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TheBRCAmutation spectrum of familial breast cancer in Libya remains unknown. Several genetic models developed to predict the probability ofBRCA1/2mutations have not been applied in Libya, where the NCCN criteria are used for highly penetrating breast cancer susceptibility genes. We aimed to predictBRCA1/2mutation probability in familial breast cancer and eligibility for genetic testing by using BOADICEA and BRCAPRO models and NCCN criteria.BRCA1/2mutations were retrospectively predicted in 62 unrelated women with familial breast cancer between 2018 and 2021. Logistic regression, ROC analysis and AUC were used to compare NCCN referral criteria with the BRCAPRO and BOADICEA scores. Of 62 breast cancer patients, 32 (51.6%) (mean age 43.5±8 years) were predicted by both models asBRCAmutation carriers. BRCAPRO predictedBRCA1andBRCA2mutations in 27.4% and 41.9% of the women, respectively. BOADICEA predicted 8% forBRCA1and 29% forBRCA2. At least one NCCN criterion was met by 50/62 women (80.6%). Only two criteria were statistically significant predictors in BRCAPRO and BOADICEA: breast cancer at ≤ 50 years with one or more close blood relatives with breast cancer, and breast cancer patient with a close relative of male breast cancer. For the two respective criteria, sensitivity was 0.78 and 0.89, specificity 0.33 and 0.39, AUC 0.72 and 0.75, PPV 78% and 27.5%, and NPV 67% and 97%. BODICEA and BRCAPRO models are suitable for recommending genetic testing for BRCA gene mutations. The NCCN criteria are too broad.

The continuous emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants required rapid and reliable diagnostic methods for early detection and monitoring of the spread of the virus, especially in lowresource countries where whole genome sequencing is not available. We aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of two different RT-qPCR screening assays for the detection of B.1.617 lineage mutations. A total of 85 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples were collected between 9th August and 10 September 2021 and screened by two mutation-specific RT-qPCR assays for simultaneous detection of B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 lineage mutations. VIASURE Variant II PCR assay identified 2 Delta variant-specific mutations (L452R, and P681 R) in 80% of tested samples, while the PKamp™ Variant Detect™ assay was only able to detect one Delta variant specific mutation (L452R) in 75% of tested samples. This is the first report to show the Delta variant as the cause of the third wave in Libya. The use of multiplex RT-qPCR assays has allowed the identification of new variants for rapid screening. However, RT-qPCR results should be confirmed by whole genome sequencing of SARS-COV-2.&nbsp

The issue of school reopening has raised several concerns; therefore, the parent’s opinion is essential to consider. This study aimed to evaluate the parent’s attitudes and concerns toward school reopening in the COVID-19 era. A cross-sectional survey was performed using inperson self- administered questionnaires, the data was collected in the period between January and April 2021 covering parents’ concerns and attitudes toward school reopening. A total of 402 parents participated in the survey. Analysis showed that 56.7% of parents have agreed with school reopening, but 54% have raised some legitimate concerns. Importantly, there was a strong correlation between parents’ opinions towards school reopening and their level of education, and their concerns about their children’s safety if the school was reopened. Despite parents’ concerns, it does seem that slightly over half were in favour of school reopening and would send their children to school only if the schools did apply strict precautions and restriction measures. Sharing parents’ views toward school reopening with school leaders and decision-makers is important to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of return to schools and to improve existing prevention programs.&nbsp

Nucleosides and their analogues have been in use for many years and have become essential for treating patients with viral infections. Many additional nucleoside drugs have been approved over the past decades. This strongly demonstrates how important these compounds are and the crucial role they play. Given that a significant amount of research and literature has been documented regarding nucleoside analogues, this review article mainly focuses on nucleosides and nucleoside analogues that have proven to play a significant role in the treatment of known viral infections. This article covers the names, structures, applications, toxicity, and mode of action of relevant nucleoside analogues.

Aim: To assess the prognostic significance of Survivin and Livin expression in invasive breast cancer and their lymph node metastases. Materials and Methods: The present series consists of archival samples from 78 women with invasive breast cancer diagnosed and treated during 2010-2014 at National Cancer Institute, Misurata, Libya. Tumor biopsies were analysed for expression of Survivin and Livin by immunohistochemistry, and different grading systems were tested for their expression. Results: In the cancer samples, a significant correlation was established between Survivin expression and site of the tumor (p=0.021), tumor recurrence (p=0.036), and unifocal tumor (p=0.001). Moreover, Her-2 negative tumors had higher Survivin expression than Her-2 positive tumors (p= 0.047). There were no associations between Survivin expression and histological grade, histological type, lymph node status, tumor stage, TNM classification, estrogen and progesterone receptors, distant metastases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone replacement, vascular invasion, surgical margin, positive family history. Livin expression in primary breast cancer showed a significant correlation (p=0.025) with positive family history, but no significant association with other clinicopathological parameters. In addition, we found that primary tumors showed higher Survivin expression (82%) compared with the lymph node metastases (34%), whereas Livin expression did not differ between the primary (71%) tumors and their metastases (84%). Conclusion: Survivin expression in primary breast cancer is significantly associated with several characteristics of favourable prognosis. Livin expression in primary breast cancer is significantly associated only with a positive family history of breast cancer.

Alpha (B.1.1.7) SARS-COV-2 variant was detected in September 2020 in minks and humans in Denmark and UK. This variant has several mutations in the spike region (S) which could increase the transmissibility of the virus 43-90% over previously circulating variants. The National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) announced on 24th February 2021 a 25% frequency of B.1.1.7 strain in Libya using a reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR assay. This assay relies on the specific identification of the H69-V70 deletion in S gene which causes its failure of amplification (SGTF). This deletion is not specific for B.1.1.7; but is also characteristic of two other SARS-COV-2 variants. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of B.1.1.7 and identify other variants circulating in Libya in February 2021. We performed whole genome sequencing of 67 positive SARS-COV-2 samples collected on 25th February 2021 in Libya which were also tested by RT-qPCR for SGTF. Our results showed that 55% of samples had mutations specific to B.1.525 strain and only ∼3% of samples belonged to B.1.1.7. These findings suggested that B.1.525 was spreading widely in Libya. The use of such RT-qPCR assay although useful to track some variants, it cannot discriminate between variants with H69-V70 deletion. RT-qPCR assays could be multiplexed to identify multiple variants and screen samples prior to sequencing. We emphasize on the need for providing whole-genome sequencing to the main COVID-19 diagnostic laboratories in Libya as well as establishing international collaboration for building capacity and advancing research in this time of the pandemic.

The main goal of this paper is to briefly describe the educational quality assurance procedures of Jubail Industrial College and share its experience with other local and international institutions that are potentially interested in implementing similar quality assurance procedures in their various departments. This paper follows a document and descriptive method. Document analysis qualitative approach was opted. In essence, implementing quality assurance procedures within any educational institution ensures quality education and helps to maintain an organized structure. Internal quality assurance policies and practices guarantee that the quality of education in an academic institution is consistently monitored. This paper can be utilized by both academic planners and quality assurance personnel in academic institutions. The quality assurance procedures described in this paper are used to ensure the quality of education specific to the Jubail Industrial College; however, it can be applied in other academic institutions as well.

Antiviral drugs have significant action against influenza viruses A and B. Virus spread deadly disease in which many people die, and the country economy greatly suffer. Presently, most of the people need to get vaccination, which is depending on the dose limit in humans. It reacts directly or sometimes indirectly in the form of metabolites. However, it is mandatory to know how much drug is absorbed or metabolites concentration after administered. Therefore, pharmacokinetics data is very crucial for all drugs. Our review discusses the mechanism of drugs action and their activity and also describes how antiviral drugs and their metabolites is determined using a highly sensitive instrument such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC), mass spectrometry (MS). Therefore, the present review gives brief information about antiviral drugs, their activity, biotransformation and analytical methods for quantification and this information will be helpful for any future studies done by experts in this field and will be beneficial for research scientists and influenza experts of all over the globe.

Herein, a colorimetric sensor (L) based on a naphthyl derivative bearing hydrazone receptors was synthesized via a one-step reaction process, and its recognition properties towards biologically important anions in an acetonitrile-water mixture were investigated by naked-eye observation and UV-Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The molar addition of anions, such as TBAF-, TBAOH-, TBACN- and TBAAcO-, induced a significant red shift in the charge transfer band (Δλ = 73 nm, from 337 nm to 410 nm), in agreement with visible "naked eye" detectable colorimetric activities; in addition, soaked-in-L paper strips were prepared, which could significantly discriminate cyanide (KCN) and hydroxide (NaOH) ions dissolved in tap water via the litmus test method. This study was complemented by density functional theory computations to gain more insight into the interaction between L and anions.

There is a great demand for more rapid tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection to reduce waiting time, boost public health strategies for combating disease, decrease costs, and prevent overwhelming laboratory capacities. This study was conducted to assess the performance of 10 lateral flow device viral antigen immunoassays for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in nasopharyngeal swab specimens. We analyzed 231 nasopharyngeal samples collected from October 2020 to December 2020, from suspected COVID‐19 cases and contacts of positive cases at Biotechnology Research Center laboratories, Tripoli, Libya. The performance of 10 COVID‐19 Antigen (Ag) rapid test devices for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen was compared to a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). In this study, 161 cases had symptoms consistent with COVID‐19. The mean duration from symptom onset was 6.6 ± 4.3 days. The median cycle threshold (C t) of positive samples was 25. Among the 108 positive samples detected by RT‐qPCR, the COVID‐19 antigen (Ag) tests detected 83 cases correctly. All rapid Ag test devices used in this study showed 100% specificity. While tests from six manufacturers had an overall sensitivity range from 75% to 100%, the remaining four tests had a sensitivity of 50%–71.43%. Sensitivity during the first 6 days of symptoms and in samples with high viral loads (C t, Highlights Rapid antigen testing has high sensitivity and specificity in early disease when patients present less than 7 days of symptom onsetPatients should be encouraged to test within one week after getting COVID‐19 related symptoms and within 24 hrs. if they develop disturbed smell/taste.The use of rapid antigen testing is important for reducing burden on molecular diagnostic laboratories.

There is a great demand for more rapid tests for SARS-COV-2 detection to reduce waiting time, boost public health strategies for combating disease, decrease costs, and prevent overwhelming laboratory capacities. This study was conducted to assess the performance of 10 lateral flow device viral antigen immunoassays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab specimens. We analyzed 231 nasopharyngeal samples collected from October 2020-December 2020, from suspected COVID-19 cases and contacts of positive cases at Biotechnology Research Center laboratories, Tripoli, Libya. The performance of 10 COVID-19 Antigen (Ag) rapid test devices for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen was compared to RT-qPCR. In this study 161 cases had symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The mean duration from symptom onset was 6.6 days. The median cycle threshold (Ct) of positive samples was 25. Among the 108 positive samples detected by RT-qPCR, the COVID-19 antigen (Ag) tests detected 83 cases correctly. All rapid Ag test devices used in this study showed 100% specificity. While tests from 6 manufacturers had an overall sensitivity range from 75-100%, the remaining 4 tests had sensitivity of 50-71.43%. Sensitivity during the first 6 days of symptoms and in samples with high viral loads (Ct

The synthesis of cyclopentadiene derivatives via the domino reaction of norbornadienes with dimethyl 1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-dicarboxylate, followed a retro-Diels-Alder reaction, was reported by Dalkilic few years ago (Tetrahedron 2015;71 : 1966). In some cases, the formation of an unexpected dihydropyridazine (DHP) was observed, and explained by a 1,3-hydrogen shift. A density functional theory study is herein reported giving insights into the proposed mechanisms with different substituents on norbornadiene. Based on the kinetic and thermodynamic data, the retro-Diels-Alder reaction is confirmed to explain the formation of cyclopentadienes plus pyridazines. The intramolecular 1,3-hydrogen shift mechanism was not sufficient to explain the exclusive formation of two DHPs. Thus, an alternative mechanism involving a stepwise tautomerisation is being reported for formation of DHPs.

Hemodialysis patients are at a greater risk of severe disease from COVID-19. Of the 600 maintenance hemodialysis patients who were regular attendees at the Tripoli Hemodialysis Center in Tripoli, Libya, 12 patients contracted COVID-19 infection. Their ages ranged between 48 and 80 years, 3 of them were females (25%), and 4 (33.3%) had a history of contact with an infected person. The most common symptoms were fever (66.7%), dry cough (66.7%), dyspnea (91.7%) and fatigue (83.3%). Computed tomography of the chest showed radiological features of COVID-19 pneumonia, ground-glass opacities and consolidation in the lungs of all patients. Four of the patients died (33.3%). COVID-19 is a serious comorbidity for maintenance hemodialysis patients and is associated with a high mortality rate. Where no specific guidance for operation exist, guidelines should be developed or existing guidelines such as those of the CDC should be adapted to the local context. Funding: None to declare. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: Ethical approval was obtained from Bioethics Committee at Biotechnology Research Center (BEC-BTRC 18-2021).

Purpose: Cathepsin D is a proteolytic enzyme that is normally localized in the lysosomes and is involved in the malignant progression of breast cancer. The expression of Cathepsin D is regulated by steroid hormones including oestrogen and growth factors. There are conflicting results between different studies regarding Cathepsin D significance as prognostic and predictor marker in breast cancer. Furthermore, Cathepsin D has not been recommended for clinical use by the American Society of Clinical Oncology because of insufficient evidence. This study was aimed to fill the gap in the lack of recent and large studies on prognostic significance of Cathepsin D expression by studying a large well-characterized series of primary breast cancer for cathepsin D expression using immunohistochemistry. Methods: Expression of Cathepsin D was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays, in a large well-characterized series of early-stage operable breast cancer (n=954) from Nottingham Primary Breast Carcinoma Series between the period of 1988 and 1998 who underwent primary surgery. Correlation of cathepsin D expression with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis was evaluated. Results: Cathepsin D expression was positive in 28.8% (275/954) of breast cancer tumors. Positive expression of cathepsin D was significantly associated with high histological grade (p=0.007), pleomorphism (p=0.002), poor Nottingham Prognostic Index score (NPI) (p Conclusion: This study shows Cathepsin D expression as a promising prognostic biomarker for early operable invasive breast cancer. Our results indicate that Cathepsin D expressing tumors are associated with shorter breast cancer specific survival and higher risk of recurrence and metastasis. Cathepsin D could be clinically useful to predict response to tamoxifen treatment. Targeting Cathepsin D either through inhibition of action or interference with the proteolytic pathway could be used to treat metastatic breast cancers expressing Cathepsin D. Citation Format: Inas M. Alhudiri, Christopher C. Nolan, Ian O. Ellis, Emad A. Rakha, Adam Elzagheid, Andrew R. Green, Caroline J. Chapman. Expression of cathepsin D in early-stage breast cancer and its prognostic and predictive value [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5405.

The purpose of this study was to remove dyes from synthetic dyed wastewater using activated carbon derived from rice husk. The initial dye concentration was 45 mg/L. The batch adsorption worked best in an acidic medium of pH 2, adsorbent dosage of 13 g/L and agitation speed of 100 rpm with maximum dye removal of 80% after 10 min. The maximum adsorption capacity of the absorbent was found to be 2.0 mg/g with a final dye concentration of 10.8 mg/L. The adsorption was found to be a non-spontaneous, endothermic chemisorption process with less disorder which best fitted the Temkin model and followed pseudo-second order. For column adsorption, the highest qo corresponds to 12.8 mg/g and the maximum dye removal was above 99.5%. Some of the experimental deductions were confirmed by gas-phase computations [B3LYP/6-31G(d)].

There is an increasing demand for sustainable and safe packaging technologies to improve consumer satisfaction, reduce food loss during storage and transportation, and track the quality status of food throughout its distribution. This study reports the fabrication of colorimetric pH-indicative and flame-retardant nanocomposite films (NCFs) based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nanoclays for smart and safe food packaging applications. Tough, flexible, and transparent NCFs were obtained using 15% nanoclay loading (PVA-15) with superior properties, including low solubility/swelling in water and high thermal stability with flame-retardant behavior. The NCFs showed average mechanical properties that are comparable to commercial films for packaging applications. The color parameters were recorded at different pH values and the prepared NCFs showed distinctive colorimetric pH-responsive behavior during the transition from acidic to alkaline medium with high values for the calculated color difference (∆E &asymp, 50). The prepared NCFs provided an effective way to detect the spoilage of the shrimp samples via monitoring the color change of the NCFs during the storage period. The current study proposes the prepared NCFs as renewable candidates for smart food packaging featuring colorimetric pH-sensing for monitoring food freshness as well as a safer alternative choice for applications that demand films with fire-retardant properties.

A-234, [EtO–P(O)(F)–NC(Me)–N(Et)2], is the suspected A-type nerve agent used in the Skripal attack on the 4th of March 2018. Studies related to the structure and reactivity of this compound are limited. We, therefore, aimed at understanding the underlying hydrolysis mechanism of A-234 within the DFT framework. The attack of the water molecule can occur at the phosphinate and acetoamidine reactive centres. Our theoretical findings indicate that the hydrolysis at the acetoamidine centre is thermodynamically favoured compared to the hydrolysis at the phosphinate centre. The hydrolysis at the acetoamidine moiety may proceed via two pathways, depending on the nitrogen atom participating in the hydrolysis. The main pathway consists of four distinct channels to reach the final product, with the concerted 1,3-proton shift favoured kinetically and thermodynamically in the gas phase and water as solvent. The results are in good agreement with the literature, although some differences in the reaction mechanism were observed.