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Antimicrobial activity of bacteria isolated from <em>Leptinotarsa decemlineata</em> and <em>Solanum tuberosum</em>
Get PDFFrom the intestinal microbiota of Colorado potato beetles and their larvae (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), as well as from their feed – potato leaves, 18 bacteria of different species exhibiting antimicrobial activity (56% of the total number of isolated strains) were isolated. The species of bacteria from all three sources of excretion are different. The following 12 species were described for the first time in the gut microbiota of L. decemlineata larvae and imago: Micromonospora phytophila, Neobacillus drentensis, Pseudomonas gessardii, P. poae, P. rhizosphaerae, Pantoea agglomerans, Streptomyces chartreusis, S. clavifer, S. microflavus, S. rishiriensis, S. badius, and S. coelicoflavus. Antimicrobial activity was not previously known for three species (Staphylococcus argenteus, S. camponoticapitis, S. clavifer). Antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Leuconostoc mesenteroides, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium smegmatis was revealed. The gut microbiota of Colorado potato beetles can be considered an encouraging source of antibiotic–producing strains that overcome drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria, as well components of biopesticides.</p
Comparison of Gleason score of Prostate Cancer at Ultrasound/MRI Fusion Target Biopsy vs. Systematic Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy with Final Gleason score at Radical Prostatectomy
No full textPurpose: To compare accuracy in predicting final Gleason Grade Group (GGG) of Prostate Cancer (PCa) of US/MRI fusion guided target (fBx) vs. systematic Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided (TRUS) biopsy, using histopathologic analysis at prostatectomy as the gold standard.Materials and methods: After obtaining IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent Radical Prostatectomy (RP) from January 2014 through May 2019 with prior US/MRI fusion guided target or TRUS biopsy. The rates of upgrading (RP GGG > BX GGG), downgrading (RP GGG < BX GGG), and concordance (RP GGG = BX GGG) were compared between the fBx and TRUS groups. Age, PSA, PSA density, and prostate volume were also noted for all patients. Statistical analysis was utilized to assess the data.Results: A total of 348 men with complete clinical data were included in this study. The rate of downgrading and upgrading in the fBx group was less than in the TRUS biopsy group (14% vs. 19.6%, and 13.2% vs. 19.6%, respectively). The concordance rate was higher in the US-MR fBx group (72.9% vs. 60.7%, p < 0.05)) across all GGG. Notably, lower rates of concordance were found for GGG 1 (24.1%) and GGG 4 (3.6%) in the TRUS Bx group. Patients who underwent US-MR fBx had higher average PSA (9.4 vs. 6.5 ng/ml), higher PSA density (0.3 vs. 0.2 ng/ml2), and lower prostate volume (31 vs. 42 cc). Additionally, biopsy results showed a lower rate of GGG 1 (3.1% vs. 13.2%) and a higher rate of GGG 5 (14.7% vs. 5.5%) in the US-MR fBx group. Conclusions: Target biopsy has a higher GGG concordance compared to TRUS biopsy (72.9% vs. 60.7%, p < 0.05). In addition, there was less downgrading or upgrading of final PCa GGG in the fBx groups compared to TRUS Bx (14% vs. 19.6%, 13.2% vs. 19.6%, respectively). This finding may have important implications for treatment decisions. </p
Genetic variants of COVID-19 and vaccination. Is there a Correlation?
No full textBackground: New coronavirus disease is considered one of the most widely spreading viral infections all over the world. Increased numbers of severe covid-19 cases are growing up. Gene sequencing and discovering new viral variants is an essential aspect during the pandemic. The generation of treatment-resistant viral strains and the probability of negative impact on vaccination efficacy is possible. We aimed to review the probable effect of new variant emergence on treatment and vaccination efficacy, besides, the importance of gene sequencing from published literature data till the moment. Main body of the abstract: SARS-CoV-2 genome studies indicated that it shared 79 to 82% nucleotide similarity with SARS-CoV-1. Several gene locations in the envelope (E) structural protein c.222G>C (p. Leu74Leu) and the Membrane (M) structural protein c.213C>T (p. Tyr71Tyr) were proved to have mutations. Also, the surface (S) gene mutation c.1841A>G (p. Asp614Gly) is most relevant. The published sequences in Egypt are accounting for less than 0.2 percent of reported instances. Short conclusion: The possibility of rapid generation of treatment-resistant viral strains is highly possible. As a consequence of genetic alterations that impart functional differences in infectivity, sub-strains might arise as a result of acquired immunity that is likely to diminish over time and become less effective against increasingly aggressive strains. Gene sequencing in Egypt requires a lot of efforts to provide a rapid discovery for new emerging variants, to avoid a possible decrease in vaccination efficacy and emergence of treatment-resistant strains.</p
Diagnostic significance of combined immunohistochemical panel of p63, High Molecular Weight Cytokeratin (34betaE12) and α‑Methyl Acyl Co A Racemase (AMACR) in resolving suspicious foci in prostatic lesions
No full textBackground: The assessment of small foci of atypical glands in prostatic needle biopsy specimens is a key diagnostic challenge in routine histopathology for pathologists. Due to the presence of mimickers of prostate carcinoma, at times making a definitive diagnosis becomes difficult. The use of immunomarkers like α‑Methyl Acyl Co A Racemase (AMACR), p63 and High Molecular Weight Cytokeratin (HMWCK/34betaE12) has made it easier for us to reach the diagnosis in such cases.Material and methods: All the cases which were received in the Department of Pathology, JNMCH, AMU from January 2015 to December 2018 were categorized into four histomorphologic groups on the basis of histopathology, and immunohistochemistry was applied on all the cases which were rendered ‘suspicious’ on histomorphology.Result: One hundred twenty-one prostatic specimens were received. Out of which, 13 biopsies were found to be inadequate for analysis and hence were not included in the study. Out of the rest 108 cases, (1) 52 were benign, (2) 19 were premalignant, (3) 25 were carcinoma and (4) 12 were signed as ‘suspicious’ on histopathology. These 12 suspicious cases were true cut needle biopsies which were considered appropriate for applying immunomarkers along with control cases. Out of 12 suspicious cases, 8 cases (66.7%) were negative and 3 cases (25%) were weakly positive for p63, 1 case showed moderate immunostaining. HMWCK was completely negative in 7 cases (58.33%), 3 cases (25%) showed weak positivity, 1 case showed moderate and 1 case showed strong positivity. While 5 cases (41.67%) were negative and 7 cases (58.33%) were positive for AMACR mostly showing moderate to strong positivityConclusion: The application of immunomarkers helped us to reach a definite diagnosis in 10 out of 12 cases, which were otherwise difficult to classify. Judicious use of immunomarkers can help in differentiating mimickers of prostate carcinoma from true cancer cases and assist in reaching a definitive diagnosis.</p
Clinical implications of epigenetics in Renal Cell Carcinoma
No full textRenal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), is the 9th most common cancer in the United States. The major classifications of RCC include clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC) and chromophobe (chRCC). Treatment for the localized disease includes resection or ablation with curative intent, or surveillance if these procedures are not feasible. Unfortunately, about one-third of patients will present with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and there are currently no reliable biomarkers to guide clinical decision-making. There is growing evidence that epigenetics plays a role in kidney cancer tumorigenesis and aggressiveness and new strategies for biomarker development are emerging. For example, DNA methylation patterns may be useful in distinguishing different types of RCCs and for distinguishing malignant kidney neoplasms from benign tumors. Epigenetic changes in RCC have also been associated with poorer response to treatment and have the potential to be novel drug targets in the treatment of mRCC. Here we discuss the epigenetics of RCC and the corresponding clinical implications. </p
On the anticancer clinical activity of perillyl alcohol and limonene: A critical assessment of the outcomes
No full textMonoterpenes with p-menthane structure (perillyl series) can inhibit
Ras-proteins prenylation involved in carcinogenesis processes. To
evaluate the safety and efficacy of perillyl alcohol (POH) and limonene
to treat any type of human cancer, we conducted a systematic review of
clinical studies found in seven biomedical bibliographic databases and
four clinical trial registries. After screening titles, abstracts, and
full texts for inclusion/exclusion criteria, one study on limonene
(oral) and 19 on POH administered by oral (13), dermal (2), or
intranasal-instillation routes (4), comprising phase I or I/II trials,
were included in the review. The quality of included studies was
assessed as well. No randomized and controlled phase-III trial was
performed or is in progress. A critical appraisal of study results
suggested that both compounds are safe after oral ingestion, dermal
application, or nasal instillation. Overall, phase II studies showed no
evidence of anticancer activity. Nasal instillation of POH, however,
apparently prolonged the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma.
Randomized and controlled (phase III) clinical studies are necessary to
confirm these findings. </p
Population analysis and spring count of the number of geese in the Amur region (Russian Federation)
No full textHunting for waterfowl is the most massive for amateur hunters in Russia. Hunting starts in spring and autumn, and the largest number of hunters take part in it, due to its popularity, low economic cost for hunters, as well as the possibility of using a hunting dog. In this regard, the role of counting waterfowl in autumn is important. The organization and conduct of accounting work should be carried out by hunting organizations annually, within certain calendar terms, and at a high-quality level.</p
A Literature Review of International Bioeconomy Strategies
No full textSince the 21st century, developed countries have paid increasing attention to bioeconomy strategies. In particular, since the spread of the New Crown Pneumonia epidemic, global biotechnology has surged, and the impact of significant public health and safety events has continued to escalate. Bioeconomy strategies have received unprecedented attention. In this context, sorting out and studying international bioeconomy strategies is essential. Therefore, this paper reviews selected national bioeconomy strategies and explored their characteristics.</p
The effect of olfactory exposure on the heart rate of rabbits during transport
No full textSummaryRabbits can experience stress during transport. This study explores the effects of Essential Oils (EOs) on the heart rate of rabbits during transport. Rabbits were submitted to 3 different treatments: no olfactory exposure to EOs (treatment 1, control); olfactory exposure to 30 drops of Lavandula angustifolia EO (treatment 2); and olfactory exposure to 30 drops of a blend of 5 EOs (treatment 3, Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, Litsea citrata EOs) in a randomized controlled crossover study design. Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 did not induce a significant change in rabbits’ heart rates, however, treatment 3 did induce a significant decrease in rabbits’ heart rates after transport. These results suggest that olfactory exposure to this blend of 5 EOs decreased the rabbit’s heart rate after transport. More research is needed to further evaluate the effects of olfactory enrichment with EOs in rabbits during transport.AbstractThe study explores the effects of Essential Oils (EOs) on the heart rate of rabbits during transport. Rabbits (n = 35) were individually transported three times by car in a transport box for 5 minutes. Each rabbit was subjected to three treatments: no olfactory exposure to EOs (treatment 1, control); olfactory exposure to 30 drops of Lavandula angustifolia EO (treatment 2); and olfactory exposure to 30 drops of a blend of 5 EOs (treatment 3, Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, Litsea citrata EOs) in a randomized controlled crossover study design. Heart rate was measured before and after transport. Compared to the control, treatment 3 showed a significant decrease in HR after transport (mean = -24.33, SD = 41.77; post hoc Tukey test p = 0.007). Results suggest that the blend of EOs might help rabbits to recover homeostasis quicker after a stressful event. This suggests interesting potential field applications not only for rabbit owners but also for veterinarians. There is more research needed regarding the specific effects of EOs on rabbits.</p
AI trends in digital humanities research
No full textRecent advances in specialised equipment and computational methods had a significant impact in the Humanities and, particularly, cultural heritage and archaeology research. Nowadays, digital technology applications contribute in a daily basis to the recording, preservation, research and dissemination of cultural heritage. Digitisation is the defining practice that bridges science and technology with the Humanities, either in the tangible or in the intangible forms. The digital replicas support a wide range of studies and the opening of new horizons in the Humanities research. Furthermore, advances in artificial intelligence methods and their successful application in core technical domains opened up new possibilities to support Humanities research in particularly demanding and challenging tasks. This paper focuses on the forthcoming future of intelligent applications in archaeology and cultural heritage, by reviewing recent developments ranging from deep and reinforcement learning approaches to recommendation technologies in the extended reality domain. </p