (two rounds) to reach a consensus. An online questionnaire was sent to expert panel (n = 26) who participated in the two rounds. After completing round 2, a total of 20 recommendation items, categorized into two sections were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 91.7–100%. Consensus was reached (i.e. ⩾75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording of all the 20 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee. Algorithms for the diagnosis and management have been suggested. This was an expert, consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of IgAV and IgA vasculitic nephritis, based on best available evidence and expert opinion. The guideline presented a strategy of care with a pathway to achieve a state of remission as early as possible

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