Circulating cell-free DNA,peripheral lymphocyte subsets alterations and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in assessment of COVID-19 severity

Cell destruction results in plasma accumulation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Dynamic changes in circulating lymphocytes are features of COVID-19. We aimed to investigate if cfDNA level can serve in stratification of COVID-19 patients, and if cfDNA level is associated with alterations in lymphocyte subsets and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). This cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 64 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients. Patients were subdivided to severe and non-severe groups. Plasma cfDNA concentration was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Lymphocyte subsets were assessed by flow cytometry. There was significant increase in cfDNA among severe cases when compared with non-severe cases. cfDNA showed positive correlation with NLR and inverse correlation with T cell percentage. cfDNA positively correlated with ferritin and C-reactive protein. The output data of performed ROC curves to differentiate severe from non-severe cases revealed that cfDNA at cut-off ≥17.31 ng/µl and AUC of 0.96 yielded (93%) sensitivity and (73%) specificity. In summary, excessive release of cfDNA can serve as sensitive COVID-19 severity predictor. There is an association between cfDNA up-regulation and NLR up-regulation and T cell percentage down-regulation. cfDNA level can be used in stratification and personalized monitoring strategies in COVID-19 patients.     

Simultaneous determination of metolazone and losartan in their combined tablets using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy

Synchronous spectrofluorimetry is utilized to carry out a rapid, sensitive and reliable method for determination of the binary mixture of metolazone (MTL) and losartan potassium (LSP). Under optimized experimental conditions, the synchronized fluorescence spectra of the two drugs were measured at Δλ = 80 nm in acidic methanolic solution and intensities were recorded at 260 nm for MTL and 335 nm for LSP. Linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and concentration were obtained through the ranges 0.02–0.2 μg/mL and 0.2–2.0 μg/mL for MTL and LSP, respectively. Limits of detection were 3.02 and 0.12 ng/mL, whereas limits of quantification were 9.16 and 0.35 ng/mL for MTL and LSP, respectively. The designated procedure was easily and successfully adopted to determine the two compounds in their single, as well as in co‐formulated, tablets and the results showed high precision and accuracy without any significant interference from common tablet excipients. A comparison of the obtained results with a published reference method was carried out and both showed good agreement with respect to accuracy and precision.     

Distinct haplotypes and free movement of Aedes aegypti in Port Sudan,Sudan

Any attempt to control a mosquito-borne disease should primarily focus on controlling its vector. In Sudan, arboviral infections are a major health problem where periodical outbreaks of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti have been reported. This preliminary study was performed to uncover the population genetic diversity of Aedes aegypti from Red Sea State, Sudan, using mtDNA-COI gene. We performed morphological identification, PCR and DNA nucleotide sequencing and analysed the genetic polymorphism, and isolation by distance of Aedes aegypti from four sites. Of the 55 samples successfully sequenced, six haplotypes were revealed. Global haplotype network revealed that the predominant haplotype in Sudan (Hap1; 31 sequences = 56.4%), the second most frequent haplotype (Hap2; 13 sequences = 23.6%) and Hap 5 (3.6%) were identical or genetically close to isolates seen in different countries distributed in the United States, South America, Europe, Asia and two African isolates, one from Kenya and the other from Europa Island (Mozambique Channel). Haplotype 4 (3.6%) appeared closely related to mosquitoes sampled from Cameroon, Kenya, Sri Lanka and India and belonged to a lineage that contained isolates from all over the geographical expansion. Haplotype 6 (1.8%) seemed quite distant from any other sequenced mtDNA. To summarize, four haplotypes were found only in Sudan, and one rare haplotype appeared genetically distant from all other haplotypes, suggesting a local origin. Subdivision measures and testing suggested a probable free (or almost free) migration between the different sites sampled.     

Transport of phosphate from leaves to leguminous root nodules

Summary When P³²-orthophosphate was applied to leaves ofLotus pedunculatus radioactivity was detected in the root nodules. About 50 per cent of the radioactivity was in ATP, ADP and AMP. More than 90 per cent of the P³² compounds were localized in the soluble part of the plant tissue of the nodules. Rhizobial bacteroids contained only 1 per cent of P³² incorporated in the nodules.     

Thymic cell populations in amphibia: Quantitative study of the growth,stability, and regression of the cell populations in the thymus of the newtPleurodeles waltlii Michah

Summary Twenty days after fertilization (stage 40) the thymus ofPleurodeles waltlii consists of two main cell types: epithelial reticular cells (71%) and lymphoid stem-cells (24%).Between day 20 and day 72 (stage 53) the lymphoid stem-cells differentiate into lymphocytes, via the lymphoblast state. Commencing at day 20, epithelial reticular cells are transformed into epithelial reticular dense cells. Following day 65, other epithelial reticular cells begin to differentiate into epithelial hypertrophic cells, and these subsequently form thymic cysts. During this whole period intense proliferation takes place.The three types of polynuclear cells (neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil), the macrophages, and the plasmocytes differentiate outside the thymus then migrate into it through the vascular system.Around day 72 (stage 53), the mature thymus consists of two parts: the first is visible as a background or cortex-like area, the second comprises medulla like spots, formed by small numbers of cysts.Around metamorphosis the cell populations reach a stable state.After metamorphosis the relative frequency of the lymphoid cell population progressively decreases, while the proportion of epithelial hypertrophic cells, together with cyst surface area, is increased. Consequently the ratio of cysts/background area increases with age.     

Analysing scientific workflows with Computational Tree Logic

Motivated by the widespread use of workflow systems in e-Science applications, this article introduces a formal analysis framework for the verification and profiling of the control flow aspects of scientific workflows. The framework relies on process algebras that characterise each workflow component with a process behaviour, which is then used to build a CTL state model that can be reasoned about. We demonstrate the benefits of the approach by modelling the control flow behaviour of the Discovery Net system, one of the earliest workflow-based e-Science systems, and present how some key properties of workflows and individual service utilisation can be queried at design time. Our approach is generic and can be applied easily to modelling workflows developed in any other system. It also provides a formal basis for the comparison of control aspects of e-Science workflow systems and a design method for future systems.     

Synthesis and reactions of some new pyrrolylthieno[2,3-D]quinoxaline and pyrrolopyrazinothienoquinoxalines

The synthesis of 3-pyrrolyl-2-substituted thieno[2,3-b]quinoxalines from the precursor 3-amino derivatives are described. Synthesized compounds were subjected to reactions with other reagents to synthe-size polyfused heterocyclic incorporated thienoquinoxaline moiety. Some of the synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities.