A Three-Dimensional Model of Bacterial Biofilms and Its Use in Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.

(1) Background: The discrepant antimicrobial susceptibility between planktonic and biofilm bacterial modes poses a problem for clinical microbiology laboratories and necessitates a relevant 3D experimental model allowing bacteria to grow in biofilm mode, in vitro, for use in anti-biofilm susceptibility testing. (2) Methods: This work develops a 3D biofilm model consisting of alginate beads containing S. aureus biofilm and encased within two thick layers of alginate matrix. The constructed model was placed on a thin Boyden chamber insert suspended on a 24-well culture plate containing the culture medium. The antibacterial activity of bacitracin and chlorhexidine digluconate (CD), either combined or separately, against 2D S. aureus culture was compared to that in the 3D biofilm model. Quantitative analysis and imaging analysis were performed by assessing the bacterial load within the matrix as well as measuring the optical density of the culture medium nourishing the matrix. (3) Results: The 3D biofilm model represented the typical complex characteristics of biofilm with greater insusceptibility to the tested antimicrobials than the 2D culture. Only bacitracin and CD in combination at 100× the concentration found to be successful against 2D culture were able to completely eliminate the 3D biofilm matrix. (4) Conclusions: The 3D biofilm model, designed to be more clinically relevant, exhibits higher antimicrobial insusceptibility than the 2D culture, demonstrating that the model might be useful for testing and discovering new antimicrobial therapies. The data also support the view that combination therapy might be the optimal approach to combat biofilm infections.

Dexpanthenol improved stem cells against cisplatin-induced kidney injury by inhibition of TNF-α, TGFß-1, ß-catenin, and fibronectin pathways.

Introduction: Cisplatin interacts with DNA and induces an immunological response and reactive oxygen species, which are nephrotoxic mediators. Stem cells self-renew through symmetric divisions and can develop into other cell types due to their multipotency. Dexpanthenol has been proven to protect against renal injury. Aim: This study aims to demonstrate that dexpanthenol could improve the effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (N = 12): control, cisplatin, cisplatin & dexpanthenol, cisplatin & ADMSC, and cisplatin & dexpanthenol & ADMSCs. On the 5th day following cisplatin injection, half the rats in each group were sacrificed, and the other half were sacrificed on the 12th day. Histopathological examination, molecular studies (IL-6, Bcl2, TGFß-1, Caspase-3, Fibronectin, and ß-catenin), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and renal function were all investigated. Results: In contrast to cisplatin group, the dexpanthenol and ADMSCs treatments significantly decreased renal function and oxidative stress while significantly enhancing antioxidants. Dexpanthenol improved stem cells by significantly down-regulating caspase-3, IL-6, TGF-ß1, Fibronectin, and ß-catenin and significantly up-regulating Bcl2 and CD34, which reversed the cisplatin effect. Conclusion: Dexpanthenol enhanced ADMSCs' ability to protect against cisplatin-induced AKI by decreasing inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis.

Transmembrane Protein 187 (TMEM187) and Interleukin 1 Receptor Associated Kinase (IRAK1) gene polymorphism association with rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility in Egyptian patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic auto-inflammatory disease of connective tissue with progressive joint damage and systemic disorders. RA is considered a multifactorial disease triggered by a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Polymorphisms have been identified in the Xq28 locus as risk loci for RA. The aim of study was to assess the association between two polymorphisms in the Xq28 region containing Transmembrane Protein 187 (TMEM187) gene (rs13397) and interleukin1 receptor associated kinase (IRAK1) gene (rs1059703) with the disease susceptibility and activity in Egyptian RA patients. This study was conducted on 100 RA patients and 100 age and sex matched normal controls, together were recruited from the Rheumatology Department, Beni-Suef University Hospital. We detected TMEM187 (rs13397) and IRAK1 (rs1059703) gene polymorphisms using the real time PCR TaqMan allelic discrimination assays. We found that the frequency of the major genotypes (GG) of TMEM 187 gene was higher in RA group (54%) compared to controls (50%); while the minor genotypes (AA) was higher in the control group (22%) compared to the diseased one (18%), but such differences did not reach statistical significance (p=0.599). Regarding the IRAK1 gene, we revealed that the frequency of the major genotypes (AA) of the rs1059703 was slightly higher in RA group (48%) compared to controls (46%); while the minor genotypes (GG) was the same in both groups (26%). However, there was higher incidence of minor genotype in the TMEM187 and IRAK1 genes in males; with a statistical significance (p=0.004 and 0.015, respectively). We concluded that the major allele G of TMEM187(rs 13397) could be considered as a risk genetic allele for RA in Egyptian populations.

The effect of pH on the rheological and physical properties of analogue pizza cheese.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the pH levels (5.8, 6.0, 6.2, and 6.4) on analogue pizza cheese (APC) rheological and physical characteristics. The APC formulation included 25% vegetable oil and 18.5% rennet casein. The APC samples were made using a Thermomix device and the cheese was stored at + 5 °C for 5 days before it was transferred to - 18 °C. Rotational rheometer measurements showed that all samples followed Herchel-Buckley viscoplastic Model with a different yield stress, highest apparent viscosity, and shear stress values were obtained at pH 6.4 followed by pH 6.2; then the values were dropped by 70%. Melting and stretching showed the best characteristics for the APC sample at pH 6.4, whereas at pH 6.0 stretching values decreased by 77%. The APC samples at pH ≥ 6.2 showed better stability after 6 months of frozen storage in the apparent viscosity than other cheeses. This study concluded that better rheological and physical properties were obtained for the APC at pH ≥ 6.20 and that significant variation for the rheological behavior of the APC can be based on the pH alone, as a slight alteration in the pH was found to affect product quality and acceptability.

Impact of udder infections on biochemical composition of milk in context of pesticides exposure.

Background and Aim: Environmental contaminants such as pesticides have shown immunomodulatory effects that can make animals highly susceptible to pathogenic invasion. The current work aims to study the incidence of udder infections in a single dairy herd of 160 cows in Qalyoubia Governorate, in relation to the potential intoxication of dairy cattle with organochlorine (OCs) pesticides. The study also aims to investigate the impact of udder infections on milk composition. Materials and Methods: The dairy herd was screened for udder infections using the California mastitis test and measurement of somatic cell count (SCC), followed by bacteriological and molecular analysis. In parallel, the milk samples were also tested for residues of 15 OCs compounds using gas chromatographic analysis. Results: The examined herd showed a high prevalence of mastitis (37.5%) and Mycoplasma was identified as the main bacterial pathogen. OCs residues were detected in milk of 45 cows out of 160 with a higher incidence in mastitic (43.3%) than in healthy cows (19%). Further, the biochemical analysis of milk showed a significant drop in major electrolytes combined with a significant rise in blood-borne electrolytes (Na and Cl) and total protein. This was more extreme in the case of Mycoplasam mastitis compared to non-Mycoplasma mastitis. In addition, Mycoplasma mastitic milk revealed a high level of malondialdehyde associated with reduced antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase), compared to non-Mycoplasma mastitis. Conclusion: Mycoplasma mastitis was shown to be associated with increased SCC and, in turn, appeared significantly correlated with increased biochemical changes in milk, indicating the serious impact of Mycoplasma mastitis on the dairy industry. Our data also show a strong correlation between increased SCC and biochemical changes in milk, suggesting that tested biochemical parameters might serve as potential biomarkers for the early detection of mastitis. The study also suggested a potential relationship between poisoning with OCs and susceptibility to bacterial udder infections. However, further studies are required to examine the immune status of a dairy herd in relation to the level of OCs in cow's blood, as well as the water sources used, grass forage and soil.

Multidrug-Resistant and Genetic Characterization of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing E. coli Recovered from Chickens and Humans in Egypt.

Colonization of food chain animals such as chickens with extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) poses a major health threat to human. The current study aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic relationship between ESBL-producing E. coli from diseased human and chickens in Egypt. A total of 56 out of 120 chicken farms (46.7%) and 9 human samples (100%) were phenotypically and genotypically identified with at least one ESBL-phenotype/gene. Chicken isolates showed a high proportion of beta lactamase from CTX-M group 9 > TEM > PER families, followed by CTX-M group 1 > SHV > GES > OXA group10 > VEB > OXA group2 families, while human isolates only contained the CTX-M family. A high incidence of ESBL genes from the CTX-M family was recognized in both human and chicken isolates. Furthermore, nucleotide identity showed high similarity between chicken and human isolates. In conclusion, the current study traced phenotypes and genotypes of ESBL-producing E. coli from chickens and human samples in Egypt, reporting degrees of similarity that suggest potential zoonotic transmission. Our data highlighted the significant importance of chicken as a major food source not only in Egypt but all over the world in the spreading of ESBL-producing E. coli to human.

A Rare Case of Rapid Onset Thrombocytopenia Induced by Piperacillin/Tazobactam in a Liver Transplant Recipient.

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia is a relatively common clinical condition. However, acute thrombocytopenia after initiation of piperacillin/tazobactam is rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. The mechanism by which it happens is still unclear but it is thought to be immune-mediated. We present the first case of rapid-onset thrombocytopenia induced by piperacillin/tazobactam in a liver transplant recipient. Our patient had previous exposure to the antibiotic, and thrombocytopenia was treated by merely stopping the culprit antibiotic (piperacillin/tazobactam). The patient had a successful challenge with cefepime afterward despite possible cross-reactivity, making this the second case report of successful re-challenging with cefepime.

Clinical safety and efficacy of a preloaded monofocal hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens in a real-world population.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate visual, refractive and safety outcomes in eyes after they underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a preloaded monofocal hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens. METHODS: This was a single center observational study conducted at Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. Patients were included if they had cataract extraction with in-the-bag implantation of the EyeCee® One preloaded intraocular lens from August to October 2019. Pre-operative, surgery-related and 2 weeks and 3 months post-operative data was collected. Surgeons at this trust were then asked to complete a feedback form to evaluate their experience of implanting the EyeCee® One. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two eyes were included in the study. Ninety-four (62%) of these eyes had cataract but no concomitant ocular pathology that could potentially affect visual acuity. Three months post-operatively, 98.7% of all eyes had monocular CDVA ≤0.3 logMAR. 100% of the eyes without concomitant ocular pathology achieved this target. The mean CDVA of all eyes in this study improved from 0.43 ± 0.43 logMAR pre-operatively, to 0.05 ± 0.11 logMAR post-operatively (p < 0.05). The mean sphere and spherical equivalent values showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) and (p < 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications and 1.3% of patients reported complications 2 weeks post-operatively. All of the participating surgeons said they would use the EyeCee® One again with 64% providing an overall rating of 'excellent' for their experience of implanting this intraocular lens. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates excellent post-operative visual acuity and refractive outcomes in eyes after EyeCee® One implantation. This is accompanied with very little risk of intraoperative and post-operative complications.

Comparative study of His- and Non-His-tagged CLIC proteins, reveals changes in their enzymatic activity.

The chloride intracellular ion channel protein (CLIC) family are a unique set of ion channels that can exist as soluble and integral membrane proteins. New evidence has emerged that demonstrates CLICs' possess oxidoreductase enzymatic activity and may function as either membrane-spanning ion channels or as globular enzymes. To further characterize the enzymatic profile of members of the CLIC family and to expand our understanding of their functions, we expressed and purified recombinant CLIC1, CLIC3, and a non-functional CLIC1-Cys24A mutant using a Histidine tag, bacterial protein expression system. We demonstrate that the presence of the six-polyhistidine tag at the amino terminus of the proteins led to a decrease in their oxidoreductase enzymatic activity compared to their non-His-tagged counterparts, when assessed using 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide as a substrate. These results strongly suggest the six-polyhistidine tag alters CLIC's structure at the N-terminus, which also contains the enzyme active site. It also raises the need for caution in use of His-tagged proteins when assessing oxidoreductase protein enzymatic function.

Impact of Coinfection with Schistosoma mansoni on the Antibody Response to Helicobacter pylori.

PURPOSE: In many tropical areas, the coinfection of Schistosoma spp. and other pathogens is frequent. The impact of schistosomiasis on other infections has been demonstrated for several organisms. Infection with the widely spread bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, has been linked to ulcers and tumors of the digestive system with the humoral immune response playing possible modulatory roles. The present study investigated the impact of patent S. mansoni infection on the antibody response to H. pylori. METHODS: A total of 100 participants from a schistosomiasis endemic area in Egypt were enrolled in the study. Based on the detection of S. mansoni eggs and H. pylori coproantigen in fecal samples, they were equally divided into four groups: schistosomiasis, concomitant S. mansoni and H. pylori infection, H. pylori infection alone, and healthy controls. Anti-H. pylori IgG and IgA were determined in serum samples using ELISA. RESULTS: A significantly lower IgA seropositivity rate and significantly lower IgG levels were found in patients with concomitant schistosomiasis (Gp2) compared to those infected only with H. pylori (Gp1). CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant S. mansoni infection with light to moderate intensity alters serological responses to H. pylori. In schistosomiasis endemic areas, the routine examination for H. pylori infection should, therefore, rely on coproantigen level rather than antibody levels. Further studies should investigate histopathological changes and other immunological parameters in coinfection.

Regressing SARS-CoV-2 Sewage Measurements Onto COVID-19 Burden in the Population: A Proof-of-Concept for Quantitative Environmental Surveillance.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an RNA virus, a member of the coronavirus family of respiratory viruses that includes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). It has had an acute and dramatic impact on health care systems, economies, and societies of affected countries during the past 8 months. Widespread testing and tracing efforts are being employed in many countries in attempts to contain and mitigate this pandemic. Recent data has indicated that fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is common and that the virus RNA can be detected in wastewater. This indicates that wastewater monitoring may provide a potentially efficient tool for the epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in large populations at relevant scales. In particular, this provides important means of (i) estimating the extent of outbreaks and their spatial distributions, based primarily on in-sewer measurements, (ii) managing the early-warning system quantitatively and efficiently, and (iii) verifying disease elimination. Here we report different virus concentration methods using polyethylene glycol (PEG), alum, or filtration techniques as well as different RNA extraction methodologies, providing important insights regarding the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sewage. Virus RNA particles were detected in wastewater in several geographic locations in Israel. In addition, a correlation of virus RNA concentration to morbidity was detected in Bnei-Barak city during April 2020. This study presents a proof of concept for the use of direct raw sewage-associated virus data, during the pandemic in the country as a potential epidemiological tool.

Effects of macrophage polarization on gold nanoparticle-assisted plasmonic photothermal therapy.

Tumor associated macrophages (TAM) are key pathogenic factors in neoplastic diseases. They are known to have plasticity and can polarize into two opposing phenotypes, including the tumoricidal M1 and the protumoral M2 phenotypes with high prevalence of M2-phentoypes in patients with poor prognosis. Strategies for targeting M2-TAM may consequently increase the efficacy of therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Gold nanorod-assisted plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) has emerged as a promising treatment for cancer but the effects of macrophage polarization parameters in the performance of this new treatment modality is still unknown. Herein, human monocytic THP-1 cells were polarized into two opposite phenotypic macrophages (M1-TAM and M2-TAM) and their response to PPTT was examined. M2-TAM exhibits a three-fold increase in AuNP uptake compared to M1-TAM. Laser irradiation results in selective killing of pro-tumoral M2-TAM after treatment with AuNPs with limited effects on anti-tumoral M1-TAM. A positive correlation between the expression of CD206 marker and the AuNP uptake may indicate the role of CD206 in facilitating AuNP uptake. Our findings also suggest that the differences in AuNP avidity and uptake between the M1-TAM and M2-TAM phenotypes may be the rationale behind the effectiveness of PPTT in the treatment of solid tumors.

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 RNA through the Wastewater Treatment Process.

Municipal sewage carries degraded and intact viral particles and RNA (ribonucleic acid) of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2), shed by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) patients, to sewage and eventually to wastewater treatment plants. Proper wastewater treatment can prevent uncontrolled discharges of the virus into the environment. However, the role of different wastewater treatment stages in reducing viral RNA concentrations is, thus far, unknown. Here, we quantified SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw sewage and during the main stages of the activated sludge process from two wastewater treatment plants in Israel, on three different days during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak. To reduce the detection limit, samples were concentrated prior to quantification by real-time polymerase chain reaction by a factor of 2-43 using ultrafiltration. On average, ∼1 log RNA removal was attained by each of the primary and secondary treatment steps; however, >100 copies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA/mL remained in the secondary effluents. Following chlorination, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected only once, likely due to an insufficient chlorine dose. Our results emphasize the capabilities and limitations of the conventional wastewater treatment process in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration and present preliminary evidence for the importance of tertiary treatment and chlorination in reducing dissemination of the virus to the environment.

Frontal Bone Infarctions Masquerading as Bilateral Orbital Cellulitis in a Patient with Sickle Cell Disease.

Repeated vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) are the hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD). These repeated crises can lead to bone infarcts, necrosis, and, over time, degenerative changes in the bone marrow. Orbital complications in SCD patients are infrequent and usually present as orbital cellulitis. We report the appearance of orbital bone infarction intraoperatively in the case of an 18-year-old Saudi male patient who has been diagnosed with SCD and presented with severe headaches and generalized body aches. He was admitted with a case of SCD with acute VOC and started on the hospital sickle cell protocol. During the admission, the patient developed bilateral periorbital swelling and left inferior dystopia secondary to bilateral frontoparietal bone infarction, which was evident on the magnetic resonance imaging.

Study of Vitamin D Level and Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphism in Hypothyroid Egyptian Patients.

PURPOSE: The current study aimed at assessing vitamin D level and vitamin D receptor polymorphism in hypothyroid Egyptian patients and its effect on hypothyroidism and thyroid morphology, also to find a causal relation between vitamin D and hypothyroidism. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 35 hypothyroid patients and 35 matched unrelated healthy controls. Total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and thyroid antibodies were measured using a human ELISA kit. Genotyping was performed by using real-time PCR. HOMA-IR was also calculated (fasting insulin in mIU/L × fasting glucose in mg/dL/405). All subjects were assessed for thyroid morphology by thyroid ultrasonography. RESULTS: Vitamin D level was lower in hypothyroid patients than in control subjects. Vitamin D was also inversely related to TSH, HOMA-IR, and levels of anti-TG and anti-TPO. VDR polymorphism (Fok1 and Apa1) had no relation to TSH or vitamin D levels in both patients and control groups. Low vitamin D levels were associated with increased thyroid vascularity and nodularity; furthermore, vitamin D was inversely proportional to thyroid gland volume. Correlation of HOMA-IR with the levels of both anti-TG and anti-TPO in the 70 subjects proved that HOMA-IR was positively correlated to both antibodies. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the association of vitamin D deficiency with hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity, increased volume, nodularity, and vascularity of thyroid gland in hypothyroid patients as well as increased HOMA-IR. It proved the association between HOMA-IR and thyroid autoimmunity. The study proved no association between VDR polymorphisms (Fok1 and Apa1) with either vitamin D levels or TSH levels.

Evaluation of the effect of coating vertex denture lining material with plant oils on microbial growth and hardness

Aims: To evaluate the effect of surface coating with natural plant oils (Salvia officinalis, ginger and eucalyptus) on Candida growth and the hardness of Vertex denture lining material. Materials and method: Forty five specimens were prepared from soft acrylic lining material, twenty five of which were 10x10x2mm in size for testing antifungal activity, and twenty samples were 20mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness, for testing shore A hardness after coating samples with three types of natural oils (Salvia officinalis, ginger and eucalyptus oils). Significant differences among the groups at (p≤0.05) level of significance were determined statistically with one way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test Result: Antifungal assay showed a significant difference between five groups regarding Candida albicans growth (p≤ 0.05). For the hardness test, comparing different times of storage in water (1, 7, 14, 30 days) revealed a significant difference within all groups (p≤0. 05). While comparing the groups coated with natural oils with the control group, significant differences were found between different times of storage in water (1, 7, 30 day) (p≤0.05), except at 14 days of water storage there was no significant difference between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: All tested natural oils were effective as fungicidal agents and increased the softness and duration of soft acrylic lining material.

Diabetes Mellitus, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (Omega 6): What Is the Link?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Type 2 DM and obesity are the coming epidemics and their association with NAFLD is well established; essential fatty acids are vital for body health yet the body cannot make them; 2 essential fatty acids are especially important: linoleic (omega-6) and alpha-linoleic (omega-3) acids; they can be considered as "bioactive lipids" and serve as functional foods. METHODS: 50 type 2 Egyptian diabetic patients controlled on oral hypoglycemic drugs together with 20 age- and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled in the study; all were subjected to complete history taking, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, ALT, AST, GGT, urea and creatinine, total lipid profile, hepatitis markers including hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibodies, conjugated linoleic fatty acid "CLA," and abdominal ultrasound for grading of NAFLD. RESULTS: Our study in Egyptian diabetics with NAFLD revealed a low level of serum CLA compared to healthy control; such deficiency was more marked with advanced grades of NAFLD; lowest levels were observed in those with severe steatosis (NASH) with definite association between CLA and obesity. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance is the main link between NAFLD, diabetes, and obesity. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has a role in fat deposition in the liver and in development and improvement of insulin resistance. Fatty food had a documented role in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes but it can also be the cure.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of 4% sodium citrate versus heparin as locking solution for temporary dialysis catheters among hemodialysis patients
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BACKGROUND: Limited reports are available on the role of 4% citrate as a locking solution for temporary dialysis catheters. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the role of 4% citrate vs. heparin 5,000 µ/mL as a catheter-locking solution in a randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trial was conducted in Egypt where the use of non-tunneled temporary catheters is prevalent compared to tunneled long-term catheters. The efficacy of catheter-locking solutions was compared regarding observation of rate of catheter dysfunction, low-flow pump, fever as a sign of central-line blood-stream infection (CLBSI), catheter-site infection, thrombosis, local bleeding, and systemic bleeding in each group of the study. RESULTS: Each group consisted of 105 patients. The number of patients who developed CLBSI in the citrate group was 11 (10.5%) compared to 23 (21.9%) in the heparin group (p < 0.025). The number of patients who developed catheter dysfunction in the citrate group was similar to those in the heparin group. The incidence of catheter-site infection, thrombosis, and local bleeding in the citrate group was similar to that in the heparin group. CONCLUSION: Citrate 4% lock solution is equally effective as heparin in maintaining catheter patency in dialysis patients. It may have a favorable effect on prevention of catheter-related infection due to its additional antiseptic properties as compared to heparin. Citrate-based locking solutions are a promising alternative to unfractionated heparin as a locking solution for dialysis catheters.
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Spatiotemporal interpolation of air pollutants in the Greater Cairo and the Delta, Egypt.

This paper analyses the spatiotemporal variability of air pollutants in Egypt using monthly averages from the air quality monitoring network from 2011 to 2015. Particulate Matters (PM10) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), measured by the monitoring stations network are studied. A log transformation is applied for the three pollutants to achieve normality. The sum-metric function is utilized for modelling the spatiotemporal variogram as it gave the smallest Mean Squared Error (MSE) compared to other forms namely separable, metric, and product sum models. Therefore, employing the gstat package in R together with the trans-Gaussian spatiotemporal kriging, the maps are generated for the interpolated surfaces for the monthly averages of 2015 and the corresponding standard error values. These maps will help the decision maker to understand and visualize the spatial and temporal variability of the measured pollutants and hence undertake the necessary policies and decisions. The results show that the down town area has the highest pollutants levels. As concerns the temporal dimension, the highest values are depicted during the month of February as compared to the rest of the year. Furthermore, Egypt is suffering from a serious PM10 problem for the area and period under study that extremely exceed the WHO and Egyptian guidelines.

Secreted CLIC3 drives cancer progression through its glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase activity.

The secretome of cancer and stromal cells generates a microenvironment that contributes to tumour cell invasion and angiogenesis. Here we compare the secretome of human mammary normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We discover that the chloride intracellular channel protein 3 (CLIC3) is an abundant component of the CAF secretome. Secreted CLIC3 promotes invasive behaviour of endothelial cells to drive angiogenesis and increases invasiveness of cancer cells both in vivo and in 3D cell culture models, and this requires active transglutaminase-2 (TGM2). CLIC3 acts as a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase that reduces TGM2 and regulates TGM2 binding to its cofactors. Finally, CLIC3 is also secreted by cancer cells, is abundant in the stromal and tumour compartments of aggressive ovarian cancers and its levels correlate with poor clinical outcome. This work reveals a previously undescribed invasive mechanism whereby the secretion of a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase drives angiogenesis and cancer progression by promoting TGM2-dependent invasion.