Genetic determinants of selectivity of erythrocyte invasion in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic basis of selectivity in invasion of the red blood cells by the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Multiple invasions of a single host red blood cell by more than one merozoite, which can be described or assessed in terms of the selectivity index (SI), has been reported to be related to the severity of malaria disease. In this study, selectivity index, defined as the ratio of the number of multiply-infected red cells observed to that expected from random invasion, as modelled by a Poisson distribution was determined for certain clones of P.falciparum. SI was measured under static and shaking culturing conditions for P. falciparum clones 3D7 and HB3 and 18 progeny clones derived from a genetic cross between these two parasite clones. P. falciparum clone 3D7 was found to have a significantly lower SI than HB3 under both static and shaking culture conditions. There was no relationship between SI and days in continuous culture for clone 3D7 under shaking and static conditions; the phenotype therefore appears to be stable over time. The genetic basis of the difference in selectivity index between P. falciparum clones 3D7 and HB3 was investigated in progeny clones from a cross between these two clones, to ascertain the inheritance pattern of the phenotype. Under static conditions, ten progeny clones had a selectivity index lower than either parent, one progeny clone had higher selectivity index than both parent, and six progeny clones had selectivity index intermediate between the parents . Under shaking conditions, fifteen progeny clones were observed to have a selectivity index lower than either parent. These observations suggest the involvement of more than one parasite gene in selectivity index. A Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis was performed in order to identify genomic regions influencing SI in the progeny clones. The highest LOD score of 5.06 was obtained for a QTL on chromosome 13 for SI measured in parasites cultured under shaking conditions. This QTL denoted, PF_SI_1, extends for approximately 100kb on chromosome 13 and contains 19 open reading frames. This finding indicates the presence of a gene or genes on chromosome 13 that influence the parasite’s selection of erythrocytes for invasion

A Fractional Order-Kepler Optimization Algorithm (FO-KOA) for single and double-diode parameters PV cell extraction

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effects of the Fractional Order Kepler Optimization Algorithm (FO-KOA) on photovoltaic (PV) module feature identification in solar systems. Leveraging the strengths of the original KOA, FO-KOA introduces fractional order elements and a Local Escaping Approach (LEA) to enhance search efficiency and prevent premature convergence. The FO element provides effective information and past expertise sharing amongst the participants to avoid premature converging. Additionally, LEA is incorporated to boost the search procedure by evading local optimization. The single-diode-model (SDM) and Double-diode-model (DDM) are two different equivalent circuits that are used for obtaining the unidentified parameters of the PV. Applied to KC-200, Ultra-Power-85, and SP-70 PV modules, FO-KOA is compared to the original KOA technique and contemporary algorithms. Simulation results demonstrate FO-KOA's remarkable average improvement rates, showcasing its significant advantages and robustness over earlier reported methods. The proposed FO-KOA demonstrates exceptional performance, outperforming existing algorithms by 94.42 %–99.73 % in optimizing PV cell parameter extraction, particularly for the KC200GT module, showcasing consistent superiority and robustness. Also, the proposed FO-KOA is validated of on SDM and DDM for the well-known RTC France PV cell

Effect of Gallium-68 isotope injection on hemoglobin derivatives concentrations after instant injection and its recovery in male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Oxidizing effects of ionizing radiation are well established and almost understood. However, exposure to low doses of widely used isotopes may result in minor and hidden oxidative stress in some forms of hemoglobin. This formation alteration regarding the legends of hemoglobin's stereochemical function may play a role in hemoglobin dysfunction. There are limited studies related to the effect of gallium isotope injections.  The study intends to find the effect of gallium-68 isotope injection on male rabbits. It was conducted on thirty-two male rabbits (Orycytolagus cuniculus) divided into Group I: control and Group II: animals exposed to gallium-68 isotope at a similar dose commonly used in diagnostic protocols for humans. Blood samples were collected twice: the first was after two hours of injection with isotopes and the second was after twelve hours of injection. A linear, four-mathematical-equations matrix based on the Lamber-Beer law was used to measure the concentration of different hemoglobin derivatives. Results revealed a significant elevation (P<0.05) of methemoglobin, the oxidized form of hemoglobin, two hours after injection (Total hemoglobin = 4.463 ± 0.83), but this effect was completely reversed after twelve hours. This concluded that even low doses of isotopes result in oxidation of hemoglobin that recovers shortly. Furthermore, the outcome of the study supports the healthcare centres to understand the effect of gallium-68 injections on animals.           

The medical and biochemical knowledge of health care professionals regarding the management of MERS-CoV: lessons from 2019 pilgrimage season in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) epidemic was a serious healthcare concern not responding to conventional anti-viral therapies between 2012 and 2017 with high fatality rates. Saudi Arabia is still among the best world examples in combating both MERS-CoV and COVID-19 pandemics. Objectives: Investigating the medical and biochemical knowledge of healthcare professionals in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia on preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures against MERS-CoV epidemic. Subjects and methods: In 2019, this cross-sectional study included 416 healthcare personnel of which 402 participants answered the questions with a response rate of 96.7%. Specialties of participants were medical students (1.4%), physicians (64.4%), nurses (23.6%) and others (10.7%). Results: The vast majority of the investigated healthcare personnel gave the right answers. 96.7% of the participants answered that washing hands using water helps prevent MERS-CoV. 90.8% of the participants answered that wearing a clean non-sterile long-sleeved gown and gloves does helps prevent MERS-CoV infection. 94.7% of participants answered that using alcohol-based hand rub helps prevent MERS-CoV infection. 92.03% of the participants thought that wearing protective equipment does help preventing MERS-CoV infection. 86.1% answered that there is no vaccine available against MERS-CoV infection and 86.1% answered that taking vaccines is suitable for preventing MERS-CoV infection. 90.04% of the participants answered that MERS-CoV patients should be diagnosed using PCR and 84.3% thought that the highest levels of anti-CoV antibodies are in abattoir workers while 87.8% thought that isolation of suspected cases helps preventing MERS-CoV infection. Conclusion: The investigated healthcare workers had a satisfactory knowledge on the preventive and therapeutic measures and biochemical knowledge against MERS-CoV epidemic at mass gatherings as pilgrimage season

Mucormycosis co-infection in COVID-19 patients: An update

Mucormycosis (MCM) is a rare fungal disorder that has recently been increased in parallel with novel COVID-19 infection. MCM with COVID-19 is extremely lethal, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The collection of available scientific information helps in the management of this co-infection, but still, the main question on COVID-19, whether it is occasional, participatory, concurrent, or coincidental needs to be addressed. Several case reports of these co-infections have been explained as causal associations, but the direct contribution in immunocompromised individuals remains to be explored completely. This review aims to provide an update that serves as a guide for the diagnosis and treatment of MCM patients’ co-infection with COVID-19. The initial report has suggested that COVID-19 patients might be susceptible to developing invasive fungal infections by different species, including MCM as a co-infection. In spite of this, co-infection has been explored only in severe cases with common triangles: diabetes, diabetes ketoacidosis, and corticosteroids. Pathogenic mechanisms in the aggressiveness of MCM infection involves the reduction of phagocytic activity, attainable quantities of ferritin attributed with transferrin in diabetic ketoacidosis, and fungal heme oxygenase, which enhances iron absorption for its metabolism. Therefore, severe COVID-19 cases are associated with increased risk factors of invasive fungal co-infections. In addition, COVID-19 infection leads to reduction in cluster of differentiation, especially CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts, which may be highly implicated in fungal co-infections. Thus, the progress in MCM management is dependent on a different strategy, including reduction or stopping of implicit predisposing factors, early intake of active antifungal drugs at appropriate doses, and complete elimination via surgical debridement of infected tissues

Efficacy of tranexamic acid administration in traumatic brain injury patients: A review

BackgroundAnti-fibrinolytic medications decrease traumatic intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic, which recently has shown effectiveness in management of traumatic haemorrhage‎.AimsTo summarize the randomized control trials (RCTs) that evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid administration in traumatic brain ‎injury (TBI) patients‎.‎Methods An electronic literature review, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO that examining RCTs, observational, and experimental studies which study the efficacy of TXA administration in (TBI) patients.ResultsThe current review included 7 randomized studies reported the efficacy of TXA in management of TBI. TXA limit secondary brain injury by preventing the expansion of ICH. Administration of TXA exhibited a tendency to decrease head trauma-related mortality.ConclusionTXA significantly lower the risk of ICU expansion m and prevent brain injury related deaths

Oral semaglutide adequate glycaemia control with safe cardiovascular ‎profile

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease that ‎associated with series complication such as major adverse ‎cardiovascular events. Adequate glycaemic control proven ‎to reduce this risk. Orally administered semaglutide ‎promising medication in managing patient with type 2 ‎diabetes.‎AimsTo assess the cardiovascular safety and efficacy of semaglutide, a recently approved glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) for type 2 diabetes.Methods Pub Med, ‎Google Scholar, and EBSCO ‎ databases were ‎systematically search for relevant articles. The terms‎ diabetes‎, Glucagon-like peptide, semaglutide‎ were used. Out of hundred twenty-two records, only ‎four fulfilled ‎the inclusion criteria.Results Four placebo-controlled studies with oral semaglutide ‎were included. Single study concern about the cardiovascular safety of oral semaglutide ‎and showed that, ‎compared with placebo, semaglutide ‎ was not associated ‎with increased in the cardiovascular events. On the other ‎hand, the remaining trials shown that, semaglutide ‎ can ‎effectively control the blood glucose as evident by ‎reduction in HA1c.ConclusionOral semaglutide can effectively and safely lower blood glucose without increase in the major adverse ‎cardiovascular events‎‎ (MACE).

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Exergy-economic analysis of a hybrid combined supercritical Brayton cycle-organic Rankine cycle using biogas and solar PTC system as energy sources

Environmental negative impacts of the fossil fuels and intermittent feature of the renewable energies have made their hybrid configurations as a potential solution to overcome their both weaknesses. This research focuses on exergetic, and economic evaluation of a novel hybrid combined supercritical Brayton Cycle-Organic Rankine Cycle in which Solar PTC system and Biogas are considered as the energy Sources. The exhaust heat from the Bryton cycle runs the Organic Rankine cycle while either solar energy (during the daylight hours) or biogas energy (overnight hours) supply additional heat into the Brayton cycle. Sensitivity analyses were carried out in order to ascertain the influence that the system's input characteristics. The total exergy destruction of the system as well as its second law efficiency are computed. The process was not complete until exergoeconomics was used, and it was during this stage that the initial investment rate, the exorgoeconomic component, and the investment return rate are figured out. The findings of these analyses are compiled into a result report. It was concluded that combining the PTC system with the source of the biogas could be an effective way to achieve the desired level of heat delivery to the system