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In this study, Washingtonia fibres (AW) and Kenaf fibres (KF) were utilized as environmentally friendly fillers to improve the quality of the resin matrix. The mechanical, morphological, and physical properties of the WA/KF biocomposites were assessed throughout this research. The mechanical tests (tensile strength and moduli, elongation at break, flexural strength along with moduli, and the impact properties) were carried out. The hybrid biocomposites (3AW/7KF) exhibited the highest tensile strength (16.05 MPa) and modulus (4.6 GPa) among pure and other hybrid biocomposites. The impact strength and resistance of hybrid biocomposites (1AW/1KF and 7AW/3KF) showed the highest impact strength (1694 J/m2) while the 3AW/7KF hybrid biocomposite, the impact strength value was 1630 J/m2 (17.2 J/m). SEM images indicated good distribution and bonding of hybrid biocomposites. The investigation using morphological tests (Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)) displays the longitudinal roughness on the surface, which acts as a very significant function in the adhesion between the AW/KF fibres and the resin. Furthermore, the results of SEM confirm better bonding in the biocomposites, fibre fracture, pull-out, fibre shearing, and tearing in the pure and hybrid composites. From the water absorption test, it was observed that, when increasing the immersion time of biocomposites, the WA percentage of KF biocomposite significantly increased (37%) compared to other biocomposites. However, the hybrid and pure biocomposites exhibited more resistance to increase the WA percentage after increasing the immersion times, compared to other biocomposites. Furthermore, the thickness swelling (TS) of hybrid biocomposites increased compared to pure biocomposites. The biocomposite sample (3AW/7KF) was thicker on the 7th day exhibiting the greatest increases in thickness swelling (4.98%) while the hybrid biocomposite exhibited greater WA value compared to other correspondence samples. Finally, the KF and AW hybrid blends can be appropriate for several applications, for example, textiles, machinery part production industries, medicine, and automobiles, and construction, specifically buildings, bridges, and structures such as boat hulls, swimming pool panels, racing car bodies, shower stalls, bathtubs, storage tanks. Overall, the findings exhibit that the hybridisation of natural fibres (KF/AW) is a sustainable approach for obtaining biocomposites with advanced mechanical and thermal performance. Hence, they could be used in numerous specific applications, including automobile panels, structural products, sporting goods and furniture tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is characterized by diffuse inflammatory process of the bowel mucosa with a relapsing course. The precise evaluation of UC severity is pivotal in the therapeutic decision-making. Modified Mayo score is consistently used for the evaluation of the disease activity which depends on the patient's symptoms as well as the colonoscopic findings. The aim of this study is to assess the role of the CT enterography (CTE) scoring system in the evaluation of the disease severity in ulcerative colitis. From October 2022 to July 2023, 66 patients with known ulcerative colitis patients at time of disease activity were referred from the inflammatory bowel disease unit for radiological assessment by CTE. CT images were analyzed to determine the anatomical location of the affected bowel segments, mucosal thickening and hyperenhancement as well as the extra-enteric involvement. Correlation with the modified Mayo score was established. Results: Our results showed a statistical significant correlation between modified Mayo score and CTE with a P value of 0.000. The correlation coefficient is r = 0.964. The cut-off value of the optimal CTE score to predict mild and moderate UC was 7.5 with 0.996 area under the ROC curve, 92%sensitivity and 100% specificity. The cut-off value of the optimal CTE score to predict moderate and severe UC was 10.5 with 0.983 area under the ROC curve, 90.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Conclusions: CTE is a reliable diagnostic method in the systematic assessment of the disease severity of active ulcerative colitis. CTE score shows a strong proportionate correlation with modified Mayo score. The aggravation of the course of the disease increased the CTE score. CTE scoring system can help plan the therapeutic strategy and predict prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively identified. In large quantities, they might be harmful. So many fields of nanotechnology have shown a great deal of interest in the development of an environmentally friendly, efficient method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties toward a wide range of microbes, chitosan silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@Cs) constitute a newly developing class of bio-nanostructured hybrid materials. Furthermore, the use of photothermal therapy (PTT) has been suggested as a means of elimination of germs. These light-stimulated treatments are minimally invasive and have a few side effects. In the present work, the antibacterial effect of AgNPs at low concentrations; prepared by chemical and green methods as antimicrobial and photothermal agents in photothermal therapy; with laser irradiation were explored as combined treatment against MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Methods: Silver nanoparticles were produced in two ways. First, by sodium borohydrides, second, by chitosan (as a natural eco-friendly reducing, and capping agent). The nanostructure of AgNPs and AgNPs@Cs was confirmed by UV–visible spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRs), and direct light scattering (DLS). The antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoparticles and the laser irradiation was tested against three bacterial species of zoonotic importance; MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae; and was evaluated by measuring their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Results: Silver nanoparticles produced by the two methods had spherical shapes with nearly the same particle size. The analysis of DLS showed that AgNPs were very stable with zeta potential − 28.8 mv, and 47.7 mv by chemical and chitosan synthesis, respectively. Furthermore, AgNPs@Cs showed higher antibacterial activity toward the tested bacterial species than AgNPs by chemical method. Additionally, the bacterial viability using photothermal laser therapy was reduced compared to laser and AgNPs alone. The bactericidal activities were higher when laser diode was coupled with AgNPs@Cs than by chemical reduction. Conclusion: The laser combined treatment had a higher antimicrobial effect than AgNPs alone or laser irradiation alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemicals of high nutritional and functional properties in Lepidium sativum L. (garden cress) seeds have nominated their seed powder (regardless of the concentration used) for enrichment of mulberry leaves in order to enhance Bombyx mori L. larval feeding, and consequently to gain ground in sericulture industry. As expected, B. mori larval feeding on L. sativum-enriched mulberry leaves showed not only a remarkable increase in mean values of certain economic parameters of B. mori, such as cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, pupal weight, and egg yield, compared with the control group, but also showed a phenomenal increase in egg counts (on average, ca. 958–1256 eggs laid per female moth) and a significant increase in egg size (measured as egg surface area and egg volume). Male or female moth larval diet has significantly influenced the reproductive performance or fitness of both sexes of B. mori in terms of large-sized moths (measured as forewing, hind femur, and hind tibia lengths) and highly fecund moths (i.e., increased fecundity and spermatophore counts per female moth, and large-sized eggs). On the basis of B. mori female moth reproductive index, the female moths from L. sativum-fed larvae proved to have a lower reproductive index compared to their corresponding value for females of the control group, indicating more efficient utilization of larval resources for B. mori reproduction. Quantification of the three main physiological resources viz., protein, lipid and carbohydrate in the internal reproductive tract of B. mori female moths at death has nominated the female moth abdomens, or simply their bodies, as being a reasonable natural source of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate, to be involved in certain manufactures (e.g., pet feed formulations) instead of discarding them as a source of environmental pollution. Evidently, the L. sativum seed powder is of considerable interest because it remarkably improves the performance of such an economically important insect, B. mori. This is the first study for evaluating the efficacy of L. sativum seed powder in sericulture field to enhance B. mori productivity parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anatoxin-a (ATX-a) is a neurotoxin produced by some species of cyanobacteria. Due to its water solubility and stability in natural water, it could pose health risks to human, animals, and plants. Conventional water treatment techniques are not only insufficient for the removal of ATX-a, but they also result in cell lysis and toxin release. The elimination of this toxin through biodegradation may be a promising strategy. This study examines for the first time the biodegradation of ATX-a to a non-toxic metabolite (Epoxy-ATX-a) by a strain of Bacillus that has a history of dealing with toxic cyanobacteria in a eutrophic lake. The Bacillus strain AMRI-03 thrived without lag phase in a lake water containing ATX-a. The strain displayed fast degradation of ATX-a, depending on initial toxin concentration. At the highest initial concentrations (50 & 100 µg L− 1), total ATX-a degradation took place in 4 days, but it took 6 & 7 days at lower concentrations (20, 10, and 1 µg L− 1, respectively). The ATX-a biodegradation rate was also influenced by the initial toxin concentration, reaching its maximum value (12.5 µg L− 1 day− 1) at the highest initial toxin concentrations (50 & 100 µg L− 1). Temperature and pH also had an impact on the rate of ATX-a biodegradation, with the highest rates occurring at 25 and 30 ºC and pH 7 and 8. This nontoxic bacterial strain could be immobilized within a biofilm on sand filters and/or sludge for the degradation and removal of ATX-a and other cyanotoxins during water treatment processes, following the establishment of mesocosm experiments to assess the potential effects of this bacterium on water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new modified cellulose with diaminoguanidine (Cel-Gua) synthesized for specific recovery of Cu (II), Cd (II), and Hg (II) from the alum sample. Cellulose was silanized by 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane and then was modified with diaminoguanidine to obtain N-donor chelating fibers. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, zeta potential, electrons disperse X-ray analysis, elemental analyses (C, H and N), and thermogravimetric analysis were used for characterization. Factors influencing the adsorption were thoroughly examined. Under the optimal conditions, the Cel-Gua sorbent displayed maximum adsorption capacities of 94.33, 112.10 and 95.78 mg/g for Cu (II), Cd (II), and Hg (II), respectively. The sorption process of metal ions is equipped by kinetic model PSO and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The calculated thermodynamic variables confirmed that the adsorption of Cu (II), Cd (II) and Hg (II) by Cel-Gua sorbent is a spontaneous and exothermic process. In our study, we used the molecular operating environment software to conduct molecular docking simulations on the Cel-Gua compound. The results of the docking simulations showed that the Cel-Gua compound displayed greater potency and a stronger affinity for the Avr2 effector protein derived from Fusarium oxysporum, a fungal plant pathogen (code 5OD4). The adsorbent was stable for 7 cycles, thus allowing its safe reutilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The most common cause of shoulder pain originating from the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is osteoarthritis, causing pain and disability. Operative Management of AC arthritis includes arthroscopic distal clavicle resection (DCR) and open clavicle resection. This study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of isolated rotator cuff repair with conservative treatment of ACJ arthritis versus the combined resection of the distal clavicle with the repair of a rotator cuff tear, in cases with acromioclavicular arthritis. Methods: A total of 46 patients with unilateral or bilateral combined rotator cuff tear and acromioclavicular arthritis were included, they were classified into 2 independent groups: Conservative group (23 patients), and DCR group (23 patients). All patients were subjected to full history taking, examination, pre and post-operative University of California at Los Angeles shoulder scoring scale (UCLA), Antero-Posterior and Zanca X-rays views, early and late complications. Results: Mean age was (51 ± 9) years, males were predominant (56.5%). The average post-operative UCLA score was (31.1 ± 4.9), and the average time to return to work was (214 ± 22). (2.2%) of patients had early complications, (19.6%) had late complications, (32.6%) had > 24 h till 1st post-operative analgesia, and (87%) needed MgSO4 Injection. We found a highly significant increase in UCLA score measurements in the Conservative group, and a highly significant increase in UCLA score measurements in the DCR group (p < 0.01). But there was no difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Conventional conservative approach with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression has proven to be as effective as arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression with DCR, in terms of efficacy and safety profiles in short term, but with more risks of potential hazards and cost with the DCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a variety of natural and anthropogenic processes, heavy metal toxicity of soil constitutes a substantial hazard to all living beings in the environment. The heavy metals alter the soil properties, which directly or indirectly influence the agriculture systems. Thus, plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)–assisted bioremediation is a promising, eco-friendly, and sustainable method for eradicating heavy metals. PGPR cleans up the heavy metal–contaminated environment using various approaches including efflux systems, siderophores and chelation, biotransformation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, precipitation, ACC deaminase activity, biodegradation, and biomineralization methods. These PGPRs have been found effective to bioremediate the heavy metal–contaminated soil through increased plant tolerance to metal stress, improved nutrient availability in soil, alteration of heavy metal pathways, and by producing some chemical compounds like siderophores and chelating ions. Many heavy metals are non-degradable; hence, another remediation approach with a broader scope of contamination removal is needed. This article also briefly emphasized the role of genetically modified PGPR strains which improve the soil's degradation rate of heavy metals. In this regard, genetic engineering, a molecular approach, could improve bioremediation efficiency and be helpful. Thus, the ability of PGPRs can aid in heavy metal bioremediation and promote a sustainable agricultural soil system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study demonstrates the presence of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine and its cyanobacterial producers in irrigation water and grains of some cereal plants from farmlands irrigated with Nile River water in Egypt. BMAA detected by LC–MS/MS in phytoplankton samples was found at higher concentrations of free form (0.84–11.4 μg L−1) than of protein-bound form (0.16–1.6 μg L−1), in association with the dominance of cyanobacteria in irrigation water canals. Dominant cyanobacterial species isolated from these irrigation waters including Aphanocapsa planctonica, Chroococcus minutus, Dolichospermum lemmermanni, Nostoc commune, and Oscillatoria tenuis were found to produce different concentrations of free (4.8–71.1 µg g−1 dry weight) and protein-bound (0.1–11.4 µg g−1 dry weight) BMAA. In the meantime, BMAA was also detected in a protein-bound form only in grains of corn (3.87–4.51 µg g−1 fresh weight) and sorghum (5.1–7.1 µg g−1 fresh weight) plants, but not in wheat grains. The amounts of BMAA accumulated in these grains correlated with BMAA concentrations detected in relevant irrigation water canals. The presence of BMAA in cereal grains would constitute a risk to human and animal health upon consumption of contaminated grains. The study, therefore, suggests continuous monitoring of BMAA and other cyanotoxins in irrigation waters and edible plants to protect the public against exposure to such potent toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans are extensively using synthetic plastic products for multiple life purposes. Non-degradability of these products affected the nature and extremely harms the environment. Herein, biodegradable membranes with different ratios of chitosan/starch waste have been prepared. These membranes have been submitted for in vitro enzymatic biodegradation followed by examination by SEM, FTIR, Raman scattering spectral analyses, surface roughness measurement, degree of swelling, and contact angle. The obtained membranes showed biodegradability significant features which increased by increasing starch ratio and has been confirmed by the formation of holes that were demonstrated by SEM micrographs. Both of surface roughness and water uptake values of the prepared membranes have been increased in all prepared membranes after the enzymatic treatment to the maximum measured value of 0.87 µm and 200%, respectively. However, water contact angle values of the prepared membranes have been decreased after the enzymatic treatment to reach 25 θ as the lowest measured value. These results suggest the application of chitosan-blended starch membranes as alternatives for petroleum plastics with more environmental safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the presence of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and its cyanobacterial producers in irrigation water as wells its potential accumulation in nine commonly consumed vegetables from Egyptian farmlands. The HPLC–MS/MS analysis revealed that phytoplankton samples contained higher concentrations of free BMAA (0.6–11.4 μg L−1) than protein-bound form (0.01–3.3 μg L−1), in association with the abundance of dominant cyanobacteria in irrigation water sites. Extracellular dissolved BMAA was also detected in cell-free irrigation water, but with very low concentrations (0.1–0.2 μg L−1). Meanwhile, BMAA was also detected in a protein-bound form (0.05–7.7 µg g−1 fresh weight) in most vegetable plants, with highest levels obtained in zucchini fruits followed by watercress levels, tomato fruits, green pepper fruits, radish leaves, and pea fruits. The BMAA concentrations accumulated in these vegetables correlated with BMAA concentrations detected in relevant irrigation water sites. Hence, the presence of BMAA in vegetables could pose a risk to human through eating contaminated edible pant parts. The study recommends ongoing monitoring of BMAA and other cyanotoxins in irrigation waters and edible plants in order to safeguard the public from exposure to such serious toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic ability of albumin-bilirubin score (ALBI) to assess the hepatic dysfunction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was previously studied. Its role in the staging of liver fibrosis post chronic hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection needs to be investigated. Aim: to assess the diagnostic value of the ALBI score compared to other non-invasive fibrosis scores in chronic HCV patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included consecutive chronic HCV patients from January 2015 till December 2018. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) is currently one of the most validated noninvasive methods for liver fibrosis staging and is used in daily practice as a reference for fibrosis assessment. ALBI grade as well as Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), LOK index and Göteborg University Cirrhosis (GUCI) scores were calculated for all of the patients. Results: A total of 781 chronic HCV patients were included. Around 54% of them had compensated cirrhosis. GUCI score was the most sensitive one to difference between early fibrosis stages, F0 vs. F1. LOK index and ALBI score did not differ significantly between F1 and F2 stages unlike the other study markers. ROC curves revealed good diagnostic capability of FIB-4 (AUROC: 0.85, 0.84), APRI (AUROC: 0.83, 0.83) and GUCI score (AUROC: 0.83, 0.83) for detecting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. ALBI score had a moderate diagnostic role for diagnosing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, AUROC of 0.73 and 0.74 respectively. At a cutoff value of -2.95, the sensitivity of ALBI score approached 79%, the specificity was 53% for advanced fibrosis. Conclusion: ALBI score has a moderate diagnostic power score in the diagnosis of HCV-associated advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis; however, FIB-4, APRI and GUCI scores outperformed the ALBI score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant abiotic stresses endanger crop production and food security to a growing degree under the present climate change scenario. This calls for effective measures to be deployed to increase the level of agricultural production to meet the needs of soaring world population. Application of osmo-protectants and soluble sugars were reported to counter abiotic stresses in many crop species. Trehalose (Tre) is one such non-reducing sugar found in bacteria and yeasts, where it serves as source of carbon, and in higher plants and animals, where it acts as osmo-protectant. Tre is involved in various physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms associated with plant growth, development and defense against drought, salinity, cold, heat, UV rays, nutrient deficiency and heavy metal stresses. It helps to maintain cellular integrity under stress by upgrading the antioxidant defense system. However, Tre amounts are lower than those needed to assure adequate plant stress tolerance. Interestingly, Tre supplementation up-regulates stress response genes and induces the accumulation of various osmolytes, including proline, glycine betaine and soluble sugars, which confer different kinds of stress tolerance. Alternatively, the development of transgenic plants with genes for Tre biosynthesis leads to appreciable tolerance against different stresses. However, some transgenic plants over-expressing Tre biosynthesis genes are adversely affected. This work aims to systematically review Tre's role as stress tolerance molecule and its crosstalk with other osmolytes under stress conditions, explaining mechanism of stress tolerance and pointing out areas for future research. It is evidenced that this compound owns a promising future as osmo-protectant in the coming years. The present review is intended as means to enrich the awareness on Tre potential benefits, in order to help the scientists as well as the practitioners to improve crop behavior and ultimate production under stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, flax fiber based semicarbazide biosorbent was prepared in two successive steps. In the first step, flax fibers were oxidized using potassium periodate (KIO4) to yield diadehyde cellulose (DAC). Dialdehyde cellulose was, then, refluxed with semicarbazide.HCl to produce the semicarbazide functionalized dialdehyde cellulose (DAC@SC). The prepared DAC@SC biosorbent was characterized using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) and N2 adsorption isotherm, point of zero charge (pHPZC), elemental analysis (C:H:N), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The DAC@SC biosorbent was applied for the removal of the hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions and the alizarin red S (ARS) anionic dye (individually and in mixture). Experimental variables such as temperature, pH, and concentrations were optimized in detail. The monolayer adsorption capacities from the Langmuir isotherm model were 97.4 mg/g and 18.84 for Cr(VI) and ARS, respectively. The adsorption kinetics of DAC@SC indicated that the adsorption process fit PSO kinetic model. The obtained negative values of ΔG and ΔH indicated that the adsorption of Cr(VI) and ARS onto DAC@SC is a spontaneous and exothermic process. The DAC@SC biocomposite was successfully applied for the removal of Cr(VI) and ARS from synthetic effluents and real wastewater samples with a recovery (R, %) more than 90%. The prepared DAC@SC was regenerated using 0.1 M K2CO3 eluent. The plausible adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) and ARS onto the surface of DAC@SC biocomposite was elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interscalene approach for brachial plexus block is recognized as the gold standard technique for postoperative pain control after shoulder scope surgeries. However, it is associated with major adverse effects and patient discomfort due to paralysis of the hand muscles. The suprascapular nerve block is considered to be a safe and effective alternative to interscalene nerve block for shoulder surgery without affecting the motor function of the hand muscles and other serious complications of interscalene nerve block, especially in ambulatory surgery. The aim of this study is to compare interscalene and suprascapular nerve block in terms of postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and hand grip strength in shoulderscopic surgeries. This prospective, randomized trial was done in Ain Shams University Hospitals. A sample of 50 patients was divided into two groups; 25 patients in each group, namely Group ISB (interscalene approach of brachial plexus block) and Group SSNB (suprascapular nerve block). Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess shoulder pain at rest and upon flexion in the first 24 h. The degree of hand motor power affection, the total amount of opioids used as rescue analgesia, and the incidence of complications were also recorded. Results: The findings revealed no statistically significant difference between groups (P-value > 0.05) in pain control all over the 24 h by VAS score at rest and at arm flexion. SSNB received a larger total narcotic dose (60 ± 26.02) mg of pethidine than ISB (52 ± 22.73). However, there was no statistical difference between them throughout the 24 h regarding total narcotic consumption and 1st time for pethidine administration. The ISB group showed a statistically significant reduction in the hand power grip strength postoperatively (83.68 ± 4.75%). Conclusions: The results of the present study favor SSNB as the first choice of pain control after shoulderscopic surgeries for a patient scheduled for early home discharge because of the complete recovery of the hand muscles' motor power. Trial registration: This study was registered on PACTR (www.pactr.org) database; identification number for the registry is PACTR202201840526231. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical food preservatives are extensively found in various processed food products in the human environment. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of long-term exposure to five food preservatives (potassium sorbate (PS), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), sodium benzoate (SB), calcium propionate (CP), and boric acid (BA)) on the liver and kidney in rats and the probable underlying mechanisms. For 90 days, sixty male albino rats were orally given either water (control), 0.09 mg/kg b.wt BHA, 4.5 mg/kg b.wt PS, 0.9 mg/kg b.wt SB, 0.16 mg/kg b.wt BA, or 0.18 mg/kg b.wt CP. Liver and kidney function tests were assessed. Hepatic and renal oxidative stress biomarkers were estimated. Histologic examination analysis of liver and kidney tissues was achieved. Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR-2 and TLR-4), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) mRNA expression levels were measured. The results revealed that long-term oral dosing of the five food preservatives resulted in significant increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels. There were significant reductions in hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes, an increase in MDA concentrations, and pathological alterations in renal and hepatic tissues. The mRNA levels of TLR-4, TLR-2, NF-κB, and TNF-α were elevated in the food preservatives-exposed groups. Conclusively, the current findings revealed that long-term exposure to PS, BHA, SB, CP, and BA has a negative impact on liver and kidney function. Furthermore, these negative effects could be mediated via oxidative stress induction, inflammatory reactions, and cytokine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate the probable ameliorative role of quercetin (QCN) against oxidative hepatotoxicity induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) with a diameter < 30 nm and lead acetate (Pb) co-exposure in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were weighed and allocated to seven groups (n = 10 each) and were treated orally via orogastric gavage for 60 successive days: rats of the 1st group were kept as control given distilled water (1 ml/kg), rats of the 2nd group received 2 ml/kg BW/day corn oil; rats of the 3rd group were administered 20 mg/kg BW QCN/day; rats of the 4th group received 100 mg/kg BW Al2O3NPs; rats of the 5th group received 50 mg/kg BW Pb; rats of the 6th group co-received Al2O3NPs and Pb at the same previous doses; and rats of the 7th group were co-administered Al2O3NPs, Pb, and QCN at the same previous doses. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total, direct, indirect bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, and LDL were estimated. The hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were also evaluated. Finally, the histopathological and histomorphometric evaluations and the residues of Al and Pb in hepatic tissues were assessed. Al2O3NPs and/or Pb exposure significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels and considerably altered the hepatic biochemical parameters; nevertheless, QCN significantly reduced hepatic enzymes compared to toxicant exposed groups. Additionally, QCN significantly improved Al2O3NPs-afforded liver tissue damage, as established in microscopic findings on the liver in the group treated with Al2O3NPs + Pb. Conclusively, QCN could be a candidate natural agent to safeguard the liver versus the co-harmful impacts of Al2O3NPs and Pb toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saxitoxins (STXs) are carbamate alkaloid neurotoxins produced by some species of cyanobacteria. They are water soluble and relatively stable in the natural environment, and thereby represent a risk to animal and human health through a long-time exposure. STXs cannot be sufficiently removed by conventional water treatment methods. Therefore, this study investigates the potential STX biodegradation and detoxification by bacteria as a promising method for toxin removal. STX biodegradation experiments were conducted using Bacillus flexus SSZ01 strain in batch cultures. The results revealed that SSZ01 strain grew well and rapidly detoxified STX, with no lag phase observed. STX detoxification by SSZ01 strain was initial-toxin-concentration-dependent. The highest biotransformation rate (10 µg STX L−1 day−1) the pseudo-first-order kinetic constant (0.58 d−1) were obtained at the highest initial toxin concentration (50 µg L−1) and the lowest ones (0.06 µg STX L−1 day−1 and 0.14 d−1, respectively) were recorded at the lowest initial concentration (0.5 µg L−1). STX biotransformation rate increased with temperature, with highest occurred at 30 ºC. This rate was also influenced by pH, with highest obtained at pH8 and lowest at higher and lower pH values. HPLC chromatograms showed that STX biotransformation peak is corresponding to the least toxic STX analog (disulfated sulfocarbamoyl-C1 variant). The Artemia-based toxicity assay revealed that this biotransformation byproduct was nontoxic. This suggests the potential application of this bacterial strain in slow sand filters for cyanotoxin removal in water treatment plants. Being nontoxic, this byproduct needs to be assayed for its therapeutic effects toward neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the ability of a yeast strain, Aureobasidium pullulans KKUY0701 isolated from eutrophic lake to eliminate Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) toxin. The anti-cyanobacterial activity of this yeast strain was evaluated by growing with living cells and filtrate of C. raciborskii. CYN bioremoval was assayed using living and heat-inactivated yeast cells. Both living cells and filtrate of this yeast strain were able to suppress the growth of C. raciborskii, with total cell death occurring at day 2 and day 3, respectively. Living and inactivated yeast cells, but not yeast filtrate, reduced CYN concentrations released into cyanobacterial cultures, indicating that this toxin might be removed from the culture medium via absorption onto yeast surface rather than enzymatic biodegradation. The adsorption experiments also confirmed the elimination of CYN by living and heat-inactivated yeast. Nevertheless, inactivated yeast exhibited higher capacity (K = 3.3) and intensity (n = 1.4) than living yeast (K = 1.9, n = 1) for CYN adsorption. The study suggests that this yeast strain could be employed for bioremediation of Cylindrospermopsis blooms in freshwaters. Additionally, heat-inactivated yeast biomass could be used in slow sand filters for elimination of CYN in drinking water treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress is one of the leading threats to crop growth and productivity across the globe. Salt stress induces serious alterations in plant physiological, metabolic, biochemical functioning and it also disturbs antioxidant activities, cellular membranes, photosynthetic performance, nutrient uptake and plant water uptake and resulting in a significant reduction in growth and production. The application of osmoprotectants is considered as an important strategy to induce salt tolerance in plants. Trehalose (Tre) has emerged an excellent osmolyte to induce salinity tolerance and it got considerable attention in recent times. Under salinity stress, Tre helps to maintain the membrane integrity, and improves plant water relations, nutrient uptake and reduces the electrolyte leakage and lipid per-oxidation. Tre also improves gas exchange characteristics, protects the photosynthetic apparatus from salinity induced oxidative damages and brings ultra-structure changes in the plant body to induce salinity tolerance. Moreover, Tre also improves antioxidant activities and expression of stress responsive proteins and genes and confers salt tolerance in plants. Additionally, Tre is also involved in signaling association with signaling molecules and phytohormones and resultantly improved the plant performance under salt stress. Thus, it is interesting to understand the role of Tre in mediating the salinity tolerance in plants. Therefore, in this review we have summarized the different physiological and molecular roles of Tre to induce salt tolerance in plants. Moreover, we have also provided the information on Tre cross-talk with various osmolytes and hormones, and its role in stress responsive genes and antioxidant activities. Lastly, we also shed light on research gaps that need to be addressed in future studies. Therefore, this review will help the scientists to learn more about the Tre in changing climate conditions and it will also provide new insights to insights that could be used to develop salinity tolerance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Liver resection and local ablation are the two primary curative treatments for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Microwave ablation (MWA) shows promising performance in terms of early tumor response, recurrence, and survival. This study aims to determine whether MWA would be comparable to liver resection in treating early-stage HCC. Methods: This study included patients with hepatitis C-related HCC attending the multidisciplinary HCC clinic, Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital (March 2018 to September 2020). We included adults with early-stage HCC (BCLC stages 0-A). We studied patients and tumor characteristics, HCC treatment response, recurrence, and overall survival. Results: Thirty-one patients were treated with liver resection and 41 patients were treated with MWA, including 4 patients who received intraoperative MWA. By the end of the study, 21 patients (28.77%) died. Patients who underwent MWA were younger compared to the hepatectomy group with lower baseline AFP (21 (6.7–54) versus 77 (31.3–136.0), respectively, (P value 0.024) and tumor size (2.78 (0.87) cm versus 3.77 (0.97) cm, respectively, (P value < 0.001). We found no differences between the studied groups in terms of treatment response, post-treatment decompensation, recurrence, or overall survival. One-year survival probability in the MWA and resection groups was 75.5% and 76.3% respectively. Post-procedure hepatic decompensation was the only independent predictor of lower survival by multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR 37.74, 95%CI 6.251–227.87, P value < 0.001) after adjusting for age, AFP, and tumor size. Conclusion: Liver resection and MWA showed similar satisfactory results in the treatment of early-stage HCC, in terms of treatment response, recurrence, and overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salinity stress (SS) is a serious detrimental factor for crop growth and productivity and its intensity it is continuously increasing which is posing serious threat to global food security. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) priming has emerged as an excellent strategy to mitigate the adverse impacts of SS. However, the role of H2O2 priming in mitigating the salinity induced toxicity is not fully explored. Methods and results: Therefore, in this context the present study was conducted in complete randomized design (CRD) in factorial combination to determine the impact of H2O2 priming on germination, growth, physiological and biochemical traits, osmo-regulating compounds, hormonal balance and ionic homeostasis. The experiment was based on different levels of SS; control, 6 and 12 dS m−1 SS and priming treatments, control and H2O2 priming (2%). Salinity stress significantly reduced the growth, leaf water status (− 15.55%), calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+) and magnesium (Mg2+) accumulation and increased malondialdehyde (MDA: + 29.95%), H2O2 (+ 21.48%) contents, osmo-regulating compounds (proline, soluble sugars), indole acetic acid (IAA), anti-oxidant activities (ascorbate peroxidase: APX, catalase: CAT, peroxidase: POD and ascorbic acid: AsA) and accumulation of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−.). H2O2 priming effectively reduced the effects of SS on germination and growth and strengthen the anti-oxidant activities through reduced MDA (− 12.36%) and H2O2 (− 21.13%) and increasing leaf water status (16.90%), soluble protein (+ 71.32%), free amino acids (+ 26.41%), proline (+ 49.18%), soluble sugars (+ 71.02%), IAA (+ 57.59%) and gibberlic acid (GA) (+ 21.11%). Above all, H2O2 priming reduced the massive entry of noxious ions (Na+ and Cl−) while increased the entry of Ca2+, K+ and Mg2+ thus improved the plant performance under SS. Conclusion: In conclusion H2O2 priming was proved beneficial for improving maize growth under SS thorough enhanced anti-oxidant activities, photosynthetic pigments, leaf water status, accumulation of osmo-regulating compounds, hormonal balance and ionic homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five populations of Typha domingensis Pers. were evaluated for their tolerance to different regimes of cadmium (Cd). Plants were collected from different sites in Punjab province of Pakistan viz. Jaranwala (S1), Farooq Abad (S2), Chiniot (S3), Khurianwala (S4), and Sidhnai (S5). Collected plants were established for three months and then subjected to Cd levels, i.e., 0, 50, 100, and 150 µM L−1. Differential changes in attributes presented variation in tolerance level of T. domingensis populations against Cd toxicity. Fresh and dry biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and total soluble sugars were decreased in all populations under Cd stress, but reduction in biomass of S2 plants was least. Similarly, amino acids, protein contents, and antioxidant enzymatic activity were increased in S2 and S3 under Cd. The populations, i.e., S2, S3, with better anti-oxidative metabolism, ionic partitioning, and growth presented useful structural changes in root and leaves. Contrary to increased leaf thickness, area of leaf and root conducting vessels was decreased with increasing Cd concentrations but these changes were lowest in S2 plants as compared to other populations. Our data indicate that the higher tolerance to Cd toxicity observed in S2 population of T. domingensis could be related to the collective role played by physiological, biochemical and anatomical changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed Remote SCADA System (RSS) is a smarter, faster and more reliable way to control high power machines and monitor their sensors, data, and failures. The proposed system focuses mainly on building our own complete SCADA software and not using open-source SCADA software. The proposed RSS can use unlimited number of added Remote Terminal Units (RTU) nodes and each of them can handling unlimited number of input/output and can be used under different operating systems like Windows and Android. Using RSS all machines can be monitored and controlled by a single click from anywhere at any time. By doing this a real-time response from RSS system can be achieved. It's mainly based on standard communication techniques between remote nodes and single server-side application that talk to each node with its own ID and modify its instant database. So that every time accessing this web application, a real-time access to these nodes data and a virtual control room controls each General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) in the selected node can be gotten. When a new event is happened in server-side program, it will be broadcasted to all related. On RSS there are two main points to deal with, the request latency and security of the system. This paper studied how the system latency and security are improved to obtain the needed values. The proposed RSS is a very secure program which have 4 security levels; authentication, authorization, RSA and CBC encryption system. Also, the encryption algorithms used in RSS are RSA and CBC block cipher encryption system. It is mixed way to prevent any attacker from breaking the cipher. First of all, RSA generates the public and private keys, and then CBC generates its Initialization vector and a random encryption key. Then a special function sends all of these keys encrypted with a pre-stored token in the data base and node memory which varied from node to another. Finally, node generates its private key from loaded public key. With this combination the speed of symmetric encryption system and the security of asymmetric encryption system can be achieved. On the other hand, the level of security firewalls needed to be Brocken by the attacker to brock the cipher is increased. The proposed system achieved low cost comparing with reported work; it is lower than Arduino + WIFI method by five times and 13 times lower than Raspberry-PI method. The proposed system is applied in educational systems, where it is used for teaching unlimited number of students Online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the capability of a Bacillus flexus strain isolated from decayed cyanobacterial blooms for the bioremediation of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) toxin. The algicidal activity of this strain was tested by co-cultivation with C. raciborskii cultures. CYN biodegradation was investigated in the presence of living and heat-inactivated bacterial cells or bacterial filtrate. Living bacterial cells inhibited C. raciborskii growth after 2 days of incubation with complete cell death at day 5. Bacterial filtrate caused a rapid reduction in C. raciborskii growth at the first day, with complete cell lysis at day 3. Only living cells of SSZ01 caused reduction in CYN released into the medium during the bacterial decay of C. raciborskii cells. The biodegradation rate of CYN by SSZ01 relied on initial toxin concentrations. The highest rate (42 μg CYN L−1 day−1) was obtained at the higher initial concentration (300 μg L−1), and the lowest (4μg CYN L−1 day−1) was at lower concentration (50 μg L−1). These results suggest that this bacterial strain could be employed to bioremediate cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters. Also, the application of this bacterium in slow sand filters would give possibilities for degradation and bioremediation of cyanotoxins in drinking water treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the potential benefit of providing dietary supplements to broiler chickens infected by pathogenic Escherichia coli with Allium sativum (A. sativum). Eighty-one-day-old Hubbard chicks were allocated into four groups (20 for each). The first was a control group (no supplement and not infected). The second received supplements of A. sativum 1 g/kg feed from day 1 to the end and was not infected. The third group was experimentally infected orally at 7 days old with E. coli O78 107 CFU intra-crop and received no supplement. The last group was supplemented with A. sativum and infected with the E. coli O78 as described previously. Chickens infected by E. coli had significantly low lymphocytes and a significant rise in heterophils and monocytes with non-significant changes in total leukocytic count (TLC) compared with the control. The fourth group had non-significant alterations in TLC with significantly low monocytes and heterophils and a significant rise in lymphocytes compared with the third group. The biochemical values of hepatic enzymes, renal, and immunological indicators had severe argumentative alterations related to E. coli infection. Dietary supplementation with A. sativum recovers the chickens' immune indicators in non-infected groups and has an immune-stimulatory effect on E. coli infection. In conclusion, A. sativum mitigates hematological, biochemical, and antioxidant alterations induced by experimentally E. coli infection in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCB) have severe impacts on marine and freshwater systems worldwide. They cause oxygen depletion and produce potent cyanotoxins that have detrimental effects on human and environmental health and deteriorate the water quality. Biological treatment of the water for control of cyanobacterial blooms and removal of cyanotoxins can be a more economical and environment-friendly way, as they do not result in production of undesirable by-products. Most biological treatments of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins have concentrated largely on bacteria, with little attention paid to algicidal fungi. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the current status and the main progresses achieved in fungal biodegradation of HCB and cyanotoxin research. The available data revealed that 15 fungal species had high lytic activity against cyanobacteria, and 6 species were capable of degrading microcystins (MCs). Some fungal species (e.g., Aurobasidium pullulans and Trichoderma citrinoviride) have been identified to selectively inhibit the growth of cyanobacteria rather than beneficial species of other algal groups. Interestingly, some fungal strains (Trichaptum abietinum, Trichoderma citrinoviride) exhibited di-functional trait, being efficient in lysing cyanobacteria and degrading MCs released from the cells after decay. Beyond a comprehensive review of algicidal and toxin-degrading activities of fungi, this paper also identifies and prioritizes research gaps in algicidal fungi. The review also gives insights to the potential applications of algicidal fungi for removal of cyanobacterial blooms and their cyanotoxins from the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to investigate the hypolipidemic effects of an ethanolic extract of quinoa seeds (QSEE) in countering hyperlipidemia induced by Triton X-100 (T. X-100) rats. The study assessed alterations in growth performance and several biochemical parameters. Forty clinically healthy male Albino rats were equally divided into four groups: control animals; hyperlipidemic animals treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of T. X-100 on day 21; rats administered QSEE for 40 days; and rats receiving a combination of both treatments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to characterize the chemical composition of QSEE before the experiment. Serum samples were collected for measurement of liver, kidney, and pancreatic function; antioxidant markers; and leptin and adiponectin hormone levels. Treatment of hyperlipidemic rats by QSEE reduced lipid profile values with hepato-renal protective effects, reduced lipid peroxidation, increased antioxidant activity, improved growth performance, and normalized leptin and adiponectin hormone levels in comparison with hyperlipidemic animals. QSEE displays powerful hypolipidemic activity associated with its content of biologically active constituents as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, stored products are attacked by a large number of pests resulting in significant economic losses. Among these stored grain pests, khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium (Everts) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is one of the top ranked pests that has ability to survive under diverse climate conditions. The management of this pest is mainly done by using synthetic chemicals which have side effects on consumers, ecosystem and non-target organisms. However, phyto-derivatives were found to be the effective environment friendly alternatives against T. granarium. Therefore, in this review, success of phyto-derivatives against khapra beetle from conventional means to modern research has been critically analyzed, summarized and discussed. In context, the different life stages of the insect starting from egg laying to adult development have been briefly explained. The review focuses upon recent research conducted on the evaluation of dozens of phyto-derivatives. In addition, the article has also highlighted some limitations of plant derived compounds and concludes via hoping that the future formulated pesticides will be safer, economical, least toxic to human and our planet ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of soils with heavy metals (HMs) caused serious problems because plants tend to absorb HMs from the soil. In view of HM hazards to plants as well as agro-ecosystems, we executed this study to assess metal toxicity to mung bean (Vigna radiata) plants cultivated in soil with six treatment levels of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) and to find metal tolerant variety, i.e., M-93 (V1) and M-1(V2) with multifarious plant biochemical and physiological attributes. Increasing doses of Cd and Ni inhibited plant growth and photosynthesis and both varieties showed highly significant differences in the morpho-physiological attributes. V2 showed sensitivity to Cd and Ni treatments alone or in combination. Tolerance indices for attributes presented a declined growth of Vigna plants under HM stress accompanied by highly significant suppression in gas exchange characteristics. Of single element applications, the adverse effects on mung bean were more pronounced in Cd treatments. V1 showed much reduction in photosynthesis attributes except sub-stomatal CO2 concentration in all treatments compared to V2. The yield attributes, i.e., seed yield/plant and 100-seed weight, were progressively reduced in T5 for both varieties. In combination, we have observed increased mobility of Cd and Ni in both varieties. The results showed that water use efficiency (WUE) generally increased in all the treatments for both varieties compared to control. V2 exhibited less soluble sugars and free amino acids compared to V1 in all the treatments. Similarly, we recorded an enhanced total free amino acid contents in both varieties among all the metal treatments against control plants. We conclude that combinatorial treatment proved much lethal for Vigna plants, but V1 performed better than V2 in counteracting the adverse effects of Cd and Ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanoparticles have recently attained much interest due to the wide distribution of their applications. The current work is concerned with the synthesis of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles using green and chemical methods. Licorice extract has been used as the main factor for the production of green synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (GSM), compared with the co-precipitation method for the production of chemically synthesized magnetic nanoparticles (CSM). Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analyzer (PSA) proved the formation of the particles in the nanoscale with the range of 50–110 nm and 40–100 nm for GSM and CSM, respectively. Furthermore, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated the existence of iron and oxygen elements in both the samples and proved the formation of iron oxide nanoparticles. Both types of nanoparticles were solely integrated with chitosan for the formation of magnetic-dependent membranes followed by integration-dependent characterization using SEM and Raman spectroscopy. The tensile properties of the membranes showed higher elongation and strain properties of chitosan/GSM membrane compared with plain chitosan or chitosan/CSM membranes, which candidate it for mechanical-dependent applications. The vibrating sample magnetism (VSM) properties showed that GSM nanoparticles are superparamagnetic. In addition, the GSM nanoparticles are applied as methanol electrochemical sensors with high sensitivity even at low concentrations of methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural capacity of plants to endure salt stress is largely regulated by multifaceted structural and physio-biochemical modulations. Salt toxicity endurance mechanism of six ecotypes of Typha domingensis Pers. was evaluated by analyzing photosynthesis, ionic homeostasis, and stomatal physiology under different levels of salinity (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl). Typha populations were collected across different areas of Punjab, an eastern province in Pakistan. All studied attributes among ecotypes presented differential changes as compared to control. Different salt treatments not only affected gas exchange attributes but also shown significant modifications in stomatal anatomical changes. As compared to control, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, total chlorophyll contents and carotenoids were increased by 111%, 64%, 103% and 171% respectively, in Sahianwala ecotype among all other ecotypes. Similarly, maximum water use efficiency (WUE), sub stomatal CO2 concentration, sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl−) contents were observed in Sahianwala (191%, 93%, 168%, 158%) and Knotti (162%, 75%, 146%, 182%) respectively, as compared to the others ecotypes. Adaxial and abaxial stomatal areas remained stable in Sahianwala and Knotti. The highest abaxial stomatal density was observed in Gatwala ecotype (42 mm2) and maximum adaxial stomatal density was recorded in Sahianwala ecotype (43 mm2) at 300 mM NaCl salinity. The current study showed that Typha ecotypes responded varyingly to salinity in terms of photosynthesis attributes to avoid damages due to salinity. Overall, differential photosynthetic activity, WUE, and changes in stomatal attributes of Sahianwala and Knotti ecotypes contributed more prominently in tolerating salinity stress. Therefore, Typha domingensis is a potential species to be used to rehabilitate salt affected lands for agriculture and aquatic habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera leaf extract (ME) has been developed as an ecofriendly antibacterial agent for fabrics made from cotton or its modified forms, carboxymethyl cellulose and cationic cotton. In addition, we prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with particle size ranged from 15–25 nm by using polyvinyl alcohol and glucose as reducing agent matrix to improve the antibacterial activity of cellulosic fabric finished with Moringa extract. The prepared silver nanoparticles were characterized by using UV–Vis spectra, Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology of finished fabric surface. The mechanical properties of the finished fabric was evaluated. Also, the antibacterial activity of finished fabric was evaluated via both disk diffusion method on an agar plate and bacterial count colony method (bacterial reduction percent). The Moringa extract and silver nanoparticles finished fabric showed excellent antibacterial activity against S. aureus as Gram-positive bacteria and E. coli as Gram-negative bacteria so that they can be used as biocompatible and safe antibacterial finishing agent for cellulosic fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the inhibitory effect of a yeast strain, Aureobasidium pullulans KKUY0701, isolated from decayed cyanobacterial bloom against harmful cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and determines the ability of this strain to remove microcystin (MC) toxin from the water. The antialgal activity of this yeast strain was assayed by co-cultivation with M. aeruginosa, diatom, and green algal species. The MC adsorption experiment was conducted in the presence of living and heat-inactivated yeast cells. Both yeast cells and filtrates caused a rapid reduction in the growth of M. aeruginosa, with complete death and cell lysis occurring after 3 days. The yeast strain did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on either green algae or diatoms. Both living and heat-inactivated yeast cells were capable of adsorption of MC on their surfaces. Inactivated yeast exhibited higher adsorption capacity and lower intensity than living yeast for the adsorption of MC toxin. The results of this study suggest that this yeast strain could be employed to selectively reduce cyanobacterial blooms in freshwaters. Moreover, the application of heat-inactivated yeast's biomass for toxin adsorption gives new possibilities in drinking water treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study electrochemical sensors, based on undoped and doped (Cr, Mn, Cu and Zn) SnO2 as a sensing electrode material, were fabricated and used to detect acetone (10–600 ppb) and toluene (1–40 ppb). The sol–gel synthesized nanomaterial was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Contact angle (CA). Electrochemical sensing characteristics were determined from the Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic analysis (EIS). The electrochemical results reveal that the sensors' response to acetone was highest with copper doping whereas in case of toluene sensing zinc dopants showed highest sensitivity. This work demonstrated that acetone and toluene sensing is selective with copper and zinc doping and these doped SnO2 nanomaterials can be used for the formation of array/electronic nose and help in simultaneous detection of acetone and toluene both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rapid improvement in dental health over the last few decades, a significant portion of our population continue seek dental care every year. Estimates show that 13% of adults seek dental care for dental infection or fatigue within four years. The Social and individual burden of this disease can be reduced by its early detection. However, the symptoms of teeth infection in the early stages are not clear, hence, it would be relatively difficult to predict teeth infections based solely on human skills and experience. Big Data (BD) technologies have a great potential in transforming dental care, as they have revolutionized other industries. In addition to reducing cost, they could save millions of lives and improve patient outcomes. This paper proposes a novel integrated prediction model that extracts hidden knowledge from radiographic datasets containing a large volume of dental X-ray images and utilizes this knowledge to predict dental infections. Initially, preprocessing techniques using morphological skeleton and mean approach is applied to eliminate noise and enhance the images. Next, Multi Scale Segmented Region (MSR) approach, Watershed Approach (WA), Sobel edge Detection (SD), Histogram based Segmentation (HS), Trainable Segmentation (TS), Dual Clustering (DC), and Fuzzy C-Means clustering (FCM) are examined for image segmentation and feature extraction. Among these methods, MSR was selected for feature extraction since it outperformed other methods in terms of accuracy, specificity, precision, recall and F1-score. Then, a set of neural network classifiers are trained to identify patterns in the extracted optimized features and predict dental infections. For this purpose, we have examined Bacterial Optimized Recurrent Neural Networks (BORNN), Deep Learning Neural Networks (DANN), Genetic Optimized Neural Networks (GONN) and Adaptive Neural Networks Algorithm (ADNN). BORNN have shown maximum accuracy and Roc value (98.1% and 0.92 respectively), and minimum error values (MSE = 0.189, MAE = 0.143). The output of the proposed integrated prediction model is fed into a dental robot who proceeds with the treatment process with high accuracy and minimum delay. The proposed prediction model was implemented using a big data analytics tool called Apache SAMOA and experimental results showed its correctness and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombosis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Out of four, one person is dying of thrombosis; yet, the seriousness of this disease is underappreciated. Its early prediction and prevention continue to be a dilemma that confuses researchers. Nevertheless, a light can be seen at the end of the tunnel; thanks to nanoscience which has led to the development of new generations of nanostructure with different applications in bio-medicine and bio-engineering. The key paradigm for the Internet of Nano Things (IoNT) has allowed for new medical data to be collected which potentially helps achieve more accurate disease prediction. It has enabled real-time health services and turned the physical space of a patient into a smart space. While an enabler for several applications, the artificial nature of Internet of Nano Things devices can be harmful where the implementation of Nano Things may lead to unintended health effects. To overcome this issue, researchers have suggested the novel paradigm of the IoBNT that combines nanotechnology with tools from synthetic biology to provide reengineering of biological embedded computing devices. IoBNT promises many medical applications, such as intra-body sensing and actuation networks, based on biological cells and their characteristics in the biochemical field. In this paper, a novel IoBNT-based model with an optimized Bio-Cyber communication interface that helps predict and analyze blood vessel clots is introduced. The model utilizes a bio-interface to collect information on the blood vessels and convert it into an electrical equivalent format. Furthermore, the optical or thermal responsiveness excites the release of definite nano-carrier molecules such as liposomes which may be devised across the bloodstream and enter the targeted area passively to stimulate suitable nano-devices to predict the clots. The Bio-Cyber interface is used for linking the traditional electromagnetic wave to the Bio-Signaling Network based on the bioluminescence concept. Lab-scale simulation analysis shows prominent outcomes in the prediction of blood vessel clots with 97.66% accuracy and 12.22% tolerance level in error rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed to appraise the impact of dietary supplementation with Echinacea purpurea (EP) in broiler chickens infected by pathogenic E. coli. Eighty-one-day-old chicks of both sexes, commercial Hubbard chicks, were divided into 4 groups. The first was kept as normal control, the second was supplemented by EP (5 mg/kg feed) from the first day to the end, where the third was infected orally by 1 ml E. coli O78 at 107 CFU intra-crop at 7 days old, while the last group was supplemented by EP and infected by the E. coli O78 as previously described. E. coli-infected chicks disclosed severe symptoms with mortality 30%. Where, the infected and EP supplemented group showed less clinical symptoms and 15% mortality. EP-supplemented groups showed a significant improvement in their body weight in comparing with infected group. E. coli-infected chickens revealed a significant drop in lymphocytes' number with a significant elevation in monocyte and heterophils with non-significant changes in total leucocyte count when matched with gp. (1), while the fourth group revealed non-significant changes in total leucocyte with a significant drop in heterophils and monocyte and a significant elevation in the lymphocytes matching with the 3rd group. Serum biochemical markers of liver, kidneys, and immunological parameters showed sever adverse alterations associated with E. coli infection. Dietary supplementations with Echinacea purpurea improve the final body weight and immune response of non-infected chicks and have a respectable effect for facing E. coli infection. EP improves hematological and serum biochemical adverse effects occured by E. coli infection. Histopathology of liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen confirms these alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy medicates cancer via killing cells. It may destroy both cancer and normal cells. This research was performed to investigate the influences of cisplatin and cyclophosphamide on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice through some hematological, biochemical, molecular, and pathological studies. A total of 80 healthy female Swiss mice were equally divided into four groups. Group 1 was kept as the negative control. Groups 2 to 4 were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 2.5 × 106 EAC where mice in group 2 were kept as the positive control without treatment. Groups 3 and 4 were injected IP daily for 12 days with cisplatin and cyclophosphamide with 10-mg/kg and 100-mg/kg body weight respectively. Blood and tissue samples were collected after 12 days post treatment. Erythrogram revealed macrocytic normochromic anemia in the EAC group. Group 3 showed normocytic normochromic anemia. Group 4 proved macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Thrombocytopenia was detected in gps. 3 and 4. Leukogram revealed significant accretion in total leukocytic, granulocytic, and monocytic counts in gp. 2. On the contrary, gps. 3 and 4 clarify significant drop in these parameters with granulocytosis. A significant perquisite in the liver markers (ALP, AST,and ALT), uric acid, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels were seen all over the experimental periods in all groups. On the other side, total proteins and albumin levels manifested significant dwindling in gp. 2 followed by gp. 4 then gp. 3, where globulin level elucidates significant diminution in gps. 3 and 4, and non-significant decrease was recorded in gp. 2. These results were confirmed by damage in liver and kidney tissues monitored by pathological examination and comet assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in drinking, recreational, and irrigation waters represents a health hazard to wildlife and humans. This review describes the most common cyanotoxins and their producing taxa and the potential environmental health risks in marine and freshwaters of Saudi Arabia. The most common genera of toxigenic cyanobacteria detected in Saudi waters included Anabaena/Dolichospermum, Anabaenopsis, Cylindrospermopsis, Lyngbya, Microcystis, and Oscillatoria. The cyanotoxins produced by these taxa and have been detected in Saudi Arabia are microcystins (MCYSTs), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), saxitoxins, and lyngbyatoxin-like toxins. Anatoxin has not been investigated in Saudi Arabia, and extensive research is running for this toxin. Studies have detected microcystins in treated drinking waters, groundwater wells, and hot springs and their accumulation in vegetables and fish. Toxin amounts in these commodities often exceeded the WHO guidance values for safe exposure. This indicates that a human health risk could be occurring upon exposure to such potent toxins. Beyond a comprehensive analysis of cyanotoxins in marine and freshwater environments, this paper also identifies and prioritizes research gaps and suggests future research on cyanotoxins in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment of odontoid fractures with odontoid screws is an established method for fusion. However, it is facilitated by using advanced equipment in the operating theatre not always available as in developing countries. Objectives: In this study we aim to outline the important key points for successful placement of odontoid screw in the absence of advanced tools, e.g. navigation or O-arm. Materials and methods: Fifteen patients suffering from type II odontoid fractures were managed with single odontoid screw. Reduction of the fractures was achieved. A simple instrument set was used with the help of a single plane image intensifier. Longitudinal incision was used in 4 cases, and transverse incision was used in the remaining eleven cases. Anatomical identification of the midline helped to mark the entry point. The entry point used was millimetres below the anteroinferior edge of the axis vertebra. A short-headed screw was used. Results: Road traffic accident was the only mechanism of trauma reported in our study. All of the patients were neurologically intact. All of the patients remained neurologically intact after the procedure. There were no instances of wrong trajectory of the screw in our study. During follow-up, we found good union of all the fractures. Only 2 cases suffered from mild dysphagia. Conclusion: Fixation of odontoid fractures by anterior odontoid screws appears to be a safe and feasible procedure even in underequipped theatres. Anatomical knowledge helps in determining midline. Various modifications can help in overcoming shortcomings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human is exposed to traces of aluminum silicate (AlS), i.e., cosmetics, pesticides. Accumulation of aluminum compounds including AlS is associated with neuropathological diseases, e.g., Alzheimer's disease. The aim of the current study is to investigate the neuroprotective effects of propolis extracts in AlS-induced cerebellum intoxication in rats. Forty adult rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10). The first group served as a control; the second group treated with 200 ml propolis/kg bwt. every other day by stomach gavage tube, third group was intraperitoneally injected with AIS (20 mg/kg) twice a week for 8 weeks, and the fourth group received propolis extract and AIS. At the end of 8 weeks, the cerebellum was harvested for further ultrastructure, histological, and histochemical investigations. Using electron microscopy, the ultrastructure of the cerebellar cortex of AlS intoxicated rats showed Purkinje cells with an irregular euchromatic nucleus and extremely increased invagination of the nuclear envelope. In addition, the cytoplasm revealed numerous damaged mitochondria (> 20%) as well as swollen lysosomes (> 40%) compared to controls. These AlS-related ultrastructure changes were to some extent normalized to < 10% and < 30% in case of mitochondria and lysosomes, respectively, if rats were co-treated with propolis extract. Further, histopathological examination showed that AlS-exposed rats revealed abnormal Purkinje cells with irregular size and shrank shape, evidence of pre-necrotic stage in the form of nuclear pyknosis, and condensed and frequent darkly stained cells in cerebellar layers. However, propolis extract co-administration reversed from 35 to 25% (p < 0.05) these alterations. The carbohydrate and protein contents were reduced in case of AlS treatment and surprisingly propolis co-treatment was able to rescue these neurotoxic effects. Propolis extract might have neuroprotective effects against AIS-induced toxicity. Further studies are required to identify the mechanism of the pharmacological action and optimal settings for medical testing of propolis extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jaw fracture is one of the common facial injuries in human body. The jaw fracture disease is one of the tenth most injuries in human body. Jaw fracture may result from high physical injuries impacts and medical conditions that weaken the looseness of the teeth, jaw stiffness, swelling and so on. Due to the various symptoms of this disease, diagnosis is difficult at an early stage. Therefore, different machine learning and data mining techniques are used to detect jaw fracture because of the severe effects of the disease. Initially, jaw related data is randomly collected from the patient, which includes information such as the patient name, age, height, weight, osteoporosis risk factors, prediction, fracture level, and so on. After collecting jaw fracture information, unwanted data is discarded by applying normalization techniques; optimized features are then selected using the metaheuristic firefly algorithm. The selected data is then classified using the multi-layer neural network training based on associative neural networks. The classifier then successfully categorizes the abnormal jaw fracture feature. Then, the efficiency of the system is examined with the help of the mean square error rate, precision, recall, and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colouring agents are highly present in diverse products in the human environment. We aimed to elucidate the fibrogenic cascade triggered by the food dyes tartrazine and chlorophyll. Rats were orally given distilled water, tenfold of the acceptable daily intake of tartrazine, or chlorophyll for 90 consecutive days. Tartrazine-treated rats displayed a significant rise (p < 0.05) in the mRNA levels and immunohistochemical localization of the renal and hepatic fibrotic markers collagen 1-α, TGFβ-1, and fibronectin and the apoptotic marker caspase-3. Moreover, a significant increment (p < 0.05) in the levels of AST, ALP, creatinine, and urea was evident in both experimental groups but more significant differences were noticed in the tartrazine group. Furthermore, we found a marked increment in the MDA level and significant declines (p < 0.05) in the levels of the SOD, CAT, and GSH enzymes in the kidney and liver from tartrazine-treated rats. The histological investigation reinforced the aforementioned data, revealing hepatocytes with fibrous connective tissue proliferation, apoptotic hepatocytes and periportal fibrosis with tubular necrosis, and shrunken glomeruli and interstitial fibrous tissue proliferation. We concluded that, even at the exposure to high concentrations for long durations, chlorophyll exhibited a lower propensity to induce fibrosis, apoptosis, and histopathological perturbations than tartrazine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies showed that interleukin (IL)-28B gene polymorphisms were associated with hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and treatment outcomes. We tested whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-28A and IL-28B are associated with HCV infection among Egyptians with HCV genotype 4 infections. We enrolled 144 chronic HCV patients, 72 spontaneously resolved HCV subjects, and 69 healthy controls. Four SNPs in IL-28A and IL-28B genes (IL-28A.rs12980602, IL-28B.rs12979860, IL-28B.rs8099917, and IL-28B.rs8103142) were genotyped. The most frequent IL-28B haplotype "TCT" was significantly more frequent in HCV-infected subjects than in HCV negative subjects (62.2% vs. 48.6%, respectively; p = 0.005). The frequency of IL-28A.rs12980602 "T" allele was significantly higher than the "C" allele in healthy controls compared to HCV-infected subjects (p < 0.001) with the "TT" genotype significantly higher in healthy controls compared to HCV-infected subjects (p < 0.001) with no association with viral load (p = 0.11) among chronically infected subjects. The results, also, confirmed the previous role of IL-28B SNPs in predicting HCV infection outcome. Importantly, IL-28B.rs8099917 "TT" genotype was significantly associated with low viral load in HCV-infected subjects, while the remaining three SNPs did not. The three IL-28B SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium (D′ > 0.68; r2 > 0.43) for all comparisons in HCV patients, while there was no linkage disequilibrium of IL-28A polymorphisms and the three IL-28B SNPs. In conclusion, IL-28A.rs12980602 and IL-28B.rs8103142 TT genotype could be protective against HCV infection. Also, IL-28B.rs12979860, IL-28B.rs8099917, and IL-28B.rs8103142 SNPs predicted the outcome of HCV infection among genotype-4-infected Egyptians. Moreover, IL-28B.rs8099917 SNP affected the viral load in chronic HCV patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]