Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) as markers of active lupus nephritis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite much research about lupus nephritis, none of the urinary biomarkers has been proven to be truly reflecting lupus nephritis activity, response to treatment, or prognosis. We aimed to study urinary biomarkers in lupus nephritis and test their relation to kidney damage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were divided into two graoups: (1) lupus nephritis group with biopsy-proven proliferative lupus nephritis (classes III and IV) and who did not receive immunosuppressive drugs within the preceding 3 months except for glucocorticoids and (2) lupus non-nephritis group with SLE patients without any renal manifestation. We assessed disease activity by the SLE disease activity index. uNGAL, uKim-1, uNGAL to urinary creatinine excretion (mg/dl), and uKim-1 to urinary creatinine excretion were measured in random spot urine samples at the time of renal biopsy and 6 months after the induction therapy. RESULTS: The LN group before treatment showed higher levels of uNGAL and uKIM-1 (P-value < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that uNGAL at level of > 59 has a 95 % sensitivity, a 100 % specificity, and an AUC = 0.996 in the ability to diagnose LN. While the uKIM-1 ROC showed that at level of > 1.6, it has an 85 % sensitivity, an 80 % specificity, and an AUC = 0.919. uNGAL and uKIM levels were significantly lower after treatment (P-value < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between urinary markers before and after treatment with other clinical, inflammatory, and serological markers of lupus nephritis. CONCLUSION: uNGAL, uKIM, uNGAL/Creat ratio, and uKIM/Creat ratio can be used as a predictor and a marker of disease activity for lupus nephritis. Key Points • Renal biopsy is the current standard for diagnosis of lupus nephritis and none of the urinary biomarkers has been fully concluded to have a diagnostic power to reflect the activity or the response to treatment. • However, based on the finding of the current study, uNGAL, uKIM, uNGAL/Creat ratio, and uKIM/Creat ratio showed significant diagnostic performance and were powerful indices of renal involvement in systemic lupus patients and as markers of disease activity.

Utility of Cilefa Pink B, a foodstuff dye as a fluoro-substrate in the devising of the first facile green Molecular-mass-Related Fluorescence Sensor for quantifying amlodipine in batched material and dosage forms; content uniformity evaluation.

This study introduces the first and unique Molecular-mass-Related Fluorescence Sensor as the first fluorimetric strategy for determining amlodipine. An environmentally friendly, single-step, and direct spectrofluorimetric approach was utilized to evaluate the analyte. In an acidic setting, combining the amlodipine medication and the fluorescent dye Cilefa Pink B generated an instantaneous ultra-fluorescent product. An increase in dye response after adding amlodipine was proportional to the molecular weight of the generated complex, as measured at 329 nm. was the idea ofthe applied fluorimetric analysis. The complexing process increased the molecular mass from 879.86 to 1288.739 g mol-1. The medication's range of 0.050-1.00 µg mL-1 is directly correlated with this molecular massenlargement. The ideal settings for the changeable parameters of the system were established through an analysis of the response of the amlodipine-Cilefa Pink B system. Furthermore, the developed sensor complied with ICH (International Council for Harmonization) standards. The sensitivity limits were 0.0139 µg mL-1 (for the detection limit, LOD) and 0.042 µg mL-1 (for the quantification limit, LOQ). Additionally, this method effectively recovered the drug in its original and therapeutic dosage forms. Finally, the proposed process's environmental impact was also assessed through different modern greenness evaluation tools.

Lipase as a Chiral Selector Immobilised on Carboxylated Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Encapsulated in the Organic Polymer Monolithic Capillary for Nano-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Enantioseparation of Racemic Pharmaceuticals.

Herein, we report the preparation of lipase immobilised on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as an enantioselector for capillary monolithic columns and their application in the chiral separation of racemic pharmaceuticals. The columns were prepared through the encapsulation of functionalised SWCNTs (c-SWCNTs) within an organic monolithic polymer, followed by the immobilisation of lipase over the obtained monolith, over a three-day (L1) and five-day (L2) period. The prepared columns were tested for the enantioselective nano-HPLC separation of 50 racemic drugs. A suitable resolution was achieved for 25 drugs using nano-RP-HPLC conditions for both the L1 and L2 capillaries, while no specific resolution was detected under normal-phase HPLC conditions. The developed c-SWCNT-lipase-based polymeric monolithic capillaries are a promising expansion for separating pharmaceutical enantiomers' using nano-HPLC.

Role of Serum Ferritin, D-Dimer, and C-Reactive Protein Parameters in COVID 19 Severity.

Following the epidemics caused by the transmission of the common virus between humans and animals (COVID-19), coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third and most deadly strain of RNA virus that can cause respiratory, digestive, and nervous system problems, and there are many unknown complications. This study included 170 clinical samples of nasopharyngeal swaps (100 patients and 70 controls for both males and females). RT-PCR was performed, and blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses. They were obtained from Iraqi patients aged 25 to 92 years old. Between November 2021 and March 2022, COVID-19 patients were admitted to Dar al-salam Hospital, Alyarmok Teaching Hospital, and Alshefaa Hospital. AFIAS D-Dimer, AFIAS ferritin, and NycoCard CRP tests were performed on the patients and were classified depending on the severity of their infection (mild or moderate, severe and critical). The results showed a significant increase in ferritin in critically ill patients (545.58 ± 57.71). A significant increase of D-dimer was found with different severity with highly significant in the critical group (3.93 ± 0.79). With varying degrees of severity, a substantial rise in CRP was discovered with highly significant in the critical group (96.27 ± 14.55) between the severity group (p-value <0.001). Also, COVID-19 individuals in the age range (50 - 60) tended to be more severe than younger people, whereas the effect of gender is not significant in any patient group. The biochemical factors, including D-Dimer, ferritin, and CRP, are effective in the disease's occurrence of symptoms and severity.

Edible/Biodegradable Packaging with the Addition of Spent Coffee Grounds Oil.

BACKGROUND: Following petroleum, coffee ranks as the second most extensively exchanged commodity worldwide. The definition of spent coffee ground (SCG) can be outlined as the waste generated after consuming coffee. The aims of the study are to produce edible/biodegradable packaging with the addition of spent coffee grounds (SCG) oil and to investigate how this fortification can affect chemical, textural, and solubility properties of experimentally produced films. METHODS: The produced films were based on κ-carrageenan and pouring-drying techniques in petri dishes. Two types of emulsifiers were used: Tween 20 and Tween 80. The films were analyzed by antioxidant and textural analysis, and their solubility was also tested. RESULTS: Edible/biodegradable packaging samples produced with the addition of SCG oil showed higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant capacity in comparison with control samples produced without the addition of SCG oil. The results of the research showed that the fortification of edible/biodegradable packaging with the addition of SCG oil changed significantly (p < 0.05) both chemical and physical properties of the films. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings obtained, it was indicated that films manufactured utilizing SCG oil possess considerable potential to serve as an effective and promising material for active food packaging purposes.

Macrocyclic Antibiotics as Effective Chiral Selectors in Liquid Chromatography for Enantiomeric Separation of Pharmaceutical Compounds: A Review.

Chiral separation techniques play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry, where the enantiomeric purity of drugs can have a significant impact on their efficacy and safety. Macrocyclic antibiotics are highly effective chiral selectors used in various chiral separation techniques, including LC, HPLC, SMB, and TLC, offering reproducible results and a wide range of applications. However, developing robust and efficient immobilization mechanisms for these chiral selectors remains a challenge. This review article focuses on various immobilization approaches, such as immobilization, coating, encapsulation, and photosynthesis, that have been applied to immobilize macrocyclic antibiotics on their support. Commercially available macrocyclic antibiotics for conventional liquid chromatography include Vancomycin, Norvancomycin, Eremomycin, Teicoplanin, Ristocetin A, Rifamycin, Avoparcin, Bacitracin, and others. In addition, capillary (nano) liquid chromatography has also been used in chiral separation utilizing Vancomycin, Polymyxin B, Daptomycin, and Colistin Sulfate. Macrocyclic antibiotic-based CSPs have been extensively applied due to their reproducible results, ease of use, and broad range of applications, capable of separating a large number of racemates.

A Polymer-based Monolithic Capillary Column with Polymyxin-B Chiral Selector for the Enantioselective Nano-High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Pharmaceutical Analysis.

Herein, we report the first use of Polymyxin-B antibiotic as a enantio-selector in polymer monolithic capillary. The capillaries were functionalised, characterized and tested for the enantioselective nano-HPLC separation of 50 racemic pharmaceutical drugs. They have been easily prepared by immobilizing Polymyxin-B over the organic polymer for 48 h (P1) or encapsulating Polymyxin-B within the organic polymer (P2) and tested for the enantioselective resolution of racemic drugs. Acceptable resolution was achieved for 21 drugs using RP-HPLC conditions on both (P1) and (P2) capillary columns, while no separation was observed under NP-HPLC conditions. Polymyxin-B is commercially available, easily solubilized and stable in both acidic and neutral media. The developed Polymyxin-B-based polymer monolithic capillaries provide a promising expansion of platform in enantioselective HPLC separations.

Daptomycin: A Novel Macrocyclic Antibiotic as a Chiral Selector in an Organic Polymer Monolithic Capillary for the Enantioselective Analysis of a Set of Pharmaceuticals.

Daptomycin, a macrocyclic antibiotic, is here used as a new chiral selector in preparation of chiral stationary phase (CSP) in a recently prepared polymer monolithic capillary. The latter is prepared using the copolymerization of the monomers glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) in the presence of daptomycin in water. Under reversed phase conditions (RP), the prepared capillaries were tested for the enantioselective nanoliquid chromatographic separation of fifty of the racemic drugs of different pharmacological groups, such as adrenergic blockers, H1-blockers, NSAIDs, antifungal drugs, and others. Baseline separation was attained for many drugs under RP-HPLC. Daptomycin expands the horizon of chiral selectors in HPLC.

Structure-based design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel piperine-resveratrol hybrids as antiproliferative agents targeting SIRT-2.

A series of novel piperine-resveratrol hybrids 5a-h was designed, synthesized, and structurally elucidated by IR, and 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR. Antiproliferative activities of 5a-h were evaluated by NCI against sixty cancer cell lines. Compound 5b, possessing resveratrol pharmacophoric phenolic moieties, showed a complete cell death against leukemia HL-60 (TB) and Breast cancer MDA-MB-468 with growth inhibition percentage of -0.49 and -2.83, respectively. In addition, 5b recorded significant activity against the other cancer cell lines with growth inhibition percentage between 80 to 95. New 5a-h hybrids were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against Sirt-1 and Sirt-2 as molecular targets for their antiproliferative action. Results showed that compounds 5a-h were more potent inhibitors of Sirt-2 than Sirt-1 at 5 µm and 50 µm. Compound 5b showed the strongest inhibition of Sirt-2 (78 ± 3% and 26 ± 3% inhibition at 50 µM and 5 µM, respectively). Investigation of intermolecular interaction via Hirschfeld surface analysis indicates that these close contacts are mainly ascribed to the O-H⋯O hydrogen bonding. To get insights into the Sirt-2 inhibitory mechanism, a docking study was performed where 5b was found to fit nicely inside both extended C-pocket and selectivity pocket and could compete with the substrate acyl-Lys. Another possible binding pattern showed that 5b could act by partial occlusion of the NAD+ C-pocket. Collectively, these findings would contribute significantly to better understanding the Sirt-2 inhibitory mechanism in order to develop a new generation of refined and selective Sirt-2 inhibitors.

PRDX6 Promotes the Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem (Stromal) Cells to Insulin-Producing Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be differentiated in vitro to form insulin-producing cells (IPCs). However, the proportion of induced cells is modest. Extracts from injured pancreata of rodents promoted this differentiation, and three upregulated proteins were identified in these extracts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of adding these proteins to the differentiation medium alone or in combination. Our results indicate that the proportion of IPCs among the protein(s)-supplemented samples was significantly higher than that in the samples with no added proteins. The yield from samples supplemented with PRDX6 alone was 4-fold higher than that from samples without added protein. These findings were also supported by the results of fluorophotometry. Gene expression profiles revealed higher levels among protein-supplemented samples. Significantly higher levels of GGT, SST, Glut-2, and MafB expression were noted among PRDX6-treated samples. There was a stepwise increase in the release of insulin and c-peptide, as a function of increasing glucose concentrations, indicating that the differentiated cells were glucose sensitive and insulin responsive. PRDX6 exerts its beneficial effects as a result of its biological antioxidant properties. Considering its ease of use as a single protein, PRDX6 is now routinely used in our differentiation protocols.

Halal Criteria Versus Conventional Slaughter Technology.

The halal meat industry is today a reality in many regions of the world, including the European Union. The main religious laws in the area of halal meat production were legislated in ancient times and may be unchangeable due to their sanctity perceived by faithful Muslims, while the modern technology used in the meat industry is constantly evolving and being updated. The objective of this study is to highlight the points of controversy between the principles of halal and the technological means currently used in the meat industry. Modern slaughter practices, including animal fasting prior to slaughter, animal body position, the location of the incision during slaughter, stunning and mechanical slaughter, are reviewed. The purpose of preslaughter feed availability according to halal criteria could be to ensure greater welfare for animals, though feed withdrawal is necessary today. Although there is no clear unified opinion among the Islamic sects, reversible stunning of animals is generally accepted. A neck cut at a higher position than the conventional low cut in cattle may reduce the compromise in welfare (the onset of unconsciousness), minimise false aneurysm and be compatible with halal criteria. This study may contribute towards consideration being given to technology that is not in conflict with the religious legislation, while at the same time meeting the requirements of the modern meat industry.

An insight into chiral monolithic stationary phases for enantioselective high-performance liquid chromatography applications.

In this review, three main classes of chiral monolithic stationary phases, namely silica-, organic polymer-, and hybrid-based monolithic stationary phases, are covered. Their preparations, applications, and advantages compared with the conventional-packed and open-tubular capillary columns are discussed. A detailed description of the different types and techniques used for the introduction of chiral selectors into the monolithic matrices such as immobilization, functionalization, coating, encapsulation, and bonding. Special emphasis is given to the recent developments of chiral selectors in HPLC monolithic stationary phases during the past 18 years.

Colistin Sulfate Chiral Stationary Phase for the Enantioselective Separation of Pharmaceuticals Using Organic Polymer Monolithic Capillary Chromatography.

A new functionalized polymer monolithic capillary with a macrocyclic antibiotic, namely colistin sulfate, as chiral selector was prepared via the copolymerization of binary monomer mixtures consisting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) in porogenic solvents namely 1-propanol and 1,4-butanediol, in the presence of azobisiso-butyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator and colistin sulfate. The prepared capillaries were investigated for the enantioselective nano-LC separation of a group of racemic pharmaceuticals, namely, α- and ß-blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antifungal drugs, norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, catecholamines, sedative hypnotics, antihistaminics, anticancer drugs, and antiarrhythmic drugs. Acceptable separation was achieved for many drugs using reversed phase chromatographic conditions with no separation achieved under normal phase conditions. Colistin sulfate appears to be useful addition to the available macrocyclic antibiotic chiral phases used in liquid chromatography.

Differentiation Potential of Nestin (+) and Nestin (-) Cells Derived from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Insulin Producing Cells.

The feasibility of isolating and manipulating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from human patients provides hope for curing numerous diseases and disorders. Recent phenotypic analysis has shown heterogeneity of MSCs. Nestin progenitor cell is a subpopulation within MSCs which plays a role in pancreas regeneration during embryogenesis. This study aimed to separate nestin (+) cells from human bone marrow MSCs, and differentiate these cells into functional insulin producing cells (IPCs) compared with nestin (-) cells. Manual magnetic separation was performed to obtain nestin (+) cells from MSCs. Approximately 91±3.3% of nestin (+) cells were positive for anti-nestin antibody. Pluripotent genes were overexpressed in nestin (+) cells compared with nestin (-) cells as revealed by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR). Following in vitro differentiation, flow cytometric analysis showed that 2.7±0.5% of differentiated nestin (+) cells were positive for anti-insulin antibody in comparison with 0.08±0.02% of nestin (-) cells. QRT-PCR showed higher expression of insulin and other endocrine genes in comparison with nestin (-) cells. While immunofluorescence technique showed the presence of insulin and C-peptide granules in nestin (+) cells. Therefore, our results introduced nestin (+) cells as a pluripotent subpopulation within human MSCs which is capable to differentiate and produce functional IPCs.

In vitro differentiation of human multilineage differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells into insulin producing cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a heterogeneous population. Muse cells is a rare pluripotent subpopulation within MSCs. This study aims to evaluate the pulirpotency and the ability of Muse cells to generate insulin producing cells (IPCs) after in vitro differentiation protocol compared to the non-Muse cells. Muse cells were isolated by FACSAria III cell sorter from adipose-derived MSCs and were evaluated for its pluripotency. Following in vitro differentiation, IPCs derived from Muse and non-Muse cells were evaluated for insulin production. Muse cells comprised 3.2 ±â€¯0.7% of MSCs, approximately 82% of Muse cells were positive for anti stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3). Pluripotent markers were highly expressed in Muse versus non-Muse cells. The percentage of generated IPCs by flow cytometric analysis was higher in Muse cells. Under confocal microscopy, Muse cells expressed insulin and c-peptide while it was undetected in non-Muse cells. Our results introduced Muse cells as a new adult pluripotent subpopulation, which is capable to produce higher number of functional IPCs.

Functionalized polymer monoliths with carbamylated amylose for the enantioselective reversed phase nano-liquid chromatographic separation of a set of racemic pharmaceuticals.

Here we report the first encapsulation of three carbamylated amylose namely R-, S- and R/S-amylose 2,3(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-6-ethylphenylcarbamate in organic polymer monolith in situ capillary columns. The columns were investigated for the enantioselective nano-liquid chromatographic separation of a set of racemic pharmaceuticals, namely, α- and ß-blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antifungal drugs, norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, catecholamines, sedative hypnotics, antihistaminics, anticancer drugs, and antiarrhythmic drugs. Baseline separation was achieved for several drugs under reversed phase chromatographic conditions and only few drugs were separated under normal phase conditions. The developed columns provide more economical analysis under environmentally benign conditions.

The isoflavone fraction from soybean presents mRNA maturation inhibition activity.

Recent findings indicate that mRNA splicing inhibitors can be potential anticancer candidates. We have previously established a screening system which monitors mRNA processing in order to identify mRNA processing inhibitors. Among a number of dietary resources, isoflavone fractions showed an inhibitory effect of mRNA processing. These findings demonstrate that a variety of dietary sources have an impact on mRNA biogenesis.

[Using Galleria mellonella as an in vivo model to study the virulence of some bacterial and fungal agents]. / Bazi bakteri ve mantarlarin virülansinin arastirilmasinda Galleria mellonella'nin in vivo model olarak kullanilmasi.

Non-vertebrate hosts, such as Galleria mellonella, namely wax moth, have been used to study microbial virulence and host defense. This organism has advantages as it is economical, ethically expedient and easy to handle. Here we describe an experimental in vivo study using the larvae of Galleria mellonella infected with some bacterial and fungal pathogens. In this study, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and non-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, colistin resistant and susceptible Acinetobacter baumanii clinical strains; Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Scedosporium aurantiacum (CBS 136047) and Pseudallescheria boydii (CBS 117410) reference strains, and Aspergillus terreus and Fusarium oxysporum clinical strains were used as pathogens. The larvae of G.mellonella were challenged with these bacterial and fungal strains, and the mortality rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier plots. Mortality rates at 16th hour were found as 83% for the larvae infected with both ESBL positive and negative E.coli, ESBL negative K.pneumoniae and ESBL positive P.aeruginosa; 91% for ESBL positive K.pneumoniae; 75% for ESBL negative P.aeruginosa; 66% for both colistin resistant and susceptible A.baumanii strains. All larvae infected with bacteria died within the first 24 hour. Larvae infected with bacteria showed significantly higher mortality rates than those infected with fungi. Mortality rates at 16th hour were found as 0% for C.albicans and F.oxysporum, 16% for S.aurantiacum, 8% for P.boydii and A.terreus; at 24th hour that was 25% for C.albicans and P.boydii, 33% for S.aurantiacum, A.terreus and F.oxysporum; at 48th hour that was 33% for C.albicans, 50% for P.boydii and F.oxysporum, 58% for A.terreus, and 66% for S.aurantiacum; in 72 hours that was 58% for C.albicans and F.oxysporum, 66% for P.boydii, 75% for A.terreus and S.aurantiacum, in 96 hours that was 83% for C.albicans, P.boydii and F.oxysporum, 91% for A.terreus and S.aurantiacum. As a result of this study, potential evidences provided that bacteria were more virulent than fungi for G.mellonella larvae model, each fungal species showed different virulence patterns, and bacterial virulence was correlated neither with species nor antibiotic susceptibility.

[Accuracy of PCR for the detection of bacterial and fungal DNA in the blood and tissue samples of experimentally infected rabbits]. / Deneysel Enfeksiyon Olusturulmus Tavsanlarin Kan ve Doku Örneklerinde Bakteriyel ve Fungal DNA'nin Gösterilmesinde PCR'nin Yeterliligi.

Direct demonstration of bacterial and/or fungal nucleic acids in the clinical samples of patients with blood stream infections is crucial in terms of rapid diagnosis, early and accurate therapy and patient management. This study was aimed to determine the presence of bacteria and fungi by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the clinical samples of experimental sepsis induced animals, to compare the results with culture and to evaluate the efficiency of PCR in the discrimination of bacteremia and fungemia. A total of 12 rabbits experimentally infected with standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans to generate bacteremia (n= 4), fungemia (n= 4) and polymicrobial blood stream infection (n= 4), were included in the study. A total of 63 specimens of which 27 were blood and 36 were tissue (12 spleen, 12 liver, 12 kidney) samples were collected at 24, 48, 72 and 96th hours of infection. Uninfected healthy rabbits (n= 4), colony suspensions of standard bacterial and fungal strains (n= 15) and human blood samples contaminated with standard bacterial and fungal strains (n= 10) were used as controls. Microbial DNAs were searched by using real-time PCR in all the samples, and quantitative cultures were performed simultaneously. Gram-positive and gram-negative PCR protocols were performed for the samples of bacteremic animals, whereas panfungal PCR, Aspergillus and Candida PCR protocols were performed for the samples of animals with fungemia. All of those PCR protocols were applied separately for the samples of polymicrobial blood stream infection cases. Culture positivity was detected in 8 (29.6%) of the blood samples and bacterial and/or fungal DNAs were demonstrated in 20 (74%) of the blood samples by PCR. Microbial DNAs were also detected in 32 (89%) of 36 tissue samples (11 spleen, 11 liver, 10 kidney). Sensitivity rates of culture method to detect bacteremia and fungemia were 30% and 21.7%, respectively, whereas those rates were 69.2% and 69.5% for PCR, respectively. All PCR protocols gave positive results 16.5 hours before the blood cultures. Amplification of DNA from colony suspensions yielded positive results for all of the samples with a lower detection limit ranged between 30-50 cfu/ml. Detection limit of all PCR applications was 50 cfu/ml for simulated blood samples. It was concluded that the adaptation of the tested PCR method to the clinical samples obtained from patients might help to the early diagnosis of blood stream infections. However, further clinical studies are necessary to support the results of this study.

Allantoic cyst and patent urachus.

Allantoic cysts of the umbilical cord are extremely rare anomalies. Only few cases have been reported in the postnatal life. The etiopathogenesis is still obscure. We describe a case of allantoic cyst and patent urachus in a newborn associated with hypospadias and meatal obstruction. We also present the review of literature regarding this entity, embryology and etiopathogenesis.