Resumo A salmonela é uma causa séria de problemas de saúde em humanos e animais em todo o mundo. Salmonella tem sido isolada de diferentes amostras biológicas e é considerada como o principal papel na indução da inflamação do trato gastrointestinal que por sua vez causa diarreia em diferentes espécies. Compreender melhor o envolvimento da Salmonella na contaminação e infecção de ovos frescos e carne de frango caipira. Este estudo teve como objetivo estabelecer as detecções microbiológicas e moleculares de Salmonella na cloaca da galinha caipira e identificar as funções biológicas previstas usando as vias da Enciclopédia de Gene e Genômica de Kyoto (KEGG) e interação proteína-proteína. Suabes cloacais foram coletados de galinhas criadas ao ar livre em fazenda local na cidade de Duhok. Os isolados foram cultivados e o teste bioquímico realizado com XLD e TSI, respectivamente. A detecção molecular e anotação funcional do gene invA foi realizada usando PCR convencional e abordagens de bioinformática. O presente estudo descobriu que Salmonella foi detectada em 36 das 86 amostras usando métodos microbiológicos. Para confirmar esses achados, o gene invA foi utilizado e 9 dos 36 isolados de Salmonella mostraram um sinal positivo de invA pelo gel de agarose. Além disso, a análise bioinformática revelou que o gene invA estava associado principalmente a processos de secreção bacteriana, assim como seus termos KEGG e interação proteína-proteína estavam envolvidos na invasão bacteriana e nas vias de secreção. Esses achados sugeriram que o gene invA desempenha um papel importante na regulação dos processos de colonização e invasão de Salmonella dentro do hospedeiro intestinal na galinha caipira.

Abstract Salmonella is a serious cause of the health issues in human and animal worldwide. Salmonella has been isolated from different biological samples and it considers as the key role in induction of inflammation of gastrointestinal tract which in turn cause diarrhoea in different species. To further understand the involvement of Salmonella in contaminating and infecting fresh eggs and meat of free-range chicken. This study aimed to establish the microbiological and molecular detections of Salmonella in the cloaca of the free-range chicken and to identify predicted biological functions using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomic (KEGG) pathways and protein-protein interaction. Cloacal swabs were collected from free range chicken raised in the local farm in Duhok city. The isolates were cultured and biochemical test performed using XLD and TSI, respectively. Molecular detection and functional annotation of invA gene was carried out using Conventional PCR and bioinformatics approaches. The present study found that Salmonella was detected in 36 out of 86 samples using microbiological methods. To confirm these findings, invA gene was utilised and 9 out of 36 Salmonella isolates have shown a positive signal of invA by agarose gel. In addition, bioinformatic analysis revealed that invA gene was mainly associated with bacterial secretion processes as well as their KEGG terms and Protein-Protein Interaction were involved in bacterial invasion and secretion pathways. These findings suggested that invA gene plays important role in regulating colonization and invasion processes of Salmonella within the gut host in the free range chicken.

Green materials have received great interest in wide industrial applications due to their desired properties. However, the reinforcing conditions have a significant impact on how they perform in their final use. The current study intends to statistically examine the effects of three key parameters on the average tensile strength of polypropylene composites. These factors included the type of fiber, the chemical treatment, and the fiber's weight percentage. The fibers were hemp and sisal, and the weight percentages were 10, 20, and 30. While some of them received sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment, the rest were left untreated. The main effect and the interaction effect were both examined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings demonstrated that, on average, the weight percentage had no tangible effect on the tensile strength of polypropylene (PP) composites. Additionally, the performance of sisal and hemp composites was unaffected by treatment. The strength, however, is significantly influenced by the type of fiber. The investigation also showed that there was little difference between untreated hemp and untreated sisal in terms of tensile strength.

This study aims to examine the potential improvement of uniform corrosion resistance and critical pitting potential of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) in a simulated marine environment containing 3.5 wt. % NaCl by applying layer of gelatin containing HfO2 nanoparticles using spin coating. Also, to examine the statistical significance of using different weight fractions of HfO2 in the applied layer on the corrosion protection performance. The corrosion performance was assessed from potentiodynamic polarization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to check the presence of HfO2 in gelatin matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were used to examine the surface morphology and elemental composition of corrosion products. The results showed that the applied nanocomposite coatings enhanced both uniform and localized corrosion resistance of the underlying AISI 316L SS, also Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test approved that the weight fractions of dispersed HfO2 nanoparticles have a statistical significant effect on the corrosion performance. Nanocomposites coating having 2 wt.% of HfO2 showed the best performance as compared to other examined coatings.

Resumo A coccidiose continua sendo um dos maiores problemas em aves de todo o mundo. Dados muito limitados sobre drogas anticoccidiais em pombos selvagens estão disponíveis. O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender a eficácia comparativa da sulfadimidina, amprólio e triquenho em pombos selvagens do distrito de Dir, no Paquistão, que sofrem de coccidiose. A matéria fecal dos pombos selvagens foi comprada no mercado local para infecção por coccídios. Os resultados revelaram que 88,8% (16/18) foram encontrados infectados com Eimeria spp. Três grupos positivos foram tratados com sulfadimidina (0,2mg / L), amprólio (25mg / L) e triquenho. A sulfadimidina foi mais eficaz (45%), seguida pelo amprólio (44,6%), enquanto o triquenho (24,0%) apresentou menor efetividade contra a coccidiose em pombos. O número de oocistos foram 79, 81 e 80 antes do tratamento e 60, 44 e 44 após o tratamento com sulfadimidina, amprólio e triquenho, respectivamente. Este estudo mostrou que sulphadimidine, amprolium e triquen não poderiam reduzir significativamente a coccidiose em pombos. Mais estudos são necessários para limpar o mecanismo de drogas anticoccidiais em pombos selvagens.

Abstract Coccidiosis remains one of the major problems in poultry all over the world. Very limited data on anticoccidial drugs in wild pigeons is available. The current study was aimed to understand the comparative efficacy of sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen in wild pigeons of Dir district, Pakistan suffering from coccidiosis. The faecal matter of wild pigeons were purchased from the local market for coccidian infection. Results revealed that 88.8% (16/18) were found infected with Eimeria spp. Three positive groups were treated with sulfadimidine (0.2mg/L), amprolium (25mg/L) and triquen. Sulfadimidine was most effective (45%) followed by amprolium (44.6%) while triquen (24.0%) showed less effectiveness against coccidiosis in pigeons. Number of oocysts were 79, 81 and 80 before treatment and 60, 44 and 44 after treatment with sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen respectively. This study showed that sulphadimidine, amprolium and triquen could not significantly reduce the coccidiosis in pigeons. Further studies are required to clear the mechanism of anti-coccidial drugs in wild pigeons.

Resumo A influência de resíduos farmacêuticos e metais pesados em organismos vivos tem recebido atenção global. O presente estudo avaliou o efeito de resíduos de antibióticos e metais pesados no solo, como alimentos contaminados com cádmio (Cd) e oxitetraciclina (OTC), sobre o isópode Porcellio laevis, o qual foi alimentado com folhas frescas de plantas contaminadas com diferentes concentrações de cádmio, Cd + OTC1000 ppm, Cd + OTC2000 ppm e Cd + OTC3000 ppm, por quatro semanas. As mudanças nos padrões de alimentação, proteína, peroxidação lipídica (LPO), atividade da catalase (CAT) e aminoácidos livres totais (TFAA) foram registradas. Houve diferenças significativas nos resultados obtidos, em que o Cd reduziu a taxa de excreção (ER), no entanto o OTC aumentou essa proporção. A análise bioquímica mostrou que a combinação entre OTC e Cd inibe os efeitos tóxicos do Cd em baixa concentração (1.000 ppm), enquanto, em alta concentração (3.000 ppm), aumenta a toxicidade. Estudos detalhados são necessários para uma maior compreensão da interação entre OTC e metais pesados, e seu impacto sobre os animais do solo, bem como para melhorar a avaliação de risco do solo.

Abstract The influence of pharmaceutical residues and heavy metals on living organisms has received global attention. The present study assessed the interactive effect of antibiotic residues and heavy metals in soil, as contaminated food with cadmium (Cd) and oxytetracycline (OTC) on the isopod Porcellio leavis. It was fed on fresh plant leaves contaminated with different concentrations of cadmium, Cd+OTC1000 ppm, Cd+OTC2000 ppm and Cd+OTC3000 ppm for 4 weeks. The changes in the feeding patterns, protein, lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase activity (CAT), and total free amino acids (TFAA) were recorded. There were significant differences in the obtained results where Cd reduced the egestion ratio (ER) however, OTC enhanced this ratio. Biochemical analysis illustrated that combination between OTC and Cd inhibits the toxic effects of Cd at low concentration (1000 ppm), while at high concentration (3000 ppm) raise the toxicity. Detailed studies are required for further understanding of the interaction between OTC and heavy metals, and also its impact on soil animals and for improving soil risk evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Tanzania is a country experiencing multiple sexual health challenges, but providers receive no formal training in sexual health AIM: This study aimed to assess (1) what sexual health challenges are commonly seen in clinics in Tanzania, (2) which are raised by patients, (3) which are not addressed and (4) which topics to prioritise for a sexual health curriculum SETTING: Healthcare settings in Tanzania METHODS: Participants were 60 experienced and 61 student doctors, nurses and midwives working in Dar es Salaam. The authors conducted 18 focus groups stratified by profession (midwifery, nursing or medicine) and experience (practitioners vs. students RESULTS: Providers identified six common sexual health concerns: (1) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and sexually transmissible infection (STI) (especially syphilis and gonorrhoea), (2) sexual violence (including intimate partner violence and female genital mutilation), (3) early and unwanted pregnancy (including early sexual debut and complications from abortion), (4) sexual dysfunctions, (5) key population concerns (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT); sex work) and (6) non-procreative sexual behaviour (including pornography and masturbation in males and oral and anal sex practices in heterosexual couples). Across professions, few differences were observed. Homosexuality, sex work, masturbation and pornography were identified as taboo topics rarely discussed. Most participants (81%) wanted one comprehensive sexual health curriculum delivered across disciplines CONCLUSION: A sexual health curriculum for health students in Tanzania needs to address the most common sexual health concerns of patients. In addition to teaching sexual science and clinical care, skills training in how to address taboo topics is recommended. Students endorsed almost all sexual health topics, which suggests that a comprehensive curriculum is appropriate

The rate of raw sequence production through Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has been growing exponentially due to improved technology and reduced costs. This has enabled researchers to answer many biological questions through "multi-omics" data analyses. Even though such data promises new insights into how biological systems function and understanding disease mechanisms, computational analyses performed on such large datasets comes with its challenges and potential pitfalls. The aim of this study was to develop a robust portable and reproducible bioinformatic pipeline for the automation of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data analyses. Using Nextflow as a workflow management system and Singularity for application containerisation, the nf-rnaSeqCount pipeline was developed for mapping raw RNA-seq reads to a reference genome and quantifying abundance of identified genomic features for differential gene expression analyses. The pipeline provides a quick and efficient way to obtain a matrix of read counts that can be used with tools such as DESeq2 and edgeR for differential expression analysis. Robust and flexible bioinformatic and computational pipelines for RNA-seq data analysis, from QC to sequence alignment and comparative analyses, will reduce analysis time, and increase accuracy and reproducibility of findings to promote transcriptome research. Categories: · Applied computing ~ Bioinformatics

Abstract The current study estimated the antioxidant activity and biochemical composition of four seaweeds; Toania atomaria (Phaeophyta), Padina pavonia (Phaeophyta), Jania rubens (Rhodophyta) and Corallina elongate (Rhodophyta). The highest total antioxidant activity was observed with ethanol extract of T. atomaria (44.6 ± 1.6 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g crude extract). Among the four seaweeds, ethanol extract of T. atomaria has recorded the highest value in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (32.3 ± 0.0 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g crude extract). The uppermost level of carbohydrates was (20.4% ± 0.4 and 19.5% ± 0.7 dry wt.) in P. pavonia and T. atomaria. Proteins were maximum (10.5% ± 0.6 and 8.0% ± 0.0 dry wt.) in P. pavonia and T. atomaria. The results detected that T. atomaria had the largest amounts of lipids (5.92% ± 0.09 dry wt.). The polyunsaturated ω6 essential fatty acids were recorded in T.atomaria, P. pavonia, and J. rubens (11.39%, 8.09%, and 6.28%), and ω3 essential fatty acids were recorded in T. atomaria and P. pavonia (0.65% and 0.97%). The seaweeds are interesting candidates for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications owing to their antioxidant activities, biochemical composition; they are not widespread in the coastal waters of Egypt and has few studies, especially T. atomaria.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been introduced to supplement existing HIV testing methods to increase the number of people knowing their HIV status. Various HIVST kits have been developed; however, in many countries, their entry into the market is contingent on either being listed as World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified diagnostics/products or being approved by that country's health device regulator or both. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the usability, sensitivity and specificity of HIVSTs, as directed by the WHO prequalification literature. A boxed, sealed HIVST kit was provided to enrolled lay users with no further instruction, who then performed the test under observation. For each HIVST, a product-specific semi-structured checklist was used to calculate a usability index, while the sensitivity and specificity of each HIVST were calculated by comparing the HIVST results to the 'gold standard' -fourth-generation ELISA laboratory blood test. The average usability index was 97.1% (95.9-97.8%), while the average sensitivity and specificity were 98.2% (96.8-99.3%) and 99.8% (99.4-100.0%), respectively. We also diagnosed 507 (15.1%) HIV-positive participants from the general population. The average usability index, sensitivity and specificity were all comparatively high, and these results corroborate previous usability and performance studies from other regions. These results suggest HIVSTs are appropriate for the South African market and can assist manufacturers with readying their devices for final WHO prequalification evaluation.SIGNIFICANCE: • This study has followed the WHO Technical Specification Series for the prequalification of HIV self-test devices, so the usability, sensitivity and specificity results may be used to inform the WHO prequalification process. • The average usability index (97.1%), sensitivity (98.2%) and specificity (99.8%) were all very high, and these results support previous usability and performance studies from other regions, which suggest HIV self-tests are appropriate for WHO prequalification, and subsequently, the South African market. • This study also diagnosed 507 (15.1%) HIV-positive participants from the general population - slightly higher than the national prevalence of 13.1%.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus self-testing (HIVST) can reduce facility-based HIV testing barriers; however, no proven applications exist with widespread uptake for self-reporting or linkage to care. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have shown high usability and feasibility scores, so Ithaka was developed for South Africans to self-report HIVST results outside clinical settings. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the use of Ithaka as a support tool for HIVST users, specifically the ability to self-report results. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to June 2019. At existing HIVST distribution sites, individuals were given HIVST kits and then invited to use Ithaka. Participants could test at home and report their results through the app anytime. Ithaka tracked when people logged-on, registered, received counselling and reported results. Post-study surveys on user experience were also conducted. RESULTS: Of 751 participants, 531 (70.7%) logged onto the app, 412 (54.9%) registered, 295 (39.3%) received counselling and 168 (22.4%) self-reported results. Participants strongly agreed that Ithaka was useful and that it was easy to upload results. Forty-one participants completed a post-test survey, and 39/41 (95.1%) completed the app journey. Most participants (36/41;87.8%) had no challenges, although 2/41 (4.9%) cited perceived data costs, 2/41 (4.9%) difficulty uploading results and 1/41 (2.4%) language, as challenges CONCLUSION: Despite the small sample size, this study has shown that HIVST participants under pragmatic conditions were willing and able to self-report results via the app, whilst also identifying areas of improvement for scaling up.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus self-testing (HIVST) reduces barriers associated with facility-based testing; however, no formal mechanism exists for users to self-report results or link to care. The AspectTM HIVST mobile application (app) was developed for use in South Africa. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of the AspectTM HIVST app for individuals from the inner city of Johannesburg. METHOD: This cross-sectional pilot, with a convenience sample of 300 adults, was conducted in July 2018. Participants were provided an OraQuick HIVST kit and a smartphone preloaded with the app, then asked to follow the in-app instructions for use (IFU) to complete the HIVST and upload results. Trained healthcare workers (HCWs) observed and recorded any deviations from the IFU, and conducted a post-test survey to assess acceptability. Feasibility was evaluated by the number of participants who agreed to participate, completed the self-test, and uploaded all information onto the app correctly. RESULTS: Most participants (98.7%) found the app easy to use. To reduce difficulties related to the IFU (26; 8.7%), participants suggested multimedia supplements (4; 1.3%), additional languages (4; 1.3%) and simplified instructions (5; 1.7%). All individuals approached, agreed to participate, 267 (89.0%) correctly completed all steps and 210 (78.7%) successfully captured all information on the app. Most errors (26; 8.7%) were testing errors and 1 (0.3%) was from the app sequence. Twelve (4.5%) errors were with test strip imaging and 72 (27.0%) discordances were with demographic information. CONCLUSION: Despite some challenges with IFU interpretation and data capture via the app, this pilot showed that the AspectTM HIVST app is an acceptable way to upload mobile HIVST results and demographic information to a central database.

Ethnomedicinal survey documents the traditional practices of Tetrastigma angustifolia leaves in the management of diabetes in the North-eastern region of India. The present study was aimed at isolation of possible antidiabetic principle(s) from T. angustifolia leaves and evaluation of antidiabetic efficacy of isolated compound(s) in experimental animal model. The methanolic extract of T. angustifolia leaves was obtained by Soxhlet extraction method and subjected to silica gel column chromatography (100-200 mesh). Fraction 18-176 chloroform:methanol (70:30) yielded a pale yellow colored compound. The structure of pure compound was elucidated with the help of UV, IR, NMR and Mass spectrometric/techniques. The antioxidant activity of the isolated compound was evaluated in vitro by various radical scavenfing assay methods.. Oral acute toxicity study was carried out according to OECD guideline 423 in Wistar rats. The antidiabetic efficacy of the isolated compound was evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic rats at the dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. for duration of 21 days. The present study reports a new flavocnoid compound isolated from the methanolic extract of T. angustifolia leaves and identified as 8-hydroxyapigenin 7-O-D-glucopyranoside. The flavonoid compound exhibited potent antidiabetic (hypoglicemic) activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats with promising antioxidant (radical scavenging activity) potential in vitro.

Resumo A triagem sorológica para a detecção de anticorpos para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum no camelo dromedário foi realizada investigando 199 amostras de soro coletadas em diferentes cidades da Arábia Saudita. As amostras foram testadas utilizando imunoensaios enzimáticos para a detecção de anticorpos de ambos os parasitas coccídeos formadores de cistos (Laboratórios IDEXX, Bommeli Diagnostics, AG, Berna, Suíça). Anticorpos contra T. gondii foram detectados em 68 (34,2%) amostras, enquanto 33 (16,6%) apresentaram anticorpos contra N. caninum. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra T. gondii (51,2%) foi relatada em Taif, enquanto a menor soroprevalência (15,1%) foi relatada em Riyadh e Hofuf. A maior soroprevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum foi relatada em Jizan (35,9%), enquanto a menor foi em Taif (2,4%). Um total de 47 machos e 21 fêmeas revelou anticorpos para T. gondii , enquanto 19 machos e 14 fêmeas revelaram anticorpos para N. caninum . A detecção de ambos os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum foi de 18 indivíduos. Foi demonstrado que os anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum são predominantes em camelos de diferentes cidades do Reino da Arábia Saudita.

Abstract Serological screening of 199 serum samples from Dromedary camels—from different cities in Saudi Arabia—was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against two cyst-forming coccidian parasites, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 68 (34.2%) samples, while those against N. caninum were present in 33 (16.6%) samples. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was reported in samples from Taif (51.2%), while the lowest seroprevalence was reported in samples from Riyadh and Hofuf (15.1%). The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies was reported in samples from Jizan (35.9%) while the lowest was reported in samples from Taif (2.4%). A total of 47 male and 21 female camels exhibited antibodies against T. gondii , while 19 male and 14 female camels showed antibodies against N. caninum . Concurrent detection of both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies was observed in 18 camels. It has been demonstrated that T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies are prevalent in camels from different cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Assembly adopted the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which includes improving the knowledge base through surveillance and research. Noteworthily, the World Health Organization has advocated a Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System to address the plan's surveillance objective, with most African countries enrolling in or after 2017. AIM: The aim of this article was to review prior data on antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio cholerae from sub-Saharan Africa with a view for future control and intervention strategies. METHODS: We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (or 'PRISMA') guidelines to search the PubMed and African Journals Online databases, as well as additional articles provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, for articles reporting on the antibiotic susceptibility of V. cholerae between January 2000 and December 2017. RESULTS: We identified 340 publications, of which only 25 (reporting from 16 countries within the sub-Saharan African region) were eligible. The majority (20; 80.0%) of the cholera toxigenic V. cholerae isolates were of the serogroup O1 of the El Tor biotype with Ogawa and Inaba serotypes predominating. Resistance was predominantly documented to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (50% of the studies), ampicillin (43.3% of the studies), chloramphenicol (43.3% of the studies) and streptomycin (30% of the studies). Resistance mechanisms were reported in 40% of the studies. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate a documented antimicrobial resistance of V. cholerae to multiple antibiotic classes, including cell wall active agents and antimetabolites with evidence of phenotypic/genotypic resistance to fluoroquinolones.