COMPARISON OF NON-MAXIMAL TESTS FOR ESTIMATING EXERCISE CAPACITY

Although maximal incremental exercise tests (GXT) are the gold standard for outcome assessment and exercise prescription, they are not widely available in either fitness or clinical exercise programs. This study compared the prediction of VO2max in healthy, sedentary volunteers using a non-exercise prediction (Matthews et al., 1999), RPE extrapolation to 19 and 20 and the Rockport Walking Test (RWT), and of ventilatory threshold (VT) using the Talk Test and RPE @ 13,14,15. Subjects performed a treadmill GXT with gas exchange, a submaximal treadmill with RPE and Talk Test, the RWT and Matthews. All methods provided reasonable estimates of both VO2max and VT, with correlations of >0.80 and SEE~1.3 METs. VO2max was best estimated with the extrapolation to RPE=19. VT was intermediate between the TT Last Positive and Equivocal stages and between RPE 13 and 14. Non-maximal evaluation can be used in place of maximal GXT with gas exchange to make reasonable estimates of both VO2max and V

The Protective Properties of the Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats Mediated by Anti-Apoptotic and Upregulation of Antioxidant Genes Expression Effects

The strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) has been extensively used to treat a wide range of ailments in many cultures. The present study was aimed at evaluating the hepatoprotective effect of strawberry juice on experimentally induced liver injury in rats. To this end, rats were introperitoneally injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) with or without strawberry juice supplementation for 12 weeks and the hepatoprotective effect of strawberry was assessed by measuring serum liver enzyme markers, hepatic tissue redox status and apoptotic markers with various techniques including biochemistry, ELISA, quantitative PCR assays and histochemistry. The hepatoprotective effect of the strawberry was evident by preventing CCl4-induced increase in liver enzymes levels. Determination of oxidative balance showed that strawberry treatment significantly blunted CCl4-induced increase in oxidative stress markers and decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic molecules in hepatic tissue. Furthermore, strawberry supplementation enhanced the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, and restrained the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 with a marked reduction in collagen areas in hepatic tissue. These findings demonstrated that strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) juice possessed antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic properties, probably mediated by the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids compounds

A rapid and simple single-step method for the purification of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites

This study describes a simple method for the large-scale isolation of pure Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites. T. gondii tachyzoites were obtained from infected human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and peritoneal exudates of mice, while tissue cysts containing bradyzoites were collected from chronically infected mice. Harvested cells and brain tissues were incubated in Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS), containing 0.25% trypsin and 0.5% taurodeoxycholic acid (TDC) for 5 min. Subsequent washes in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were conducted, and the cell viability of the preparations was good, as determined by flow cytometry and ability to reinfect HFF cells and propagate in mice. The purification procedure allowed for a rapid preparation of pure T. gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites in sufficient quantity that can be used for downstream procedures. The advantage of the new method is that it is convenient and inexpensive.The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31502071), Youth Innovative Talents Project of Guangdong province Education Department (No. 2017KQNCX212), Guangdong province (2017GDK07), Start-up Research Grant Program provided by Foshan University, Foshan city, Guangdong province for distinguished researchers, Guangdong Science and Technology Plan Project (Grant No: 1244060045607389XC), and School of Life Science and Engineering fund (Grant No: KLPREAD201801-02).http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/vms3am2021Paraclinical Science

Molecular characterization of Fasciola flukes using mitochondrial 28S rRNA gene in Naimi Saudi sheep

Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of medical and economic importance. This retrospective study was conducted on 110 Fasciola flukes collected from livers of 14 infected Naimi sheep slaughtered at Riyadh abattoir in Saudi Arabia during winter season of 2016. Collected specimens were analyzed for their species identification on the basis of partial sequences of mitochondrial 28S rRNA gene. Results have shown the presence of both Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) and Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) species. Where Fasciola hepatica was predominate (80%). Both intra-species and interspecies genetic distance was studied and results showed that the intraspecific variability among individuals of both species i.e., F. hepatica and F. gigantica, ranging between 0 and 1% while the interspecific diversity between F. hepatica and F. gigantica was only 1%. In conclusion, mitochondrial 28S rRNA gene is a proved as a good marker in identifying Fasciola of different species. Where, the F. hepatica and F. gigantica are present in sheep breed in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Keywords: Fasciola, 28s rRNA gene, DNA, Shee

Comparison of non-maximal tests for exercise prescription and outcome assessment

This study examined the accuracy of non-maximal tests: the Talk Test (TT), Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) extrapolation, Rockport Walking Test (RWT) and non-exercise VO2max prediction equation for predicting exercise capacity (VO2max and VT). Subjects (N=20) were 18-50 yrs. of low to moderate fitness level. Subjects performed three exercise sessions. Test 1 was a maximal incremental test to measure VO2max and VT. Test 2 was a submaximal incremental exercise test without respiratory gas exchange measurements, using the TT and RPE. Test 3 was the RWT. Also, VO2max was calculated using the non-exercise prediction equation of Matthews et al. (1997). The results showed that there was no significant difference between measured VO2max and predicted VO2max using the non-exercise equation, extrapolation to RPE19 and the RWT. However, measured VO2max was significantly less than predicted VO2max using extrapolation to RPE 20 (p≤0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the VO2 at VT, the LP, and EQ stages of the TT, and at RPE13 and RPE14. However, the VO2 at RPE 15 was significantly higher than VO2 at VT (p≤0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that the non-maximal methods could be used as primary methods for exercise prescription and outcome assessment

Synthesis and Antibacterial Aspects of Graphitic C3N4@Polyaniline Composites

In this work, Pani and Pani@g-C3N4 was synthesized by in situ oxidative polymerization methodology of aniline, in the presence of g-C3N4. The as prepared Pani@g-C3N4 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphological analysis showed well dispersed Pani in g-C3N4, as well as the coating of Pani on g-C3N4. The XRD further revealed this, and peaks of Pani as well as g-C3N4 was observed, thereby suggesting successful synthesis of the composite. The DC electrical conductivity studies under isothermal and cyclic aging conditions showed high stability of composites over 100 °C. Further, the synthesized composite material proved to be an excellent antimicrobial agent against both type i.e., gram positive Streptococcus pneumoniae and negative bacteria Escherichia coli. In the zone inhibition assay 18 ± 0.5, 16 ± 0.75 and 20 ± 0.5, 22 ± 0.5 mm zone diameter were found against E. coli and S. pneumoniae in presence of pure g-C3N4 and Pani@g-C3N4 at 50 µg concentrations, respectively. Further antimicrobial activity in the presence of sunlight in aqueous medium showed that Pani@g-C3N4 is more potent than pure g-C3N4

Screening of the normal bacterial flora in the gut of Aedes aegypti Mosquito in Saudi Arabia

Aedes aegypti (Culicidae), the mosquito that causes yellow fever, is regarded as a significant vector for many disease agents. The current study sought to learn more about mosquito mid-gut bacteria and their impacts. Mosquito specimens were gathered in Jeddah city (Saudi Arabia), and their gut bacterial flora was then analyzed. The collected mosquitoes exhibit all the characteristic features of A. aegypti, according to a microscopic study. Utilizing the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene analysis, molecular testing established the identity of A. aegypti as a close relative of previously recognized Aedes species submitted in the GenBank, particularly those from Kenya. Unfortunately, based on the results of RT-PCR, none of the Aedes mosquitoes under study had dengue virus (DENV) present. On nutrient agar plates, the mid-gut bacteria were isolated. A total of 34 Gram-positive bacteria were isolated and identified at the molecular level using the 16S rRNA gene and were divided into the two genera Bacillus and Lysinibacillus within the family Bacillaceae. To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the normal existence of bacterial flora in the gut of DENV-free mosquitos in Saudi Arabia. It is advised to conduct more research to determine how these bacteria affect the transmission of harmful pathogens carried by mosquitoes. Additionally, further research into the antibacterial and anticancer activities of metabolites extracted from the mid-gut bacteria may help in the development of unique drugs

Evaluation of Insecticidal Potentials of Five Plant Extracts against the Stored Grain Pest, Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Plant based insecticides are considered among the most economic and ecofriendly chemicals for the protection of plants and stored grains. The cowpea weevil (Callosbruchus maculatus) causes more than 90% damage to sored grains in three to six months. The current study investigates insecticidal potentials of five selected botanicals: Melia azedarach, Nicotiana rustica, Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum and Thuja orientalis. They are explored at six different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) against C. maculatus and compared to effects of distilled water which is used as a control. Toxicities of 3%(V/V) extracts of N. tabacum, N. rustica, A. indica and T. orientalis against C. maculatus were 100%, 86.11%, 80.56% and 72.22%, respectively. Maximum mortality was caused by N. tabacum and N. rustica (100%), followed by A. indica (82%), whereas minimum mortality was observed in T. orientalis (64%) at 2.5%. Several phytochemicals, alkaloids, saponins, diterphenes, phytosterol, flavonoids and phenols were identified in N. tabacum and N. rustica, while few were present in A. indica. Phytosterol was present in greatest abundance. Saponins were only detected in aqueous extracts of N. rustica and N. tabacum. Taken together, these results indicate the utility of N. tabacum, N. rustica and A. indica as potential botanicals to control pest beetle and cowpea weevil

Anti-Viral and Immunomodulatory Properties of Propolis : Chemical Diversity, Pharmacological Properties, Preclinical and Clinical Applications, and In Silico Potential against SARS-CoV-2

Propolis, a resin produced by honeybees, has long been used as a dietary supplement and folk remedy, and more recent preclinical investigations have demonstrated a large spectrum of potential therapeutic bioactivities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties. As an antiviral agent, propolis and various constituents have shown promising preclinical efficacy against adenoviruses, influenza viruses, respiratory tract viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Over 300 chemical components have been identified in propolis, including terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, with the specific constituent profile varying widely according to geographic origin and regional flora. Propolis and its constituents have demonstrated potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 by modulating multiple pathogenic and antiviral pathways. Molecular docking studies have demonstrated high binding affinities of propolis derivatives to multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including 3C-like protease (3CL(pro)), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S-protein), and helicase (NSP13), as well as to the viral target angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Among these compounds, retusapurpurin A has shown high affinity to 3CL(pro) (Delta G = -9.4 kcal/mol), RdRp (-7.5), RBD (-7.2), NSP13 (-9.4), and ACE2 (-10.4) and potent inhibition of viral entry by forming hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues within viral and human target proteins. In addition, propolis-derived baccharin demonstrated even higher binding affinity towards PLpro (-8.2 kcal/mol). Measures of drug-likeness parameters, including metabolism, distribution, absorption, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) characteristics, also support the potential of propolis as an effective agent to combat COVID-19