Profile of stingless bee honey and microbiota produced in West Sumatra, Indonesia, by several species (Apidae, Meliponinae).

Background and Aim: Stingless bees are generally found in tropical countries, including Indonesia. In West Sumatra, stingless bees are known as Galo-galo, consist of several species with different characteristics; however, the properties of honey produced by stingless bees have not yet been explored. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities as well as the microbiota profile of stingless bee honey from the bee species Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, Tetrigona melanoleuca, and Tetrigona binghami that are intensively developed in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Honey produced by the stingless bee species H. itama, G. thoracica, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami originating in West Sumatra was examined in the present study. The physicochemical properties (Association of Official Analytical Chemists), antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl technique), total phenols (Folin-Ciocalteu method), antimicrobial activity (Agar-Well diffusion test), total lactic acid bacteria, and microbiota diversity were measured in stingless bee honey samples. Results: Stingless bee species significantly affected the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, antimicrobial activity, and total lactic acid bacteria (p = 0.05), except for the crude fiber content. The carbohydrate profiles of honey produced by H. itama and T. binghami were dominated by monosaccharides, whereas those of honey from T. melanoleuca and G. thoracica were dominated by disaccharides. In terms of antioxidant activity (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] value), there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between honey from H. itama, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami, but there were significant differences (p > 0.05) between honey from G. thoracica. The honey of G. thoracica and T. melanoleuca had the highest total phenolic content (65.65 ± 14.00 and 69.78 ± 8.06, respectively). In addition, honey from the four stingless bee species showed antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. From the principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA) results, it can be concluded that the microbiota profiles of the four stingless bee honey samples differed. Conclusion: The results showed that honey from H. itama, G. thoracica, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami has different physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and microbiota diversity. By knowing the content of this stingless bee honey, the results of this study can be used as information that this stingless bee honey has the potential as a functional food that is beneficial for health.

Effect of fermented milk Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 on cholesterol and microbiota in Wistar mice intestine.

Objective: This study examines the effect of fermented milk containing the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici BK01 on cholesterol and intestinal microbiota. Materials and Methods: 24 male rats weighing an average of 200 gm each spent 1 week in a cage adapting to their new environment. They were fed standard feed daily and were allowed to drink ad libitum. For 3 weeks, rats were divided into four groups (doses of fermented milk): M+ (control), M1 (0.35 ml), M2 (0.70 ml), and M3 (1.05 ml). The analysis includes bodyweight determination, serum biochemical analysis, and intestine microbiota analysis. Results: The results indicated that while P. acidilactici BK01 fermented milk did not affect body weight or high-density lipoprotein, it did have a beneficial effect on total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, treatment of fermented milk with P. acidilactici BK01 has been shown to increase the total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the intestine, as indicated by changes in the intestinal villi. Conclusion: Administering fermented milk (P. acidilactici BK01, 1.05 ml) can reduce total serum cholesterol and increase the number of LAB in intestinal villi in experimental animals, so it has the potential to be a probiotic.

Velocimetry and response surface regression analysis of a swirling bed tested with mesh-coupled axial blade distributor.

Fluidized bed technology is being used in several industrial processes. The well-controlled fluidization of a bed material is a prerequisite for successful implementation of this technology. Several variants of distributors are being tested for fluidized beds; however, scant information is available on their working regimes. In this study, an annular distributor was constructed by fixing blades between two concentric rings and covering the assembly with a wire mesh. This new distributor design was tested for fluidization of batches of a spherical bed material at different blade angles and superficial air velocities (SAVs). High-speed imaging and MATLAB supported velocimetry techniques were used to generate velocity vector fields of fluidized beds. These fields were analyzed further for bed velocity measurements at different bed zones. A response surface regression model was applied on the data to predict the response of the bed parameters. Statistically, the bed velocity was predicted to be about 0.497 m/s with the confidence interval in the range of 0.4948-0.4999. The experimental bed velocity remained between 0.531 m/s and 0.538 m/s under an optimized blade angle of 60°, SAV of 2.3 m/s, and bed weight of 500 g.

Nitrogen Pollution Impact and Remediation through Low Cost Starch Based Biodegradable polymers.

The world does not have too much time to ensure that the fast-growing population has enough land, food, water and energy. The rising food demand has brought a positive surge in fertilizers' demand and agriculture-based economy. The world is using 170 million tons of fertilizer every year for food, fuel, fiber, and feed. The nitrogenous fertilizers are being used to meet 48% of the total food demand of the world. High fertilizer inputs augment the reactive nitrogen levels in soil, air, and water. The unassimilated reactive nitrogen changes into a pollutant and harms the natural resources. The use of controlled-release fertilizers for slowing down the nutrients' leaching has recently been practiced by farmers. However, to date, monitoring of the complete discharge time and discharge rate of controlled released fertilizers is not completely understood by the researchers. In this work, corn starch was thermally processed into a week gel-like coating material by reacting with urea and borate. The granular urea was coated with native and processed starch in a fluidized bed reactor having bottom-up fluid delivery system. The processed starch exhibited better thermal and mechanical stability as compared to the native starch. Unlike the pure starch, the storage modulus of the processed starch dominated the loss modulus. The release time of urea, coated with processed starch, remained remarkably larger than the uncoated urea.

Global transmission and evolutionary dynamics of the Chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging pathogen of global importance. We attempted to gain an insight into the organisation, distribution and mutational load of the virus strains reported from different parts of the world. We describe transmission dynamics and genetic characterisation of CHIKV across the globe during the last 65 years from 1952 to 2017. The evolutionary pattern of CHIKV was analysed using the E1 protein gene through phylogenetic, Bayesian and Network methods with a dataset of 265 sequences from various countries. The time to most recent common ancestor of the virus was estimated to be 491 years ago with an evolutionary rate of 2.78 × 10-4 substitutions/site/year. Genetic characterisation of CHIKV strains was carried out in terms of variable sites, selection pressure and epitope mapping. The neutral selection pressure on the E1 gene of the virus suggested a stochastic process of evolution. We identified six potential epitope peptides in the E1 protein showing substantial interaction with human MHC-I and MHC-II alleles. The present study augments global epidemiological and population dynamics of CHIKV warranting undertaking of appropriate control measures. The identification of epitopic peptides can be useful in the development of epitope-based vaccine strategies against this re-emerging viral pathogen.

Ameloblastoma vs basal cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical comparison.

Despite behavioral mimicry of ameloblastoma (AB) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), they are classified at 2 extremes within pertinent WHO classifications with respect to benign and malignant designation. This study aims to appraise the current allocation of AB in the classification through an immunohistochemical comparison of some aspects of behavior with BCC. Sections from retrospectively retrieved formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of AB (n = 37) and BCC (n = 34) were comparatively examined for the immunohistochemical expression for Ki-67, Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, CD31, and D2-40 monoclonal antibodies. No statistically significant differences between the tumors were found regarding the immunoexpressions of Bcl-2 (P = .252), CD31 microvessel density (P = .895), lymphatic vessel density (P = .642), and MMP-9 stromal expression (P = .083). MMP-2 expression was significantly higher in epithelial and stromal regions of AB (P = .009 and P = .001, respectively), whereas Ki-67 and MMP-9 epithelial expressions were significantly higher in BCC (P < .000 and P = .026, respectively). Within the studied immunohistochemical attributes for tumor behavior, the study accentuated the overall behavioral mimicry of the tumors and indicated that BCCs surmount ABs by the proliferative rate only.

The use of RapidArc volumetric-modulated arc therapy to deliver stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy to intracranial and extracranial targets.

Twenty-three targets in 16 patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) were analyzed in terms of dosimetric homogeneity, target conformity, organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing, monitor unit (MU) usage, and beam-on time per fraction using RapidArc volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) vs. multifield sliding-window intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Patients underwent computed tomography simulation with site-specific immobilization. Magnetic resonance imaging fusion and optical tracking were incorporated as clinically indicated. Treatment planning was performed using Eclipse v8.6 to generate sliding-window IMRT and 1-arc and 2-arc RapidArc plans. Dosimetric parameters used for target analysis were RTOG conformity index (CI(RTOG)), homogeneity index (HI(RTOG)), inverse Paddick Conformity Index (PCI), D(mean) and D5-D95. OAR sparing was analyzed in terms of D(max) and D(mean). Treatment delivery was evaluated based on measured beam-on times delivered on a Varian Trilogy linear accelerator and recorded MU values. Dosimetric conformity, homogeneity, and OAR sparing were comparable between IMRT, 1-arc RapidArc and 2-arc RapidArc plans. Mean beam-on times ± SD for IMRT and 1-arc and 2-arc treatments were 10.5 ± 7.3, 2.6 ± 1.6, and 3.0 ± 1.1 minutes, respectively. Mean MUs were 3041, 1774, and 1676 for IMRT, 1-, and 2-arc plans, respectively. Although dosimetric conformity, homogeneity, and OAR sparing were similar between these techniques, SRS and SBRT fractions treated with RapidArc were delivered with substantially less beam-on time and fewer MUs than IMRT. The rapid delivery of SRS and SBRT with RapidArc improved workflow on the linac with these otherwise time-consuming treatments and limited the potential for intrafraction organ and patient motion, which can cause significant dosimetric errors. These clinically important advantages make image-guided RapidArc useful in the delivery of SRS and SBRT to intracranial and extracranial targets.

Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry) extracts and its taurine component inhibit PPAR-γ-dependent gene transcription in human retinal pigment epithelial cells: Possible implications for diabetic retinopathy treatment.

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a preventable microvascular diabetic complication that damages human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Taurine is abundant in the fruit of Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry), and is reportedly beneficial for diabetic retinopathy. However, the mechanism of its action is unknown. Hence, we have investigated the mechanism of action of an extract from L. barbarum on a model of diabetic retinopathy, the retinal ARPE-19 cell line, and identified the receptor function of taurine, an active component of L. barbarum (Goji Berry) extract, which is potentially responsible for the protective effect on diabetic retinopathy. We demonstrate for the first time that L. barbarum extract and its taurine component dose-dependently enhance PPAR-γ luciferase activity in HEK293 cell line transfected with PPAR-γ reporter gene. This activity was significantly decreased by a selective PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662. Moreover, L. barbarum extract and taurine dose-dependently enhanced the expression of PPAR-γ mRNA and protein. In an inflammation model where ARPE-19 cells were exposed to high glucose L. barbarum extract and taurine down-regulated the mRNA of pro-inflammatory mediators encoding MMP-9, fibronectin and the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS proteins. The predicted binding mode of taurine in the PPAR-γ ligand binding site mimics key electrostatic interactions seen with known PPAR-γ agonists. We conclude that PPAR-γ activation by L. barbarum extract is associated with its taurine content and may explain at least in part its use in diabetic retinopathy progression.

Polymer complexes: XLXII-interplay of coordination π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding in supramolecular assembly of [sulpha drug derivatives-N,S:N,O] complexes.

A novel series of nickel(II) polymer complexes of 5-sulphadiazineazo-3-phenylamino-2-thio-4-thiazolidinone (HL1), 5-sulphamethazine-3-phenylamino-2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone (HL2), 5-sulphamethoxazole-3-phenylamino-2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone (HL3), 5-sulphacetamide-3-phenyl-2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone (HL4) and 5-sulphaguanidine-3-phenylamino-2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone (HL5) were prepared and characterized. IR spectra show that HL(n) (n=1-5) is coordinated to the metal ion in a neutral tetradentate manner with NSNO donor sites of NH (hydrazone's), NH (3-phenylamine), carbonyl group and Ph-NH. The title [Ni3(HL(n))2(µ-OAc)2(OAc)4](n) consists of three Ni(II) atoms linked by interchain π-π interaction are observed between aromatic rings of two ligands (HL(n)) which are further doubly bridged two adjacent nickel atoms by acetate group. The geometrical structures of these complexes are found to be octahedral. The nature of bonding and the stereochemistry of the complexes have been deduced from elemental analyses, thermal, infrared, ¹H NMR, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements. The richness of electronic spectral in these complexes is also supporting evidence for the trinuclearity of the Ni(II) polymer complexes.

Proliferative, apoptotic and angiogenic potentials in jaws and long bones osteosarcomas: a comparative immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcomas (OS) of the jaws are uncommon lesions that represent less than 10% of all skeletal OS. It has a behavioral pattern which is less aggressive than their long bones counterparts. This study performed an immunohistochemical comparison between jaws and long bones OS. METHODS: The study involved 15 jaws and 15 long bones OS tissue samples for the period from 1986 to 2005. Age, sex, histologic subtypes and grades were recognized. The samples were immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal antibodies to Ki-67, P53 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with jaw OS was a decade higher than that of long bones OS. A slight male predominance in jaw OS was found (1.14:1), which was more pronounced in long bones OS (2:1). The chondroblastic subtype was the predominant in jaws (66.66%), whereas (60%) of long bones OS were of osteoblastic subtype. The Ki-67 labeling index and the VEGF expression were significantly higher in long bones as compared with jaws OS, whereas there was no significant difference regarding the P53 expression between jaws and long bones OS. CONCLUSIONS: Jaws and long bones OS bear a comparable cell cycle dysregulation when quantified with P53 immunostaining, whereas the long bones OS have a higher proliferative and angiogenic capacity than their jaw counterparts when evaluated with Ki-67 and VEGF immunoexpressions respectively.

Sperm membrane lipid liposomes can evoke an effective immune response against encapsulated antigen in BALB/c mice.

In an earlier study, we provided strong evidence that liposomes made of sperm membrane lipids (spermatosomes) can deliver entrapped molecules to the cytosol of target cells. Now we have evaluated the immunological behavior of spermatosome-encapsulated soluble antigen ovalbumin (OVA) in BALB/c mice. Spermatosome-mediated antigen delivery can affect both cytosolic and endosomal antigen-processing pathways, simultaneously, leading to the generation of CD4+ T-helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell responses. Isotype studies revealed that immunization with spermatosome-encapsulated OVA elicits mainly IgG2a and IgG1 subclasses of antibodies. A potential vaccine candidate should impart long-lasting protection against infection; to this end, immunization with spermatosome-encapsulated OVA resulted in expression of CD44 and CD62L cell-surface markers on T cells, suggestive of a desirable memory response. We conclude that spermatosome encapsulation is a useful strategy for vaccine production, because it enhances the immunological activity of the encapsulated antigen.

Comparison of prevention methods of intradialytic hypotension.

Our study evaluates the effectiveness of the different methods of prevention of intradialytic hypotension (IDH). We studied 16 hemodialysis patients who developed IDH at Ibn Rochd University Hospital. Each patient underwent three standard sessions with cellulose diacetate dialysers and bicarbonate dialysate with calcium concentration of 1.75 mmol/L and sodium (Na) concentration of 140 mmol/L, with dialysate temperature (T) of 37 degrees C. Then the patients were subjected to five successive sessions, each time using one of the following protocols: fixed Na dialysate concentration at 144 mmol/L, Na ramping from 152 to 138 mmol/L, one hour of ultrafiltration (UF) alone followed by three hours of standard dialysis session, dialysis with standard dialysate at T o C, or a combination of Na ramping and cold dialysate. Twelve (78%) patients underwent two sessions of HD per week of five hours each. The mean systolic blood pressure (SAP) in the interdialytic period was 110.7 (100.1-125.5) mmHg; two patients underwent anti-hypertensive treatment. The combination of ramping Na and cold dialysate as well as the cold dialysate were associated with fewer episodes of hypotension in comparison with the standard dialysate. We conclude that the combination modulation of Na and cold dialysate as well as the cold dialysate are the most effective techniques to decrease the number of IDH episodes and the average number of interventions.

Goodpasture's syndrome - four case reports.

Goodpasture's syndrome (GPS) is a rare but severe immunological disease, which is characterised by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and intraalveolar hemorrhage (IAH) with the presence of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies. We report four cases of GP's syndrome referred to the nephrology unit at Ibn Rochd UHC in Casablanca from January 1995 to December 2003. All patients had rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) with proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Elevated blood pressure was noted in one case. IAH was manifested as hemoptysis in two cases, radiological signs in three cases and confirmed by broncho-alveolar lavage in all cases. Laboratory assessment revealed anemia in all cases. Renal biopsy showed extracapillary glomerulonephritis with linear deposits of IgG along the GBM. Renal failure was severe and hemodialysis was required in all cases. All patients were treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide and none recovered renal function. Two patients died due to severe lung hemorrhage.

Low peak bone mineral density in healthy Lebanese subjects.

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem in Western countries and is projected to have a similar impact in the Middle East. It has been suggested that peak bone mineral density (BMD), a major determinant of osteoporotic fractures later in life, may be lower in this part of the world compared with the Western world. However, subjects have not been randomly selected or systematically screened to rule out secondary causes of bone loss. The purpose of this study was to determine peak bone mass and lifestyle risk factors for bone loss in a randomly chosen sample of healthy Lebanese subjects from the greater Beirut area. Subjects 25-35 years of age were randomly selected from greater Beirut, which comprises one third of the Lebanese at large, and studied during the Fall of 1999. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, hip, forearm, and total body. A questionnaire on lifestyle factors was administered to all subjects. Results were compared with the database of subjects from the USA provided by the manufacturer, and to the NHANES database for the total hip. Two hundred thirteen subjects were studied; 45 subjects rotated at all three centers for cross-calibration purposes. Peak BMD in Lebanese subjects was 0.2-0.9 SD below that of peak BMD in American subjects, depending on skeletal site, gender, and densitometer. These differences persisted after attempting to adjust for body size. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were more prevalent than in healthy young Americans. Height, weight, and total body fat were the most significant correlates of BMD/bone mineral content (BMC), accounting for 0.3-0.7 of the variance in bone mass measurement. Lifestyle factors had a very modest but significant contribution to bone mass variance. This is the first population-based study from the Middle East demonstrating that peak BMD is slightly lower in Lebanese subjects compared as with an established database from the USA. Due to the selection of relatively healthier subjects in our study than in the NHANES study, the actual differences between the two populations may be even greater. The impact of our findings on the epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures in Lebanon remains to be determined.

Human rabies in Lebanon: lessons for control.

Human rabies is known to be endemic in countries bordering Lebanon, but its prevalence in Lebanon has not been studied before. All eight cases of human rabies reported to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health between 1991 and 1999 were reviewed, as well as three other cases admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center. A total of 1102 cases of animal bites to humans, the majority of which were dog bites, were reported to the Ministry of Public Health between 1991 and 1996. In this period, 2487 doses of rabies vaccine were administered to the above group, as post-exposure prophylaxis. Veterinarians, a high risk and educated group, were interviewed, and only 7 out of 72 were found to have been vaccinated. Major improvements in surveillance and reporting, better control of animal rabies, more awareness especially among high risk groups, and regional cooperation, are all needed to prevent and control this deadly infection.

Selenium levels in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Thirty-seven dilated cardiomyopathy cases have been studied and compared with 20 normal controls. Serum selenium levels in relation to coronary risk factors were studied. Serum samples were analysed for selenium, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels. Smoking, alcohol intake, positive family history, psychosocial tension, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperglycaemia were found in the following percentages 27%, 8%, 5%, 73%, 41%, 38%, 81%, 46% respectively in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Low selenium (< 4.5 micrograms/dl) and HDL cholesterol levels and high total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels were observed in dilated cardiomyopathy cases compared to controls. The present results support the concept that low selenium levels along with other risk factors play an important role in developing dilated cardiomyopathy.

Factors controlling bioindicators for industrial pollution detection.

This study describes the use of algae as potential bioindicators of pollution containing industrial metals. Phytoplanktonic algae varied with waste type and with environmental and growth conditions. In water samples containing ceramic waste Euglenophyta species and Cyclotella sp. (Bacillariophyta) were determined as potential indicator species of pollution, while in sample containing metallic waste, Cyclotella sp. was most dominant. Under laboratory growth conditions, phytoplankton collected from a major stream of the Nile River were cultivated by using Algal Growth Bottle Test (EPA, 1972). This revealed that Scenedesmus sp., Actinastrum hantzschii (Chlorophyta), Oscillatoria limnetica (Cyanophyta) and Nitzschia linearis (Bacillariophyta) were also potential indicators of pollution.

Role of blood culture systems in the evaluation of epidemiological features of coagulase-negative staphylococcal bloodstream infection in critically ill patients.

The impact of blood culture systems on the detection of coagulase-negative staphylococcal bloodstream infections in critically ill patients prior to and following the introduction of the Bactec 9240 blood culture system (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Instrument Systems, USA), which replaced the Bactec NR 730 (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Instrument Systems), was investigated over a 3-year period. Following the introduction of the new culture system, the incidence of bloodstream infections doubled (P<0.001). Patient demographics, severity of illness, and mortality remained unchanged, while the annual standardized mortality ratio decreased significantly. These data suggest that blood culture systems may have a major impact on the perceived incidence of coagulase-negative staphylococcal bloodstream infections in this population.

Coronary revascularization in the elderly: determinants of operative mortality.

Over a 13-year period, 668 patients 70 years of age or older underwent isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution. There were 472 men and 196 women, ranging from 70 to 90 years of age (median age, 74 years). Hospital mortality was 5.2% (35/668). In patients 70 to 79 years of age, hospital mortality was 4.2% (25/600), whereas in patients 80 years of age or older, mortality was 14.7% (10/68; p < 0.001). Twenty-seven clinical or hemodynamic variables hypothesized as predictors of operative mortality were examined. Mortality was higher in women than in men (9% versus 3.6%; p = 0.006). Those who died were a mean of 3 years older (77 versus 74 years old; p < 0.05) and were more likely to have unstable angina or Canadian class III or IV angina (p < 0.01). Patients requiring urgent operations, preoperative intraaortic balloon assist, intravenous nitroglycerin, or inotropic agents, and those with preoperative hypotension or cardiac arrest were most likely to die in the hospital (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed advancing age, female sex, bypass time, urgency of operation, preoperative cardiac arrest, and unstable angina as primary determinants of mortality (p < 0.05). Although mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting increases with age, the greatest risk of death is in the acutely ill patient with few options for management other than surgical intervention.