Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Stewardship Program on COPD Patients, Quality Improvement Project.

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has multiple benefits in COPD patients. There are multiple barriers to utilize PR including lack of knowledge about the benefits of PR by providers. Objective: We are conducting a Quality Improvement project to improve the referral rate of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD to PR. Methods: All patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of acute exacerbation of COPD requiring systemic steroids to Rochester General Hospital in the period between 7/1/2019 and 7/31/2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Between 7/15/2020 and 11/15/2020, we started a PR stewardship program, where we daily review patients hospitalized with acute COPD exacerbation, and then a note will be placed in the chart for the primary team to consider referring patients to PR upon discharge, patients' charts were reviewed after discharge. The rate of referral before and after the intervention was compared. Results: During the pre-intervention period, 16 patients (mean age 67.7) with confirmed COPD by spirometry were hospitalized for COPD exacerbation, among them only 2 were referred to PR upon discharge (12.5%). During the post intervention period, 16 patients (mean age 65.0) were admitted with acute COPD exacerbation, among them 10 were referred to PR upon discharge (62.5%) [50% difference (16.5%-71%, 95% CI), P value = 0.004]. Conclusion: In our QI improvement project, we conclude that having a PR stewardship program to review patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation significantly improves the referral rate to PR, and might help to improve utilization of those programs by patients who need them.

Localization and Mechanical Transmission of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus in Tomato Seeds.

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), belonging to the genus Tobamovirus, is a highly virulent emerging virus, causing disease outbreaks and significant crop losses worldwide. The growing number of ToBRFV epidemic episodes prompted the investigation of the role of seeds in the dissemination of the virus as an important aspect in the overall disease management. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the localization of ToBRFV within tomato seeds and to evaluate its seed transmission characteristics. Seeds extracted from naturally ToBRFV-infected tomato fruits were tested for the presence of the virus using serological, molecular, and biological assays. Three immunolocalization techniques were used to determine the localization and distribution of ToBRFV within the different tissues and parts of tomato seeds. To evaluate seed transmission of ToBRFV, two grow-out experiments were conducted to assess the rate of both vertical (seeds to progeny seedlings) and possible horizontal transmission (plant to plant) based on serological and molecular assays. Seeds extracted from ToBRFV-infected fruits had a 100% contamination rate. The localization of ToBRFV in tomato seeds is only external on the seed coat (testa). Seed transmission rate from seeds to their seedlings was very low (0.08%), while no transmission was recorded from plants to plants in a small-scale greenhouse experimental setup. In conclusion, ToBRFV is a seedborne virus located externally on tomato seed coat and transmitted mechanically from ToBRFV-contaminated tomato seeds to seedlings, which could initiate a disease foci and eventually drive further dissemination and spread of the disease in a new growing area.

Effect of combined G6PD deficiency and diabetes on protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative Stress, an imbalance in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis, occurs in many physiological and non-physiological processes and several human diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Since the incidence of G6PD deficiency in Jordan and many parts of the world is high, this study aimed to measure the effect of G6PD deficiency on the oxidative markers and the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. METHODS: Whole blood G6PD deficiency was screened by the fluorescent spot method, and erythrocyte G6PD activity was determined using a quantitative assay. Since protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) are the most widely measured markers for protein and lipid oxidation, respectively, plasma PC and MDA, in addition to blood GSH were determined by spectrophotometric assays, as biomarkers of oxidative stress. RESULTS: The incidence of G6PD deficiency among the diabetic subjects was 15%. PC level in patients with diabetes and in G6PD-deficient subjects was 5.5 to 6-fold higher than in non-diabetic subjects with sufficient G6PD levels (p<0.001). This fold increase was doubled in diabetic patients with G6PD deficiency (p<0.001). Furthermore, the MDA level was significantly increased by 28-41% in G6PD-deficient, diabetics with sufficient G6PD, and diabetics with G6PD deficiency compared to MDA level in non-diabetic with sufficient G6PD. On the other hand, GSH was significantly reduced to half in G6PD-deficient subjects and in diabetics with G6PD-deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that diabetes and G6PD deficiency increased protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. However, the combination of both disorders has an additive effect only on protein oxidation. On the other hand, GSH level is only reduced in G6PD deficiency. In addition, diabetes and G6PD deficiency appear to be genetically linked since the incidence of G6PD deficiency among people with diabetes is more than the general population.

Identification of a novel nonsense variant in FYCO1 gene associated with infantile cataract and cortical atrophy.

INTRODUCTION: Cataract is a major condition characterized by ocular lens opacification, resulting from alteration in the lens architecture, lens proteins or both. It is responsible for about one-third of infants' blindness worldwide. Variants in the FYCO1 gene have been associated with autosomal recessive infantile cataract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) in a nine months old male patient who was referred for genetic investigation because of infantile cataract. WES analysis revealed the presence of a homozygous pathogenic variant (c.2365C>T) in exon 8 of the FYCO1 gene. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This is the first report on a Lebanese infant with infantile cataract and cortical atrophy which was not previously reported, resulting from a novel homozygous FYCO1 variant; thus expanding the clinical phenotypic spectrum of FYCO1 involvement.

Complexity and Local Specificity of the Virome Associated with Tospovirus-Transmitting Thrips Species.

Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips [WFT]) and Thrips tabaci (onion thrips [OT]) are insect species that greatly impact horticultural crops through direct damage and their efficient vectoring of tomato spotted wilt virus and iris yellow spot virus. In this study, we collected thrips of these species from 12 field populations in various regions in Italy. We also included one field population of Neohydatothrips variabilis (soybean thrips [ST]) from the United States. Total RNA data from high-throughput sequencing (HTS) were used to assemble the virome, and then we assigned putative viral contigs to each thrips sample by real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Excluding plant and fungal viruses, we were able to identify 61 viral segments, corresponding to 41 viruses: 14 were assigned to WFT, 17 to OT, and 1 to ST; 9 viruses could not be assigned to any species based on our stringent criteria. All these viruses are putative representative of new species (with only the exception of a sobemo-like virus that is 100% identical to a virus recently characterized in ST) and some belong to new higher-ranking taxa. These additions to the viral phylogeny suggest previously undescribed evolutionary niches. Most of Baltimore's classes of RNA viruses were present (positive- and minus-strand and double-stranded RNA viruses), but only one DNA virus was identified in our collection. Repeated sampling in a subset of locations in 2019 and 2020 and further virus characterization in a subset of four thrips populations maintained in the laboratory allowed us to provide evidence of a locally persistent thrips core virome that characterizes each population. IMPORTANCE Harnessing the insect microbiome can result in new approaches to contain their populations or the damage they cause vectoring viruses of medical, veterinary, or agricultural importance. Persistent insect viruses are a neglected component of their microbiota. In this study, for the first time, we characterize the virome associated with the two model systems for tospovirus-transmitting thrips species, of utmost importance for the direct and indirect damage they cause to a number of different crops. The thrips virome characterized includes several novel viruses, which in some cases reveal previously undescribed clades. More importantly, some of the viruses we describe are part of a core virome that is specific and consistently present in distinct geographical locations monitored over the years, hinting at a possible mutualistic symbiotic relationship with their host.

The impact of protocol-based high-intensity pharmacological thromboprophylaxis on thrombotic events in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

The reported incidence rate of venous and arterial thrombotic events in critically ill patients with COVID-19 infections is high, ranging from 20% to 60%. We adopted a patient-tailored thromboprophylaxis protocol based on clinical and laboratory presentations for these patients in our institution. We hypothesised that patients who received high-intensity thromboprophylaxis treatment would experience fewer thrombotic events. The aims of our study were to explore the incidence of thrombotic events in this population; to assess independent factors associated with thrombotic events and to evaluate the incidence of haemorrhagic events. A retrospective review of all adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between 1 March and 29 May 2020 was performed. The primary outcome was a composite of venous and arterial thrombotic events diagnosed during the ICU stay. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the independent factors associated with thrombotic events. A total of 188 patients met the inclusion criteria. All received some type of thromboprophylaxis treatment except for six patients who did not receive any prophylaxis. Of the 182 patients who received thromboprophylaxis, 75 (40%) received high-intensity thromboprophylaxis and 24 (12.8%) were treated with therapeutic anticoagulation. Twenty-one patients (11.2%) experienced 23 thrombotic events (incidence rate of 12.2% (95%CI 7.9-17.8)), including 12 deep venous thromboses, 9 pulmonary emboli and 2 peripheral arterial thromboses. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that only D-dimer (OR 2.80, p = 0.002) and high-intensity thromboprophylaxis regimen (OR 0.20, p = 0.01) were independently associated with thrombotic events. Thirty-one patients (16.5%) experienced haemorrhagic events; among them, 13 were classified as major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria. Therapeutic anticoagulation, but not the high-intensity thromboprophylaxis regimen, was associated with major bleeding. A proactive approach to the management of thromboembolism in critically ill COVID-19 patients utilising a high-intensity thromboprophylaxis regimen in appropriately selected patients may result in lower thrombotic events without increasing the risk of bleeding.

Quantifying Coronal Primary Tooth Discoloration Caused by Different Pulpotomy Materials.

Introduction: Bioceramic materials, gray and white mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA, WMTA), have been shown to have high rates of success in various endodontic applications. A major drawback is their tendency to discolor teeth. Biodentine (BD), a recenlty developed bioceramic material, has been claimed not to discolor teeth. The aim of this study was to compare tooth discoloration after applying different pulpotomy base materials (BD, GMTA and WMTA). Methods: Forty human fully developed primary incisors teeth were used in this study. Coronal access was achieved by a Tungsten Carbide drill, and the pulp chambers were accessed and chemo-mechanically debrided. Each material was placed in the pulp chamber, up to the cervical sectioning level. All specimens were incubated at 37°C and 100% humidity for 14 weeks and have been evaluated before the study and weekly. Color was assessed according to the CIE L*a*b* color space system. Results: The ΔE (delta E) of all experimental groups (GMTA, WMTA and BD) were significantly different from the control group at all time points. Color changes in the GMTA and WMTA groups showed significantly higher discoloration compared to BD group in the cervical part of the crown, since week 1. WMTA group showed significant discoloration in the cervical part as of week 1, and gradually increased over time. BD group showed no significant discoloration over time. GMTA group showed the most significant discoloration at week 1 and week 14 (P<0.05). Conclusions: both GMTA and WMTA pulpotomy materials may discolor tooth structure over time in an extracted primary anterior tooth model. When choosing bioceramic pulpotomy material, BD may be preferable, mainly in esthetic area.

Canine demodicosis: Hematological and biochemical alterations.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: One of the most common cutaneous infections seen in veterinary canine practice is canine demodicosis. Demodicosis is a parasitic skin infection with a possible impact on acute-phase proteins (APPs) and oxidant-antioxidant balance. This study aimed to estimate the possible alterations in hematological, biochemical, oxidant-antioxidant, and APP (C-reactive protein [CRP] and albumin) profiles in naturally infected dogs with demodicosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 21 dogs that were divided into two groups: The control group including 7 apparently healthy dogs and the diseased group including 14 dogs with generalized demodicosis. Demodicosis was confirmed through microscopic detection. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of CBC, total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and CRP levels. RESULTS: Significant reduction in red blood cells along with significant elevation in white blood cells was recorded in the diseased group compared with the control group. There was also significant elevation in MDA, TAC, SOD, and CRP levels along with significant reduction in GSH-Px and CAT levels in the diseased group. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, a relationship between canine generalized demodicosis and oxidant-antioxidant disequilibrium could be suggested. Evidence of this relation manifested in the elevation in MDA and SOD levels and reduction in GPx and CAT levels as a consequence to the release of ROS resulting from Demodex infection. CRP elevation is expected in canine demodicosis.

[Death due to myocardial infarction in young patients: A study of 312 cases of sudden death]. / La mort par infarctus du myocarde chez le sujet jeune : étude de 312 cas de mort subite.

Sudden cardiac death in young is seen as a dramatic phenomenon requiring knowledge of its impact. We aim to study the epidemiological characteristics of sudden cardiac ischemic death in young, and to discuss his involvement in the occurrence of death. We performed a retrospective cohort study using autopsy data from the department of forensic medicine of the University Hospital of Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir-Tunisia. A review of all autopsies performed during 23 years was done. In each case, clinical information and circumstances of death were obtained. We have included all sudden death in persons aged between 1 year and 35 years for the male and from one year to 45 years for female. We collected 312 cases of sudden death during the studied period. The collected data were processed using SPSS 20. The significance level was set at 0.05. Thirty-two cases of cardiac ischemic sudden death have been collected. Myocardial infarction was the second cause of sudden death in young patients. There was a male predominance. The most affected subjects were aged between 25-45 years. The death occurred more frequently at rest. Coronary artery disease has been discovered in twenty-four cases (75%). The myocardial infarction occurred on healthy coronary arteries in eight cases. An anomalous course of coronary arteries, in particular myocardial bridging, was found in eight cases (25%). Toxicological screening was negative in all cases. Identifying epidemiological characteristics of sudden cardiac ischemic death in this population is important for guiding approaches to prevention that must be based on dietary hygienic measures and the control of cardiovascular risk factors.

Protective effect of propolis on manganese chloride neurotoxicity of olfactory bulb in adult male albino rat.

BACKGROUND: Manganese (Mn) is widely used for industrial purposes and exposure to high levels of Mn may cause an irreversible brain disease. Propolis is a natural plant product; it acts as a powerful reactive oxygen species scavenger and improves the neurodegeneration process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 40 adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups 10 rats each: group I (control group), group II manganese chloride (MnCl2) received 10 mg/kg/day/orally for 4 weeks by intra-gastric tube, group III (propolis group) received 50 mg/kg/day/orally for 4 weeks by intra-gastric tube, and group IV (MnCl2 + propolis group) received the same doses with the same duration and route as in groups II and III. Rats were sacrificed after 24 h of last dose. The olfactory bulbs removed, the right bulb cut to be processed for haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemical staining and the left cut for electron microscopic studies. RESULTS: Results revealed that rat olfactory bulb from MnCl2 group showed darkly stained mitral cells with dark pyknotic nuclei, some show pericellular spaces and vacuolation, dark apoptotic cells in granular cells, neuropil vacuolation and pyknotic astrocyte. Electron microscopic examination showed abnormal granular cell with irregular damaged nuclear membrane, rupture of myelin fibre. Mitral nerve cell with destructed nucleus, many cytoplasmic vacuoles, swollen rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuolated mitochondria and neuropil were observed. Manganese chloride + propolis group showed improvement compared to MnCl2 group. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that propolis can ameliorate the toxic changes of manganese chloride on rat olfactory bulb.

Endoscopic Endonasal Excision of Large and Giant Pituitary Adenomas: Radiological and Intraoperative Correlates of the Extent of Resection.

BACKGROUND: Despite the superb visualization offered by the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach, the resection rates of large and giant pituitary adenomas have remained much lower than those of smaller macroadenomas. Various tumor characteristics can influence the extent of resection (EOR) and have been variably reported. Additional understanding of these factors is mandatory to improve the results. We analyzed the radiological and intraoperative tumor characteristics influencing the EOR in a cohort of patients with large and giant pituitary macroadenomas undergoing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal excision under our care. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were included. Magnetic resonance images were retrospectively analyzed for pre- and postoperative tumor volumetric analysis; preoperative tumor volume calculation using the formula (A × B × C/2); preoperative radioanatomical characteristics, including tumor shape, radiological structure, contrast enhancement, and extension; and the EOR. Intraoperative data were retrieved and included. RESULTS: The preoperative calculated tumor volume was 38.14 ± 23.02 cm3 and the preoperative measured tumor volume was 50.345 ± 17.36 cm3. A statistically significant difference was found between the calculated and measured tumor volumes for the whole cohort and for tumors with a maximum diameter >3.9 cm. A statistically significant difference in the EOR was found at a volume threshold of 26.2 cm3. Large cysts, heterogeneous enhancement, Knosp grade ≤2, soft tumor consistency, and tumor hemorrhage were significantly associated with gross total resection. CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric analysis should replace 2-dimensional methods in determining the size of large and giant pituitary adenomas. Specific tumor characteristics were associated with the EOR and could help in predicting the EOR for these tumors.

The impact of unilateral oophorectomy on ovarian reserve in assisted reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Women following unilateral oophorectomy (UO) are occasionally encountered during assisted reproduction treatment. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of UO on ovarian reserve in assisted reproduction. SEARCH STRATEGY: An electronic database search was performed using PubMed, EBSCO, ISI, Trip, ClinicalTrial.gov and the Cochrane library followed by a manual search to identify published research between January 1978 and December 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Controlled studies that compared infertile women following UO undergoing IVF-ET treatment with women with two intact ovaries. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently extracted the data concerning the impact of UO on ovarian reserve tests, ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and clinical pregnancy rate. Meta-analysis was performed using these measures. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were eligible for quantitative analysis. They included 1045 and 18 172 IVF cycles in women with one and two intact ovaries, respectively. Basal FSH weighted mean difference (WMD) was significant (2.01 IU/l; 95% CI: 0.24-3.79, P = 0.026). Similarly, the WMD of serum E2 level on the day of hCG administration was significant (WMD: -431 pg/ml; 95% CI: -616 to -246, P < 0.001). However, the weighted overall odds ratio (OR) of clinical pregnancy between women with a single ovary and women with two ovaries was comparable (overall OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.57-1.00, P = 0.054). All eligible studies were retrospectively conducted and the heterogeneity among ovarian response measures was high. CONCLUSIONS: Available pooled data supports an adverse effect of UO on ovarian reserve involving the quantity but not the quality of the ovarian pool. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Review finds women with one ovary removed have less IVF capacity but the same pregnancy rate as women with two ovaries.

Supplementing dams with both arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid has beneficial effects on growth and immune development.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAS) modulate immune cells in vitro and in vivo. This study investigated the effects of enriching the maternal diet with the n-6 and n-3 LCPUFAs, arachidonic (20:4n-6, 0.6%wt ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, 0.32%wt DHA), or 1:1 and 2:1 ratios (ARA: DHA) on total lipids in milk, total lipids, and immunophenotypes in plasma, lymph nodes, and spleen from isolated immune cells from 28d old pups. From day 15 of gestation to day 3 pp, Sprague-Dawley dams were fed a commercial chow. On day 3 pp litters were culled and pups (4 males and 2 females) randomly cross-fostered to dams who were randomized to one of the 5 experimental diets resulting in 20 male and 10 female pups/diet group. Dams fed ARA or ARA: DHA had 28-36% more 20:4n-6 in milk and feeding DHA or ARA: DHA doubled 22:6n-3 in milk lipids (P<0.05). Feeding 1:1 or 2:1 ARA: DHA resulted in greater pup weight at weaning (P<0.05). Compared to the control pups, ARA + DHA fed pups had a lower proportion of splenic CD45RA+ lymphocytes. In summary, postpartum supplementation with a combination of ARA + DHA, compared to ARA or DHA alone, resulted in a higher content of ARA and DHA in dam's milk and tissues and had positive effects on growth, accompanied by evidence of progression toward a mature immune phenotype, and suggests a need for ARA when DHA is supplemented in the early diet. Additional investigations are needed of ARA immunomodulation to better understand and estimate nutritional requirements for LCPUFAs during early development.

Is low total cholesterol levels associated with suicide attempt in depressive patients?

BACKGROUND: Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have a high risk of suicide. Many pathophysiological factors involved in MDD and suicide such us a low cholesterol levels have been associated with MDD and increased vulnerability to suicide. In this study, we investigate the relation between lipid parameters and suicide risk in patients with MDD. METHODS: Plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were determined in 160 patients meeting the DSM-IV-TR criteria for MDD (110 patients without suicidal behavior and 52 suicidal attempters) and 151 healthy controls. RESULTS: A significant decrease in plasma cholesterol levels was observed in the group of suicidal depressive patients compared to those without suicidal behavior (p < 0.001). For the other lipid levels (triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol), there were no significant differences between suicidal and non-suicidal patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol levels in suicidal patients. This result support the hypothesis of the association of low plasma cholesterol level and suicidal behavior in patients with major depressive disorder.

Does the NBME Surgery Shelf exam constitute a "double jeopardy" of USMLE Step 1 performance?

BACKGROUND: Scores from the NBME Subject Examination in Surgery (Surgery Shelf) positively correlate with United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 (Step 1). Based on this relationship, the authors evaluated the predictive value of Step 1 on the Surgery Shelf. METHODS: Surgery Shelf standard scores were substituted for Step 1 standard scores for 395 students in 2012-2014 at one medical school. Linear regression was used to determine how well Step 1 scores predicted Surgery Shelf scores. Percent match between original (with Shelf) and modified (with Step 1) clerkship grades were computed. RESULTS: Step 1 scores significantly predicted Surgery Shelf scores, R2 = 0.42, P < 0.001. For every point increase in Step 1, a Surgery Shelf score increased by 0.30 points. Seventy-seven percent of original grades matched the modified grades. CONCLUSION: Replacing Surgery Shelf scores with Step 1 scores did not have an effect on the majority of final clerkship grades. This observation raises concern over use of Surgery Shelf scores as a measure of knowledge obtained during the Surgery clerkship.

Therapeutic effect of ozone and rutin on adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity in an experimental rat model.

To evaluate the cytoprotective effects of rutin, ozone and their combination on adriamycin (ADR)-induced testicular toxicity, 50 male albino rats were classified into five groups of ten animals each as follows: placebo group; ADR group; ADR + rutin group; ADR + ozone group and ADR + rutin + ozone group. Sperm functions, testosterone (T), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testicular enzymes, oxidant/antioxidant status, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant proteins-1 and leukotriene B4 were determined. After ADR injection, a decline in sperm functions was observed. FSH and LH levels were increased, T level and testicular enzymes were decreased, significant enhancement in oxidative stress with subsequent depletion in antioxidants was detected and inflammatory markers were significantly elevated. Treatment with rutin and/or ozone, however, improved the aforementioned parameters. Ozone therapy alone almost completely reversed the toxic effects of ADR and restored all parameters to normal levels.

Role of Nigella sativa seed oil on corneal injury induced by formaldehyde in adult male albino rats.

Formaldehyde is frequently used in occupational environments, its toxicity concerns to all who work closely with it such as anatomists. Nigella sativa is an amazing herb with a rich historical and religious background; its seeds are the source of its active ingredients. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of Nigella sativa oil on corneal injury induced by formaldehyde in adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided randomly to four groups 10 rats each: I - Control group, II - Formaldehyde exposed group, III - Nigella sativa oil group (40 mg/kg/day) via intragastric tube daily for 2 weeks and IV - Formaldehyde and Nigella sativa group. Rats were sacrificed with ether, the corneas were extracted, one processed for haematoxylin and eosin stain and the other was used for transmission electron microscopic examination. Our results in group II revealed marked disorganisation, erosion, vacuolation and necrosis of epithelial cells with loss of parts of epithelial layer. Large congested invasion of blood vessels with separation and disorganisation of stromal fibrils. The corneas of group IV showed intact layers of epithelial cells with appearance close to control group. Star shaped cells (limbal stem cells) were obviously noticed in basal and intermediate layer with intact Bowman's membrane. Stroma showed regular parallel collagen, limbal stem cells were also noticed in group III. We concluded that Nigella sativa oil can ameliorate the toxic changes of formaldehyde on rat corneas. (.

A new tobamovirus infecting tomato crops in Jordan.

In this study, we completed the whole genome sequence of a new tobamovirus isolated from tomato plants grown in greenhouses in Jordan during the spring of 2015. The 6393-nt single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome encodes four proteins, as do other tobamoviruses: two replication-related proteins of 126 kDa and 183 kDa, a 30-kDa movement protein (MP) and a 17.5-kDa coat protein (CP). Phylogenetic analysis showed that this virus does not group with either the tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) or the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) clades. Instead, it stems from a branch leading to the TMV clade. Analysis of possible recombination events between this virus and representative isolates of closely related tomato-infecting tobamoviruses showed that at least one region originated by recombination. We provide evidence that we have identified a new tobamovirus, for which we propose the name "tomato brown rugose fruit virus".