Crossbreeding impacts on caecal bacterial count and antibody titres in chickens.

1. A crossbreeding experiment was conducted using 20 sires and 120 dams from each Fayoumi (F) and Rhode Island Red (R) breeds. The F1 chicks of ½F½R and their reciprocal ½R½F crosses were used to estimate direct, maternal and heterotic effects.2. The caecal bacterial counts of Salmonella typhimurium and Enterococcus faecium and the IgA, IgG and IgM antibody titres were determined. Chicks of each genetic group (120 birds) were divided into three groups (40 birds per group) and chicks of the first group were assigned as the control group, while the second group was inoculated with S. typhimurium and E. faecium at 7 and 10 d of age (106 cfu/chick) and the third was inoculated with S. typhimurium at 10 d of age (106 cfu/chick).3. The generalised least square procedure was used to estimate cross-breeding effects. The S. typhimurium counts in the R breed was highly significant, followed by ½F½R cross, ½R½F cross, and F breed. The differences among genetic groups in E. faecium counts and caecal pH was not significant. The estimates of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody titres were highly significant in the F breed, followed by ½R½F cross, ½F½R cross, and the R breed.4. The estimates of direct additive effects were highly significant F breed for the counts of S. typhimurium and antibody titres of IgA, IgG, and IgM. The maternal effects were highly significant F breed for S. typhimurium, E. faecium count, and antibody titres of IgA, IgG, and IgM. Estimates of direct heterosis were significant for S. typhimurium count and IgA antibody titre but not significant for E. faecium count, caecal pH, and antibody titres of IgG and IgM.5. The results showed that the Fayoumi breed could be used in breeding programmes to improve immunity traits against S. typhimurium in chickens.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KB-10.

Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KB-10 can enhance salinity tolerance in coriander plants. We report a draft genome sequence of P. pseudoalcaligenes KB-10, comprising a 5,241,174-bp circular chromosome containing 4,921 genes, with a GC content of 62.97%.

Polymorphic characterisation of gallinacin candidate genes and their molecular associations with growth and immunity traits in chickens.

1.Four gallinacin (GAL) genes were assessed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to characterise these genes in Fayoumi (F) and Rhode Island Red (R) breeds and their crosses of Rhode Island Red × Fayoumi (½R½F) and Fayoumi × Rhode Island Red (½F½R).2.Genes examined were GAL2, GAL3, GAL4 and GAL5. The molecular associations between the SNPs of the gallinacin genes and body weight, caecal bacterial count and the serum antibody titres of IgA, IgG and IgM were determined. In the R breed, the frequency of TC genotype was higher than TT and CC genotypes for the GAL3 gene. The GG genotype frequency was higher than AA and AG genotypes for the GAL4 gene in the other genetic groups, and the CA genotype frequency was higher than CC and AA genotypes in crosses for the GAL5 gene.3.In all populations, the frequency of the C allele was higher than the T allele for the GAL3 gene, the G allele was higher than the A allele for the GAL4 gene and the C allele was higher than the A allele for the GAL5 gene. The observed heterozygosity in R, ½R½F and ½F½R was 0.476, 0.375 and 0.158 for the GAL3 gene, 0.458, 0.615 and 0.250 for the GAL4 gene and 0.053, 0.792 and 0.739 for the GAL5 gene, while the expected heterozygosities were 0.490, 0.430 and 0.145 for the GAL3 gene, 0.430, 0.348 and 0.219 for the GAL4 gene and 0.229, 0.478 and 0.496 for the GAL5 gene, respectively.4.On a molecular level, the genotype TT was significantly higher for body weight than TC and CC genotypes in the GAL3 gene. Birds with the GG genotype had a significantly lower Salmonella typhimurium count than birds with AA genotype in the GAL4 gene. Birds with the genotype AA had higher significant body weights than those with CC and CA genotypes in the GAL5 gene.5.The results indicated that the GAL3, GAL4 and GAL5 genes are potential candidates for selection programmes to improve S. typhimurium resistance and body weight in chickens.

Comparative molecular studies of halophilic bacteria from saline water and soil in the Saudi environment / Estudos moleculares comparativos de bactérias halofílicas de água salina e solo no meio ambiente saudita

Halophilic bacteria are microorganisms that grow optimally in the presence of the very high concentration of sodium chloride. Halophiles are vital sources of various enzymes including hydrolases, which are very stable and catalytically highly efficient at high salt concentration and other extreme conditions such as high temperature, pH and presence of organic solvents. Several hydrolases such as amylases, proteases, and lipases have been obtained from halophilic bacteria and are commonly used for various industrial applications. We initiated a screening to isolate and characterize the halophilic bacteria from the Red Sea, which is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. Water and soil samples, collected from the Red Sea coast, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, were screened for isolation of halophilic bacteria. Ten bacterial isolates were obtained, which were characterized by biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Hydrolase producing bacteria among the isolates were screened by plate assay on starch and gelatin agar plates for amylase and protease, respectively. Two bacterial isolates i.e. Bacillus glycinifermentans S3 and Enterobacter cloacae W1were found to possess significant amylase and protease activity.

Bactérias halofílicas são microrganismos que crescem de maneira ideal na presença de uma concentração muito alta de cloreto de sódio. Halófilos são fontes vitais de várias enzimas, incluindo hidrolases, que são muito estáveis e cataliticamente altamente eficientes em alta concentração de sal e outras condições extremas, como alta temperatura, pH e presença de solventes orgânicos. Várias hidrolases como amilases, proteases e lipases foram obtidas a partir de bactérias halofílicas e são comumente usadas para várias aplicações industriais. Iniciamos uma triagem para isolar e caracterizar as bactérias halofílicas do Mar Vermelho, que é um dos corpos de água mais salgados do mundo. Amostras de água e solo, coletadas na costa do Mar Vermelho, Jeddah, na Arábia Saudita, foram examinadas quanto ao isolamento de bactérias halofílicas. Foram obtidos dez isolados bacterianos, caracterizados por testes bioquímicos e seqüenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. As bactérias produtoras de hidrolase entre os isolados foram triadas por ensaio em placa em placas de amido e ágar de gelatina para amilase e protease, respectivamente. Verificou-se que dois isolados bacterianos, isto é, Bacillus glycinifermentans S3 e Enterobacter cloacae W1, possuíam significativa atividade de amilase e protease.

Inhibiting Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Advanced Glycation Products and Oxidative Modifications: a Potential Tool to Counteract Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in several central nervous system (CNS) pathologies including Alzheimer and Parkinson's diseases. In the face-off of AGE menace, we have attempted to investigate the zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) role in inhibition of AGE formation. Synthesized ZnONPs were used to investigate the inhibitory effects on AGE formation. The inhibitory effects of ZnONPs on AGE formation were determined by biophysical immunological and biochemical techniques. The results showed that ZnONP is a potential anti-glycating agent inhibiting AGE formation as well as protecting the protein structure from change. Therefore, our findings suggest ZnONPs may be used as a therapeutic in resolving the AGE role in CNS-related complications.

Protein oxidation: an overview of metabolism of sulphur containing amino acid, cysteine.

The available data suggest that among cellular constituents, proteins are the major target for oxidation primarily because of their quantity and high rate of interactions with ROS. Proteins are susceptible to ROS modifications of amino acid side chains which alter protein structure. Among the amino acids, Cysteine (Cys) is more prone to oxidation by ROS because of its high nucleophilic property. The reactivity of Cys with ROS is due to the presence of thiol group. In the oxidised form, Cys forms disulfide bond, which are primary covalent cross-link found in proteins, and which stabilize the native conformation of a protein. Indirect evidence suggests that thiol modifications by ROS may be involved in neurodegenerative disorders, but the significance and precise extent of the contributions are poorly understood. Here, we review the role of oxidized Cys in different pathological consequences and its biochemistry may increase the research in the discovery of new therapies. The purpose of this review is to re-examine the role and biochemistry of oxidised Cys residues.

Pulmonary nocardiosis caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in an adult asthmatic female patient: The presence of acid-fast branching filaments is always significant.

We report a case of pulmonary nocardiosis in a 41-year-old asthma patient. Chest radiographs showed bilateral air space and consolidations.Acid-fast branching filaments were demonstrated in sputum, and the grown organism was identified phenotypically and confirmed using16S rDNA sequencing (accession no. KX500116). The patient received a combination of medical treatments, but developed complications,which were managed over the next 3 months, after which she was discharged. Pulmonary nocardiosis should be considered in patientsundergoing steroid therapy or when a chronic infection does not respond to first-line treatment.

HPLC/CE-ESI-TOF-MS methods for the characterization of polyphenols in almond-skin extracts.

We have developed two rapid methods using CE and HPLC coupled to ESI-TOF-MS and both these methods have been compared for the separation and characterization of antioxidant phenolic compounds in almond-skin extract. Under optimum CE-ESI-TOF-MS conditions we achieved the determination of nine compounds from the polar fraction in 35 min. Furthermore, by using the HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS method, a total of 23 compounds corresponding to phenolic acids and the flavonoid family were identified from almond skin in only 9 min. The sensitivity, together with mass accuracy and true isotopic pattern of TOF-MS, allowed the identification of a broad series of known phenolic compounds present in almond-skin extracts using HPLC and CE as separation techniques.

Effects of iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins on the activity and contents of human placental copper/zinc and manganese superoxide dismutases.

One hundred seventy-nine pregnant women, ages 15-45 yr, were divided into three groups. Group A was orally given one spansule per day containing 150 mg dried ferrous sulfate, 61.8 mg zinc sulfate, and 500 micrograms folic acid, starting from the first 4 wk of pregnancy and ending at the day of delivery. Similarly, group B was given one tablet containing 625 mg calcium carbonate, 1000 mg vitamin C, 300 IU Vitamin D, 1350 mg citric acid, and 15 mg Vitamin B6. Group C was without any supplements and served as a control. Mothers who received iron/zinc supplements (group A) during pregnancy had significantly higher copper/zinc superoxide dismutase activity in their placentae than calcium/vitamin-supplemented mothers (group B) or unsupplemented mothers (group C). The enzyme activity increased with age of the mothers from 15 to 40 yr, then decreased after in both supplemented groups, whereas this increase and decrease occurred at early age in the unsupplemented group. Immunochemical quantitation of the enzyme contents showed no significant difference between the supplemented and unsupplemented groups, suggesting that the observed increase in the enzyme activity might arise from posttranslational processing of the enzyme. The placental manganese superoxide dismutase activity and contents, however, were similar in the supplemented groups, whereas they were slightly higher in the unsupplemented group; the overall superoxide dismutase-like activities in the placentae were the highest in iron-zinc supplemented group and the lowest in the unsupplemented group.

Incidence of carcinoma in multinodular goitre in Saudi Arabia.

Over a period of 3 years, 614 patients were admitted to the General Surgery Department at the Riyadh Central Hospital with thyroid enlargements. Based on the clinical examination and non-invasive investigations, the thyroid swellings were classified into solitary nodule (45%), multinodular (44%) and diffuse goitre (11%). Subsequent classification of the goitres on the basis of intraoperative findings and histopathological examination revealed increase in the number of multinodular goitres to 70% while the solitary nodule and diffuse goitres dropped to 24% and 6%, respectively. Malignant changes were seen in 10% of the multinodular goitres after pathological examination. 75% of the carcinomas seen in multinodular goitres were of the papillary type. In almost none of the cases, it was possible to discover the malignancy preoperatively. The study recommends surgical intervention in all nodules goitres irrespective of being solitary or multinodular.

Studies on cutaneous leishmaniasis in El Hasana Center, North Sinai, Egypt.

The persistent of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) transmission mainly in Sinai and one or two foci in the Nile Valley and the outbreak of CL. in Nakhel Center form the rationale for including Leishmaniasis as one of the main health problems in Egypt. In this paper, it was aimed to spot-light survey humans for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in El Hasana Center, North Sinai. Also rodents were trapped from several towns and villages within the Center to document the relative importance of the different species of rodents as animal reservoirs at the local or national level. The results showed 18 parasitologically proven human cses of CL. (14 coming from the Nile Valley and 4 Bedouins). Eight species of rodents were trapped, natural infection was only demonstrated in two Meriones crassus in Ain El Gideirat and in one Gerbillus pyramidum in Abu Aweigila. The results were discussed on the light of the previous data obtained.

Urino-genital myiasis due to Piophila casei.

Myiasis is a subject of medical and veterinary importance particularly, in tropical and subtropical regions. In this paper, three cases of human urino-genital myiasis due to Piophila casei were identified and discussed.

Bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia.

Obesity is an emerging health problems in Saudi Arabia. An increasing number of patients are being referred for surgical management of their obesity. Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) was performed on 39 patients as treatment for morbid obesity. The mean weight loss at one year (38 patients) was 39% in males and 33% in females. At four years (23 patients) the mean weight loss was 42% in males and 41% in female patients. The mortality rate was 2.5% while the failure rate reached 13%. Vertical banded gastroplasty is considered to be an effective treatment toa achieve and sustain near ideal body weight in morbidly obese Saudi patients.

Leishmania major and Meriones crassus in North Sinai Governorate, Egypt.

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL.) now seems to be more than was once thought in North Sinai. In the present study, Meriones crassus (23) and M. sacramenti (10) were collected from limited foci of human CL. Leishmania major (four strains) were isolated from M. crassus as indicated enzymologically by the cellulose acetate electrophoresis of nine different enzymes (MDH, 6 PGD, GD, PK, PGM, NH, GPI, ME and SOD). The four strains were equivalent to zymodeme LON 1 (three strains) and LON 2 (one strain).

Hepatitis B vaccination in children infected with Schistosoma mansoni: correlation with ultrasonographic data.

Forty-one schoolchildren with positive stools for Schistosoma mansoni eggs and 39 age- and sex-matched children with negative stools were given 3 doses, 5 micrograms each, of a plasma derived hepatitis B vaccine. Their sera were examined 3 and 9 months after the third dose for hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). At 9 months after vaccination, both the number of responders and the mean of antibody titers were significantly higher in the control group than in the group infected with S. mansoni (97% vs. 56% and 334.8 +/- 192.9 vs. 67.7 +/- 74.4 mIU/ml). There was a negative correlation between anti-HBs titers and the long diameter of the spleen as well as between the titers and the long diameter of the spleen and the liver span in the mid-clavicular line (right lobe) taken together. There was also a positive correlation between anti-HBs titers and the diameters of the portal vein. There was no correlation between anti-HBs titers and any of the following 3 parameters: liver span in the mid-clavicular line (right lobe) alone, liver span in the middle line (left lobe) alone, and the degree of thickness of the periportal fibrosis. There was also no correlation between anti-HBs titers and egg counts in the stools. An interpretation of these findings was made in the light of the role of phagocytic activity of the liver and spleen as well as of porta-caval shunts in the immune mechanism.