Differential expression of pathogenicity- and virulence-related genes of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri under copper stress

In this study, we used real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to evaluate the expression of 32 genes of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri related to pathogenicity and virulence that are also involved in copper detoxification. Nearly all of the genes were up-regulated, including copA and copB. Two genes homologous to members of the type II secretion system (xcsH and xcsC) and two involved in the degradation of plant cell wall components (pglA and pel) were the most expressed in response to an elevated copper concentration. The type II secretion system (xcs operon) and a few homologues of proteins putatively secreted by this system showed enhanced expression when the bacteria were exposed to a high concentration of copper sulfate. The enhanced expression of the genes of secretion II system during copper stress suggests that this pathway may have an important role in the adaptative response of X. axonopodis pv. citri to toxic compounds. These findings highlight the potential role of these genes in attenuating the toxicity of certain metals and could represent an important means of bacterial resistance against chemicals used to control diseases

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B and C viruses among haemodialysis patients in Gaza strip, Palestine

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its associated risk factors among haemodialysis (HD) patients in Gaza strip was investigated using serological and molecular techniques.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall prevalence of HBV among the four HD centers was 8.1%. The main risk factors were HD center (p = 0.05), history of blood transfusion (p < 0.01), and treatment abroad (p = 0.01). The overall prevalence of HCV among the four HD centers was 22%. The main risk factors were HD center (p < 0.01), time duration on HD (p < 0.01), history of blood transfusion (p < 0.01), treatment abroad (p < 0.01), and history of blood transfusion abroad (p < 0.01). Serum aminotransferases levels decreased in HD patients compared with normal population but still there was a direct association between the activity of liver enzymes and both HBV (p < 0.01) and HCV (p < 0.01) infection.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The much higher prevalence of Hepatitis viruses among HD patients compared to the normal population of Gaza strip indicates a causative relation between HD and hepatitis viruses transmission. Therefore extremely careful observation of preventive infection control measures is essential to limit Hepatitis viruses' transmission in HD centers.</p

Association between Anti-Müllerian Hormone and other biomarkers with ovarian function in polycystic ovarian syndrome of Iraqi women

Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the role of of Anti-Müllerian hormone and other hormonal biomarkers and insulin resistance in pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome of Iraqi women with various ages and BMI.&#x0D; Method: The sublects include 50 cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome obtained from gynecological and obstetric teaching hospital, Kerbala health directorate / Kerbala – Iraq and another 50 apparently healthy women as a control group. with age ranged between (18-37) years during the period from Dec. 2019 to June, 2020 which was divided into two groups depending upon their age; first group with age (18-27) years and the second with age (28-37) years, also they divided into three subgroups depending upon the body mass index, normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity (30-34.9 kg/m2) and  measurement of various hormonal levels were performed including LH, FSH, insulin, insulin resistance, total testosterone and anti-müllerian hormone.&#x0D; Results: A significant elevated levels of each of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), insulin, LH, total testosterone, prolactin, fasting blood glucose, FBG and insulin resistance while, a non-significant differences was found in FSH levels in women with PCOS as compared with control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: A significant high levels of the all hormonal parameters including anti-müllerian hormone, LH, prolactin and total testosterone  was found in women with PCOS as compared with the control, except the FSH values.</jats:p