Co-Production of Cellulase and Xylanase Enzymes By Thermophilic Bacillus subtilis 276NS

Co-production of thermostable extracellular cellulase and xylanase was investigated using bacterial soil isolate. To evaluate the effect of culture conditions on the c-oproduction of both enzymes by Bacillus subtilis 276NS (GenBank accession number JF801740), a Plackett-Burman fractional factorial design was applied. Among the tested variables, yeast extract, sucrose and incubation time were the most significant variables increased cellulase and xylanase productions. Both of xylan and CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) induced the xylanse enzyme production. A near-optimum medium formulation was obtained which increased the cellulase and xylanase enzymes 5.7- and 1.08 –fold higher than the yield obtained with the basal medium, respectively. Thereafter, the response surface methodology was adopted to acquire the best process conditions among the selected variables (xylan, CMC and Yeast Extract (YE)) required for improving xylanase yield. The optimal combinations of the major medium constituents for xylanase production evaluated using non-linear optimization algorithm of EXCEL-solver, was as follows (g/L): D-sucrose, 10; xylan, 10.367, CMC, 10.535; (NH4)2SO4, 1.0; YE, 1.71; Tween-80, 0.4 and FeSO4, 0.25 mg/L, at pH 8.0, temperature 35◦C and incubation time 24h under shaking. The predicted optimum thermostable xylanase activity was 360 U/ml, which was around 4-times the activity with the basal medium

A protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis of thigmotactic behaviour in the open field test in rodent models associated with persistent pain

OBJECTIVE: Thigmotaxis is an innate predator avoidance behaviour of rodents and is enhanced when animals are under stress. It is characterised by the preference of a rodent to seek shelter, rather than expose itself to the aversive open area. The behaviour has been proposed to be a measurable construct that can address the impact of pain on rodent behaviour. This systematic review will assess whether thigmotaxis can be influenced by experimental persistent pain and attenuated by pharmacological interventions in rodents. SEARCH STRATEGY: We will conduct search on three electronic databases to identify studies in which thigmotaxis was used as an outcome measure contextualised to a rodent model associated with persistent pain. All studies published until the date of the search will be considered. SCREENING AND ANNOTATION: Two independent reviewers will screen studies based on the order of (1) titles and abstracts, and (2) full texts. DATA MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING: For meta-analysis, we will extract thigmotactic behavioural data and calculate effect sizes. Effect sizes will be combined using a random-effects model. We will assess heterogeneity and identify sources of heterogeneity. A risk-of-bias assessment will be conducted to evaluate study quality. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots, Egger’s regression and trim-and-fill analysis. We will also extract stimulus-evoked limb withdrawal data to assess its correlation with thigmotaxis in the same animals. The evidence obtained will provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of using thigmotactic outcome measure in animal pain research so that future experimental designs can be optimised. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines and disseminate the review findings through publication and conference presentation

Manejo de la vía aérea en el niño con secuencia de Pierre Robin

Abstract In the pediatric patient, respiratory problems are one of the main causes of perioperative morbidity and mortality. In certain pathologies, these problems are seriously accentuated. To respiratory vulnerability must be added how difficult it is to assess the child's airway. An example of all these challenges is the patient with Pierre Robin Sequence. Currently, there are no standardized anesthesia guidelines for airway management in these patients, although there are publications that place the fiberoptic bronchoscope as the Gold Standard for intubation. We present the case of a patient with a Pierre Robin Sequence successfully intubated using the GlideScope® videolaryngoscope.  Resumen En el paciente pediátrico los problemas respiratorios constituyen una de las principales causas de morbi-mortalidad perioperatoria. En determinadas patologías, estos problemas se ven gravemente acentuados. A la vulnerabilidad respiratoria hay que sumar lo difícil que resulta la valoración de la vía aérea en el niño. Un ejemplo de todos estos desafíos lo constituye el paciente con Secuencia de Pierre Robin. Actualmente no existen guías estandarizadas en anestesia para el manejo de la vía aérea en estos pacientes, aunque sí publicaciones que sitúan al fibrobroncoscopio óptico como el Gold Standar para la intubación. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con Secuencia de Pierre Robin intubada con éxito mediante videolaringoscopio GlideScope®.   &nbsp

Sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Alexandria, Egypt

Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy can result in fetal death, neonatal death or various congenital defects. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection using two different diagnostic tests, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) versus Immunochromatographic assay (ICA) and to study the potential risk factors for acquiring infection in pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Alexandria, Egypt.Methods: A cross sectional study, conducted between May 2015 and June 2016. The study was done in antenatal care centers of most districts of Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. 382 pregnant women, of a gestational age between 8-40 weeks were included in the study and were given pretested structured questionnaire to assess risk factors, which included: demographic, socio-economic data, kitchen hygiene and behavioral variables. Blood samples were taken and sera were divided into two parts; the first part was examined for anti-T.gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using rapid diagnostic test RDT kit, the other part tested by ELISA.Results: The overall seroprevalence of T.gondii infection was (11.3%) detected by RDT, significantly increased to (57.9%) by ELISA test (X2= 5.3; p=0.001). RDT had the sensitivity of (15.8%), the specificity of (95%), PPV of (81.4%), NPV of (45.1%), with overall diagnostic efficiency of (49.2%). The association between T.gondii infection and the age of the pregnant women was found to be statistically significant (OR=2.84, 95%CI=1.251-6.455).Conclusions: The present study has documented a bad diagnostic performance of RDT in detection T.gondii in serum samples of infected pregnant women as compared to ELISA technique. Age is the only risk factor to be associated statistically with toxoplasma gondii infection

Influence of Mobile Application Based Brain Training Program on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Patients Post Stroke

Background: Stroke often leads to cognitive impairment, which can significantly reduce one's independence as well as quality of life. Cognitive rehabilitation is a treatment strategy for restoring cognitive abilities following brain injuries. Cognitive functioning can be improved through the use of multimedia as well as informatics in computerized cognitive rehabilitation (CCR). Purpose: to investigate the influence of a mobile application-based brain training program on cognitive functions as well as quality of life in post stroke patients. Methodology: forty referred medically and radiologically diagnosed stroke patients from both genders experienced post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), aged from 45 to 60 years old, were randomized into two groups of the same number: a study group and a control group. The Study group received mobile application-based brain training program (Lumosity training application) as well as aerobic training on a bicycle ergometer, and the control group received only the aerobic training on a bicycle ergometer for 18 sessions every other day for 6 weeks, 3 sessions/week, each session for 60 minutes. All patients were evaluated with Computer-based cognitive device RehaCom, Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in addition to Stroke specific quality of life scale (SS-QoL) pre and post treatment. Results: a significant difference has been detected among the two groups as the (p-value = 0.001) indicating that the study group reported enhancement in the cognitive functions as well as the quality of life more than the control group and there was a correlation between RehaCom, MoCA, ACE-R and SS-QoL. Conclusion: This study showed that six weeks of mobile application-based brain training program (Lumosity training application) as well as aerobic training on a bicycle ergometer was a beneficial approach and is a successful treatment for patients suffering from (PSCI)

The chemopreventive effect of Ginkgo biloba and Silybum marianum extracts on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background/objective</p> <p>This study was designed to evaluate the potential chemopreventive activities of <it>Ginkgo biloba </it>extract (EGb) and <it>Silybum marianum </it>extract (silymarin) against hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Rats were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 served as normal control rats. Group 2 animals were intragastrically administrated NDEA at a dose of 10 mg/kg five times a week for 12 weeks to induce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Groups 3 and 4 animals were pretreated with silymarin and EGb respectively. Groups 5 and 6 animals were posttreated with silymarin and EGb respectively. The investigated parameters in serum are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The investigated parameters in liver tissue are malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and comet assay parameters.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In NDEA group, MDA level was elevated with subsequent decrease in GSH level and SOD, GPx and GR activities. In addition, NDEA group revealed a significant increase in serum ALT, AST and GGT activities and VEGF level. Furthermore, NDEA administrated animals showed a marked increase in comet assay parameters. These biochemical alterations induced by NDEA were confirmed by the histopathological examination of rat livers intoxicated with NDEA that showed an obvious cellular damage and well differentiated HCC.</p> <p>In contrast, silymarin+NDEA treated groups (3&5) and EGb+NDEA treated groups (4&6) showed a significant decrease in MDA level and a significant increase in GSH content and SOD, GPx and GR activities compared to NDEA group. Silymarin and EGb also beneficially down-regulated the increase in serum ALT, AST, GGT activities and VEGF level induced by NDEA. In addition, silymarin and EGb significantly decreased comet assay parameters. Histopathological examination of rat livers treated with either silymarin or EGb exhibited an improvement in the liver architecture compared to NDEA group.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The obtained findings suggested that silymarin and EGb may have beneficial chemopreventive roles against hepatocarcinogenesis through their antioxidant, antiangiogenic and antigenotoxic activities.</p

Synthesis of some Heterocyclic compounds bearing Coumarin nucleus and their Anti-inflammatory activity

Starting from 6-amino-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one 1, a series of some new heterocyclic compounds (2-14) incorporating coumarin moiety was synthesized and assessed for their anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method. The tested coumarin derivatives reduce the edema volume and serum levels of the pro inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α, and have effects on promoting production of anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10

Preclinical Assessment of the Proliferation Capacity of Gingival and Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells from Diabetic Patients

BACKGROUND: Stem cells have recently received great interest as potential therapeutics alternative for a variety of diseases. The oral and maxillofacial region, in particular, encompasses a variety of distinctive mesenchymal (MSC) populations and is characterized by a potent multilineage differentiation capacity.AIM: In this report, we aimed to investigate the effect of diabetes on the proliferation potential of stem cells isolated from controlled diabetic patients (type 2) and healthy individuals.SUBJECTS &amp; METHODS: The proliferation rate of gingival and periodontal derived stem cells isolated from diabetic &amp; healthy individuals were compared using MTT Assay. Expression levels of Survivin in isolated stem cells from all groups were measured by qRt - PCR.RESULTS: There was a significantly positive correlation between proliferation rate and expression of Survivin in all groups which sheds light on the importance of Survivin as a reliable indicator of proliferation. The expression of Survivin further confirmed the proliferation results from MTT Assay where the expression of stem cells from non - diabetic individuals was higher than diabetic patients. Conclusion: Taking together all the results, it could be concluded that PDLSC and GSC are promising candidates for autologous regenerative therapy due to their ease of accessibility in addition to their high proliferative rates