scholarly journals Molecular Investigation on Tick-Borne Hemoparasites and Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels (Camelusdromedarius) in Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, UAE

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 666
Author(s):  
El Tigani Ahmed El Tigani-Asil ◽  
Valeria Blanda ◽  
Ghada Elderdiri Abdelwahab ◽  
Zulaikha Mohamed Al Hammadi ◽  
Shameem Habeeba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Zoonotic Risk ◽  
Hematophagous Arthropods ◽  
Camel Husbandry ◽  
Theileria Spp

Camels represent an important resource for inhabitants of the most arid regions of the world and their survival is mainly related to environment conditions including the risk of parasitic diseases, which may represent a significant cause of losses in livestock production of these areas. Camels may be parasitized by several hematophagous arthropods, which can be vectors of several diseases including zoonosis. This study aimed to investigate in dromedary camels and their ticks the importance of tick-borne hemoparasites that might be responsible for a recent and obscure morbidity of camels in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Blood samples and ticks from 93 naturally infected camels belonging to 36 herds, affected by variable acute clinical syndromes lasting from 3 to 5 days, were analyzed through molecular techniques for specific DNA presence of different blood pathogens: Anaplasmamarginale/Anaplasmaovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii,Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. DNA. All the 72 ticks collected belonged to the Hyalomma dromedarii species and were negative for blood pathogens. n = 15 camels (16.1%) were found positive to the following tick-borne hemoparasites: A. phagocytophilum 11 (11.8%), Coxiella burnetii 3 (3.2%), and Babesia/Theileria spp. 2 (2.1%). One singular camel showed coinfection of C. burnetii and A. phagocytophiulm. Genetic profile of C. burnetii showed a high phylogenetic relatedness to European, Asian and African C. burnetii strains. This is the first laboratory investigation on tick-borne pathogens in camels in UAE, and the first report of A. phagocytophilum and C. burnetii. Moreover, since the detected pathogens are recognized pathogens for humans, this study highlights the zoonotic risk for humans working in camel husbandry.

Coxiella burnetii in Tunisian dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius): Seroprevalence, associated risk factors and seasonal dynamics

Acta Tropica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 188 ◽  
pp. 234-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachid Selmi ◽  
Aymen Mamlouk ◽  
Houcine Ben Yahia ◽  
Hedi Abdelaali ◽  
Mourad Ben Said ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Seasonal Dynamics ◽  
Camelus Dromedarius ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

scholarly journals Prevalence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Virus Genes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed F. Yusof ◽  
Yassir M. Eltahir ◽  
Wissam S. Serhan ◽  
Farouk M. Hashem ◽  
Elsaeid A. Elsayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Dromedary Camels ◽  
Abu Dhabi Emirate

scholarly journals Diversity of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronaviruses in 109 dromedary camels based on full-genome sequencing, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Farouk Yusof ◽  
Krista Queen ◽  
Yassir Mohammed Eltahir ◽  
Clinton R Paden ◽  
Zulaikha Mohamed Abdel Hameed Al Hammadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Full Genome ◽  
Full Genome Sequencing ◽  
Dromedary Camels

scholarly journals Thanatogenomic Investigation of the Hydroxymethylome and Mitochondrial Genome of Cadaveric Cardiomyocytes: Proposal for a Proof-of-Concept Study

10.2196/17241 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e17241
Author(s):  
Nerissa Naidoo ◽  
Gurjyot Bajwa ◽  
Ruthwik Duvuru ◽  
Yajnavalka Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Cleveland Clinic ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Heart Cells ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Biopsy Specimens

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One of the common CVDs is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Recent studies conducted in heart cells of mice have shown that this condition involves a chemical modification called hydroxymethylation of the DNA of heart cells. Objective Objectives of the proposed research are to profile the distribution of 5-hydroxymethylation in the cardiomyocyte (CMC) genome of cadaveric cardiac tissue and cardiac biopsy specimens; to compare the hydroxymethylome of cadaveric CMCs with that of cardiac biopsy specimens from HCM patients and/or cardiac transplant patients (control) undergoing cardiac catheterization; to histologically appraise sarcomere distribution and mitochondrial morphology of CMCs in the presence of HCM; to correlate the mitochondrial genome with the HCM phenotype; and to integrate anatomy with biochemistry and genetics into the instructional design of HCM in the core medical curriculum at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU). Methods Normal and hypertrophic heart specimens will be obtained from 8 whole-body cadavers (2/8, 25% control and 6/8, 75% HCM). Myocardial biopsy specimens will be obtained from cardiothoracic and transplant units at the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE. As this is a proof-of-concept study, we plan to recruit 5 patients with HCM, where HCM has been diagnosed according to the guidelines of the 2014 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines. Patients with valvular heart disease, history of myocarditis, regular alcohol consumption, or cardiotoxic chemotherapy will be excluded. The control biopsy specimens will be obtained from patients who had received heart transplants. Three investigational approaches will then be employed: (1) gross anatomical evaluation, (2) histological analysis, and (3) profiling and analysis of the hydroxymethylome. These investigations will be pursued with minor modifications, if required, to the standard protocols and in accordance with institutional policy. The objective associated with the education of health professionals will be addressed through a strategy based on Graham’s knowledge translation model. Results This study is at the protocol-development stage. The validated questionnaires have been identified in relation to the objectives. The MBRU and the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Institutional Review Board (IRB) are reviewing this study. Further clarification and information can be obtained from the MBRU IRB. There is funding in place for this study (MBRU-CM-RG2019-08). Currently, we are in the process of standardizing the protocols with respect to the various molecular techniques to be employed during the course of the study. The total duration of the proposed research is 24 months, with a provision for 6 months of a no-cost extension. Conclusions The spectrum of CVDs has recently received significant focus from the public health sector in the UAE. HCM is a common familial heart disease, contributing to the sudden increase in the mortality rate of young Emiratis in the UAE. Incorporating artificial intelligence into the identification of epigenetic risk factors associated with HCM will promote accurate diagnosis and lead to the development of improved management plans, hence, positive patient outcomes. Furthermore, integration of these findings into the instructional design of undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuous professional development medical curricula will further contribute to the body of knowledge regarding HCM. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/17241

scholarly journals Análise transdisciplinar do Banco Nacional de Perfis Genéticos: técnicas moleculares e aspectos jurídicos

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-53
Author(s):  
Samantha Lopes Monteiro ◽  
Ívna Soares de Oliveira ◽  
Tarcísio André Amorim de Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Markers ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Human Identification ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Forensic Investigation ◽  
Forensic Dna ◽  
Criminal Cases ◽  
Dna Database

O uso de marcadores moleculares para a identificação humana é uma estratégia aplicada nas atividades forenses no Brasil. A criação de bancos de perfis genéticos é uma tendência mundial. É esperado que o uso de tais dados não somente facilite a investigação de casos criminais, mas também leve à redução da criminalidade. O presente artigo objetiva-se realizar uma análise transdisciplinar sobre o Banco Nacional de Perfis Genéticos (BNPG), abordando a funcionalidade dele, apresentando também as técnicas moleculares aplicadas, além de suscitar discussões jurídicas geradas com a implantação do banco de dados nacional. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica exploratória que foi elaborada a partir de uma pesquisa realizada em bases de dados bibliográficos como SciELO, PubMed e JusBrasil. A conscientização da funcionalidade potencial dessa ferramenta poderá despertar o interesse de mais especialistas de ambas as áreas, biológica e jurídica, para que possam aperfeiçoá-la e, futuramente, desenvolver outras aplicações.Palavras-Chave: Identificação Humana; DNA Forense; Banco de Dados; Ciências Forenses; Lei 12.654/12.            AbstractThe use of molecular markers for human identification is a strategy applied in forensic investigation in Brazil. The creation of DNA databases is a worldwide trend. It is expected that the use of such data will not only assist investigation of criminal cases, but also lead to reduced crime. The present article aims to carry out a transdisciplinary analysis about the Brazilian National Genetic Profile Database, addressing its functionality, presenting also applied molecular techniques, as well as raising legal discussions generated with the implementation of the national DNA database. It is an exploratory bibliographic review that was elaborated from a research carried out in bibliographic databases like SciELO, PubMed and JusBrasil. Awareness of the potential functionality of this tool may raise the interest of more specialists in both biological and legal areas so that they can improve it and promote it in the future.Keywords: Human Identification; Forensic DNA; Database; Forensic Science; Law 12.654/12.  

scholarly journals Celebrating 75 years of oestradiol

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. T1-T20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan Simpson ◽  
Richard J Santen
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Detailed Understanding ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Clinical Syndromes ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Innovative Thinking ◽  
History Of ◽  
Males And Females

Oestrogens exert important effects on the reproductive as well as many other organ systems in both men and women. The history of the discovery of oestrogens, the mechanisms of their synthesis, and their therapeutic applications are very important components of the fabric of endocrinology. These aspects provide the rationale for highlighting several key components of this story. Two investigators, Edward Doisy and Alfred Butenandt, purified and crystalized oestrone nearly simultaneously in 1929, and Doisy later discovered oestriol and oestradiol. Butenandt won the Nobel Prize for this work and Doisy's had to await his purification of vitamin K. Early investigators quickly recognized that oestrogens must be synthesized from androgens and later investigators called this process aromatization. The aromatase enzyme was then characterized, its mechanism determined, and its structure identified after successful crystallization. With the development of knock-out methodology, the precise effects of oestrogen in males and females were defined and clinical syndromes of deficiency and excess described. Their discovery ultimately led to the development of oral contraceptives, treatment of menopausal symptoms, therapies for breast cancer, and induction of fertility, among others. The history of the use of oestrogens for postmenopausal women to relieve symptoms has been characterized by cyclic periods of enthusiasm and concern. The individuals involved in these studies, the innovative thinking required, and the detailed understanding made possible by evolving biologic and molecular techniques provide many lessons for current endocrinologists.

scholarly journals Causes of Abortions in South American Camelids in Switzerland—Cases and Questionnaire

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1956
Author(s):  
Isabelle Rüfli ◽  
Corinne Gurtner ◽  
Walter U. Basso ◽  
Beatriz Vidondo ◽  
Gaby Hirsbrunner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perinatal Mortality ◽  
Coxiella Burnetii ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Perinatal Death ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
South American ◽  
South American Camelids ◽  
Zoonotic Risk

Over the last decade, South American camelids (SAC) have gained increasing popularity in Switzerland. They are used for several purposes such as fiber and meat production, as companion or guard animals and for trekking activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and reasons for pregnancy loss and perinatal death in SAC herds. Within the scope of this study, early embryonic losses could not be identified, as pregnancy examinations by ultrasonography are not performed routinely. Aborted and stillborn fetuses were collected, necropsied and analyzed for infectious abortifacients. A nationwide survey among breeders was carried out. During a 1.5-year period, only eight cases of aborted or stillborn alpaca and llama (out of a population of 6550 animals) were reported by the breeders, and their causes were subsequently analyzed. In half of the cases, Coxiella burnetii was identified in the fetoplacental material. Abortions and stillbirths were reported to be rare in Swiss herds. As a conclusion, recording of embryonic losses through ultrasound training of veterinarians should be impaired and breeders motivated to have abortions and perinatal mortality examined. Special focus should be laid on C. burnetii due to its zoonotic risk.

scholarly journals Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Agents in Cats from Southeastern and Northern Brazil

Pathogens ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Marcos Rogério André ◽  
Ana Cláudia Calchi ◽  
Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim ◽  
Isabela de Andrade ◽  
Paulo Vitor Cadina Arantes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
18S Rrna ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Molecular Identity ◽  
Northern Brazil ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
First Time ◽  
Theileria Spp

Even though the epidemiology of tick-borne agents (TBA) in dogs has been extensively investigated around the world, the occurrence, vectors involved, and molecular identity of these agents in cats remains elusive in many regions. Among TBA, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon are responsible for diseases with non-specific clinical signs in cats, making essential the use of molecular techniques for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of tick-borne agents (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia/Theileria, Cytauxzoon, and Hepatozoon) in cats from southeastern (states of São Paulo (SP) and Minas Gerais (MG)) and northern (state of Rondônia (RO)) Brazil. For this purpose, 390 blood samples were collected from domiciled cats in MG (n = 155), SP (n = 151), and RO(n = 84) states, submitted to DNA extraction and PCR assays for Ehrlichia spp. (dsb gene), Anaplasma spp. (rrs gene), piroplasmids (18S rRNA gene), and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA gene), sequencing, and phylogenetic inferences. The overall positivity for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. were 7.4% (12.3% (MG) and 6.6% (SP)), 2% (4.5% (MG) and 0.6% (SP)), 0.7% (0.6% (MG), 0.6% (SP) and 1.2% (RO)), 27.2% (41.9% (MG), 24.5% (SP) and 4.8% (RO), and 0%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the obtained sequences with ‘Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis’, A. platys, B. vogeli, and Cytauxzoon sp. previously detected in wild felids from Brazil. qPCR specific for E. canis based on the dsb gene confirmed the molecular identity of the detected ehrlichial agent. The present study expanded the list and geographical distribution of hemoparasites in cats. ‘Candidatus Anaplasma amazonensis’, recently detected in sloths from northern Brazil, was described for the first time in cats. This is the first report of piroplasmids infecting cats in northern Brazil. Coinfection by Cytauxzoon and other TBA (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and B. vogeli) reported in the present study raises the need for veterinary practitioners’ awareness of cats parasitized by multiple TBA.

scholarly journals Thanatogenomic Investigation of the Hydroxymethylome and Mitochondrial Genome of Cadaveric Cardiomyocytes: Proposal for a Proof-of-Concept Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerissa Naidoo ◽  
Gurjyot Bajwa ◽  
Ruthwik Duvuru ◽  
Yajnavalka Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Cleveland Clinic ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Heart Cells ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Concept Study ◽  
Biopsy Specimens

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One of the common CVDs is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Recent studies conducted in heart cells of mice have shown that this condition involves a chemical modification called hydroxymethylation of the DNA of heart cells. OBJECTIVE Objectives of the proposed research are to profile the distribution of 5-hydroxymethylation in the cardiomyocyte (CMC) genome of cadaveric cardiac tissue and cardiac biopsy specimens; to compare the hydroxymethylome of cadaveric CMCs with that of cardiac biopsy specimens from HCM patients and/or cardiac transplant patients (control) undergoing cardiac catheterization; to histologically appraise sarcomere distribution and mitochondrial morphology of CMCs in the presence of HCM; to correlate the mitochondrial genome with the HCM phenotype; and to integrate anatomy with biochemistry and genetics into the instructional design of HCM in the core medical curriculum at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU). METHODS Normal and hypertrophic heart specimens will be obtained from 8 whole-body cadavers (2/8, 25% control and 6/8, 75% HCM). Myocardial biopsy specimens will be obtained from cardiothoracic and transplant units at the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE. As this is a proof-of-concept study, we plan to recruit 5 patients with HCM, where HCM has been diagnosed according to the guidelines of the 2014 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines. Patients with valvular heart disease, history of myocarditis, regular alcohol consumption, or cardiotoxic chemotherapy will be excluded. The control biopsy specimens will be obtained from patients who had received heart transplants. Three investigational approaches will then be employed: (1) gross anatomical evaluation, (2) histological analysis, and (3) profiling and analysis of the hydroxymethylome. These investigations will be pursued with minor modifications, if required, to the standard protocols and in accordance with institutional policy. The objective associated with the education of health professionals will be addressed through a strategy based on Graham’s knowledge translation model. RESULTS This study is at the protocol-development stage. The validated questionnaires have been identified in relation to the objectives. The MBRU and the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Institutional Review Board (IRB) are reviewing this study. Further clarification and information can be obtained from the MBRU IRB. There is funding in place for this study (MBRU-CM-RG2019-08). Currently, we are in the process of standardizing the protocols with respect to the various molecular techniques to be employed during the course of the study. The total duration of the proposed research is 24 months, with a provision for 6 months of a no-cost extension. CONCLUSIONS The spectrum of CVDs has recently received significant focus from the public health sector in the UAE. HCM is a common familial heart disease, contributing to the sudden increase in the mortality rate of young Emiratis in the UAE. Incorporating artificial intelligence into the identification of epigenetic risk factors associated with HCM will promote accurate diagnosis and lead to the development of improved management plans, hence, positive patient outcomes. Furthermore, integration of these findings into the instructional design of undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuous professional development medical curricula will further contribute to the body of knowledge regarding HCM. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/17241

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