Molekulare Aspekte und chemische Inaktivierung von Influenza H5N1-Viren aus ägyptischen Hühnerbeständen von Ausbrüchen der Jahre 2006 bis 2010

The primary objective of the current study was to identify two of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) isolates of subtype H5N1 genotypically using one step Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), followed by sequence and phylogenetic analyses. A further objective was to determine in vitro the virucidal efficacy of four types of chemical disinfectants, namely Formalin, Glutaraldehyde, TH4® and Virkon®S at different concentrations and contact times on the two HPAI isolates. A/chicken/Egypt/0626/2006 (EGY06) and A/chicken/Egypt/1094/2010 (EGY10) were isolated from cloacal and tracheal swabs from broiler during HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in Egypt in 2006 and 2010. The first strain, EGY06, was isolated from a non-vaccinated flock in February 2006 in the Alexandria governorate. The second strain, EGY10, was isolated from a vaccinated flock in November 2010 in the Marsa Matrouh governorate. Classical identification of the two isolates was carried out in the Department of Poultry and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt. Molecular identification and genetic analyses were conducted in the Gene Analysis Unit of the National Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production (NLQP), Egypt. Using RT-PCR with specific sets of primers for H5 and N1 genes of AIV it was confirmed that the two isolates belonged to AI subtype H5N1. After molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the HA and NA genes, the strain EGY06 was closely related to the 2006 predecessor Egyptian viruses of 2.2.1 clade, whereas EGY10 clustered within the classic 2.2.1/c group that commonly isolated from small-scale commercial farms and human since 2009. The efficacy of four chemical disinfectants to inactivate both isolates was carried out in accordance to the guidelines of the German Veterinary Medical Society (Deutsche Veterinärmedizinische Gesellschaft, DVG) for testing of disinfection procedures and chemical disinfectants. The experiments were performed using suspension tests without and with protein load (40% Bovine Calf Serum "BCS") as well as wood and gauze as a carriers (also loaded with BCS), at room temperature and incubation times of 15 to 120 min. The obtained results showed that the use of Glutaraldehyde, Formalin or TH4® 0.5% without protein load led to complete inactivation of the virus after 15, 30, 60 or 120 min contact time. Use of Virkon®S 0.5% with and without protein load led to survival of the virus even after 60 min. In contrast, using Formalin and TH4® (1% and 2%) with and without protein load led to complete inactivation of the virus even at the shortest contact time of 15 min. Similar results were obtained after using Glutaraldehyde 1%, while treatment of H5N1 with Glutaraldehyde 2% led to gel formation. After treatment of contaminated carriers (poplar wood and gauze) with Formalin, Glutaraldehyde and TH4® 0.5%, the virus was inactivated after 30 min. Concentration of 1% of the three disinfectants was sufficient to inactivate the two isolates within 15 min contact time, except in case of Virkon®S which required higher concentrations to give similar results. The study indicated that the four chemical disinfectants could efficiently inactivate the two tested H5N1 viruses when used at higher concentration than the manufacturers recommended. The results of the present thesis highlight the sensitivity of HPAIV H5N1 to different disinfectants, which may improve biosecurity measures on the farms and reduce the economic losses caused by HPAIV H5N1.Das primäre Ziel der aktuellen Studie war es, hoch pathogene aviäre Influenza- Viren (HPAIV) des Subtyps H5N1 genotypisch durch eine einschrittige Reverse Transkriptase- Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (RT-PCR) zu identifizieren und anschließend molekularbiologisch zu charakterisieren. Ein weiteres Ziel war, die Wirksamkeit von verschiedenen Konzentrationen und Einwirkungszeiten von vier chemischen Desinfektionsmitteln (Formalin, Glutaraldehyd, TH4® und Virkon®S) auf zwei Stämme (A/chicken/Egypt/0626/2006 "EGY06" und A/chicken/Egypt/1094/2010 "EGY10") des aviären Influenzavirus (AIV) des Subtyps H5N1 in vitro zu prüfen. Die beiden Isolate des AIV-Subtyps H5N1 wurden aus Kloaken- und Trachealtupfern von infizierten Masthühnerherden während der Ausbrüche aviärer Influenza (AI) 2006 und 2010 isoliert. Während der erste Stamm EGY06 aus einer nicht geimpften Herde im Februar 2006 im Gouvernement Alexandria isoliert wurde, wurde der zweite Stamm, EGY10, aus einer geimpften Herde im November 2010 im Gouvernement Marsa Matrouh isoliert. Die klassischen Methoden zur Identifizierung der beiden Isolate wurden in der Abteilung für Geflügel und Hygiene, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät, Universität Alexandria, Ägypten durchgeführt. Die molekulare Identifizierung und genetische Analyse erfolgten in der Gen- Analyse-Einheit des Nationalen Labors zur Qualitätskontrolle der Geflügelproduktion (NLQP), Ägypten. Mittels RT-PCR unter Verwendung spezifischer Primersets für die H5 und N1 Gene konnte bestätigt werden, dass es sich bei beiden Isolaten um AIV des Subtyps H5N1 handelt. Der molekularen Charakterisierung und der phylogenetischen Analyse der HA und NA zufolge war der Stamm EGY06 sehr eng verwandt mit dem früher im Jahr 2006 isolierten klassischen Stamm und wurde dem Clade 2.2.1 zugeordnet. Im Gegensatz dazu wurde der Stamm EGY10 im klassischen 2.2.1/c Gruppe zugeordnet, welcher häufig von kleinen kommerziellen Farmen und menschlichen seit 2009 isoliert. Die Empfindlichkeit der Viren gegen verschiedene Desinfektionsmittel wurde auf Grundlage der Richtlinien der Deutschen Veterinärmedizinischen Gesellschaft (DVG) für die Prüfung von Desinfektionsverfahren und chemischen Desinfektionsmitteln geprüft. Die Experimente wurden mittels Suspensions-Test ohne und mit Proteinbelastung (40% Bovines Calf Serum (BCS)) sowie auf Keimträgern aus Holz und Gaze, die mit BCS belastet waren, bei Raumtemperatur und Einwirkzeiten von 15 bis 120 Min durchgeführt. Die Verwendung von Glutaraldehyd, Formalin oder TH4® in einer Konzentration von 0,5% führte ohne Proteinbelastung zu einer Inaktivierung der Viren nach allen Einwirkzeiten (15, 30, 60 und 120 Min). Die Verwendung von Virkon®S 0,5% mit und ohne Proteinbelastung führte zum Überleben des Virus sogar nach 60 Min. Demgegenüber führte die Verwendung von Formalin und TH4® in einer Konzentration von 1% und 2% mit und ohne Proteinbelastung zu einer vollständigen Inaktivierung des Virus sogar bei der kürzesten Einwirkungszeit von 15 Min. Ähnliche Ergebnisse wurden nach Verwendung von Glutaraldehyd in einer Konzentration von 1% beobachtet. Die Behandlung von H5N1 mit Glutaraldehyd in einer Konzentration von 2% führte zu einer Gelbildung. Nach der Behandlung von kontaminierten Keimträgern (Pappelholz und Gaze) mit Formalin, Glutaraldehyd und TH4® in Konzentrationen von 0,5% wurde das Virus nach 30 Min inaktiviert. Während eine Konzentration von 1% der drei Desinfektionsmittel ausreichend war, um die beiden Isolate in 15 Min Einwirkzeit zu inaktivieren, konnte dieses Ergebnis im Fall von Virkon®S nicht erreicht werden, und eine höhere Konzentration war erforderlich um ähnliche Ergebnisse zu erzielen. Die Studie zeigte, dass die vier chemischen Desinfektionsmittel, wenn die verwendeten Konzentrationen höher als die vom Hersteller empfohlenen Konzentrationen sind, beide getesteten H5N1 Viren effektiv inaktivieren. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie bieten einen neuen Ansatz zur Verbesserung der Biosicherheitsmaßnahmen in Geflügelbeständen und können zur Reduzierung der wirtschaftlichen Verluste beitragen

Effect of electro-activated brine solution on the migration of metallic ions from the cans to the product in sterilized canned sweet corn

Tinplate cans were used to study if electro-activated brine solution (EAS) is more corrosive than conventional one by ICP analysis. The results showed dif-ferent effects of EAS on cans, alone or filled with product. Acidic EAS (pH 2–3) and Redox +900 to +1200 mV highly reacted with the cans. The concen-trations of Zn, Fe, and Cu in the solution were 0.028, 28.81, and 0.022ppm, respectively. No Sn migration was observed in this case. When neutral or acidic chlorine-free EAS was used, no significant difference was observed in comparison with the corrosivity of standard NaCl brine. Alkaline EAS with pH>10 and negative E (≤−966mV) did not affect Zn, Fe, and Cu migration. However, it affected tin migration. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that even if some corrosion was observed, it was in the limit of the permitted level of concentration when the cans were filled with a product

Auto-Bio/Ethnography as a Curriculum in Cross-Culture Communication: A Voice from the Other Shore

In an increasingly globalized and multicultural world, authentic auto-bio/ethnographic travel accounts have become representations of the social, cultural, historical, and political intricacies in cross-culture communication. In this research study, I critically analyze three excerpts from my diary narrated in the form of short stories in order to answer two research questions: How do cultures shape our personalities? And, what factors influence cross-culture communication of the “Self” and the “Other?” I selected the Thematic Analysis method in Narrative Analysis to  analyze my three narratives. The narrative analysis resulted in three themes: cultural identities, appearance and reality, and bridging the gaps. I argue that being an Arab, Muslim, female with hijab (hair scarf) in the U.S. after 9/11 creates a complex experience in cross-culture communication.  I conclude that international students’ auto-bio/ethnography travel accounts can be implemented as a curriculum to celebrate our similarities and respect and appreciate our differences.Key words: Auto-bio/ethnography; Curriculum; Self actualization; Cultural agent; Hija

Knowledge, Culture, and Positionality: Analysis of Three Medieval Muslim Travel Accounts

This study provides an analysis of al-rihla account of three Medieval Muslim travelers: Nasir Khasraw (1004-1077), Ibn Jubayr (1145-1217), and Ibn Battuta (1304-1378). The three travelers were selected from different eras, provinces, cultural backgrounds, and schools of Islamic thought and philosophy in Medieval Muslim society. This study intended to answer two questions: 1) what do the three travelers report about their al-rihla experiences? And 2) what factors influenced the three travelers’ experiences of al-rihla as Muslim travelers in search for knowledge? The Holistic Content analysis method in Narrative Analysis was selected to analyze the data. The data analysis resulted in six themes: 1) hajj, the Pilgrimage to Mecca was conducted as, a religious obligation, repentance for sins, and a physical and spiritual path in seeking God’s/Allah’s forgiveness; 2) the theme of seeking knowledge in Islam is strongly associated with hajj; 3) place is a significant theme; 4) emphasis on Islamic principles applied into practice; 5) pride in religious identity as a Muslim; 6) the peaceful co-existence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews was recounted in the three travel accounts. The study concludes that al-rihla accounts of the three Medieval travelers were strongly influenced by three major factors: beliefs about knowledge/seeking knowledge in Islam, culture and cultural identity, and issues of power and positionality.Key words: Al-rihla; Medieval Muslim Travelers (MMT); Hajj; Place and space; Positionality introductio

Framework for assessing serviceability and socio-economic risk associated with PPPs projects in Libya

On a global scale, limited financing for the development and operation of infrastructure projects has pushed authorities to encourage private investors to enter public-private partnerships (PPPs). In this respect, procurement of infrastructure projects such as bridges, water plants, airports, and roads has been adopted through PPPs. This has also applied to the oil-rich country of Libya which experienced severe economic and political problems in the past decade. This paper presents a systematic framework for risk assessment and appraisal of PPPs infrastructure projects. This framework is capable of identifying probable adverse effects that represent key influential factors on the private sector in a socio-economic environment and related to key performance indicators (KPIs) in order to assess the operational efficiency in developing and financing infrastructure projects. This framework proposes a new integrated system that comprises of the following: fault tree, artificial neural networks, and analytical network process. The aim of this system is to ensure sustainable availability of finances that are considered essential for the development of PPPs infrastructure projects in Libya. considering different alternative funding models, it suggests a means of auditing PPPs structure to carry out improved performance for PPPs projects in Libya

Ontological classification for heritage computer aided design

Recent endeavors in Computer Aided Design (CAD) have enabled creating intelligent 3D models of building assets that allow high efficiency in constructing and operating/maintaining those assets. However, in order to support this, detailed specification, classification and codification of the individual building systems and their components must be created. This entails usage and embedding of specific construction classification systems with the CAD systems utilized. While many such systems exist for new builds, there is lack of classification systems for heritage buildings, which are unique in the characteristics of their components that cannot be covered by current classification systems. This paper presents part of an ongoing research to justify and create a new Ontological Classification system for Heritage assets that can be used in conjunction with CAD systems, specifically 3D intelligent authoring tools, to specify the special requirements of Heritage components. The paper will start with a comparative study to validate creation of an “Onto-Classification” system as opposed to other systems like thesauri, taxonomies etc., including case study examples of them. This will be followed with examples of the new Onto-Classification system using a current existing Case study of Toson Palace in Egypt

Classification system for Egyptian heritage buildings

To create a classification system for heritage buildings, it is essential to delve into the architectural components of the buildings following a specific procedure. First, the different objects’ properties (including their architectural style, geometric characteristics and ratio, condition, construction method, cultural value, material, color, reflectance characteristics) are identified. Second, creating a systematic framework that identifies the lifestyle of each element, stating the grouping principle of heritage elements and the design composition of tables that identifies the geometrical form, material and functional features whether insulation or load tolerance. This paper presents the challenges in creating a unified classification system for an Egyptian heritage palace built in 1896 with different architectural styles; i.e Rocco, Baroque, Islamic and even architectural customized elements with Royal slogan; through different historical periods, where multiple elements and sections were detached and attached to the place during its lifetime. The formulated classification system can be generalized in similar heritage buildings built in the same era

Effects of suramin on hormone release by cultured rat anterior pituitary cells

Abstract Suramin is a polyanionic compound which has been used in the treatment of trypanosomiasis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), while preliminary success h