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Low water consumption in rural areas in Jordan had resulted in the production of concentrated grey water. Average COD, BOD and TSS values were 2568 mg/l, 1056 mg/l and 845 mg/l, respectively. The average grey water generation was measured to be 14 L/c.d. Three different treatment options were selected based on certain criterions, and discussed in this article. The examined treatment systems are septic tank followed by intermittent sand filter; septic tank followed by wetlands; and UASB-hybrid reactor. Advantages and disadvantages of each system are presented. It was concluded that UASB-hybrid reactor would be the most suitable treatment option in terms of compactness and simplicity in operation. The volume of UASB-hybrid reactor was calculated to be 0.268 m 3 with a surface area of 0.138 m 2 for each house having 10 inhabitants on average. Produced effluent is expected to meet Jordanian standards set for reclaimed water reuse in irrigating fruit trees.

Ten broiler flocks claimed to be suffering from aflatoxicosis in Ninavah governorate were subjected to study the correlation between natural contamination of feed samples with aflatoxin and European production efficiency factor (EPEF). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was adopted for estimation of AF level in broiler feeds. Growth performance parameters were recorded including final body weight, mortality, feed consumption and conversion ratio. Aflatoxins levels in feeds were ranged from 31 to 2381.8 ppb and EPEF was between 91.55-151.05. There was a highly negative correlation between AF concentration in broiler flock feeds and their EPEF (-0.828).

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is associated with the overproduction of the 170-kDa transmembrane protein P-glycoprotein (MDR1) caused by transcriptional activation. However, the activity of the MDR1 promoter in response to different doses of ionizing radiation has not been investigated. In this study, two squamous cell carcinoma oral cavity cell lines, T-167 and T-409, were exposed to either a standard clinical dose of 2 Gy or low-dose fractionated radiation therapy (LDFRT), delivered as 0.5 Gy in four fractions. MDR1 gene expression and degree of cell death were assessed. Clinically relevant 2-Gy dose of radiation resulted in increased expression of MDR1 by reverse transcription-PCR and luciferase reporter assays in both cell lines (T-167 and T-409), whereas LDFRT did not. LDFRT caused enhanced apoptosis when compared with the 2-Gy dose in T-167 and T-409 cells as assessed by terminal nucleotidyl transferase–mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Transcription of the MDR1 gene is regulated by numerous transcription factors, which include nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NF-Y, SP1, YB1, MEF1 (MDR1 promoter-enhancing factor 1), p53, and NF-R1. Interestingly, 2 Gy robustly induced both NF-κB and NF-Y in T-167 and T-409 cells, but did not show induction when exposed to LDFRT. Silencing the expression of the DNA binding subunit of NF-κB, p50, by small interfering RNA vector resulted in a decrease of MDR1 function by rhodamine 123 efflux assay in T167 cells exposed to 2 Gy. Together, these results provide evidence for the lack of induction of P-glycoprotein expression by LDFRT, which has important implications in combinatorial cancer therapy, including the use of LDFRT as an adjuvant for chemotherapy. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(1):89–98)

One hundred and sixty male broiler chicks were fed at one day of age aflatoxin (AF) at a rate of 3.5 mg/kg alone, or with groups injected with Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts (40000) at 14 days of age. Adsorbent (Mycofix® plus 3.0) was incorporated at a rate of 0.25% in the above mentioned groups from one day of age till the end of the experiment. The study was conducted to reveal the effect of a aforementioned different diets and treatments on live body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, blood parameters (total red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume), biochemical profile of serum (alkaline phosphatase and β-carotin), liver weights, bursal and thymus indexes, caecal lesion scores and mortalities. The results indicated that AF was responsible for a significant (P

Three experiments were conducted to elucidate the alleviation effects of Mycofix plus 3.0 on Newcastle antibody formation during aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens. Three levels of Mycofix (0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.25%) and aflatoxin (2.5ppm, 3.5ppm, and 5ppm) were used. Chickens were vaccinated at 8 and 18 days of age. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Haemagglutination inhibition tests were employed for determination Newcastle antibody titers at 28 days. The results showed that, Mycofix , and only at its high level of addition (0.25%) was effective in ameliorating the negative effect of aflatoxin at the rates 2.5ppm and 3.5 ppm levels of inclusion on antibody production but not at the high level of 5ppm on antibody production, comparing with titers in control groups.

Two hundred and twenty six broilers feed commodities were collected from different broiler flocks in Ninevah governorate(Iraq), through the period from January 2004 toDecember 2005. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method was used for T-2 toxin estimation. Results showed that, 81.5% of the total examined feed samples were positive to T-2 toxin contamination. Individually these percentages were as follows; 95% for wheat; 87% for corn; 85% for soybean; 74% for barley; and 70% for mixed feed. The range for T-2 contamination was between 8-1200 ppb. Most of the samples (58.4%) had low T-2 toxin natural contamination levels. Thirty two percent of positive samples had medium contamination level, while only 18.6% experienced high natural contamination levels with T-2 toxin.

In the present study, ionizing radiation (IR)–induced bystander effects were investigated in two lung cancer cell lines. A549 cells were found to be more resistant to radiation-conditioned medium (RCM) obtained from A549 cells when compared with the H460 exposed to RCM procured from H460 cells. Significant release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was observed in A549 cells after IR/RCM exposure, and the survival was reversed with neutralizing antibody against TNF-α. In H460 cells, significant release of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), but not TNF-α, was observed in response to IR, RCM exposure, or RCM + 2Gy, and neutralizing antibody against TRAIL diminished clonogenic inhibition. Mechanistically, TNF-α present in RCM of A549 was found to mediate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation to nucleus, whereas the soluble TRAIL present in RCM of H460 cells mobilized the nuclear translocation of PAR-4 (a proapoptotic protein). Analysis of IR-inducible early growth response-1 (EGR-1) function showed that EGR-1 was functional in A549 cells but not in H460 cells. A significant decrease in RCM-mediated apoptosis was observed in both A549 cells stably expressing small interfering RNA EGR-1 and EGR-1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Thus, the high-dose IR-induced bystander responses in A549 may be dependent on the EGR-1 function and its target gene TNF-α. These findings show that the reduced bystander response in A549 cells is due to activation of NF-κB signaling by TNF-α, whereas enhanced response to IR-induced bystander signaling in H460 cells was due to release of TRAIL associated with nuclear translocation of PAR-4. [Cancer Res 2007;67(24):11811–20]

One hundred and forty one-day-old-male broiler chicks (Ross), were divided into 7 groups (20 chicks/group) and fed T-2 toxin alone or with five different types of adsorbents; Montmorillonite 0.5%, Vermiculite 0.5%, Pigacine 0.5%, Gezilgure 0.5%; and the resin Perlite 0.5%. Gross and microscopic examinations reveal that all adsorbents used were unable to alleviate the oral lesions induced by T-2 toxin in broiler chickens.

One hundred and fifty eight broiler compound feed samples were delivered from broiler flocks in Ninevah governorates. These flocks were clamed to be affected with field aflatoxicosis. All the examined samples had aflatoxin levels higher than of the permissible limit (20 ppb). The range of AF levels was 22-2263 ppb. The mean value of AF concentration was 592.7ppb. The percentage of AF concentrations from 0-500 ppb was 48.7%, and from 500-1000 ppb was 41.2%, while that from 1000-2500 was 10.2%.

The possible protective effect of Mycofix against the toxic effect of T-2 toxin in growing broiler chickens was investigated in two age stages; the first and second ages, ranged from 1-21 and 22-42 days, respectively. The experiment was consisted of 4 dietary treatments: treatment 1: control; treatment 2: 2.5g Mycofix/kg feed; treatment 3: 8 ppm T-2 toxin alone; treatment 4: 8 ppm T-2 toxin plus Mycofix 2.5g Mycofix /kg feed. T-2 toxin alone significantly (p

Purpose: To address the functional role of radiation-induced transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in a normal epithelial background, we selected a spontaneously immortalized lung epithelial cell line derived from the normal lung tissue of a dominant-negative mutant of the TGF-β RII (ΔRII) transgenic mouse that conditionally expressed ΔRII under the control of the metallothionein promoter (MT-1), and assessed this cell line’s response to radiation. Methods and Materials: A spontaneously immortalized lung epithelial cell culture (SILECC) was established and all analyses were performed within 50 passages. Colony-forming and terminal transferase dUPT nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were used to assess clonogenic inhibition and apoptosis, respectively. Western-blot analysis was performed to assess the kinetics of p21, bax, and RII proteins. Transforming growth factor-β-responsive promoter activity was measured using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: Exposure to ZnSO 4 inhibited TGF-β signaling induced either by recombinant TGF-β1 or ionizing radiation. The SILECC, treated with either ZnSO 4 or neutralizing antibody against TGF-β, showed a significant increase in radio-resistance compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, the expression of ΔRII inhibited the radiation-induced up-regulation of the TGF-β effector gene p21 waf1/cip1 . Conclusions: Our findings imply that inhibition of radiation-induced TGF-β signaling via abrogation of the RII function enhances the radio-resistance of normal lung epithelial cells, and this can be directly attributed to the loss of TGF-β signaling function.

A transformed cell among a group of normal cells exerts a dynamic influence for clonal growth and mass tran- sformation. Likewise, a treatment-induced damaged cell might exert deleterious signal to either neighboring or distal cells. These signals that elicit either transformation or cell death are classified under two independent phenomena. These two phenomena are called (1) Abscopal effect and (2) Bystander effect. There are several agents that have been reported to induce abscopal and bystander effects. Ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation are prime inducers of abscopal and bystander effects. In addition, localized therapies for tumor control such as gene therapy approaches, prodrug conversion based chemotherapy approaches, and surgical procedures are significant inducers of either abscopal or bystander effects. The proposed mechanisms that have been reported in literature clearly indicate pivotal roles of cytokine and ceramide si- gnaling leading to the activation of pro-survival proteins and/or pro-apoptotic proteins. Together these pathways provide distinct differences between abscopal and bystander effects that are of particular interest in modern cancer therapeutics. The most exciting future direction of bystander/ abscopal biology in terms of cancer therapeutics will potentially arise from the use of stem cells. In this review, a critical evaluation of potential benefits of abscopal / bystander effects media- ted signaling pathways in relation to cancer therapeutics are discussed in detail.

The role of the Software Quality Assurance (SQA) within an organization has always been critical one. This is also a role which has seen a rapid evolution over the last decade or so. We have seen the SQA role move from being primarily responsible for process compliance to now being actively involved in strategic organizational governance. This technical paper charters the path of the SQA role within an organization commencing with explaining its traditional responsibilities and activities and culminates with what we believe would be the future focus of this extremely important role

Multiple complex pathways are operable in the evolution of cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs). These pathways involve interaction between neoplastic T cells and cells of the immune system (especially dendritic cells and the non-malignant T cells). Granulysin is a proinflammatory antimicrobial peptide which has an immune alarmin function, activating dendritic cells, as well as an active role in tumor immunology and prognosis. FOXP3+ regulatory T cells Tregs are an important player in the immune system. Much controversy is found in the literature about the role of Tregs in CTCL.The present study aimed to investigate the expression of granulysin and FOXP3 in mycosis fungoides (MF), its precursor lesion large plaque parapsoriasis and its leukemic form Sezary syndrome (SS).Immunohistochemical expression of granulysin and FOXP3 were assessed in lesional skin biopsies taken from 58 patients (4 large plaque parapsoriasis, 48 MF and 6 SS).Granulysin positivity was cytoplasmic and higher in MF than in parapsoriasis en plaque and higher in the more advanced stages of MF (p0.001). All groups showed significant differences between each other except between MF tumor stage and SS. FOXP3 positivity was nuclear and higher in early stage MF (plaque and patch stages) than in tumor stages and SS (p0.001). However the FOXP3 count was lower in parapsoriasis en plaque than in other stages of MF. All the groups showed significant differences between each other except between parapsoriasis and SS and between patch and plaque stages of MF.The present study supports a role for granulysin in MF progression and proposes a novel hypothesis about the effect of FOXP3 +veTregs in the suppression of the activity of the neoplastic cells in MF.

Edelfosine is a synthetic alkyl-lysophospholipid that possesses significant antitumor activity in several human tumor models. Here, we investigated the effects of edelfosine combined with androgen deprivation (AD) in LNCaP and VCaP human prostate cancer cells. This treatment regimen greatly decreased cell proliferation compared with single agent or AD alone, resulting in higher levels of apoptosis in LNCaP compared with VCaP cells. Edelfosine caused a dose-dependent decrease in AKT activity, but did not affect the expression of total AKT in either cell line. Furthermore, edelfosine treatment inhibited the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and was associated with an increase in activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) expression levels, a stress response gene and a negative regulator of AR transactivation. ATF3 binds to AR after edelfosine + AD and represses the transcriptional activation of AR as demonstrated by PSA promoter studies. Knockdown of ATF3 using siRNA-ATF3 reversed the inhibition of PSA promoter activity, suggesting that the growth inhibition effect of edelfosine was ATF3 dependent. Moreover, expression of AR variant 7 (ARv7) and TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene were greatly inhibited after combined treatment with AD and edelfosine in VCaP cells. In vivo experiments using an orthotopic LNCaP model confirmed the antitumor effects of edelfosine + AD over the individual treatments. A significant decrease in tumor volume and PSA levels was observed when edelfosine and AD were combined, compared with edelfosine alone. Edelfosine shows promise in combination with AD for the treatment of prostate cancer patients. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(6); 1353–63. ©2016 AACR.

The Gondpipri mafic-ultramafic complex consists of several tectonically dismembered gabbro-websterite-troctolite peridotite bodies disposed intermittently in a 10 km long NE-SW trending linear belt within tonalite- trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) and charnockite-enderbite, Western Bastar Craton (WBC), Central India. Ni-Co sulphide associated PGE mineralization is recorded in gabbro variants viz. norite gabbro-anorthositic gabbro-gabbro at Heti. The mineralized gabbroic body extends for 500 m strike length with 40 m width and dips 45° to 55° southerly following regional structural trends. The host rocks contain total Cu + Ni up to 5000 ppm with a Cu: Ni ratio

Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Claudins are a family of tight junction proteins that are biologically relevant in many cancer progression steps. This study aimed to investigate the expression of the intestinal claudin (claudin 4) in gastric carcinoma and to evaluate its relation to the different clinicopathologic prognostic parameters, especially lymphangiogenesis (production of new lymphatic vessels, measured by lymphovascular density (LVD)) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI).Fifty-five gastric carcinoma specimens were immunohistochemically stained for claudin 4 and D2-40 (for detection of lymphatic vessel endothelium).High expression of claudin 4 was detected in 26 of 55 (47.3%) cases. Low expression of claudin 4 was related to poorly differentiated type (p=0.001), non-intestinal (diffuse) type (p=0.001), deeper tumour invasion (p0.001), lymph node metastasis (p=0.001), and higher stage (p=0.001). In addition, higher LVD was related to poorly differentiated types (p=0.001), non-intestinal type (p=0.001), lymph node metastasis (p=0.015), and higher tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) stage (p=0.001). LVI was related to lymph node metastasis (p=0.025), higher TNM stage (p=0.001), and LVD (p=0.001). Claudin 4 significantly correlated with both LVD (p=0.009) and LVI (p=0.009).High expression of claudin 4 was associated with the more differentiated intestinal-type gastric carcinoma and lost in poorly differentiated diffuse type. So, claudin 4 may be used as one of the differentiating markers between the two major types of gastric carcinoma (intestinal vs. diffuse). LVD and LVI were related to higher incidence of lymph node metastasis and therefore could be used as predictive markers for lymph node metastasis in limited specimens during early gastric carcinoma to determine the need for more invasive surgery. Low expression of claudin 4 was related to lymphangiogenesis. This may shed light on the relation of tight junction protein expression and lymphangiogenesis.

This chapter presents an enhanced eGovernment stage model based on citizens' participation for improvements in the delivery of governmental services by putting citizens' insights and their requirements in the context of e-government development and the potential use of a multi-channel delivery of services for regional governments in developing countries. The model proposed is based on research done in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This research identified missing elements in traditional eGovernment models that would prove essential for implementation in developing countries. These models usually propose five stages of development spanning from emergence to integration. The proposal here considers most of the limitations in two stages, namely initial and an enhancement stage with the advantage of decreasing the uncertainty of e-government implementation in the public sector by recognising the consequence of the institutional readiness, adoption processes, the needs of ICT tools, and the factors that influence the implementation process.

Ninety eight samples of feed commodities (wheat, soybean and corn ) were collected during the period 2000–2004 from various broiler farms showed clinical signs of ochratoxicosis. Feed samples were divided into two equal parts, one for mycological study, for detection of feed commodities contamination with A. ochracous, and the other part for ochratoxin analysis using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mycological results showed that wheat samples show the higher percentage of contamination with A. ochraceus (73%) with log 10 CFU/gm of 2.77. Toxicological analysis shows that wheat samples had the highest rate of ochratoxin contamination (86%) followed by soybean (76%) and then corn samples (70%). Ochratoxin levels in all feed samples were ranged from < 100 ppb to 400 ppb. The importance of ochratoxin in poultry health was discussed. اركولاا مومسب محللا جورف فلاعأ تانوكم ضعبل يعيبطلا ثولتلا

Brucella abortus was isolated and identified from aborted lambs in the Governorate of Sulaimani /Said-Sadic district. The blood agar, candle jar and 37°C incubator were successfully used. Microbiological and biochemical tests were used for identification of the isolates. Although previous incidence of brucellosis prevalence has been reported serologically in the area but the present study could represent the first attempt for B. abortus isolation, with local available facilities in the Governorate of Sulaimani.

Male broiler 1-day-old chicks were fed T-2 toxin at a rate of 8 mg/kg for 3 weeks, to determine its effect on total leukocyte count; differential and absolute leukocyte count; stress ratio (Heterophils/ Lymphocytes), (H/L); serum albumin and globulin's (α, β, δ) levels; bursal weight index (BWI); bursal diameter index (BDI); Thymus length index (TDI); histological changes in both bursa of Fabricious and thymus. The results show that T-2 toxin had a significant negative effect on all of the above mentioned parameters, with cortical thinning effect on both bursa of Fabricious and thymus.

A total of (180) feed samples were collected from three different parent stock flocks in Nineveh governorate during the period between September till March 2003, to determine the prevalence of salmonellae contamination of these samples. Fifteen isolates (8.3%) of six salmonellae stereotypes were isolated. they were S. typhimurium (4) isolates (26.6%), S. anatum (1) isolates (6.66%), S. good wood (3) isolates (20%), S. braenderup (3) isolates (20%), S. senftenberg (3) isolates (20%) and S. Amsterdam (1) isolate (6.66%). All of the isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantion but resistant to sulphamethoxazol, trimethoprim and amoxicillin (100%).

Munc18-1, also referred to as p67, co-purifies with Cdk5 and has an important role in neurotransmitter release. The role of Munc18-1 for functional connectivity of the nervous system was demonstrated by gene knockout experiments in mice, wherein accumulation of neurotransmitter and silencing of synaptic activity was observed. Our earlier studies have shown that both Munc18-1 and Cdk5 co-purify and co-localize with cytoskeletal components, implying that apart from having a regulatory role in vesicle docking and fusion, Munc18-1 could also affect the dynamics of neuronal cytoskeleton. In the present study we have shown the presence of Munc18-1 in nuclear rich fraction from rat brain and confirmed the nuclear localization of this protein in PC12 cells and adult rat brain neurons by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. We also demonstrate the binding of Munc18-1 to double stranded (ds) DNA. The ability of Munc18-1 to bind dsDNA, albeit the lack of DNA binding domains, suggests that the binding may be mediated through protein-protein interaction through some other DNA-binding proteins. The presence of both nuclear import and export signals in Munc18-1 primary structure corroborates its nuclear localization and makes it a putative shuttle protein between nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, the precise physiological relevance of which needs to be elucidated.

Association of the highly conserved heterochromatin protein, HP1, with the specialized chromatin of centromeres and telomeres requires binding to a specific histone H3 modification of methylation on lysine 9. This modification is catalyzed by the Drosophila Su(var)3-9 gene product and its homologues. Specific DNA binding activities are also likely to be required for targeting this activity along with HP1 to specific chromosomal regions. The Drosophila HOAP protein is a DNA-binding protein that was identified as a component of a multiprotein complex of HP1 containing Drosophila origin recognition complex (ORC) subunits in the early Drosophila embryo. Here we show direct physical interactions between the HOAP protein and HP1 and specific ORC subunits. Two additional HP1-like proteins (HP1b and HP1c) were recently identified in Drosophila, and the unique chromosomal distribution of each isoform is determined by two independently acting HP1 domains (hinge and chromoshadow domain) (47). We find heterochromatin protein 1/origin recognition complex-associated protein (HOAP) to interact specifically with the originally described predominantly heterochromatic HP1a protein. Both the hinge and chromoshadow domains of HP1a are required for its interaction with HOAP, and a novel peptide repeat located in the carboxyl terminus of the HOAP protein is required for the interaction with the HP1 hinge domain. Peptides that interfere with HP1a/HOAP interactions in co-precipitation experiments also displace HP1 from the heterochromatic chromocenter of polytene chromosomes in larval salivary glands. A mutant for the HOAP protein also suppresses centric heterochromatin-induced silencing, supporting a role for HOAP in centric heterochromatin.

We have used the highly conserved heterochromatin component, heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1), as a molecular tag for purifying other protein components of Drosophila heterochromatin. A complex of HP1 associated with the origin recognition complex (ORC) and an HP1/ORC-associated protein (HOAP) was purified from the maternally loaded cytoplasm of early Drosophila embryo. We propose that the DNA-binding activities of ORC and HOAP function to recruit underphosphorylated isoforms of HP1 to sites of heterochromatin nucleation. The roles of highly phosphorylated HP1, other DNA-binding proteins known to interact with HP1, and histone modifying activities in heterochromatin assembly are also addressed.

Quantification of total and individual amino acids in biological fluids such as plasma, urine and cerebrospinal fluid has an important diagnostic implication in laboratory medicine. The present paper describes protocols for the assay of total amino acids by modified method based on dinitrophenyl and HPLC profile involving pre-column derivatization with o-pthalaldehyde (OPA) derivatization, respectively. The method, based on the alkylation of-SH groups prior to OPA derivatization of amino acids followed by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography, provide a comprehensive profile of more than twenty amino acids (including-SH group containing) in a single run lasting about 45 minutes. The present study, apart from establishing the normal profile of amino acids in plasma of Indian sub population, also presents HPLC profile for some of the rare amino acidopathies.

The adsorption of lead (Pb II) ion on different types of synthesized zeolite was investigated. The BET surface area, total pore volume & average pore size distribution of these synthesized zeolites were determined by adsorption isotherms for N2, the surface area & total pore volume of their sources were found by adsorption isothermN2.The adsorption equilibrium was measured after 24h at room temperature (RT) & concentration 10mg.L-1 of Pb (II) was used. The adsorption of heavy metal Pb (II) on four different prepared zeolites (LTA from Montmorillonite clay, FAU(Y)-B.H (G2) from Barley husk, Mordenite (G1) from Chert rock, FAU(X)-S.C (G3) from shale clay & modified Shale clay by oxalic acid (N1) & sodium hydroxide (N2)), were compared with the adsorption of their sources by using static batch experimental method. The major factors affecting the heavy metal ion sorption on different synthesized zeolites & their sources were investigated. The adsorption equilibrium capacity (Qm) of Pb (II) ion for different synthesized zeolites ordered from (N1>N2>LTA>G3>G2>G1&for their sources ordered Shale clay >Montmorilonite> Barley husk>Chert rock. The atomic absorption spectrometry was used for analysis of lead heavy metal ion, the obtained results in this study showed that the different synthesized zeolites were efficient ion exchanges for removing heavy metal, in particular, the modified zeolite from shale clay by oxalic acid.

Summary Background Psoriasis is an erythematosquamous dermatosis, which has strong expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), imparting a high resistance to lesional skin infection. Granulysin is a proinflammatory AMP that has been found in some infection-resistant dermatoses. Aim To assess granulysin expression in psoriasis. Methods Immunohistochemical expression of granulysin was assessed in lesional skin biopsies taken from 30 patients with psoriasis and 10 normal skin specimens from healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, gender and skin site. Granulysin expression was found to be high in 11 patients (36.7%), moderate in 10 (33.3%) and low in 9 (30%). A highly significant (P = 0.001) difference in granulysin expression between patients with psoriasis and HCs was found. There were also significant differences in granulysin expression between patients with low Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (≤ 10) and those with high PASI (> 10) (P = 0.001), and between patients with early-onset ( 40 years of age) disease (P

Background and study aims Despite the growing understanding of the involvement of protooncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in the oncogenesis of CRC, the exact biological and molecular mechanisms underpinning this process remain poorly understood. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) has been implicated in the regulation of growth and malignant transformation . Accumulating evidences have come to indicate that abnormalities in the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathway are involved in oncogenesis of several cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of JAK3 and STAT3 in both normal and activated forms by immunohistochemistry in adenomas of the colon, ulcerative colitis and CRC compared to normal colonic mucosa . Patients and methods Tissues from 30 cases with primary CRC and seven cases with ulcerative colitis (UC), removed by colectomy, were included. In addition, tissues from 10 colonic adenomas , 15 CRC and eight cases with UC, obtained by endoscopic biopsies , were examined histopathologically. Immunohistochemical evaluation of STAT3, p-STAT3, JAK3 and p-JAK3 expression in tissue sections was completed. Statistical analysis and correlation of data were then performed. Results Normal colonic mucosa showed expression of STAT3 only. Immunoreactivity of p-JAK3 increased significantly ( p 0.05) and correlated with the degree of dysplasia in colonic adenomas. Immunoreactivity of p-STAT3 increased significantly ( p 0.05) and correlated with the degree of dysplasia in cases with UC. In CRC a significant positive correlation was found between p-STAT3 expression and grading, STAT3, JAK3 and p-JAK3 and TNM or Dukes’ staging, and p-STAT3 and nodal status excluding distant metastasis ( p Conclusion JAK3 and STAT3, and particularly their activated forms, were found to correlate significantly with the degree of dysplasia in adenomas and UC, indicating their potential role in colorectal carcinogenesis. They also correlate with anaplasia and invasion, suggesting a definitive role in progression of CRC.

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is a conserved component of the highly compact chromatin of higher eukaryotic centromeres and telomeres. Cytogenetic experiments in Drosophila have shown that HP1 localization into this chromatin is perturbed in mutants for the origin recognition complex (ORC) 2 subunit. ORC has a multisubunit DNA-binding activity that binds origins of DNA replication where it is required for origin firing. The DNA-binding activity of ORC is also used in the recruitment of the Sir1 protein to silence nucleation sites flanking silent copies of the mating-type genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A fraction of HP1 in the maternally loaded cytoplasm of the early Drosophila embryo is associated with a multiprotein complex containing Drosophila melanogaster ORC subunits. This complex appears to be poised to function in heterochromatin assembly later in embryonic development. Here we report the identification of a novel component of this complex, the HP1/ORC-associated protein. This protein contains similarity to DNA sequence-specific HMG proteins and is shown to bind specific satellite sequences and the telomere-associated sequence in vitro. The protein is shown to have heterochromatic localization in both diploid interphase and mitotic chromosomes and polytene chromosomes. Moreover, the gene encoding HP1/ORC-associated protein was found to display reciprocal dose-dependent variegation modifier phenotypes, similar to those for mutants in HP1 and the ORC 2 subunit.

The ameliorative effect of graded levels of dietary sodium bentonite (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 per cent wt/wt of feed) on in vitro-impaired phagocytosis and suppressed immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine during aflatoxicosis (AF) in broiler chicks was investigated. Both percentage and mean of phagocytic activities were decreased significantly (P0.05) in chicks fed 2.5 mg aflatoxin per kg feed. The addition of sodium bentonite was significantly effective in ameliorating the negative effect of AF on the percentage and mean of phagocytosis. The presence of AF alone in the diet depressed the immune response of chicks as measured by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Sodium bentonite was also effective in ameliorating the suppressive effect of AF on the HI -titre in chicks vaccinated against Newcastle disease. The best results obtained when sodium bentonite was added at the rate of 0.4 per cent wt/wt of feed to the AF-containing diets.

Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) is a common emergency seen in otolaryngology practice. These patients are often screened for glandular fever in addition to routine haematological tests. In our unit, we have screened 66 patients with quinsy for glandular fever over a period of 12 months. All these patients were screened for glandular fever by rapid immunoassay. Only one out of 66 patients was tested positive for glandular fever. Due to the extremely low incidence of glandular fever in quinsy patients, we do not see any relevance in screening for glandular fever in quinsy patients. Hence we recommend that routine screening for glandular fever in quinsy patients is an unnecessary invasive investigation for the patients and not cost effective for the hospital.

Summary Brucellosis is an endemic anthropozoonotic disease in most Middle East countries including Iraq. It causes considerable loss of economy and energy, particularly in the rural areas. Since 1966 when the prevalence of brucella agglutinin from slaughtered sheep and goat was reported in Baghdad, several trials have been conducted including serological studies of brucellosis in the northern provinces of Iraq (Nainava, Duhok, Erbil, Kirkuk and Sulaimani). Humans, sheep, goats, cattle and buffalo have been involved. The studies also included isolation and identification of Brucella species, including B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. ovis. Local veterinary authorities, international organizations, universities and some NGOs have been involved. Moreover, limited efforts have been reported concerning the control and eradication of the disease among goats and sheep in some restricted areas. A limited vaccination program for newborn lambs and kids also has been conducted by the FAO, which was involved in the veterinary emergency plan for brucellosis in 2000. Northern provinces share an extensive border with Iran, Turkey and Syria, in addition to the direct and intimate contacts with other provinces of Iraq, which share borders with Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Hence any strategic planning for the control or eradication of this devastating anthropozoonotic disease in the country should be implemented regionally and not locally.

Establishing diagnosis of a granulomatous lesion of the nose is often difficult. Here we report a case of granulomatous lesion of the nose caused by Leishmania – an unlikely cause in the UK. The diagnosis and management of the case is discussed here.

A series of 6 consecutive cases of orbital metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were reported in the last 5 years. All patients were men. The age of patients ranged between 47 and 70 years. Four patients presented with recent onset of unilateral proptosis, 1 patient presented with inflammatory manifestations, and 1 patient presented with unilateral ptosis. Pain was present in 4 patients. Three patients had a previous history of HCC, while the orbital affection was the first manifestation of the disease in 3 cases. All patients had chronic hepatitis C. CT scan of 5 patients showed a mass in upper lateral orbital quadrant, and 1 patient had the mass in the upper central orbit. Bone changes (thinning, notching, or erosion) were detected in all patients. Diagnosis was confirmed by incision biopsy in all cases. Life span of 5 patients in the study had a mean of 10.2 (±2.3) months. Case 2. A 70-year-old man presented with left painful proptosis of 6 weeks duration. The medical history was positive for chronic hepatitis C of 10 years duration. Ocular history was unremarkable. Best-corrected visual acuities were 20/30 in each eye. On examination, the patient had 7-mm left proptosis, with Hertel exophthalmometer readings of 14 mm OD and 21 mm OS with inferomedial displacement of the globe. A firm, nontender immobile mass was palpable in the superotemporal part of the left orbit. Ocular motility of OS showed limitation in upgaze. The pupils were equal, round, and reactive to light, with no evidence of a relative afferent pupillary defect. Anterior segment and posterior segment examination was unremarkable OU. Orbital CT scan showed an ill-defined soft tissue mass in the left superotemporal orbital quadrant, with erosion of the bone of the orbital roof (Fig. 3D). The provisional diagnosis was a malignant lacrimal gland tumor, and orbital biopsy was necessary. The histopathologic examination of the biopsy showed that the lesion had the characteristic features of metastatic lesion from hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient was referred to the oncology department for further investigations, including abdominal ultrasound and CT scan. These investigations showed the presence of a right hepatic lobe focal lesion. A CT-guided biopsy showed this to be the primary site for the metastatic orbital lesion.

Syzygium chemunjianum Shareef, E.S. S.Kumar & Roy sp. nov. (Figs. 1 & 2) Type:��� INDIA. Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram district, Chemunji hills, 1200 m, 25 October 2012 (with flowers), S . M. Shareef 72499 (holotype TBGT! isotypes MH! TBGT!). Shrub to small evergreen tree, ca. 7 m high; bark smooth, grayish-white, blaze dark reddish brown; twigs at first quadrangular, later terete, grayish-brown on drying. Leaves opposite, coriaceous, obovate or narrowly obovate, 4���7 �� 2���4 cm, apex obtuse or obtusely acuminate, base tapering, margin entire and recurved, gland dotted on both sides, brown beneath on drying; midrib channeled above and raised beneath; lateral nerves ca. 32 pairs on either side, obscure above and prominent below; tertiaries reticulated; intramarginal vein one tiered, ca. 0.5 mm from margins. Petiole 0.7���1 cm long, thick and robust, black on drying. Inflorescence terminal cymes, much branched, ca. 7 cm long; peduncle and inflorescence branches quadrangular and sulcate; branches often leafy; bracts obtuse, ca. 1.2 �� 1.75 mm, caducous; bracteoles obtuse, ca. 1.5 �� 2 mm, aducous; Flowers creamy-white, ca. 1.8 cm across, sessile or pedicellate, pedicel ca. 1 mm long. Calyx turbinate, ca. 5 �� 4.5 mm; lobes 4, broadly ovate, 2���2.5 mm long, apex rounded. Petals orbicular to suborbicular, 3���4 mm across, calyptrate. Stamens numerous, filaments, 4���7.3 mm long, bent inwards in bud. Ovary 2-celled with multiple ovules; style ca. 4.5 mm long, stigma acute. Fruit globose to ellipsoid, 1.5���3.1 �� 1. 3���2.8 cm, greenish-yellow to yellowish-white, crowned by calyx lobes or absent, pericarp white, succulent. Seed 1, rarely 2, smooth, globose to subglobose, 1.3���2.8 x 1.0��� 2.6 cm. Phenology, distribution and habitat:��� To date Syzygium chemunjianum is known only from the montane evergreen forests of Pongalappara, the Chemunji hills and Pandipath of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala at an elevation between 1100���1430 m. The species also occurs along streams and marshes in lower elevation montane evergreen forests. The present three populations each comprise c. 50 mature individuals and numerous seedlings. The populations are associated with Eugenia discifera Gamble (1918: 239), E. thwaitesii Duthie (1879: 506), Cullenia exarillata A. Robynson (1970: 249), Salacia agasthiamalana Udayan, Regy Yohannan & Pradeep (2012: 255) and Cinnamomum filipedicellatum Kostermans (1983:92). Flowering and fruiting occurs from October to March. Ripe fruits are sweet and eaten. Additional specimens examined:��� INDIA. Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram district, Pongalappara, 1430 m, 11 January 2011 (with flowers and fruits), S. M . Shareef 70608 (TBGT); Chemunji hills, 1200 m, 25 October 2012 (with flowers), S. M . Shareef 72500 (TBGT); ibid, 27 December 2012 (with fruits) S. M . Shareef 76124 (TBGT); ibid, 10 January 2013 (with fruits) S. M . Shareef 76125 (TBGT); Way to Chemunji hills, 1100 m, 12 March 2013 (with fruits) S. M . Shareef 76127 (TBGT); Pandipath, 1200 m, 12 March 2013 (with fruits) S. M . Shareef 76128 (TBGT). Etymology:��� Syzygium chemunjianum is named after its type locality Chemunji hills, Kerala. Interrelationships:��� Syzygium chemunjianum is similar to S. tamilnadensis, but is distinguished by the shrubby to small tree habit, smooth and greyish-white bark with dark reddish brown blaze, light orange red young leaves and strictly obovate to narrowly obovate leaves with tapering bases and obtuse apices. The number of intramarginal nerves and lateral nerves in their leaves, position of inflorescence, turbinate calyx, and shape, colour and size of fruits and size of seeds distinguish the new species from the latter. The new species has 1-tiered intra-marginal nerve and ca. 32 pairs of lateral nerves which are very close to each other and are faint on the adaxial side and prominent on the abaxial surfaces. Diagnostic morphological characters of S. chemunjianum and the related species are provided in Table 1., Published as part of S. M. Shareef & Kumar, E. S. Santhosh, 2013, A new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae) from Kerala, India, pp. 34-38 in Phytotaxa 129 (1) on pages 34-37, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.129.1.2, http://zenodo.org/record/5085613, {"references":["Gamble, J. S. (1918). Decades Kewenses XCI. Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1918: 238 - 242","Duthie, J. F. (1879) Myrtaceae: In Hooker, J. D. (Ed.) Flora of British India 2. L. Reeve & Co., London. pp. 462 - 506.","Udayan, P. S., Regy Yohannan, Devipriya, M. S., Devipriya, V. & Pradeep, A. K. (2012) A new species of Salacia (Hippocrateaceae) from South India. Edinburgh Journal of Botany 69 (2): 255 - 258. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1017 / s 0960428612000066","Kostermans, A. J. G. H. (1983) The South Indian species of Cinnamomum Schaeffer (Lauraceae). Bulletin of Botanical Survey of India 25 (1 - 4): 92 p."]}

Our original hypothesis was AKT regulates the RNA-induced silencing Complex (RISC) activity through the phosphorylation of AGO proteins in Prostate carcinoma cells . Objectives: To test the hypothesis following specific aims were proposed. Aim 1: To show that AKT regulates the miRNA expression profile in prostate carcinoma cells. Aim 2: To show that AKT mediated phosphorylation of AGO proteins regulates the activity of RISC complex. Aim 3: To show that abrogation of AKT mediated phosphorylation of AGO proteins sensitizes prostate carcinoma cells to chemotherapy. For Aim 1, we initially tried studying the interaction of Ago (pan) with 14-3-3. We could see interaction between Ago(pan) and (tau) isoform of 14-3-3. We treated prostate carcinoma cells (PC3) with 40 M AKT inhibitor V, Triciribine.Total RNA was isolated and miRNA and mRNA expression analysis in prostate carcinoma cells (PC3) was carried out to identify the miRNA-mRNA correlation matrices using Pearson Correlation in response to cells treated with AKT inhibitor (Triciribine). We also identified the miRNA-mRNA correlation matrices using Pearson Correlation in response to cells treated with AKT inhibitor (Triciribine)These matrices were further classified into four groups viz., I. miRNA up mRNA down. II miRNA down mRNA up. III. Both miRNA and mRNA up. IV. Both miRNA and mRNA down..Using the GeneGo analysis we identified TGF- dependent induction of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) via SMADs as its target. For aim 2, in order to identify the miRNA associated with specific AGO proteins, Immunoprecipitation was carried out.Since, the quality of miRNA isolated was poor, we could not proceed further on this aim. Once the miRNA-mRNA pair regulated by PI3K/AKT/14-3-3 is identified, we could then test the hypothesis that AKT regulates the RNA-induced silencing Complex (RISC) activity through the phosphorylation of KSRP protein in Prostate carcinoma cells .

The BclXL apoptotic repressor bears the propensity to associate into megadalton oligomers in solution, particularly under acidic pH. Herein, using various biophysical methods, we analyze the effect of temperature on the oligomerization of BclXL. Our data show that BclXL undergoes irreversible aggregation and assembles into highly-ordered rope-like homogeneous fibrils with length in the order of mm and a diameter in the μm-range under elevated temperatures. Remarkably, the formation of such fibrils correlates with the decay of a largely α-helical fold into a predominantly β-sheet architecture of BclXL in a manner akin to the formation of amyloid fibrils. Further interrogation reveals that while BclXL fibrils formed under elevated temperatures show no observable affinity toward BH3 ligands, they appear to be optimally primed for insertion into cardiolipin bicelles. This salient observation strongly argues that BclXL fibrils likely represent an on-pathway intermediate for insertion into mitochondrial outer membrane during the onset of apoptosis. Collectively, our study sheds light on the propensity of BclXL to form amyloid-like fibrils with important consequences on its mechanism of action in gauging the apoptotic fate of cells in health and disease.

Now a day's the medium of communicating the information is through the internet and there are enough hackers to hack the information because the data has transferred through covert channels. The information will encrypt using cryptographic algorithms and the cipher text can see by a third - party adversary and by applying cryptanalysis the information can retrieve back. The major problem in applying cryptography is that, the cipher text is visible to unauthorized user. We can avoid this by using steganography. Different techniques are available to hide the information in steganography. Transformation techniques produce more noise in the image when the information has embedded. To avoid the noise distortion in the image, the LSB insertion method is used to insert the bits in an image by using random number generators. In this proposed technique before embedding the secret information into an image, the secret information has been compressed using the wavelet transform technique. The obtained bits after compression are encoded using quantum gates.

In the past decade, most countries have embraced new technologies in an effort to improve the way they offer public services to citizens. Some do so in order to improve the channels through which they communicate and interact with their citizens, while others do so to improve the efficiency of delivery of services; and as a result, introduce savings in the utilization of resources that could also be used in creating new value adding initiatives. This chapter looks at the opportunities provided by e-government initiatives, and also discusses the importance of citizens’ involvement in e-government system development, with particular emphasis on Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Here, the authors investigate how citizen’s participation affects the success or failure of e-government systems. They attempt to identify factors that could impact the use of such systems and look at ways to encourage stakeholders’ engagement in the development process as a means to improve the services provision. In the end, the chapter also looks at the potential for initiating a program to deliver enhanced government services and social inclusion that embraces electronic communication media within regional governments in developing countries such as KRI.

Prescription of appropriate antihyperglycemic agent depending on the standard guidelines has an important role in controlling diabetes and improving patient health. The aim of the present prospective study is to follow-up the adherence of prescribers to the standard guidelines for the prescription of anti-diabetic drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A prospective clinical trial was carried out on 64 individuals (43 patients and 21 healthy volunteers) of both sexes with the age range from 40-70 years. Parameters followed-up were fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, liver and renal function tests. The values of these parameters (at admission and after 3 months of follow-up) were calculated and compared with that of the control group and with the recommended treatment goals stated by American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE/ ACE). Despite of continued treatment, no improvements were seen regarding followed-up parameters. It has been suggested that the adherence of prescribers to the standard guidelines for prescription of anti-diabetic agents is poor in our center, all patients evaluated have highly uncontrolled hyperglycemia where different anti-hyperglycemic drugs fail to attain glycemic control, and therapeutic strategy followed should be reconsidered.

Calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. It is thought to result from arterial calcification causing complete vascular occlusion and subsequent cutaneous infarction. Most often, it is a complication of end-stage renal failure or hyperparathyroidism; without either of these associated conditions, it is extremely rare. We report a case of calciphylaxis in a 58-year-old white British man, who had received long-term oral prednisolone for asthma control, with prophylactic calcium supplementation. There was no history of renal failure, and the patient's parathyroid function was normal. He was found to be heterozygous for the Factor V Leiden mutation. The acute presentation was seemingly precipitated by an episode of trauma and subsequent compression bandaging. The patient responded promptly to intravenous sodium thiosulfate. To our knowledge, this is the first case with no history of renal failure and normal parathyroid function, precipitated by compression bandaging and with an associated Factor V Leiden mutation.

Adsorption characteristics and catalytic photodegradation of carbendazim (methyl benzimidazol-2-ylcarbamate) have been investigated in Kurdistan natural soil and different natural waters (drinking, river, lake and ground water). Physico-chemical properties of the natural soil and water were determined. The equilibrium adsorption of carbendazim onto studied soil samples described by Freundlich adsorption model. The catalytic photodegradation processes were studied in aqueous Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) suspensions under UV radiation. The kinetic study was done by monitoring the concentration during the degradation process, using High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), coupled with UV-visible spectrophotometer. It was found that the photocatalytic degradation process in this work exhibited pseudo first-order kinetics. The rates of catalytic photodegradation of carbendazim in natural water were lower than that in distilled water.

Both the p53- and E2F1-signaling pathways are defective in almost all types of tumors, suggesting very important roles for their signaling networks in regulating the process of tumorigenesis and therapy response. Studies on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group tissue samples have identified aberrant expression of p53, MDM2 (an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets p53 for proteosomal degradation), and p16 (an upstream regulator of retinoblastoma and hence E2F1 in prostate cancer); abnormal expression of these biomarkers has been associated with clinical outcome after radiotherapy ± androgen deprivation therapy. Although the proapoptotic properties of p53 are well documented, a relatively new aspect of p53 function as an active mediator of prosurvival signaling pathways is now emerging. E2F1 is a transcription factor that possesses both proapoptotic and prosurvival properties. Thus, the role of E2F1 in the process of tumorigenesis versus apoptosis is a contested issue that needs to be resolved. Furthermore, the role of E2F1 in DNA repair is being increasingly recognized. Thus, novel approaches to curb the prosurvival and DNA repair capability of E2F1 while promoting apoptotic function are of interest. In this review, we discuss the challenges involved in targeting the p53/E2F1 pathways and the crosstalk networks, and further propose potential therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer management.

Recent studies have suggested that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may offer advantages over intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVC) for the treatment of lupus nephritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MMF compared with IVC in the induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis. We randomly assigned 47 patients with newly diagnosed active proliferative lupus nephritis class III or IV to open-label oral MMF 2 g/day for 6 months or intravenous cyclophosphamide 0.5–1 g/m2 monthly for 6 months in addition to corticosteroids. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 14 of the 24 patients (58.33%) receiving MMF and 12 of the 23 patients receiving cyclophosphamide (52.17%) had remission (P = 0.48); complete remission occurred in 6 of the 24 patients (25%) and 5 of the 23 patients (21.74%), respectively (P = 0.53). Improvements in packed cell volume, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies titer (anti-dsDNA), serum complement, proteinuria, urinary activity, renal function, serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha concentration and the systemic lupus activity measure score were similar in both groups. Two patients assigned to MMF and another patient assigned to IVC developed end-stage renal failure with commencement of dialysis. Adverse events were similar. Major infections occurred in two patients in each group. There was no difference in gastrointestinal side effects, but more diarrhea occurred in those receiving MMF. In this 24-week trial, MMF or IVC combined with corticosteroids demonstrated equal efficacy in inducing remission of proliferative lupus nephritis.