Sheep-Associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever: Role of Latent Virus and Macrophages in Vasculitis.

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a sporadic, generally fatal disease caused by gammaherpesviruses in susceptible dead-end hosts. A key pathological process is systemic vasculitis in which productively infected cytotoxic T cells play a major role. Nonetheless, the pathogenesis of MCF vasculitis is not yet clear. We hypothesized that it develops due to an interaction between virus-infected cells and immune cells, and we undertook a retrospective in situ study on the rete mirabile arteries of confirmed ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2)-associated MCF cases in cattle, buffalo, and bison. Our results suggest that the arteritis develops from an adventitial infiltration of inflammatory cells from the vasa vasorum, and recruitment of leukocytes from the arterial lumen that leads to a superimposed infiltration of the intima and media that can result in chronic changes including neointimal proliferation. We found macrophages and T cells to be the dominant infiltrating cells, and both could proliferate locally. Using RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistology, we showed that the process is accompanied by widespread viral infection, not only in infiltrating leukocytes but also in vascular endothelial cells, medial smooth muscle cells, and adventitial fibroblasts. Our results suggest that OvHV-2-infected T cells, monocytes, and locally proliferating macrophages contribute to the vasculitis in MCF. The initial trigger or insult that leads to leukocyte recruitment and activation is not yet known, but there is evidence that latently infected, activated endothelial cells play a role in this. Activated macrophages might then release the necessary pro-inflammatory mediators and, eventually, induce the characteristic vascular changes.

Molecular identification of Anaplasma platys in cattle by nested PCR.

Background and Objectives: Anaplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative bacterium from Anaplasmataceae family. Anaplasma causes high economic losses worldwide. 16S rRNA analysis was used to diagnose Anaplasma platys in Cattle. Phylogenetic tree and estimation of evolutionary divergence between A. platys isolates were performed. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 blood samples were collected from a cattle farm in AL-Diwaniyah province. 16S rRNA gene was identified using nested PCR. Overall, 40% of cattle that were chosen to collect the blood were identified to be infected with A. platys. Results: The results have shown presence of targeting partial region of 16S rRNA gene in 24 samples out of 60. Sequencing results of 10 samples have revealed that the phylogenetic tree was divided in to two separate clades. Five isolates of A. platys-Iraq (accession no. OP646782, OP646783, OP646784, OP646790, and OP646791) were located in one clade with the A. platys-China (accession no. MN193068.1). While, five isolates (accession no. OP646785, OP646786, OP646787, OP646788, OP646789) were in different clade with two isolates of A. platys-Africa and A. platys-Zambia in distinct branches, close to the Rickettsiales. Conclusion: The phylogenetic study of A. platys sequences indicated that the isolates were collected from a cattle farm in Al-Dewaniyah were similar and close related to A. platys-China, A. platys-Zambia and A. platys-Africa). This study suggests that cattle can be considered a reservoir of A. platys.

Corrigendum to "A comprehensive review on modelling the adsorption process for heavy metal removal from waste water using artificial neural network technique" [Heliyon 9(4) (April 2023) e15455].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15455.].

A comprehensive review on modelling the adsorption process for heavy metal removal from waste water using artificial neural network technique.

Water is the most necessary and significant element for all life on earth. Unfortunately, the quality of the water resources is constantly declining as a result of population development, industry, and civilization progress. Due to their extreme toxicity, heavy metals removal from water has drawn researchers' attention. A lot of scientific applications use artificial neural networks (ANNs) because of their excellent ability to map nonlinear relationships. ANNs shown excellent modelling capabilities for the water treatment remediation. The adsorption process uses a variety of variables, making the interaction between them nonlinear. Selecting the best technique can produce excellent results; the adsorption approach for removing heavy metals is highly effective. Different studies show that the ANNs modelling approach can accurately forecast the adsorbed heavy metals and other contaminants in order to remove them.

Association of the Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (Mn-SOD) Gene C47T Polymorphism with Lung Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the association between manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) gene C47 T polymorphism and the risk of malignant lung cancer in Iraqi smokers. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 260 lung cancer patients (88 females and 172 males) and 295 healthy individuals (91 females and 204 males). DNA was extracted from blood samples and the SOD2 gene was amplified using specific primers. The nucleotide sequences of the SOD2 gene were analyzed by using BLAST server at National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the Raptorx app. RESULTS: TT, CT, and CC genotypes concentrations were 48.1%, 33.2%, and 18.7%, respectively, in the control group. The concentrations of TT, CT, and CC genotypes were 43.5%, 31.5%, and 25%, respectively, in the case group. There were no statistical differences between cases and controls in terms of genotype frequency of SOD2C47T polymorphism. We observed that SOD2C47T polymorphism CT genotype did not increase the risk of lung cancer development compared to those with TT genotype (OR= 0.951, 95% CI = 0.648-1.396; P = 0.798). In addition, it was observed that CC genotype did not increase the risk of lung cancer development in comparison with TT genotype ( OR=0.673, 95% Cl=0.435-1.041: P=0.075). CONCLUSION: These results indicated that there was no association between SOD2C47T polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer development in Iraqi smokers.

Gammaherpesvirus Infections in Cattle in Europe.

The genus Macavirus, subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae, comprises ungulate viruses that infect domestic and wild ruminants and swine. They cause asymptomatic latent infections in reservoir hosts and malignant catarrhal fever in susceptible species. Lung, spleen, bronchial lymph node, and tongue were collected from 448 cattle (348 necropsied, 100 slaughtered) in Switzerland, United Kingdom, Finland, Belgium, and Germany to determine their infection with bovine herpesvirus-6 (BoHV-6) and gammaherpesviruses of other ruminants, i.e., ovine herpesvirus-1 and -2, caprine herpesvirus-2, and bison lymphotropic herpesvirus, using quantitative PCR. Only BoHV-6 was detected, with an overall frequency of 32%, ranging between 22% and 42% in the different countries. Infection was detected across all ages, from one day after birth, and was positively correlated with age. There was no evidence of an association with specific disease processes. In positive animals, BoHV-6 was detected in all organs with high frequency, consistently in the lungs or spleen. Viral loads varied substantially. In BoHV-6-positive gravid cows, organs of fetuses tested negative for infection, indicating that the virus is not vertically transmitted. Our results confirm previous data indicating that BoHV-6 is a commensal of domestic cattle not associated with disease processes and confirm that infections with other macaviruses are rare and sporadic.

Constitutive TRIM22 Expression in the Respiratory Tract Confers a Pre-Existing Defence Against Influenza A Virus Infection.

The induction of antiviral effector proteins as part of a homeostatically controlled innate immune response to infection plays a critical role in limiting the propagation and transmission of respiratory pathogens. However, the prolonged induction of this immune response can lead to lung hyperinflammation, tissue damage, and respiratory failure. We hypothesized that tissues exposed to the constant threat of infection may constitutively express higher levels of antiviral effector proteins to reduce the need to activate potentially harmful innate immune defences. By analysing transcriptomic data derived from a range of human tissues, we identify lung tissue to express constitutively higher levels of antiviral effector genes relative to that of other mucosal and non-mucosal tissues. By using primary cell lines and the airways of rhesus macaques, we show the interferon-stimulated antiviral effector protein TRIM22 (TRIpartite Motif 22) to be constitutively expressed in the lung independently of viral infection or innate immune stimulation. These findings contrast with previous reports that have shown TRIM22 expression in laboratory-adapted cell lines to require interferon stimulation. We demonstrate that constitutive levels of TRIM22 are sufficient to inhibit the onset of human and avian influenza A virus (IAV) infection by restricting the onset of viral transcription independently of interferon-mediated innate immune defences. Thus, we identify TRIM22 to confer a pre-existing (intrinsic) intracellular defence against IAV infection in cells derived from the respiratory tract. Our data highlight the importance of tissue-specific and cell-type dependent patterns of pre-existing immune gene expression in the intracellular restriction of IAV from the outset of infection.

Multilocus analysis of Gallid herpesvirus 1 in layer chickens in Iraq.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) causes a highly pathogenic respiratory disease that affects poultry. It is also known as Gallid herpesvirus 1. ILT prophylaxis measures often include using live attenuated vaccines. The live attenuated vaccine can, however, lead to the formation of new strains of ILTV as a result of vaccine reversion and recombination with field strains. Therefore, this study was performed to explore the multilocus variation of ILTV strains of field and vaccine origin. Samples were tested from two distinctive geographical areas in Iraq as little is known about the ILTV genetic diversity within these areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polymerase chain reaction method was utilized to generate sequencing templates of six highly polymorphic genes, including UL54, UL52, gB, ICP18.5, ICP4, and gJ in the layer chicken sample (n=15). The Western blotting technique was also employed to detect and estimate the native molecular weight of gE. RESULTS: The results revealed an important degree of genetic relatedness between the field and vaccine strains across all genes. In addition, gE was found to be expressed natively at 49 kDa. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study may be used to improve the production process of the vaccine for more effective ILT prophylaxis and could further the understanding of epidemiologists and immunologists to better control ILT in the future.

Identification of Equid herpesvirus 2 in tissue-engineered equine tendon.

Background: Incidental findings of virus-like particles were identified following electron microscopy of tissue-engineered tendon constructs (TETC) derived from equine tenocytes. We set out to determine the nature of these particles, as there are few studies which identify virus in tendons per se, and their presence could have implications for tissue-engineering using allogenic grafts. Methods: Virus particles were identified in electron microscopy of TETCs. Virion morphology was used to initially hypothesise the virus identity.  Next generation sequencing was implemented to identify the virus. A pan herpesvirus PCR was used to validate the RNASeq findings using an independent platform. Histological analysis and biochemical analysis was undertaken on the TETCs. Results: Morphological features suggested the virus to be either a retrovirus or herpesvirus. Subsequent next generation sequencing mapped reads to Equid herpesvirus 2 (EHV2). Histological examination and biochemical testing for collagen content revealed no significant differences between virally affected TETCs and non-affected TETCs. An independent set of equine superficial digital flexor tendon tissue (n=10) examined using designed primers for specific EHV2 contigs identified at sequencing were negative. These data suggest that EHV is resident in some equine tendon. Conclusions: EHV2 was demonstrated in equine tenocytes for the first time; likely from in vivo infection. The presence of EHV2 could have implications to both tissue-engineering and tendinopathy.

"To-and-fro" waveform in the diagnosis of arterial pseudoaneurysms.

Medical ultrasound imaging with Doppler plays an essential role in the diagnosis of vascular disease. This study intended to review the clinical use of "to-and-fro" waveform at duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DDU) in the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms in the arterial vessels of upper and lower extremities, abdominal aorta, carotid and vertebral arteries as well as to review our personal experiences of "to-and-fro" waveform at DDU also. After receiving institutional review board approval, an inclusive literature review was carried out in order to review the scientific foundation of "to-and-fro" waveform at DDU and its clinical use in the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms in various arterial vessels. Articles published in the English language between 2000 and 2013 were evaluated in this review study. Pseudoaneurysms in arterial vessels of the upper and lower extremities, abdominal aorta, carotid and vertebral arteries characterized by an extraluminal pattern of blood flow, which shows variable echogenicity, interval complexity, and "to-and-fro" flow pattern on color Doppler ultrasonography. In these arterial vessels, Duplex ultrasonography can demonstrate the degree of clotting, pseudoaneurysm communication, the blood flow patterns and velocities. Spectral Doppler applied to pseudoaneurysms lumen revealed systolic and diastolic turbulent blood flow with traditional "to-and-fro" waveform in the communicating channel. Accurate diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm by spectral Doppler is based on the documentation of the "to-and-fro" waveform. The size of pseudoaneurysm determines the appropriate treatment approach as surgical or conservative.

Are deep eutectic solvents benign or toxic?

In continuation of investigation for environmentally benign protocol for new solvents termed deep eutectic solvents (DESs), it is herein reported results concerning the toxicity and cytotoxicity of choline chloride (ChCl) based DESs with four hydrogen bond donors including glycerine, ethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and urea. The toxicity was investigated using two Gram positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and two Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxicity effect was tested using the Artemia salina leach. It was found that there was no toxic effect for the tested DESs on all of the studied bacteria confirming their benign effects on these bacteria. Nevertheless, it was found that the cytotoxicity of DESs was much higher than their individual components (e.g. glycerine, ChCl) indicating that their toxicological behavior is different. For our best knowledge this is the first time that toxicity and cytotoxicity of DESs were studied. The toxicity and cytotoxicity of DESs varied depending on the structure of components. Careful usage of the terms non-toxicity and biodegradability must be considered. More investigation on this matter is required.

Assessment of cytotoxicity and toxicity for phosphonium-based deep eutectic solvents.

In this work, the cytotoxicity and toxicity of phosphonium-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with three hydrogen bond donors, namely glycerine, ethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol were investigated. The cytotoxicity effect was tested using brine shrimp (Artemia salina). The toxicity was investigated using the two Gram positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and two Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxicity of tested DESs was much higher than that of their individual components, indicating their toxicological behavior was different. It was also found that there was toxic effect on the studied bacteria, indicating their potential application as anti-bacterial agents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the cytotoxicity and toxicity of phosphonium-based DESs were studied.

Ethanesulfonic acid-based esterification of industrial acidic crude palm oil for biodiesel production.

An industrial grade acidic crude palm oil (ACPO) pre-treatment process was carried out using ethanesulfonic acid (ESA) as a catalyst in the esterification reaction. ESA was used in different dosages to reduce free fatty acid (FFA) to a minimum level for the second stage of biodiesel production via alkaline transesterification reaction. Different process operating conditions were optimized such as ESA dosage (0.25-3.5% wt/wt), methanol to ACPO molar ratio (1:1-20:1), reaction temperature (40-70 °C), and reaction time (3-150 min). This study revealed the potential use of abundant quantities of ACPO from oil palm mills for biodiesel production. The lab scale results showed the effectiveness of the pre-treatment process using ESA catalyst. Three consecutive catalyst recycling runs were achieved without significant degradation in its performance. Second and third reuse runs needed more reaction time to achieve the target level of FFA content. Esterification and transesterification using ESA and KOH respectively is proposed for biodiesel industrial scale production. The produced biodiesel meets the international standards specifications for biodiesel fuel (EN 14214 and ASTM D6751).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some 2,4,5-trisubstituted thiazole derivatives as potential antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

We report on the synthesis and biological evaluation of two series of 2,4,5-polysubstituted thiazoles comprising the acid hydrazide functionality and some derived pharmacophores known to contribute to various chemotherapeutic activities. All newly synthesized compounds were subjected to in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal screening. Of the compounds tested, 13 derivatives displayed inhibitory effect on the growth of three Gram-positive strains while they lack activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, four compounds were able to exert antifungal activity against C. albicans. Potential antibacterial and antifungal activities were linked to the thiosemicarbazide function 6a-f and those substituted with both the thioureido and thiosemicarbazide moieties 12a-f. Compounds 6f and 12f (R = 4-F-C(6)H(4)) could be considered as the most active members in this investigation with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against three types of Gram-positive bacteria, together with an appreciable antifungal activity against C. albicans. Compounds 6d, 6f, and 12f were twice as active as ampicillin against B. subtilis. The best antifungal activity was shown by compound 6d 50% less active than clotrimazole. 17 compounds were selected and tested for their preliminary in-vitro anticancer activity according to the current one-dose protocol of the NCI. Three cell lines, non-small cell lung cancer Hop-92, ovarian cancer IGROV1, and melanoma SK-MEL-2, exhibited some sensitivity against most of the tested compounds. Compound 12f proved to be the most active anticancer member with a broad spectrum of activity against most of the tested subpanel tumor cell lines. Consequently, 12f was carried over to be tested in the five-dose assay.

A novel modelling and experimental technique to predict and measure tissue temperature during CO2 laser stimuli for human pain studies.

Laser nerve stimulation is now accepted as one of the preferred methods for applying painful stimuli to human skin during pain studies. One of the main concerns, however, is thermal damage to the skin. We present recent work based on using a CO2 laser with a remote infrared (IR) temperature sensor as a feedback system. A model for predicting the subcutaneous skin temperature derived from the signal from the IR detector allows us to accurately predict the laser parameters, thus maintaining an optimum pain stimulus whilst avoiding dangerous temperature levels, which could result in thermal damage. Another aim is to relate the modelling of the CO2 fibre laser interaction to the pain response and compare these results with practical measurements of the pain threshold for various stimulus parameters. The system will also allow us to maintain a constant skin temperature during the stimulus. Another aim of the experiments underway is to review the psychophysics for pain in human subjects, permitting an investigation of the relationship between temperature and perceived pain.