The Combined Effect of Lumenato and Ceramide in the Protection of Collagen Damage Induced by Neutrophils in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Introduction: Collagen is the primary structural protein fibroblasts produce in the skin’s extracellular matrix. Infiltration of neutrophils into the epidermis and dermis by exposure to UV causes collagen damage and contributes to photoaging. Methods: To study the combined effect of Lumenato and ceramide in preventing collagen-1 damage induced by phagocytes, we used co-cultures of normal human dermal fibroblasts (fibroblasts) and activated human neutrophils. The present study aimed to determine the protective effect of the combination of Lumenato and ceramide on fibroblast collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils. Results: Lumenato (in the range of 6.5 - 208 μg/ml) or ceramide (in the range of 0.1 - 50 μM) inhibited the production of superoxides and MPO by TNFα-stimulated neutrophils, as well as the production of NO by LPS-stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The combinations of Lumenato and ceramide, in low concentrations, caused synergistic prevention of fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by TNFα-activated neutrophils, detected by fluorescence immunostaining and WB analysis. MPO activity in the supernatants of the co-cultures was also synergistically inhibited. Adding Lumenato or ceramide singly or in combinations in these low concentrations to the fibroblast cultures did not affect the expression of collagen-1. The combinations of Lumenato or ceramide in these concentrations also caused a synergistic inhibition of NO production by activated macrophages. Conclusions: The results suggest that combining low concentrations of Lumenato and ceramide results in synergistic protection against fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils, thus indicating their possible potential for enhanced skin health.

Correlations between serum kidney injury molecule-1,cystatin C and immunosuppressants:A cross-sectional study of renal transplant patients in Bahrain

Renal transplant patients receive several immunosuppressive drug regimens that are potentially nephrotoxic for treatment.Serum creatinine is the standard for monitoring kidney function;however,cystatin C(Cys C)and kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1)have been found to indicate kidney injury earlier than serum creatinine and provide a better reflection of kidney function.Here,we assessed Cys C and KIM-1 serum levels in renal transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil,tacrolimus,sirolimus,everolimus,or cyclosporine to evaluate kidney function.We used both the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration(CKD-EPI)2021 equation,which is based on creatinine and combined creatinine with Cys C,and the CKD-EPI 2012 equation,which is based on Cys C alone,to estimate glomerular filtration rate(GFR).Then,we assessed the association between serum KIM-1 and GFR<90 mL per minute per 1.73 m2.We observed significantly higher serum Cys C levels in patients with the elevated serum creatinine,compared with those with normal serum creatinine.The estimated GFRs based on creatinine were significantly higher than those based on the other equations,while a significant positive correlation was observed among all equations.Serum KIM-1 levels were negatively correlated with the estimated GFRs by the CKD-EPI Cys C and the combined creatinine with Cys C equations.A serum KIM-1 level above 0.71 ng/mL is likely to indicate GFR<90 mL per minute per 1.73 m2.We observed a significant correlation between serum creatinine and Cys C in our renal transplant patients.Therefore,serum KIM-1 may be used to monitor renal function when using potentially nephrotoxic drugs in renal transplants.

B Cells with Regulatory Function in Animal Models of Autoimmune and Non-Autoimmune Diseases

Although the identification of B cell subsets with negative regulatory functions and the definition of their mechanisms of action are recent events, the important negative regulatory roles of B cells in immune responses are now broadly recognized. There is an emerging appreciation for the pivotal role played by B cells in several areas of human diseases including autoimmune diseases and non-autoimmune diseases such as parasite infections and cancer. The recent research advancement of regulatory B cells in human disease coincides with the vastly accelerated pace of research on the bridging of innate and adaptive immune system. Current study and our continued research may provide better understanding of the mechanisms that promote regulatory B10 cell function to counteract exaggerated immune activation in autoimmune as well as non-autoimmune conditions. This review is focused on the current knowledge of BREG functions studied in animal models of autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases.

Modulation of monocyte subsets in infectious diseases

Monocytes are effector immune cells but a precise anal-ysis of their role in immune response has been preclud-ed by their heterogeneity. Indeed, human monocytesare composed of at least three different subsets withdifferent phenotypic characteristics and functional prop-erties, the so-called classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes. A review of the literature showsthat these monocyte subsets are differently affectedduring viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections.The expansion of the CD16＋ compartment （intermedi-ate and non-classical monocytes） is typically observedin the majority of infectious diseases and the increasedproportion of CD16＋ monocytes is likely related totheir activation through their direct interaction with thepathogen or the infammatory context. In contrast, thenumber of non-classical and intermediate monocytesis decreased in Q fever endocarditis, suggesting thatcomplex mechanisms govern the equilibrium among monocyte subsets. The measurement of monocyte sub-sets would be useful in better understanding of the role of monocyte activation in the pathophysiology of infec-tious diseases.

Review:Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS): the mechanism,present strategies and future perspectives of therapies

Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome （ALI/ARDS）, which manifests as non-cardiogcnic pulmonary edema, respiratory distress and hypoxemia, could be resulted from various processes that directly or indirectly injure the lung. Extensive investigations in experimental models and humans with ALI/ARDS have revealed many molecular mechanisms that offer therapeutic opportunities for cell or gene therapy. Herein the present strategies and future perspectives of the treatment for ALI/ARDS, include the ventilatory, pharmacological, as well as cell therapies.

Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 attenuates periapical inflammation and bone loss

Hypoxia（low oxygen level） is an important feature during infections and affects the host defence mechanisms. The host has evolved specific responses to address hypoxia, which are strongly dependent on the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1（HIF-1）.Hypoxia interferes degradation of HIF-1 alpha subunit（HIF-1α）, leading to stabilisation of HIF-1α, heterodimerization with HIF-1 beta subunit（HIF-1β） and subsequent activation of HIF-1 pathway. Apical periodontitis（periapical lesion） is a consequence of endodontic infection and ultimately results in destruction of tooth-supporting tissue, including alveolar bone. Thus far, the role of HIF-1 in periapical lesions has not been systematically examined. In the present study, we determined the role of HIF-1 in a wellcharacterised mouse periapical lesion model using two HIF-1α-activating strategies, dimethyloxalylglycine（DMOG） and adenovirusinduced constitutively active HIF-1α（CA-HIF1 A）. Both DMOG and CA-HIF1 A attenuated periapical inflammation and tissue destruction. The attenuation in vivo was associated with downregulation of nuclear factor-κappa B（NF-κB） and osteoclastic gene expressions. These two agents also suppressed NF-κB activation and subsequent production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages. Furthermore, activation of HIF-1α by DMOG specifically suppressed lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage differentiation into M1 cells, increasing the ratio of M2 macrophages against M1 cells. Taken together, our data indicated that activation of HIF-1 plays a protective role in the development of apical periodontitis via downregulation of NF-κB, proinflammatory cytokines, M1 macrophages and osteoclastogenesis.

Clinical algorithms for the prevention of variceal bleeding and rebleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis

Portal hypertension(PH),a common complication of liver cirrhosis,results in development of esophageal varices.When esophageal varices rupture,they cause significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding with mortality rates up to 20%despite state-of-the-art treatment.Thus,prophylactic measures are of utmost importance to improve outcomes of patients with PH.Several high-quality studies have demonstrated that non-selective beta blockers(NSBBs)or endoscopic band ligation(EBL)are effective for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding.In secondary prophylaxis,a combination of NSBB+EBL should be routinely used.Once esophageal varices develop and variceal bleeding occurs,standardized treatment algorithms should be followed to minimize bleeding-associated mortality.Special attention should be paid to avoidance of overtransfusion,early initiation of vasoconstrictive therapy,prophylactic antibiotics and early endoscopic therapy.Pre-emptive transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt should be used in all Child C10-C13 patients experiencing variceal bleeding,and potentially in Child B patients with active bleeding at endoscopy.The use of carvedilol,safety of NSBBs in advanced cirrhosis(i.e.with refractory ascites)and assessment of hepatic venous pressure gradient response to NSBB is discussed.In the present review,we give an overview on the rationale behind the latest guidelines and summarize key papers that have led to significant advances in the field.

Clinical,radiological and molecular diagnosis correlation in serum samples from patients with osteoarticular tuberculosis

Objective:To assess the role of polymerase chain reaction(PCR)in serum sauples,in the diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis(OTB)in a setting where only clinical and imaging diagnoses determine the treatment.Methods:A total of 44 consecutive serum specimens were collected from clinically suspected OTB patients,based on clinical and radiological[X-ray or magnetic resonance imagng/computecl tomography]features.They were scrcened by in-house nested PCR.In addition,a few specimens were examined by Gram stain,acid-fast bacilli stain,histand routine bacterial culture.A total of 39 specimens were collected from patients suffering from other bone diseases of nontuberculous origin and included as negative controls.Results:of the 44 clinically suspected OTB patients,in-house nested PCR was positive in 40(91%)cases;PCR was negative in 38(97%)negative controls.Sensitivity and specificity of our in—house nested PCR was 90.3%and 97.4%,respectively.The PCR report was available within 48 h.It was possible to standardize serum PCR technique and in positive cases,a good n was observed in terms of an adequate treatment response.Conclusions:Nested PCR in serum samples is a rapid,highly sensitive and specific modality for OTB detection,PCR should be performed in addition to clinical evaluation,imaging studies,acidfast bacilli staining,culture and histopathology diagnosis,if possible.

Rates and impact of hepatitis on human immunodeficiency virus infection in a large African cohort

AIM:To determine the rates and impact of hepatitis B virus(HBV) and hepatitis C virus(HCV) infections on response to long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART) in a large human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) population in Nigeria.METHODS:HBV and HCV as well as HIV infections are endemic in sub Saharan Africa.This was a retrospective cohort study of 19 408 adults who were recruited between June 2004 and December 2010 in the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria in Nigeria programme at Jos University Teaching Hospital.Serological assays,including HBV surface antigen(HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody were used to categorise hepatitis status of the patients.HBsAg was determined using enzyme immunoassay(EIA)(Monolisa HBsAg Ultra3;Bio-Rad).HCV antibody was tested using third generation EIA(DIA.PRO Diagnostic,Bioprobes srl,Milan,Italy).HIV RNA levels were measured using Roche COBAS Amplicor HIV-1 monitor test version 1.5(Roche Diagnostics,GmbH,Mannheim,Germany) with a detection limit of 400 copies/mL.Flow cytometry was used to determine CD4+ cell count(Partec,GmbH Munster,Germany).Comparison of categorical and continuous variables were achieved using Pearson's χ 2 and Kruskal Wallis tests respectively,on MedCalc for Windows,version 9.5.0.0(MedCalc Software,Mariakerke,Belgium).RESULTS:With an overall hepatitis screening rate of over 90% for each virus;HBV,HCV and HBV/HCV were detected in 3162(17.8%),1983(11.3%) and 453(2.5%) HIV infected adults respectively.The rate of liver disease was low,but highest among HIV monoinfected patients(29,0.11%),followed by HBV coinfected patients(15,0.08%).Patients with HBV coinfection and triple infection had higher log 10 HIV RNA loads(HBV:4.6 copies/mL vs HIV only:4.5 copies/mL,P<0.0001) and more severe immune suppression(HBV:645,55.4%;HBV/HCV:97,56.7%) prior to initiation of HAART compared to HIV mono-infected patients(1852,48.6%)(P<0.0001).Of 3025 patients who were 4.4 years on HAART and whose CD4 cell counts results at baseline and end of follow up were available for analyses,CD4 increase was significantly lower in those with HBV co-infection(HBV:144 cells/mm3 ;HBV/HCV:105 cells/mm3) than in those with HCV co-infection(165 cells/mm3) and HIV mono-infection(150 cells/mm3)(P=0.0008).CONCLUSION:High rates of HBV and HCV infections were found in this HIV cohort.CD4 recovery was significantly diminished in patients with HBV co-infection.

Antibiotic resistance and cagA gene correlation:A looming crisis of Helicobacter pylori

AIM:To determine antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) in Pakistan and its correlation with host and pathogen associated factors.METHODS:A total of 178 strains of H.pylori were isolated from gastric biopsies of dyspeptic patients.Susceptibility patterns against first and second-line antibiotics were determined and trends of resistance were analyzed in relation to the sampling period,gastric conditions and cagA gene carriage.The effect of cagA gene on the acquisition of resistance was investigated by mutant selection assay.RESULTS:The observations showed that monoresistant strains were prevalent with rates of 89% for metronidazole,36% for clarithromycin,37% for amoxicillin,18.5% for ofloxacin and 12% for tetracycline.Furthermore,clarithromycin resistance was on the rise from 2005 to 2008(32% vs 38%,P = 0.004) and it is significantly observed in non ulcerative dyspeptic patients compared to gastritis,gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer cases(53% vs 20%,18% and 19%,P = 0.000).On the contrary,metronidazole and ofloxacin resistance were more common in gastritis and gastric ulcer cases.Distribution analysis and frequencies of resistant mutants in vitro correlated with the absence of cagA gene with metronidazole and ofloxacin resistance.CONCLUSION:The study confirms the alarming levels of antibiotic resistance associated with the degree of gastric inflammation and cagA gene carriage in H.pylori strains.

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and tissue resident memory cells in colorectal cancer based on microsatellite instability and BRAF status

BACKGROUND Recent studies in non-colorectal malignancy have associated T resident memory(T_(RM)) cells with improved patient survival. It is unknown if T_(RM) plays a role in colorectal cancer(CRC).AIM To examine the potential role of T_(RM) cells in providing immunogenicity in CRC stratified by microsatellite instability(MSI) and BRAF status.METHODS Patients with known MSI and BRAF mutation status were eligible for inclusion in this study. CRC tumour sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin were microscopically reviewed and the images scanned prior to assessment for location of invading edge and core of tumour. Sequential sections were prepared for quantitative multiplex immunohistochemistry(IHC) staining. Opal Multiplex IHC staining was performed with appropriate positive and negative controls and imaged using a standard fluorescent microscope fitted with a spectral scanning camera(Mantra) in conjunction with Mantra snap software. Images were unmixed and annotated in in Form 2.2.0. Statistical analysis was performed using Graphpad Prism Version 7 and Stata Version 15.RESULTS Seventy-two patients with known MSI and BRAF status were included in the study. All patients were assessed for MSI by IHC and high resolution capillary electrophoresis testing and 44 of these patients successfully underwent quantitative multiplex IHC staining. Overall, there was a statistically significant increase in CD8+ T_(RM) cells in the MSI(BRAF mutant and wild type) group over the microsatellite stable(MSS) group. There was a statistically significant difference in CD8+ T_(RM) between high level MSI(MSI-H):BRAF mutant [22.57, 95% confidence interval(CI): 14.31-30.84] vs MSS [8.031(95%CI: 4.698-11.36)], P = 0.0076 and MSI-H:BRAF wild type [16.18(95%CI: 10.44-21.93)] vs MSS [8.031(95%CI: 4.698-11.36)], P = 0.0279. There was no statistically significant difference in CD8 T cells(both CD8+CD103-and CD8+CD103+T_(RM)) between MSI-H: BRAF mutant and wild type CRC.CONCLUSION This study has shown that CD8+ T_(RM) are found in greater abundance in MSI-H CRC, both BRAF mutant and MSI-H:BRAF wild type, when compared with their MSS counterpart. CD8+ T_(RM) may play a role in the immunogenicity in MSI-H CRC(BRAF mutant and BRAF wild type). Further studies should focus on the potential immunogenic qualities of T_(RM) cells and investigate potential immunotherapeutic approaches to improve treatment and survival associated with CRC.

Early infant male circumcision:Systematic review,risk-benefit analysis,and progress in policy

AIM To determine whether recent evidence-based United States polices on male circumcision(MC) apply to comparable Anglophone countries,Australia and New Zealand.METHODS Articles in 2005 through 2015 were retrieved from PubM ed using the keyword "circumcision" together with 36 relevant subtopics.A further PubM ed search was performed for articles published in 2016.Searches of the EMBASE and Cochrane databases did not yield additional citable articles.Articles were assessed for quality and those rated 2+ and above according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Grading System were studied further.The most relevant andrepresentative of the topic were included.Bibliographies were examined to retrieve further key references.Randomized controlled trials,recent high quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses(level 1++ or 1+ evidence) were prioritized for inclusion.A risk-benefit analysis of articles rated for quality was performed.For efficiency and reliability,recent randomized controlled trials,metaanalyses,high quality systematic reviews and large welldesigned studies were used if available.Internet searches were conducted for other relevant information,including policies and Australian data on claims under Medicare for MC.RESULTS Evidence-based policy statements by the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) support infant and later age male circumcision(MC) as a desirable public health measure.Our systematic review of relevant literature over the past decade yielded 140 journal articles that met our inclusion criteria.Together,these showed that early infant MC confers immediate and lifelong benefits by protecting against urinary tract infections having potential adverse long-term renal effects,phimosis that causes difficult and painful erections and "ballooning" during urination,inflammatory skin conditions,inferior penile hygiene,candidiasis,various sexually transmissible infections in both sexes,genital ulcers,and penile,prostate and cervical cancer.Our risk-benefit analysis showed that benefits exceeded procedural risks,which are predominantly minor,by up to 200 to 1.We estimated that more than 1 in 2 uncircumcised males will experience an adverse foreskin-related medical condition over their lifetime.Wide-ranging evidence from surveys,physiological measurements,and the anatomical location of penile sensory receptors responsible for sexual sensation strongly and consistently suggested that MC has no detrimental effect on sexual function,sensitivity or pleasure.United States studies showed that early infant MC is cost saving.The evidence supporting early infant MC has further strengthened since the positive AAP and CDC reviews.CONCLUSION Affirmative MC policies are needed in Australia and New Zealand.Routine provision of accurate,unbiased education,and access in public hospitals,will maximize health and financial benefits.

ERp57 in neurodegeneration and regeneration

The protein disulfide isomerases（PDIs）family has a central function in the folding of proteins synthetized through the secretory pathway.ERp57,also known as Grp58 or PDIA3,is one of the main studied members of this family.

Lipopolysaccharide Attenuates CD40 Ligand-Induced Regulatory B10 Cell Expansion and IL-10 Production in Mouse Splenocytes

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in B cell-mediated innate and adaptive immunity. It has been shown that interleukin 10 (IL-10)-producing regulatory B cells (B10 cells) can negatively regulate cellular immune responses and inflammation in autoimmune diseases. In this study, we determined the effect of TLR4 signaling on the CD40-activated B10 cell competency. The results demonstrated that LPS and CD40L synergistically stimulated proliferation of mouse splenocytes. The percentage of B10 cells in cultured splenocytes was significantly increased after CD40L stimulation but such increase was diminished by the addition of LPS. Such effects by LPS were only observed in cells from WT but not TLR4&minus;/&minus;mice. IL-10 mRNA expression and protein production in B10 cells from cultured splenocytes were significantly up-regulated by CD40L stimulation but were inhibited after the addition of LPS in a TLR4-dependent manner. This study suggests that LPS-induced TLR4 signaling attenuate CD40L-activated regulatory B10 cell competency.

Salivary gland antigens of laboratory-bred Phlebotomus sergenti and their immunogenicity in human volunteers in laboratory condition

Objective:To investigate Phlebotomus(P.)sergenti Parrot,1917(Diptera:Psychodidae)salivary gland antigens and their immune response in human.Methods:Human volunteers were exposed to sand flies’bites in the laboratory,and following each exposure the size of induration was recorded.The mean protein concentration of salivary gland lysate and specific anti-P.sergenti saliva IgG was measured.Sand fly salivary proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and their immunoreactivity was examined by Western blotting assays.Results:Individuals exposed to P.sergenti salivary gland lysate for 8 months showed both antibody and delayed type hypersensitivity responses,although exposure for one month did not provoke any immune responses.The trend of antibody fluctuated during the exposure time and dropped by the end of antigen loading.The mean protein content was(0.36±0.08)μg in each pair salivary glands.Salivary gland lysate showed 11 to 12 major protein bands and 3 to 6 of them were immunoreactive.Conclusions:Our study showed that the salivary gland components of P.sergenti provoked both cellular and humoral immune responses in human.Furthermore,there are some immunogenic proteins in P.sergenti saliva which could be subjected for further investigation as vector-based vaccine candidate/s against anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Individualized treatment options for patients with non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic liver disease

The obesity pandemic has led to a significant increase in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).While dyslipidemia,type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases guide treatment in patients without signs of liver fibrosis,liver related morbidity and mortality becomes relevant for MAFLD’s progressive form,non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),and upon development of liver fibrosis.Statins should be prescribed in patients without significant fibrosis despite concomitant liver diseases but are underutilized in the real-world setting.Bariatric surgery,especially Y-Roux bypass,has been proven to be superior to conservative and/or medical treatment for weight loss and resolution of obesity-associated diseases,but comes at a low but existent risk of surgical complications,reoperations and very rarely,paradoxical progression of NASH.Once end-stage liver disease develops,obese patients benefit from liver transplantation(LT),but may be at increased risk of perioperative infectious complications.After LT,metabolic comorbidities are commonly observed,irrespective of the underlying liver disease,but MAFLD/NASH patients are at even higher risk of disease recurrence.Few studies with low patient numbers evaluated if,and when,bariatric surgery may be an option to avoid disease recurrence but more high-quality studies are needed to establish clear recommendations.In this review,we summarize the most recent literature on treatment options for MAFLD and NASH and highlight important considerations to tailor therapy to individual patient’s needs in light of their risk profile.

Comparative study on occurrence of class A and class Cβ-lactamase genes and their co-occurrence in Indian Enterobacteriaceae during years 2009 and 2010

Objective:To determine the occurrence of class A and class Cβ-Iactamase genes and their cooccurrence in Indian Enterobacteriaceae.Methods:52 third generation cephalosporin resistant isolates were phenotypically detected by combination disk method and screened by PCR to identify class A and class C typeβ-lactamase genes.Results:Of the 52 isolates,94.2%（49） were found harboring any of the bla?,blaCTX-M,blaSHV and blaTEM were present in 82.6%（43/52）, 59.6%（31/52）,and 42.3%（22/52） isolates,respectively.Of the 49 ESBL positive isolates 57.1% （28/49） showed co-occurrence of blaampCwith bla?.On the contrary,the collection from 2009 showed their co-occurrence in 81.4%isolates.Conclusions:The comparative study shows a downward trend for co-existence of bla? with blaampC from 2009 to 2010.Further large scale studies are needed to address the co-occurrence of class A and class Cβ-lactamases in India and the resistance trend occurring over a period of time.

Bluetongue Virus （BTV） Serological Survey and Evidence of Emergent BTV-8 Serotype in Morocco

Bluetongue （BT） is an infectious, non-contagious arthropod-borne disease that infects all ruminants, including sheep, cattle, deer, goats and camelids. Bluetongue virus （BTV） belonged to Reoviridae is ARN genome of 19 Kb. Twenty-six BTV serotypes have long been recognized, to be associated with severe disease in certain breeds of sheep, whereas cattle and goats are usually sub-clinically affected. Before 2004, BT was considered an exotic disease in Morocco, however, the first outbreak was observed in 2004 in sheep. This outbreak was caused by the isolated BTV-4. Two years later a BTV-1 emerged in Morocco. Both serotype 1 and serotype 4 circulated after 2007 across the country. The aims of the present work was to perform a serological study on sheep from different regions in Morocco in order to clarify the current BTV epidemiological situation and its evolution from 2009 to 2012, to determine the co-infection rate, and to confirm the possible circulation of other BTV Serotype mainly the BTV-8. All of 436 sera were tested by serum neutralization using reference strains. Results confirm the presence of BTV-4, BTV-1 and BTV-8. However, the present study report for the first time the emerging BTV-8 circulation in Morocco. Moreover, the founding reveal as well a higher co-infection rate in cattle compared to sheep.

Candidate Molecules and ki-67/MIB1 as Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Human Uterine Mesenchymal Tumors

Human uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) develops more often in the muscle tissue layer of the uterine body than in the uterine cervix. The development of gynecologic tumors is often correlated with female hormone secretion;however, the development of uterine LMS is not substantially correlated with hormonal conditions, and the risk factors are not yet known. Importantly, a diagnostic-biomarker, which distinguishes malignant uterine LMS from benign tumor leiomyoma (LMA), is yet to be established. Accordingly, it is necessary to analyze risk factors associated with uterine LMS, to establish a clinical treatment method. Protea some β-ring subunit LMP2/β1i-deficient mice spontaneously develop uterine LMS, with a disease prevalence of ~40% by 14 months of age. We found LMP2/β1i expression to be absent in human uterine LMS, but present in human LMA. Therefore, defective-LMP2/β1i expression may be one of the risk factors for human uterine LMS. LMP2/β1i is a potential diagnostic-biomarker under the combination of candidate molecules, for instance cyclin B1, cyclin E and calponin h1 and ki-67/MIB1 counts for uterine mesenchymal tumors, especially human uterine LMS, and may be a targeted-molecule for a new therapeutic approach.

Detection of Mycoplasma synoviae Infection in Broiler Breeder Farms of Morocco Using Serological Assays and Real Time PCR

Mycoplasma synoviae （MS） is an economically important pathogenic agent of chickens, causing air sacculitis and synovitis. The diagnosis and monitoring of M. synoviae infection is usually made using serological assays, while confirmative diagnosis is made by isolation and identifcation of the organism, because of the cross reaction between M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae. This study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 during which l l broiler breeder flocks were sampled. These farms were located in all regions of morocco, The sampling was conducted as follows： Farms were visited on day one old chicks ＂day of importation from Europe＂. 20 to 60 ＂chicks＂ were randomly sampled. At the age of 8, 16, 32 and 56 weeks, 60 blood samples and 60 tracheal swabs were collected at each sampling. The serological screening was performed using Rapid Slide Agglutination （RSA） according the OIE protocol and Indirect EL1SA （IDEXX） according the manufacturer＇s instructions. The molecular diagnosis was performed using a commercial kit of a duplex real time PCR （Life Biotechnology）. The results revealed that one day old chicks were negative to MS by RSA and PCR, however they have a variable stock of maternal antibodies （Ig-Y） detected by iELISA. The seroprevalence found by RSA is variable and increase with the age （Sth week： 55%, 16th week： 91%, 32tb and 56th week： 100%）, the same profile was traced by PCR （Sth week： 36%, 16th week： 64%, 32th week： 82%, 56th week： 100%）, however, all farms were positive by iELISA, from the first day to 56th weeks. These results show that MS infections are very frequent and very widespread among poultry breeder flocks, and showed a perfect agreement between serological tests and Real time PCR starting from 32th week of age.