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Background: Cognitive disturbances are a major cause of disability in depression. The antidepressant medication effectively improves cognitive function. However, its adverse effect limits its use, so add-on treatment is needed to support its effectiveness. Aim: This study aims to compare the efficacy of aerobic exercise and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as an add-on treatment for improving cognitive function. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven patients with first episodes of moderate and severe depression were recruited from the outpatient psychiatry clinic to join this randomized controlled trial. Participants were allocated to three groups: antidepressant only, antidepressant with add-on aerobic exercise, and antidepressant with add-on rTMS therapy. All participants received 2 weeks of intervention. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MOCA). Results: No differences were found in baseline characteristic data between groups. Total MOCA score increased after intervention in a group with no add-on treatment (p=0.007), with add-on aerobic exercise (p=0.011), and with add-on rTMS therapy (p=0.017). Hence, there was no between-group difference (p=0.222). The MOCA subtest analysis revealed between-group differences in changes in delayed recall subtest score (p=0.01). The group with add-on rTMS therapy improved better than the group with antidepressants only (p=0.005).Conclusion: The addition of rTMS therapy resulted in better improved delayed recall function than the addition of aerobic exercise or without any add-on treatment. This finding supports the application of rTMS therapy as an add-on treatment to improve the cognitive function of patients with depression.

Malaria, an ancient mosquito-borne illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, is mostly treated with Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT). However, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) mutations in the P. falciparum Kelch 13 (PfK13) protein have been associated with artemisinin resistance (ART-R). Therefore, this study aims to generate PfK13 recombinant proteins incorporating of two specific SNPs mutations, PfK13-V494I and PfK13-N537I, and subsequently analyze their binding interactions with artemisinin (ART). The recombinant proteins of PfK13 mutations and the Wild Type (WT) variant were expressed utilizing a standard protein expression protocol with modifications and subsequently purified via IMAC and confirmed with SDS-PAGE analysis and Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry. The binding interactions between PfK13-V494I and PfK13-N537I propeller domain proteins ART were assessed through Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and subsequently validated using fluorescence spectrometry. The protein concentrations obtained were 0.3 mg/ml for PfK13-WT, 0.18 mg/ml for PfK13-V494I, and 0.28 mg/ml for PfK13-N537I. Results obtained for binding interaction revealed an increased fluorescence intensity in the mutants PfK13-N537I (83 a.u.) and PfK13-V494I (143 a.u.) compared to PfK13-WT (33 a.u.), indicating increased exposure of surface proteins because of the looser binding between PfK13 protein mutants with ART. This shows that the PfK13 mutations may induce alterations in the binding interaction with ART, potentially leading to reduced effectiveness of ART and ultimately contributing to ART-R. However, this study only elucidated one facet of the contributing factors that could serve as potential indicators for ART-R and further investigation should be pursued in the future to comprehensively explore this complex mechanism of ART-R.

This research contributes to work on synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) at room temperature (RT) and their utilization in flexible gas sensors. RT ZnO NP synthesis with a basicity solution (pH ≈ 13) demonstrates an efficient method for synthesizing well-crystalline ZnO NPs (RT.pH13) comparable to those synthesized by the hydrothermal method (hyd.C). The RT.pH13 achieved a high thermal stability with minimal organic reside impurities (~4.2 wt%), 30–80 nm particle size distribution, and a specific surface area (14 m2 g−1). The synthesized pre- and post-calcinated RT.pH13 NPs were then incorporated into flexible sensors for gas sensing applications at ambient conditions (RT and relative humidity of 30–50%). The pre-calcinated ZnO-based sensor (RT.pH13) demonstrated superior sensitivity to styrene and acetic acid and lower sensitivity to dimethyl-6-octenal. The calcinated ZnO-based sensor (RT.pH13.C) exhibited lower sensitivity to styrene and acetic acid, but heightened sensitivity to benzene, acetone, and ethanol. This suggests a correlation between sensitivity and structural transformations following calcination. The investigation of the sensing mechanisms highlighted the role of surface properties in the sensors’ affinity for specific gas molecules and temperature and humidity variations. The study further explored the sensors’ mechanical flexibility, which is crucial for flexible Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Within the framework of the development of the Algerian flora, the seriousness of the damage caused by aphids of which the species Chaitophorus populialbae Boyer de Fonscolombe, infested the white poplar and the search for alternative solutions more respectful for the environment relying on the role of biopesticides of plant origin, we chose a plant Pteridium aquilinum Linné, belonging to the family Dennstaedtiaceae which presents various biological activities, in particular insecticide. This study is intended to improve our knowledge of these chemical compounds. and evaluate the insecticide activity in vitro, in laboratory conditions, of this plant's methanolic and chloroformic extracts on viviparous apterous females of Chaitophorus populialbae Boyer de Fonscolombe. The best extraction yield of the plant was recorded with the polar solvent methanolic with a rate of 50.5% compared to chloroform, whose extraction rate was 43.5%. The chemical compounds identified by GC/MS are 29 from the ultrasound extraction. Among the 29 chemical compounds, 21 are terpenes, including 6 monoterpenes and 8 oxygenated monoterpenes, 7 fatty acids, and 1 amino acid. Toxicity tests of methanolic and chloroformic extracts, at a concentration of 50 μL/mL reveal corrected mortality of 100% after 24 h of exposure for all the viviparous apterous females of Chaitophorus populialbae Boyer de Fonscolombe.

This paper highlights the importance of remote sensing and GIS techniques applied on aerial photographs for forests spatio-temporal dynamics analysis. An assessment of the changes in the distribution and extension of Kiadi cork oak forest was carried out using historical imagery, covering a period of 35 years. The results indicate that, roadways and building surfaces in Kiadi forest have increased by 9.71 and 3.86% respectively, while the surface initially covered by vegetation decreased by 13.57%, as a result of anthropogenic disturbance. Digital processing of historical aerial photographs proved to be a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of forest dynamics.

Abstract Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is one of the most feared side effects of radiotherapy following cancers of the upper aero-digestive tract and leading to severe functional defects in patients. Today, our lack of knowledge about the physiopathology restricts the development of new treatments. In this study, we refined the ORN rat model and quantitatively studied the progression of the disease. We tested the impact of radiation doses from 20 to 40 Gy, delivered with incident 4MV X-ray beams on the left mandible of the inbred Lewis Rat. We used micro-computed tomography (µCT) to obtain in vivo images for longitudinal bone imaging and ex vivo images after animal perfusion with barium sulphate contrast agent for vessel imaging. We compared quantification methods by analyzing 3D images and 2D measurements to determine the most appropriate and precise method according to the degree of damage. We defined 25 Gy as the minimum irradiation dose combined with the median molar extraction necessary to develop non-regenerative bone necrosis. µCT image analyses were correlated with clinical and histological analyses. This refined model and accurate methods for bone and vessel quantification will improve our knowledge of the progression of ORN pathology and allow us to test the efficacy of new regenerative medicine procedures.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of socio-demographic and dietary intake patterns on the nutritional status of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients and to determine the dietary diversity of the households. METHODOLOGY This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2018 to June 2018 at the Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. Based on written consent, a sample of 250 adult CVD patients was selected through a convenient sampling method. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire containing demographic, anthropometry, biochemical, clinical data, and a dietary record. RESULTS In a sample of 250 patients mean age was 55.41±12.558. On the basis of BMI, almost 52.8% were overweight and 0.8% of the patients were obese. Overweight was the major trend among the patients where this tendency was more common in males (57.5%) as compared to females (41%). Diabetes and hypertension were the major complications among these patients. Daily and per week food frequency and dietary diversity scores showed high intake of meat, milk, saturated fats, high glycemic index fruits, intake of processed foods along with goodconsumption of vegetables. The regression coefficient of DDI showed whole milk, cream, meat and processed meat as a strong predictor of obesity, overweight and CVD. CONCLUSION The overall dietary diversity of the patients showed a trend toward western dietary patterns with a focus on meat, whole milk, and processed foods. Among the financially stable families of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this dietary trend may pose a serious health concern in the context of non -communicable diseases in this region and demand for nutrition education at all levels of the society.

Cork oak (Quercus suber) as a West Mediterranean species is known for its ecological, economic and social values. Wildfires are one of the most serious problems threatening Quercus suber, endangering its occurrence in its area of distribution. Therefore, knowing the behavior of the species after fire and the factors influencing its responses are particularly important for forest management. In this study we assessed the post fire vegetative recovery in 730 trees affected by wildfires on 2014 in Kiadi cork oak forest, located in the Western side of Akfadou Mountains in Algeria. Few months after the fire, individual tree mortality was very low (7.53%), and nearly, all the trees sampled survived the fire since almost all trees resprouted from canopy and some of them showed basal resprouts. Moreover, those two modes of post fire vegetative recovery were not correlated to each other. The performed redundancy analyzes (RDA) revealed that the cork oak post-fire response was highly correlated with individual characteristics and with the environmental data. The main variables influencing the likelihood of good or poor vegetative recovery were the understory height and cover, soil characteristics, fire severity, tree status (alive/dead trees), tree diameter and tree exploitation. Our results confirmed the fire resistance of cork oak species; which is also the only Algerian tree to resprouts. Hence, this makes the species a good candidate for reforestation programs in fire prone ecosystems.

The Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa Rabies Control Network (MERACON), is built upon the achievements of the Middle East and Eastern Europe Rabies Expert Bureau (MEEREB).MERACON aims to foster collaboration among Member States (MS) and develop shared regional objectives, building momentum towards dog-mediated rabies control and elimination. Here we assess the epidemiology of rabies and preparedness in twelve participating MS, using case and rabies capacity data for 2017, and compare our findings with previous published reports and a predictive burden model.Across MS, the number of reported cases of dog rabies per 100,000 dog population and the number of reported human deaths per 100,000 population as a result of dog-mediated rabies appeared weakly associated. Compared to 2014 there has been a decrease in the number of reported human cases in five of the twelve MS, three MS reported an increase, two MS continued to report zero cases, and the remaining two MS were not listed in the 2014 study and therefore no comparison could be drawn. Vaccination coverage in dogs has increased since 2014 in half (4/8) of the MS where data are available. Most importantly, it is evident that there is a need for improved data collection, sharing and reporting at both the national and international levels.With the formation of the MERACON network, MS will be able to align with international best practices, while also fostering international support with other MS and international organisations.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in terms of wasting and stunting in children between 3- and 5 years of age and to analyze the risk factors associated with malnutrition among them in the district of Peshawar. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the district of Peshawar. Multi-staging simple random probability sampling selected a sample of 225 children between 3 and 5 years. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire containing demographic, risk factors and anthropometry. RESULTS: In a sample of 225 children, the prevalence of malnutrition was quite alarming. Stunting and wasting were observed in the age group 3-5 years. Low weight- for height was observed at 20%, and leanness through mid-arm circumference among children between 3-5 years of age in Peshawar district was 28%, although the mean values for all the indicators fell at the 50th percentile. About 76.9% were exclusively breastfed, and 29.8% of children were partially vaccinated. The association of low MUAC with breastfeeding (chi-square value of 28.9 & P=

Abstract This work is devoted to the adsorption of Cibacron Blue (CB) an anionic textile dye, on bean peel (BP) an agricultural waste with neither activation nor carbonization. The adsorption was realized in batch configuration at ambient temperature in acidic medium. The adsorbent was characterized by FTIR, SEM and BET analyses; the equilibrium isotherms and kinetics were also studied. It has been found that this waste could be used as a low-cost biosorbent for CB elimination under optimal working conditions. The rate of CB elimination reaches 95% on bean bark (3.6 g/L) at pH 2.2 and a reject concentration of 25 mg/L. The pseudo-second-order describes suitably the experimental data and the external diffusion is the rate-determining step. The Freundlich isotherm fits better the CB adsorption with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.94 and an RMSE = 1.5115. The negative enthalpy (ΔH) and free enthalpy (ΔG°) indicate a physical and spontaneous nature of the CB biosorption onto the biomaterial.

Abstract Particle and radiation sources are widely employed in manifold applications. In the last decades, the upcoming of versatile, energetic, high-brilliance laser-based sources, as produced by intense laser–matter interactions, has introduced utilization of these sources in diverse areas, given their potential to complement or even outperform existing techniques. In this paper, we show that the interaction of an intense laser with a solid target produces a versatile, non-destructive, fast analysis technique that allows to switch from laser-driven PIXE (Particle-Induced X-ray Emission) to laser-driven XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) within single laser shots, by simply changing the atomic number of the interaction target. The combination of both processes improves the retrieval of constituents in materials and allows for volumetric analysis up to tens of microns and on cm2 large areas up to a detection threshold of ppms. This opens the route for a versatile, non-destructive, and fast combined analysis technique.

Dengue virus hijacks the host cellular mechanism to propagate and survive during viral infection, in which the central carbon mechanism plays a crucial role to upregulate DENV infection through the increase of human hexokinase II (HKII) activity. Since the enzyme governs the glycolytic pathway, it has potentials as a target for anti-dengue (DENV) drug development. In this study, the production of human hexokinase II protein has been enhanced by using bacterial system for anti-dengue therapeutic purpose. The HKII gene was cloned into pET28b vector and transformed into the E. coli strain BL21 (DE3) for HKII expression. In order to obtain soluble recombinant HKII in an active form, we optimized protein expression under specific conditions at 18°C for 19 hours using Terrific Broth media, in the presence of 0.5 mM isopropyl-2-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The pET28b-HKII construct expressed in BL21(DE3) system exhibited adequate protein expression, thus, this construct was subsequently proceeded to purification process. The expressed protein was purified to homogeneity by a combination of Immobilized Metal Ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC)and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), resulting in pure, active bacterially-expressed HKII with a specific activity of 56. 67U.mg-1. The amount of HKII obtained from 2 L culture is 80 mg, with a yield percentage of 10.5%. Hence in this study, human HKII has successfully been cloned and expressed as a soluble protein that can be utilized for further therapeutic studies.

Background and objective: Plant-based fermented foods containing favorable micro-organisms have been used to improve diets. Starter microorganisms may produce toxic compounds that are hazardous to consumers. Brine shrimp lethality test is a convenient and appropriate assay to check toxicity of samples. The aim of this study was to investigate toxicity of pasteurized coconut beverages at 70°C, 80°C and 90°C for 25, 15 and 5 min, respectively, and unpasteurized coconut beverages fermented by Lactococcus lactis against Artemia salina nauplii. Material and methods: After extraction of coconut beverages fermented by Lactococcus lactis using methanol, cytotoxicity was assessed using (lethality concentration). Newly 10 hatched Artemia salina nauplii were transferred into various concentrations (in replicates) of the fermented sample extracts. After 24 h, survived Artemia salina nauplii were counted and lethality concentration was assessed. The brine shrimp lethality test was used to investigate sample toxicity at various doses from 1 to 500 µg ml-1 at various time intervals. Results and conclusion: The fermented extracts included low larvicidal potential against Artemia salina nauplii. Correlations were reported between the extract doses and percentage mortality of nauplli brine shrimp. The pasteurized fermented extracts were less toxic and cheaper. Interestingly, starter culture, fermentation, thermal treatment and time contributed to breaking down of hydrolysable tannins and larger polyphenolic compounds, producing smaller compounds with lower toxicity responses in brine shrimp lethality test. The four probiotics beverage extracts included non-cytotoxic activity as presented by low mortalities in brine shrimp lethality test. In conclusion, these extracts can be used to justify probiotic production of beverages. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Mariangela Rondanelli,1,2 Antonella Riva,3 Pietro Allegrini,3 Milena Anna Faliva,4 Maurizio Naso,4 Gabriella Peroni,4 Mara Nichetti,4 Clara Gasparri,4 Daniele Spadaccini,4 Giancarlo Iannello,5 Vittoria Infantino,6 Teresa Fazia,7 Luisa Bernardinelli,7 Simone Perna8 1IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia 27100, Italy; 2Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Human and Clinical Nutrition, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy; 3Research and Development Unit, Indena, Milan 20146, Italy; 4Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy; 5General Management, Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, Pavia 27100, Italy; 6Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70121, Italy; 7Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; 8Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir Campus, Kingdom of BahrainCorrespondence: Vittoria InfantinoUniversity of Bari Aldo Moro, Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Bari, c/o Azienda di Servizi alla Persona “Istituto Santa Margherita”, Via Emilia 12, Pavia 27100, ItalyTel +39-0382-381706Email viriainfantino@hotmail.itPurpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a new food-grade lecithin formulation of standardized extracts of Zingiber officinale and Acmella oleracea on pain and inflammation.Patients and Methods: Pilot study with one-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design in which 50 subjects with moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) (mean age: 62.46± 8.45) were supplied for four weeks with two tablets/day.Results: Primary outcomes were 1) the evaluation of pain intensity, by a 30-day visual analogue scale (VAS) and 2) the assessment of knee function by WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis) Index and by Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring collected at baseline, at 15 and 30 days after treatment. Secondary outcomes were 3) health-related quality of life, by the ShortForm36 (SF-36); 4) inflammation grade by C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); and 5) body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured at baseline and 30 days after treatment. Data showed significant effects of supplement intake for WOMAC (β=− 3.27, p< 0.0001), Lysholm (β=1.06, p=0.0003), CRP (β=− 0.13, p=0.006), ESR (β=− 3.09, p=0.004), physical activity (β=4.3, p=0.009) and fat-free mass (β=376.7, p=0.046). A significant VAS’s decrease over time was observed in both knees (left: β=− 0.08, p< 0.0001; right: β=− 0.07, p< 0.0001).Conclusion: The tested formulation seems to be effective and also free of side effects.Keywords: pain, knee osteoarthritis, dietary supplements, Phytosome®

Abstract The nematicidal efficiency of two types of extracts (aqueous and methanolic) of 5 plants Peganum harmala L., Raphanus raphanistrum L., Taxus baccata L., Sinapis arvensis L., and Ricinus communis L. on second stage juveniles (J2s) of Meloidogyne incognita was evaluated at 4 doses in vitro (40, 50, 60 and 80%) at 4 exposure times (12, 16, 24, and 32 h). In a greenhouse, methanol extracts obtained from 0.75, 1.5, or 3 g of the dry matter of T. baccata, S. arvensis, and P. harmala were added in pots of tomato plants (Moneymaker cultivar) to test the effect of the extracts on the nematode, its reproduction, and the plant’s growth. After 32 h of exposure, the in vitro results on J2s showed that all the aqueous and methanolic extracts of the 5 plants had positive effects on J2 mortality compared to controls; water and DMSO (2%) (dimethyl sulfoxyde). In general, methanolic extracts were significantly more effective than the aqueous ones. Methanolic extracts of T. baccata, P. harmala, and S. arvensis had the highest mortality rates (100, 89.2, 86.6%), respectively, followed by the aqueous extract of T. baccata (73.8%). After 12 days, the hatching inhibition varies between (61.4%) for the aqueous extract of R. communis and (84.2%) for the methanolic extract of T. baccata. The average was significantly different from controls (DMSO 23.8 and water 21.8%) for all extracts. Methanolic extracts were not always significantly different than the aqueous ones. In vivo methanolic extracts of S. arvensis, P. harmala, and T. baccata reduced infestation than the controls. The gall index varied between 3.5 and 5.5 for the extracts than the positive control 6.5. The present study revealed the effectiveness of all tested plant extracts to root-knot nematodes without any chemical inputs.

In this work, a qualitative study of the phenolic content of Moringa oleifera leaves (MO), extracted with deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on choline chloride (ChCl) with lactic acid (LA) or glycerol (GLY), was performed by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn). The two solvents (DES-LA and DES-GLY) extract similar classes of phenolics, and ten compounds were identified. The antioxidant profile was also studied (TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP, ORAC, and ABTS). Both solvents show an efficient extraction of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant capacity was verified for the extracts. However, the DES-Gly have a higher capacity for polyphenolic extraction (TPC led to 38.409 ± 0.095 mg GAE.g−1 and 2.259 ± 0.023 mg QE.g−1 for TFC). Films based on methylcellulose (MC) containing different amounts of DES or MO extracts, acting as plasticizers, were developed and characterized regarding their mechanical, optical, water vapor permeability, and microstructural properties. All films are uniform, clear, and transparent with smooth, homogeneous surfaces. It was found that the presence of more than 10% of MO extract and/or DES provided more flexible films (Eb for MC 2%_DES 20% achieved 4.330 ± 0.27 %, and 8.15 ± 0.39 % for MC 2%_MO 20%) with less mechanical and barrier resistance. The ultimate objective of this study was to provide information that could assist in the development of antimicrobial active methylcellulose films for sliced wheat bread packaging.

230 temporary plots located in Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) stands in the Aures (Algeria) were used for modeling its structure with three theoretical distributions, i.e., the Weibull; the normal and the Beta one. Parameters of the Weibull distribution were estimated using two methods: the maximum likelihood and the method of moments. Diameter distribution models were obtained by estimation of each distribution parameters and by their prediction using stand variables. Results revealed the efficiency of the Weibull distribution estimated with the method of moments. The parameter estimation method is more accurate compared to parameter recovery method despite the existence of strong correlations between parameters of the theoretical distributions and some population variables such as arithmetic or quadratic mean diameter and dominant height. Plot characteristics revealed the existence of several distribution shapes: symmetrical; dissymmetrical with left asymmetry and reverse I or J-shaped distributions.

Stainless-steel honeycomb monoliths (square cell-shape/230 cpsi cylinders) were 3D-printed and used as support of a Ni/CeO2-ZrO2 powder deposited by washcoating. The resulting catalysts were characterized by XRF, SEM-EDX and H2-TPR, and tested in the dry reforming of methane reaction. In the 750–900 °C range, they showed competitive conversions (45–95%) and H2/CO ratio (0.84–0.94) compared to cordierite honeycombs with same catalyst loading and geometric characteristics, but did not require activation time thanks to better heat transfer. Both structured catalysts were stable in prolonged TOS experiments. The bare metallic monoliths exhibited significant activity at 900 °C due to their intrinsic nickel content.

Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLH) is one of the enzymes in glycolysis with potential target for chemotherapy. This study aimed to clone, overexpress and characterize soluble recombinant lactate dehydrogenase from Plasmodium knowlesi in a bacterial system. Synthetic P. knowlesi lactate dehydrogenase (Pk-LDH) gene was cloned into pET21a expression vector, transformed into Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3) expression system and then incubated for 18 h, 20 °C with the presence of 0.5 mM isopropyl β-d-thiogalactoside in Terrific broth supplemented with Magnesium sulfate, followed by protein purifications using Immobilized Metal Ion Affinity Chromatography and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Enzymatic assay was conducted to determine the activity of the enzyme. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that protein of 34 kDa size was present in the soluble fraction. In SEC, a single peak corresponding to the size of Pk-LDH protein was observed, indicating that the protein has been successfully purified. From MALDI-TOF analysis findings, a peptide score of 282 was established, which is significant for lactate dehydrogenase from P. knowlesi revealed via MASCOT analysis. Secondary structure analysis of CD spectra indicated 79.4% α helix and 1.37% β strand structure. Specific activity of recombinant Pk-LDH was found to be 475.6 U/mg, confirming the presence of active protein. Soluble Pk-LDH that is biologically active was produced, which can be used further in other malaria studies.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the perception, attitude and barriers of undergraduate medical students toward medical research at Rehman Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in undergraduate medical students of Rehman Medical College Peshawar, Pakistan from 15 May to 15th June 2016. A pretested questionnaire was completed by 150 medical students. The questionnaire consisted of 16 questions. The students’ response was recorded on a Likert scale from strongly agree (1) to strongly disagree (5). The collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 17. RESULTS: Of the 400 students enrolled 150 of the student’s responded. The response rate was 37.5%. Seventy percent of the students had previous experience in research and 92% had agreed upon that research is an important component of medical education. 88.6% considered research as a mandatory component of medical school curriculum. The motives of the student’s behind conducting research during medical school made research mandatory in curriculum (88.6%), facilitating acceptance to residency program (40.7%), appreciation and acknowledgement by teachers (47.3%) and research by peer (46.7%). The barriers were lack of interest (16.7%), lack of time due to extensive medical curriculum (58%), exam phobia (49.3%) and lack of training in scientific literature search (31.4%) and research methodology (25.3%). CONCLUSION: The majority of students in the study showed diverse attitudes and perceptions toward medical research. Addressing perceived students’ barriers can help in an improvement in research activities among medical Students. KEY WORDS: Undergraduate Medical Students (Non-MeSH), Research (MeSH), Attitudes (MeSH), Perception (MeSH), Barrier (Non-MeSH)

Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that antagonizes the activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha to induce and maintain remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Adverse effects associated with Infliximab infusions include infusion reactions, risk of infections, development of hematological malignancies, and pancytopenia. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia has rarely been reported in ulcerative colitis. Herein we report a case of drug-induced hemolytic anemia after infliximab infusion for treating ulcerative colitis.

A Ni/CeO2/ZrO2 catalyst with improved redox properties has been washcoated onto a honeycomb cordierite monolith in the form of a nonconventional alumina-catalyst layer, just a few nanometers thick. In spite of the very low active phase loading, the monolith depicts outstanding performance in dry reforming of methane, both in terms of activity, with values reaching the thermodynamic limit already at 750 °C, even under extreme Weight Hourly Space Velocities (WHSV 115−346 L·g−1·h−1), as well as in terms of stability during prolonged Time on Stream (TOS 24−48 h).

The presence of chylous fluid with high triglycerides levels on endoscopic ultrasound- (EUS-) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is very pathognomonic for the diagnosis of cystic lymphangiomas of the pancreas. In our case report the puncture of the pancreatic cyst showed a typical milky fluid though measurable triglyceride concentrations were absent in the laboratory. Two possible explanations were found. First of all grossly lipemic samples show a slower rate of color development than do clear serums which can produce a false negative result if the sample is insufficiently diluted. Secondly, high lipase levels can divide triglycerides in glycerol and fatty acids, making the concentration of triglycerides undetectable.

We report herein a two or three step synthesis of fluorinated π-conjugated oligomers through iterative C–H bond arylations. Palladium-catalyzed desulfitative arylation of heteroarenes allowed in a first step the synthesis of fluoroaryl-heteroarene units in high yields. Then, the next steps involve direct arylation with aryl bromides catalyzed by PdCl(C3H5)(dppb) to afford triad or tetrad heteroaromatic compounds via regioselective activation of C(sp2)–H bonds.

Background. Orally ingested medications now come in both immediate release and controlled release preparations. Controlled release preparations were developed by pharmaceutical companies to improve compliance and decrease frequency of pill ingestion. Case Report. A 67-year-old obese male patient presented to our clinic with focal abdominal pain that had been present 3 inches below umbilicus for the last three years. This pain was not associated with any trauma or recent heavy lifting. Upon presentation, the patient reported that for the last two months he started to notice pearly oval structures in his stool accompanying his chronic abdominal pain. This had coincided with initiation of his nifedipine pills for his hypertension. He reported seeing these undigested pills daily in his stool. Conclusion. The undigested pills may pose a cause of concern for both patients and physicians alike, as demonstrated in this case report, because they can mimic a parasitic infection. This can result in unnecessary extensive work-up. It is important to review the medication list for extended release formulations and note that the outer shell can be excreted whole in the stool.

Dengue virus (DENV) is an arboviral human pathogen transmitted through mosquito bite that infects an estimated ~400 million humans (~5% of the global population) annually. To date, no specific therapeutics have been developed that can prevent or treat infections resulting from this pathogen. DENV utilizes numerous host molecules and factors for transcribing the single-stranded ~11 kb positive-sense RNA genome. For example, the glycosylation machinery of the host is required for viral particles to assemble in the endoplasmic reticulum. Since a variety of host factors seem to be utilized by the pathogens, targeting these factors may result in DENV inhibitors, and will play an important role in attenuating the rapid emergence of other flaviviruses. Many experimental studies have yielded findings indicating that host factors facilitate infection, indicating that the focus should be given to targeting the processes contributing to pathogenesis along with many other immune responses. Here, we provide an extensive literature review in order to elucidate the progress made in the development of host-based approaches for DENV viral infections, focusing on host cellular mechanisms and factors responsible for viral replication, aiming to aid the potential development of host-dependent antiviral therapeutics.