Efficiency of natural oils as alternative adjuvants to mineral oils in inactivated avian influenza vaccine formulation.

1. The effectiveness of inactivated vaccines depends on selecting the suitable adjuvant for vaccine formulation. The potency of vaccines with low antigen content can be improved with the appropriate adjuvant. This could allow production of more doses and lower the production cost.2. This study evaluated the efficiency of vaccines prepared using oil extracted from natural sources including argan oil, almond oil, sesame seed oil, pumpkin oil, cactus oil and black seed oil as alternative adjuvants for improving the protection capacity of inactivated influenza virus vaccine as compared to commonly used mineral oils.3. Each vaccine formulation was evaluated for stability, safety and immunogenicity in chickens, as well as for reducing the viral shedding after challenge infection.4. The cactus, sesame and pumpkin seed oil-based vaccines were found to be potent and successfully induced the production of humoral immunity in vaccinated chickens.

Exploration of the physical properties of the newly synthesized kagome superconductor LaIr3Ga2 using different exchange-correlation functionals.

LaIr3Ga2 is a kagome superconductor with a superconducting temperature (Tc) of 5.16 K. Here, we present the physical properties of the LaIr3Ga2 kagome superconductor computed via the DFT method wherein six different exchange-correlation functionals were used. The lattice parameters obtained using different functionals are reasonable, with a slight variation compared to experimental values. The bonding nature was explored. The elastic constants (Cij), moduli (B, G, Y), and Vickers hardness (Hv) were computed to disclose the mechanical behavior. The Hv values were estimated to be 2.56-3.16 GPa using various exchange-correlation functionals, indicating the softness of the kagome material. The Pugh ratio, Poisson's ratio, and Cauchy pressure revealed the ductile nature. In addition, mechanical stability was ensured based on the estimated elastic constants. The anisotropic mechanical behavior was confirmed via different anisotropic indices. The Debye temperature (ΘD), melting temperature (Tm), and minimum thermal conductivity (kmin) were calculated to characterize the thermal properties and predict the potential of LaIr3Ga2 as a thermal barrier coating material. The electronic density of states was investigated in detail. The McMillan equation was used to estimate Tc, and the electron-phonon coupling constant (λ) was calculated to explore the superconducting nature. The important optical constants were also calculated to explore its possible optoelectronic applications. The values of reflectivity in the IR-visible region are about 62% to 80%, indicating that the compound under study is suitable as a coating to reduce solar heating. The obtained parameters were compared with previously reported parameters, where available.

Location and Time Aware Multitask Allocation in Mobile Crowd-Sensing Based on Genetic Algorithm.

Mobile crowd-sensing (MCS) is a well-known paradigm used for obtaining sensed data by using sensors found in smart devices. With the rise of more sensing tasks and workers in the MCS system, it is now essential to design an efficient approach for task allocation. Moreover, to ensure the completion of the tasks, it is necessary to incentivise the workers by rewarding them for participating in performing the sensing tasks. In this paper, we aim to assist workers in selecting multiple tasks while considering the time constraint of the worker and the requirements of the task. Furthermore, a pricing mechanism is adopted to determine each task budget, which is then used to determine the payment for the workers based on their willingness factor. This paper proves that the task-allocation is a non-deterministic polynomial (NP)-complete problem, which is difficult to solve by conventional optimization techniques. A worker multitask allocation-genetic algorithm (WMTA-GA) is proposed to solve this problem to maximize the workers welfare. Finally, theoretical analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed WMTA-GA. We observed that it performs better than the state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of average performance, workers welfare, and the number of assigned tasks.

Prediction models based on soil properties for evaluating the heavy metal uptake into Hordeum vulgare L. grown in agricultural soils amended with different rates of sewage sludge.

The current study aims at forming new prediction models to be employed in the approximating the possible uptake of a range of 10 heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) by Hordeum vulgare tissues including roots, shoots and grains following its growth in soil amended with sewage sludge (SS) using conditions employed in greenhouses. The present study determined an insignificant difference between the actual and predicted quantities of the HMs in the three tissues using t values. The majority of the predicted quantities of the HMs were acceptable with the exception of Cd in the shoots, Cu in grains and Pb in roots. Consequently, it is possible to use these models in assessing the cultivation of barley plants in soil amended with SS in a safe way, while simultaneously monitoring any potential risks to the health of humans.

Integrated Framework of the Immune-Defense Transcriptional Signatures in the Arabidopsis Shoot Apical Meristem.

The growing tips of plants grow sterile; therefore, disease-free plants can be generated from them. How plants safeguard growing apices from pathogen infection is still a mystery. The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is one of the three stem cells niches that give rise to the above ground plant organs. This is very well explored; however, how signaling networks orchestrate immune responses against pathogen infections in the SAM remains unclear. To reconstruct a transcriptional framework of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) pertaining to various SAM cellular populations, we acquired large-scale transcriptome datasets from the public repository Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We identify here distinct sets of genes for various SAM cellular populations that are enriched in immune functions, such as immune defense, pathogen infection, biotic stress, and response to salicylic acid and jasmonic acid and their biosynthetic pathways in the SAM. We further linked those immune genes to their respective proteins and identify interactions among them by mapping a transcriptome-guided SAM-interactome. Furthermore, we compared stem-cells regulated transcriptome with innate immune responses in plants showing transcriptional separation among their DEGs in Arabidopsis. Besides unleashing a repertoire of immune-related genes in the SAM, our analysis provides a SAM-interactome that will help the community in designing functional experiments to study the specific defense dynamics of the SAM-cellular populations. Moreover, our study promotes the essence of large-scale omics data re-analysis, allowing a fresh look at the SAM-cellular transcriptome repurposing data-sets for new questions.

Steroid therapy in children with fulminant hepatitis A.

Fulminant hepatic failure is a life-threatening disease. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause fulminant hepatic failure and death in about 0.2% of cases. Extensive destruction of infected hepatocytes by immune-mediated lysis is thought to be the cause. We aimed to evaluate the use of steroid therapy in children with fulminant HAV. This study included 33 children with fulminant HAV in two groups. Steroid group: comprised of 18 children who received prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d) or its equivalent dose of methylprednisolone, and the nonsteroid group: comprised another 15 children who did not receive steroid therapy. Age and sex were matched for both groups (P > .05), and they were comparable regarding baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics. Of the steroid group, 15 patients survived and 3 died, while in the nonsteroid group, 4 patients survived and 11 died (P = .001). Of the living patients, 15 of 19 (78.9%) received steroids while only 3 of 14 (21.4%) of the dead patients received steroids (P = .001). Stepwise regression analysis showed that steroid therapy was the only independent variable associated with recovery (P = .001). Steroid therapy in children with fulminant HAV associated significantly with improved outcome and survival. Future studies on a larger population size are strongly recommended.

A survey on traditional plants used in Al Khobah village.

The use of traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases is a common practise in most of the developing countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia especially in rural areas. In this survey, Al Khobah village was selected to study the status of Traditional Medicine. Al Khobah village is located on the Southern boarders of the kingdom and characterized by diverse topography and moderate weather. The plants with medicinal uses were collected, identified and their methods of preparation and uses were recorded. After gathering all these information from the local people, literature survey was conducted on each plant to get information about pharmacological activities and weather they support the traditional use or not. The survey revealed that the uses of some plants are consistent with the experimental data in the literature. Some other plants were studied; however, they still need pharmacological investigation to prove the claimed uses. Other plant did not subject to any scientific investigation.

Generic relationships among Molluginaceae inferred from a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the matK gene.

The family Molluginaceae (order Caryophyllales) is considered polyphyletic based on the photosynthetic pathway, C4 evolution, and phylogeny of the family. This inference was made based on photosynthetic, anatomical, and molecular datasets. The generic circumscription of this family has greatly been changed owing to the placement of several of its genera into the Caryophyllaceae, Microteaceae, Lophiocarpaceae, and Limeaceae families. However, the generic relationships are largely unknown. By virtue of high substitution rates within the species and the ability to resolve the phylogenetic position of morphologically very closely related species and species complexes, the matK gene has emerged as one of the potential chloroplast DNA molecular markers in plant molecular phylogenetics and DNA barcoding studies. We herein used molecular phylogenetic analyses of matK gene sequences using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses to infer the generic relationships among currently recognized genera circumscribed under the family Molluginaceae. The resulting phylogenetic tree confirmed the polyphyly of the family Molluginaceae. The genus Hypertelis was found at the base of the Molluginaceae clade. The genus Glinus was close to Glischrothamnus and Mollugo, Suessenguthiella was close to Coelanthum and Pharnaceum, whereas Polpoda grouped with Adenogramma and Psammotropha. The present study constitutes a robust investigation of the molecular phylogenetic relationships among members of the family Molluginaceae. Future study should combine by combined analyses of morphological characters and multiple nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences with a more comprehensive taxon sampling of the family Molluginaceae.

Risk Factors and Immediate Outcome of Very Low Birth Weight Babies (Appropriate For Gestational Age) In Newly Established SCANU, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Low birth weight (LBW) is the most important preventable cause in the neonatal period leading to very high neonatal mortality and morbidity in developing countries like Bangladesh. A cross sectional study was conducted in the neonatology ward, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh from July 2014 to December 2014 to identify the risk factors and immediate hospital outcome of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) babies in context of present neonatal hospital care standard. Total 100 preterm very low birth weight babies were enrolled and selected by weight, intra uterine growth chart and new ballad score. There is slight preponderance of male babies (64%) over female babies (36%). The overall survival and mortality rate was 50% and 50% respectively in the present study. Mortality is highest (76.47%) in babies whose gestational age 28 weeks and the mortality rate gradually decrease as gestational age increases. Correlation co-efficient (r) between gestational age and number of died is -0.85. It indicates highly opposite relation between the variables, p value (<0.069) which is strong opposite relation. Mortality is highest (66.66%) in babies whose birth weight below1100gm, in comparison to those whose birth weight above 1100gm and correlation co-efficient (CC) r = -0.433 (p<0.466) which is not significant. That means not only birth weight but also other factors are responsible for mortality of very low birth weight baby. Neonatal mortality bears inverse relationship with birth weight and gestational age. This emphasized the need for large scale study which will provide the guideline for appropriate measures to be taken to combat the situation.

Novel keratin preparation supports growth and differentiation of odontoblast-like cells.

AIM: To fabricate a keratin hydrogel, characterize its functionality as a biomaterial and investigate the effects of keratin on growth and differentiation of odontoblast-like cells. METHODOLOGY: Keratins were extracted from sheep wool using a well-established technique. The extracted proteins were purified by dialysis, quantified by gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, amino acid analysis and inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The microstructure of the fabricated keratin hydrogels was studied by scanning electron microscopy, flow characteristics by rheometer, hydrolytic stability and cytocompatibility by Live/Dead(®) cell assay. Furthermore, the influence of keratin on odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23) was assessed to confirm their bioactivity at different dilutions. Cell proliferation was studied using alamarBlue(®) assay and differentiation by alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity, alizarin red staining and calcium quantification, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) and immunocytochemical staining for dentine matrix protein- 1 (DMP-1) expression. anova with Tukey's tests was performed for statistical comparison. RESULTS: The characterized hydrogel was injectable with a highly porous architecture that underwent slow degradation, and its cytocompatibility was statistically equivalent to collagen hydrogel (P > 0.05). Cell proliferation and differentiation were enhanced at the optimal keratin concentration of 0.1 mg mL(-1) . At this concentration, the influence of keratin on cell differentiation was demonstrated by marked elevation in alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.05), calcium deposition (P < 0.01), gene expression (P < 0.01) and positive immunostaining for DMP-1. CONCLUSION: The presence of keratin enhanced odontoblast cell behaviour. Keratin hydrogels may be a potential scaffold for pulp-dentine regen-eration.

Target fishing of glycopentalone using integrated inverse docking and reverse pharmacophore mapping approach.

Glycopentalone isolated from Glycosmis pentaphylla (family Rutaceae) has cytotoxic and apoptosis inducing effects in various human cancer cell lines; however, its mode of action is not known. Therefore, target fishing of glycopentalone using a combined approach of inverse docking and reverse pharmacophore mapping approach was used to identify potential targets of glycopentalone, and gain insight into its binding modes against the selected molecular targets, viz., CDK-2, CDK-6, Topoisomerase I, Bcl-2, VEGFR-2, Telomere:G-quadruplex and Topoisomerase II. These targets were chosen based on their key roles in the progression of cancer via regulation of cell cycle and DNA replication. Molecular docking analysis revealed that glycopentalone displayed binding energies ranging from -6.38 to -8.35 kcal/mol and inhibition constants ranging from 0.758 to 20.90 µM. Further, the binding affinities of glycopentalone to the targets were in the order: Telomere:G-quadruplex > VEGFR-2 > CDK-6 > CDK-2 > Topoisomerase II > Topoisomerase I > Bcl-2. Binding mode analysis revealed critical hydrogen bonds as well as hydrophobic interactions with the targets. The targets were validated by reverse pharmacophore mapping of glycopentalone against a set of 2241 known human target proteins which revealed CDK-2 and VEGFR-2 as the most favorable targets. The glycopentalone was well mapped to CDK-2 and VEGFR-2 which involve six pharmacophore features (two hydrophobic centers and four hydrogen bond acceptors) and nine pharmacophore features (five hydrophobic, two hydrogen bond acceptors and two hydrogen bond donors), respectively. The present computational approach may aid in rational identification of targets for small molecules against large set of candidate macromolecules before bioassays validation.

Molecular docking of the anticancer bioactive compound proceraside with macromolecules involved in the cell cycle and DNA replication.

The bioactive compounds proceraside A, frugoside and calotropin, which were extracted from the root bark of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (family Asclepiadaceae), were recently reported to inhibit the growth of inhibition against various human cancer cell lines in vitro. However, their modes of action have not been clearly defined. Therefore, we attempted an in silico approach to gain insights into their binding modes against the following selected molecular targets: CDK-2, CDK-6, topoisomerase I, BCL-2, VEGFR-2, telomere: G-quadruplex, and topoisomerase II. These targets were selected based on their key roles in cancer progression via the regulation of the cell cycle and DNA replication. Molecular-docking analyses revealed that proceraside A was the best docked ligand against all the targets, with the exception of telomere-G: quadruplex. Furthermore, it displayed the lowest binding energies and inhibition constants, and critical hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the targets were also revealed. The present study may aid in the identification of possible targets for proceraside A, and might provide a plausible explanation for its proven anti-tumor activities. Moreover, the result of this study may further guide structure-activity relationship studies used to generate more potent target-specific inhibitors.

ID-Viewer: a visual analytics architecture for infectious diseases surveillance and response management in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: Globally, disease surveillance systems are playing a significant role in outbreak detection and response management of Infectious Diseases (IDs). However, in developing countries like Pakistan, epidemic outbreaks are difficult to detect due to scarcity of public health data and absence of automated surveillance systems. Our research is intended to formulate an integrated service-oriented visual analytics architecture for ID surveillance, identify key constituents and set up a baseline for easy reproducibility of such systems in the future. STUDY DESIGN: This research focuses on development of ID-Viewer, which is a visual analytics decision support system for ID surveillance. It is a blend of intelligent approaches to make use of real-time streaming data from Emergency Departments (EDs) for early outbreak detection, health care resource allocation and epidemic response management. METHODS: We have developed a robust service-oriented visual analytics architecture for ID surveillance, which provides automated mechanisms for ID data acquisition, outbreak detection and epidemic response management. Classification of chief-complaints is accomplished using dynamic classification module, which employs neural networks and fuzzy-logic to categorize syndromes. Standard routines by Center for Disease Control (CDC), i.e. c1-c3 (c1-mild, c2-medium and c3-ultra), and spatial scan statistics are employed for detection of temporal and spatio-temporal disease outbreaks respectively. Prediction of imminent disease threats is accomplished using support vector regression for early warnings and response planning. Geographical visual analytics displays are developed that allow interactive visualization of syndromic clusters, monitoring disease spread patterns, and identification of spatio-temporal risk zones. RESULTS: We analysed performance of surveillance framework using ID data for year 2011-2015. Dynamic syndromic classifier is able to classify chief-complaints to appropriate syndromes with high classification accuracy. Outbreak detection methods are able to detect the ID outbreaks in start of epidemic time zones. Prediction model is able to forecast dengue trend for 20 weeks ahead with nominal normalized root mean square error of 0.29. Interactive geo-spatiotemporal displays, i.e. heat-maps, and choropleth are shown in respective sections. CONCLUSION: The proposed framework will set a standard and provide necessary details for future implementation of such a system for resource-constrained regions. It will improve early outbreak detection attributable to natural and man-made biological threats, monitor spatio-temporal epidemic trends and provide assurance that an outbreak has, or has not occurred. Advanced analytics features will be beneficial in timely organization/formulation of health management policies, disease control activities and efficient health care resource allocation.

Diversity and Distribution of Rice Blast (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara) Races in Bangladesh.

The pathogenicity of 331 blast isolates (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara) collected from different regions and ecosystems for rice cultivation in Bangladesh was evaluated by compatibility on 23 differential varieties (DV), each harboring a single blast resistance gene, and susceptible 'Lijiangxintuanheigu' (LTH). A wide variation in virulence was found among the isolates, and 267 races were classified using a new designation system. Virulence of blast isolates against DV carrying the resistance genes Pia, Pib, Pit, Pik-s, Piz-t, Pi12(t), Pi19(t), and Pi20(t), as well as avirulence against those carrying Pish, Pi9, Pita-2, and Pita, was distributed widely in Bangladesh. Cluster analysis of the compatibility data on the DV initially classified the isolates into groups I and II. The virulence spectra of the two groups differed mainly according to the reactions of the DV to Pii, Pi3, Pi5(t), Pik-m, Pi1, Pik-h, Pik, Pik-p, and Pi7(t). Group I isolates were distributed mainly in rainfed lowlands, whereas group II isolates were found mainly in irrigated lowlands; however, there were no critical differences in geographic distribution of the blast isolates. In total, 26 isolates, which could be used to identify the 23 resistance genes of the DV on the basis of their reaction patterns, were selected as a set of standard differential blast isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first clear demonstration of the diversity and differentiation of blast races in Bangladesh. This information will be used to develop a durable blast protection system in that country.

Incomplete Pentalogy of Cantrell--A Case Report.

Cantrell's Pentalogy is a rare congenital malformation consists of supraumbilical abdominal wall defect, defect in the lower part of sternum, agenesis of anterior portion of diaphragm, an absence of the diaphragmatic part of the pericardium and intracardiac malformation. This case report presents a female neonate, who was born at 40 weeks of gestation weighing 2400 gm and was admitted 4 hours after delivery with the complaints of something coming out from chest. On physical examination her vital signs were within normal limit, she had a systolic murmur on heart at lower left sternal area and there was a vascular structure present on the upper part of abdomen which was pulsatile and pulsation was synchronized with cardiac pulsation. On investigation chest X-ray lateral view showed absence of lower part of sternum, echocardiography findings were different in different institutes. Echocardiography findings at Mymensingh medical college hospital (MMCH) were large VSD (Ventriculo septal defect), ASD (Atrial septal defect) and rotated heart. On colour Doppler ultrasonogram at MMCH showed there were VSD, ASD, and a small epigastric swelling which was vascular and appears to be attached to the apex of the heart. On the other hand echocardiography findings of LAB AID hospital in Dhaka were Dextrocardia, complete AV (atrio ventricular) canal defect, almost common atrium, almost single ventricle, common AV valve, double outlet right ventricle (DORV), Cortriatriatum, mild A-V valve regurgitation and severe pulmonary hypertension (PAH). Echocardiography was also done at national heart foundation hospital in Dhaka. Findings were situs solitus, mesocardia to dextrocardia, DORV, large VSD, mild mitral inflow, mild TR (triuspid regurgitation), good LV (left ventricle) and RV (right ventricle) systolic function. Cardiologists at Dhaka in Bangladesh were suggested for surgery. Then the patient was consulted at Naryan Institute of Cardiac Science, Chennai in India. Here echocardiography findings were dextroversion/dextrocardia, DILV (Double inlet left ventricle), large inlet VSD with bidirectional shunt, mild TR, severe PAH with good ventricular function. Cardiologists in India were given comment about this patient. This patient was highly risky for surgery. They advised medical treatment and requested to review after one year. By taking medical treatment patient condition is well except failure to thrive and cyanosis develops during feeding and crying according to the statement of guardian of the patient. This case has 3 criterias among the five criteria of Cantrell's Pentalogy. So, it is incomplete Pentalogy of Cantrell.

Status of Low Birth Weight Babies in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Low birth weight (LBW) is the major neonatal health problem in Bangladesh like other developing countries with limited resource. But only a few studies had done about status of LBW at hospital setting in this country. The objective of the study that to evaluate the status and immediate outcome of the LBW This cross sectional retrospective study was done in neonatal ward of Mymensingh medical college hospital. In this 1000 bedded tertiary care level teaching hospital only 40 cots and 10 open incubators are sanctioned but daily average admission in neonatal ward more than 30. On an average about 100 patients are remaining in the ward. Three or four patients are nursed in each cot. It covers the vast catchment's area of Bangladesh having more than two cores of population. With limited resources and manpower, this neonatal ward has to bear the burden of 100 neonates and daily admission of 30 neonates. Study period was one year (October 2013 to September 2014). Total admitted neonates were 8359. All admitted neonates were considered as study population and all LBW babies were considered as sample. Among total population 41% (3423) were LBW. Among total LBW babies maximum (80.7%) had birth weight 1500-2499gm followed by Very Low birth weight (VLBW) 1000 - 1499gm 14.7%, Extreme Low birth weight (ELBW) 1000-750gm 1.6% and Incredible low birth weight <750gm 1.7%. Term LBW (IUGR) babies were 52% and preterm LBW were 48%. Death rate among LBW babies group were higher (18.5%) than death rate (15.8%) among all admitted neonate. By comparison of mortality rate among different subgroup of LBW shows highest mortality (65.5%) was in incredible low birth weight babies group followed by ELBW group (58.8%) and among VLBW group 26.4% and lowest mortality (15.3%) was among birth weight 1500-2499gm group babies. Death rate was inversely related to birth weight. Death rate among preterm LBW babies (21.5%) was higher than Term LBW (IUGR) babies (15.7%). So, death rate was also inversely related to the maturity. Death rate among LBW babies is still higher in our institute than other developed institute of home and abroad. Death rate specially higher among incredible birth weight group and ELBW group in our institute. Further improvement in neonatal care is needed to decrease the mortality among LBW babies.

Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome: A Case Report.

Klippel Trenaunay syndrome refers to a rare congenital anomaly which is characterized by capillary malformation, venous malformation and sometimes lymphatic malformation associated with overgrowth of a limb, with soft tissue hypertrophy and/or bony hypertrophy. The anomaly, if present, is present at birth and usually involves the lower limbs as well as portion of trunk, face, uppper limb or head. Our reporting case is a preterm male neonate having port wine stain, varicose veins and excessive growth of soft tissue of left lower limb clinically consistent with Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome.

Serum Zinc, Copper, Magnesium & Phosphorus Level in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Malnutrition is widely prevalent among hospitalized children in most developing countries including Bangladesh. Though malnutrition accounts for the high rate of under 5 mortality sometimes it is overlooked. Keeping in this in mind A comparative cross sectional study was done in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from 1st October 2009 to 31st May 2011. Children aged 1-5 years with presence of one or more criteria WHM <70%, WHZ-score <-3SD, Bipedal edema & Mid upper arm circumference <110mm were taken as study group and children aged 1-5 years with normal growth allowable normal range of variation is between 3rd and 97th centile curve or median (50th centile) ±2SD of weight for age growth chart (CDC growth chart, USA, 2000) were taken as reference group. Persistent diarrhea, Patients taking medications containing zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorus & calcium, PEM with shock were excluded from study group. Nutritional assessment was done according to WHO criteria of SAM. Serum Zinc, Copper Magnesium and Phosphorus level were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry using UNICAM - AA Spectrometer, model no. 969, Spain. Total 120 study populations were taken. Ninety Out of 120 were taken as a study group (SAM) & 30 were reference group. In reference group serum Zn, Cu, Mg, P value was 103.80±8.86µg/dl, 135.92±13.57µg/dl, 2.31±0.18mg/dl, 3.96±0.22mg/dl respectively. In study group serum Zn, Cu, Mg, P value was 60.33±11.08µg/dl, 80.60±15.46µg/dl, 1.47±0.22mg/dl, 2.00±0.52mg/dl respectively. All these results show that there is significant difference between study group & reference group. Considering the decreased level of these parameters, close biochemical monitoring and follow up should be emphasized for the children with SAM.

Active surveillance of avian influenza viruses in Egyptian poultry, 2015.

Surveillance for avian influenza viruses in Egyptian poultry has been conducted since 2009. Up to 2011, all the detected viruses were H5N1, and the overall prevalence was 5%. In 2011, H9N2 viruses were observed to be co-circulating and co-infecting the same hosts as H5N1 viruses. Since then, the detection rate has increased to around 10%. In the 2014-2015 winter season, H5N1 was circulating heavily in poultry flocks and caused an unprecedented number of human infections. In contrast, surveillance in the last quarter of 2015 indicated a near absence of H5N1 in Egyptian poultry. Surveillance for avian influenza viruses must continue in Egypt to monitor further developments in H5N1 circulation in poultry.

Unraveling systematic inventory of Echinops (Asteraceae) with special reference to nrDNA ITS sequence-based molecular typing of Echinops abuzinadianus.

The present study explored the systematic inventory of Echinops L. (Asteraceae) of Saudi Arabia, with special reference to the molecular typing of Echinops abuzinadianus Chaudhary, an endemic species to Saudi Arabia, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA. A sequence similarity search using BLAST and a phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequence of E. abuzinadianus revealed a high level of sequence similarity with E. glaberrimus DC. (section Ritropsis). The novel primary sequence and the secondary structure of ITS2 of E. abuzinadianus could potentially be used for molecular genotyping.