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Salmonella is recognized as a common foodborne pathogen, causing major health problems in Saudi Arabia. Herein, we report epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility and the genetic basis of resistance among S. enterica strains isolated in Saudi Arabia. Isolation of Salmonella spp. from clinical and environmental samples resulted in isolation of 33 strains identified as S. enterica based on their biochemical characteristics and 16S-rDNA sequences. S. enterica serovar Enteritidis showed highest prevalence (39.4%), followed by S. Paratyphi (21.2%), S. Typhimurium (15.2%), S. Typhi and S. Arizona (12.1%), respectively. Most isolates were resistant to 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporin; and aminoglycosides. Moreover, several S. enterica isolates exhibited resistance to the first-line antibiotics used for Salmonellosis treatment including ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol. In addition, the results revealed the emergence of two S. enterica isolates showing resistance to third-generation cephalosporin. Analysis of resistance determinants in S. enterica strains (n=33) revealed that the resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, was attributed to the presence of carb-like, dfrA1, floR, tetA gene, respectively. On the other hand, fluoroquinolone resistance was related to the presence of mutations in gyrA and parC genes. These findings improve the information about foodborne Salmonella in Saudi Arabia, alarming the emergence of multi-drug resistant S. enterica strains, and provide useful data about the resistance mechanisms., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.)

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an emerging pathogen of major concern throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, affecting both livestock and humans. In the past recurrent epidemics were reported in Mauritania and studies focused on the analysis of samples from affected populations during acute outbreaks. To verify characteristics and presence of RVFV during non-epidemic periods we implemented a multi-stage serological and molecular analysis. Serum samples of small ruminants, cattle and camels were obtained from Mauritania during an inter-epidemic period in 2012-2013. This paper presents a comparative analysis of potential variations and shifts of antibody presence and the capability of inter-epidemic infections in Mauritanian livestock. We observed distinct serological differences between tested species (seroprevalence: small ruminants 3·8%, cattle 15·4%, camels 32·0%). In one single bovine from Nouakchott, a recent RVF infection could be identified by the simultaneous detection of IgM antibodies and viral RNA. This study indicates the occurrence of a low-level enzootic RVFV circulation in livestock in Mauritania. Moreover, results indicate that small ruminants can preferably act as sentinels for RVF surveillance.

Alkaline protease from alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. NPST-AK15 was immobilized onto functionalized and non-functionalized rattle-type magnetic core@mesoporous shell silica (RT-MCMSS) nanoparticles by physical adsorption and covalent attachment. However, the covalent attachment approach was superior for NPST-AK15 protease immobilization onto the activated RT-MCMSS-NH₂nanoparticles and was used for further studies. In comparison to free protease, the immobilized enzyme exhibited a shift in the optimal temperature and pH from 60 to 65 °C and pH 10.5-11.0, respectively. While free protease was completely inactivated after treatment for 1 h at 60 °C, the immobilized enzyme maintained 66.5% of its initial activity at similar conditions. The immobilized protease showed higher k cat and K m , than the soluble enzyme by about 1.3-, and 1.2-fold, respectively. In addition, the results revealed significant improvement of NPST-AK15 protease stability in variety of organic solvents, surfactants, and commercial laundry detergents, upon immobilization onto activated RT-MCMSS-NH₂nanoparticles. Importantly, the immobilized protease maintained significant catalytic efficiency for ten consecutive reaction cycles, and was separated easily from the reaction mixture using an external magnetic field. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report about protease immobilization onto rattle-type magnetic core@mesoporous shell silica nanoparticles that also defied activity-stability tradeoff. The results clearly suggest that the developed immobilized enzyme system is a promising nanobiocatalyst for various bioprocess applications requiring a protease.

The stability and reusability of soluble enzymes are of major concerns, which limit their industrial applications. Herein, alkaline protease from Bacillus sp. NPST-AK15 was immobilized onto hollow core-mesoporous shell silica (HCMSS) nanospheres. Subsequently, the properties of immobilized proteases were evaluated. Non-, ethane- and amino-functionalized HCMSS nanospheres were synthesized and characterized. NPST-AK15 was immobilized onto the synthesized nano-supports by physical and covalent immobilization approaches. However, protease immobilization by covalent attachment onto the activated HCMSS-NH₂ nanospheres showed highest immobilization yield (75.6%) and loading capacity (88.1 μg protein/mg carrier) and was applied in the further studies. In comparison to free enzyme, the covalently immobilized protease exhibited a slight shift in the optimal pH from 10.5 to 11.0, respectively. The optimum temperature for catalytic activity of both free and immobilized enzyme was seen at 60 °C. However, while the free enzyme was completely inactivated when treated at 60 °C for 1 h the immobilized enzyme still retained 63.6% of its initial activity. The immobilized protease showed higher V(max), k(cat) and k(cat)/K(m), than soluble enzyme by 1.6-, 1.6- and 2.4-fold, respectively. In addition, the immobilized protease affinity to the substrate increased by about 1.5-fold. Furthermore, the enzyme stability in various organic solvents was significantly enhanced upon immobilization. Interestingly, the immobilized enzyme exhibited much higher stability in several commercial detergents including OMO, Tide, Ariel, Bonux and Xra by up to 5.2-fold. Finally, the immobilized protease maintained significant catalytic efficiency for twelve consecutive reaction cycles. These results suggest the effectiveness of the developed nanobiocatalyst as a candidate for detergent formulation and peptide synthesis in non-aqueous media.

Background: Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) with anti-T lymphocyte globulin (ATG) plus cyclosporine (CSA) is standard therapy in patients with non-severe aplastic anemia (AA) in need of treatment and severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who do not have an available HLA-matched donor. The aim of this study was to analyze patients submitted to different ATG preparations as first-line treatment., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed adult aplastic anemia (AA) patients who received ATG as first-line treatment between 1999 and 2013 to compare hematologic response and survival., Results: During the time period mentioned 4 different ATG preparations had been used in 38 AA patients (34 severe, 4 non-severe). Responses were better with Lymphoglobulin (6 complete response 1 partial response, 0 refractory disease and 2 death within 3 months after ATG, i.e. during induction), Thymoglobulin (3, 1, 4 and 1, respectively) or ATGAM (1, 2, 1 and 1) compared to the ATG-Fresenius (ATG-F) group (3, 0, 6 and 6) (P = .07). Statistically significant inferior results with ATG-Fresenius (3 complete or partial responses, 6 refractoriness and 6 induction deaths) were evident when other preparations are lumped together (14 complete or partial responses, 5 refractoriness and 4 induction mortalities) (P = .045). Estimated 1 year survival rates were 52.5% versus 76.9%, respectively (P = .13)., Conclusions: These data support the notion that not all ATG preparations are suitable for use in AA.

Alkaline protease produced by the halotolerant alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. strain NPST-AK15 was purified to homogeneity by the combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion-exchange and gel permeation chromatography. The purified enzyme was a monomeric protein with an estimated molecular weight of 32 kDa. NPST-AK15 protease was highly active and stable over a wide pH range, with a maximal activity at pH 10.5. The enzyme showed optimum activity at 60 °C and was stable at 30-50 °C for at least 1 h. Thermal stability of the purified protease was substantially improved by CaCl2 (1.1- to 6.6-fold). The K m, V max and k cat values for the enzyme were 2.5 mg ml(-1), 42.5 µM min(-1) mg(-1), and 392.46 × 10(3) min(-1), respectively. NPST-AK15 protease activity was strongly inhibited by PMSF, suggesting that the enzyme is a serine protease. The enzyme was highly stable in NaCl up to 20 % (w/v). Moreover, the purified enzyme was stable in several organic solvents such as diethyl ether, benzene, toluene, and chloroform. In addition, it showed high stability and compatibility with a wide range of surfactants and commercial detergents and was slightly activated by hydrogen peroxide. These features of NPST-AK15 protease make this enzyme a promising candidate for application in the laundry and pharmaceutical industries.

The Malaysian Mental Health Act 2001 did not come into effect until the Mental Health Regulations 2010 came into force. The Act provides a framework for the delivery of comprehensive care, treatment, control, protection and rehabilitation of those with mental disorders. The Act governs the establishment of private and government psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric nursing homes and community mental health centres. This paper outlines the provisions of the Act and the Regulations.

Objective: Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) is a key regulator of numerous processes in multiple cell types relevant in stroke pathophysiology. ROCK inhibitors have improved outcome in experimental models of acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. However, the relevant ROCK isoform (ROCK1 or ROCK2) in acute stroke is not known., Methods: We characterized the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile, and tested the efficacy and safety of a novel selective ROCK2 inhibitor KD025 (formerly SLx-2119) in focal cerebral ischemia models in mice., Results: KD025 dose-dependently reduced infarct volume after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The therapeutic window was at least 3 hours from stroke onset, and the efficacy was sustained for at least 4 weeks. KD025 was at least as efficacious in aged, diabetic or female mice, as in normal adult males. Concurrent treatment with atorvastatin was safe, but not additive or synergistic. KD025 was also safe in a permanent ischemia model, albeit with diminished efficacy. As one mechanism of protection, KD025 improved cortical perfusion in a distal middle cerebral artery occlusion model, implicating enhanced collateral flow. Unlike isoform-nonselective ROCK inhibitors, KD025 did not cause significant hypotension, a dose-limiting side effect in acute ischemic stroke., Interpretation: Altogether, these data show that KD025 is efficacious and safe in acute focal cerebral ischemia in mice, implicating ROCK2 as the relevant isoform in acute ischemic stroke. Data suggest that selective ROCK2 inhibition has a favorable safety profile to facilitate clinical translation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation and conventional dental bur cavity preparation on in vitro microleakage of class V cavities restored with different adhesive restorative materials and two types of self-etching adhesives in primary teeth. Standard class V cavities were prepared on 80 extracted primary, and the teeth were randomly divided into eight subgroups prepared either by dental bur or Er:YAG laser irradiation and then restored with self-cured glass ionomer (GI), resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), resin composite and Clearfil SE Bond (two-step self-etching adhesive), and resin composite and Clearfil S3 Bond (one-step self-etching adhesive). Restorations were finished and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h and then subjected to thermocycling. All the teeth were sealed with nail varnish, placed in a silver nitrate solution, and then vertically cut in a buccolingually direction. Subsequently, the specimens were evaluated for gingival and occlusal microleakage using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney test. Wilcoxon test was used for comparing occlusal microleakage with gingival microleakage at p < 0.05. A higher degree of occlusal and gingival microleakage values for the teeth restored with GI or RMGI was obtained by both preparation methods compared with that of resin composites and the two self-etching primers. Er:YAG laser irradiation resulted in a significantly higher degree of microleakage only at the gingival margins for teeth restored with GI or RMGI, or composite and Clearfil S3 Bond compared with the bur preparation. The Er:YAG laser-prepared teeth restored with composite and Clearfil SE Bond demonstrated a better marginal seal on occlusal and gingival margins compared with that of bur-prepared cavities. The degree of microleakage in class V cavities was affected by the type of adhesive restorative materials, type of self-etching adhesive, cavity margin location, and tooth preparation method either by Er:YAG laser or dental bur.

The present study was aimed to localize and characterize hexavalent chromate [Cr(VI)] reductase activity of the extreme alkaliphilic Amphibacillus sp. KSUCr3 (optimal growth pH 10.5). The resting cells were able to reduce about 62 % of the toxic heavy metal Cr(VI) at initial concentration of 200 μM within 30 min. Cell permeabilization resulted in decrease of Cr(VI) reduction in comparison to untreated cells. Enzymatic assays of different sub-cellular fractions of Amphibacillus sp. KSUCr3 demonstrated that the Cr(VI) reductase was mainly associated with the membranous fraction and expressed constitutively. In vitro studies of the crude enzyme indicated that copper ion was essential for Cr(VI) reductase activity. In addition, Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺ slightly stimulated the chromate reductase activity. Glucose was the best external electron donor, showing enhancement of the enzyme activity by about 3.5-fold. The K (m) and V (max) determined for chromate reductase activity in the membranous fraction were 23.8 μM Cr(VI) and 72 μmol/min/mg of protein, respectively. Cr(VI) reductase activity was maximum at 40 °C and pH 7.0 and it was significantly inhibited in the presence of disulfide reducers (2-mercaptoethanol), ion chelating agent (EDTA), and respiratory inhibitors (CN and Azide). Complete reduction of 100 and 200 μM of Cr(VI) by membrane associated enzyme were observed within 40 and 180 min, respectively. However, it should be noted that biochemical characterization has been done with crude enzyme only, and that final conclusion can only be drawn with the purified enzyme.

Objectives: The aim of this study was (1) to identify the profile of patients being referred for cytogenetic analysis in Morocco, (2) to determine the prevalence and type of chromosomal abnormalities in the different groups, (3) to compare the results with those of similar studies done in other countries., Material and Methods: 5572 patients ranging from newborns to 50 years of age were referred to the department of medical genetics, of the Moroccan National Institute of Health between 1993 and 2010, with a variety of clinical disorders such as mental retardation; multiple congenital malformations; clinical features of Down syndrome, Turner's syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome; ambiguous sex; sterility; amenorrhea; recurrent miscarriage; and chromosome breakage syndromes., Results: Of the 5572 cases studied, 4068 (73%) had a normal karyotype and 1504 (27%) had chromosomal abnormalities. Various types of chromosomal anomalies were found. The most common autosomal abnormalities were Down syndrome (1095 cases) and Turner's syndrome (122 cases) in abnormalities of sex chromosomes., Conclusion: This study compares the results of cytogenetic analysis of chromosomal abnormalities in the Moroccan population with other countries and research centers. This comparison will help Moroccan clinicians to determine the priority for requesting a cytogenetic analysis in individual cases.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of rapamycin-eluting stents (RES) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) in patients undergo percutaneous coronary intervention., Background: RES and PES differ significantly with respect to polymer coating and antiproliferative drugs. It is not yet clear whether there are any differences between RES and PES with regard to clinical outcomes., Methods: Systematic searches were conducted of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RES with PES in Medline and the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews. A meta-analysis was done of all available randomized studies comparing PES with RES. Information on study design, inclusion and exclusion criteria, number of patients and clinical outcomes was extracted by two investigators. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. The primary outcome was reintervention, target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Stent restenosis, myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality were secondary endpoints., Results: Twenty-one RCTs of RES versus PES with a total number of 10,147 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Indication for angioplasty was either acute coronary syndrome or stable angina. The mean follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months. The rates of TLR were 4.9% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.0009 and the rates of TVR were 5.1 vs. 8.3%; p < 0.001 for RES vs. PES, respectively. The incidence of stent restenosis was 3.9% for RES vs. 5.3% for PES; p = 0.004. Rates of MI and all-cause mortality were comparable., Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrates that, as compared to PES, RES seems to be associated with a lower risk of reintervention and stent restenosis. The risk of MI and all-cause death was similar between the two stents.

Compared with bare metal stents, sirolimus- and paclitaxel-eluting stents (SESs and PESs, respectively) have been shown to improve angiographic and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elective patients and those with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the present study was to compare SESs with PESs in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Patients with STEMI were randomized 1:1 to receive SESs (n = 196) or PESs (n = 201). The primary end point was late lumen loss at 9-month follow-up by quantitative coronary angiography. Secondary end points were major adverse cardiac clinical events (death, reinfarction, target vessel revascularization) at 1 month and 9 and 12 months. Three hundred ninety-seven patients with STEMI were randomized. The 2 groups had comparable baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. Mortality was low, 1.5% after 30 days, 2.3% after 9 months, and 3.1% after 1 year. There was no difference in any clinical outcome at any follow-up period between the 2 treatment groups. Follow-up angiography was completed in 272 of 397 patients (69%). Mean +/- SD in-stent late loss was 0.01 +/- 0.42 mm in the SES group versus 0.21 +/- 0.50 mm in the PES group (difference -0.20 mm, p = 0.001). In conclusion, in patients with STEMI, primary PCI with SESs results in less late loss compared with PESs. However, these benefits did not translate into a significant decrease in major adverse cardiac events at 1-year follow-up.

The Study was carried out an 160 Pediatricians in Tehran to find out the knowledge, approach and functioning of the pediatricians as related to the awareness regarding prevention of dental Caries. It was observed that 14.4% of the pediatricians had good dental awareness, 48.1% had moderate awareness and 37.5% had weak awareness.