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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Identification of genetic variants that pose risks to MS is of high interest since they contribute largely to disease pathogenesis. A rich body of literature associated these risks with variants of HLA genes located mostly on the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p21). These genetic variations may result in alteration in protein function and are associated, therefore, with disease phenotype and therapy outcome. Although the HLA region has been routinely known to have the strongest correlation with MS, other genes found within and outside HLA locus are considered risk factors for MS. The objective of this review is to shed light on the non-HLA genes implicated with multiple sclerosis. Due to the interplay between the polygenetic and environmental factors, along with their differential contribution and genetic heterogeneity among populations, it is extremely challenging to determine the contribution of the non-HLA genes to the outcome and onset of MS disease. We conclude that a better assemblage of genetic factors involved in MS can have a critical impact on the establishment of a genetic map of MS that allows proper investigation at the expression and functional levels.

The preservation of pure fungal cultures is considered as an important part of applied and industrial microbiology applications. In this study, we are focusing on filamentous fungi preservation as these species are very useful in industrial applications such as wastewater treatment, biofuel production etc. We are presenting an evaluation of three methods to maintain and preserve filamentous fungi: refrigeration on filter paper, refrigeration with glycerol and cryopreservation with DMSO. The three methods were tested on the pure cultures of Aspergillus versicolor and Aspergillus niger. The three methods were successful where the viability measured by colony forming unit CFU counts was confirmed. We suggest that for the short-term preservation of filamentous fungi, the filter paper method could be preferred as it is very simple, quick and effective.

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a significant threat to the health of many worldwide. The emergence of AR has become the main source of morbidity and mortality from infections that would otherwise have been treatable. AR is mainly caused by the inappropriate use of antibiotics. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bacterial resistance to antibiotics is escalating due to: a) practice of self-medication with antibiotics among the residents of the UAE; b) the easy procurement of antibiotics from local pharmacies without prescription; and c) expatriates’ importation of antibiotics from their home country. The present study focused on the usage of antibiotics among the population of Ras Al Khaimah. This study surveyed 306 residents of Ras Al Khaimah to understand their knowledge, awareness, attitude, practices, and perceptions on antibiotics usage. The major pharmacies in Ras Al Khaimah were also surveyed to identify whether the policies on dispensing antibiotics are followed. Of the 306 respondents, %49 have practiced self-medication using antibiotics at least once. The study also finds that pharmacies dispense antibiotics without prescription due to customer demand for antibiotics, lack of patients’ time, patients’ needs, lack of medical insurance, and money concerns. In conclusion, this study provides insight into the level of AR awareness and usage among the Ras Al Khaimah population and emphasizes the need to implement best practices at the grassroots level to overcome the crisis.

Safe, accessible, and good water quality are essential characteristics for reducing various waterborne diseases. Since domestic water is the water most consumed by Lebanese people, cleaning household water tanks is important to prevent their exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Generally, all the stages of the value chain of the Lebanese water sector are still imperfect. Thus, the domestic water should be regularly tested, especially in the impoverished landmarks where water quality is the worst. The aim of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and microbiological quality of the water in the storage tanks of homes in Sidon, Lebanon. Fifty water samples were collected aseptically from domestic water storage tanks. The microbiological assessment was performed using basic plating techniques. Identification of isolated bacteria was performed using MALDI-TOF-MS. Physicochemical parameters were assessed using titration, pH, and conductivity measurements. Antibiotic-susceptibility testing was performed using antibiotic disks. Screening for virulence genes in bacteria was carried out via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most of the physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. The heterotrophic plate count (HPC) varied between the water samples. The total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contaminate was 54%, 20%, and 16% in each of the samples, respectively. Other bacteria isolated from household water included intestinal Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (68%), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (68%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (22%). Other predominant isolates recovered from the samples were also identified. The bacterial isolates showed a prevalence of resistance and intermediate resistance against the tested antibiotic agents. Multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 21% of the collected S. aureus, using cefoxitin agent and mecA gene detection. A prevalence of virulence genes in both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was also noticed. Our data show that Sidon domestic water is not suitable for either drinking or home applications.