Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic parasitic infection in the Mediterranean region, including Libya and 

its Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We aimed at studying the occupational relevance as well as other epidemiological aspects 

of CL. We investigated 140 CL cases who attended at Gharyan outpatient polyclinic during a period of 6 months in 2009. 

CL infection was clinically diagnosed and confirmed by demonstration of Leishmania parasites on smears from lesions. 

Our findings showed that males were more affected than females (P=0.04), and people above 10-years were more af￾fected than younger ones (P=0.0001). A significant percent of CL cases belonged to Al-Kawasem subprovince 

(P=0.0001). Farm-related activities were the most frequent occupations among CL cases (P=0.04). In addition to farm 

workers, housewives and students are at risk groups since they are engaged at farm activities. Moreover, those who have 

occupations that require staying outdoors for a part of night, e.g., policemen, are also at risk. Compared to children, adult 

CL patients had multiple lesions (P=0.001) that were more prevalent in their upper and lower extremities than the face 

(P=0.0001). We conclude that CL is a major health problem in Al-jabal Al-gharbi province of Libya. The presence of ro￾dents and sandflies makes it a suitable environment for Leishmania to spread in an endemic epidemiological pattern. Be￾ing engaged in farming activities or outdoor occupations increases the risk of infection. Various clinical patterns of CL 

suggest the presence of more than 1 species of Leishmania at Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We propose that the 2 species 

responsible for CL in this area are L. major and L. tropica. Further investigations to identify the leishmanial species re￾sponsible for CL at Al-jabal Al-gharbi together with adoption of preventive and control programs are needed.

African trypanosomes are capable of both pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage of preformed pyrimidines from the host. However, uptake of pyrimidines in bloodstream form trypanosomes has not been investigated, making it difficult to judge the relative importance of salvage and synthesis or to design a pyrimidine-based chemotherapy. Detailed characterization of pyrimidine transport activities in bloodstream form Trypanosoma brucei brucei found that these cells express a high-affinity uracil transporter (designated TbU3) that is clearly distinct from the procyclic pyrimidine transporters. This transporter had low affinity for uridine and 2′deoxyuridine and was the sole pyrimidine transporter expressed in these cells. In addition, thymidine was taken up inefficiently through a P1-type nucleoside transporter. Of importance, the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil was an excellent substrate for TbU3, and several 5-fluoropyrimidine analogs were investigated for uptake and trypanocidal activity; 5F-orotic acid, 5F-2′deoxyuridine displayed activity in the low micromolar range. The metabolism and mode of action of these analogs was determined using metabolomic assessments of T. brucei clonal lines adapted to high levels of these pyrimidine analogs, and of the sensitive parental strains. The analysis showed that 5-fluorouracil is incorporated into a large number of metabolites but likely exerts toxicity through incorporation into RNA. 5F-2′dUrd and 5F-2′dCtd are not incorporated into nucleic acids but act as prodrugs by inhibiting thymidylate synthase as 5F-dUMP. We present the most complete model of pyrimidine salvage in T. brucei to date, supported by genome-wide profiling of the predicted pyrimidine biosynthesis and conversion enzymes.

Abstract

Painful diabetic neuropathy is poorly controlled by analgesics and requires high doses of opioids, triggering side effects and reducing patient quality of life. This study investigated whether enhanced Rab7-mediated lysosomal targeting of peripheral sensory neuron μ-opioid receptors (MORs) is responsible for diminished opioid responsiveness in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In diabetic animals, significantly impaired peripheral opioid analgesia was associated with a loss in sensory neuron MOR and a reduction in functional MOR G-protein-coupling. In control animals, MORs were retained mainly on the neuronal cell membrane. In contrast, in diabetic rats, they were colocalized with upregulated Rab7 in LampI-positive perinuclear lysosome compartments. Silencing endogenous Rab7 with intrathecal Rab7-siRNA or, indirectly, by reversing nerve growth factor deprivation in peripheral sensory neurons not only prevented MOR targeting to lysosomes, restoring their plasma membrane density, but also rescued opioid responsiveness toward better pain relief. These findings elucidate in vivo the mechanisms by which enhanced Rab7 lysosomal targeting of MORs leads to a loss in opioid antinociception in diabetic neuropathic pain. This is in contrast to peripheral sensory neuron MOR upregulation and antinociception in inflammatory pain, and provides intriguing evidence that regulation of opioid responsiveness varies as a function of pain pathogenesis.

This paper considers a common problem that all industries contest with in practice ie the breaking down of machines that influence production and cost directly. In a majority of industrial applications, acquiring optimum utilisation of all available resources for existing and future predicted demand is a major function throughout all the levels of management. This paper uses a number of analytical tools and software that support one another ie Witness Simulation, Bayesian Network Modelling and Hugin Software. The use of expert experience and knowledge has been incorporated throughout the study as it is vital to model building and greater understanding of machine breakdown. This study uses discrete event simulation and Bayesian network modelling collectively to understand machine breakdowns to increase efficiency within a cement manufacturing plant ie the Crusher Machine. The Bayesian network modelling implemented by the Hugin Software is used to generate probabilities which are transferred into a discrete event simulation model using Witness Software based on the historical data, expert knowledge and opinions. The model simulates the three parameters of the machine life based on consumption of each parameter. This is translated into a probability failure rate that changes as the model is running. The model demonstrates decisions based on the probability of failure from the Bayesian model and based on life consumption of the different variables in the simulation model.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper surveyed some of the works on fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) in concrete pavements using recycled waste plastics fibres (WPF) and waste synthetic fibres (WSF) which include its specifications, types, features, benefits and physical properties. Fibres in reinforced concrete pavements can improve their toughness, shrinkage and durability. The use of recycled waste plastic fibres from industrial or post-consumer waste in concrete pavement mixes offers additional advantages as well as for plastics waste reduction, lowers construction cost and resources conservation. Keywords: Fibre Reinforced Concrete, Concrete Pavements, Waste Plastics Fibre, Recycled Waste Plastic