Ensuring Adherence to 2023 National Institute of Excellence (Nice) Guidelines for CT Scans in Head Injury Cases in a Teaching Hospital in Basra, Iraq: A Clinical Audit.

Objective The objective of this audit was to find out whether brain CT scans performed on patients with head trauma in Basra Teaching Hospital (BTH) adhere to the 2023 National Institute of Excellence (NICE) guidance for head injury (NG232) and whether we can improve this with selected interventions. Methodology We performed a clinical audit in two cycles; in the first cycle, we collected data retrospectively over a month in February 2024. The data was sourced from the imaging request forms and patient records at BTH. We then analyzed the data and implemented four key interventions to improve the outcome. After that, we performed our second audit cycle over an additional 30-day period during April 2024. Results Cycle One involved 59 patients, while Cycle Two involved 46. There was a significant decrease in scans requested outside of the NICE guidance, from 59.3% in Cycle One to 17.4% in Cycle Two (p<0.05). We also noticed a significant increase in the one-hour indication scans, from 32% in Cycle One to 65.2% in Cycle Two (p<0.05). Conclusion Our study findings reveal that by following some simple interventions, we significantly improved the adherence of our emergency department to the 2023 NICE guidelines for head CT following head trauma.

ACV with/without IVM: a new talk on intestinal CDX2 and muscular CD34 and Cyclin D1 during Trichinella spiralis infection.

The current study assessed the efficacy of Acyclovir (ACV) and Ivermectin (IVM) as monotherapies and combined treatments for intestinal and muscular stages of Trichinella spiralis infection. One-hundred Swiss albino mice received orally 250 ± 50 infectious larvae and were divided into infected-untreated (Group-1), IVM-treated (Group-2), ACV-treated (Group-3), combined IVM+ACV (Group-4), and healthy controls (Group-5). Each group was subdivided into subgroup-A-enteric phase (10 mice, sacrificed day-7 p.i.) and subgroup-B-muscular phase (10 mice, sacrificed day-35 p.i.). Survival rate and body weight were recorded. Parasite burden and intestinal histopathology were assessed. In addition, immunohistochemical expression of epithelial CDX2 in the intestinal phase and CyclinD1 as well as CD34 in the muscular phase were evaluated. Compared, IVM and ACV monotherapies showed insignificant differences in the amelioration of enteric histopathology, except for lymphocytic counts. In the muscle phase, monotherapies showed variable disruptions in the encapsulated larvae. Compared with monotherapies, the combined treatment performed relatively better improvement of intestinal inflammation and reduction in the enteric and muscular parasite burden. CDX2 and CyclinD1 positively correlated with intestinal inflammation and parasite burden, while CD34 showed a negative correlation. CDX2 positively correlated with CyclinD1. CD34 negatively correlated with CDX2 and CyclinD1. IVM +ACV significantly ameliorated CDX2, CyclinD1, and CD34 expressions compared with monotherapies. Conclusion. T. spiralis infection-associated inflammation induced CDX2 and CyclinD1 expressions, whereas CD34 was reduced. The molecular tumorigenic effect of the nematode remains questionable. Nevertheless, IVM +ACV appeared to be a promising anthelminthic anti-inflammatory combination that, in parallel, rectified CDX2, CyclinD1, and CD34 expressions.

High-Efficiency Adsorption of Uranium from Wastewater Using Graphene Oxide/Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons/Chitosan Nanocomposite Aerogels.

A chemical exfoliation and freeze-drying technique was used to create graphene oxide/graphene oxide nanoribbons/chitosan aerogels (GO/GONRs/CS). Aerogels were utilized to study uranium adsorption through batch experiments. Environmental influences on U(VI) adsorption were studied, including the starting concentration of U(VI), contact time, pH, and temperature. In order to characterize the composite, FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TEM analyses were used. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model may adequately represent the kinetics of U(VI) adsorption onto the surface of aerogels. The Freundlich model can explain the adsorption isotherm; the maximal adsorption capacity for U(VI) was determined to be 1208.85 mg/g; the adsorption process for U(VI) was endothermic, spontaneous, and pH-dependent; and the mechanism of adsorption is the chemisorption process. Chemisorption typically involves strong chemical interactions between the adsorbate (uranium ions) and the functional groups present on the surface of the adsorbent (the aerogel). Graphene oxide and graphene oxide nanoribbons contain oxygen-containing functional groups such as carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), and epoxy (-O-) groups, which can act as active sites for chemical bonding. Chitosan, a polysaccharide derived from chitin, also possesses functional groups like amino (-NH2) and hydroxyl groups. Uranium ions, in their U(VI) form, can form chemical bonds with these functional groups through various mechanisms such as electrostatic interactions, complexation, and coordination bonds. The combination of graphene oxide-based materials and chitosan in the nanocomposite aerogel offers several advantages, including a large specific surface area, chemical stability, and the presence of functional groups for effective uranium adsorption.

Assessment of antimicrobial activity and GC-MS using culture filtrate of local marine Bacillus strains.

Secondary metabolites produced by Bacillus species from marine sources encompass a variety of compounds such as lipopeptides, isocoumarins, polyketides, macrolactones, polypeptides and fatty acids. These bioactive substances exhibit various biological activities, including antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor properties. This study aimed to isolate and identify a particular species of Bacillus from marine water and organisms that can produce bioactive secondary metabolites. Among the 73 Bacillus isolates collected, only 5 exhibited antagonistic activity against various viral and bacterial pathogens. The active isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing to determine their taxonomical affiliation. Among them, Bacillus tequilensis CCASU-2024-66 strain no. 42, with the accession number ON 054302 in GenBank, exhibited the highest inhibitory potential. It displayed an inhibition zone of 21 mm against Bacillus cereus while showing a minimum zone of inhibition of 9 mm against Escherichia coli and gave different inhibition against pathogenic fungi, the highest inhibition zone 15 mm against Candida albicans but the lowest inhibition zone 10 mm was against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum. Furthermore, it demonstrated the highest percentage of virucidal effect against the Newcastle virus and influenza virus, with rates of 98.6% and 98.1%, respectively. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis was employed to examine the bioactive substance components, specifically focusing on volatile and polysaccharide compounds. Based on these results, Bacillus tequilensis strain 42 may have the potential to be employed as an antiviral agent in poultry cultures to combat Newcastle and influenza, two extremely destructive viruses, thus reducing economic losses in the poultry production sector. Bacteria can be harnessed for the purpose of preserving food and controlling pathogenic fungi in both human and plant environments. Molecular docking for the three highly active derivatives 2,3-Butanediol, 2TMS, D-Xylopyranose, 4TMS, and Glucofuranoside, methyl 2,3,5,6-tetrakis-O-(trimethylsilyl) was carried out against the active sites of Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Candida albicans, Newcastle virus and influenza virus. The data obtained from molecular docking is highly correlated with that obtained from biology. Moreover, these highly active compounds exhibited excellent proposed ADMET profile.

Phenolic profiling and bioactivity assessment of in vitro propagated Psidium cattleianum Sabine: A promising study.

Psidium cattleianum Sabine (strawberry guava) is an evergreen shrub that is grown as a fruiting hedge and has received significant consideration in the food and pharmaceutical disciplines. This study aims to set a promising protocol for in vitro propagation of P. cattleianum, along with profiling the phenolic content of the original plant (OP), induced callus (IC), and regenerated plantlets (RP) extracts, ultimately, evaluating their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer potential. Seeds were treated with commercial bleaching, HCl, and H2O2 to enhance the germination percentage and minimize the contamination percentage. Culturing sterilized leaf explants onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyl adenine (BA), 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid, and kinetin showed the best callus induction, while supplementation of MS media with BA, adenine sulfate, naphthalene acetic acid, and gibberellic acid activated regeneration. Augmentation of MS media with indol-3-butyric acid recorded the maximum rooting percentage. Finally, the obtained rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized in sand and peat moss soil. HPLC-MS/MS profiles of OP, RP, and IC showed a variety of phenolic metabolites. IC extract decreased the viability of MCF-7, HepG2, and K-562 cancer cell lines. Also, OP exhibits strong antioxidant activity. P. cattleianum and its RP are profound sources of phenolic compounds promoted for promising applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Spectral shifted Chebyshev collocation technique with residual power series algorithm for time fractional problems.

In this paper, two problems involving nonlinear time fractional hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) and time fractional pseudo hyperbolic PDEs with nonlocal conditions are presented. Collocation technique for shifted Chebyshev of the second kind with residual power series algorithm (CTSCSK-RPSA) is the main method for solving these problems. Moreover, error analysis theory is provided in detail. Numerical solutions provided using CTSCSK-RPSA are compared with existing techniques in literature. CTSCSK-RPSA is accurate, simple and convenient method for obtaining solutions of linear and nonlinear physical and engineering problems.

Protective Effects of Propolis and Chitosan Nanoparticles against Ibuprofen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats.

Post-marketing hepatotoxicity findings are more common or occur much later. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen are consumed in large quantities around the world. NSAIDs have a low incidence of hepatotoxicity but their wide use makes them a major contributor to drug-induced liver injury. Hepatitis is linked to systemic oxidative stress which results in cellular necrosis and fibrosis, as well as tissue lipoprotein peroxidation and glutathione depletion. Given the lack of safe and effective anti-hepatitis drugs in medicine today, natural substances appear to be a promising and safe alternative. Propolis and chitosan are considered natural substances that have a protective effect on the hepatocytes. The purpose of this study was to validate the protective effect of propolis/chitosan nanoparticle extracts on ibuprofen-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty (30) albino rats were used for the experiment. Animals were exposed to ibuprofen (400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 4 weeks (7 days/week) followed by treatment with propolis (200 mg/kg body weight/day) and chitosan extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) separately and also in combination for consecutive 4 weeks. This study revealed a significant increase in serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total bilirubin in serum, as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, GSH, GST, and SOD decreased significantly in the group that was exposed to ibuprofen. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in pro-inflammatory parameters such as IL-1ß and NF-ĸB, as well as low levels of anti-inflammatory parameters such as IL-6 and BCl-2. These alterations were improved by propolis and chitosan extracts, which was further confirmed in experimental animals. This study demonstrated that propolis and chitosan nanoparticle extracts have the potential to protect against hepatotoxicity induced by ibuprofen, due to their ability to regulate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative defense activities.

A new approach to predict carbonate lithology from well logs: A case study of the Kometan formation in northern Iraq.

Understanding the spatial variation in lithology is crucial for characterizing reservoirs, as it governs the distribution of petrophysical characteristics. This study focuses on predicting the lithology of carbonate rocks (limestone, argillaceous limestone, marly limestone, and marl) within the Kometan Formation, Khabbaz Oil Field, Northern Iraq, using well logs. Precise lithology prediction was achieved by applying multivariate regression method on neutron, sonic, and density logs. Gamma-ray and elemental concentrations from bulk-rock X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy were employed to identify clay minerals, paleoenvironments, and quantify the shale content. The results indicate that the Kometan Formation predominantly comprises limestone, marl, marly limestone, and argillaceous limestone in the middle section. The middle part exhibits a higher shale content compared to the lower and upper parts. A statistically significant correlation (R2 = 0.83-0.85) between described and predicted lithology was established. The model with a higher coefficient of determination (0.85) was tested for further predictions in other wells in the Kirkuk Oil Field. This research can be valuable for lithological and petrophysical characterization of carbonate reservoirs and electrofacies analysis, particularly in situations where core data is unavailable.

Anti-inflammatory effect of high flux dialyzer surface area 2.6m2 in high flux hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration.

Dialysis therapy has remarkably evolved through the innovation in dialyzers and hemodialysis modalities, enhancing patients' quality of life. The efficacy of dialysis can be determined by measuring the reduction ratio (RR) of middle molecules such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Procalcitonin. In our study, we tested a high-flux dialyzer, BIOPURE (Biorema) 260 HF, with a surface area (SA) of 2.6 m2, in terms of IL-6 and Procalcitonin removal while performing high-flux hemodialysis (HF-HD) and post-dilution online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). This crossover study comprised 25 patients who received a session of HF-HD using the BIOPURE (Biorema) 260 H, followed by a session of post-dilution OL-HDF. A washout period of 2 weeks was instilled between the two sessions, during which the patients received HF-HD using high-flux dialyzers (maximum SA 2.0 m2). All patients' pre/post dialysis concentrations of IL-6 and procalcitonin were measured. The dialyzer used in this study resulted in a significant IL-6 RR of 44.92±5.11% (p <0.001) with HDF and 32.48±5.72% (p <0.001) with HF-HD; and a procalcitonin RR of 50.32±3.94% (p <0.001) with HDF and 41.80±4.32% (p <0.001) with HF-HD. In conclusion, the dialyzer BIOPURE (Biorema) 260 HF (SA 2.6 m2) is efficient in eliminating IL-6 and procalcitonin, especially with OL-HDF compared to HF-HD, with acceptable albumin loss in the dialysate.

New bithiophene derivative attenuated Alzheimer's disease induced by aluminum in a rat model via antioxidant activity and restoration of neuronal and synaptic transmission.

BACKGROUND: One of the hypotheses that leads to an increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of aluminum in the brain's frontal cortex. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic role of a novel bithiophene derivative at two doses against AlCl3-induced AD in a rat model. METHODOLOGY: Adult male rats were divided into six groups, 18 rats each. Group 1: naïve animals, group 2: animals received a daily oral administration of bithiophene dissolved in DMSO (1 mg/kg) for 30 days every other day, groups 3-6: animals received a daily oral administration of AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/day) for 45 consecutive days. Groups 4 and 5 received an oral administration of low or high dose of the bithiophene (0.5 or 1 mg/kg, respectively). Group 6; Animals were treated with a daily oral dose of memantine (20 mg/kg) for 30 consecutive days. MAIN FINDINGS: Al disturbed the antioxidant milieu, elevated the lipid peroxidation, and depleted the antioxidants. It also disturbed the synaptic neurotransmission by elevating the activities of acetylcholine esterase and monoamine oxidase resulting in the depletion of dopamine and serotonin and accumulation of glutamate and norepinephrine. Al also deteriorated the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and the production of amyloid-ß plaques as well as phosphorylation of tau. The new bithiophene at the low dose reversed most of the previous deleterious effects of aluminum in the cerebral cortex and was in many instances superior to the reference drug; memantine. CONCLUSION: Taking together, the bithiophene modulated the AD etiology through antioxidant activity, prevention of neuronal and synaptic loss, and probably mitigating the formation of amyloid-ß plaques and phosphorylation of tau.

Antiurolithiasis activities of Zea mays extract and its mechanism as antiurolithiasis remedy.

This study aimed to demonstrate the role of Zea mays or corn silk (CS) in the treatment of kidney stones after its proven effectiveness in folk medicine. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, the first represented the control group (negative control), and the second (positive control), was treated with 75% of ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% of ammonium chloride (AC) to induce stones in the kidneys of experimental animals. The animals of the third and fourth groups were treated with the same proportions of EG and AC, with the addition of extract of CS at a ratio of 200 and 400 mg/kg. After the 28th day, the blood samples were taken from rats. All kidneys of rats from all groups were taken to histological examination. Another ten rats were divided into two groups and took the same time as the original experiment. Group E took a normal diet and served as negative control group whereas the group F took a normal diet with 500 mg/kg of CS to investigate the mechanism of CS as antiurolithiatic treatment. Blood samples were collected on the last day of the experiment to perform the required analyses. The rats were dissected and liver and kidney samples were taken to complete the histological study. The results showed a significant decrease in the CS group in plasma MDA, serum urea, and creatinine. Moreover, the histological study, in the CS rats group appeared to be fewer CaOx crystals. On the other hand, we observed a significant increase in urinary pH, urine volume urinary Mg, and citrate in-group E when compared with the F group. In conclusion, we infer that CS works as an antiurolithiatic drug by increasing urinary pH, diuresis, and its nephroprotective vims. So, we advise its use as an antiurolithiasis treatment but in its pharmaceutical forms.

Association between oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and homocysteine in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent health condition that commonly affects adolescent girls and young women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between levels of total glutathione (TG), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation, and homocysteine with PCOS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional case-control design, involving a target population of 305 Sudanese females. Among them, 205 individuals were categorized as cases, and 100 served as controls. The TG, GSH, SOD, lipid peroxidation, and homocysteine levels were measured in the serum of study participants through enzyme-linked immunosorbent essay. RESULTS: Total glutathione (1,174.5 ± 271.4 vs. 986.1 ± 191.5, p = 0.01), GSH (801.3 ± 132.2 vs. 748.6 ± 103.1, p = 0.007), SOD (225.2 ± 57.8 vs. 195.5 ± 49.6, p = 0.009), lipid peroxidation (3.4 ± 1.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.7, p = 0.03), and homocysteine (14.9 ± 2.1 vs. 13.5 ± 1.6, p = 0.04), showed significant differences between the two groups (cases vs. controls). A moderate positive correlation between TG, GSH, SOD, lipid peroxidation, homocysteine, BMI, age, and duration of PCOS was observed. Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between BMI, age, and duration of PCOS was noted within the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that patients with PCOS have elevated levels of TG, GSH, SOD, lipid peroxidation, and homocysteine compared to the control group. These findings suggest a potential association between PCOS and oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and homocysteine pathways. Moreover, the observed positive correlation with BMI, age, and duration of PCOS indicates the importance of these factors in disease progression.

Assessment of Hydroxyproline Content in Rabbit Achilles Tendon Treated with Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF).

Tendon is similar to rope and consists of strong, flexible, dense connective tissue. Tendon disorder healing is challenging as it is an avascular tissue. The repaired tissue appears scar-like, and its biomechanical properties never ultimately return to their pre-injury state. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the hydroxyproline content of the Achilles tendon after injury. For this purpose, 24 adult rabbits weighing 1.5-2 kg were used in this study. The animals were divided into three groups of eight, including the advanced-PRF (A-PRF) group in which the tendon defect was treated with xenogeneic A-PRF, the leukocyte-PRF (L-PRF) group in which xenogeneic L-PRF was used for tendon defect treatment, and a control group which was treated with normal saline. Hydroxyproline concentration was measured 1 and 2 months after the operation. Clinically, lameness was improved in the A-PRF group, compared to the L-PRF and control groups at the end of the third week after the surgery. Hydroxyproline level was significantly increased in the A-PRF group (50.33±1.44), compared to the L-PRF (44.70±1.12) and control (35.97±1.05) groups 2 months after the surgery (P<0.05). Moreover, the L-PRF group showed an increase in hydroxyproline content, compared to the control at the same period. The results of the current study demonstrated that A-PRF could enhance the hydroxyproline content of rabbit Achilles tendon after injury. Xenogenic PRF can be used as an alternative biomaterial to accelerate and regenerate tendon tissue.

Adjunctive technologies in postoperative free-flap monitoring: a systematic review.

Patent microvascular anastomoses are essential for successful free tissue transfer. Early accurate detection of microvascular compromise is required for flap salvage. Adjunctive monitoring techniques, in addition to clinical examination, are increasingly used to detect flap compromise. This systematic review synthesized and appraised the literature to determine the efficacy of different postoperative monitoring technologies. Rates of flap takeback, salvage, failure, and mean time to detection of microvascular compromise were extracted, synthesized, and reviewed. Twenty-two studies were included, comprising 6370 flaps. One thousand three hundred and ninety-five flaps were monitored with Cook Swartz Doppler (21.83%), 1417 flaps with tissue oximetry (22.24%), 291 with laser Doppler (4.56%), 175 with duplex echography (2.74%), 210 with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence (3.30%), 196 with Synovis flow coupler (3.07%), and 81 (1.27%) with light spectroscopy. The overall true positive rate for microvascular compromise in taken back flaps was 70.18%. Cook Swartz Doppler (n = 1391) had a true positive rate of 80.17% and 83.63% salvage rate and was associated with an overall 2.60% rate of flap failure. Tissue oximetry (n = 1417) had a true positive rate of 74.76% and a salvage rate of 88.62%. Laser Doppler, duplex echography, light spectroscopy, and Synovis flow coupler demonstrated true positive rates between 69.4% and 100% with salvage rates between 64% and 100%. Cook Swartz Doppler and tissue oximetry are associated with prompt identification of microvascular compromise and return to theatre. Alternative modalities, including near-infrared spectroscopy, laser Doppler, and duplex echography, show promise. Further well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) appraising head-to-head efficacy are required to comparatively assess adjunctive technologies.

Corrigendum: Essential oils of Psidium cattleianum Sabine leaves and flowers: anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1120432.].

The effect of hemodiafiltration vs. high-flux hemodialysis on alpha 1-microglobulin level and dialysate albumin loss using a dialyzer surface area of 2.6 m².

Dialysis therapy has remarkably evolved through the innovation in dialyzers and hemodialysis modalities, enhancing patients' quality of life. The efficacy of dialysis can be determined by measuring the reduction ratio (RR) of middle molecules, such as alpha 1-microglobulin (A1M). In this study, we tested a high-flux dialyzer, BIOPURE (Biorema) 260 HF, with a surface area (SA) of 2.6 m2, in terms of A1M removal and concurrent albumin loss in dialysate while receiving high-flux hemodialysis (HF-HD) and post-dilution online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). This crossover study comprised 25 patients who received a session of HF-HD using the BIOPURE (Biorema) 260 H, followed by a session of post-dilution OL-HDF. A washout period of 2 weeks was instilled between the two sessions, during which the patients received HF-HD using high-flux dialyzers (maximum SA 2.0 m2). All patients' hourly dialysate albumin and pre/post dialysis concentrations of A1M were measured. The dialyzer used in this study resulted in significantly higher A1M RR of 41.9±7.93% with HDF than with HF-HD 27.12±7.65% (p < 0.001), and a median cumulative dialysate albumin loss of 2.97g (IQR 1.98 - 3.37), and 0.67g (IQR 0.49 - 1.13) with HDF and HF-HD, respectively. In conclusion, the dialyzer BIOPURE (Biorema) 260 HF (SA 2.6 m2) is efficient in eliminating A1M, especially with OL-HDF compared to HF-HD, with acceptable albumin loss in the dialysate.

Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (CTX-M, Van A and Van B) of Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Children with Bacteremia by RT-PCR.

Fever is one of the most common diseases affecting humans, as it results from any disease or development and worsening of the disease for most people with widespread infections in the body. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate antibiotic resistance genes (CTX-M, Van A and Van B) of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from children with bacteremia by RT-PCR. A total of 200 children was enrolled in the study, 100 children with fever and 100 healthy children (not suffering from any problem); that is, they are a control group for the detection of antibiotic resistance genes (CTX-M, Van A and Van B) of Enterococcus faecalis by RT-PCR. The age of the two groups ranged from one to five years. Four ml of venous blood sample was collected from each child; the venipuncture area was sterilized first with alcohol at a rate of 70%, followed by medical iodine and then sterilized with alcohol again to avoid contamination with skin flora. The blood samples were cultured on media for isolating bacteria. Then, the resistant isolates of E. faecalis to Vancomycin and cefotaxime antibiotics were taken and kept in special nutrient agar media where the DNA of the bacteria was extracted using (Zymogene Extraction kit, Japan). The detection of the exact genes (CTX-M, Van A and Van B) was done using Real-Time PCR technology according to the protocol mentioned by the company (Sacace biotechnology, Italy). The study presented that 40% of children with fever have positive blood cultures compared with 5% in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). The study found that 32.5% of bacteremic children were due to S. aureus, 30%, 5%, and 4% were due to E. faecalis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp, respectively, with significant difference (P<0.01). The study showed that 91.67% of E. faecalis isolates were sensitive to Levofloxacin, 83.33% to Amoxiclav, 66.67% to Erythromycin, 58.33% to Amikacin, 50% to Ampicillin, 33.33% to cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone and 25% toward Vancomycin. From 9 isolates resistant to Vancomycin, the study presented that 88.89% of them were observed with Van A gene production as detected by real-time PCR (P<0.001). The study also showed that 77.78% were observed with Van B gene production as detected by real-time PCR (P<0.001). The study revealed that all E. faecalis isolates resistant to cefotaxime and Ceftriaxone were characterized by CTX gene production as detected by real-time PCR (P<0.001).

Correlation of Celiac Diseases with Candida Spp. Based on Anti-gliadin Antibodies.

A variety of Candida spp. can be found as a natural commensal fungus in various parts of the human body. This fungus may be associated with various diseases such as celiac disease (CD). Gliadin, a component of the gluten protein complex that is mostly found in wheat, is the main inducer of CD. A number of studies have demonstrated that patients infected with Candida can develop CD, and vice versa. C. albicansis presumed to induce CD because it has a protein homologous to gliadin in its cell wall called Hwp1. Despite the non-specificity of the anti-gliadin test, the detection of antibodies against anti-gliadin (AGA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) are important in the diagnosis of CD. Some evidence is now available to support the hypothetical correlation between Candida spp. and CD, as high levels of AGA have been found in patients infected with candidiasis without CD. Further study is needed to confirm this relationship.

Anticoagulant effect of Feijoa sellowiana extracts generated by different biotechnological techniques.

Blood clotting has become one of the most dangerous side effects associated with Corona virus, as well as the high level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Therefore, it has become necessary to use medicinal plants that are biologically safe and containing anti-clotting compound. Feijoa sellowiana represents a prolific source diverse compounds that may have thrombolytic activity. Therefore, the main research point is the production and scaling up of a target contents that have anticoagulants by using biotechnological techniques; calli production, and bioreactors and assessed their activity through in-vivo study. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with varying concentrations of benzyl adenine (BA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was used to cultivate calli and cell suspension cultures from F. sellowiana seeds. Bioreactors were employed to boost active constituent's production. Moreover, the bioreactor physical factors such as effect of controlled or uncontrolled pH medium were investigated. The leaves of the main plant were extracted by ethanol 70% and polar and non-polar extracts were also prepared. The ethanol extract of calli and cells resulting from bioreactors were also prepared. All prepared extracts were subjected to chemical analysis by HPLC, in-vitro antioxidant assays, in-vivo anticoagulant activity and histopathological examination. Calli and cell suspension cultures were produced by using MS medium fortified with 1 mg/L BA+ 0.1 mg/L NAA. It was found that culturing of cell cultures in a bioreactor with uncontrolled pH and aeration at the value of 0.5 L/min gave the maximum and economical fresh and dry weights of the plants. After evaluation of all extracts; it was found that the calli ethanol extract for each plant was the highest value of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents either quantitatively or qualitatively. All extracts of Feijoa had antioxidant activity. The IC50 of the DPPH of Feijoa calli extract was 13.45 µg/mL, it was also confirmed by FRAP and ABTs values. Feijoa calli extract decreased platelet aggregation by suppression of thrombin, extended aPTT, PT, bleeding and clotting times. It was safer than warfarin medication. From these findings the authors can conclude that Feijoa had highly anticoagulant activity and the calli production achieved the goal of the enhancement of the phenolic constituent and thus their activity.