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Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's disease, or paratuberculosis (PTB) in ruminants, besides having zoonotic potential. It possibly changes the gut microbiome, but no conclusive data are available yet. This study aimed at investigating the influence of MAP on the faecal microbiome of cattle naturally infected with PTB. In a follow up period of 10 months, PTB status was investigated in a herd of dairy cattle with history of clinical cases. Each animal was tested for MAP infection using serum and milk ELISA for MAP anti-bodies and IS900 real-time PCR and recombinase polymerase amplification assays for MAP DNA in the faeces and milk monthly for 4 successive months, then a last one after 6 months. The faecal samples were subjected to 16S rDNA metagenomic analysis using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing Technology. The microbial content was compared between animal groups based on MAP positivity rate and production status. All animals were MAP positive by one or more tests, but two animals were consistently negative for MAP DNA in the faeces. In all animals, the phyla firmicutes and bacteroidetes were highly enriched with a small contribution of proteobacteria, and increased abundance of the families Oscillospiraceae, Planococcaceae, and Streptococcacaceae was noted. Animals with high MAP positivity rate showed comparable faecal microbial content, although MAP faecal positivity had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the microbiome. Generally, richness and evenness indices decreased with increasing positivity rate. A significantly different microbial content was found between dry cows and heifers (p < 0.05). Particularly, Oscillospiraceae and Rikenellaceae were enriched in heifers, while Planococcaceae and Streptococcaceae were overrepresented in dry cows. Furthermore, abundance of 72 genera was significantly different between these two groups (p < 0.05). Changes in faecal microbiome composition were notably associated with increasing MAP shedding in the faeces. The present findings suggest a combined influence of the production status and MAP on the cattle faecal microbiome. This possibly correlates with the fate of the infection, the concern in disease control, again remains for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Avian coccidiosis presents a significant challenge to the poultry industry in Egypt, highlighting the urgent need for validating new drug targets offering promising prospects for the development of advanced anticoccidials. Although numerous reports highlight the activity of lactoferrin (LF) against various microorganisms, its potential against Eimeria has not been explored. The present study evaluated the potential anticoccidial effect of LF and diclazuril in broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella. Methods: A total of 100 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into five equal groups (20 each) as follows: Group 1 (G1) served as the normal healthy control group, Group 2 (G2) consisted of chickens infected with 1 × 105 sporulated E. tenella oocysts at 14 days of age, Group 3 (G3) comprised infected chickens treated with diclazuril (0.5 mL/L in drinking water) for 3 days successively, Group 4 (G4) included infected chickens treated with LF (at a dose of 250 mg/kg of diet) from one day of age until the end of the study, and Group 5 (G5) comprised infected chickens treated with both LF and diclazuril. Results: The positive control group (G2) experienced significant reductions in body weight (BW), BW gain, serum glucose, lipase, amylase, total antioxidant capacity, several hematological indices, and total proteins, along with alterations in various antioxidant enzymes. Conversely, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatases (ALP), urea, creatinine, nitric oxide, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), White blood cells (WBCs), heterophils, alpha 2, beta 1, and liver contents of malondialdehyde were elevated in this group. Moreover, higher oocyst counts and lesion scores, along with histopathological alterations, were observed in G2. Remarkably, treatment with diclazuril and/or LF demonstrated potent antioxidant and anticoccidial effects, resulting in reduced shedding of oocysts, lesion scores, and lymphocytic infiltrates in the cecum. Additionally, these treatments improved the antioxidant and immune systems in chickens and restored all histopathological changes reported in the infected non-treated group (G2). Conclusion: This study offers novel perspectives on the potential anticoccidial effects of the combination of LF and diclazuril in broiler chickens infected with E. tenella, highlighting the potential synergistic actions of LF in treating poultry coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Assiut Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The continually advancing landscape of neuroscientific and imaging research has broadened our comprehension of sex differences encoded in the human brain, expanding from the hypothalamus and sexual behaviour to encompass the entire brain, including its diverse lobes, structures, and functions. However, less is known about sex differences in the brains of neonates and infants, despite their relevance to various sex‐linked diseases that develop early in life. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the literature evidence on sex differences in the brains of neonates and infants at the morphological, structural and network levels. We also briefly overview the present evidence on the sex bias in some brain disorders affecting infants and neonates. In the dynamic realm of neuroscientific and imaging research, we navigate beyond traditional confines to illuminate sex disparities throughout the neonatal and infant brain. Our systematic review integrates evidence across morphological, structural and network dimensions, spanning disciplines from neuroscience to neonatology. By synthesizing findings from a wide spectrum of studies, we offer a global perspective, empowering investigators to explore sex differences in normal brain development and unveiling crucial insights into the pathophysiology of early‐onset brain abnormalities, from neural tube defects to autism spectrum disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoclusters are a smart platform for sensing potassium ions (K+). They have been synthesized using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and valinomycin (Val) to protect and cap the nanoclusters. The nanoclusters (Val-AuNCs) produced have a red emission at 616 nm under excitation with 470 nm. In the presence of K+, the valinomycin polar groups switch to the molecule's interior by complexing with K+, forming a bracelet structure, and being surrounded by the hydrophobic exterior conformation. This structure allows a proposed fluorometric method for detecting K+ by switching between the Val-AuNCs' hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, which induces the aggregation of gold nanoclusters. As a result, significant quenching is seen in fluorescence after adding K+. The quenching in fluorescence in the presence of K+ is attributed to the aggregation mechanism. This sensing technique provides a highly precise and selective sensing method for K+ in the range 0.78 to 8 µM with LOD equal to 233 nM. The selectivity of Val-AuNCs toward K+ ions was investigated compared to other ions. Furthermore, the Val-AuNCs have novel possibilities as favorable sensor candidates for various imaging applications. Our detection technique was validated by determining K+ ions in postmortem vitreous humor samples, which yielded promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular autopsy is a very important tool in forensic toxicology. However, many determinants, such as co-medication and physiological parameters, should be considered for optimal results. These determinants could cause phenoconversion (PC), a discrepancy between the real metabolic profile after phenoconversion and the phenotype determined by the genotype. This study's objective was to assess the PC of drug-metabolizing enzymes, namely CYP2D6, 2C19, and 3A4, in 45 post-mortem cases where medications that are substrates, inducers, or inhibitors of these enzymes were detected. It also intended to evaluate how PC affected the drug's metabolic ratio (MR) in four cases. Blood samples from 45 cases of drug-related deaths were analyzed to detect and determine drug and metabolite concentrations. Moreover, all the samples underwent genotyping utilizing the HaloPlex Target Enrichment System for CYP2D6, 2C19, and 3A4. The results of the present study revealed a statistically significant rate of PC for the three investigated enzymes, with a higher frequency of poor metabolizers after PC. A compatibility was seen between the results of the genomic evaluation after PC and the observed MRs of venlafaxine, citalopram, and fentanyl. This leads us to focus on the determinants causing PC that may be mainly induced by drug interactions. This complex phenomenon can have a significant impact on the analysis, interpretation of genotypes, and accurate conclusions in forensic toxicology. Nevertheless, more research with more cases in the future is needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrients such as Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn are required metals for plant crops to increase their yield and quality. Metals are included in numerous biochemical reactions as enzymes, co-enzymes, and co-factors. Copper, zinc, and manganese are essential for the development and growth of animal as pigs and broiler chicks. Amino acids are of significant importance and are used in many applications, fields, and industries such as food, animal feed, supplement, pharmaceutical production, and as biofertilizers. Fertilizers of inorganic mineral structure are hardly diffused from the leaf surface into the plant, while chelated minerals with amino acids provide a great advantage in increasing the absorption efficiency and translocation of minerals within the plant. Also, it was known that derivatives of free or chelated amino acids have marked antioxidant activity and are able to inhibit the development of tumor tissues and leading to increase immune protective abilities of the organisms. Nanotechnology increased the application efficiency of metal-amino acid complexes. Using nano fertilizers to plants is one of critical importance due to their unique properties in size and increased surface areas. It released the nutrients on demand and regulates plant growth (such as wheat, rice, barley, and rapeseed plants). Metal chelating complexes have found extensive applications in various fields of human interest. Chelators are used in medical applications; water softeners are included as ingredients in many commercial products such as shampoos and food preservatives and control heavy metal pollution in aquacultures. Amino acids may be used separately in chelation process as free amino acids or can be separated from plant or animal wastes. It can be separated by hydrolysis of plant or agricultural crop wastes as thrones of tomato and sugar beet plants. Also, it can be separated from animal origin as leather wastes and chicken feather waste or from whey of cow milk after mozzarella cheese formation. So, amino acid production from wastes decreases the cost of metal-chelated complex formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence of canola and tomato in vitro plantlets cultured on MS medium supplemented with the plant growth regulators produced from some algae cultivated on BG110 for Cyanobacteria species (Anabaena oryzae and Nostoc muscorum) and BG11 for Chlorophyta species (Chlorella vulgaris) (as control media), grown on treated sewage wastewater concentration (TSW combined with control media) (100, 75, and 50%) and different concentrations of nitrogen (0, 0.5, 2, and 4 of NaNO3 in BG11) for Chlorophyta. The experiment was conducted in triplicate, and cultures were incubated at 25 ± 1 °C under continuous aeration (1.25 L/min), 16:8 h light and dark cycle and illumination (40 µE/m2/s), and harvested at the end of the exponential phase. The HPLC was used for growth regulator (auxins and cytokinins) analysis in different algal treatments. Apical buds of canola and tomato seedlings were dissected and transferred to MS media with algal extract containing the optimum concentration of benzyl adenine (BA) and indole acetic acid (IAA) and different concentrations of synthetic hormones.Basal solidified MS medium and/or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were considered as control. Genetic stability among the produced in vitro plantlets of both plant species was evaluated by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The whole banding pattern of in vitro plantlets of both species revealed their low divergence compared to controls when cultured on medium with algal-based plant hormones. This work indicated that the use of sewage wastewater as media for cultivation of the investigated algae is safe, suitable, cheap, and not expensive methods when compared with the ordinary used media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several factors were taken in consideration such as time, ratio, temperature and pH to improve the chelation process between the amino acids and inorganic ions. The current study aims to optimize the physical factors controlling the synthesis of chelated amino acids with different minerals and to enhance antioxidant and biodiesel production from Arthrospira platensis cultivated in culture enriched with different chelated minerals. In this study; various physical factors such as (ratio of amino acids and minerals; temperature, time and pH) were used for optimization of chelation formation. The blue -green alga Arthrospira platensis was cultivated under different synthesized chelated minerals (T1-T13), the growth rate, antioxidant, antiradical and biodiesel production were determined in all treated alga. The obtained results showed that the optimum conditions for production of chelated amino acid were ratio (2:1 M), temperature at 60 °C, the duration between 4:5 days and the suitable or stability of chelation at pH = 4, Also, the growth rate of A. platensis with Cu-glycinate higher than Cu-leather waste and Zarrouk media. The antioxidant activity results of different extracts of Arthrospira platensis showed that the water extract gave high antioxidant activity against DPPH radical assay than acetone extract in all treatments when compared with untreated culture (Zarrouk's medium). Arthrospira platensis cultivated on Zarrouk medium supplemented with chelated amino acids with metals was showed an increase in algal pigments and lipids with Mn-LW, Zn-LW and Mg-LW treatments. Also, the results showed that the produced biodiesel was observed with M-LW treatments, which was more than that of glycinate treatments, untreated culture (Zarrouk) and LW biodiesel. Therefore, the highest biodiesel percentages were founded with Zn, Mn and Mg-LW (5.37, 5.25 and 4.86% respectively). The recorded results and material balance data concluded that possibility for use the chelated minerals (glycine and leather wastes) as plant fertilizer in future because its high yield and low fees for production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a robust immune system and safeguarding the liver from toxins are crucial for overall health. The study aimed to investigate the immunostimulant effects of papaya seed-enriched cakes (CPS) in countering carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced immunocytotoxicity in rats (n = 48). The rats were divided into six groups (8 each): a control group (Group 1), rats fed cakes containing 15% papaya seeds (Group 2 — CPS), rats exposed only to CCl4 (Group 3 — CCl4), rats injected with CCl4 and administered silymarin (Group 4 — CCl4 + S), rats receiving both CCl4 and cakes with papaya seeds (Group 5 — CCl4 + CPS), and rats receiving both CCl4 and silymarin with papaya seed-enriched cakes (Group 6 — CCl4 + CPS + S). HPLC analysis of papaya seeds revealed the presence of ten polyphenol compounds, with quercetin, apigenin, and catechin identified as major flavonoids, along with pyrogallol, ellagic, and gallic acid as predominant phenolic acids. These compounds displayed potent antioxidant activity, attributed to the seeds' high total phenolic and flavonoid content. The administration of CCl4 significantly affected hematological parameters, liver enzymes, hepatic oxidative stress, levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IgG, as well as IgM. However, rats fed with CPS exhibited mitigation of CCl4-induced toxic effects on hematological parameters and hepatotoxicity. CPS consumption enhanced the antioxidant system, improved inflammatory markers, and immune parameters, restoring them to normal levels. Histopathological analysis confirmed CPS's ability to reduce CCl4-induced hepatocellular necrosis. Immunohistochemical assessment further revealed reduced immunoreactivity against cleaved caspase-3 expression and increased COX2 immunoreactivity, indicating hepatocellular regeneration in CPS. The combination of CPS and silymarin demonstrated even more notable improvements, suggesting augmented protective impacts against CCl4-induced immunosuppression and hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, CPS exhibited antioxidant properties and effectively protected against CCl4-induced immunotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, with additional benefits observed when combined with silymarin. These findings emphasize the potential health advantages of incorporating papaya seeds into food products, promoting immune system health, and safeguarding against liver damage induced by hazardous agents like CCl4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a robust immune system and safeguarding the liver from toxins are crucial for overall health. The study aimed to investigate the immunostimulant effects of papaya seed-enriched cakes (CPS) in countering carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced immunocytotoxicity in rats (n = 48). The rats were divided into six groups (8 each): a control group (Group 1), rats fed cakes containing 15% papaya seeds (Group 2 — CPS), rats exposed only to CCl4 (Group 3 — CCl4), rats injected with CCl4 and administered silymarin (Group 4 — CCl4 + S), rats receiving both CCl4 and cakes with papaya seeds (Group 5 — CCl4 + CPS), and rats receiving both CCl4 and silymarin with papaya seed-enriched cakes (Group 6 — CCl4 + CPS + S). HPLC analysis of papaya seeds revealed the presence of ten polyphenol compounds, with quercetin, apigenin, and catechin identified as major flavonoids, along with pyrogallol, ellagic, and gallic acid as predominant phenolic acids. These compounds displayed potent antioxidant activity, attributed to the seeds' high total phenolic and flavonoid content. The administration of CCl4 significantly affected hematological parameters, liver enzymes, hepatic oxidative stress, levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IgG, as well as IgM. However, rats fed with CPS exhibited mitigation of CCl4-induced toxic effects on hematological parameters and hepatotoxicity. CPS consumption enhanced the antioxidant system, improved inflammatory markers, and immune parameters, restoring them to normal levels. Histopathological analysis confirmed CPS's ability to reduce CCl4-induced hepatocellular necrosis. Immunohistochemical assessment further revealed reduced immunoreactivity against cleaved caspase-3 expression and increased COX2 immunoreactivity, indicating hepatocellular regeneration in CPS. The combination of CPS and silymarin demonstrated even more notable improvements, suggesting augmented protective impacts against CCl4-induced immunosuppression and hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, CPS exhibited antioxidant properties and effectively protected against CCl4-induced immunotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, with additional benefits observed when combined with silymarin. These findings emphasize the potential health advantages of incorporating papaya seeds into food products, promoting immune system health, and safeguarding against liver damage induced by hazardous agents like CCl4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has recently increased dramatically, seriously endangering human health. Herein, amoxicillin (Amoxi)-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were created as a novel drug delivery system to overcome MDR bacteria. MDR bacteria were isolated from a variety of infection sources. Phenotype, biotype, and 16S rRNA gene analyses were used for isolate identification. Additionally, Juniperus excelsa was used for the production of AuNPs. The conjugation of AuNPs with Amoxi using sodium tri-polyphosphate (TPP) as a linker to produce Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs was studied. The AuNP and Amoxi-TPP-AuNP diameters ranged from 15.99 to 24.71 nm, with spherical and hexagonal shapes. A total of 83% of amoxicillin was released from Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs after 12 h, and after 3 days, 90% of the medication was released. The Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs exhibited superior antibacterial effectiveness against MRSA and MDR E. coli strains. Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs had MICs of 3.6–8 µg mL−1 against the tested bacteria. This is 37.5–83 fold higher compared to values reported in the literature. Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs exhibit a remarkable ability against MRSA and E. coli strains. These results demonstrate the applicability of Amoxi-TPP-AuNPs as a drug delivery system to improve therapeutic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SEARCHING for natural alternatives to replace the synthetic pharmaceuticals, investigations for active metabolites ith biological activities in different plant parts (seeds, grains, fruits, peels of fruits, roots, rhizomes and green vegetables) are always of great importance and interest. As an example of the nutritional leafy vegetables, Corchorus olitorius and Portulaca oleracea are widely distributed and eaten by many countries. These plants constitute the material of interest in this study. Extraction of the leafy vegetables was carried out by methylene chloride: methanol mixture (2:1 v/v). The extract was subjected to analyse their antioxidant and anticancer efficiencies. Three methods were used for antioxidant activity determination including DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and KMnO4 (potassium permanganate). P. oleracea extract showed the greatest antioxidant activity by the three methods (86.55, 82.75 and 97.62%, respectively) compared to both C. olitorius (75.98, 57.02 and 34.98% respectively) and standard ascorbic acids (76.42, 73.93 and 99.09% respectively) at 100 µg/ml. C. olitorius extract exhibited highest cytotoxicity against HepG2 (Human liver cancer cell line) compared to both P. oleracea and the anticancer drug Doxorubicin. Gas chromatography/Mass spectroscopic analysis revealed that the leafy vegetable extracts contain 15 and 18 phytochemical compounds (in P. oleracea and C. olitorius, respectively) and the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid was the major constituent with 42- 44.69%. The active groups in the phytochemicals were analyzed by FTIR technique. From this study, we recommend P. oleracea extract to be used as source of antioxidant agents, while C. olitorius extract can be considered as an anticancer active vegetable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tramadol (TR) metabolism is performed by polymorphic enzymes that are influenced by genetic polymorphisms. Within this scope, the study presented here aimed to describe 41 genetic variants within CYP2D6, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 genes in 48 cases of TR-related death that may be involved in the response to TR and to assess whether there is a correlation between these genetic variants and metabolic ratios (MRs). Blood samples from 48 victims of a TR-related death were analyzed to determine the concentrations of TR and its metabolites [O-desmethyltramadol (M1) & N-desmethyltramadol (M2)] using a LC–MS/MS method. All the samples were also genotyped for 41 common CYP2D6, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the HaloPlex Target Enrichment system. Cases with the T/- genotype (rs35742686 in CYP2D6) had significantly higher M2/M1 ratio than cases with T/T genotype and cases with the G/A genotype (rs35599367 in CYP3A4) had significantly higher MR2 (TR/M2) ratio than cases with G/G genotype. The frequency of tested SNPs which belong to CYP2D6, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 revealed the over-presentation of 2 SNPs (rs1058172 in CYP2D6 and rs4803419 in CYP2B6) in TR overdose group, which could have toxicological implications. These results indicate these polymorphisms in CYP2D6, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 might influence the function and could increase the risk of toxicity. However, these findings should be supported in future studies with larger groups of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) with different forms and sizes has focused great importance due to their updated characteristics as compared to their native or natural atom counterparts. Algae are one of the most common biological entities existing autotrophically, performing around 50% of photosynthesis in the world. Different micro- and macroalgae are rich in active ingredients which are considered an appealing platform to serve as biorefineries for contriving a wide spectrum of high-value products in addition to fuels, besides their role as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and bioaccumulators of heavy metals. Various preparation factors and parameters such as the methods used for green nanoparticle (NP) synthesis, algal extract or filtrate concentrations, pressure, pH, temperatures, contact time, particle size, other environmental conditions, and proximity greatly affect the quantity and quality of the biosynthesized NPs and their properties from algal species. The data collected from recently published articles revealed that algae (micro or macro) are an alternative material for the synthesis of NPs due to their advantages of fast growth (short life cycle), low cost, and short time for collection and harvesting, in addition to the presence of various reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents in the algal filtrate or extract which may be used to convert metal ions to nano forms such as polysaccharides, phenolics, proteins, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Therefore, algae became the important organism for green synthesis of various NPs. The algal NPs can be used with a broad spectrum of biological activities and applications such as antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, and cosmetics. The current review will focus on the green synthesis of NPs using different micro- and macroalgal species and factors affecting NP preparations in addition to the biological activities of the produced NPs as antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are identified as potent developmental neurotoxicants. Neonates are the main group receiving multiple blood transfusions. The exposure of neonates to these heavy metals (HMs) can occur through blood transfusions. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) in various blood products (plasma, platelets, packed red blood cells (pRBCs), and whole blood (WB)) to explore the probability of concurrent exposure of these HMs and to identify the metal load per transfusion with risk assessment. Residual bloods from blood bank bags were collected after neonatal transfusion. Pb, Hg, and Cd concentrations were determined in 120 samples of blood products by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb and Cd levels were over the normal levels in 19.2 and 5.9% of all blood units, respectively. In 35 and 0.8% of blood units, the Pb and Cd concentrations, respectively, were higher than that recommended for transfusions in premature neonates. The anticipated safe value was surpassed by 2.5% for Cd of all transfusions, primarily because of WB. However, Hg was detected only in 5.8% of all samples and their concentrations were within the normal range. The concurrent neonatal exposure to Pb, Hg, and Cd was statistically significant. Hazard quotients of Hg and Cr were >1 and Pb cancer risk was 2.41 × 10−4. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report examining Pb, Hg, and Cd in blood products other than WB and pRBCs using ICP-MS. This study demonstrated the exposure of neonates to Pb, Hg, and Cd during transfusion with a considerable amount of Pb. It confirms the significant concurrent exposure to the three HMs, which maximize their potential developmental neurotoxicity with a high probability of developing non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the growth parameters and biological activities of two cyanobacterial and a chlorphyta species cultivated on BG110 and BG11 (as control media) respectively, as well as a combination of culture media (BG) with treated sewage wastewater (TSW) at various concentrations (100, 75, and 50% TSW) which were selected from six algal species (three cyanobacterial and three chlorophyta species) according to the concentration of auxins and cytokinins analyzed by HPLC. The experiments were conducted in triplicates and cultures were incubated at 25 ± 1 °C under continuous aeration and light intensity of 40µE/m2/s for 30 days. The Biological activities include antimicrobial (using agar well diffusion assay) and antioxidant (using DPPH radical methods) of absolute methanol extracts were evaluated. The obtained results revealed that maximum growth of the studied algal species on their specific culture media (BG11 and BG110) showed variable growth which was significantly enhanced when cultivated in combined media (BG11 or BG110 with TSW). HPLC analysis of auxin (IAA, indol acetic acid) and cytokinin (BA, benzyl adenin) in the investigated algal species grown under different media composition showed large variations depending on algal species and the type of culture media used. Maximum IAA concentration was recorded in Chlorella vulgaris and Nostoc muscorum cultivated in 100% TSW media. Concerning BA (cytokinin), Chlorella vulgaris and Nostoc muscorum showed the highest relative percentages on cultivation in 100% TSW. The antioxidant activity results of the algal species Nostoc muscorum cultured on BG110 showed higher activity with IC50 45.46 ug/ml when compared with Anabaena oryzae and Chlorella vulgaris (47.71 and 46.13 ug/ml), while IAA, BA, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and ascorbic acid showed (26.97, 28.08, 13.19, and 13.34 ug/ml). The cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris on 100% TSW showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 33.99 ug/ml, while Anabaena oryzae showed 35.33 ug/ml on 50% TSW and Nostoc muscorum 39.30 ug/ml on 75% TSW. Concerning the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris under nitrogen stress conditions, the highest antioxidant activity (IC50) was recorded under 0 × N2 and 0.5 × N2 (30.91 and 33.77 ug/ml). The antimicrobial activity showed that IAA and BA exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram -ve and Gram + ve bacteria in addition to antifungal activity for Candida albicans only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual harassment (SH) is an uprising problem worldwide, especially in Egypt. This study aims to determine the magnitude, patterns, and circumstances of SH among female students at Suez Canal University. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative female student sample (N = 644) from all the faculties using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The high prevalence of SH among college students in this study could be a consequence of the absence of knowledge about the legal framework. It mostly happened at all times of the day and night in the streets, and the least amount happened on the campus. Most of the harassers were younger than 20 years old and strangers. The majority of harassed females and surrounding people displayed negative reactions. None of the harassed females notified the authorities. The majority blamed men, and half claimed the SH act was due to the absence of religious principles. Moreover, the ignorance of the majority is with Egyptian law against SH. Both psychological and social impacts are significantly experienced by the harassed females. Thus, it is urgent to establish an institutional program (e.g., psycho-educative sessions during classes and peer training) or national awareness campaigns. Such programs and trainings aim to increase the awareness of students about the SH legal framework and how to deal with such acts, either as a victim or a witness, and how to provide the needed psychological assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work aims to investigate the effect of abiotic stresses (nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) [0.0 g/l, 1.5 g/l, 3 g/l, 6 g/l, and 12 g/l N and 0.0 g/l, 0.07 g/l, 0.15 g/l, 0.3 g/l, and 0.6 g/l S] and their combination [0.3 g/l S + 6 g/l N]) of axenic culture of Nostoc linckia on the production of secondary metabolites which induce different biological activities. Growth rate was measured by dry weight (DW) and optical density (OD)550 nm. Additionally, phytochemical compounds, defense enzymes as well as antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS·+) radical assays of crude extracts (methylene chloride:methanol, 1:1) were evaluated. Based on antioxidant activity, four promising extracts were subjected to different biological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities. The obtained results revealed that supplementation of external nitrogen source in the form of sodium nitrate was found to increase the total phycobiliprotein content by fivefold. Also, nitrogen depletion provoked significantly highest quantities of phenolic and flavonoid content and this has effects on biological activities of Nostoc linckia. Moreover, 0.3 g/l S was found to be the most effective extract exhibiting a significant increase in antioxidant activity based on DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively (88.18 ± 0.64% and 84.20 ± 1.01%). Furthermore, it recorded anticancer activity against HCT 116 cell line with IC50 of 155 μg/ml. Moreover, this extract possessed a noticeable antibacterial potency (21.0 ± 1.0 as mm inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus and 19.3 ± 0.6 against Streptococcus mutans). In addition, its antiviral activity against H5N1 virus as a percentage of inhibition was 50% and 63.6% at a concentration of 7 μg/ml and 28 μg/ml, respectively, with cytotoxicity less than 7 μg/μl. GC-MS analysis recorded the presence of bioactive compounds exhibiting different biological activities. Therefore, the obtained results can represent valuable bioactive compounds with variable biological potencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food & Dairy Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The oxidation of food emulsions causes rancidity, which reduces their shelf life. To prevent rancidity, synthetic antioxidants are widely used in the food industry. However, due to their potential health risks, researchers are exploring natural alternatives. This study aimed to investigate whether Rosa canina fruit extract (RCFE) could be used as a natural antioxidant to extend the shelf life of mayonnaise. Mayonnaise containing varying concentrations of RCFE [0.125% (T1), 0.25% (T2), 0.50% (T3), 0.75% (T4)] was compared to a mayonnaise control sample (C1) and a mayonnaise sample containing 0.02% BHT (C2) for 60 days of storage at 4 °C. RCFE was found to have high levels of total phenols content (52.06 ± 1.14 mg GAE g−1), total flavonoids content (26.31 ± 1.03 mg QE g−1), and free radical scavenging activity. The GC–MS analysis of RCFE revealed 39 different peaks, whereas the HPLC analysis showed the presence of 13 polyphenolic compounds in RCFE. The pH values of T2, T3, and T4 mayonnaise samples substantially declined as storage progressed; however, the reduction was less than that of C1 and C2. After 60 days, mayonnaise samples T2, T3, and T4 had greatly reduced peroxide and free fatty acid levels compared to C1 and C2. The mayonnaise enriched with RCFE (T3 and T4) had the most potent antioxidative ability and the lowest value of lipid hydroperoxides (peroxide value, POV) and the lowest value of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The sensory evaluation revealed that the T3 sample exhibited the highest overall acceptability. In conclusion, this study recommends that RCFE could be used as a natural preservative to enhance the shelf life of functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, with significantly increasing rates of incidence worldwide. The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic effects of hesperetin (HES) alone and in combination with capecitabine (CAP) on 1,2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. The rats were given DMH at 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/week for 12 weeks and were orally treated with HES (25 mg/kg b.w.) and/or CAP (200 mg/kg b.w.) every other day for 8 weeks. The DMH-administered rats exhibited colon-mucosal hyperplastic polyps, the formation of new glandular units and cancerous epithelial cells. These histological changes were associated with the significant upregulation of colon Ki67 expression and the elevation of the tumor marker, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in the sera. The treatment of the DMH-administered rats with HES and/or CAP prevented these histological cancerous changes concomitantly with the decrease in colon-Ki67 expression and serum-CEA levels. The results also indicated that the treatments with HES and/or CAP showed a significant reduction in the serum levels of lipid peroxides, an elevation in the serum levels of reduced glutathione, and the enhancement of the activities of colon-tissue superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase. Additionally, the results showed an increase in the mRNA expressions of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4, as well as the proapoptotic protein, p53, in the colon tissues of the DMH-administered rats treated with HES and/or CAP. The TGF-β1 decreased significantly in the DMH-administered rats and this effect was counteracted by the treatments with HES and/or CAP. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that both HES and CAP, singly or in combination, have the potential to exert chemopreventive effects against DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis via the suppression of oxidative stress, the stimulation of the antioxidant defense system, the attenuation of inflammatory effects, the reduction in cell proliferation and the enhancement of apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ginger is widely used in traditional food and folk medicine. It was known to contain monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds and its derivatives as well as aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters. The current work aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of different extracts from ginger peels and residues. Methods: Ginger samples were collected from local market and extracted using water and ethanol solvent. Four different antioxidant assays were used (DPPH, ABTS, potassium permanganate and methylene blue), the anticancer activity was determined using HepG2 cell line and the active ingredients for the promising extract were identified using HPLC/UV. Results: The obtained results recorded that hot water extract of ginger peels was the promising extract exhibiting promising antioxidant activity. Fractionation of this promising extract was achieved by silica gel column chromatography with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate as mobile phase. Six fractions were produced. Thin layer chromatography (TLCF254) was used for separation of active compounds and bioautography confirmed their antioxidant efficiency. Higher antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line was recorded by fraction No. 4. Cold water extract of ginger peels exhibited comparatively higher antioxidant efficiency while both aqueous peel extracts showed antibacterial efficiency against four Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains using well diffusion assay. Conclusion: Ginger peels hot water extract is the promising extract as antioxidant, antiradical, antibacterial and anticancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses has yet to be evaluated in longitudinal head-to-head studies. This single-center longitudinal study assessed the effectiveness of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273 vaccines and assessed two BNT162b2 boosters in 1550 participants, of whom 26% had comorbidities. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics was monitored. A group of 1500 unvaccinated subjects was included as the controls. The study's endpoint was the development of virologically-proven COVID-19 cases after vaccine completion, while the secondary endpoint was hospitalizations due to severe COVID-19. Overall, 23 (4.6%), 16 (3%), and 18 (3.8%) participants vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273, respectively, developed COVID-19 after vaccine completion, with an effectiveness of 89%, 92%, and 90%. Ten COVID-19 cases were reported in participants with comorbidities, three of whom were hospitalized. No hospitalizations occurred after boosters. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels peaked 2–4 weeks after the second vaccine dose but declined after a mean of 28.50 ± 3.48 weeks. Booster doses significantly enhanced antibody responses. Antibody titers ≤ 154 U/mL were associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 emergence. Thus, COVID-19 vaccines effectively reduced COVID-19 and prevented severe disease. The vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses declined after 28–32 weeks. Booster doses induced significant maintained responses. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels may help determine the timing and need for vaccine booster doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Assiut Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Acute bronchiolitis is a defined as inflammatory injury of the bronchioles, caused by droplet inhalation of viruses. The most common causative agent is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), responsible for the most severe infection. Recently, Chest Ultrasound has been introduced as a diagnostic tool in many of the pediatric and neonatal respiratory diseases. The main advantages of chest ultrasound are the low risk of irradiation, the feasibility of a bedside evaluation, and the short time needed for the examination. Objective: The purpose of this study was to differentiate between simple and complicated cases of bronchiolitis. Method: We carried out a prospective observational study on 65 cases of bronchiolitis. Chest X ray and Chest Ultrasound were done for all cases, findings of both were compared. Results: There was statistically difference between Chest X ray and Chest Ultrasound in detection of complicated bronchiolitis. Conclusion: Chest Ultrasound is more accurate, sensitive and specific than Chest X ray in detection of complicated bronchiolitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a neglected disease in Africa, and it is a hidden killer disease of large and small ruminants with utmost socio-economic importance, especially for rural communities. The disease has been reported in the Sudan in both goats and cattle, but not in sheep. In this study we report the disease for the first time in sheep in the country. We suspected this disease in a breeding flock of sheep because of a history of unknown wasting condition. In this context, we used different diagnostic techniques to detect the bacteria causing the disease and to confirm the disease presence. As sheep in the Sudan are the most important export animal, it is worthy to conduct a wide investigation to gain insight into the disease prevalence in sheep to set up preventive measures and implement control programmes, as well as raising the awareness of animal owners in the country. Paratuberculosis (PTB) has been reported in the Sudan in cattle and goats for more than 50 years but has never been reported in sheep. However, suspicion of the disease in a breeding flock of sheep in Khartoum North locality was made due to a history of unknown cause of loss of weight. Blood and faecal samples were collected from all animals (N = 59): harvested sera were tested for anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); faeces were screened for acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl–Neelsen staining, tested for MAP DNA by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and some faecal samples were cultured for MAP isolation. Typical MAP acid-fast bacilli were seen in 10.2% (6/59) of the faecal smears, 37.5% of the tested faecal samples (12/32) were positive for MAP DNA and only 3 (5.1%) animals were seropositive for MAP. MAP positive cultures were obtained from 2 out the 6 samples showing typical MAP acid-fast bacilli; the isolates were confirmed by real-time PCR and sequencing. As sheep are animals of utmost economic importance as the main export animals for the country, this first report of ovine PTB warrants special considerations and more investigations for planning control programmes of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The science of nanotechnology is expanding daily and has the potential to benefit people. Moringa oleifera is an abundant source of phenolic compounds, which are bioactive substances. It is recognised as a necessary plant because of its medicinal potential and a wide variety of health benefits. The aim of the current study is to examine the antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity effects of five nanoparticles (La2O3, CuO, Fe2O3, Ag, and ZnO) made using bioactive chemicals in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on four human cell lines (T47D, HepG2, A549, and Wi38). The UV–visible spectroscopy analysis with a surface plasmon peak in the 300–490 nm range and the value of the zeta potential of the various biosynthesized nanoparticles ranged from + 31 to + 37 mV, indicated the repulsion between the particles and the stability of the formulation nanoparticles confirmed the formation of all nanoparticles. Additionally, the DPPH method was used to assess the antioxidant activity of five distinct metal nanoparticles. The results show that this method works in parallel and is dependent on both the concentration of NPs and the incubation time. The anticancer effect of synthesized nanoparticles against four different cell lines has been tested. The cytotoxicity assay showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent effect of nanoparticles. The obtained results conclude that acceptable potency against T47D and A549 cell lines with IC50 ranged from 38 to 210 μg/mL and 26 to 115 μg/mL, respectively. However, HepG2 and Wi38 cell lines showed relatively higher resistance against all tested nanoparticles when compared with Doxorubicin. Moreover, the antibacterial results revealed that silver nanoparticles exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against both Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Nanoparticles' high therapeutic activity at low concentrations opens up new avenues for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against human pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood accounting for about 60% of all pediatric embryonal tumors. Despite improvements in the overall survival rate, this tumor still lacks an efficient, reliable, and less toxic therapeutic approach. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in medulloblastoma initiation and progression is a crucial step for the development of effective therapies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 is a convergence point for several signaling cascades that are implicated in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis. Accumulated evidence has revealed the pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma pathogenesis such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression as well as maintenance, drug resistance, and recurrence. In this review, we focus on the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis and discuss the recent advances of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibition as a promising developed strategy for medulloblastoma therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative epidural analgesia provides superior postoperative analgesia at rest and with activity, compared with systemic opioids. However, the impact of postoperative epidural analgesia on postoperative morbidity and/or mortality remains controversial, because of the sub-optimal reliability of epidural catheters that are placed preoperatively and used for postoperative pain control. The present study used the technique of lumbar epidurography. The study aims to better understand the possible correlation between the fluoroscopic characteristics of epidural catheters following injection of contrast medium and the postoperative functional characteristics regarding analgesia. In this single-arm clinical trial, 70 patients, aged 50 to 75 years old, underwent surgical urological procedures, involving incisions up to T8 dermatome, under combined general and epidural anesthesia. At the L2-L3 level, the epidural space was reached using the loss of resistance technique before general anesthesia was induced. The catheters were threaded upwards for 4–6 cm. Preoperative epidurograms were then done by injecting a 3-ml contrast medium OmnipaqueTM (240 mg I/ml) in the epidural catheters. The epidurograms were investigated for the location of the catheter tip in relation to the vertebral body, the extent of dye spread, laterality of dye spread (midline, right, or left), and the presence or absence of dye spread anterior to the spinal cord on the lateral image. The patients were followed postoperatively while epidural analgesia was infused. Results: Both the postoperative epidural infusion and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores were lower when catheter tips ended at L1 than when they ended at L2. As the contrast's vertical spread increases in preoperative epidurograms, the analgesic infusion rate and VAS score decrease, and the number of dermatomes insensitive to cold increases. Epidurographically right-sided catheters showed more dermatomes deficient to cold sensations on the right side, compared with mid-line and left-sided catheters. Restriction of contrast to the posterior epidural space was associated with lower VAS scores and wider anesthesia to cold. Conclusions: The use of epidurography to study epidural catheters may have the potential advantage of predicting the functionality of catheters and improving the reliability of postoperative epidural analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the probable in vitro, in situ and in vivo mechanisms of gallic acid (GA) and p-coumaric acid (PCA) as anti-hyperglycemic agents. Animals and methods: Male albino rats were allocated into four groups, group1 was used as normal control. Group 2 was established as a diabetic control and group3 and 4 were treated with an oral dose of GA and PCA, respectively. Results: GA and PCA revealed a significant decrease in the activity of α-amylase, a noticeable rise in glucose induced-insulin secretion and glucose-uptake in peripheral glucose-uptake in vitro, increase also liver glycogen and serum insulin levels in vivo. Further, GA and PCA exhibited a significant reduction in intestinal glucose absorption in situ compared to blank. Conclusion: The antihyperglycemic activities of GA and PCA can be mediated through delaying intestinal glucose absorption, enhancing β-cell activity and promoting glucose uptake by peripheral tissue via enhancing insulin sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on adolescent substance use is of utmost importance. Using local toxicological data, both prevalence and pattern of substance use (SU) and substance-related death (SRD) can be assessed to design effective prevention programs. A retrospective study of toxicology investigations of all adolescents referred to the medico-legal section of the Toxicology Unit of the University Hospital of Lille, France, for a 2-year period from 2017 to 2018. In the total sample of 1961 cases, adolescents accounted for 3.3% of the cases (n = 65). Among the adolescents, 16.9% were aged 10–14 years and 83.1% were aged >14–19 years. About 69.2% were males. Less than 70% of all presented adolescents used substances. More than two-thirds (74%) of positive detections were male. Illicit substances (43%) were the most detected substance followed by alcohol (20%) and prescription substances (20%). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was extremely common as it was found in 29% of all adolescents. Cocaine and amphetamines were detected in 13.8% of total tested adolescents. Polysubstance use was common between alcohol and THC and among males. About one-third of deaths were due to substance use. About 54% of SRD was associated with polysubstance detection. It is recommended that illicit substances, ethanol, and prescription substances are targeted for testing among adolescents in order to provide appropriate prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tramadol (TR) metabolism is mainly dependent on the enzymatic activity of CYP2D6, which is controlled by genetic polymorphisms. Individuals are classified as poor (PMs), intermediate (IMs), extensive (EMs) or ultrarapid metabolizers (UMs) according to their genotype or phenotype. The determination of the metabolic phenotype for CYP2D6 can be of utmost importance in forensic and clinical contexts that involve TR intake. The present study aimed to describe CYP2D6 genetic variants in cases of TR-related deaths and to assess which metabolic ratio(s) (MRs) would allow to determine CYP2D6 phenotype without having to perform genetic analyses. Forty-eight postmortem blood samples were selected from TR-related death cases previously analyzed in a forensic context in North of France between 2013 and 2019. Initial available data included blood concentrations of TR and its two main metabolites (M1 & M2) determined using an LC--MS-MS method. TR metabolism was expressed as various MRs comprising TR/M1, TR/M2 and M2/M1. After DNA extraction, sequencing was used for genetic variant detections that affect CYP2D6 activity/expression. In the present study, the allelic variants with the higher frequency were CYP2D6*1 (68%), followed by *4 (21%). The most frequent phenotype is EMs (59.6%), followed by IMs (23.4%), PMs (12.8%) and UMs (6.4%). There was no significant correlation between each calculated MR and the genotypically predicted phenotypes, except for M2/M1 which appears related to the PM phenotype. The observed distribution of CYP2D6 genetic variants in this TR-related death population was similar to that found in the general Caucasian population. The present study displayed that the blood M2/M1 ratio could be the best-correlated TR MR to the PM phenotype, and could thus be used in forensic contexts where genetic analyses are not possible or poorly informative. For the other phenotypes, especially the UM phenotype, genetic analysis appears to be the only reliable method to predict the CYP2D6 phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of highly active and durable catalysts for H2 production through CH4 decomposition process is still a great challenge. In this study, CeO2 and CeO2–SiO2 supported bimetallic Ni–Mo catalysts were produced and examined for CH4 decomposition at 700 °C. The unreacted and reacted catalytic materials were characterized by XRD, BET, H2-TPR, TGA-DTA, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The collected data illustrated that the inclusion of SiO2 to CeO2 support in Ni–Mo/CeO2–SiO2 catalyst participated in the inhibition of the catalytic efficiency because of the fast agglomeration of Ni particles on the SiO2 surface, that arise from the weak interactions between the metal and support. The Ni–Mo/CeO2 catalyst displayed an exceptional catalytic decomposition behavior and durability stemming from the facile formation of a solid Ni–O–Ce solution with a fair interaction in terms of metal-support and the presence of some NiMoO4 species. These phases improved the dispersion and stability of the active Ni particles, resulting in improved catalytic activity. The hydrogen yield was 48% and 29% after 180 min of reaction over Ni–Mo/CeO2 and Ni–Mo/CeO2–SiO2 catalysts, respectively. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes of diverse radii were produced on the surface of both reacted catalysts depending on the catalyst structure and composition. TGA and Raman results showed that the as-deposited MWCNTs over both CeO2 and CeO2–SiO2 supported Ni–Mo catalysts exhibited good crystallinity and high graphitization degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entire world has been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 since early 2020. Human carriers are largely the spreaders of this new disease, and it spreads much faster compared to previously identified coronaviruses and other flu viruses. Although vaccines have been invented and released, it will still be a challenge to overcome this disease. To save lives, it is important to better understand how the virus is transmitted from one host to another and how future areas of infection can be predicted. Recently, the second wave of infection has hit multiple countries, and governments have implemented necessary measures to tackle the spread of the virus. We investigated the three phases of COVID-19 research through a selected list of mathematical modeling articles. To take the necessary measures, it is important to understand the transmission dynamics of the disease, and mathematical modeling has been considered a proven technique in predicting such dynamics. To this end, this paper summarizes all the available mathematical models that have been used in predicting the transmission of COVID-19. A total of nine mathematical models have been thoroughly reviewed and characterized in this work, so as to understand the intrinsic properties of each model in predicting disease transmission dynamics. The application of these nine models in predicting COVID-19 transmission dynamics is presented with a case study, along with detailed comparisons of these models. Toward the end of the paper, key behavioral properties of each model, relevant challenges and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to develop an efficient method for detection and evaluation of the plant growth regulators produced from cyanobacteria species (Anabaena oryzae and Nostoc muscorum) cultivated on BG110, and Chlorophyta alga (Chlorella vulgaris) cultivated on BG11 in addition to the cultivation of these strains on treated sewage wastewater (TSW) combined with control media (BG11 and BG110) at different concentrations (100, 75 and 50%). Bioassays were performed on Wheat coleoptile length and Cucumber cotyledons fresh weight for indole acetic acid (IAA) and Benzyl adenine (BA) detection. In addition, application experiments of IAA and BA presence in algal extract were applied on tomato plantlets and soybean callus. The obtained results of A. oryzae and N. muscorum extracts (grown on BG110 and 100% sewage media) with optimum conc. of IAA and BA showed moderate shoot length and leaves number as well as high root initiation of tomato explant compared to control. While dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), IAA conc. as well as IAA + BA conc. showed no effect on branching and leaf expansion. The results of C. vulgaris (grown on BG11) also revealed that the shoot had high leaves number and greatest root initiation, without branching and leaf expansion. On the other hand, 100% TSW had a moderate shoot, leaves number and high root initiation. Extracts of A. oryzae and N. muscorum (grown on BG110) induced 1.5-fold increase in soybean callus fresh weight, while the growth on 100% TSW was shown to be less effective. Moreover, extract of C. vulgaris (grown on BG11) induced a moderate effect, while its growth on 100% TSW was shown to be less effective in soybean callus fresh weight increment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biopolymer formed by some microbes in response to excess carbon sources or essential nutrient depletion. PHBs are entirely biodegradable into CO2 and H2O under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It has several applications in various fields such as medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and food packaging due to its biocompatibility and nontoxicity nature. Result: In the present study, PHB-producing bacterium was isolated from the Dirout channel at Assiut Governorate. This isolate was characterized phenotypically and genetically as Bacillus cereus SH-02 (OM992297). According to one-way ANOVA test, the maximum PHB content was observed after 72 h of incubation at 35 °C using glucose and peptone as carbon and nitrogen source. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the interactive effects of glucose concentration, peptone concentration, and pH on PHB production. This result proved that all variables have a significant effect on PHB production either independently or in the interaction with each other. The optimized medium conditions with the constraint to maximize PHB content and concentration were 22.315 g/L glucose, and 15.625 g/L peptone at pH 7.048. The maximum PHB content and concentration were 3100.799 mg/L and 28.799% which was close to the actual value (3051 mg/l and 28.7%). The polymer was identified as PHB using FTIR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. FT-IR analysis showed a strong band at 1724 cm− 1 which attributed to the ester group's carbonyl while NMR analysis has different peaks at 169.15, 67.6, 40.77, and 19.75 ppm that were corresponding to carbonyl, methine, methylene, and methyl resonance. Mass spectroscopy exhibited molecular weight for methyl 3- hydroxybutyric acid. Conclusion: PHB–producing strain was identified as Bacillus cereus SH-02 (OM992297). Under optimum conditions from RSM analysis, the maximum PHB content and concentration of this strain can reach (3100.799 mg/L and 28.799%); respectively. FTIR, NMR, and Mass spectrometry were used to confirm the polymer as PHB. Our results demonstrated that optimization using RSM is one of the strategies used for reducing the production cost. RSM can determine the optimal factors to produce the polymer in a better way and in a larger quantity without consuming time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) can be considered as an inexpensive and abundant source for the production of valuable carbon nanomaterials (CNMs). Herein, the synthesis of CNMs via sugarcane bagasse (SCB) pyrolysis was investigated using a simple two-stage process. Bio-silica extracted from rice husk (RH-SiO2) was loaded with 50%Ni, 40%Ni-10%Cu, 40%Ni-10%Mo, and 40%Ni-10%Co and evaluated as catalysts for the production of CNMs from pyrolysis products. The fresh catalysts were characterized by XRD, H2-TPR, and CO2-TPD analyses, while the spent catalysts were characterized using TEM and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD and TPR results of the fresh catalysts demonstrated the existence of non-interacted NiO species in the monometallic Ni/RH-SiO2 catalyst. However, mixed oxides of NixCu1-xO, NiMoO4, and NiCo2O4 species were presented in Ni-Cu, Ni-Mo, and Ni-Co catalysts, respectively, in addition to non-interacted NiO species. TEM images revealed the presence of both carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) depending on the catalyst type. The results showed that the presence of mixed oxide species in the catalyst was associated with CNTs formation, while the existence of agglomerated Ni particles was correlated to GNSs formation. The catalytic activity of the catalysts in terms of carbon yield was arranged as follows: 50%Ni > 40%Ni-10%Co > 40%Ni-10%Cu > 40%Ni-10%Mo. Raman spectra proved the production of high-quality CNMs using all Ni-based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opinion Statement: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most frequent pediatric brain tumor. Despite conventional therapy, MB patients have high mortality and morbidity rates mainly due to the incomplete understanding of the molecular and cellular processes involved in development of this cancer. Similar to other solid tumors, MB demonstrated high endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenic activity, wherein new blood vessels arise from the pre-existing vasculature, a process named angiogenesis. MB angiogenesis is considered a hallmark for MB development, progression, and metastasis emphasizing its potential target for antitumor therapy. However, angiogenesis is tightly regulated by a set of angiogenic factors making it a complex process to be targeted. Although agents targeting these factors and their receptors are early in development, the potential for their targeting may translate into improvement in the clinical care for MB patients. In this review, we focus on the most potent angiogenic factors and their corresponding receptors, highlighting their basic properties and expression in MB. We describe their contribution to MB tumorigenesis and angiogenesis and the potential therapeutic targeting of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caries lesions during cement repairs are a severe issue, and developing a unique antimicrobial restorative biomaterial can help to reduce necrotic lesion recurrence. As a result, Thymus vulgaris extract was used to biosynthesize copper nanoparticles (TVE-CuNPs) exhibiting different characteristics (TVE). Along with TVE-CuNPs, commercial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and metronidazole were combined with glass ionomer cement (GIC) to test its antibacterial efficacy and compressive strength. FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and TEM were applied to characterize the TVE-CuNPs. Additionally, AgNPs and TVE-CuNPs were also combined with metronidazole and GIC. The modified GIC samples were divided into six groups, where groups 1 and 2 included conventional GIC and GIC with 1.5% metromidazole, respectively; group 3 had GIC with 0.5% TVE-CuNPs, while group 4 had 0.5% TVE-CuNPs with metronidazole in 1.5%; group 5 had GIC with 0.5% AgNPs, and group 6 had 0.5% AgNPs with metronidazole at 1.5%. An antimicrobial test was performed against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) by the disc diffusion method and the modified direct contact test (MDCT). GIC groups 4 and 6 demonstrated a greater antimicrobial efficiency against the two tested strains than the other groups. In GIC groups 4 and 6, the combination of GIC with two antimicrobial agents, 1.5% metronidazole and 0.5% TVE-CuNPs or AgNPs, enhanced the antimicrobial efficiency when compared to that of the other groups with or without a single agent. GIC group specimens combined with nanosilver and nanocopper had similar mean compressive strengths when compared to the other GIC groups. Finally, the better antimicrobial efficacy of GIC boosted by metronidazole and the tested nanoparticles against the tested strains may be relevant for the future creation of more efficient and modified restorations to reduce dental caries lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saudi Medical Journal is the property of Saudi Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's disease in animals with zoonotic potential; it has been linked to many chronic diseases in humans, especially gastrointestinal diseases (GID). MAP has been extensively studied in Europe and America, but little reports were published from Africa. Sudan is a unique country with close contact between humans and livestock. Despite such interaction, the one health concept is neglected in dealing with cases of humans with GID. In this study, patients admitted to the reference GID hospital in the Sudan over a period of 8 months were screened for presence of MAP in their faeces or colonic biopsies. A total of 86 patients were recruited for this study, but only 67 were screened for MAP, as 19 did not provide the necessary samples for analysis. Both real-time PCR and culture were used to detect MAP in the collected samples and the microbial diversity in patients´ faecal samples was investigated using 16S rDNA nanopore sequencing. In total, 27 (40.3%) patients were MAP positive: they were 15 males and 12 females, of ages between 21 and 80 years. Logistic regression analysis revealed no statistical significance for all tested variables in MAP positive patients (occupation, gender, contact with animal, milk consumption, chronic disease, etc.). A unique microbiome profile of MAP-positive patients in comparison to MAP-negative was found. These findings suggest that a considerable proportion of the population could be MAP infected or carriers. Therefore, increase awareness at community level is urgently needed to decrease the risk of MAP at human/animal interface. This study represents the first report of MAP in humans in the Sudan; nevertheless, a better view of the situation of MAP in humans in the country requires a larger study including patients with other conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food & Dairy Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)