Exploring computational approaches to design mRNA Vaccine against vaccinia and Mpox viruses.

BACKGROUND: Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against infections. Unlike traditional vaccines, this unique type of vaccine elicits robust and persistent innate and humoral immune response with a unique host cell-mediated pathogen gene expression and antigen presentation. METHODS: This offers a novel approach to combat poxviridae infections. From the genome of vaccinia and Mpox viruses, three key genes (E8L, E7R, and H3L) responsible for virus attachment and virulence were selected and employed for designing the candidate mRNA vaccine against vaccinia and Mpox viral infection. Various bioinformatics tools were employed to generate (B cell, CTL, and HTL) epitopes, of which 28 antigenic and immunogenic epitopes were selected and are linked to form the mRNA vaccine construct. Additional components, including a 5' cap, 5' UTR, adjuvant, 3' UTR, and poly(A) tail, were incorporated to enhance stability and effectiveness. Safety measures such as testing for human homology and in silico immune simulations were implemented to avoid autoimmunity and to mimics the immune response of human host to the designed mRNA vaccine, respectively. The mRNA vaccine's binding affinity was evaluated by docking it with TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-4, and TLR-9 receptors which are subsequently followed by molecular dynamics simulations for the highest binding one to predict the stability of the binding complex. RESULTS: With a 73% population coverage, the mRNA vaccine looks promising, boasting a molecular weight of 198 kDa and a molecular formula of C8901H13609N2431O2611S48 and it is said to be antigenic, nontoxic and nonallergic, making it safe and effective in preventing infections with Mpox and vaccinia viruses, in comparison with other insilico-designed vaccine for vaccinia and Mpox viruses. CONCLUSIONS: However, further validation through in vivo and in vitro techniques is underway to fully assess its potential.

Combinatorial effects of non-thermal plasma oxidation processes and photocatalytic activity on the inactivation of bacteria and degradation of toxic compounds in wastewater.

The simultaneous presence of hazardous chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms in wastewater is tremendously endangering the environment and human health. Therefore, developing a mitigation strategy for adequately degrading toxic compounds and inactivating/killing microorganisms is urgently needed to protect ecosystems. In this paper, the synergetic effects of the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and Cu-TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and the oxidation processes of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) were comprehensively investigated for both the inactivation/killing of common water contaminating bacteria (Escherichia coli (E. coli)) and the degradation of direct textile wastewater (DTW). The photocatalytic NPs were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and further characterized employing field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL). Results revealed the predominant presence of the typical anatase phase for both the flower-like TiO2 and the multipod-like Cu-TiO2 structures. UV-Vis DRS and PL analyses showed that the addition of Cu dopants reduced the bandgap and increased oxygen defect vacancies of TiO2. The inactivation of E. coli in suspension and degradation of DTW were then examined upon treating the aqueous media with various plasma alone and plasma/NPs conditions (Ar plasma, Ar + O2 plasma and Ar + N2 plasma, Ar plasma + TiO2 NPs and Ar plasma + Cu-TiO2 NPs). Primary and secondary excited species such as OH˙, O, H and N2* generated in plasma during the processes were recognized by in situ optical emission spectrometry (OES) measurements. Several other spectroscopic analyses were further employed to quantify some reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as OH, H2O2 and O3 generated during the processes. Moreover, the changes in the pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the solutions were also assessed. The inactivation of bacteria was examined by the colony-forming unit (CFU) method after plating the treated suspensions on agar, and the degradation of organic compounds in DTW was further validated by measuring the total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency. All results collectively revealed that the combinatorial plasma-photocatalysis strategy involving Cu-TiO2 NPs and argon plasma jet produced higher concentrations of ROS and proved to be a promising one-step wastewater treatment effectively killing microorganisms and degrading toxic organic compounds.

Qualitative study on the biological hazards associated with mortuary work: the Ghanaian perspective.

BACKGROUND: Workplace safety and health are significant public health concerns for maintaining a low-risk environment. In Africa and Ghana, most mortuaries are not well resourced, nor do they follow universal standard precautions for infection prevention. As a result, mortuary attendants are exposed to numerous biological hazards that threaten their health and well-being, and cause anxiety about contracting infectious diseases while attending to corpses. OBJECTIVES: To explore the biological hazards faced by mortuary attendants in Ghana in three selected regions. METHODS: A qualitative research approach was used, together with an exploratory, descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate the biological hazards faced by mortuary attendants. Purposive sampling was used, and saturation was reached with 19 participants. RESULTS: Most mortuary attendants reported exposure to infections through direct contact with bodily fluids. In addition, exposure to potentially contaminated syringes and needles, non-adherence to universal standard precautions for corpse handling, and the poor condition of storage systems and the work environment increase the risk of infection. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Mortuary attendants are exposed to biological hazards such as human immunodeficiency virus and other blood-borne diseases, making them hesitant to work and affecting their concentration. This study recommends the urgent provision of functioning cold rooms to preserve the integrity of corpses, personal protective equipment, and adequate training of mortuary attendants on universal standard precautions to improve working environments.

Non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma assisted degradation of the pharmaceutical drug valsartan: influence of catalyst and degradation environment.

This paper investigated the degradation of the pharmaceutical drug Valsartan (VS) using non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma (NEAPP) with various operating conditions. The heterogeneous photocatalyst ZnO nanoparticles (NP's) were synthesized using a hydrothermal process. The morphology, chemical composition and structure of as-synthesized ZnO NPs were examined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Then, VS degradation was examined in three subsequent treatment conditions including plasma treatment alone, the combination of plasma with as-prepared ZnO NPs and various environments (air, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide) at fixed plasma operating potential and treatment time. The degradation efficiency of plasma-treated VS by various conditions was observed using UV-visible spectroscopy. Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) was used to characterize the distribution and emission intensity of various reactive species (OH˙, N2-SPS and O) during the degradation processes which plays a vital role in the degradation of VS. The role of OH˙ and H2O2 during the degradation process was further examined by chemical dosimetry and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, pH, conductivity and TOC of the untreated and plasma-treated VS were also investigated. The results on the degradation of VS showed that plasma treatment combined with ZnO NP's has a significant effect on degradation of molecules of VS than degradation processes carried out by other experimental conditions due to the formation of higher concentrations of various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during the degradation processes.

Lateral cervical thymic cyst in a child: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cervical thymic cysts are uncommon lesions, rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of neck cysts in children. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of multiloculated thymic cyst in an 8-year-old boy on the right side of the neck. Perioperative diagnosis was a cystic hygroma. Macroscopic examination showed a cystic mass measuring 6.5 cm in total length. Histopathology of the excised specimen revealed thymic tissue with prominent Hassall's corpuscles associated with multiloculated cyst. The cyst wall is bordered by a flattened or multilayered epithelium, often abraded. CONCLUSION: This case is presented here for its rarity and should be included in the differential diagnosis of neck masses in children. So, it's a lesion to be well aware of, particularly by pathologists.

International consensus (ICON) on audiological assessment of hearing loss in children.

The prevalence of hearing loss in newborns and infants is estimated between 1 to 3.47 cases per 1000 live births. Early diagnosis and rehabilitation of congenital hearing loss are mandatory in order to achieve a satisfactory linguistic and cognitive development. Without appropriate opportunities to learn language, these children will fall behind their normal hearing peers in communication, cognition, reading and socio-emotional development. After promising results, neonatal screening for hearing loss and audiological evaluation are becoming more extensively carried out. In planning universal neonatal hearing screening programs, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses are the gold standard for the screening and diagnosis program. However, there is no consensus regarding the use of audiometry and other electrophysiological tests (such as auditory steady-state responses) in current practices. Several screening and audiological assessment procedures have been described and advocated all around the world. But, a systematic scheme of performing diagnosis in the pediatric audiology population is lacking. A consensus conference was held at the International Federation of Oto-rhino-laryngological Societies Congress, in June 2017, to discuss the different current practices and to identify the best neonatal hearing screening and audiological assessment management. This article is intended to provide professionals with recommendations about the "best practice" based on consensus opinion of the session's speakers, and a review of the literature on the efficacy of various assessment options for children with hearing loss.

[Paranasal sinus mucoceles: About 32 cases]. / Les mucocèles naso-sinusiennes: à propos de 32 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Mucocele is a pseudo-cystic tumor of the paranasal sinuses. Despite its benign histological nature, it is aggressive towards neighboring structures (orbit and brain). Our aim was to study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and evolution aspects of this pathology. PATIENT AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 9 years on 32 patients operated on and followed for mucocele in our department. RESULTS: Mean age was 43.28 years with a sex ratio to 1. Mucoceles were located in the fronto-ethmoid sinus (27 cases), the maxillary sinus (3 cases) and the sphenoid sinus (2 cases). The most common symptoms were periorbital swelling and exophthalmia. CT scan confirmed the diagnosis in the majority of cases. MRI was performed in 3 patients. Surgery consisted in a large marsupialization by endonasal approach in 30 cases, and by a combined approach in two cases. A recurrence was observed in two patients after a mean period of 18 months. DISCUSSION: Mucocele is a benign and expansive pseudo-cystic tumor, affecting mostly adults and developing in the paranasal sinuses. Clinical symptoms are not specific. It may reveal itself by ophthalmic or intracranial complications. Diagnosis is based on imaging (CT and MRI). Endonasal surgery has become the gold standard for the treatment of mucoceles and is endowed with low morbidity.

[Persistent otorrhea revealing a foreign body of the middle ear]. / Otorrhée persistante révélant un corps étranger de l'oreille moyenne.

OBJECTIVES: To report a rare clinical case of chronic otitis media due to an unknown foreign body in the middle ear and a literature review. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 14-year-old girl who had persistent otorrhea associated with hearing loss for two years. The clinical and CT scan exploration found an unknown foreign body in the middle ear. Extraction was performed by retroauricular surgery, complemented by myringoplasty. RESULTS: After two months of follow-up, the patient was free of symptoms. Otoscopy discovered an intact neotympanum. The follow-up audiogram was normal. CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating foreign bodies in the middle ear are infrequently encountered in practice in ear, nose, and throat pediatric emergencies. They may go unnoticed and be revealed by locoregional complications later, hence the importance of suggesting this diagnosis.

Safe meat-handling knowledge, attitudes and practices of private and government meat processing plants' workers: implications for future policy.

INTRODUCTION: Food-borne disease outbreaks remain a major global health challenge and cross-contamination from raw meat due to poor handling is a major cause in developing countries. Adequate knowledge of meat handlers is important in limiting these outbreaks. This study evaluated and compared the safe meat-handling knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of private (PMPP) and government meat processing plants' (GMPP) workers in south-western Nigeria. METHODS: This cross sectional study comprised 190 meat handlers (PMPP = 55; GMPP = 135). Data concerning their safe meat-handling knowledge, attitudes and practices as well as their socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, gender and work experience were collected. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between the type of meat processing plants and their knowledge (p = 0.000), attitudes (p = 0.000) and practices (p = 0.000) of safe meat-handling. Meat handlers in the GMPP were respectively, about 17 times (OR = 0.060, 95% CI: 0.018-0.203), 57 times (OR = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.007-0.054) and 111 times (OR = 0.009, 95% CI: 0.001- 0.067) less likely to obtain good knowledge, attitude and practice level of safe meat-handling than those from PMPP. Further, KAP levels were significantly associated with age group, education and work experience (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Study findings suggest the need for future policy in food industry in developing countries to accommodate increased involvement of private sector for improved food safety and quality delivery. Public health education on safe food handling and hygiene should be on the front burner among food handlers in general.

[Unusual location of pleomorphic adenoma: A series of 7 cases]. / Adénome pléomorphe à localisation inhabituelle: à propos d'une série de sept cas.

INTRODUCTION: The pleomorphic adenoma is a benign tumor of the salivary glands. Its location outside the main salivary glands defines the pleomorphic adenoma of atypical location. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical, diagnostical and therapeutical features of this tumor at atypical locations through seven observations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This work is a retrospective study. It has for objective to present 7 cases of pleomorphic adenoma developed on minor salivary glands diagnosed in Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery department in Mohammed VI University hospital, between December 2003 and December 2010. RESULTS: We had 3 cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the hard palate and 1 case of each soft palate, superior lip, lower eyelid and nasal septum. The sex ratio woman/ man was 133. The symptomatology was variable according to the location of the tumor. The tumoral syndrome was constant. The diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma was suspected at the clinical stage in 3 cases of palatal location. The CT scan was performed for all patients except in 2 cases of the tumor of the lip and the eyelid. We did not realize a magnetic resonance imaging nor of a fine needle aspiration to our patients. The preoperative biopsy was realized to 5 patients. The treatment consisted of a wide surgical excision of the tumor. The mean follow up of 3 years showed no signs of recurrence nor of malignant transformation. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The pleomorphic adenoma of atypical location is rare. The clinical presentation is variable according to the tumor site and volume. The treatment is surgical. It is based on the early and complete excision of the tumor. The histo-pathological diagnosis is made. The diagnosis differential is with malignant tumors arising on minor salivary glands. The prognosis is favorable. Nevertheless, regular and prolonged follow-up of the patients is important to watch for complications.

Bilateral facial nerve schwannoma: A case report.

Facial nerve schwannoma (FNS) is an uncommon disease, bilateral FNS are exceptional. We describe a case of a 23-year-old man who presented a bilateral 3rd segment facial nerve schwannoma, without neurofibromatosis disease. We discuss the clinical presentation, radiologic findings and management of this case. Facial nerve schwannoma can present in various ways. The imaging appearance of FNS is more varied than originally described. Our case demonstrates an uncommon presentation of a relatively rare tumor in which the tumor has been respected. During this time, the tumor may be followed by radiologic imaging.

Diphtheria outbreak with high mortality in northeastern Nigeria.

SUMMARY A diphtheria outbreak occurred from February to November 2011 in the village of Kimba and its surrounding settlements, in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. We conducted a retrospective outbreak investigation in Kimba village and the surrounding settlements to better describe the extent and clinical characteristics of this outbreak. Ninety-eight cases met the criteria of the case definition of diphtheria, 63 (64.3%) of whom were children aged <10 years; 98% of cases had never been immunized against diphtheria. None of the 98 cases received diphtheria antitoxin, penicillin, or erythromycin during their illness. The overall case-fatality ratio was 21.4%, and was highest in children aged 0-4 years (42.9%). Low rates of immunization, delayed clinical recognition of diphtheria and absence of treatment with antitoxin and appropriate antibiotics contributed to this epidemic and its severity.

The effects of dietary 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and hydroalcoholic extract of Withania somnifera root on bone mineralisation, strength and histological characteristics in broiler chickens.

1. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1, 25 (OH)2 D3) and a hydroalcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) root on performance, mineral retention, bone mineralisation, bone mechanical and bone histological characteristics of broiler chicks. 2. A 2 × 3 × 2 factorial experiment consisted of a positive control diet with adequate Ca and a negative control diet (Ca concentration reduced by 30%), three concentrations of WS (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg diet), and two concentrations of 1, 25 (OH)2 D3 (0 and 0.5 µg/kg diet). 3. A total of 600 male one-d-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 60 floor pens, with 10 birds each. Each treatment was replicated 5 times (50 birds). Diets were given ad libitum from one to 42 d of age. On d 21 and 42, one bird per replicate was killed and tibiae were removed. 4. Dietary treatments did not affect feed intake and feed conversion. The maximum body weight gain (2475 g) was noted in birds fed on a diet adequate in Ca and supplemented with 75 mg/kg WS. 5. The Ca and P retentions were significantly higher in birds that were given a diet with 30% less Ca. Supplementation of 150 mg/kg WS significantly improved Ca retention in birds receiving a negative control compared to those given a positive control diet (83.0% vs. 66.3%). Ca retention was significantly improved with the addition of 0.5 µg/kg 1, 25 (OH)2 D3 to the diet containing 75 mg/kg WS, regardless of dietary Ca concentration (79.5 vs. 73.3 and 77.9 vs. 68.9). 6. On d 21, birds that received WS had significantly higher tibia Ca compared to those of controls. No significant effects on tibia Ca were noted at 42 d. Birds given a negative control diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg WS and 0.5 µg/kg 1, 25 (OH)2 D3 displayed a similar tibia Ca compared to those given only 150 mg/kg WS. Dietary supplementation of 1, 25 (OH)2 D3 significantly increased tibia Ca and tibial mineralised zone width in birds at 42 d of age. 7. Tibia shear force and stiffness were significantly increased by supplementation of WS. Administration of 1, 25 (OH)2 D3 resulted in a significantly lower width of the proliferative zone at 21 d of age. Reduction of the Ca supply significantly reduced the mineralised zone and cortical thickness at this age. 8. The present study showed that WS supplementation improved Ca retention, bone calcification and mechanical properties with no adverse effects on performance. Also, synergistic effects of WS and 1, 25 (OH)2 D3 were observed on Ca retention and bone calcification.

[Acute miliary tuberculosis or Isambert disease: a case report]. / Miliaire tuberculeuse aiguë du pharynx ou maladie d'Isambert : à propos d'un cas.

Pharynx tuberculosis consists in a set of active lesions in granulomatous-type mucosa, resulting from Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In an endemic context, this diagnosis should be raised in cases of head and neck disease. A recent observation of a case of acute miliary tuberculosis gave us the opportunity to conduct a literature review of this disorder. This 9-year-old girl presented with dysphagia associated with pharyngeal discomfort, snoring, and hoarseness lasting for 8 months. This pharyngeal syndrome occurred in the context of an impaired general condition. Clinical examination found a diffuse mucosal granulation aspect in the oropharynx. The workup showed an inflammatory syndrome with a strong positive intradermal tuberculin reaction. The biopsy found an aspect of giant cell granuloma with caseous necrosis. The course was favorable on antituberculous chemotherapy. Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by a bacterium belonging to the M. tuberculosis complex. Pharyngeal tuberculosis remains a rare disease, but several epidemiological parameters show an upsurge of this disease, prompting us to report this observation.

Capillary hemangioma of the middle ear: one case report and review of the literature.

Hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors; there are several types including the capillary hemangiomas, we present the case of an exceptional localization of capillary hemangioma in the middle ear. We report the case of a 60-year-old female which consults for episodes of pulsatile tinnitus, otorragies, and hearing loss of the left ear. The clinical examination revealed a reddish polypoid mass in the left external auditory canal, the radiological tests showed a vascular mass in the middle left ear. The tumor was surgically removed, the histological study revealed a capillary hemangioma. The incidence of hemangiomas in the temporal bone, especially in the middle ear, is exceptional. Medical imaging guides to the vascular nature of these tumors that make confusion with other vascular tumors such as tympanic paragangliomas. The management is often surgical and the final diagnosis is histological.

[Capillary-cavernous hemangioma of the nasal septum]. / Hémangiome capillaire caverneux du septum nasal.

INTRODUCTION: Hemangioma are rare benign vascular tumors. Histologically, there are several types including capillary, cavernous and mixed hemangioma. We present a very rare mixed hemangioma of the nasal septum. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old woman consulted for unilateral epistaxis and nasal obstruction. CT scan revealed a tumor filling the rhinopharynx, strongly enhanced after injection of contrast medium. It was pedicled on the posterior and superior nasal septum. Arteriography revealed a vascular blush. Tumor exeresis was performed by paralateronasal approach and endoscopic surgery. The histological examination identified a mixed hemangioma. DISCUSSION: Capillary and cavernous hemangiomas are rare and benign vascular tumors developing in the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the head and neck, and/or oral and nasal mucosa. No mixed hemangioma exclusively involving the nasal septum had been previously reported. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice, providing a favorable prognosis with low risk of recurrence.

[A giant lipoma of parapharyngeal space in a child]. / Un volumineux lipome de l'espace parapharyng chez un enfant.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors of the parapharyngeal space are rare and composing a wide variety of histological types. The aim of this study was to report a case of giant parapharyngeal lipoma in a child and to present clinical, paraclinical, and treatment aspects. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old child presented with a painless progressive mass on the right side of the upper neck. It was growing asymptomatically since 2 years. Cervical CT-scan and MR showed a low-density mass in the right parapharyngeal, consistent with a mass of adipose tissue origin. The mass was surgically removed via cervical-parotid approach. The fatty mass was completely excised. Histopathology confirmed it to be a lipoma. The patient has been followed up for three years, and there have been no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic orientation in parapharyngeals tumors is necessary for better care. This guidance is being facilitated through imaging advances. Their surgical approaches and complete excision depend on volumes, localizations and their proximity to neurovascular structures.

[Hydatid cyst of the thyroid in a child]. / Kyste hydatique de la thyroïde chez l'enfant.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatidosis is an anthropozoonosis due to the development of the Echinococcus granulosus in humans. Thyroid gland involvement is rather rare. The authors report a very rare case of thyroid gland hydatidosis in a child. OBSERVATION: A 6-year-old male child presented with an isolated neck mass. Cervical ultrasonography suggested a cystic thyroid nodule. No invasive investigation was performed. Hepatic ultrasound and chest radiography were normal. Hydatid serology was negative. The tumor was en-bloc removed by cervicotomy. Its content was fluid, crystal clear, with membranes confirming the hydatid origin. There was no recurrence after 9 months. DISCUSSION: Even though hydatidosis in the thyroid is rare, it should be considered in case of anterior cervical tumor, for patients living in endemic zones. The only radical treatment is surgery. An en-bloc resection must be performed with a cystectomy, isthmolobectomy, or total thyroidectomy.