Blastocystis Hominis: is IT a Cause of Diarrhea?

Blastocystis hominis can be found in the fecal sample of both healthy individuals without symptoms and those having gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, the pathogenicity and pathophysiology remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine if Blastocystis hominis is a causative agent of diarrhea and investigates its prevalence among patients visiting King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from January 2013 till June 2015 and to determine any significant correlation between age, gender, nationality and other parasitic infection in the presence of Blastocystis hominis. Data were collected from Parasitology lab, using the database at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and statistical analysis were done by utilizing Statistical package for social science program (SPSS). Out of 3,035 of total stool analysis requested, 157 samples were positive for B. hominis (5.2%). 80 (51.6%) were males, and 76 (48.4%) were females. The distribution of B. hominis infection was elevated in 31-50 aged groups (25.5%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the presence of Blastocystis and diarrhea at p < 0.05 and there was no correlation between age, sex, nationality and other parasites with positivity of B. hominis. Blastocystis can be considered as a causative agent of diarrhea. Further studies need to be done in order to investigate its role in pathogenicity and more data must be revised to assess the pathogenicity of Blastocystis subtypes

during the 2009 Prime Expedition Scientific Cruise (PESC-09)

www.atmos-chem-phys.net/14/8137/2014/ doi:10.5194/acp-14-8137-201

Bromocarbons in the tropical coastal and open ocean atmosphere during the 2009 Prime Expedition Scientific Cruise (PESC-09)

Abstract. Atmospheric concentrations of very short-lived species (VSLS) bromocarbons, including CHBr3, CH2Br2, CHCl2Br, CHClBr2, and CH2BrCl, were measured in the Strait of Malacca and the South China and Sulu–Sulawesi seas during a two-month research cruise in June–July 2009. The highest bromocarbon concentrations were found in the Strait of Malacca, with smaller enhancements in coastal regions of northern Borneo. CHBr3 was the most abundant bromocarbon, ranging from 5.2 pmol mol−1 in the Strait of Malacca to 0.94 pmol mol−1 over the open ocean. Other bromocarbons showed lower concentrations, in the range of 0.8–1.3 pmol mol−1 for CH2Br2, 0.1–0.5 pmol mol−1 for CHCl2Br, and 0.1–0.4 pmol mol−1 for CHClBr2. There was no significant correlation between bromocarbons and in situ chlorophyll a, but positive correlations with both MODIS and SeaWiFS satellite chlorophyll a. Together, the short-lived bromocarbons contribute an average of 8.9 pmol mol−1 (range 5.2–21.4 pmol mol−1) to tropospheric bromine loading, which is similar to that found in previous studies from global sampling networks (Montzka et al., 2011). Statistical tests showed strong Spearman correlations between brominated compounds, suggesting a common source. Log–log plots of CHBr3/CH2Br2 versus CHBr2Cl/CH2Br2 show that both chemical reactions and dilution into the background atmosphere contribute to the composition of these halocarbons at each sampling point. We have used the correlation to make a crude estimate of the regional emissions of CHBr3 and to derive a value of 32 Gg yr−1 for the Southeast (SE) Asian region (10° N–20° S, 90–150° E). Finally, we note that satellite-derived chlorophyll a (chl a) products do not always agree well with in situ measurements, particularly in coastal regions of high turbidity, meaning that satellite chl a may not always be a good proxy for marine productivity. We would like to thank MOSTI (Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation). for giving opportunities and financial support for the University of Malaya (UM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to participate in this scientific cruise, and other Malaysian public universities and agencies who helped during sampling. The Malaysian Royal Navy is thanked for their help and assistance in all aspects of the cruise. We also thank the SHIVA European FP7 project (grant 226224), NERC, NERC-NCAS and the British Council, through a PMI2 grant, for their support. Neil Harris would like to thank NERC for his Research Fellowship; Emma Leedham and Matt Ashfold thank NERC for studentships, and Doreena Dominick, Lin Chin Yik, Fatimah Ahamad and Nur Ily Hamizah for their assistance and the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (KPT’s) ERGS grant ER025-2013A. Finally, we also would like to thank Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) for the ICONIC-2013-004 grant, MOSTI e-science grant 04-01-02-SF-0752 for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UKM GGPM-2013-080 and UKM DPP-2014-162 and GUP-2013-057 for financial support.This paper was originally published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 14, 8137-8148, doi:10.5194/acp-14-8137-2014, 201

Levels, distribution profiles and risk assessment of chlorinated organophosphate esters in car and road dust from Basrah, Iraq

The occurrence, concentrations, and distribution profiles of chlorinated organophosphate esters (Cl-OPEs) were investigated in seventy-one car and road dust samples collected from Basrah, southern Iraq. In addition, estimated daily intakes (EDIs) via dust ingestion were assessed for toddlers, regular adults, and taxi drivers. In car dust samples, the concentrations of Σ3Cl-OPEs ranged from 4120 to 73200 ng/g (median 11700 ng/g) with tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) the predominant compound. In road dust samples, the concentrations of Σ3Cl-OPEs ranged from 269 to 3400 ng/g (median 373 ng/g) and 114–526 ng/g (median 222 ng/g) in urban and rural areas, respectively, with tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), predominant. Concentrations of Cl-OPEs in urban road dust are significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than those in rural road dust, suggesting commercial and industrial activity, population density, and heavy traffic may influence the concentrations. The different compositional profiles of Cl-OPEs in car and road dust may be attributed to the physicochemical properties of Cl-OPEs and the pathways through which they can be released into indoor and outdoor environments. EDI values of Cl-OPEs for the Iraqi population via car dust ingestion were in the order: toddlers &gt; taxi drivers &gt; regular adults, exceeding those via road dust by factors of 27 and 40 from urban and rural dust, respectively. For people who work as taxi drivers, EDIs were seven times higher than those of regular adults, implying that people - such as professional drivers - who spend a substantial amount of time in their vehicles may be exposed to hazardous levels of Cl-OPEs. Despite the study showing that the EDIs through dust ingestion for the three population groups were well below the reference dose (RfD) levels, further studies are recommended to assess other pathways, such as inhalation, dietary sources, and dermal absorption.</p

ADAM15 mediates upregulation of Claudin-1 expression in breast cancer cells

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase-15 (ADAM15) is a transmembrane protein involved in protein ectodomain shedding, cell adhesion and signalling. We previously cloned and characterised alternatively spliced variants of ADAM15 that differ in their intracellular domains and demonstrated correlation of the expression of specific variants with breast cancer prognosis. In this study we have created isogenic cell panels (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) expressing five ADAM15 variants including wildtype and catalytically inactive forms. The expression of ADAM15 isoforms in MDA-MB-231 cells led to cell clustering to varying degree, without changes in EMT markers vimentin, slug and E-cadherin. Analysis of tight junction molecules revealed ADAM15 isoform specific, catalytic function dependent upregulation of Claudin-1. The expression of ADAM15A, and to a lesser degree of C and E isoforms led to an increase in Claudin-1 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells, while ADAM15B had no effect. In MCF-7 cells, ADAM15E was the principal variant inducing Claudin-1 expression. Sh-RNA mediated down-regulation of ADAM15 in ADAM15 over-expressing cells reduced Claudin-1 levels. Additionally, downregulation of endogenous ADAM15 expression in T47D cells by shRNA reduced endogenous Claudin-1 expression confirming a role for ADAM15 in regulating Claudin-1 expression. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was involved in regulating Claudin-1 expression downstream of ADAM15. Immunofluorescence analysis of MDA-MB-231 ADAM15A expressing cells showed Claudin-1 at cell-cell junctions, in the cytoplasm and nuclei. ADAM15 co-localised with Claudin-1 and ZO1 at cell-cell junctions. Immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated complex formation between ADAM15 and ZO1/ZO2. These findings highlight the importance of ADAM15 Intra Cellular Domain-mediated interactions in regulating substrate selection and breast cancer cell phenotype

Fracture resistance of CAD/CAM milled versus direct hand-made interim laminate veneers.

BACKGROUND Comparative studies of interim veneer restorations crafted using subtractive computer-aided manufacturing (s-CAM) milling technology and traditional direct hand-made approaches are needed. PURPOSE This comparative in vitro study evaluated the fracture resistance of two types of provisional veneer restorations for maxillary central incisors: milled (s-CAM) and traditional direct hand-made bis-acryl veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty maxillary right central incisor veneers (25 specimens per group) were fabricated and divided according to the fabrication method: (1) s-CAM milled (Structure CAD, VOCO Dental); and (2) hand-made (Protemp Plus, 3M). The restorations were cemented onto 3D-printed resin dies using temporary cement and subjected to 1000 cycles of thermal cycling between 5° and 55 °C. These restorations subsequently were subjected to compressive loading until fracture occurred. Images of the fractured samples were captured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Significant differences (p < 0.001) in the fracture resistance were observed between the two groups. s-CAM milled interim veneers displayed higher fracture resistance values (439.60 ± 26 N) compared to the traditional method (149.15 ± 10 N). CONCLUSION The manufacturing method significantly influences the fracture resistance of interim veneer restorations. s-CAM interim laminate veneer restorations for maxillary central incisors exhibit a fracture resistance superior to that of the traditional method using bis-acryl.Clinical relevanceClinicians should consider CAD/CAM milled veneers for scenarios demanding long-term interim restoration and the withstanding of high occlusal forces

Blastocystis hominis: Is it a cause of diarrhea?

Blastocystis hominis can be found in the fecal sample of both healthy individuals without symptoms and those having gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, the pathogenicity and pathophysiology remain controversial. The aim of this study was to determine if Blastocystis hominis is a causative agent of diarrhea and investigates its prevalence among patients visiting King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from January 2013 till June 2015 and to determine any significant correlation between age, gender, nationality and other parasitic infection in the presence of Blastocystis hominis. Data were collected from Parasitology lab, using the database at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and statistical analysis were done by utilizing Statistical package for social science program (SPSS). Out of 3,035 of total stool analysis requested, 157 samples were positive for B. hominis (5.2%). 80 (51.6%) were males, and 76 (48.4%) were females. The distribution of B. hominis infection was elevated in 31-50 aged groups (25.5%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the presence of Blastocystis and diarrhea at p < 0.05 and there was no correlation between age, sex, nationality and other parasites with positivity of B. hominis. Blastocystis can be considered as a causative agent of diarrhea. Further studies need to be done in order to investigate its role in pathogenicity and more data must be revised to assess the pathogenicity of Blastocystis subtypes

Quality Evaluation of Honey Obtained from Different Sources

Abstract Honey is a food rich in nutrients essential for hu man life such as sugars, proteins, vitamins and minerals and uses honey as food and medicine. Honey is considered one of the most foods which can be adulterated, therefore this study aimed to assess the quality of different samples of natural and industrial honey and matching the results with the international standards. Chemical and physical methods were used in the study to determine the various chemical and physicochemical characteristics. For determinat ion of sugars, a High Performance Liquid Chro matography (HPLC) was used. The results indicate that there were no significant differences in most of the chemical and physicochemical characteristics of natural honey and industrial honey. The results also indicated that the various honey types contained sucrose (10.7%-3.48%), fructose (14.74% -39.01%), glucose (14.09% -35. 6%). Ho wever, the industrial honey was the richest type in nutrients, so its use in industry is highly reco mmended

Adverse developmental and behavioral effects of imidacloprid in mice

The study aimed to explore the acute toxic effects of the broad-spectrum imidacloprid (IMI) insecticide in adult mice and their adverse impact on the development and neurobehavioral levels in postnatal pups exposed to it during the pregnancy period. This goal was supported by brain histological sections from exposed newborn pups. The oral LD50 doses of IMI were 113.15 and 107.2 mg/kg in female and male mice, respectively. The mice treated with toxic percentages 60 and 80% of acute oral LD50 suffered from salivation, nasal discharge, lacrimation, lethargy, piloerection, tremor, straub tail, and convulsions. The doses of 90.5 and 85.5 mg/kg produced a significantly higher toxic ratio with 100% death compared to lower doses 68 and 64 mg/kg, respectively. Exposure of the pregnant mice to IMI at 11 and 34 mg/kg orally during the 7th to 15th days of pregnancy produced developmental defects in newborn pups as a significant delay in pinna opening, lint growth, and eye-opening compared to control. The postnatal pups also suffered from neurobehavioral toxic effects as significant delays in both righting reflex time on postnatal day (PND)5 and cliff avoidance performance on PND 6 compared to control; the same doses also produced significant lowering in the scores of olfactory discriminations on PND 9 and swimming test on PND 10 compared to control. The histological changes in the newborn brain from exposure dams show vacuolization in the cortex of the cerebrum, periaxonal edema, neurophagia, glial cell satellitosis, and gliosis. The data in the current study concluded that there were toxic effects of IMI in adult mice models, and exposure to IMI during pregnancy, even in low doses, produced developmental and behavioral defects in newborns from exposure mothers