Vol.7 No.2 – 5: Genetic variations in some Egyptian Zea mexicana genotypes based on RAPD and AFLP markers

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By: K.H. Radwan1,2*, G.A. Abdelfattah1,3, M.A. Badawi1,4, E. M. Zayed5, M.M. Tarrd6. Manal M. S. El-Baghdady1, Reem M. Abd El-Maksoud1

1. Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza -12619, Egypt

2. National biotechnology Network of Expertise, ASRT, Egypt.

3. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, KSA

4. Dép. des Sciences Biologiques, Univ. du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada

5. Cell Study Research Department (CSRD), Field Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza 12619, Egypt

6. Forage Crops Research Department (FCRD), Field Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza-12619, Egypt.

Abstract

Maize-Teosinte hybrids are of significant interest to maize breeders as a resource of genetic diversity during the maize domestication process as a genetic pool for maize improvement. This study examines the genetic diversity and population structure of 16 Zea mexicana populations which are currently active in Zea breeding programs in Egypt using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers. RAPD analysis (14 primers) produced 141 bands; out of which, 102 (72.3%) were polymorphic. On the other hand, AFLP (5 primer combinations) yielded 276 peaks including 267 (96.7%) polymorphic ones with an average of 53.4 peaks per primer combination. A total of 11 unique RAPD markers were created by 6 primers and identified 8 genotypes. The five primer combinations generated 56 unique amplicons that successfully distinguished 12 out of the 16 genotypes tested. Furthermore, the number of observed alleles (Na), effective multiplex ratio (EMR), and polymorphic information content (PIC) indices showed higher values for AFLP (2.00, 53.4, and 0.21) than for RAPD (1.67, 7.3, and 0.15). Cluster analysis based on Nei and Li genetic distance and an Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) revealed 5 main clusters representing the 16 Zea mexicana confirming the population structure analysis obtained. High variability of the studied teosinte genotypes using RAPD and AFLP markers will provide valuable tools for Zea mexicana breeding programs in Egypt.

Genetic variations in some Egyptian Zea mexicana genotypes based on RAPD and AFLP Markers-converted

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Vol.7 No.2 – 4: A comparative study of student’s performance based upon TBL among two colleges in Khartoum, Sudan 2020

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Safinaz I Khalil1; Hiba Elzaki2; Mohammed EA Elameen2

1Department of Pharmacology, Alfajr College of sciences and Technology, Sudan

2Department of Community Medicine, Alfajr College of Sciences and Technology POBox 234 Alfajr College of Sciences and Technology, Sudan

Abstract

Introduction: Team-Based Learning establishes as a potential ramification educational strategy that ensures student’s high performance. TBL guarantees active learning and critical thinking this impacts student’s competency and improves their future achievements.  This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TBL as a powerful educational strategy that fosters them for Problem based learning Curriculum. Methodology: Study Design: Descriptive prospective study.  Study Area: College A and College B, Pharmacology course, Medicine, Khartoum, Sudan. Study duration from July 2019 –January 2020. Study Population Medical students in College A and College B in an introductory Pharmacology Course. Sample size: All students in the second year, college of Medicine attending the Pharmacology course will be included in college A and all students in the third year, college of Medicine attending the Pharmacology course included in college B. Methods: Purposeful convenient sampling method all second-year medical students who attended the introductory Pharmacology course in College A and all students in the third year who attended Pharmacology course in College B  taught by the same Pharmacology Staff facilitator and received the same final exam questions. College A, students were taught in integrated course student-centered, team-based learning where they have a traditional lecture hall strategy. They are examined using best of four as a tool for assessment  College B, students were taught in a traditional lecture hall method, teacher-centered. They are examined using the best of four as a tool for assessment. Final results were collected from each group in College A and college B and compared. Results: showed that the mean ranks for the subclasses of the final examination performance that there was a significant result 0.001 obtained in college A students and college B students grade F with a mean rank of 7.08 and 16.22 respectively. For students who had grade C also this is a significant result of 0.019 where students in college A mean rank was 25.89 and 38.46 respectively. For students who had grade A again, there is a significant result of 0.004 where a student in college A mean rank was 61 in comparison to students in college B where the student’s mean rank was 43.88. In the other subclasses C+, B, and B+ there were no significant differences 0.952, 0.419, and 0.837 respectively. Conclusion: TBL improved the outcome of the students at the exam in the extremes of marks those with category mark C and those in category mark A.

A-comparative-study-of-student’s-performance-based-upon-TBL-among-two-colleges-in-Khartoum-Sudan-2020-converted-1

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Vol.7 No.2 – 3: Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis and gonad somatic cells of a hermaphrodite gland of Eobania vermiculata (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) Müller, 1774 in Egypt

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Mostafa Yahia Morad

Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt

Abstract

The spermatogenesis of adult snail Eobaniavermiculata was investigated using transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies. The hermaphrodite gland (ovotestis) is composed of many lobes which have numerous acini. Each acinus was filled with many stages of spermatogenesis and one or more oocytes. The oocytes were usually separated from the rest of the acinus by follicle cells. Spermatogenesis is divided into 5 stages; spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The gonadal somatic cells; Sertoli cells are divided into two types, cortical Sertoli cells, and luminal Sertoli cells.

Ultrastructure-of-spermatogenesis-and-gonad-somatic-cells-of-hermaphrodite-gland-of-Eobania-vermiculata-Gastropoda-Pulmonata-Müller-1774-in-Egypt-2

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Vol.7 No.2 – 2: Immunopathogenic mechanisms of primary glomerulonephritis

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L. M karzakova1; N. V Zhuravleva2; A. Y Abdelgafur2; S I Kudryashov2; A. M Nawar2

1Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the department of internal diseases, Chuvash state university; 15, Moscow avenue, Cheboksary, 428015, Russian Federation

2Chuvash State University named after I. N. Ulyanov “Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, 428015, Cheboksary, Russia

Abstract

The low effectiveness of the existing ways of treatment of glomerulonephritis (GN) requires the development of new treatment methods and profound studying of mechanisms of development of (GN). A review of modern literature data indicates a relationship between the development of (GN) with infection and activation of various components of the immune response. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns of infectious pathogens act as “danger signals” that activate Toll-like receptors of innate immune cells, as a result, a cascade of intracellular chain reactions is triggered, causing the production of growth factors and cytokines. The cytokine environment determines the pathway of differentiation of (CD 4+) helper cells into (Th1), (Th2), (Th17), and regulatory T cells (T reg). According to published data, a key link in the (GN) immunopathogenesis is an imbalance in the ratio of the activity of subpopulations of T helper cells, manifesting inhibition activity of (T reg) on a background of activation of effector cells ( T eff ) – (Th1), (Th2), (Th17). The activity of (Th1), (Th17)-cells are realized in the cellular mechanisms of the immunopathogenesis of (GN), while  (Th2)-cells provide activation of the humoral component of adaptive immunity and the production of antibodies involved in the formation of immune complexes (ICs). This is a general scheme of the immunopathogenesis of (GN), which has specific variations depending on the clinical and morphological form of (GN). In post-infectious (GN), the activation of the humoral link of adaptive immunity with the formation of (ICs) and their subsequent deposition in the capillaries of the glomeruli comes to the fore. A feature of the immune complex process in patients with (IgA) nephropathy is the formation of “nephritogenic” ICs containing abnormal (IgA) (with impaired glycosylation of the IgA molecule) and anti-glycan antibodies. (ICs) isolated from patients with membranous nephropathy contain the podocyte receptor of phospholipase A2 (PLA 2 R) and anti- (PLA 2 R) autoantibodies belonging to (IgG 4). The central link in the immunopathogenesis of minimal changes in nephropathy is the development of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. The prevalence of activation of the cellular mechanism of adaptive immunity acts as the main mechanism for the development of focal segmental nephrosclerosis.

Immunopathogenic-mechanisms-of-primary-glomerulonephritis-converted

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Vol.7 No.2 – 1: Evaluation of Blue-Carba Test and ISOPLEX CRE-ART-LAMP assay for rapid screening and characterization of Carbapenemases producing Enterobacteriaceae.Sudan

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Omnia M. Hamid 1; Magdi A. Bayoumi2

1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Khartoum, Sudan

2Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, Scientific Research, and Publishing, Ibn Sina University (ISU), Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

Objective:  We evaluate the performance of the Blue-Carba Test (BCT) and Mast ISOPLEX ®CRE-ART-LAMP assay as quick and affordable assays for the detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae clinical isolates, Khartoum State-Sudan. Methods: A total of 384 Enterobacteriaceae  (122 CPE and 262 non-CPE) clinical isolates were tested for a rapid biochemical method for detection of carbapenemase activity using Blue-Carba Test (BCT), and the Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for carbapenemase target genes detection by MAST ISOPLEX®CRE-ART (19 CPE and 1 non-CPE). Results: The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for carbapenemase detection were 100% (95% CI, 97.0%–100%), 93.9% (95% CI, 90.3%-96.5%) and 95.8 % (95% CI, 93.3%-97.6%) for BCT with 80.3% present positive blue color was appeared after 15 min of test. Interestingly, the Mast ISOPLEX CRE-ART showed specificity 100%, accuracy 96.7% (95% CI, 90.6%-99.9%), and sensitivity 94.7%(95% CI, 90.3 -98.7%) for LAMP assay for detection of the target genes and it provides rapid results with a 45-minute. Considering PCR as a standard test for CPE genes detection, the kappa value of BCT and LAMP assays were calculated to be 0.907 and 0.900 respectively, suggesting good agreement between the PCR assay and both selected tests. Conclusion: The promptness and simplicity of both assays make them suitable for inexperienced operators to readily identify carbapenemase production and characterization of major carbapenemase blagenes. Besides exhibits an almost good agreement (Kappa>0.600) emphasizing their high sensitivities and specificities with a rapid and reliable epidemiological screening of carbapenemase production in resource-limited settings.

Evaluation-of-two-assays-for-the-rapid-screening-and-characterization-of-Carbapenemases-in-Enterobacteriaceae-converted

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Vol.7 No.1 – 4: Lactate dehydrogenase level as a COVID-19 biomarker

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By: Ahmed Abdelhalim Yameny

Society of Pathological Biochemistry and Hematology, Egypt

Email: dr.ahmedyameny@yahoo.com

DOI: 10.21608/jbaar.2021.173662

Abstract:

Background: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an intracellular enzyme found in cells in almost all organ systems, which catalyzes the interconversion of pyruvate and lactate, LDH has been proved to be a prognostic factor with

high accuracy in diseases involving multiple organ injuries such as acute heart failure (AHF) and severe acute pancreatitis (AP), LDH is a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with COVID-19. Patients and methods: This study included 217 non hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Alexandria, Egypt, these study subjects were randomly selected irrespective of the age group and both genders were included, Assay procedure as manufactory instructions and Reagents of Chema Diagnostics Italy, LDH FL of reagent based on  DGKC recommendations. Results: The percentage of COVID-19 non hospitalized Patients relation to the serum LDH level, The present study included patients aged from14 years to 75 years mean age was 44.5 ±30.5 who were confirmed to have Covid-19 based on real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, female gender was more frequent (n=119, 54.8%) than Male gender (n=98, 45.2%). This study reveals high serum LDH levels in 147 patients (67.7%), which was a significant biomarker for COVID-19 diagnosis in non-hospitalized patients (Outpatients and patients under home observation), with a p-value is 0.024 which less than 0.05. Conclusion and Recommendations: Serum LDH level is a good biomarker of infection in COVID-19 Outpatients and patients under home observation increased by 67.7%, many other studies revealed LDH is a good marker for COVD-19 hospitalized patients and severe infection.

Lactate dehydrogenase level as a COVID-19 biomarker-converted (3

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Vol.7 No.1 – 3: Ferritin as a biomarker of infection in COVID-19 non-hospitalized patients

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By : Ahmed Abdelhalim Yameny

Society of Pathological Biochemistry and Hematology, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Serum ferritin is an iron storage protein with a primary role of regulating cellular oxygen metabolism, Ferritin has emerged as a key in the immune system, and its role as an acute phase reactant, recent studies have focused on the role of serum inflammatory markers that predict COVID-19. Patients and methods: This study included 210 non hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Alexandria, Egypt, these study subjects were randomly selected irrespective of the age group and both genders were included, Assay procedure as manufactory instructions and Reagents of PerkinElmer Health sciences. Inc USA kit human ferritin enzyme immunoassay test catalog number 10601 was used. Results: The present study included patients aged from14 years to 75 years mean age was 44.5 ±30.5 who were confirmed to have Covid-19 based on real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, the female gender was more frequent (n=132, 62.9%) than Male gender (n=78, 37.1%). This study reveals high serum ferritin level in 150 patients (71.4 %), which was a significant biomarker for COVID-19 diagnosis in non-hospitalized patients (Outpatients and patients under home observation), the p < /em>-value is .014738. Significant at p < /em>< .05. Conclusion and Recommendations: Serum ferritin level is a good biomarker of infection in COVID-19 non-hospitalized patients, many other studies revealed ferritin is a good marker for COVD-19 hospitalized patients,  Increased ferritin levels could cause a cytokine storm by exerting direct immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory effects, It has been reported that fatal outcomes by COVID-19 are accompanied by cytokine storm syndrome,  Many individuals with diabetes and immunosuppressive diseases exhibit elevated serum ferritin levels, and it is known that they face a higher probability to experience serious complications from COVID-19 infection, so these patients must go to the medical laboratory for serum ferritin level analysis, to decrease ferritin levels might be the treatment with iron chelators. Deferoxamine, which was approved by the FDA, with decreasing dietary iron should be also considered as they have been shown to modify serum ferritin levels.

Ferritin as a biomarker in COVID-converted

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Vol.7 No.1 – 2: Molecular detection of food fraud targeting mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequencing

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By : Sobhy El-Sayed Hassab El-Nabi1; Doaa Hussein2; Asmaa Galal Khallafa1

1Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt
2Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt

Abstract

Food adulteration is a current socioeconomic crisis all over the world. Therefore, the current study aimed to use the molecular sequencing of 12S rRNA to detect food fraud in the most consumed meat cuts in the Egyptian markets. After sequences’ trimming, the fragments’ lengths were 389-395 bp for B. bubalis, B. taurusO. aries, and C. hircus. The results detected species substitution in the analyzed meat cuts. Particularly, buffalo and goat samples were replaced by cattle and buffalo. Finally, molecular methods are accurate and sensitive for the authentication of meat and are crucial in establishing the quality and authenticity of meat‐based food products.

Molecular detection of food fraud targeting mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequencing-converted

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Vol.7 No.1 – 1: Assessment of Safe Handling and Disposal of Laundry in Hemodialysis Unit

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By : Soheir Abouelfadle1; Thoraya Abdel Aziz  1; Doaa Amin Ahmed Sayed Ahmed2

1Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
2Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt

Abstract

Handling laundry is a major task that must be managed safely by health care workers (HCW) for maintaining a green hospital environment. Laundry processing, especially in hemodialysis units is a source of many hazards, especially bacteriological ones. This study aimed to assess safe laundry handling and disposing of in hemodialysis units. A descriptive research design was utilized. Subject A convenience sample of 46 nurses (nursing and auxiliary members) was enrolled in this study. Materialsand method: The current study was conducted in dialysis units at the following Hospitals; Students’ University and Health Insurance (Gamal Abd-El-Naser); Alexandria. Tool: One tool was utilized “Safety practices of laundry handling and disposing of in hemodialysis units: Observational Checklist”; it was developed by the researchers after a thorough review of related literature. It comprised two parts, Part I: Personal data as age, gender, years of experience, employment position, educational level, and previous attendance in-service training regarding safe laundry management. Part II: Safety Laundry Handling and Disposing Observational Checklist. Result: This study reflected satisfactory safe practices level of laundry handling scores in both settings. While, no significant correlation was detected between both settings regarding safe practices of laundry handling and disposal, while a significant relationship between overall practice levels and staff socio-demographic characteristics except gender was noticed. Conclusion: A significant correlation between the availability of all-time PPE and laundry processing; with satisfactory scores for applying safety laundry practices was noticed. Recommendations: Periodic monitoring for staff as well as continuous training programs regarding safe laundry processing must take place. All linen must be handled, stored, and transported in a manner that maintains a green environment for all patients, health care workers, as well as visitors for the sustainability of health and safety in hemodialysis units.

Assessment of Safe Handling and Disposal of Laundry in Hemodialysis Unit-converted

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Vol.6 No.4 – 9: Differential expression of salt tolerance related genes in tomato in response to a low dose of γ irradiation

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By: Reem M. Abd El-Maksoud*1, Mohamed Abdelsattar2, Nouf F. Alsayied3, Hanan M. Mansour*4

  1. Department of Nucleic acid and Protein Structure, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, 12619, Egypt.
  2. Department of Plant Molecular Biology, Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, 12619, Egypt.
  3. Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makka, Saudi Arabia
  4. Department of Natural Product Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Using a low dose of gamma rays (30 Gy), the response of twelve salt tolerance-related genes (SlTAS14, SlNCED1, SlDREB2, SlAREB, SlGR, SlAPX1, SlDELLA, SlJAZ1, SlCU/ZnSOD (SlCSD2), SlFSD, SlTIR1 and SlNHX1) was examined at two concentrations of salt stress (50 and 200 mMNaCl). Real-time reverse transcription-PCR analyses of the examined genes showed different expression profiles in shoot and root tissues. In the case of irrigation by 50 mM NaCl, seven genes (SlAPX1, SlGR, SlTAS14, SlNCED1, SlDELLA, SlJAZ1, and SlCSD2) showed a significant increase in their expression in shoot tissues of the irradiated plants. On the other hand, two genes (SlNCED1 and SlDREB2) showed a significant increase in the root tissues at the same concentration. The potential effect of a low dose of gamma rays on enhancing the salinity response of tomato plants can be observed at 200 mM NaCl, where all genes showed a significant increase in shoot tissues of irradiated plants. Interestingly, nine genes (SlNCED1, SlDREB2, SlAREB, SlAPX1, SlDELLA, SlJAZ1, SlCSD2, SlFSD, and SlTIR1) showed a significant increase in the roots of the irradiated plants compared to non-irradiated plants.

Differential-expression-of-salt-tolerance-related-genes-in-tomato-in-response-to-low-dose-of-γ-irradiation-converted-2

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