Phylogenetic Characterisation of the Full Genome of a Bagaza Virus Isolate from Bird Fatalities in South Africa

Bagaza virus (BAGV), a member of the Ntaya serogroup in the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae, was isolated from the brain tissue of a Himalayan monal pheasant that died following neurological signs in Pretoria, South Africa in 2016. Next-generation sequencing was carried out on this isolate resulting in a genome sequence of 10980nt. The full genome sequence of this isolate, designated ZRU96-16, shared 98% nucleotide identity with a BAGV isolate found in Culex univitattus mosquitoes from Namibia and 97% nucleotide identity with a Spanish BAGV sequence isolated from an infected partridge. In total, seven amino acid variations were unique to ZRU96-16 after alignment with other BAGV and Israel turkey meningoencephalomyelitis (ITV) genomes. The 3′UTR sequence of ZRU96-16 was resolved with sufficient detail to be able to annotate the variable and conserved sequence elements within this region. Multiple sequence alignment of the 3′UTR suggested that it could be useful in lineage designation as more similar viruses carried similar mutations across this region, while also retaining certain unique sites. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis revealed two clusters containing both BAGV and ITVs from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Broadly, temporal clustering separated isolates into two groups, with one cluster representing viruses from the 1960–2000’s and the other from 2010 onwards. This suggests that there is consistent exchange of BAGV and ITV between Europe and Africa. This investigation provides more information on the phylogenetics of an under-represented member of the Flaviviridae and provides an avenue for more extensive research on its pathogenesis and geographic expansion.     

Enhancement of Confinement in Scaled RC Columns using Steel Fibers Extracted from Scrap Tyres

Steel fibers are widely extracted from scrap tyres, causing environmental concerns. This paper presents the use of steel fibers in variable proportions extracted from scrap tyres. The enhancement of the confinement was envisaged through the addition of steel fibers obtained from scrap tyres. The study included an experimental program for the development of constitutive material models for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete and concrete with added steel fibers. A mix design was carried out for OPC, targeting a compressive strength of 3000 psi. Steel fibers were added to OPC in ratios of 1.0% to 3.0%, with an increment of 0.5%. Concrete columns, with cross-sectional dimensions of 6 × 6 inches and a length of 30 inches, were cast with both OPC and fiber-reinforced concrete. The column confinement was evaluated with a different spacing of ties (3- and 4-inch center-to-center). Compression tests on the concrete columns indicate that the addition of steel fibers to a concrete matrix results in an appreciable increase in strength and ductility. Overall, increasing the percentage of steel fibers increased the compression strength and the ductility of concrete. The maximum strain in the concrete containing 2.5% steel fibers increased by 285% as compared to the concrete containing 1% of steel fibers. An optimum percentage of 2.5% steel fibers added to the concrete resulted in a 39% increase in compressive strength, accompanied by a significant improvement in ductility. The optimum content of steel fibers, when used in confined columns, showed that confined compression strength increased with the addition of steel fibers. However, it is recommended that additional columns on the basis of the optimum steel fiber content shall be tested to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing the stirrup spacing.     

Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability of Asiaticoside,Madecassoside and Asiatic Acid in Porcine Brain Endothelial Cell Model

Neurotherapeutic potentials of Centella asiatica and its reputation to boost memory, prevent cognitive deficits and improve brain functions are widely acknowledged. The plant's bioactive compounds, i.e. asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid were reported to have central nervous system (CNS) actions, particularly in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, it is important for these compounds to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to be clinically effective therapeutics. This study aimed to explore the capability of asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid to cross the BBB using in vitro BBB model from primary porcine brain endothelial cells (PBECs). Our findings showed that asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid are highly BBB permeable with apparent permeability (P_app) of 70.61 ± 6.60, 53.31 ± 12.55 and 50.94 ± 10.91 × 10^?6 cm/s respectively. No evidence of cytotoxicity and tight junction disruption of the PBECs were observed in the presence of these compounds. Asiatic acid showed cytoprotective effect towards the PBECs against oxidative stress. This study reported for the first time that Centella asiatica compounds demonstrated high capability to cross the BBB, comparable to central nervous system drugs, and therefore warrant further development as therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.     

Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment of Ventricular Septal Volume and Mass before and after Myectomy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetically transmitted cardiomyopathy. In patients resistant to medical management, myectomy is the surgical procedure of choice to reduce the symptoms of left ventricular outflow obstruction. Two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) has become part of the operative procedure by decreasing the incidence of postoperative complications. However, because of the three‐dimensional geometry of left ventricular outflow tract, it is unable to comprehensively assess the location and severity of the obstruction and to provide accurate guidance during myectomy. In this study, 10 patients with HCM underwent live/real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) intra‐operatively to measure the volume of the resected septum. This volume correlated well with the volume of the resected septal muscle directly obtained using a graduating cylinder containing water (r = 0.9, P < 0.000). 3DTEE may be potentially used as an adjunct to guide the surgeon in performing an adequate myectomy with a lower incidence of residual obstruction and complications such as an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect.     

Choledocholithiasis in African American and Hispanic Patients: A Comparison Between Painless Presentation and Classical Biliary Pain with Regards to Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes

Choledocholithiasis (CDL) usually presents with biliary pain. Painless CDL is also known to occur, especially in the elderly. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the mode of presentation (painful vs. painless) influences the clinical course and outcomes of CDL in African American and Hispanic patients. Ten years of admission and discharge records (January 1998–December 2007) were reviewed retrospectively, yielding 527 community hospital patients, aged 23–97 years, with the final diagnosis of CDL. Patients with painless presentation had higher odds of having comorbidities compared to patients presenting with pain. However, patients who presented with biliary pain were predominantly younger (mean age 34 years), and 59 % were Hispanic females (p = 0.001). In our study painless CDL was associated with higher morbidity and mortality.