Investigating structural and electronic properties of neutral zinc clusters: a G0W0 and G0W0Г0(1) benchmark.

The structural and electronic properties of zinc clusters (Znn) for a size range of n = 2-15 are studied using density functional theory. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to search the structure and to determine the ground-state structure of the neutral Zn clusters. The structural motifs are optimized using the density functional theory approach to ensure that the structures are fully relaxed. Results are compared with the literature to validate the accuracy of the prediction method. The binding energy per cluster is obtained and compared with the reported literature to study the stability of these structures. We further assess the electronic properties, including the ionization potential, using the all-electron FHI-aims code employing G0W0 calculations, and the G0W0Г0(1) correction for a few smaller clusters, which provides a better estimation of the ionization potential compared to other methods.

Numerical optimization and performance evaluation of ZnPC:PC70BM based dye-sensitized solar cell.

The increase in global energy consumption and the related ecological problems have generated a constant demand for alternative energy sources superior to traditional ones. This is why unlimited photon-energy harnessing is important. A notable focus to address this concern is on advancing and producing cost-effective low-loss solar cells. For efficient light energy capture and conversion, we fabricated a ZnPC:PC70BM-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and estimated its performance using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D). We evaluated the output parameters of the ZnPC:PC70BM-based DSSC with different photoactive layer thicknesses, series and shunt resistances, and back-metal work function. Our analyses show that moderate thickness, minimum series resistance, high shunt resistance, and high metal-work function are favorable for better device performance due to low recombination losses, electrical losses, and better transport of charge carriers. In addition, in-depth research for clarifying the impact of factors, such as thickness variation, defect density, and doping density of charge transport layers, has been conducted. The best efficiency value found was 10.30% after tweaking the parameters. It also provides a realistic strategy for efficiently utilizing DSSC cells by altering features that are highly dependent on DSSC performance and output.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ferric Vanadate Nanorods for Efficient Electrochemical Detection of Ascorbic Acid.

This study reports the synthesis of ferric vanadate (FeVO4) via a facile hydrothermal method, focusing on demonstrating its exceptional electrochemical (EC) properties on detecting low-density ascorbic acid (AA). The phase purity, crystallinity, structure, morphology, and chemical compositional properties were characterized by employing X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. EC impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques were also adopted in order to assess the EC response of a FeVO4-modified glassy carbon electrode for sensing AA at room temperature. The AA concentration range adopted in this experiment is 0.1-0.3 mM at a working electric potential of -0.13 V. The result showed functional excellence of this material for the EC determination of AA with good stability and reproducibility, promising its potentiality in connection with relevant sensing applications.

Biosynthesizing Cassia fistula Extract-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles for MCF-7 Cell Lines Anti-Cancer Assay.

The unique consequence of green synthesis is that the mediator plant is able to release chemicals that are efficacious as reducing as well as stabilizing agents. In this work, the fruit pulp and leaf essences of Cassia fistula have been used to manufacture silver nanoparticles through the green synthesis technique. The sculpturing of nanoparticles was accomplished by utilizing the reduction phenomenon that ensued due to the reaction between plant essences and the precursor solution. These biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were examined, where we used scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques as means to analyze the structure, optical properties, and crystalline behavior, respectively. The absorption spectra for fruit and leaf extracts obtained from the UV-vis analyses peaked at 401 and 397 nm, and these peaks imply the appearance of optical energy gaps of 2.12 and 2.58 eV, accompanying spherical shapes of particles with diameters in the ranges of 12-20 and 50-80 nm, respectively. These silver nanoparticles together with the adopted green technique have a vast array of applications, specifically in the biomedical realm. In particular, they are being used to treat several diseases and are manifested as strong anti-tumor agents to medicate MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines in order to minimize the cell growth rate depending on their concentrations.

Scanning electron microscopic characterizations of the tongue of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus): A specialized focus on its papillary system adaptation to Egyptian environmental conditions.

The current investigation was focused on describing the gross and scanning electron features of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) tongue, with new insights into its papillary adaptation to the Egyptian environment. The elongated tongue had a rostral free and the caudal fixed. The ventral apical surface is classified into the smaller rostral papillary region on the tip and the larger non-papillary region by the U-line of filiform papillae. Functionally, there are two papillary types: mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform in addition to the longitudinal row of large conical papilla on the lateral of the body) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). Filiform papillae were densely distributed on the dorsal surface of the apex and body, and on the lateral apical border and lateral surface of the body and root, in addition to the ventral surface of the tip. This filiform papillary system gives a raspy appearance to the dorsal surface. The conical and lentiform papillae were limited to the torus linguae. Circumvallate papillae are surrounded by an annular groove and slightly vallum. The lingual root was devoid of any papillae. Lingual papillary subtypes are filiform papillae (elongated and triangular), conical papillae (elongated and oval) and fungiform papillae (round and ovoid). The investigated Nubian goat may have developed a specialized papillary system due to regional differences in the distribution, structure and subtypes of the system, allowing it to adapt to the dried grasses and leaves of trees and bushes that are available in Upper Egypt's dry, hot climate.

Therapeutic properties and molecular docking study of some phenolic compounds as anti-human lung cancer potential: A biochemical approach.

Chloroxine (5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline) is a molecule utilized in some shampoos for the therapy of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and dandruff. In this study, we investigated the inhibition effects of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate compounds on the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA Reductase) and urease enzymes. We have obtained results for the HMG-CoA Reductase and urease enzymes at the micromolar level. In our study, inhibition result of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and Methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate on HMG-CoA reductase showed lower values 2.28 ± 0.78 and 33.25 ± 5.04 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, inhibition result of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate on urease showed lower values 6.18 ± 1.38 and 8.51 ± 1.35 µg/ml, respectively. Molecular docking calculations were made for their biological activities were compared. In the present work, the structures of the related compounds (1 and 2) were drawn using Gaussian 09 software and done geometry optimization at DFT/B3LYP/6-31G* basis set with aforementioned program. Cytotoxicity potential of these compounds against human lung cancer demonstrated that these compounds had good cytotoxic effects. Both compounds significantly decreased lung cell viability from low doses. In addition, 100 µM dose of all compounds caused significant reductions in lung cell viability. In general, we can say that of the two tested compounds, 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate have cytotoxic effects in all cell types, and this effect is particularly strong in lung cells. Activities were performed at concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 70, and 100 µl and we achieved good results. Lung cell viability (%) value was better at 100 µl concentration and IC50 of them were 54.28 and 48.05 µM.

Scanning electron microscopic and histological features of the oral cavity of the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni).

This investigation was led to depict the structural and functional adaptations of the oral cavity of herbivorous Egyptian tortoises using scanning electron and light microscopes. The SEM showed that the triangular papillary tongue possessed three conical papillary subtypes: the rectangular conical on the tip, the round conical on the rest of the dorsal lingual surface and the elongated conical on the caudal portion of the lingual wing. The presence of the serrated lips with their valves compensated for the absence of the teeth. The rostral part had a vomeronasal opening while the middle part had the choana, but the caudal part had numerous openings of the salivary glands. There are three palatine folds: a single median palatine fold, two peripheral palatine folds and the choanal fold. The current histological results show the keratinized dorsal lingual surface, in which the keratinized layer extended to cover the papillae. Two types of lingual glands, according to their position, are papillary superficial and deep lingual glands. Papillary or superficial glands open in the interpapillary spaces via narrow openings, while the deep glands are surrounded by well-developed muscles and open via wide openings on the dorsal lingual surface. An entoglossal cartilaginous structure of hyaline cartilage was found in the mid- and hindtongue, with numerous chondrocytes lodged within the lacunae. Our results conclude that the oral cavity of the herbivorous Egyptian tortoise was adapted to the dietary and vigorous demands of the Egyptian fauna.

Microscopic anatomy of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) a histochemical, stereological, and scanning electron microscope study.

The present work was designed to investigate the microscopic structure of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) using histochemical staining, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and stereological procedures. Four adult males were included in our study. Serial sections of the entire length of the oesophagus were stained with aldehyde fuchsin, alcian blue (pH 2.5), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome. Then, the total volume of the oesophagus, and the total volume of its different layers, were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The oesophageal epithelium was a non-keratinized stratified squamous type. Muscularis mucosa was present as a thick layer between lamina propria and submucosa and its thickness was increased toward the stomach. Tunica submucosa was a loose connective tissue containing an oesophageal gland with PAS-positive and AB-positive reactions throughout the submucosa and become denser toward the stomach. The tunica muscularis consisted of two distinct striated muscle layers, and its thickness was decreased toward the stomach. On SEM images, the cervical and thoracic oesophagus showed shallow folding, while the abdominal part had deeper folds. The present findings indicate that the histological properties of the oesophagus in southern white-breasted hedgehogs have slight similarities with rodents and considering its epithelium, submucosal glands and tunica muscularis more resemble with dog oesophagus. The obtained results may be quite helpful to improve the current knowledge of the histophysiology of the hedgehog gastrointestinal tract as a member of eulipotyplan mammals and as a pet for biologists and veterinarians.

Morphological features of the Egyptian Ossimi sheep tongue: New scanning electron microscopic insights into its papillary system adaptations to Egyptian ecological conditions.

The current study aims to illustrate the gross and scanning electron microscopic characterizations and ultrastructural adaptation of the lingual papillary system of Egyptian Ossimi sheep to Egyptian ecological conditions. The tongue had three regions: the apex (with a slightly bifurcated tip), the body (subdivided into rostral and caudal parts) and the root (subdivided into rostral papillary and caudal non-papillary parts). Torus linguae had two parts: the triangular rostral part (the caudal part of the body) and the quadrilateral wide part (the rostral part of the root). The lingual papillary system had mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) types. Filiform papillae were heavily scattered on the dorsal surface of the apex, the rostral part of the body and the ventral surface of the papillary region of the tip. Filiform papillae had five subtypes (ventral and dorsal processed, triangular, leaf-like and triangular-processed papillae), while the conical papillae had three subtypes: two lingual (small, large) and one paralingual (elongated pointed), and the fungiform had two subtypes: the high-density ovoid (on the ventral surface of the tip) and round papillae (on the dorsal surface) that possessed a high number of taste pores, not previously described. They ranged from 5 to 10 for ovoid and 25 to 25 for round papillae. Each circumvallate papilla had an ovoid bulb (with 2-5 taste pores) encircled by an annular groove and two pads (i.e. not described previously). The papillary system's regional divergence was specialized for their harsh and semi-harsh diet.

Genetic Relationship between Salmonella Isolates Recovered from Calves and Broilers Chickens in Kafr El-Sheikh City Using ERIC PCR.

A prevalent bacterial intestinal infection with severe economic damage is salmonellosis. Our study was carried out to diagnose Salmonella from chickens and calves, to determine its resistance to antimicrobials' phenotypic and genotypic characterization of integrons and ß lactamase genes in the multidrug resistance of different Salmonella serotypes, and to detect the genetic relationship between Salmonella isolates collected from different origins using an ERIC PCR. In total, 200 samples from diseased chicken and diarrheic calves were obtained from 50 various farms from Kafr El-sheikh, Egypt. Salmonella poultry isolates were characterized as S. Typhimurium (3/8), S. Enteritidis (3/8), and S. Kentucky (2/8), but Salmonella isolates from cattle were S. Enteritidis (1/2) and S. Kentucky (1/2). When antibiotic susceptibility testing was completed on all of the isolates, it showed that there was multidrug resistance present (MDR). A PCR was applied for identifying the accompanying class 1 integrons and ESBLs from MDR Salmonella isolates (two isolates of S. Kentucky were divided as one from calf and one from poultry). Our results detected blaTEM and class 1 integron, but were negative for bla IMP, bla VIM, and bla SHV. An ERIC PCR was conducted for understanding the clonal relation between various ß-lactamase-producing MDR Salmonella isolates. The same four previously mentioned isolates were also tested. The two isolates of S. Enteritidis isolated from poultry and calves had 100% similarity despite indicating that there were interactions between broilers and calves living on the same farm that caused infection from the same Salmonella strains, while the other two isolates of S. Kentucky showed only 33% serovarities.

Biological features of the pecten oculi of the European wild quail (Coturnix coturnix): Adaptative habits to Northern Egyptian coast with novel vision to its SEM-EDX analysis.

The present investigation was prepared to give a complete ultrastructural characterization of the pecten oculi of the diurnal European wild Quail to describe their adaptation habits to the Northern Egyptian coast. Our work declares the first endeavor is the elemental analysis using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) to show the migration effect on their eye. The intra-ocular quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with craniocaudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The pecten oculi consist of three parts: the basal, body, and apical. The basal part originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The coiled surface refers to numerous capillary vessels. The smooth head of each pleat was kidney-like, strongly attached to a bridge. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. The thick basal part of each pleat had numerous thick longitudinal microfolds that refer to the numerous blood capillaries attached to the retina as supporting roots. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half), while oxygen represents about one-third. In the meantime, the lowest element is the phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate. Finally, the pecten oculi are thought to be a reflection of the avian lifestyle and ecological adaptations. HIGHLIGHTS: Our work is the first description of the elemental analysis using SEM-EDX to show the migration effect on their eye. The quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with cranio-caudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The basal part of the pecten oculi originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half percent), while oxygen represents about one-third of the element's percent meanwhile, the lowest element is phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate.

Gross, ultrastructural, and histological characterizations of pecten oculi of the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus): New insights into its scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

The current study shows the first attempts to clarify the gross, ultrastructure, and histological properties of the pecten oculi of the diurnal, visually active glossy ibis, as well as scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) image analysis (Plegadis falcinellus). The pecten oculi was found on the eyeball's posteroinferior wall, adjacent to the optic nerve in both the craniocaudal and posterio-anterior directions. The plicated quadrilateral black pigmented pecten oculi consisted of a base, 10-12 pleats, and an apex. The base was joined by an elevated ridge and derived from the non-vascular retina, while the apex was not a fused part and was found neighboring the gelatinous vitreous body. The limited interpleat spaces were somewhat wider at the base of the pecten oculi. The outer surface of each highly vascular pecten pleat revealed a tortious coiled formation due to the existence of a considerable number of capillary vessels. The outer pleat surfaces had a vitreopecteneal limiting membrane that segregated the pecten pleats from the vitreous body. The high SEM magnification revealed that there are considerable plentiful hyalocyte cells on the outer surface of the pleats. The SEM-EDX analysis of the elementary formatting of the pecten oculi (at apex, middle, and base) clarified that the carbon represents the highest and a half percent. Furthermore, oxygen represents one-third of all elemental composition in the three regions, while the lowest percentage is calcium. Finally, the pecten oculi characterizations of this migratory bird on the Northern Egyptian shore were associated with their adaptive dietary strategies.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinyl Chloride Matrix Composites with Modified Scrap Iron for Advanced Electronic, Photonic, and Optical Systems.

In this study, Fe2O3 powder was synthesized using the co-precipitation method from scrap iron, which was then treated with varying concentrations of copper. Afterwards, the modified Fe2O3 was reinforced in the PVC matrix by using the solution-casting method to synthesize PVC composite films, which were subjected to a UV-visible spectrophotometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, an X-ray diffractometer, and a thermal gravimetric analyzer to evaluate the optical, chemical, structural, and thermal properties. FTIR analysis reveals the formation of the composite through vibrational bands pertaining to both components present, whereas no significant changes in the XRD patterns of PVC were observed after the doping of modified iron oxide, which reveals the compatibility of fillers with the PVC matrix. The optical properties of the copper-doped iron oxide-PVC composites, including absorbance, refractive index, urbach energy, and optical as well as electrical conductivity are measured, and show an increase in optical activity when compared to the pure PVC compound. Moreover, the increased thermal stability of the synthesized composite was also observed and compared with conventional compounds, which, in accordance with all the other mentioned properties, makes the copper-dopped iron oxide-PVC composite an effective material for electronic, photonic, and optical device applications.

The buried gems of disease tolerance in animals: Evolutionary and interspecies comparative approaches: Interspecies comparative approaches are valuable tools for exploring potential new mechanisms of disease tolerance in animals: Interspecies comparative approaches are valuable tools for exploring potential new mechanisms of disease tolerance in animals.

Host defense mechanisms are categorized into different strategies, namely, avoidance, resistance and tolerance. Resistance encompasses mechanisms that directly kill the pathogen while tolerance is mainly concerned with alleviating the harsh consequences of the infection regardless of the pathogen burden. Resistance is well-known strategy in immunology while tolerance is relatively new. Studies addressed tolerance mainly using mouse models revealing a wide range of interesting tolerance mechanisms. Herein, we aim to emphasize on the interspecies comparative approaches to explore potential new mechanisms of disease tolerance. We will discuss mechanisms of tolerance with focus on those that were revealed using comparative study designs of mammals followed by summarizing the reasons for adopting comparative approaches on disease tolerance studies. Disease tolerance is a relatively new concept in immunology, we believe combining comparative studies with model organism study designs will enhance our understanding to tolerance and unveil new mechanisms of tolerance.

Potency of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and silver nanoparticles against immune, microbial and HT-29 colon cancer cells growth modulation.

Moringa oleifera plant grows in many countries worldwide and being utilized as a customary medication. The current study aimed to investigate the biological effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) alone or in combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on colon cancer, microbial cell growth. MOE was utilized in the green synthesis of AgNPs. The characterization of AgNPs was done by UV-Vis-spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MOE was tested for their sugars, active biomolecules, ROS, protein contents. Results revealed that created AgNPs are about 61 nm in diameter. There were no detectable sugar and protein in MOE, but it contains ROS and active biomolecules. MOE and MOE+AgNPs exerted mild antibacterial action and increased the number of apoptotic cells and p53 protein expression of HT-29 colon cancer cells. MOE and MOE+AgNPs could arrest HT-29 cells at G2/M phase and stimulate splenic cell growth. Both extract preparations showed antioxidant activities. Because MOE and MOE+AgNP stimulated immune cells and activated apoptosis in cancer cells, these preparations can be utilized as anticancer agents.

Ab-initio study of pressure influenced elastic, mechanical and optoelectronic properties of Cd0.25Zn0.75Se alloy for space photovoltaics.

The optoelectronic properties of the ternary Cd0.25Zn0.75Se alloy are reported under the influence of a high pressure ranging from 0 to 25 GPa, within a modified Becke-Jhonson potential using density functional theory. This alloy has a cubic symmetry, is mechanically stable, and its bulk modulus rises with pressure. It is observed to be a direct bandgap material with a bandgap energy that increases from 2.37 to 3.11 eV with rise in pressure. Pressure changes the optical and electronic properties, causing the absorption coefficient to rise and absorb visible green-to-violet light. The static dielectric constant, along with the static index of refraction, both increase under the influence of pressure. Optical constants, including dielectric constant, optical conductivity, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and reflection, are also investigated and discussed. This DFT forecast explores important research directions for the usage of the CdZnSe semiconductor alloys in the manufacturing of space photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices operating at different pressures.

Inhibition realization of multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal isolates using Coccinia indica extracts.

The crude aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of Coccinia indica were screened for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug resistant (MDR) Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida auris and Trichophyton rubrum. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed by standard disc diffusion and tube dilution methods. The results showed that ethanolic extract inhibited MRSA, C. auris at 250 µg/mL and S. pyogenes at 200 µg/mL comparable to the susceptible antibiotics used as positive controls. There was no observable activity against T. rubrum, while a mild activity was observed with ethanolic extracts over E. coli at higher concentrations which did not turn out to be complete or significant inhibition. Aqueous extract did not exhibit any observable activity over the five organisms tested. Furthermore, the results showed clear cut concentration dependent antibacterial and antifungal activities with additional variation of specific activity over Gram positive and negative bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. So, it is evident that ethanolic extract of Coccinia indica could be further escalating for mechanistic studies in the era of multidrug resistance, indigenous preparations from herbs could be a safe choice over clinically challenging organisms.

Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Thrombospondin Related Anonymous Protein (TRAP) in Clinical Samples from Saudi Arabia.

The thrombospondin related anonymous protein (TRAP) is considered one of the most important pre-erythrocytic vaccine targets. Earlier population genetic studies revealed the TRAP gene to be under strong balancing natural selection. This study is the first attempt to analyze genetic diversity, natural selection, phylogeography and population structure in 199 clinical samples from Saudi Arabia using the full-length PfTRAP gene. We found the rate of nonsynonymous substitutions to be significantly higher than that of synonymous substitutions in the clinical samples, indicating a strong positive or diversifying selection for the full-length gene and the Von Willebrand factor (VWF). The nucleotide diversity was found to be π~0.00789 for the full-length gene; however, higher nucleotide diversity was observed for the VWF compared to the thrombospondin repeat region (TSP). Deduction of the amino acid sequence alignment of the PNP repeat region in the Saudi samples revealed six genotypes characterized by tripeptide repeat motifs (PNP, ANP, ENP and SNP). Haplotype network, population structure and population differentiation analyses indicated four distinct sub-populations in spite of the low geographical distance between the sampling sites. Our results suggest the likeliness of independent parasite evolution, creating opportunities for further adaptation, including host transition, and making malaria control even more challenging.

Larval cestodes infecting commercial fish of Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea: morphology and phylogeny.

Members of the order Trypanorhyncha are cestode parasites that are frequently found infecting the muscles of several marine fish species, affecting fish health and resulting in consumers' rejection. Seventy-five specimens of marine fish were freshly caught from boat landing sites at the Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, including two Carangids, the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili and the gulley jack Pseudocarans dentex; two Serranids, the Haifa grouper Epinephelus haifensis and the mottled grouper Mycteroperca rubra. Forty-five fish were infected; the infection was recorded as blastocysts embedded in fish flesh. Blastocysts were isolated and ruptured; the generated plerocerci were described morphologically, where, four different species were recovered; Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, Callitetrarhynchus speciosus, Protogrillotia zerbiae, and Grillotia brayi. The taxonomic position of these parasites was justified by multiple-sequence alignment and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following maximum likelihood analysis of the 18s rRNA sequences of the recovered worms. The accession numbers MN625168, MN625169, MN611431and MN611432 were respectively assigned to the recovered parasites. The results obtained from the molecular analyses confirmed the morphological records of the recovered parasites. Since metacestodes are found in the musculature of infected fish specimens, it is necessary to remove these areas in the commercialization of fish.

Genetic Diversity, Repeat Motifs, and Natural Selection at the C-Terminal Knob-Associated Histidine Rich Protein (KAHRP) of Plasmodium falciparum Clinical Samples from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Malaria is still a public health problem in Saudi Arabia specifically in the Jazan region. Plasmodium falciparum knob-associated histidine-rich proteins (PfKAHRPs) play an important role in cerebral malaria pathophysiology as well as pathogenesis of P. falciparum infections. The repeat region of PfKAHRP C-terminal interaction domain has been found to bind to the infected red blood cells and the vascular endothelium. Thus, this study aimed to assess the allelic variations, genetic diversity, and natural selection acting at the C-terminal PfKAHRP between parasite isolates from Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: The PfKHARP C-terminal interaction domain was successfully PCR-amplified and sequence data from 441 clinical isolates from Saudi Arabia were obtained. The DnaSP v5.10 software was used to determine the genetic diversity, polymorphism, haplotype, and natural selection. Haplotype network analysis was constructed by using the median-joining method in the NETWORK version 5.0.0.1 software. Results: Alignment and analysis of 441 C-terminal PfKAHRP-deduced amino acid sequences identified 5 genotypes (I-V) based on the decapeptide repeat arrangements (TKEASTSKEA, TKEASTSKGA, TKEASTTEGA, and TKEASTSKRA). Among the repeat types, Type I (49.43%, 218/441) was the most abundant in Saudi Arabia, followed by Type II (48.29%, 213/441). Overall, the nucleotide diversity in the PfKHARP C-terminal region was found to be low in Saudi Arabia (π = 0.00142); however, natural selection tests indicated positive selection (dN-dS = 1.64, P < 0.05) which was due to the variations within the repeat motifs. Genealogical relationship haplotype network of PfKAHRP from 4 different countries (i.e., Saudi Arabia, Iran, Burundi, and India) revealed 1 major shared haplotype cluster (H_1) with samples representative from all 4 countries (Saudi Arabia; n = 441, Burundi; n = 4, Iran; n = 13, and India; n = 1). Conclusion: Since this is the first study to report on genetic diversity of C-terminal PfKAHRP interaction domain and the repeat motifs from clinical samples in Saudi Arabia, it will contribute towards the rational design of antiadhesion drug therapies for P. falciparum malaria.