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Supplementary Figures S2 and S3 - PDF file 2332K, Figure S2:SG3 tumors are positive for beta-catenin and Myf5 Figure S3:Normal development of Myf5 myoblasts in beta-catenin knockout mice

Supplementary Figure S9 - PDF file 867K,Figure S9: The SYT-SSX2 domain SSXRD executes �-catenin activation and myogenic differentiation

Supplementary Figures S4, S5, S6, S7 - PDF file 1832K, Figure S4:Pyrvinium effect on beta-catenin in SYT-SSX2 expressing C2C12 and synovial sarcoma cells Figure S5:Phosphorylated �-catenin and full-length APC in HS-SY-II and SYO-1 SS cells Figure S6:SSTC-104 effects on growth and beta-catenin in HS-SY-II synovial sarcoma cells Figure S7: LRP6 depletion in HS-SY-II synovial sarcoma cells induces �-catenin nuclear exit

Supplementary Figure S11 and Tables S1-S3 - PDF file 460K, Figure S11: Regulation of an embryonic Wnt-interactive network by SYT-SSX2 and in human synovial sarcomas Table S1: Differentially regulated Wnt components in mesenchymal precursor cells expressing SYT-SSX2 and in synovial sarcoma tumors Table S2: Differentially regulated Wnt targets in mesenchymal precursor cells expressing SYT-SSX2 and in synovial sarcoma tumors Table S3: The embryonic Wnt interactive network in mesenchymal precursor cells expressing SYTSSX2 and in synovial sarcoma tumors

Supplementary Methods and Legends - PDF file 130K, Methods:Additional information on experimental techniques Legends: describing supplementary figures

This study was conducted to determine the effect of replacing fishmeal (FM) with fermented soybean meal (FSBM) for 12 weeks on the growth performance, feed utilization, immunological parameters, antioxidant enzymes assays and lipid peroxidation, digestive enzymes, and histopathological analysis of juvenile Litopeneaus vannamei (L. vannamei). By substituting 0.0%, 20%, 30%, and 40% FSBM for fishmeal (w/w), four isonitrogenous diets were generated. A total of 300 juvenile L. vannamei(1.59 ±0.01 g) were randomly allocated to the experimental fiber tanks at a rate of fifteen shrimp per tank, with three replicates for each treatment. Growth performance and feed utilization decline considerably (P < 0.05) with increasing amounts of FM replacement with FSBM in diets. In comparison to the juveniles fed the other experimental diets, the diet containing a moderate level of FM replacement (20% FSBM) considerably enhanced growth performance and feed consumption during the feeding trial. The 20% FSBM-fed group had the highest protein content. In contrast, raising FSBM levels significantly increased lipid content (P < 0.05) compared to the control. However, there were no statistically significant differences (P> 0.05) across FSBM treatments. Hemolymph plasma total protein (TP) concentration and lysozyme activity were substantially greater (P < 0.05) in 20% FSBM compared to 40% FSBM (P < 0.05). In addition, 20% FSBM exhibits a substantial (P < 0.05) increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT SOD, GPX, and GR). In contrast, the control and 30% FSBM groups had considerably more lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) than the 20% and 40% FSBM groups. Hepatopancreas amylase activity was considerably elevated (P < 0.05) in the control group and with 40% FSBM. In addition, Hepatopancreas and intestinal protease and lipase activity increased significantly by 20% FSBM. Considerably more B-cells were present in the 40% FSBM diet than in the control diet, however they were significantly less prevalent in the 20% and 30% FSBM of diets (P < 0.05).

Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (average weight and length: 20.20 ± 0.20 g, 10 ±0.25 cm)cultivated at reusing water from systems with biofloc technology (BFT) under three treatments: T1: Control, T2: tilapia cultured in reused water biofloc (RW) with adding carbohydrate and T3: tilapia cultured in reused water biofloc (RW) without adding carbohydrate. Nine rectangular tanks (66 x 47 x 44 cm, 75L) were used with stocking densities (400 Fish/m3) for 60 days to investigate fish growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, survival, water quality and also economic evaluation was done. Fish were fed a commercial diet containing 30% crude protein. Growth performance of tilapia was recorded biweekly. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH, were recorded daily, while NO2–, NO3–N; total hardness, carbonate hardness and total suspended solids were recorded biweekly. The body composition of the whole fish was determined at the end of the experiment. Results showed that the best water quality parameters, finial body weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, specific growth rate, final biomass, net yield, PER, FCR, FE, feed intake and economic evaluation were significantly(P 0.05). The present study recommended rearing Nile tilapia in reusing water from systems with biofloc technology (BFT) without adding carbon source for best growth performance and prolonged the useful life, quality of water and reduced overall water consumption.

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate immediate implant placement combined with sticky bone and enriched fibrin membrane for teeth exhibiting periapical pathosis clinically, radiographically and resonance frequency analysis. Subjects and methods: Thirteen immediate implant combined with sticky bone and CGF membrane were inserted in 13 patients suffering from teeth with periapical pathosis indicated for extraction. Preoperative cone beam CT (CBCT were taken for every patient to determine alveolar bone height, width and bone defects The change in the implant stability and bone density readings were measured using ostel device and (CBCT) immediatly, and after 6 months of healing. Results: the mean values of ISQ was 48, 02 1ry stability . After 6 months, the mean value was increased to 72. Increasing of ISQ was observed with the time with significant statistical difference in the value of ISQ in whole time of evaluation and There was statistically significant increase of bone density readings after 6 months. Conclusion: The Immediate implant placement combined with sticky bone and enriched fibrin membrane for teeth exhibiting periapical pathosis is a successful technique

The present study investigated the effect of rearing the meagre, Argyrosomus regius in brackish-water pond aquaculture without using supplementary feeding in the Mediterranean area near Damietta City during June, 2017 to June, 2018, Fingerlings of mean length 13.0cm and 40.0 g weight were stocked in brackish-water pond measuring 1 feddan and 1.25 m deep at a rate of 4000 fish/ feddan in a monoculture system on natural occurring prey (natural spawned tilapia) and small shrimp. Temperature varied from 21.0 – 30.8°C; pH, 7.4– 8.9; Dissolved Oxygen (DO), 4.0 – 5.0 mg /L and salinity, 16.0 – 18.8 ppt during the study. Meagre, attained average final length 40 cm/ fish and average final weight 1500g / fish at harvest with an increment of 1460.0g/ fish and a daily gain of 4.0g/ fish. Average survival rate was 80% and net production was 4640.0kg/ feddan. The results revealed that the cost of feeds accounted for the largest proportion (68.55%) of the total cost of fish production,then fingerlings (8.56%), rent (3.35%) and labor (12.60%). This is followed by cost of fixed input and variable coast (12%). This experiment demonstrated the possibility of cultivation of A. regius as well as the higher commercial value where better net return (54.48 LE /feddan) was recorded with investment return of 23.33 LE / return LE cost. The results of the study indicated meagre as a promising candidate for the brackish water pond aquaculture.

Chondrosarcoma is a group of primary bone cancers that arise from transformed cells of chondrocytic lineage. Tumor recurrence and metastasis are devastating for patients with chondrosarcoma since there are no effective treatment options. IDH mutations occur in over 50% of tumors from patients with conventional or dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas and represent an attractive target for therapy. However, their role in the pathogenesis of chondrosarcoma remains largely unknown. In this study, we sought to determine the association of IDH mutation and HIF-1α in chondrosarcoma. We used the chondrosarcoma JJ012 cell line and its derived CRISPR/Cas9 mutant IDH1 (IDH1mut) knockout (KO) cells. RNA-Seq data analysis revealed downregulation of several HIF-1α target genes upon loss of IDH1mut. This was associated with reduced HIF-1α levels in the IDH1mut KO cells and tumors. Loss of IDH1mut also attenuated the expression of angiogenic markers in tumor tissues and abrogated the angiogenic capacity of JJ012 cells. Moreover, we observed that exogenous expression of HIF-1α significantly promoted anchorage-independent colony-formation by IDH1mut KO cells. These results suggest IDH1 mutation confers angiogenic and tumorigenic properties of JJ012 cells by inducing HIF-1α. Thus, the HIF pathway represents a promising candidate for combinatorial regimens to target IDH1 mutated chondrosarcomas.

Chondrosarcoma is a group of primary bone cancers that arise from transformed cells of chondrocytic lineage. Tumor recurrence and metastasis are devastating for patients with chondrosarcoma since there are no effective treatment options. IDH mutations occur in over 50% of tumors from patients with conventional or dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas and represent an attractive target for therapy. However, their role in the pathogenesis of chondrosarcoma remains largely unknown. In this study, we sought to determine the association of IDH mutation and HIF-1

Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive malignancy with no effective treatments for patients with metastasis. The synovial sarcoma fusion SS18-SSX, which recruits the SWI/SNF-BAF chromatin remodeling and polycomb repressive complexes, results in epigenetic activation of FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling. In genetic FGFR-knockout models, culture, and xenograft synovial sarcoma models treated with the FGFR inhibitor BGJ398, we show that FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 were crucial for tumor growth. Transcriptome analyses of BGJ398-treated cells and histological and expression analyses of mouse and human synovial sarcoma tumors revealed prevalent expression of two ETS factors and FGFR targets, ETV4 and ETV5. We further demonstrate that ETV4 and ETV5 acted as drivers of synovial sarcoma growth, most likely through control of the cell cycle. Upon ETV4 and ETV5 knockdown, we observed a striking upregulation of DUX4 and its transcriptional targets that activate the zygotic genome and drive the atrophy program in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy patients. In addition to demonstrating the importance of inhibiting all three FGFRs, the current findings reveal potential nodes of attack for the cancer with the discovery of ETV4 and ETV5 as appropriate biomarkers and molecular targets, and activation of the embryonic DUX4 pathway as a promising approach to block synovial sarcoma tumors.

Stocking density is considered a priority topic in aquaculture research due to its bearing on the welfare of farmed fish and the need for future recommendations governing stocking density management on fish farms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of stocking density (10, 20, 30 and 40 fry/L3) on growth performance, Feed utilization and survival rate of fry gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). The results showed that the group of fry stocked at density 30 fry/ L3 was significantly the highest final weight, weight gain, daily gain, SGR and insignificant differences in survival rate. Growth performance parameters were the highest with stocking density 30 fry/ L3 compared with stocking density (10, 20 and 40 fry/ L3), respectively. The results indicated that the best FCR, PER and FE group of fry stocked at 30 fry/ L3 than the rest of experimental groups. Stocking density also did not affect the crude protein and moisture content in body composition. But ash content was significantly highest at density 30 fry/ L3 than the rest of other stocking density (10. 20 and 40 fry/L3) groups. In contrast, total lipid was significantly highest at density 10 fry/L3 than the rest of experimental groups (20, 30 and 40 fry/L3). From the aforementioned results, it could be concluded that stocking density 30 fry/L3 had the best growth performance and feed utilization under experimental conditions.

Astudy was undertaken to determine the effect of the dietary lipid levels on growth performance , feed utilization and body composition of Nile tilapia larvae. Four isonitrogenous diets (40% crude protein) and dietary lipid levels (4, 6, 8 and 10% DM) were fed to satiation Nile tilapia larvae for 9 weeks. The best survival, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed efficiency were observed for larvae fed 8% lipid level. While the poorest survival, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), lowest weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency and highest feed conversion ratio (FCR), were observed with larvae fed 4% lipid level. The lipid content of fish were positively correlated with dietary lipid level. The body protein content increased with increasing the protein levels in the diet. It could be concluded that the requirement of lipid for Nile tilapia fry was 8% lipid under the present experimental condition.

The present study was performed to investigate the influence of feeding diets contained three levels of yellow corn (YC) without or with enzymes and/or prebiotics on the nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of growing New Zealand White (NZW ) rabbits. A feeding trial (3x4) with factorial arrangement of treatment was carried out. The chemical analyses for experimental diets and faces and blood constituents were run. One hundred and eight, 6 weeks old weaning NZW rabbits were used in this study. Rabbits were randomly distributed into 12 equal experimental groups; each contained three equal replicates. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE), non-ditrgant fiber (NDF), ADF and hemicellulose were increased with feeding on 15 % YC diets than those of rabbits fed on 5 % or 10 % YC rations, but there was no significant effect of dietary treatments on DMI and CP digestibility. Rabbits fed enzyme-supplemented diets displayed significantly lower DM, OM, CF, EE, NFE, NDF, ADF and hemicellulose than those of other dietary treatments. There was no significant effect of these supplements on DMI (g/d) and CP digestibility, compared with the control diet (without supplements). The digestible DCP (%), TDN% and DEI (kcal/d) were significantly higher (P≤0.05) for animals fed diets containing 15 % YC than feeding on 5 or 10 % YC diets, while there were no significant effect on TDNI (g/d), CPI (g/d) and DEI (kcal/d). Rabbits fed the enzyme-supplemented diets exhibited significantly lower TDN (%) and DE (kcal/kg) than did those fed other experimental diets. Similarly, significantly lower means of DEI (kcal/d) were recorded by rabbits fed enzyme- or enzyme plus prebiotics-supplemented diets compared with other experimental groups of rabbits, but DCP % and CPI (g/d) were not affected. The plasma levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly lower for rabbits fed diets with 10 % or 15 % YC than those of rabbits fed the lowest level of YC,, while there was no significant effect on ALT, AST, total protein or urea concentration. Rabbits fed the diets fortified with enzymes plus prebiotics exhibited significantly lower (P≤0.05) levels of plasma urea and triglycerides and significantly higher cholesterol concentration than did the control group. In conclusion, using YC to partially replace wheat bran in growing rabbits diets had no negative effect on the nutritive value of diets. The nutritive value of the experimental diets for growing rabbits could increase by supplementing enzymes plus prebiotics. The present study showed that feeding growing rabbits on diets contained 10 % YC without supplements or feeding on diets contained 15 % YC with enzymes and prebiotics are effective for nutrient digestibility, nutritive value and health status of rabbits.

Extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides led to dangerous ecological effects and therefore the biological approaches have been widely recommended to prevent further deterioration for the environment. The current study was conducted to explore the potentiality of using single or combined inoculations by mycorrhizae, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescence for controlling the infection of common bean plants with Sclerotium rolfsii on one hand and as bio-fertilizers for improving plants nutritional status on the other hand. The soil of study was mildly infected with S. rolfsii and contained high total-P content. Thus, minimal P inputs were added to the inoculated soil in the form of rock phosphate. Activities of plant defense enzymes i.e. chitinase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were determined under the greenhouse conditions and the results obtained herein indicated that activities of such enzymes increased significantly owing to bio-agent inoculations. In this concern, combined treatments resulted in further significant increases over the single ones. A field study was then conducted for two successive years and the results reveal that single inoculations increased straw and green pod yields as well as the uptake of P and Fe by plants as compared with the non-inoculated treatment. Combined inoculants recorded further significant increases in these parameters even when compared with the fungicide treated plants. Generally, straw and pod yields obtained from the second growing season were significantly higher than those attained in the first growing one. Our study confirms the success of the used bio-treatments in minimizing soil pollution through fertilizer and/or pesticide inputs.

Context Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) confers a greatly increased risk for premature cardiovascular disease, but remains very underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care populations. Objective We assessed whether using a hybrid model consisting of 2 existing FH diagnostic criteria coupled with electronic medical record (EMR) data would accurately identify patients with FH in a Midwest US metropolitan healthcare system. Methods We conducted a retrospective, records-based, cross-sectional study using datasets from unique EMRs of living patients. Using Structured Query Language to identify components of 2 currently approved FH diagnostic criteria, we created a hybrid model to identify individuals with FH. Results Of 264 264 records analyzed, between 794 and 1571 patients were identified as having FH based on the hybrid diagnostic model, with a prevalence of 1:300 to 1:160. These patients had a higher prevalence of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) (38-58%) than the general population (1.8%) and higher than those having a high CAD risk but no FH (10%). Although most patients were receiving lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs), only 50% were receiving guideline-recommended high-intensity LLT. Conclusion Using the hybrid model, we identified FH with a higher clinical and genetic detection rate than using standard diagnostic criteria individually. Statin and other LLT use were suboptimal and below guideline recommendations. Because FH underdiagnosis and undertreatment are due partially to the challenges of implementing existing diagnostic criteria in a primary care setting, this hybrid model potentially can improve FH diagnosis and subsequent early access to appropriate treatment.

Pieris rapae L. is one of the most economically important pests of Brassicaceae causing extensive defoliation of plants. Entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes are promising biological control agents. The virulence of each of them tested alone against 4th instar larvae and pupa of P. rapae. The entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana showed efficiency against 4th instar larvae and pupae with LC50: 28.857x103 and 175.406x103 spore/ml, respectively. Also, the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae was revealed efficacy against 4th instar larvae and pupae with LC50: 18.148 and 38.96 IJs/larva and pupa, respectively. In addition, the interaction of S. carpocapsae with Beauveria bassiana against P. rapae larvae was studied. An antagonistic effect was clearly seen when S. carpocapsae nematode was applied immediately after the B. bassiana. However, the synergistic or the additive effect was seen when the application of the EPNs 12h after their treatment with B. bassiana.

The present study was carried out to study the possibility of early weaning of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae. Therefore seabream larvae divided into different groups and weaned at 35, 40, 45, 50, 55and 60 days post hatching (dph). At the end of the experiment the mean wet weight and length of gilthead seabream were recorded for larvae. Showed that, the late weaning (50, 55 or 60 dph) significantly increased the wet weight and length of larvae compared to larvae groups that early weaned (35 and 40 dph) and the same trend was also observed for larvae after 60 dph. During the entire experimental period the highest SGR values were recorded for groups 60 and 55 dph (3.75 and 3.19), while the lowest SGR recorded for group 35 dph (1.59) indicating that, the late weaning age released the best SGR was compared to the early weaning of gilthead seabream larvae . The obtained results indicated that the late weaning of larvae (60 dph) significantly increased each of protein and fat content of larvae when compared to the early weaning of larvae (35 dph). In conclusion, it can be concluded that, the early weaning could not only improve the growth performance, but also keep the survival rate within the same limits for the original late weaning age.

One hundred and eight, 6 weeks of age weaning New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were used in this study to investigate the impact of feeding three levels of yellow corn diets without or with enzymes or prebiotics or both. Rabbits were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 3×4 factorial arrangements, with the variables being supplementation or not with enzymes (500 g / ton feed) or prebiotics (500 g / ton feed) or both (500 g enzymes +500 g prebiotics) / ton feed. The experimental groups of rabbits were fed their respective experimental rations in pelleted form. Three basal rations were used in this study; the first containing 5% corn (R1), the second one contained 10% corn (R5) and the third one contained 15% corn (R9). The composition and calculated analysis of the basal diets were done according to NRC (1977). The basal ration (R1) was supplemented with enzymes or prebiotics or both for R2, R3 and R4, respectively. While the basal ration (R5) was supplemented with enzymes or prebiotics or both for R6, R7 and R8, respectively, and the basal ration (R9) was supplemented with enzymes or prebiotics or both for R10, R11 and R12, respectively. Apart from the effect of feed rations which were contained 5% or 15% corn, were significantly (P 0.05) on live body weight of rabbits at different ages of the experimental period, from 6 to 15 weeks of age. Apart from the effect of corn levels and dietary supplements had no significant effect (P< 0.05) on daily feed intake (DFI) of rabbits during the period from 6 to 15 weeks. The daily feed intake (DFI) of rabbits fed rations contained 5%, 10% and 15% corn were 89.88, 89.03 and 89.62 g / d, respectively. The interaction between dietary corn levels and added supplements on feed conversion ratio (FCR) duringthe whole experimental period (from 6-15 weeks) showed that, the FCR of the growing rabbits were better(P

The effect of dietary protein levels (35%, 40% and 45%) on growth, survival, feed utilization and body composition of mono sex and mixed sex of Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus L. fry was investigated. Fish were fed frequently to satiation for 7 days a week for 56 days. Results showed that fish growth was significantly affected by protein level. The highest growth performance of fry were obtained with 45% protein diet and the poorest one was obtained with 35% protein diet in both mono and mixed sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fry. Mono sex tilapia were reared in hap in earthen pond showed the highest weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio, while mixed-sex tilapia showed the lowest weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio. In conclusion, it was found that 45% crude protein had the highest growth performance parameters, feed utilization and economical evaluation for mono sex Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) fry under this experimental condition.

Objective:Postoperative renal dysfunction necessitating hemodialysis after implantation of ventricular assist devices presents a challenge with respect to establishment of hemodialysis access. Lack of pulsatile flow has led to concerns that arteriovenous fistulas will not mature. This study aims to evaluate arteriovenous fistula as a method of hemodialysis.Methods:Consecutive patients who underwent implantation of a ventricular assist device between 1988 and 2016 with a subsequent need for hemodialysis were identified. Retrospective data were collected for patients requiring hemodialysis through an arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft. Access flow rates and duration of patency are reported.Results:Sixty-four patients were identified (10 required long-term hemodialysis, 5 via arteriovenous fistula, 1 via arteriovenous graft). All six patients receiving long-term hemodialysis access were on continuous-flow ventricular assist devices. Brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas were performed in all arteriovenous fistula patients, and the average preoperative vein diameter was 4.1 ± 0.9 mm. On 30-day follow-up, the average flow rate was 1262 ± 643 mL/min (880–2220). In arteriovenous fistula patients, one died at 30 days, one arteriovenous fistula required ligation for steal syndrome at 5 months, and one was abandoned after 10.7 months for low flow. Of remaining fistulas, one was converted to an arteriovenous graft at 1.7 years for malfunction (with 5.3 month patency), and one remains open at 4.0 years.Conclusion:Arteriovenous fistulas should be considered in selected patients with ventricular assist devices as a means of long-term hemodialysis access to avoid use of catheters. Maturation and usage of primary arteriovenous fistulas is possible despite lack of pulsatile flow.

This study succeeded to prepare three pure phases of Mn2O3, Mn3O4 beside one of the best cathode materials, spinel LiMn2O4. LiMn2O4 with high phase purity and crystallinity was synthesized by a facile, cost effective and one step synthesis method. The structure and morphology of the powders were studied in detail by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and surface area. The X-ray diffraction shows that the post-annealing process reveals the formation of pure crystalline spinel LiMn2O4 with small particle size and lower lattice strain. The thermogravimetric analysis threw the light on the role of the evaporation technique in producing LiMn2O4 by following the different phases on the thermal performance of the precursor. The morphological characterization shows the clear appearance of the octahedral particles of LiMn2O4 calcined at high temperature with microporous nanosized structure. Electrochemical testing of the as prepared spinel at 900 °C showed promising results in terms of high initial capacity and good cycle stability. The as prepared spinel sample shows also good rate performance.

Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne fungus that causes big losses in productivity of various plant species including Phaseolus vulgaris L. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the impacts of Sclerotium rolfsii on growth and production of common bean plants, (2) determine the effects of Sclerotium rolfsii on nutritive contents of beans, and (3) test the efficacy of bio-inoculants on suppressing plant infection with Sclerotium rolfsii. To fulfill these objectives, we used a coupled pot and field experimental approaches during two growing seasons. Common beans were inoculated with either arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Claroideoglomus etunicatum), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or Trichoderma viride solely or in different combinations. Non-inoculated plants and fungicide treated ones were considered as reference treatments. Throughout these experiments, minimal amounts of rock phosphate were added during soil preparation for bio-inoculated treatments, while the non-inoculated reference treatments received a full dose of P as calcium superphosphate. Results revealed that all tested bioinoculants significantly raised the activities of plant defense enzymes i.e. chitinase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase as compared to non-inoculated control. Likewise, pre-, post- and plant survival percentages significantly increased due to these bio-inoculations. Increased survival percentages were attributed to the concurrent increases in uptake of N, P and Zn nutrients by plants treated with bioinoculants. In this concern, plant nutrients uptake was higher in combined than single bio-inoculant treatments. Moreover, the uptake values of plant nutrients owing to the combined bio-inoculants were higher than the corresponding ones achieved due to fungicide treatment. In conclusion, application of the tested bio-inoculants, especially the combined ones can be considered an eco-friendly approach that not only enhances plants resistance against infection with Sclerotium rolfsii but also improves plant nutritive status.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of occult hepatitis B viral infections (OBIs) among blood donors considering the clinical and epidemiological importance of identifying OBIs. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 2011 and January 2012. Blood donors (n=8501) were screened for Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibodies (HBcAb). All HBsAg-negative and HBcAb-positive samples were tested further for hepatitis B surface antibodies (HBsAb), hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA, and HBV genotyping. Results: Of the 8501 serum samples tested, 56 (0.7%) were positive and 8445 (99.3%) were negative for HBsAg. Among the HBsAg-negative samples, 198 (2.3%) were positive for HBcAb and these patients were suspected to have OBIs. Among the HBcAb-positive samples, 119 (60.1%) were positive while 79 (39.9%) were negative for HBsAb. Analysis of HBV-DNA for the suspected OBIs showed that 17 out of 198 samples (8.6%) yielded positive results, and all of them were HBsAb-negative. The viral load was low (less than 20-186 IU/mL) in all OBIs. Hepatitis B virus genotyping showed that 15 out of 17 samples (88.2%) were genotype D, and the other 2 samples (11.8%) were genotype E. Conclusion: The prevalence of OBIs among blood donors in Riyadh was 0.2%. Therefore, it is recommended that HBV molecular testing should be incorporated with serological assays for screening of blood donors. Saudi Med J 2016; Vol. 37 (10): 1114-1119 doi: 10.15537/smj.2016.10.14708 How to cite this article: Alshayea AI, Eid GE, El-Hazmi MM, Alhetheel AF. Prevalence and characterization of occult hepatitis B infection among blood donors in central Saudi Arabia. Saudi Med J . 2016 Oct;37(10):1114-9. doi: 10.15537/smj.2016.10.14708.