Quantifying microplastics pollution in the Red Sea and Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba: Insights from chemical analysis and pollution load assessment.

Microplastics (MPs) constitute the majority of marine plastic litter. The pollution caused by MPs has been categorized as a gradual and persistent crisis, but little is known about its extent along the shores of the Red Sea, particularly on the Egyptian side. The Red Sea is a rapidly developing region and home to critical ecosystems with high levels of endemism. This study represents the first comprehensive survey investigating the extent of MP pollution along the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, including the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. Mean concentrations ranged from 23.3 ± 15.28 to 930.0 ± 181.9 MPs/kg DW. Out of 17 beaches surveyed, 12 had mean concentrations of <200 items/kg, indicating a low occurrence of MPs compared to the shores of the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. The pollution load index varied from low to medium levels in most locations. Ras Mohamed, a marine protected area, showed high vulnerability to MP pollution. All the investigated particles were fragments of secondary MPs. The sources of pollution mainly come from maritime activities, including cargo shipping and intense recreational activities. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy identified four plastic polymers, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common. The surface morphology of plastic particles was examined using scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. All the particles exhibited signs of degradation, which could generate countless plastic pieces with possible deleterious impacts. This work has highlighted the importance of conducting region-specific assessments of mismanaged plastic waste, focusing on the role of tourism and recreational navigation as contributors to plastic litter, to estimate plastic waste inputs into the waters of the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. Efforts are needed to develop strategic plans to reduce the disposal of plastic waste in the region.

Variation in Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Extracts of Common Egyptian Seaweeds with an Emphasis on Their Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Contents.

The anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antimicrobial activities of some common Egyptian seaweeds in addition to their phytochemical and heavy metal contents were investigated. Phytochemical screening of the seaweed extracts showed the presence of different primary and secondary metabolites with different concentrations according to their species and the used solvent. The ethanolic extract of Colpmenia sinuosa (CSBE2) exhibited the maximum anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity at 1000 µg/ml concentration compared to other seaweed extracts. The dichloromethane extract of Corallina officinalis (CORM) exerted the highest antimicrobial activity with an average inhibition zone diameter (AV) = 15.29 mm and activity index (AI) = 1.53 and with the highest antagonistic activity against Escherichia coli (28 mm). It is followed by Ulva linza ethanolic extract (ULGE2) which recorded (AV) of 14.71 mm and (AI) of 1.30 with the highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans (30 mm). The collected seaweeds would therefore be a very promising source for treating inflammatory, arthritic, and microbial diseases. Moreover, the investigated seaweeds showed variable concentrations of heavy metals among various species. The mean concentrations of the heavy metals took the following order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Ba > Cu > As > Cr > Ni > Pb > V > Cd > Se > Co > Mo. Based on the permissible limits set by the WHO and CEVA, Pb and Ni in the studied seaweeds were found to be within the permissible limits, whereas Cd and Zn contents were at the borderline. Significant correlations were observed between studied parameters. The estimated daily intakes for most heavy metals were lower than the recommended daily intakes.

Human Health Implication of Major and Trace Elements Present in Commercial Crustaceans of a Traditional Seafood Marketing Region, Egypt.

The present study focused on the distribution of some major and trace elements (S (as SO42-), Na, K, B, Ca, Mg, F, Li, Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Co, Cd, and Pb) in both flesh (Fl) and total cephalon/exoskeleton (C/E) tissues of selected crustacean species obtained from an Egyptian traditional seafood marketing region. The sequence of studied elements in (Fl) and (C/E) tissues in descending orders was S (as SO42-) > Na > K > B > Mg > Ca > Li > F > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb > Ni > Mn > Co > Cd, and S (as SO42-) > Na > B > K > Mg > Ca > F > Li > Al > Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd, respectively. Both length-weight relationship and Fulton's condition factor showed the physical and biological statuses of the crustaceans. Ion quotient calculations of the studied tissues pointed to their importance in decreasing hypertension, preeclampsia, and heart disease. Human health risk due to the consumption of the crustacean species was determined using some guideline limits, metal pollution index (MPI), estimated daily intake (EDI), health comparison values (CVs), dietary intake (DRI-ULs), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and provisional tolerable weekly intake (%PTWI). MPI values of cephalon/exoskeleton tissues were greater than those of the flesh with ranges between 11.4-24.0 and 4.6-14.3, respectively. Interestingly, the calculations of TTHQ of toddler and adult were lesser than one and not expected to pose any risk concern to human from crustaceans' consumption.

Blood Transfusion Frequency and Indications in Yemeni Children with Sickle Cell Disease.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is an essential component in the care of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but it might be associated with serious acute and delayed complications. This study was aimed to describe red cell transfusion patterns and indications among hospitalized SCD children in a low-resource setting. Patients and Methods. A retrospective, descriptive study of all children (≤16 years) with SCD who received blood transfusion therapy during their hospital admissions in the pediatric department at Al-Sadaqa Teaching Hospital in Aden, Yemen, for a period of one year. RESULTS: Out of 217 hospitalized children with SCD, 169 (77.9%) were transfused and received 275 RBC transfusion episodes. The mean age of transfused children was 6.9 ± 4.6 years and 103 (60.9%) were males, with a male/female ratio of 1.6 : 1 (p=0.004). Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were significantly lower in the transfused than in the nontransfused (Hb 5.5 ± 1.5 vs. 7.7 ± 1.5 g/dL, p=0.03). Pretransfusion Hb levels were ˂7.0 g/dL in 86.2% and ˂5.0 g/dL in 39.3% of patients. Single transfusion was given to 122 (72.2%) and 5 or more transfusions in 9 (4.15%) of patients on different occasions. Simple (top-up) transfusion was used in all transfusion events. Commonest indications for transfusion were anemic crises (41.1%), vasoocclusive crises (VOC) (13.8%), VOC with anemic event (11.3%), acute chest syndrome (8.7%), and stroke (7.3%). CONCLUSION: Intermittent blood transfusion remains a common practice for the management of children with acute SCD complications. Main indications were acute anemic crises, severe pain crises, ACS, and stroke. In limited resource settings, such as Yemen, conservative transfusion policy appears to be appropriate.

Differential Coassembly of α1-GABAARs Associated with Epileptic Encephalopathy.

GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are profoundly important for controlling neuronal excitability. Spontaneous and familial mutations to these receptors feature prominently in excitability disorders and neurodevelopmental deficits following disruption to GABA-mediated inhibition. Recent genotyping of an individual with severe epilepsy and Williams-Beuren syndrome identified a frameshifting de novo variant in a major GABAAR gene, GABRA1 This truncated the α1 subunit between the third and fourth transmembrane domains and introduced 24 new residues forming the mature protein, α1Lys374Serfs*25 Cell surface expression of mutant murine GABAARs is severely impaired compared with WT, due to retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutant receptors were differentially coexpressed with ß3, but not with ß2, subunits in mammalian cells. Reduced surface expression was reflected by smaller IPSCs, which may underlie the induction of seizures. The mutant does not have a dominant-negative effect on native neuronal GABAAR expression since GABA current density was unaffected in hippocampal neurons, although mutant receptors exhibited limited GABA sensitivity. To date, the underlying mechanism is unique for epileptogenic variants and involves differential ß subunit expression of GABAAR populations, which profoundly affected receptor function and synaptic inhibition.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT GABAARs are critical for controlling neural network excitability. They are ubiquitously distributed throughout the brain, and their dysfunction underlies many neurologic disorders, especially epilepsy. Here we report the characterization of an α1-GABAAR variant that results in severe epilepsy. The underlying mechanism is structurally unusual, with the loss of part of the α1 subunit transmembrane domain and part-replacement with nonsense residues. This led to compromised and differential α1 subunit cell surface expression with ß subunits resulting in severely reduced synaptic inhibition. Our study reveals that disease-inducing variants can affect GABAAR structure, and consequently subunit assembly and cell surface expression, critically impacting on the efficacy of synaptic inhibition, a property that will orchestrate the extent and duration of neuronal excitability.

Clinical, Paraclinical, and Evolutionary Profiles of Kidney Failure in Gold Miners Hospitalized in a Nephrological Service in a Sub-Saharan African Country.

Introduction. The purpose of this preliminary study is to describe the clinical, paraclinical, and evolutionary profiles of gold miner patients with kidney failure hospitalized in the nephrology and haemodialysis service in the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital of Ouagadougou (CHU-YO). Patients and Methods. This was a longitudinal and descriptive study with a retrospective collection of data for the period from February 1, 2013, to March 31, 2018. Included were all gold miner patients who stayed and worked at an artisanal gold mining site for at least three months and who were diagnosed with acute or chronic kidney failure during hospitalization in the nephrology service. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and paraclinical variables at admission and then three months later. RESULTS: We included 50 patients; all were male and the average age was 29.4 ± 7.7 years. All patients were exposed to mercury and/or cyanide for an average of 4.5 ± 2.8 years. The average consultation/referral time for patients at the CHU-YO was 25.4 ± 14.9 days. The average of creatininemia was 2338.0 ± 791.4 µmol/L. Kidney failure was acute in five cases (10%) and chronic in the remaining 45 cases or 90%. Extrarenal purification was indicated in 43 cases (86%). It was not performed in nine of the 43 cases due to lack of financial resources for patients (six cases) or death prior to the onset of haemodialysis (three cases). Thirty-two of the 50 patients in the study (64% of cases) died. CONCLUSION: Chronic kidney failure in gold miners appears to be common and late-managed. A prospective study of kidney disease and its causes at gold mining sites and surrounding areas will assess the extent of the problem in the country and better clarify the prevention of these diseases in our country.

Assessment of undernutrition using Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure among children aged < 5 years in rural Yemen.

BACKGROUND: Impaired nutritional status is a major health problem affecting young children in developing countries that has a significant impact on child morbidity and mortality. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition among children aged < 5 years, using conventional indices and the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF), and then comparing their estimated results. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted and information was collected through house-tohouse visits using precoded structured records. We analysed data from 1292 children aged 6-59 months, from Ahwar and Al-Mahfed rural districts in Abyan Governate, South Yemen, with reference to the 2006 World Health Organization growth standards. RESULTS: CIAF identified undernutrition in 70.1% of children, while conventional anthropometric indices revealed 38.5% stunting, 39.9% wasting, and 55.1% underweight. Compared with conventional indices, CIAF aggregate recognized 31.6%, 30.2% and 15% more undernourished children than stunting, wasting and underweight separately. According to CIAF, 21% had a single anthropometric failure and 49.2% exhibited multiple failures. Stunting Index, Wasting Index and Underweight Index were 0.55, 0.57 and 0.79, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CIAF gives a better estimate of undernutrition than currently used conventional indices; identifies more children with multiple anthropometric failures; and reflects a wider view of the extent and pattern of undernutrition of children living in communities with limited resource settings.

Impaired microvascular reactivity in gestational diabetes is associated with altered glycemic parameters.

OBJECTIVES: To assess microvascular reactivity and glycemic parameters in GDM compared to age and GA matched controls. METHODS: This study involved 21 GDM patients and 31 controls. Microvascular reactivity was assessed using LDF and PORH. Microvascular parameters; PORHmax , PORHpeak , and time to peak perfusion (Tp) were recorded after the release of 3 minutes' upper arm occlusion. HOMA-IR was performed to evaluate insulin resistance. RESULTS: Average age and GA for subjects were 32.9 years and 29.2 weeks. Mean FBG and a 2-hour postprandial for GDM and controls were 4.87 ± 0.71 vs 3.99 ± 0.59 mmol/L; P < 0.001 and 9.50 ± 1.8 vs 5.67 ± 1.0 mmol/L; P < 0.001. Fasting insulin (13.88 ± 18.9 vs 8.37 ± 11.0 µLU/mL; P = 0.031) and HOMA-IR (3.14 ± 4.6 vs 1.52 ± 2.2; P = 0.004) were higher in GDM. Tp was prolonged in GDM (16.27 ± 4.3 vs 13.86 ± 2.1 seconds; P = 0.011). Positive correlations were seen between Tp and FBG and 2-hour postprandial levels. CONCLUSION: Tp was prolonged in GDM compared to age-matched controls, indicating impaired microvascular reactivity.

Assessment of undernutrition using Composite Index of Anthropo-metric Failure among children aged < 5 years in rural Yemen

Background: Impaired nutritional status is a major health problem affecting young children in developing countries that has a significant impact on child morbidity and mortality.Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition among children aged < 5 years, using conventional indices and the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF), and then comparing their estimated results.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted and information was collected through house-to-house visits using precoded structured records. We analysed data from 1292 children aged 6–59 months, from Ahwar and Al-Mahfed rural districts in Abyan Governate, South Yemen, with reference to the 2006 World Health Organization growth standards. Results: CIAF identified undernutrition in 70.1% of children, while conventional anthropometric indices revealed 38.5% stunting, 39.9% wasting, and 55.1% underweight. Compared with conventional indices, CIAF aggregate recognized 31.6%, 30.2% and 15% more undernourished children than stunting, wasting and underweight separately. According to CIAF, 21% had a single anthropometric failure and 49.2% exhibited multiple failures. Stunting Index, Wasting Index and Under-weight Index were 0.55, 0.57 and 0.79, respectively. Conclusions: CIAF gives a better estimate of undernutrition than currently used conventional indices; identifies more children with multiple anthropometric failures; and reflects a wider view of the extent and pattern of undernutrition of children living in communities with limited resource settings.

Contexte : L’altération de l’état nutritionnel est un grave problème de santé qui touche les jeunes enfants dans les pays à faible revenu et qui a un impact significatif sur la morbidité et la mortalité infantiles.Objectifs : La présente étude visait à évaluer la prévalence de la dénutrition chez les enfants de moins de 5 ans en utilisant les indices classiques et l’indice composite d’insuffisance anthropométrique, puis en comparant leurs résultats estimés. Méthodes : Une étude communautaire transversale a été réalisée et des informations ont été recueillies au moyen d’un document structuré précodé lors de visites porte-à-porte. Nous avons analysé les données relatives à 1292 enfants âgés entre 6 et 59 mois des districts ruraux d’Ahwar et d’Al-Mahfed, dans le gouvernorat d’Abyan (sud du Yémen), par rapport aux normes de croissance publiées en 2006 par l’OMS. Résultats : D’après l’indice composite d’insuffisance anthropométrique, 70 % des enfants souffraient de dénutrition. Selon les indices anthropométriques classiques, les prévalences du retard de croissance, de l’émaciation et du déficit pondéral étaient de 38,5 %, 39,9 % et 55,1 % respectivement. L’indice composite susmentionné, qui fournit un chiffre agrégé, a ainsi identifié 31,5 %, 30,1 % et 14,9 % d’enfants dénutris en plus que les mesures du retard de croissance, de l’émaciation et du déficit pondéral prises séparément. D’après cet indice composite, 21 % des enfants présentaient une seule insuffisance anthropométrique et 49,2 % présentaient des insuffisances multiples. Les indices de retard de croissance, d’émaciation et de déficit pondéral obtenus étaient, respectivement, de 0,55, 0,57 et 0,79. Conclusions : L’indice composite d’insuffisance anthropométrique donne un meilleur aperçu de la dénutrition que les indices classiques actuellement utilisés. Il identifie en outre plus d’enfants souffrant d’insuffisances anthropométriques multiples et brosse un tableau plus complet de l’ampleur et de la nature du problème de la dénutrition des enfants vivant dans des communautés où les ressources sont limitées.

Developing time-based model for the prediction of breeding activities of dengue vectors using early life cycle variables and epidemiological information in Northern Malaysia.

Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) was applied to make realtime predictions on the Aedes egg populations in three selected dengue hotspots of Penang, Malaysia. The weekly ovitrap collection was carried out to determine the abundance of Aedes eggs in field population in some selected areas. The ARIMA models were able to estimate actual egg abundance using two criteria. The first criteria is determine the reliability of statistics and the second is to measure the accuracy of forecasting ability of the model equation. The parsimonious model with a lowest order of AR or MA and RMSE value of the forecast for each data set was considered the best. ARIMA (1,0,0), ARIMA (2,0,0) and ARIMA (0,1,1) models were judged to be the best fit for the suburban, urban squatter and urban area data sets respectively. The models were able to forecast the number of eggs within a range of one to eleven weeks. The developed models were able to estimate the egg abundance adequately to permit their use in Aedes control programme in Penang Island. Thus, it can be a useful tool for health officials to improve the management of mosquito control and alert the public to reduce the possibility of dengue outbreaks.

Developing time-based model for the prediction of breeding activities of dengue vectors using early life cycle variables and epidemiological information in Northern Malaysia

Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) was applied to make realtime predictions on the Aedes egg populations in three selected dengue hotspots of Penang, Malaysia. The weekly ovitrap collection was carried out to determine the abundance of Aedes eggs in field population in some selected areas. The ARIMA models were able to estimate actual egg abundance using two criteria. The first criteria is determine the reliability of statistics and the second is to measure the accuracy of forecasting ability of the model equation. The parsimonious model with a lowest order of AR or MA and RMSE value of the forecast for each data set was considered the best. ARIMA (1,0,0), ARIMA (2,0,0) and ARIMA (0,1,1) models were judged to be the best fit for the suburban, urban squatter and urban area data sets respectively. The models were able to forecast the number of eggs within a range of one to eleven weeks. The developed models were able to estimate the egg abundance adequately to permit their use in Aedes control programme in Penang Island. Thus, it can be a useful tool for health officials to improve the management of mosquito control and alert the public to reduce the possibility of dengue outbreaks.

Effects of 1α-Calcidol (Alfacalcidol) on Microvascular Endothelial Function, Arterial Stiffness, and Blood Pressure in Type II Diabetic Nephropathy Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of six months alfacalcidol on microvascular endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and BP in DN patients. METHODS: Twenty-eight DN patients on alfacalcidol, 0.25 µg daily for six months were compared to 32 controls on conventional treatment. Measurements of microvascular endothelial function, arterial stiffness [AIx and PWV], hsCRP, and BP were performed; differences between baseline and six months treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: No difference was seen in microvascular endothelial function for both groups after six months. Improvement in CSBP (p = 0.027) with trends of improvement in AIx (p = 0.063), PWV (p = 0.075), and systolic BP (p = 0.088) were seen in the alfacalcidol group with no changes observed in controls. Subgroup analysis of alfacalcidol group showed that vitamin D-deficient patients had better response to treatment. hsCRP level remained unchanged in alfacalcidol group; significant increase was however seen in controls. CONCLUSION: Alfacalcidol did not have an effect on microvascular endothelial function in DN patients. Alfacalcidol significantly improved CSBP with trends of improvement in arterial stiffness and peripheral BP. Alfacalcidol appears to be more beneficial in vitamin D-deficient patients.

Larval Distributions and breeding habitats of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Kuala Terengganu.

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus play an important role in spreading dengue and chikungunya virus in Malaysia. Currently dengue fever is still the most important threat to this country. The number of dengue cases are on the rise in some states despite the efforts made by the government to keep the surroundings of houses clean and free from Aedes breeding sites. This study was carried out to determine the breeding sites of Aedes in Kuala Terengganu. Samplings were carried out between August 2009 until February 2010 at six study sites from both the urban and rural areas. Samples collected were counted and the distribution classes (class 1 (C1) to class 5 (C5)) were determined. Water tank, glass container and used paint bucket were found to be the most preferable breeding sites in the study areas. Many Ae. aegypti larvae were collected in the urban areas and the highest number of Ae. albopictus larvae were collected from the rural areas. As for the larval distributions, Ae. aegypti recorded a frequent distribution (C4: 60.1-80%) in urban areas while Ae. albopictus recorded infrequent distribution (C2: 20.1-40%). Frequent distributions of Aedes larvae were recorded when relative humidity is high. Apart from environmental factors, human density also could affect the distributions of Aedes larvae in the urban area.

Alteration of cardiovascular structure and function in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

AIMS: Cardiovascular alterations contribute to a high mortality rate in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aims of the present study are to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function and common carotid artery (CCA) parameters and to determine risk factors associated with these changes in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: This longitudinal prospective study was conducted in 50 ESRD patients in whom PD had been initiated and who were observed for 18 months after the commencement of dialysis treatment, with echocardiography and CCA ultrasound parameter evaluation. RESULTS: LV hypertrophy was observed in 78% of patients at baseline and in 60% after 18 months of PD treatment. LV systolic and diastolic function was found to be significantly better after 18 months of PD treatment. Examining predictors of LV systolic function, it was found that total cholesterol was an independent positive predictor and endothelin-1 (ET-1) an independent negative predictor of LV systolic function after 18 months of treatment with PD (p < 0.001). Independent negative predictors of diastolic LV function were hemoglobin and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and daily collection of urine was an independent positive predictor (p < 0.001). Female gender was an independent negative predictor of CCA intima-media thickness, whereas body mass index, ET-1 and C-reactive protein were independent positive predictors (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest several novel modifiable mechanisms related to the short-term effects of dialysis that are potentially implicated in the development of uremic cardiomyopathy.

Major ions anomalies and contamination status by trace metals in sediments from two hot spots along the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt.

The major constituents and trace metals in the surface sediments collected from the Western Harbor and El-Mex Bay along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast were studied. The concentrations of major constituents decreased in the following order: Ca > Si > Mg > Na > K for the Western Harbor and El-Mex Bay. Additionally, the ranking order of trace metals was Fe > Al > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu > Sn > V > As > Cd > Se for the Western Harbor. For El-Mex Bay, the decreasing order was Fe > Al > Mn > Sn > Pb > Zn > Cu > V > As > Cd > Se. Fe, Al, Zn, Pb, Cu, V, Cd and Sn in the Western Harbor occurred in higher concentrations than in El-Mex Bay. A higher concentration of Mn was observed in El-Mex Bay. Two pollution indicators, enrichment factor (EF) and metal pollution index (MPI), and several sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) were used to evaluate the status of metal pollution. Based on the mean EF values of the studied metals, surface sediments of the Western Harbor and El-Mex Bay revealed that they are enriched with metals from anthropogenic sources. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed that the mean measurements for all metals across the Western Harbor and El-Mex Bay are significantly different at a 0.05 significance level. Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied in result interpretation. The spatial distribution of the different parameters was illustrated.

Muscle satellite cells are activated after exercise to exhaustion in Thoroughbred horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Although satellite cells are well known as muscle stem cells capable of adding myonuclei during muscle repair and hypertrophy, the response of satellite cells in horse muscles to a run to exhaustion is still unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the time course of satellite cell activation in Thoroughbred horse muscle after running to exhaustion. We hypothesised that this type of intense exercise would induce satellite cell activation in skeletal muscle similar to a resistance exercise. METHODS: Nine de-trained Thoroughbred horses (6 geldings and 3 mares) aged 3-6 years were studied. Biopsy samples were taken from the gluteus medius muscle of the horses before and 1 min, 3 h, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week and 2 weeks after a treadmill run to exhaustion. The numbers of satellite cells for each fibre type were determined by using immunofluorescence staining. Total RNA was extracted from these samples, and the expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, paired box transcriptional factor (Pax) 7, myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD), myogenin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA were analysed using real-time reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS: The numbers of satellite cells were significantly increased in type I and IIa fibres at 1 week and in type IIa/x fibre at 2 weeks post exercise. The expression of IL-6 mRNA increased significantly by 3 h post exercise. The expression of PCNA mRNA also increased by 1 day after running, indicating that running can initiate satellite cell proliferation. The expression of Pax7, MyoD, myogenin, IGF-I and HGF mRNA peaked at 1 week post exercise. CONCLUSION: Satellite cell activation and proliferation could be enhanced after a run to exhaustion without detectable injury as assessed by the histochemical analysis. Understanding the response of satellite cell activation to running exercise provides fundamental information about the skeletal muscle adaptation in Thoroughbred horses.

Arterial stiffness, inflammatory and pro-atherogenic markers in gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased arterial stiffness, inflammatory and pro-atherogenic markers compared to age matched controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 53 pregnant women in the early third trimester of pregnancy consisting of 31 women with normal pregnancy and 22 women with GDM. Subjects were grouped into GDM and control groups based on modified oral glucose tolerance test results; they were considered GDM if fasting blood glucose (FBG) was ≥ 6.1 mmol/L and/or the two hours post-glucose intake was ≥ 7.8 mmol/L. Arterial stiffness was assessed non-invasively using the parameters augmentation index (AIx) obtained via pulse wave analysis and carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), high sensitivity C- reactive protein (hsCRP) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured using enzyme linked immunoassay technique (ELISA). Aortic and brachial blood pressure (BP) indices were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean ages and gestational ages (GA) for the control and GDM groups showed no significant differences (31.1 ± 5.68 vs. 32.9 ± 8.46 years; 29.0 ± 2.43 vs. 29.6 ± 1.54 weeks respectively). FBG and 2 hour post-glucose levels were significantly higher in GDM; (5.27 ± 1.19 vs. 3.94 ± 0.44 mmol/L, p < 0.001; 9.66 ± 1.76 vs. 5.68 ± 1.10 mmol/L, p < 0.001). TNF-alpha, PAI-1 and hsCRP levels were significantly higher in GDM compared to controls (0.81 ± 0.15 vs. 0.72 ± 0.13 pg/ml, 54.48 ± 13.07 vs. 36.16 ± 15.58 cm/ml, 7.91 ± 1.16 vs. 6.70 ± 1.45 mg/l respectively). PWV (8.28 ± 1.48 vs. 7.97 ± 1.12) and AIx (16.73 ± 10.98 vs. 16.13 ± 9.64 %) were not significantly different between the two groups. No significant differences were seen for aortic and brachial BP, mean arterial pressure and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory markers TNF-alpha and hsCRP, and the pro-atherogenic marker PAI-1 were elevated in GDM compared to age matched controls. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in their arterial stiffness.

Sudden death in racing Thoroughbred horses: an international multicentre study of post mortem findings.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To improve the understanding of exercise related sudden death in Thoroughbred racehorses. OBJECTIVES: To describe the post mortem findings in cases of sudden death associated with exercise in 268 Thoroughbred racehorses. METHODS: Gross and histological post mortem findings of 268 cases of sudden death were collated and reviewed. Cases originated from 6 racing jurisdictions around the world. Sudden death was defined as acute collapse and death in a closely observed and previously apparently healthy Thoroughbred racehorse, during, or within one hour after, exercise. Cause of death as determined by the attending pathologist was categorised as definitive, presumptive or unexplained and compared between the different populations. Cardiopulmonary lesions recorded at post mortem examination were compared between different populations. RESULTS: Pathologists recorded a definitive cause of death in 53% (143/268) of cases. Major definitive causes of sudden death included cardiac failure, apparent pulmonary failure, pulmonary haemorrhage, haemorrhage associated with pelvic fractures or with idiopathic blood vessel rupture, and spinal cord injury. A presumptive cause of death was made in 25% (67/268) of cases and death remained unexplained in 22% (58/268) of cases. There were several statistically significant inter-population differences in the cause of death and in reporting of cardiopulmonary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Sudden death can be attributed to a variety of causes. Causes of sudden death and the lesions found in cases of exercise-related sudden death are similar in different racing jurisdictions. However, the lesions are often not specific for the cause of death and determination of the cause of death is therefore affected by interpretation by the individual pathologist.

The biology and demographic parameters of Aedes albopictus in northern peninsular Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: To generate life table characteristics for the dengue vector Aedes albopictus (A. albopictus) under uncontrolled conditions, incorporating both the aquatic and the adult stages. METHODS: Ten females derived from wild pupae were allowed to fully blood-feed on restrained mice. 774 eggs were hatched in seasoned water. F1 larvae were followed for development until their F2 counterparts emerged as adults. Some population parameters were monitored (F1) or estimated (F2). RESULTS: A. albopictus exhibited increased fecundity and egg hatch success. Immature development was quick. Immature survival was high, with lowest rate in the pupal stage. Adult emergence was about 81% and sex ratio was close to 1:1. Generational mortality (K) was about 28%. A high proportion of females completed a reproductive cycle and the obtained parity rate was predicted to lead to higher fecundity in the next generation. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that natural A. albopictus populations in Penang seem largely determined by quick development in combination with low immature loss and increased oviposition.

Older Age Group in Pregnancy is Associated with Increased Arterial Stiffness.

Arterial stiffness is an index of vascular health; normal pregnancy is associated with reduced arterial stiffness. This cross sectional study compared arterial stiffness in older (≥35 years) and the younger (≤34 years) age groups of pregnant women. Arterial stiffness was assessed noninvasively in 66 pregnant women between 23 - 32 weeks gestation (41 women ≤ 34 years, 25 women ≥ 35 years) using the parameters pulse wave analysis and pulse wave velocity. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), serum total cholesterol (TC) and fasting blood glucose (FBS) were also recorded. Mean ages of the younger and older age groups were 27.6±0.62 and 39.3±0.58 years; no significant difference was seen between the groups in their BMI, TC, FBS, SBP, DBP and gestational age. The older age group of women have increased arterial stiffness (augmentation index 19.4±1.9% vs 13.2±1.6%, p=0.015) and aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity 8.7±0.3 vs 7.7±0.2 m/s, p=0.004) compared to the younger women. Linear regression analysis showed a positive significant correlation between age and augmentation index (R=0.278, p=0.026), and pulse wave velocity (R=0.350, p=0.004). We conclude that older pregnant women has increased arterial stiffness compared to a younger age group of pregnant women suggesting that vascular changes due to ageing occurs in pregnancy despite cardiovascular adaptations occurring in pregnancy.