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Green synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles of noble metals is highly desirable in nanomedicine because of their potential use as anticoagulant, thrombolytic and anticancer agents. In this study, it was discovered that the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger proved effective in producing bimetallic Ag-Au nanoparticles. A. niger culture supernatant was able to produce Ag-AuNPs by reducing the solution of chloroauric acid/silver nitrate (1.0:1.0 mM) within 2 min at 100 °C and pH 8. Experimental Ag-AuNP detection was performed by visually observing the color change to reddish brown. The produced nanoparticles displayed maximal absorbance at 530 nm in UV-vis spectroscopy. According to transmission electron microscopy, most of the nanoparticles were spherical, with a mean diameter of 8-10 nm. The biosynthesis of Ag-AuNPs by A. niger was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analytical techniques. Its zeta potential was discovered to be -34.01 mV. The biosynthesized Ag-AuNPs exhibited effective thrombolytic and antiplatelet aggregation actions by totally preventing and dissolving the blood clot which was verified by microscopic examination, amelioration of blood coagulation assays, and carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model. The findings verified the effectiveness of biosynthesized Ag-AuNPs as a powerful antitumor agent against HepG2 and A549 cell lines with IC50 values of 15.57 and 27.07 µg/mL, respectively. Crystal violet assay validated the cytopathic effects of Ag-AuNPs on A549 and HepG2 cell lines. Therefore, the produced Ag-AuNPs from A. niger are a promising candidate in the management of thrombosis.
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Cochliobolus hawaiiensis Alcorn Assiut University Mycological Centre 8606 was chosen from the screened 20 fungal species as the potent producer of fibrinolytic enzyme on skimmed-milk agar plates. The greatest enzyme yield was attained when the submerged fermentation (SmF) conditions were optimized, and it was around (39.7 U/mg protein). Moreover, upon optimization of fibrinolytic enzyme production under solid-state fermentation (SSF), the maximum productivity of fibrinolytic enzyme was greatly increased recorded a bout (405 U/mg protein) on sugarcane bagasse, incubation period of 5 days, moisture level of 100%, initial pH of salt basal medium 7.8, incubation temperature at 35°C, and supplementation of the salt basal medium with corn steep liquor (80ï¼ , v/v). The yield of fibrinolytic enzyme by C. hawaiiensis under SSF was higher than that of SmF with about 10.20-fold. The purification procedures of fibrinolytic enzyme by ammonium sulfate (70%), gel filtration, and ion-exchange columns chromatography caused a great increase in its specific activity to 2581.6 U/mg protein with an overall yield of 55.89%, 6.37 purification fold and molecular weight of 35 kDa. Maximal activity was recorded at pH 7 and 37°C. Significant pH stability was recorded at pH 6.6-7.2, and thermal stability was recorded at 33-41°C. The enzyme showed the highest affinity toward fibrin, with Vmax of 240 U/mL and an apparent Km value of 47.61 mmol. Mg2+ and Ca2+ moderately induced fibrinolytic activity, whereas Cu2+ and Zn2+ greatly suppressed the enzyme activity. The produced enzyme is categorized as serine protease and non-metalloprotease. The purified fibrinolytic enzyme showed efficient thrombolytic and antiplatelet aggregation activities by completely prevention and dissolution of the blood clot which confirmed by microscopic examination and amelioration of blood coagulation assays. These findings suggested that the produced fibrinolytic enzyme is a promising agent in management of blood coagulation disorders.
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Celulose , Saccharum , Humanos , Celulose/metabolismo , Fermentação , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Saccharum/metabolismo , Fibrinolíticos/farmacologia , Fibrinolíticos/química , Fibrinolíticos/metabolismo , Temperatura , Peso MolecularRESUMO
To understand and model public health emergencies, epidemiologists need data that describes how humans are moving and interacting across physical space. Such data has traditionally been difficult for researchers to obtain with the temporal resolution and geographic breadth that is needed to study, for example, a global pandemic. This paper describes Colocation Maps, which are spatial network datasets that have been developed within Meta's Data For Good program. These Maps estimate how often people from different regions are colocated: in particular, for a pair of geographic regions x and y, these Maps estimate the rate at which a randomly chosen person from x and a randomly chosen person from y are simultaneously located in the same place during a randomly chosen minute in a given week. These datasets are well suited to parametrize metapopulation models of disease spread or to measure temporal changes in interactions between people from different regions; indeed, they have already been used for both of these purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we show how Colocation Maps differ from existing data sources, describe how the datasets are built, provide examples of their use in compartmental modeling, and summarize ideas for further development of these and related datasets. Among the findings of this study, we observe that a pair of regions can exhibit high colocation despite few people moving between those regions. Additionally, for the purposes of clarifying how to interpret and utilize Colocation Maps, we scrutinize the Maps' built-in assumptions about representativeness and contact heterogeneity.
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COVID-19 , Pandemias , Humanos , Saúde PúblicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The increasing kidney retransplantation rate has created a parallel field of research, including the risk factors and outcomes of this advanced form of renal replacement therapy. The presentation of experiences from different kidney transplantation centers may help enrich the literature on kidney retransplantation, as a specific topic in the field of kidney transplantation. AIM: To identify the risk factors affecting primary graft function and graft survival rates after second kidney transplantation (SKT). METHODS: The records of SKT cases performed between January 1977 and December 2014 at a European tertiary-level kidney transplantation center were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Beside the descriptive characteristics, the survivals of patients and both the first and second grafts were described using Kaplan-Meier curves. In addition, Kaplan-Meier analyses were also used to estimate the survival probabilities at 1, 3, 5, and 10 post-operative years, as well as at the longest follow-up duration available. Moreover, bivariate associations between various predictors and the categorical outcomes were assessed, using the suitable biostatistical tests, according to the predictor type. RESULTS: Out of 1861 cases of kidney transplantation, only 48 cases with SKT were eligible for studying, including 33 men and 15 women with a mean age of 42.1 ± 13 years. The primary non-function (PNF) graft occurred in five patients (10.4%). In bivariate analyses, a high body mass index (P = 0.009) and first graft loss due to acute rejection (P = 0.025) were the only significant predictors of PNF graft. The second graft survival was reduced by delayed graft function in the first (P = 0.008) and second (P < 0.001) grafts. However, the effect of acute rejection within the first year after the first transplant did not reach the threshold of significance (P = 0.053). The mean follow-up period was 59.8 ± 48.6 mo. Censored graft/patient survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 90.5%/97.9%, 79.9%/95.6%, 73.7%/91.9%, and 51.6%/83.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Non-immediate recovery modes of the first and second graft functions were significantly associated with unfavorable second graft survival rates. Patient and graft survival rates of SKT were similar to those of the first kidney transplantation.
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Introduction: To find genetic variants in the DRD4 and HTR2A genes' promoter regions and exons that are associated with tobacco smoking and nicotine addiction in Egyptian university students as well as to study the association between personality traits and smoking status. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire about cigarette smoking and personality attributes (Big Five Inventory, ESPAD Questionnaire on Substance Abuse, and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire). The participants in the study were 90 nonsmokers (NS) and 88 current smokers (CS), who were divided into two groups depending on their cigarette consumption per day (cpd): 55 heavy smokers (HS, >20 cpd) and 33 light smokers (LS, 1-10 cpd). Four and eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DRD4, HTR2A, and MOA genes, respectively, were genotyped. Results: Smokers scored lower on neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion than nonsmokers, but higher on aggression. Furthermore, the C allele of rs1800955 in DRD4 was associated with cigarette smoking in the HS vs. NS and LS vs. NS studies. The T allele of the HTR2A rs6313 gene was discovered to be strongly associated with cigarette smoking. There was no link discovered between MOA rs1137070 and MOA rs1137070. Conclusions: Using a comprehensive personality model (FFM), this study repeats and extends earlier research. Personality and genetic studies may aid in the development of a more complete and conclusive understanding of cigarette smoking, as well as more precise policies and guidelines for smoking cessation and quitting.
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The most important tools in killing and overcoming on the microbes and pathogens that cause diseases in medicine and/or in agriculture are the antibiotics. The discovery and synthesis of the microbial natural products or antibiotics has greatly developed genetically and biotechnologically quickly in the last decades. It is necessary to access this great genetic diversity by finding ways to increase the level of expression of these biosynthetic pathways. In this study, we carried out an improvement in the antibiotic production of weak Streptomyces graminofaciens strain NBR9 that has high lipid content; using Ultra-Violet irradiation mutagenesis. This strain was isolated from the Northern Region in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and identified biochemically and confirmed genetically by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene as Streptomyces graminofaciens NBR9; Accession No. (MN640578). The resultant mutant strain showed increasing in their antimicrobial activities. The methods and techniques used for the antibiotic extraction, purification, characterization and identification proved that the obtained antibiotic is same with antibiotic Carbomycin.
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Vias Biossintéticas/genética , Microbiologia Industrial , Leucomicinas/biossíntese , Lipídeos/genética , Mutação/genética , Streptomyces/genética , Antibacterianos/biossíntese , Antibacterianos/isolamento & purificação , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Leucomicinas/isolamento & purificação , Leucomicinas/farmacologia , Mutagênese , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genéticaRESUMO
Objective: Head and neck cancer is the sixth leading cancer by incidence worldwide and eighth by death. Recent reports revealed that, not only radiotherapy but also chemotherapy may induce xerostomia. The aim of this study was to compare the possible regenerative effect of BMSCs through systemic and local injections. Material and Methods: 52 male Albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1: 10 rats received 0.5 ml of PBS by injection. Group 2: 14 rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU drug. Group 3: 14 rats were injected the same dose of 5-FU then received an intraglandular transplantation of BMSCs suspended in 0.5 ml of PBS at day 1 after 5-FU administration. Group 4: 14 rats were injected the same dose of 5-FU then received an intravenous injection of BMSCs suspended in 0.5 ml of PBS via the tail vein at day 1 after 5-FU administration. Results: Histological examination showed that group 2 showed features of severe degenerative changes which increased over time. Group 3 showed increasing amelioration in the ductal structure overtime. Group 4 also showed regenerated ductal elements however concerning apoptotic changes, immunohistochemistry results revealed improvement in both group 3 and 4 over group 2 with no statistical difference between groups 3 and 4. Conclusion: Histological and immunohistochemical features in group 3 and group 4 revealed similar amelioration in regenerative potentials. On the other hand, regenerative features of both experimental groups were statistically significant as compared independently to group 1 (AU)
Objetivo: O carcinoma de cabeça e pescoço é o sexto câncer de maior incidência no mundo sendo a oitava causa de morte por cancer. Relatos recentes revelaram que não apenas a radioterapia, mas também a quimioterapia podem induzir xerostomia. O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar a possivel ação regenerative de BMSCs através de injeção local e sistêmica. Material e Métodos: 52 ratos Albino foram aleatoriamente alocados em 4 grupos: Grupo 1: 10 ratos que receberam 0.5 ml de injeção de PBS. Grupo 2: 14 ratos que receberam injeção intraperitoneal da droga 5-FU. Grupo 3: 14 ratos que foram injetados com a mesma dose de 5-FU e receberam transplante intraglandular de BMSCs ressuspendidas em 0.5mL de PBS no dia 1 após a administração do 5-FU. Grupo 4: 14 ratos que foram injetados com a mesma dose de 5-FU e receberam injeção intravenosa de BMSCs ressuspendidas em 0.5mL de PBS via veia caudal 1 dia após a administração de 5-FU. Resultados: O exame histológico demonstrou que o grupo 2 apresentou alterações degenerativas severas que se agravaram com o tempo. O Grupo 3 mostrou melhora da estrutura ductal ao longo do experimento. Group 4 também mostrou elementos ductais regenerados. Referente a alterações apoptóticas,análise imunohistoquimica mostrou melhora nos grupos 3 e 4 comparados ao grupo 2, sendo que os grupos 3 e 4 foram estatisticamente semelhantes. Conclusão: Análises histológicas e imunohistoquímicas mostram que os grupos 3 e 4 apresentam melhora no potencial regenerativo Por outro lado, os resultados observados para os dois grupos foi estatisticamente semlhante quando comparados independentemente ao grupo 1 (AU)
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Animais , Ratos , Glândulas Salivares , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas de Cabeça e PescoçoRESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the parotid glands (PGs) of albino rats histologically and ultrastructurally and assess the possible protective effect of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant. Thirty male albino rats weighing between 150 mg and 200 mg were divided into three groups: the control group (C1) contained 10 rats that received 2 mg/kg (body weight (bw)) of aqueous nitrate buffer by intraperitoneal (IP) injection daily for 28 days; the AgNPs group contained 10 rats that received 2 mg/kg (bw) IP AgNPs daily for 28 days; and the AgNPs-vitamin C group contained 10 albino rats that received 2 mg/kg (bw) AgNPs IP daily for 28 days with oral administration of 100 mg/kg (bw) vitamin C in drinking water daily for 28 days. The PG acinar and ductal cells of the AgNPs group showed signs of toxicity and degeneration characterized as pleomorphic nuclei, binucleation, cytoplasmic vacuolations, and stagnated secretion in the ductal lumen. In addition to degenerated mitochondria, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes were filled with AgNPs (p < 0.001). The AgNPs-vitamin C group showed significantly less degenerative changes histologically and ultrastructurally compared to the AgNPs group (p = 0.002). AgNPs produced significant toxic effects on the PG of albino rats, presumably through the generation of reactive oxygen species and toxic ion release, and administration of vitamin C was shown effective in decreasing these toxic effects.
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Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Ácido Ascórbico/farmacologia , Nanopartículas Metálicas/efeitos adversos , Glândula Parótida/efeitos dos fármacos , Prata/efeitos adversos , Células Acinares/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Retículo Endoplasmático/efeitos dos fármacos , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , RatosRESUMO
Aspergillus terreus was chosen for production of alkaline protease using solid-state fermentation (SSF). The maximum enzyme yield reached about 34.87 U/mg protein after optimization of fermentation parameters. The produced alkaline protease was purified by precipitation with iso-propanol and then purified through gel filtration and ion exchange column chromatography with a yield of 53.58% and 5.09- fold purification. The enzyme has shown to have a molecular weight of 35 kDa. Optimal pH and temperature for the enzyme activity were 9.5 and 50°C respectively. The highest activity was reported towards casein, with an apparent Km value of 6.66 mg/mL and Vmax was 30 U/mL. The enzyme activity was greatly repressed by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) caused activation in enzyme activity. The enzyme retained about 83.8, 70.6, 74.5, 76.4 and 66.4% of its original activity after incubation with Aerial, Leader, Oxi, Persil and Tide, respectively for 8 h at 60°C. Adding of the enzyme in detergents improved the cleansing performance to the blood stains and suggested to be used as a detergent additive. Our outcomes showed that protease could be used as environment green-approach in dehairing process.
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Aspergillus/metabolismo , Detergentes , Fermentação , Serina Endopeptidases , Ativação Enzimática/efeitos dos fármacos , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Fluoreto de Fenilmetilsulfonil/farmacologia , Serina Endopeptidases/isolamento & purificação , Serina Endopeptidases/metabolismo , Dodecilsulfato de Sódio/farmacologia , TemperaturaRESUMO
The aim of this work was to purify L-glutaminase from Aspergillus flavus. The enzyme was purified 12.47-fold from a cell-free extract with a final specific activity of 613.3 U/mg and the yield was 51.11%. The molecular weight of the enzyme, as estimated by SDS-PAGE, was found to be 69 kDa. The maximal activity of L-glutaminase was recorded at pH 8 and 40°C. The highest activity was reported towards L-glutamine as substrate, with an apparent Km value of 4.5 mmol and Vmax was 20 Uml-1. The enzyme was activated by Na+ and Co2+, while it was greatly suppressed by iodoacetate, NEM, Zn2+ and Hg2+ at 10 mM. L-glutaminase activity increased with a gradual increase of sodium chloride concentration up to 15%. In vivo, the median lethal dose (LD50) was approximately 39.4 mg/kg body weight after intraperitoneal injection in Sprague Dawley rats. Also, L-glutaminase showed no observed changes in liver and kidney functions and hematological parameters on rates. Purified A. flavus L-glutaminase had neither a cognizable effect on human platelet aggregation nor hemolytic activity. In addition, MTT assay showed that the purified L-glutaminase has a high toxic impact on Hela and Hep G2 cell lines with an IC50 value 18 and 12 µg/ml, respectively, and a moderate cytotoxic effect on HCT-116 and MCF7 cells, with an IC50 value 44 and 58 µg/ml, respectively.
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Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Aspergillus flavus/enzimologia , Glutaminase/farmacologia , Animais , Antineoplásicos/isolamento & purificação , Plaquetas/efeitos dos fármacos , Estabilidade Enzimática , Glutaminase/isolamento & purificação , Células HeLa , Células Hep G2 , Humanos , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Cinética , Dose Letal Mediana , Peso Molecular , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Especificidade por SubstratoRESUMO
Trichoderma viride AUMC 13021 isolated from Mangrove soil of Ras Mohammed protected area at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, was optimized to promote chitinase activity under submerged fermentation. The maximum enzyme yield (38.33 U/mg protein) was obtained at 1.4% of colloidal chitin, 96 h of incubation, 35°C, pH 6.5 and 125, rpm and using maltose (1%) and yeast extract (1%) as supplementation of salt basal medium. The enzyme has been purified with an overall yield of 73.1% and 5.48 purification fold, and a specific activity of 210.16 U/mg protein. The molecular mass of the purified chitinase was 62 kDa. Maximal activity of chitinase was recorded at pH 6.5 and 40°C. The highest activity was recorded in the case of colloidal chitin, with an apparent Km value of 6.66 mg/ml and Vmax of 90.8 U/ml. The purified chitinase was activated by Ca2+ and Mn2+ while the activity was inhibited by Hg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Co2+, dodecyl sulphate and EDTA. In vivo, the median lethal dose (LD50) was approximately 18.43 mg/kg body weight of Sprague Dawley rats. MTT assay showed that the purified chitinase has a toxic effect to MCF7 with an IC50 value 20 µg/ml, and HCT-116 cell lines with an IC50 value 44 µg/ml. Moreover, the purified enzyme showed significant antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 3 the causal agent of tomato wilt.
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Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Quitinases/biossíntese , Quitinases/farmacologia , Fermentação , Trichoderma/enzimologia , Animais , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Fusarium/efeitos dos fármacos , Células HCT116 , Células Hep G2 , Humanos , Cinética , Dose Letal Mediana , Células MCF-7 , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Microbiologia do SoloRESUMO
The IL28B gene is associated with spontaneous or treatment-induced HCV viral clearance. However, the mechanism by which the IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affects the extra-hepatic HCV immune responses and its relationship to HCV pathogenesis have not been thoroughly investigated. To examine the mechanism by which IL28B affects HCV clearance. Forty Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection receiving an Interferon/ribavirin treatment regimen were enrolled into this study. There were two groups: non-responders (NR; n = 20) and sustained virologic responders (SVR; n = 20). The initial plasma HCV viral loads prior to treatment and IL28B genotypes were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and sequencing, respectively. Liver biopsies were examined to determine the inflammatory score and the stage of fibrosis. Colonic regulatory T cell (Treg) frequency was estimated by immunohistochemistry. No significant association between IL28B genotypes and response to therapy was identified, despite an odds ratio of 3.4 to have the TT genotype in NR compared to SVR (95 % confidence interval 0.3-35.3, p = 0.3). Patients with the TT-IL28Brs12979860 genotype (unfavorable genotype) have significantly higher frequencies of colonic Treg compared to the CT (p = 0.04) and CC (p = 0.03) genotypes. The frequency of colonic Treg cells in HCV-infected patients had a strong association with the IL-28B genotype and may have a significant impact on HCV clearance.
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Colo/imunologia , Interleucinas/genética , Mucosa Intestinal/imunologia , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Adulto , Antivirais/uso terapêutico , Estudos Transversais , Egito , Feminino , Hepatite C Crônica/tratamento farmacológico , Histocitoquímica , Humanos , Interferon-alfa/uso terapêutico , Interferons , Fígado/patologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Plasma/virologia , Ribavirina/uso terapêutico , Resultado do Tratamento , Carga Viral , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Extra-hepatic compartments might contribute to hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistence and extra-hepatic manifestations. Therefore, we investigated HCV infection in colonic tissue in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and its relationship with HCV pathogenesis. Colonic biopsies were collected from three groups with CHC infection: treatment naïve (TN; n=12), non-responders (NR; n=10) to anti-HCV therapy (pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin) and sustained virologic response (SVR; n=10) and from a fourth healthy control group (n=10). Liver biopsies were examined to assess inflammation and fibrosis. HCV infection and colonic T regulatory (Treg) frequency were detected by immunohistochemistry. HCV core and NS3 proteins were detected in B cells and macrophage/monocytes of 42 % and 25 % of TN and 50 % and 30 % of NR, respectively, but not in SVR or control group. The numbers of cells expressing HCV proteins were positively correlated with both HCV viral load and colonic Treg frequency. A significant negative correlation between HCV-expressing cells with both liver inflammation and fibrosis was identified. Our study provides evidence that HCV can infect B cells and macrophages of the colon. The correlations between HCV infection in colonic tissue and HCV viral load and liver pathology underline the significance of this extra-hepatic infection in HCV pathogenesis and response to therapy.
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Colo/virologia , Hepacivirus/isolamento & purificação , Hepatite C Crônica/virologia , Adulto , Linfócitos B/virologia , Biópsia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Fígado/virologia , Macrófagos/virologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: >80% of people chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) live in resource-limited countries, yet the excess mortality associated with HCV infection in these settings is poorly documented. METHODS: Individuals were recruited from three villages in rural Egypt in 1997-2003 and their vital status was determined in 2008-2009. Mortality rates across the cohorts were compared according to HCV status: chronic HCV infection (anti-HCV antibody positive and HCV RNA positive), cleared HCV infection (anti-HCV antibody positive and HCV RNA negative) and never infected (anti-HCV antibody negative). Data related to cause of death was collected from a death registry in one village. RESULTS: Among 18,111 survey participants enrolled in 1997-2003, 9.1% had chronic HCV infection, 5.5% had cleared HCV infection, and 85.4% had never been infected. After a mean time to follow-up of 8.6years, vital status was obtained for 16,282 (89.9%) participants. When compared to those who had never been infected with HCV in the same age groups, mortality rate ratios (MRR) of males with chronic HCV infection aged <35, 35-44, and 45-54years were 2.35 (95% CI 1.00-5.49), 2.87 (1.46-5.63), and 2.22 (1.29-3.81), respectively. No difference in mortality rate was seen in older males or in females. The all-cause mortality rate attributable to chronic HCV infection was 5.7% (95% CI: 1.0-10.1%), while liver-related mortality was 45.5% (11.3-66.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a highly potent new antiviral agent to treat all villagers with positive HCV RNA may reduce all-cause mortality rate by up to 5% and hepatic mortality by up to 40% in rural Egypt.
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Hepatite C Crônica/mortalidade , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Causas de Morte , Criança , Estudos de Coortes , Egito , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , População Rural , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Twenty four fungal species were screened for their ability to produce alkaline L-methioninase on methionine-glucose liquid medium. Aspergillus ustus AUMC 10151 displayed the highest yield of enzyme (10.8 U/mg protein), followed by A. ochraceus and Fusarium proliferatum. Upon optimization of the submerged fermentation (SmF)conditions, the maximum enzyme yield (18.23 U/mg protein) was obtained on a medium containing L-methionine (0.5%), sucrose (0.95%), KH2PO4 (0.1%) and 175 rpm. Seven agro-industrial by-products were screened as substrates for L-methioninase production under solid-state fermentation (SSF). Wheat bran resulted 38.1 U/mg protein, followed by rice bran (27.6 U/mg protein) and soya bean meal (26.6 U/mg protein). Maximum alkaline L-methioninase (99.56U/mg protein) was achieved at initial moisture content of 71.5%, inoculum size of 2.0 mL of spore suspension, initial pH 8.5, incubation period eight days at 30°C and supplementation of the salt basal medium with pyridoxine(100 μg/mL) and beet molasses (20% v/v). The productivity of L-methioninase by A. ustus under SSF was higher than that of SmF about 5.45 fold under optimum conditions.
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A thermohalophilic fungus, Aspergillus terreus AUMC 10138, isolated from the Wadi El-Natrun soda lakes in northern Egypt was exposed successively to gamma and UV-radiation (physical mutagens) and ethyl methan-sulfonate (EMS; chemical mutagen) to enhance alkaline cellulase production under solid state fermentation (SSF) conditions. The effects of different carbon sources, initial moisture, incubation temperature, initial pH, incubation period, inoculum levels and different concentrations of NaCl on production of alkaline filter paper activity (FPase), carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and ß-glucosidase by the wild-type and mutant strains of A. terreus were evaluated under SSF. The optimum conditions for maximum production of FPase, CMCase and ß-glucosidase were found to be the corn stover: moisture ratio of 1:3(w/v), temperature 45 °C, pH range, 9.0-11.0, and fermentation for 4, 4 and 7 day, respectively. Inoculum levels of 30% for ß-glucosidase and 40% for FPase, CMCase gave the higher cellulase production by the wild-type and mutant strains, respectively. Higher production of all three enzymes was obtained at a 5% NaCl. Under the optimized conditions, the mutant strain A. terreus M-17 produced FPase (729 U/g), CMCase (1,783 U/g), and ß-glucosidase (342 U/g), which is, 1.85, 1.97 and 2.31-fold higher than the wild-type strain. Our results confirmed that mutant strain M-17 could be a promising alkaline cellulase enzyme producer employing lignocellulosics especially corn stover.
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Aspergillus/enzimologia , Aspergillus/metabolismo , Celulases/metabolismo , Mutagênese , Zea mays/metabolismo , Aspergillus/efeitos dos fármacos , Aspergillus/efeitos da radiação , Meios de Cultura/química , Egito , Metanossulfonato de Etila , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Lagos/microbiologia , Técnicas Microbiológicas , Cloreto de Sódio/metabolismo , Temperatura , Raios UltravioletaRESUMO
Abstract A thermohalophilic fungus, Aspergillus terreus AUMC 10138, isolated from the Wadi El-Natrun soda lakes in northern Egypt was exposed successively to gamma and UV-radiation (physical mutagens) and ethyl methan-sulfonate (EMS; chemical mutagen) to enhance alkaline cellulase production under solid state fermentation (SSF) conditions. The effects of different carbon sources, initial moisture, incubation temperature, initial pH, incubation period, inoculum levels and different concentrations of NaCl on production of alkaline filter paper activity (FPase), carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and β-glucosidase by the wild-type and mutant strains of A. terreus were evaluated under SSF. The optimum conditions for maximum production of FPase, CMCase and β-glucosidase were found to be the corn stover: moisture ratio of 1:3(w/v), temperature 45 °C, pH range, 9.0–11.0, and fermentation for 4, 4 and 7 day, respectively. Inoculum levels of 30% for β-glucosidase and 40% for FPase, CMCase gave the higher cellulase production by the wild-type and mutant strains, respectively. Higher production of all three enzymes was obtained at a 5% NaCl. Under the optimized conditions, the mutant strain A. terreus M-17 produced FPase (729 U/g), CMCase (1,783 U/g), and β-glucosidase (342 U/g), which is, 1.85, 1.97 and 2.31-fold higher than the wild-type strain. Our results confirmed that mutant strain M-17 could be a promising alkaline cellulase enzyme producer employing lignocellulosics especially corn stover.
Assuntos
Aspergillus/enzimologia , Aspergillus/metabolismo , Celulases/metabolismo , Mutagênese , Zea mays/metabolismo , Aspergillus/efeitos dos fármacos , Aspergillus/efeitos da radiação , Meios de Cultura/química , Egito , Metanossulfonato de Etila , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Lagos/microbiologia , Técnicas Microbiológicas , Cloreto de Sódio/metabolismo , Temperatura , Raios UltravioletaRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3)(+) regulatory T (Treg ) cells play a fundamental role in maintaining the balance between the tissue-damaging and protective immune response to chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Herein, we investigated the frequency of Treg cells in the colon and their potential relationship to the various CHC outcomes and hepatic histopathology. METHODS: Colonic biopsies were collected from three groups with CHC: treatment naïve (TN; n = 20), non-responders (NR; n = 20), sustained virologic response (SVR; n = 20), and a fourth healthy control group (n = 10). The plasma viral loads and cytokines levels were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and ELISA, respectively. Liver biopsies were examined to assess inflammatory score and fibrosis stage. Colonic Treg frequency was estimated by immunohistochemistry using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: A significant increase in the frequency of colonic Treg was found in TN, and NR groups compared with the control and SVR group. The frequency of colonic Treg , plasma interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-4 levels were significantly positively correlated with viral load and negatively correlated with METAVIR inflammatory score, and fibrosis stages. CONCLUSION: Colonic Treg cells are negatively correlated with liver inflammation and hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load, which suggests a strong linkage between gut-derived Treg cell populations and HCV infection.
Assuntos
Colo/imunologia , Colo/patologia , Hepatite C Crônica/imunologia , Hepatite C Crônica/patologia , Fígado/patologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/patologia , Adulto , Feminino , Fibrose , Hepatite C Crônica/sangue , Hepatite C Crônica/virologia , Humanos , Interleucina-10/sangue , Interleucina-4/sangue , Contagem de Linfócitos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Carga Viral , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To report the long-term follow-up of patients with infantile Wilms tumor treated according to the International Society of Pediatric Oncology study 9 protocol. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our medical reports for diagnosed WT in patients aged 6-12 months from January 2001 to January 2009. The clinical presentation, stage, operative details, pathologic findings, and outcomes for these infants were analyzed. We reviewed the charts of these patients throughout the whole disease course through long-term follow-up, paying particular attention to the details of the clinical presentation, stage at presentation versus postoperative stage, intraoperative findings, pathologic findings, and outcomes. RESULTS: The records revealed 16 patients with a median age of 7.5 months. All patients had presented with an abdominal mass, and 25% had presented with abdominal pain and hematuria. Associated congenital anomalies were observed in 16.7% of the patients. A favorable histologic type was found in 91.7% of the patients and 8.3% had an unfavorable histologic type. The median follow-up period was 57 months. Postoperative complete remission was achieved in all patients who underwent surgery. Relapse developed in 1 patient. The 7-year disease-free survival rate was 93.8%, and the 7-year overall survival rate was 75%. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term follow-up data using the International Society of Pediatric Oncology study 9 protocol revealed good outcomes. The protocol was a safe and an effective line of therapy, associated with decreased morbidity and improved survival. Also, the reduction in tumor volume resulted in easier surgical procedures, with no intraoperative complications.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Renais/terapia , Tumor de Wilms/terapia , Protocolos Clínicos , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To present this clinical series to report our initial experience with our technique as an alternative approach for treatment of rectourethral fistulas (RUFs). RUFS are a devastating complication of the urinary tract. The most appropriate approach remains controversial. METHODS: From March 2002 to August 2007, 8 patients with RUF were referred to our institution. The etiology of the RUF was a fractured pelvis in 2, radical prostatectomy in 1, transurethral resection of the prostate in 1, anterior bowel resection in 1, and a pull-through operation in 3. Of the 8 patients, 5 had undergone urinary diversion and 3 had undergone a previous repair that had failed. They were evaluated and treated using the posterior sagittal approach with rectal mobilization. The fistulas were excised, and both the urethra and rectum were repaired. The inferior half of the gluteus maximus muscle was used as barrier in 5 of the 8 patients. The operative and immediate and late postoperative complications were recorded. The clinical outcome was defined as success when the patients experienced no fecaluria or pneumaturia. RESULTS: All 8 patients, with a mean age of 38.7 years, were completely cured of their RUF. The mean operative time was 290 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 637.5 mL. The median hospital stay was 18 days. Early postoperative complications included wound infection in 1 and deep vein thrombosis in 1 patient. One patient developed a late complication of urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach is safe, provides excellent exposure, and allows for dissection under direct vision. The gluteus maximus flap is a good, nearby flap that can be used with minimal host morbidity.