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Background: Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a heterogeneous family of genetic diseases with a broad phenotypic spectrum. There is a paucity of data on LSDs from developing countries. Objective: We aimed to study the pattern, relative frequency, and phenotypic spectrum of LSDs in children at an Egyptian medical center. Patients and Methods: This study included children < 18 years with LSDs diagnosed and followed up at an Egyptian medical center from January 2018 to December 2021. Data were collected on patients’ demographics, clinical features, characteristic metabolites, specific enzyme assay, and genetic testing. Results: Forty-two children (62% males, 74% parental consanguinity and 26% positive family history) were diagnosed with 10 different LSDs, representing 14% of all cases with inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). The most frequent LSDs groups were mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) (52.4%) and sphingolipidosis (40.8%). The most common individual diseases were MPS I (26.2%), Gaucher disease (23.8), MPS III (16.7%), and acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (11.9%). The median age at presentation was two years with a median diagnostic delay of 12 months. The most common clinical manifestations were delayed development, intellectual disability, visceromegaly, coarse facial features, and skeletal abnormalities. Finally, genetic data were available for only 12 patients (8 Gaucher disease, 3 MPS-III, and 1 MPS-VI). Conclusion: LSDs (most commonly MPS and Gaucher disease) represent an important part of IEMs at our medical center, and the diagnosis seems challenging and often delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) are considered major and important globally vegetable crops and in Egypt in particular. Tissue culture techniques have encouraged the utilization of mutation methods in crop improvement. The mutation induction in vegetative crops through tissue culture may be the optimal method to improve these crops. Induced genetic variation in tomato plantlets by using gamma radiation and identified these changes through SCoT and ISSR markers. Egyptian tomato cultivar Idkawy explant was cultured onto MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg-l BAP. The resulted plantlets were irradiated with γ radiation doses (50, 100, 150, 200 or 250 Gy). The survival, growth rate, and mean of shoot length were decreased with increasing gamma radiation dose. The irradiated plantlets survival percentages were ranged from 78.75% to (50 Gy) and 18.75% to (250 Gy), whereas, the shoot length decreased by a rate of 2.71 cm for the dose (50 Gy) and 1.2 cm for dose (250 Gy). Genetic diversity was evaluated by SCoT and ISSR markers using ten primers for each. It was noticed that the polymorphism percentage mean of SCoT marker (60.53%) is higher than the ISSR marker (39.6). The PIC values average for both markers SCoT and ISSR were 0.429 and 0.347, as well, MI values were 0.345 and 0.156, respectively. On the other hand, the effective no. of alleles (Ne), Nei's genetic diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (I) parameters, it was found that the dose 100 Gy caused the highest genetic variation compared with other doses using SCoT marker, however, in ISSR marker was dose of 150 Gy the highest dose for induced genetic variation. The obtained results demonstrate that SCoT marker was more accurate and efficient than ISSR marker for distinguishing and genetic variation analysis of irradiated tomato plantlets. The relationships within treatments were assessed through cluster analysis (UPGMA) based on SCoT and ISSR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Biological Sciences is the property of African Journal of Biological Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Arab Universities Union of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Biochemical genetic analysis (proteinand isozymes) and molecular geneticanalysis (RAPD-PCR) were applied toassess the impact of somaclonal variationsin the three barley genotypes (El-Kasr,G130 and G126). Biochemicalgenetic analysis (protein andisozymes) and molecular genetic analysis(RAPD-PCR) were applied to studysomaclonal variations in three barley genotypes(El-Kasr, G130 and G126). Biochemicaland molecular genetic analysis of protein,isozymes and RAPD-PCR proved tobe efficient tools for detecting the occurrenceof somaclonal variation in the threebarley genotypes El-kasr, G126 and G130. [Extracted from the article]

The result of Table (5) showedhigh mean percentage of shoot formationformed by intact mature embryos of genotype(El-Kasr) on the three media (22%).This was followed by the mean percentageof shoots of the two genotypes (Giza126and Giza130), respectively, (11% and5%), on the three media. Molecular analysis PCR analysis Total genomic DNA from leafsamples of putatively transgenic plantsresulting from transformation experimentsof mature embryos or calli explants wereanalyzed by PCR using AFP-specific primers. The PCR showed bands correspondingto the expected size 300 bp forpartial length of the AFP gene, and theexpected size 300 bp for partial length ofGUS gene (Fig. SUMMARY Transformation of barley based onthe infection of mature embryos with Agrobacteriumtumefactions system used fortransformation of explantsEl-Kasrgenotype using the strain harbors thepITB-AFP plasmid vector which containsdefensin (AFP) gene, hygromycin phosphortransferase (hpt) and -glucuronidase(GUS) genes as selectable and markergenes. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prominent complication in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and has a major influence on morbidity. Emerging evidence suggests that elevated plasma fibrinogen (FIB) levels, which are indicative of inflammation and coagulation, may be linked to various diabetic complications. Nevertheless, there hasn't been much research done on the connection between PN and plasma fibrinogen levels in T2DM. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between plasma fibrinogen levels and the presence of PN in patients with T2DM. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study that included 120 patients diagnosed with T2DM. They were divided into 2 equal groups: Group I contained 60 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and group II that involved 60 patients without DPN. Results: The study revealed a significant increase in serum fibrinogen levels in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Those with diabetic neuropathy had a mean fibrinogen level of 11.585 ± 4.256, compared to 1.798 ± 0.566 in patients without neuropathy (p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, the study indicated that plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in patients with severe diabetic neuropathy, with a mean of 14.813 ± 3.713, followed by those with moderate neuropathy (mean 10.315 ± 2.562), and the lowest levels were observed in patients with mild neuropathy (mean 8.331 ± 3.558), with a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: Increased plasma fibrinogen levels are substantially related with DPN in patients with T2DM. These results indicate that plasma fibrinogen could potentially act as a biomarker for identifying T2DM patients who are at increased risk of developing PN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrotransposons comprise the major part of eukaryotic genomes. They have the ability to replicate themselves through RNA intermediate via reverse transcription process. During normal development, these elements become quiescent, but they are stimulated by stresses. The availability of PCR-based techniques to detect the variation in retrotransposition rate due to salinity was tested. IRAP and SCoT markers were applied in two salinity-tolerant eukaryotic genomes: Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae L.) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The genomes of the yeast strain EMCC49 and two barley cultivars Giza-123 and Giza2000 were extracted. Five IRAP primers with two combinations and nine SCoT primers were applied. The yeast strain was grown in the YPG media with 0.5 M, 1 M, 1.5 M NaCl or the control. The barley cultivars were irrigated with 0.25 M, 0.6 M NaCl or just distilled water. IRAP technique developed three markers in the yeast under the different levels of salinity. ScM1 IRAP primer showed a band with molecular size of 456 bp in the yeast under 0.5 and 1.5 M only. Another band with molecular size of 409 bp appeared under the control and disappeared in all salinity treatments. The third IRAP marker was shown by the ScM2 primer with molecular size of 1952 bp under the 0.5 M treatment. While, two IRAP markers appeared in barley due to high salt conditions. The 5'LTR IRAP primer showed an 886 bp band in the barley cultivar Giza2000 under the control condition only. Sukkula IRAP primer displayed the second IRAP marker in the cultivar Giza-2000 of barley with molecular size of 330 bp under the 0.6 M only. SCoT markers showed 17 markers in the response of salinity stress in yeast with molecular sizes ranged from 1911 to 271 bp with SCoT 31 and SCoT 26 primers, respectively. SCoT 26 primer gave the highest number of markers per SCoT primer (five different markers). In barley, 18 SCoT markers were detected under high salt conditions. They molecular sizes were between 1762 (SCoT 26) and 281 bp (SCoT 7). SCoT 32 primer showed five markers in barley under salinity as the highest number of markers per SCoT primer. The results showed different patterns between control and treatments and the high levels of salinity led to new retrotransposition. This study confirmed that PCR techniques; like IRAP and SCoT can exhibit the activation of retrotransposition due to high salt conditions. Good positive results were obtained and we recommend using these techniques for different molecular purposes due to their advantage; easy, fast, cheap and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Arab Universities Union of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Arab Universities Union of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Arab Universities Union of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Arab Universities Union of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

RT-PCR was conducted for four genes implicated for salt tolerance, oxidative and osmotic stresses in Egyptian gray mangroves within Nabq protected area in South Sinai Governorate. The results showed over-expression of the mRNA of ferritin (amFer1) gene as very high expression, followed by increase in mRNA of superoxide dismutase (amSOD1) and ubiquitin conjugation2 (amUBC2). At the same time gene expression of catalase (amCAT1) decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the study related to the isolation and identification of key genes controlling salt tolerance in grey mangrove. Topics discussed include information on the toxic effects of salt stress on the plants; discussions on the metabolic changes due to the salt stress in plants such as the loss of chloroplast activity, decreased photosynthetic rate and increase photorespiration rate; and the information on the importance of the antioxidant enzymes in dealing with salt stress.

The article offers information on the study related to the determination of genotoxic effects of some food additives on some human cancer cells by flow cytometry analysis. Topics discussed include information on the improve preservation or sensory qualities of exposing consumers to poisoning and other health hazards; d.iscussions on the toxic effects of saffron and its constituents as a chemo-preventive herb; and the information on the use of the flow cytometry analysis.

The article offers information on the study related to the impact of si-RNA features on its fidelity and efficiency in targeting soluble acid invertase gene in sugarcane. Topics discussed include information on the use of Small interfering RNA and microRNA as approaches for crop improvement; discussions on using gene silencing through transcriptional or post-transcriptional processes; and the information on the regulating the expression of soluble acid invertase enzyme in sugarcane varieties.

Copyright of Arab Universities Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Arab Universities Union of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article offers information on the functional genomic profiling of drought responsive Micro-RNA in Wheat. Topics discussed include information on the drought as the major abiotic stresses that affect wheat production; discussions on the post transcription regulation as the most powerful mechanisms of gene regulation; and the information on the study provides a comprehensive analysis of these miRNAs expressed in leaves of bread wheat in response to drought stress.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that threatens human health. Medicinal plants have been a source of wide varieties of pharmacologically active constituents and used extensively as crude extracts or as pure compounds for treating various disease conditions. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects and the modes of action of the aqueous extracts of the fruits and seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) in nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis indicated that 3,4,6-tri-O-methyl-d-glucose and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- were the major components of the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed extracts, respectively. A single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) 15 min after intraperitoneal NA injection (60 mg/kg b.w.) was administered to induce type 2 DM. After induction was established, the diabetic rats were treated with the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed aqueous extracts (200 mg/kg b.w./day) via oral gavage for 4 weeks. As a result of the treatments with the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed extracts, the treated diabetic-treated rats exhibited a significant improvement in the deleterious effects on oral glucose tolerance; serum insulin, and C-peptide levels; liver glycogen content; liver glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase activities; serum lipid profile; serum free fatty acid level; liver lipid peroxidation; glutathione content and anti-oxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase) activities; and the mRNA expression of the adipose tissue expression of the insulin receptor β-subunit. Moreover, the treatment with fruit and seed extracts also produced a remarkable improvement of the pancreatic islet architecture and integrity and increased the islet size and islet cell number. In conclusion, the B. aegyptiaca fruit and seed aqueous extracts exhibit potential anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects, which may be mediated by increasing the serum insulin levels, decreasing insulin resistance, and enhancing the anti-oxidant defense system in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders caused by the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased over the last decades with more than 170 million individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus all over the world which imposes a greater economic impact on individuals, families and health systems. Though the genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus is polygenic, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at Hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B1) gene have been strongly associated with type 2 diabetes risk in various populations and ethnic groups. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the association of Hydroxy-Steroid-Dehydrogenase-11B1 gene (rs846910) with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a sample of Egyptian population. Patients and Methods: In the present study, we included 60 diabetic obese patients and 40 age and sex-matched controls. The mean age of the included patients was 50.26 +9.1 year; while the majority of them were females (70%). All the participating patients were subjected to detailed history and the following investigations: fasting blood sugar, post prandial sugar,HbA1c, and lipid profile. Detection of gene polymorphism by real time PCR was performed for all subjects in the study. Results: The study showed that homozygous GG genotype was more prelevant than GA genotype. No significant difference between GG and GA in terms of fasting and postprandial sugar and in terms of lipid profile: cholesterol (p - 0.642), TG (p - 0.808), LDL (p - 0.238), and HDL (p - 0.945).It showed no statistically significant difference between cases and controls in terms of HSD11B1 polymorphism (rs846910). The regression analysis showed that the HSD11B1 polymorphism did not significantly increase the risk of diabetes mellitus (OR 1.724, 95% CI [0.601 – 4.94]). Conclusion: In conclusion, multiple further studies involving other single nucleotide polymorphism of 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene as well as other genes involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity need to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a valuable culinary and medicinal plant. The compound 6-gingerol is the main gingerol in ginger rhizomes and it possesses interesting pharmacological and physiological properties. Mutation breeding involved using low doses of gamma radiation (5–30 Gy) to increase the genetic variability in ginger rhizomes (M1 generation). Ginger plants selected from the next generation (M2) were characterized and subjected to quantitative analysis for 6-gingerol content using HPLC of ginger extracts. M2 offspring from a parent ginger rhizome irradiated with 20 Gy was found to have a high 6-gingerol content (38.4 ± 0.01 mg/g methanol extract in comparison to 22.1 ± 0.03 mg/g methanol extract in non-irradiated control samples). Radiation induced genetic variability was also probed and confirmed using RAPD-PCR analysis. This research demonstrates the potential for ginger improvement and to our knowledge is the first to report the use of gamma radiation in breeding ginger plants with enhanced 6-gingerol content. Image 1 • Gamma-ray irradiation is an effective method to increase the quality of spices for a long time. • Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc) induced by gamma irradiation and the morphological and genetic variations using RAPD-PCR were detected. • The HPLC analysis used to evaluate the concentration of 6-gingerol. • This study produces ginger mutants with high content of 6-gingerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Our objective was to investigate the relative frequency and pattern of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) among Egyptian children with recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM). Methods  This was a cross-sectional study that included children from the age of 6 months to 16 years with rAOM. Those with structural, functional, and environmental risk factors were excluded. Enrolled children underwent thorough clinical, otorhinolaryngological, and immunological evaluation, including hematological counting, quantitative immunoglobulins assay, lymphocytic flow cytometric immunophenotyping, CH50, and phagocytic function tests. Results  The study included 69 children with rAOM (44 boys and 25 girls; median age 30 months). IEIs were identified in 14 children, including transient hypogammaglobulinemia (three cases), selective IgA deficiency (three cases), agammaglobulinemia (two cases), common variable immunodeficiency (two cases), and one case for each of congenital neutropenia, Chediak–Higashi syndrome, hyper IgM syndrome, and Griscelli syndrome. Parental consanguinity and history of unexplained/infection-related siblings' deaths were significantly associated with IEIs (p  = 0.018 and 0.003, respectively). AOM and related complications were more frequent among IEI cases (p  = 0.018 and 0.032, respectively). IEI cases had lower levels of hemoglobin (10.7 ± 2.80 vs. 12.3 ± 1.64 g/dL; p  = 0.002), IgG (203 [78–1,370] vs. 708 [42.3–1,509] mg/dL; p  = 0.000), and IgA (24.3 [3–310] vs. 80 [15.6–305] mg/dL; p  = 0.009) compared with non-IEI cases. Conclusion  The current study identified IEIs in one-fifth of children with rAOM, most of which were predominately antibody deficiencies. An immunological workup for rAOM is particularly important in the presence of certain indicators for IEIs, provided that other more common risk factors are excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt, a country with a population of 100 million (60% of them younger than age 30 years old), is among the top 10 nations in number of patients with diabetes according to the International Diabetes Federation. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk among young adults in Egypt is unknown. We evaluated T2D risk among 377 college students with age ranging between 19-21 years using the Finish Diabetes Score (FDS); Female 61%, body weight 71.6±14.4 kg, BMI 25±4.5 kg/m2. The overall FDS of the entire cohort was 6 (range: 0-16). Low-risk group (LR) with FDS <7 was observed in 52% of the sample (BMI 23±0.2 kg/m2, Female 54%) compared to 48% in the greater risk group (GR) with FDS ≥7 (BMI 27.6±0.3 kg/m2, Female 68%, p<0.001, p<0.01 respectively). Among GR group, there were variable T2D risk levels; slightly elevated in 36.3%, moderately elevated in 9.8%, and highly elevated risk in 1.9%. GR group had significantly higher total cholesterol versus LR group (189±2.4 vs. 179±2.3 mg/dL, p<0.01) and higher LDL-cholesterol (115±2.2 vs. 107±2.2 mg/dL, p<0.05), while HDL-C, VLDL-C, triglycerides, fasting serum insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and HOMA-IR were not different between the 2 groups. Higher proportion of subjects in the GR group reported frequent consumption of fast food (57% vs. 45%, p<0.05). Among parameters not included in the FDS model was social stress, which was significantly higher in GR (45% vs. 35%, p<0.05), and was an independent predictor of worsening FDS (β=-1.04, P<0.01) in the total cohort. We conclude that increased T2D risk is notable among Egyptian college students, especially among females and those who are overweight. Having 48% of college students at greater T2D risk is alarming. This warrants urgent need for earlier-age screening and implementing diabetes prevention programs with specific aims of reducing body weight, improving lipid profile and reducing consumption of fast food. Social stress should be considered as an important risk factor in any future development of T2D risk model in Egypt. Disclosure: E.M. Eid: None. S. Tomah: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Amarin Corporation. A.H. Eldib: None. M.M. Abouelmagd: None. E.M. Fahmy: None. A.M. Elbadawy: None. H.A. Ghazi: None. O. Hamdy: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Sanofi-Aventis. Consultant; Self; Abbott, Merck & Co., Inc. Research Support; Self; National Dairy Council. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Healthimation, LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This article investigates the frequency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositivity and its association with the severity of new-onset acute ischemic stroke (AIS) among previously healthy children with asymptomatic/mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A case–control study that included children < 18 years with out-of-hospital AIS of undetermined etiology and a control group of healthy children. Exclusion criteria were current respiratory symptoms, previous COVID-19 diagnosis, prior COVID-19 vaccination, active SARS-CoV-2 infection, history of hospital admission in the last 6 months, and having a stroke predisposition. We screened children for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The severity of stroke was evaluated using the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS). Results The current study included 25 children (15 males and 10 females; median age 24 months) with out-of-hospital AIS and 25 healthy controls (11 males and 14 females; median age 24 months). SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was detected in 15 (60%) of AIS children and 11 (44%) among controls (p = 0.258). Compared with seronegative AIS children, those seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 had higher PedNIHSS scores (median 19 vs. 8.5; p = 0.001), pediatric intensive care unit admission (93.3% vs. 40%; p = 0.007), need for mechanical ventilation (53.3% vs. 10%; p = 0.040), and D-dimer levels (median 3.5 vs. 1.75 μg/mL; p < 0.001). Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity may be associated with more severe AIS affecting previously healthy children during the postacute phase of asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]