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Background and objective Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions of individuals all over the world. In addition to the patients' compelling indications, various sociodemographic characteristics were identified to influence infection complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the aforementioned parameters on the dissemination of COVID-19 among residents of Saudi Arabia's Riyadh region. Materials and Methods In the Saudi Arabian province of Riyadh, a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of COVID-19 incidences, recoveries, and case-fatality ratio (CFR) was undertaken. The study was carried out by gathering daily COVID-19 records from the ministry of health's official websites between October 2020 and September 2021. The influencing factors were obtained from the statistical authority. Using the SPSS IBM 25 software, the data was examined. The association between demographic factors as well as the presence of comorbidity on the COVID-19 outcome was determined using Spearman's correlation and regression tests. P

Background & Objectives As intestinal failure (IF) inhibits the digestive system from absorbing nutrients, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is required to provide all of a person's nutritional demands. In children with malabsorptive conditions like IF, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common. This study used a quasi-experimental approach to assess the efficacy and safety of oral iron therapy in treating IDA in TPN-dependent children with IF. Materials and Methods Sixteen pediatric patients with an ongoing history of IF, TPN dependency, and iron deficiency anemia were enrolled and given an oral iron syrup dose of ferric hydroxide polymaltose complex (6 mg/kg/day in 2–3 separate doses of elemental iron) after receiving ethical approval and parental consent. Blood tests were done to measure serum iron, ferritin, complete iron-binding capacity [TIBC], transferrin saturation [TSAT], and hemoglobin (Hb) level at the time of inclusion (T0), 14 (T14), and 30 days after treatment (T30). Results The mean age was 7.13 (±1.99) and female were 12 (75%). No remarkable change in Hb level was noted in the first and second subsequent follow-ups, notwithstanding, the normal estimation of the serum ferritin level significantly increased during the first follow-up (on fourteenth day) which further enhanced by second follow-up (30th day). The aggregate of the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) declined during the course of oral iron therapy with a reduction in transferrin saturation. Interpretation & Conclusion The data suggest that oral iron therapy is unsuccessful in the treatment of IDA in children with IF. There is no substantial improvement in hemoglobin level or iron profile aside from serum ferritin. In order to avoid using parenteral iron in IF patients, an additional supportive system is needed to aid in the integration of oral iron therapy.

The plant growth regulator gibberellic acid (GA3) is widely used in agriculture in many countries. However, little is known about its danger to human health or its physiologic and biochemical pathways. Our study examined the effect of GA3 on liver and kidney function and the effect of quercetin on the hepatorenal toxicity induced by GA3 in four groups of male albino rats. For 4 weeks, the control group (CNT) received saline, the quercetin group (QR) received daily intraperitoneal injections of quercetin (50 mg/kg/BW) dissolved in saline, the gibberellic acid group (GA3) received GA3 (55 mg/kg/BW) via oral gavage, and the protective group (QR) was injected with quercetin and gavaged with GA3 in the same doses used in the QR and GA3 groups (50 mg/kg/BW +GA3 and 55 mg/kg/BW). GA3 induced liver and kidney injury, as shown by elevated serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GPT, GOT, and GGT) as well as increased levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid. Hepatorenal toxicity was demonstrated by a significant increase in levels of serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), accompanied by a subsequent decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in liver and kidney tissue of GA3-treated rats. Administration of quercetin (QR) significantly protected hepatorenal tissue against the toxic effect of GA3 through normalization of the hepatic and renal function markers. It also retrieved the antioxidant ability by modulating the hepatorenal toxic effect at the molecular level through upregulation of antiapoptotic genes and downregulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TFG-β1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Impairment of liver and kidney function was confirmed by histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. Pretreatment with quercetin was effective at attenuating histopathologic changes in hepatic and renal tissues by regulating the immunoexpression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 to return them to more normal values. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The confirmed hepatorenal dysfunction caused by GA3 was ameliorated by quercetin administration. Moreover, quercetin demonstrated the potential to reverse hepatorenal dysfunction by regulating inflammatory and antioxidant properties, inhibiting the production of free radicals and inflammation-associated cytokines, and modulating antioxidants and antiapoptotic activity.

Carbon-Fibre-Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs) have seen a steady rise in modern industrial applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, their potential is being hindered by delamination which is induced on them during machining operations. This has led to the adoption of new and innovative techniques like cryogenic-assisted machining which could potentially help reduce delamination. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of cryogenic conditions on achieving better hole quality with reduced delamination. In this paper, the numerical analysis of the drilling of CFRP composites is presented. Drilling tests were performed experimentally for validation purposes. The effects of cooling conditions and their subsequent effect on the thrust force and delamination were evaluated using ABAQUS/CAE. The numerical models and experimental results both demonstrated a significant reduction in the delamination factor in CFRP under cryogenic drilling conditions.

Genus Astragalus belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one among the largest genera consisting of around 3000 species. The plants have been used traditionally in treatment of various ailments in folklore. The study was planned to assess the analgesic and inflammatory activity ofCourse powder of stems ofThe total phenolics of the methanol extract was 420 µg and that of chloroform extract was 265 µgwhile total flavonoid content in terms of quercetin was found to be 68 µg and 17.5 µg for methanol and chloroform extract respectively. Only methanolic extract exhibited significant (Outcome of the results show that the methanolic stem extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory-like activity with reference to chloroform extract. Credit of which is given to flavonoids and phenolic content present in the methanolic extract. However, more research is suggested to establish the safety and effectiveness of the herbal drug to manage diseased states including pain and inflammation.

Industrial metal ion pollution has been considered the chief source of water contaminants all over the world. In the present research, we have prepared gum tragacanth cross-linked 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-acrylamide (GT-cl-(HEMA-co-AAm)) hydrogel and gum tragacanth cross-linked 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-acrylamide/zinc oxide (GT-cl-(HEMA-co-AAm)/ZnO) hydrogel composite with better Hg

Fossil-fuel-based plastics have many enticing properties, but their production has resulted in significant environmental issues that require immediate attention. Despite the fact that these polymers are manmade, some bacteria can degrade and metabolise them, suggesting that biotechnologies based on the principle of plastic biodegradation could be beneficial. Among different types of plastics, polypropylene (PP), either having low or high density, is one of the most consumed plastics (18.85%). Their debasement under natural conditions is somewhat tricky. Still, their debasement under natural conditions is rather difficult slightly. However, different scientists have still made efforts by employing other microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and guts bacteria of larvae of insects to bio-deteriorate the PP plastic. Pre-irradiation techniques (ultraviolet and gamma irradiations), compatibilizers, and bio-additives (natural fibers, starch, and polylactic acid) have been found to impact percent bio-deterioration of different PP derivatives stronglythe various. The fungal and bacterial study showed that PP macro/microplastic might serve as an energy source and sole carbon during bio-degradation. Generally, gravimetric method or physical characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, etc., are utilized to affirm the bio-degradation of PP plastics-based materials. However, these techniques are not enough to warrant the bio-deterioration of PP. In this regard, a new technique approach that measures the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during bacterial or fungus degradation has also been discussed. In addition, further exploration is needed on novel isolates from plastisphere environments, sub-atomic strategies to describe plastic-debasing microorganisms and improve enzymatic action strategies, and omics-based innovations to speed up plastic waste bio-deterioration.

Groundwater and soil potassium deficiencies are present in northern India. Sugarcane is a vital crop in the Indian Punjab; it is grown on approximately 91,000 hectares with an average yield of 80 tonnes ha−1 and a sugar recovery rate of 9.59%. The role of potassium (K) fertilizer under both sufficient and deficient irrigation in ratoon sugarcane crops is not well documented. We conducted a split-plot ratoon cane experiment during 2020–2021 at the Gurdaspur Regional Research Station of Punjab Agricultural University, India, on K-deficient soils. Main treatments were fully irrigated (I1) and water stressed (I0) conditions, with sub-treatments reflecting K fertilizer application rates of 0 (M1), 67 (M2), 133 (M3), and 200 (M4) kg K ha−1. The ratoon sugarcane performance was assessed in terms of growth, productivity, sugar quality and incidence of key insect pests. At harvest, trends in the growth and yield parameters in I1 were improved over the I0 treatment, with cane height (+12.2%), diameter (+3.3%), number of internodes (+5.4%), biomass yield (+7.6%) and cane yield (+5.9%) all higher, although little significant difference was observed between treatments. Ratoon cane yield under irrigation was 57.1 tonnes ha−1; in water-stressed conditions, it was 54.7 tonnes ha−1. In terms of sugarcane quality parameters, measured 12 months after harvesting the initial seed crop, values of Brix (+3.6%), pol (+3.9%), commercial cane sugar percentage (+4.0%) and extractable sugar percentage (+2.8%) were all higher in the irrigated treatments than the water-stressed plot. Irrigated treatments also had a significantly lower incidence of two key insect pests: top borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis) was reduced by 18.5% and stalk borer (Chilo auricilius) by 21.7%. The M3 and M4 treatments resulted in the highest cane yield and lowest incidence of insect pests compared to other K-fertilizer treatments. Economic return on K-fertilizer application increased with increasing fertilizer dosage. Under the potassium-deficient water-stressed conditions of the region of north India, a fertilizer application rate of 133 kg K ha−1 is recommended to improve ratoon sugarcane growth, yield, and quality parameters and economic returns for sugarcane farmers.

Gentamicin (GM) is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial drug used for treatment of infections but associated hepatic and renal complications restrict its efficacy. Overproduction of free radicals and inflammation are involved in GM-induced hepato-renal damage. Date palm is renowned to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive composites. In this context, the current research was purposed to assess the ameliorative influence of date palm extract (DE) supplementation against GM-induced hepato-renal injury. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect the bioactive constitutes in DE. The protective action of high and low doses of DE was assessed alongside the GM remediation (80 mg/kg) in rats. GM evoked significant alterations in liver and kidney function biomarkers (aminotransferases, albumin, creatinine, and blood urea). Furthermore, notable elevations in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increment expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) along with reduction in catalase (CAT) activity were observed in both organs after GM treatment. Oxidative stress was the main modulatory mechanism in GM-induced hepato-renal toxicity. However, DE could mitigate the GM-inflicted liver and kidney damage, in a dose-response pattern, due to its high content of phenolics and flavonoids.

The ever-increasing demand for materials to have superior properties and satisfy functions in the field of soft robotics and beyond has resulted in the advent of the new field of four-dimensional (4D) printing. The ability of these materials to respond to various stimuli inspires novel applications and opens several research possibilities. In this work, we report on the 4D printing of one such Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) tBA-co-DEGDA (tert-Butyl Acrylate with diethylene glycol diacrylate). The novelty lies in establishing the relationship between the various characteristic properties (tensile stress, surface roughness, recovery time, strain fixity, and glass transition temperature) concerning the fact that the print parameters of the laser pulse frequency and print speed are governed in the micro-stereolithography (Micro SLA) method. It is found that the sample printed with a speed of 90 mm/s and 110 pulses/s possessed the best batch of properties, with shape fixity percentages of about 86.3% and recovery times as low as 6.95 s. The samples built using the optimal parameters are further subjected to the addition of graphene nanoparticles, which further enhances all the mechanical and surface properties. It has been observed that the addition of 0.3 wt.% of graphene nanoparticles provides the best results.

Background and objective Although, the anti-depressant like effects of apigenin (APG) are documented in the literature, the underlying mechanism for exerting such an effect is still not clear. In this research, an attempt was made to determine the possible role of APG for antidepressant activity through serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems using standardized animal models. Materials and methods The antidepressant property of APG was determine by involving tail suspension (TST) and modified forced swimming tests (MFST). The effect of APG was evaluated at 25 and 50 mg/kg. In mechanistic models, animals were pretreated with catecholaminergic and serotonergic antagonists prior to administration of APG. The results obtained were statistically analyzed to determine the level of significance. Results The period of immobility in both models (TST and MFST) was significantly reduced by APG (25 and 50 mg/kg). The best therapetuic dose of APG (50 mg/kg) was selected for the mechanistic study. The anti-immobility effect of APG declined to a significant extent upon pretreatment with catecholaminergic antagonists (α-methyl-para-tyrosine methyl ester; SCH 23390; sulpiride; phentolamine) and serotonergic inhibitors (p-clorophenylalanine-methyl-ester; ondansetron) in both TST and MFST models. The antidepressant benefits of apigenin were only modestly reversed when rats were given propranolol. Conclusions The findings suggest that APG's antidepressant effect is mediated by the α-adrenergic, dopaminergic and 5-HT3 serotonergic receptors.

Monitoring the distribution and resistance of antibiotics to enterococcal species is critical aspect to controlling and preventing enterococcal infection. The aim of the present study is to screen the antimicrobial resistance genes within Enterococcus species isolates that collected from Taif governorate, Saudi Arabia. Out of 134 clinical samples, nineteen enterococcal isolates were identified using 16S rRNA sequence gene. Phylogenetic tree analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence of the 19 strains divided them into 15 strains as E. faecalis and 4 strains as E. faecium. In addition, these the species of these isolates were recognized using VITEK-2 COMPACT system. The PCR technique was used to screen the multi-drug resistant genes within enterococcal isolates. The KpsII, tetL, aac(6)-Ie-aph(2)-Ia, vanA and Erm(B) genes were found in all strains. The distribute of resistance against antibiotic drugs were differs greatly between the two species, a considerably higher prevalence of resistance to penicillin, gentamicin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, clindamycin, erthromycin and fusidic acid was identified in E. faecalis than in E. faecium, while greater spread was detected to resist to Trim/Sulf and tetracycline in E. faecalis. Finally, rep-PCR markers investigated genomic diversity of Enterococcus strains. Results of rep-PCR markers generated 142 distinct loci; 96 were polymorphic (67.6%) and 46 were monomorphic (32.4%). Number of loci for individual rep-PCR primers ranged from 9 for rep-08 to 18 for rep-02.

The growth of axons corresponding to different neuronal subtypes is governed by unique expression profiles of molecules on the growth cone. These molecules respond to extracellular cues either locally though cell adhesion interactions or over long distances through diffusible gradients. Here, we report that that the cell adhesion molecule ALCAM (CD166) can act as an extracellular substrate to selectively promote the growth of murine midbrain dopamine (mDA) neuron axons through a trans-heterophilic interaction with mDA-bound adhesion molecules. In mixed-sex primary midbrain cultures, the growth-promoting effect of ALCAM was abolished by neutralizing antibodies for components of the Semaphorin receptor complex Nrp1, Chl1, or L1cam. The ALCAM substrate was also found to modulate the response of mDA neurites to soluble semaphorins in a context-specific manner by abolishing the growth-promoting effect of Sema3A but inducing a branching response in the presence of Sema3C. These findings identify a previously unrecognized guidance mechanism whereby cell adhesion molecules act in trans to modulate the response of axonal growth cones to soluble gradients to selectively orchestrate the growth and guidance of mDA neurons.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The mechanisms governing the axonal connectivity of midbrain dopamine (mDA) neurons during neural development have remained rather poorly understood relative to other model systems for axonal growth and guidance. Here, we report a series of novel interactions between proteins previously not identified in the context of mDA neuronal growth. Significantly, the results suggest a previously unrecognized mechanism involving the convergence in signaling between local, adhesion and long-distance, soluble cues. A better understanding of the molecules and mechanisms involved in establishment of the mDA system is important as a part of ongoing efforts to understand the consequence of conditions that may result from aberrant connectivity and also for cell replacement strategies for Parkinson's disease.

Detailed description of malaria in low transmission areas is crucial for elimination. The current study aimed to provide a comprehensive description for malaria transmission in Jazan, a low transmission district, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Patients at a tertiary care hospital were recruited in our study between August 2016 and September 2018. Malaria diagnosis was performed through a species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR), microscopy and Paramax-3TM rapid detection test (RDT). Malaria was detected in 30 patients by the PCR, with point prevalence of 10.9%. Of these malaria infections, 80% was imported, 26.6% was asymptomatic and 23.3% was sub-microscopic. Malaria was reported throughout the year, with February/March and September/October peaks. Infection was significantly more in males than in females (P=0.01). Likewise, infections were detected more in febrile than in non-febrile patients (P=0.01). Adult aged 15-24 years, fever and travel were identified as high-risk factors. Malaria was primarily attributed to Plasmodium falciparum mono-infections, followed by P. vivax mono-infections and lastly to falciparum/vivax mixed infections accounting 76.6%, 16.6%, and 6.6% of PCR-confirmed malaria cases, respectively. The nested PCR was superior to the smear microscopy (sensitivity 76.6%; specificity 100%) and the RDT (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 94.2%). The overall percent agreement between microscopy and the RDT was 92.7% (kappa=0.63). High proportion of imported malaria including sub-microscopic and sub-patent cases were described. We suggest that incorporation of molecular tool into the conventional malaria diagnosis is beneficial in Jazan district.

The effects of second-generation antipsychotics on prenatal neurodevelopment, apoptotic neurodegeneration, and postnatal developmental delays have been poorly investigated. Even at standard doses, the use of quetiapine fumarate (QEPF) in pregnant women might be detrimental to fetal development. We used primary mouse embryonic neurons to evaluate the disruption of morphogenesis and differentiation of ventral midbrain (VM) neurons after exposure to QEPF. The dopaminergic VM neurons were deliberately targeted due to their roles in cognition, motor activity, and behavior. The results revealed that exposure to QEPF during early brain development decreased the effects of the dopaminergic lineage-related genes Tyrosine hydroxylase(Th), Dopamine receptor D1 (Drd1), Dopamine transporter (Dat), LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alfa (Lmx1a), and Cell adhesion molecule L1 (Chl1), and the senescent dopaminergic gene Pituitary homeobox 3 (Pitx3). In contrast, Brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and Nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) expressions were significantly upregulated. Interestingly, QEPF had variable effects on the development of non-dopaminergic neurons in VM. An optimal dose of QEPF (10 µM) was found to insignificantly affect the viability of neurons isolated from the VM. It also instigated a non-significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate formation in these neuronal populations. Exposure to QEPF during the early stages of brain development could also hinder the formation of VM and their structural phenotypes. These findings could aid therapeutic decision-making when prescribing 2nd generation antipsychotics in pregnant populations.

Here, we investigated the protective efficacy of protocatechuic acid (PCA) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic lung injury. Eighty-two male Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: control, PCA30 (30 mg/kg), LPS (10 mg/kg), PCA10-LPS, PCA20-LPS, and PCA30-LPS treated with 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg PCA, respectively, for seven days before intraperitoneal LPS injection. PCA pre-treatment, especially at higher dose, significantly reduced LPS-induced lung tissue injury as indicated by increased heat shock protein 70 and antioxidant molecules (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) accompanied by lower oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide). PCA administration decreased inflammatory mediators including myeloperoxidase, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65), and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and prevented the development of apoptotic events in the lung tissue. At the molecular level, PCA downregulated mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthase 2, C/EBP homologous protein, and high mobility group box1 in the lungs of all PCA-LPS treated mice. Thus, PCA-pre-treatment effectively counteracted sepsis-induced acute lung injury in vivo by promoting and antioxidant status, while inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sepsis-mediated organ dysfunction and high mortality is aggravated by acute lung injury (ALI). Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed to encounter sepsis-mediated ALI. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a naturally occurring phenolic acid with various biological and pharmacological activities. PCA is abundant in edible plants including Allium cepa L., Oryza sativa L., Hibiscus sabdariffa, Prunus domestica L., and Eucommia ulmoides. In this investigation we studied the potential protective role of pure PCA (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) on LPS-mediated septic lung injury in mice through examining oxidative challenge, inflammatory response, apoptotic events and histopathological changes in addition to evaluating the levels and mRNA expression of heat shock protein 70, C/EBP homologous protein and high mobility group box1 in the lung tissue. The recorded results showed that PCA pre-administration was able to significantly abrogate the damages in the lung tissue associated septic response. This protective effect comes from its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, suggesting that PCA may be applied to alleviate ALI associated with the development of sepsis.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infection that mainly affects the respiratory system of patients. To date, more than 10 million people have been affected by this virus, and Saudi Arabia has also reported over 210 million cases. At present, there is no established treatment for COVID-19. Vaccination is one of the ways to defeat the pandemic. Recent reports have indicated rare but serious adverse events after vaccination, causing an anxious response from the general public worldwide. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine among the Saudi population. This study is a cross-sectional, web-based online survey conducted using a snowball sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire prepared in Arabic and English was used to collect feedback from the general population on their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants (n = 2022) from different regions of the country replied to the questions. The responses to the questions were recorded on a spreadsheet and analyzed using the SPSS software. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and non-parametric tests to draw conclusions about the results. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the knowledge, attitude, and perception scores and the demographic variables. p &lt, 0.05 was used to indicate the significance of the data. The data from the study indicated that most of the participants were males (81%), between 18 and 59 years of age (85.9%), Saudi nationals (98.3%), and possessed graduation or above as a qualification (62.9%). The results suggest that a major portion of respondents have satisfactory knowledge (76%), a positive attitude (72.4%), and perception (71.3%) towards the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Their responses can be categorized as between ‘good’ and ‘fair’. However, 30–40% of respondents lacked information about COVID-19 vaccination availability for under 18-year-olds as well as for pregnant women, in addition to the lack of knowledge about the serious unreported adverse reactions and long-term protection offered by the vaccine against coronavirus. The correlation analysis between the variables (p &gt, 0.05) indicated that the response to the KAP domains has no direct relationship. The survey results suggest that most of the Saudi population has sound knowledge and a positive attitude and perception. Since the COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in pregnancy and above 12-year-old children by health authorities, the lack of information shown by a significant percentage of participants requires strategies to update this information. Awareness programs targeting all sections of the population must be continued to provide all the updates, including vaccinations for pregnant women and children.

Acid soil is a hindrance to agricultural productivity and a threat to food and environmental security. Research was carried out to assess the impact of lime and organic manure (OM) amendments on yield and nutrient uptake by using the T. Aman-Maize-Fallow cropping pattern in acid soils. The experiment was set up in an RCBD design and used nine treatments and three replications. The treatments, comprising of various doses of lime, OM (cow dung and poultry manure), and a lime-OM combination, were applied to the first crop, T. Aman (Binadhan 7), and in the next crop, maize (BARI Hybrid Maize-9), the residual impacts of the treatments were assessed. Results demonstrate that the highest grain yield, 4.84 t ha−1 (13.61% increase over control) was recorded for T. Aman and 8.38 t ha−1 (58.71% increase over control) for maize, was achieved when dololime was applied in combination with poultry manure. The total rice equivalent yield increase over the control ranged from 20.5% to 66.1%. The application of lime with cow dung or poultry manure considerably enhanced N, P, K, and S content and uptake in both crops, compared to the control. Thus, it may be inferred that using dololime in association with poultry manure can increase crop productivity in acid soils.

In the eastern part of India, rice as the most vital staple food crop supports as well the livelihood security of a vast population. Rice is mostly grown under conventional flooded culture without proper nutrient management. Crop performance, water productivity and economic profitability of rice cultivation need to be assessed under water-saving rice production methodologies with proper integrated plant nutrient management strategies using locally available low-cost nutrient sources. A field trial was conducted at the Adaptive Research Farm, Polba (58.57 m msl), Agriculture Department, West Bengal, India, during the rainy/wet seasons of 2014 and 2015 under aerobic culture, the system of rice intensification (SRI) and conventional flooded culture. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of integrated plant nutrition and water-saving rice production methodologies on the crop performance and water productivity of rice and analyse the economic profitability of rice under different nutritional management and crop production methods such as aerobic culture, conventional flooded and SRI with an objective of sustainability in rice cultivation in the agroclimatic region. The results revealed that crop productivity significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varied from 4.68 t ha−1 (average yield recorded under aerobic culture) to 6.21 t ha−1 (average yield as achieved under SRI). Cultivation of rice under aerobic and conventional culture resulted in 24.6% and 20.9% yield reduction respectively as compared to SRI. Integrating 75% of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through chemicals with 25% RDN from vermicompost resulted in maximum crop productivity irrespective of crop culture. Aerobic rice culture registered maximum water economy in terms of both irrigation water productivity and total productivity. The study concludes that, for maximization of economic profitability, value cost ratio and partial factor productivity of nutrients the SRI method can be adopted along with integrated nutrient management (75% of RDN through chemicals with 25% RDN from vermicompost) in the lower Indo-Gangetic Plain Zone (IGPZ) of West Bengal, India.

Background and objective Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by ‘severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2′ (SARS-CoV-2), first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, which eventually became a global disaster. Various key mediators have been reported in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. However, no effective pharmacological intervention has been available to combat COVID-19 complications. The present study screens nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as potential inhibitors of this present generation coronavirus infection using an in-silico approach. Materials and methods The SARS-CoV-2 proteins (nucleocapsid, proteases, post-fusion core, phosphatase, endoriboruclease) and ACE-2 protein were selected. The 2D structure of nicotinamide ribonucleoside and nicotinamide ribonucleotide was drawn using ChemDraw 14.0 and saved in .cdx format. The results were analyzed using two parameters: full fitness energy and binding free energy (ΔG). Results The full fitness energy and estimated ΔG values from docking of NM, and NMN with selected SARS-CoV-2 target proteins, ADMET prediction and Target prediction indicate the interaction of NR and NMN in the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusions Based on full fitness energy and estimated ΔG values from docking studies of NM and NAM with selected SARS-CoV-2 target proteins, ADME prediction, target prediction and toxicity prediction, we expect a possible therapeutic efficacy of NR in the treatment of COVID-19.

Very little is known about the changes that occur in soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) under an intensive rice-based cropping system following the change to minimal tillage and increased crop residue retention in the Gangetic Plains of South Asia. The field experiment was conducted for 3 years at Rajbari, Bangladesh to examine the impact of tillage practices and crop residue retention on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. The experiment comprised four tillage practices—conventional tillage (CT), zero tillage (ZT), strip-tillage (ST), and bed planting (BP) in combination with two residue retention levels—increased residue (R50%) and low residue (R20%—the current practice). The TN, SOC, and mineral N (NH4+-N and NO3−-N) were measured in the soil at different crop growth stages. After 3 years, ZT, ST, and BP sequestered 12, 11, and 6% more SOC, and 18, 13, and 10% more TN, respectively than the conventional crop establishment practice at 0–5 cm soil depth. The accumulation of SOC and TN was also higher compared to the initial SOC and TN in soil. Among the tillage practices, the maximum SOC and TN sequestration were recorded with ST and with R50% that might be attributed to reduced mineralization of C and N in soil particularly with increased residue retention, since decay rates of potentially mineralizable C was lower in the ST with both the residue retention practices. Increased residue retention and minimum tillage practices after nine consecutive crops has altered the C and N cycling by slowing the in-season turnover of C and N, reducing the level of nitrate-N available to plants in the growing season and increasing retained soil levels of SOC and TN.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced COVID-19, a novel coronavirus outbreak, as a pandemic in 2020. In the month of February 2020, the disease began to spread through the Middle East. The first case of COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was identified in March 2020, and it is now one of the region’s most affected countries. Analyzing the disease’s propagation pattern may aid in the development of pandemic-fighting strategies. This study aims to analyze the trend of COVID-19’s spread, its recovery, and mortality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Two to three major cities from the 13 provinces of the country were chosen, and the rate of infection recovery was recorded from the first month until the number of confirmed cases showed a decline. The data published on the official Ministry of Health website were recorded on an Excel sheet, graphically represented as figures to indicate the pattern of spread. According to the study’s findings, COVID-19 positive cases were discovered in the majority of provinces as early as March 2020. The province of Makkah had the largest number of COVID-19 positive cases (30.7%), followed by Riyadh (23%). The province of Al Jowf had the lowest number of COVID-19 cases (0.3%). Tabuk province had the highest rate of recovery (97.8%), followed by the Northern Border Province (96.7%). Makkah province had the highest mortality rate (2.6%), followed by Al Jawf province (2.4%). The peak case–fatality ratio was recorded in August and September. The highest number of tests to detect the COVID-19 was performed in the month of July, and the highest percentage of positive cases was detected in June (19.55%). All the provinces from the month of September 2020 showed a progressive decline in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. According to this study, COVID-19 infection was found in the majority of Saudi Arabian provinces in March 2020, with a peak in June–July 2020. Considering the climatic and demographic characteristics of the region, specific modalities need to be adopted in collaboration with international guidelines to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furathiocarb is a carbamate insecticide detected in ecosystems. Its main metabolite carbofuran has been alluded to affect birth outcomes and disturb hormone levels in humans. The metabolism of furathiocarb in humans has not been characterized. The metabolism studies were performed using hepatic microsomes from ten donors and fifteen human cDNA-expressed CYPs. The initial screening and identification of the metabolites were performed by LC-TOF. Quantifications and fragmentations were performed by LC/MS-MS. Furathiocarb was metabolized to eight phase I metabolites via two general pathways, carbofuran metabolic pathway and furathiocarb oxidation pathway. Six metabolites in the carbofuran metabolic pathway (carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, 3-ketocarbofuran, 3-keto-7-phenolcarbofuran, 3-hydroxy-7-phenolcarbofuran, and 7-phenolcarbofuran) were identified with the help of authentic standards. The two unidentified metabolites in the furathiocarb oxidation pathway are probably hydroxylated and sulfoxidated derivatives of furathiocarb. The carbofuran metabolic pathway was more predominant than the furathiocarb oxidation pathway, ratios ranged from 24- to 115-fold in a 10-donor panel of hepatic microsomes. On the basis of recombinant CYP studies, the carbofuran pathway was dominated by CYP3A4 (95.9%); contributions by CYP1A2 (1.3%) and CYP2B6 (2.0%) were minor. The minor furathiocarb oxidation pathway was catalyzed by CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 (hydroxylated/sulfoxidated metabolite A) and by CYP3A5, CYP3A4 and CYP2A6 (metabolite B). High and significant correlation between carbofuran metabolic pathway and CYP3A4 marker activities (midazolam-1'-hydroxylation and omeprazole-sulfoxidation) were observed. Ketoconazole, a CYP3A4-inhibitor, inhibited the carbofuran pathway by 32-86% and hydroxylated/sulfoxidated metabolite-B formations by 41-62%. The data suggest that in humans, the carbofuran metabolic pathway is dominant, and CYP3A4 is the major enzyme involved. These results provide useful scientific information for furathiocarb risk assessment in humans.

Furathiocarb is a carbamate insecticide found in marine ecosystems as well as river water and sediments. The aim of this study was to characterize species differences in the

Background & objectives: Dodonaea viscosa is one of the natural medications utilized in Saudi Arabia for treatment of several diseases and disorders. Prior investigations have revealed its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the present study, the chloroform and methanolic extracts of Dodonaea viscosa were formulated as ointments using the emulsifying base and its wound healing property was determined in animal models. Materials and methods: The dried leaves of Dodonaea viscosa was macerated in methanol and chloroform solvents to obtain respective solvent extracts. Both the extracts were subjected for phytochemical investigation. A 10% w/w herbal ointment of the extracts were formulated and their physicochemical properties; color and odor, loss on drying, pH, and spreadability were evaluated. Further, both the formulations were tested for stability studies. The wound healing activity of individual herbal formulations were studied in Sprague Dawley rats using incision and excision wound models. The application of ointment was done topically once every day up to the end of the healing of the wound. The epithelization period in the excision wound model and tensile strength in the incision wound model were assessed to determine the wound-healing effects. Results: Methanolic and chloroform extracts of Dodonaea viscosa leaves have flavonoids and saponins in addition to other phytochemicals. All the evaluated physicochemical properties of both the formulations were within ideal cutoff points and they remained stable. In comparison with control and base groups, methanolic extract formulation took significantly (p

The formulator of aquatic diets is part of a continuous search for alternative protein sources instead of depreciated fish meal. The utilization of zooplankton as a feed ingredient is an interesting trend due to their high-quality protein content and abundance of essential nutrients. The current study aims to investigate the effects of partial and total replacement of fish meal (FM) by Dahpnia magna meal (DMM) on growth performance, feed utilization, histological, and economic status of mullet, M. cephalus, larvae. In addition to the control diet, 100% FM, D0, four diets containing DMM at different levels were used: 25% (D25), 50% (D50), 75% (D75), and 100% (D100) replacement of fish meal. A total of 300 larvae (0.097 ± 0.001 g) were equally divided into five groups (three replicate per each group) at a density of 200 larvae m−3. The aquariums were renewed at a rate of 30% daily. During the 60-day experimental period, all larvae were fed their respective diets at a level of 20% of live body weight, five times a day (9.00 a.m., 12.00, 15.00, 18.00, and 21.00 p.m.). The results indicated that compared to D0, fish fed D75 recorded the highest significant value of growth, and feed utilization parameters, while fish fed D100 achieved the lowest feed cost and incidence cost, and the highest profit index and economic efficiency ratio. A strong correlation was reported among weight gain, feed conversion ratio and fish meal replacement with DMM, R2 = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively. The fit regression model representing mullet response to FM replacement with DMM is a poly-nominal regression model with maximum response at 75–100%. The histological investigation of the intestine revealed an improvement of histomorphometric indices and goblet cell number with increasing DMM inclusion levels. These findings confirmed that 75% to 100% partial substitution of FM with DMM is the ideal replacement for mullet, M. cephalus, larvae for improving fish growth performance and feed utilization.

In most of the world, wheat is one of the main staple foods, and is also widely used in livestock feed. In the current study, we investigated the effects of wheat grain consumption on the rat behavior and neurogenesis markers. Thirty male rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 10). Group 1 was the control group fed with chow diet (Carbohydrates 63%, fat 13% and protein 24%), the Group 2 rats were fed with whole grains and the Group 3 rats were fed with refined grains. After 12 weeks, we measured the hippocampal and prefrontal cortical brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Also, we evaluated the rat behavior by forced swimming test (FST) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Additionally, we measured serum level of glucose, lipid profile, insulin and cortisol. Weight gain at the end of the study was measured in each group. The rats on a diet of whole and refined grains had low BDNF, NT-3, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin significantly (p < .01) in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex as compared to control rats. Moreover, the MDA increased significantly with significant reduction in GSH versus the control rats. Moreover, in response to grain consumption, the performance in FST showed a significant (p < .01) shortage in the latency of the attempts to escape as well as a significant prolongation (p < .01) in behavioral immobility as compared to control rats with significant (p < .05) prolongation in time spent in closed arm in EPM. An exclusive diet of either whole or refined grain in a rat model induced anxiety and depressive behaviors and negatively affected the BDNF and NT-3 and modulated the level of the neurotransmitters with significant shift in their behavior. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Grains are considered the major caloric source all over the world that may predispose to the development of chronic diseases. In this research, we evaluated the role of grains in modulating the rate of production of neurogenic factors in rats.

World Health Organization classified Listeria monocytogenes as a major notable foodborne pathogen associated with high mortality and hospitalization. The study reports the prevalence, antibiogram, virulence determination and genetic characterization of L. monocytogenes from different food products. A total of 250 food samples, fifty samples each from raw milk, ice cream, minced meat, fish fillet and sausage were collected from the Menoufiya governorate in Egypt. L. monocytogenes was detected in 17 (6.8%) of the tested food samples including minced meat (14%), fish fillet (8%), sausage (6%) and raw milk (6%). The antimicrobial susceptibility assay of 17 L. monocytogenes isolates against seventeen antibiotics belonging to eight antibiotics classes revealed a high susceptibility to norfloxacin (82.3%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (76.4%), cefotaxime (70.5%), erythromycin (64.6%), amoxicillin (64.6%), gentamicin (58.7%) and vancomycin (58.7%). While, high resistance was observed against oxytetracycline (76.4%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (76.4%), chloramphenicol (70.5%), doxycycline (64.6%), levofloxacin (41.2%) and azithromycin (41.2%). Of note, all L. monocytogenes isolates were multidrug-resistant. The multiplex PCR successfully amplified L. monocytogenes in all tested isolates. Screening of the five virulence-related genes revealed the hlyA and iap as the most prevalent genes followed by actA gene, however, the inlA and prfA genes were not detected in any of the studied isolates. The partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing of three L. monocytogenes isolates showed a high nucleotide similarity (99.1–99.8%) between the study isolates and various global clones, and phylogenetic analysis clustered these L. monocytogenes strains with other Listeria species including L. welshimeri, L. seeligeri and L. innocua. This study demonstrates the impact of L. monocytogenes as a major contaminant of various food products and suggests more attention to the awareness and hygienic measures in the food industry.

Background & Objectives In late December 2019, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS COV-2) occurred in the city of Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei province in the central part of the People’s Republic of China ( Ren et al., 2020 ). In Saudi Arabia, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in March 2, 2020. In March 8, 2020, the Saudi authorities adopted the lockdown strategy to contain the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the various phases of the lockdown strategy in Saudi Arabia and its impact on the basic reproductive number (R0) of the COVID-19 outbreak. Material and Methods The timeline of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia was divided into three-time intervals. Google Mobility Community Reports (2020) was used to estimate the changes in community mobility during the various phases of the lockdown. The basic reproductive number (R0) of the COVID-19 outbreak was calculated daily using the Susceptible, Infected and Recovered (SIR) model based on the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) daily reports. This is a standard system to determine the spread of the virus on the basis of infection rate, quarantine rate as well as confirmation rate. The mean values of the calculated R0 during each interval were compared using one-way ANOVA test. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the mean values of the different phases of the lockdown (P > 0.05). Moreover, mean R0 value of the second interval was 0.09 higher than the initial interval with free community mobility. Furthermore, the mean R0 values of the third interval with the full lockdown was 0.28 higher than the initial interval. Conclusion Early implementation of lockdown strategy combined with other social distancing strategies help in containing infectious outbreaks in their early phases. Continuous assessment of such strategies’ effectiveness provides decision makers with precious information needed to justify their application when considering their economic impact.

Burullus Lake is Egypt’s second most important coastal lagoon. The present study aimed to shed light on the different types of polluted waters entering the lake from various drains, as well as to evaluate the zooplankton community, determine the physical and chemical characteristics of the waters, and study the eutrophication state based on three years of seasonal monitoring from 2017 to 2019 at 12 stations. The results revealed that Rotifera, Copepoda, Protozoa, and Cladocera dominated the zooplankton population across the three-year study period, with a total of 98 taxa from 59 genera and 10 groups detected in the whole-body lake in 2018 and 2019, compared to 93 species from 52 genera in 2017. Twelve representative surface water samples were collected from the lake to determine physicochemical parameters, i.e., temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia-N, nitrate–N, nitrate-N, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved reactive phosphorus, and chlorophyll-a, as well as Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb ions. Based on the calculations of the water quality index (WQI), the lake was classified as having good water quality. However, the trophic state is ranked as hyper-eutrophic and high trophic conditions.

Oxidative stress is a physiological imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify these products. Oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation is one of the late biological effects of radiation. The aim of this study was to assess the protective role of Angelica archangelica and Ginkgo biloba extracts, which are commonly used as antioxidants in counteracting effects related to functional and non-functional hemoglobin derivative concentrations, as well as the rate of hemoglobin autoxidation before exposing rabbits to ionizing radiation. The experimental design included four groups of rabbits: a control group that did not receive gallium or antioxidants, Group 1, which received 68Ga isotope as a source of ionizing radiation with no prior treatment, Groups 2 and 3, which received A. archangelica and G. biloba root powder water extracts, respectively, for seven days prior to irradiation, and Group 4, which received a combined dose of both antioxidants, A. archangelica and G. biloba, prior to irradiation, with the same dose, time, and duration as used in Groups 2 and 3. The results demonstrate that both antioxidants had the ability to counteract oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation, as well as to reduce the hemoglobin autoxidation rate. A synergistic effect was revealed when using a combined dose of both antioxidants at the same concentrations, times, and durations. A lower rate of free radical formation was also recorded, reflected by a reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activity. The data here presented support the radioprotective role of both investigated antioxidants.

This study was conducted to determine the potential interaction of aged garlic extract (AGE) with carvedilol (CAR), as well as to investigate the role of S-allyl-l-cysteine (SAC), an active constituent of AGE, in rats with isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial dysfunction. At the end of three weeks of treatment with AGE (2 and 5 mL/kg) or SAC (13.1 and 32.76 mg/kg), either alone or along with CAR (10 mg/kg) in the respective groups of animals, ISO was administered subcutaneously to induce myocardial damage. Myocardial infarction (MI) diagnostic predictor enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine kinase (CK-MB), were measured in both serum and heart tissue homogenates (HTH). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) were estimated in HTH. When compared with other groups, the combined therapy of high doses of AGE and SAC given alone or together with CAR caused a significant decrease in serum LDH and CK-MB activities. Further, significant rise in the LDH and CK-MB activities in HTH was noticed in the combined groups of AGE and SAC with CAR. It was also observed that both doses of AGE and SAC significantly increased endogenous antioxidants in HTH. Furthermore, histopathological observations corroborated the biochemical findings. The cytoprotective potential of SAC and AGE were dose-dependent, and SAC was more potent than AGE. The protection offered by aged garlic may be attributed to SAC. Overall, the results indicated that a high dose of AGE and its constituent SAC, when combined with carvedilol, has a synergistic effect in preventing morphological and physiological changes in the myocardium during ISO-induced myocardial damage.

This study aimed to synthesize quinolinone derivatives and investigate their cytotoxic activity. The compound 1-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid (2-oxo-1H-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid) was obtained via the cyclocondensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with diethyl malonate in base catalyst to give ethyl coumarin-3-carboxylate, followed by the ammonolysis of ester (ethyl coumarin-3-carboxylate) with ammonia in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. Treatment of 2-oxo-1H-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid with acetic anhydride, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and methyl 5-phenyl-2-cyano-2,4-pentadienoate under different conditions led to the formation of 1 (substituted) aza coumarin-3-carboxylic acids (1-N-(acetyl)-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid, 1-N-(2-Formyl-1-phenyl) vinyl-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acids, 1-N-[2-(Hydroxy) carbonyl-1-(Phenyl) vinyl]-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acid and 1-N-(4-Cyano-5-methoxy-5-oxo-1-Phenylpenta-1,3-diene-1-y)-azacoumarin-3-carboxylic 284 acid), respectively. The structures of synthesized 1-(substituted) azacoumarin-3-carboxylic acids were confirmed based on spectroscopic methods (IR and NMR), along with elemental analyses. Interestingly compound 6 demonstrated probable impacts as an anti-cancer drug against the MCF-7 cell line. The mechanism of action was assessed using a flow cytometric assay. The outcomes revealed that compound 6 could arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase and pre-G1 apoptosis.

Background: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Saudi Arabia is predicted to exceed 30% by 2030. NAFLD leads to liver fibrosis, thus increasing morbidity and health care burden. Obesity and diabetes have been strongly associated with NAFLD in different cities in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: Therefore, we aim to determine the prevalence rate of NAFLD and specific risk factors for NAFLD among patients of tertiary care hospital of Taif city. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients for two years, between Feb 2017 and Feb 2019, (n = 100) referred to the hepatology clinic at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on the radiology report for patients who were aged >20 years old. Other parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG), platelets count, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bilirubin were statistically analyzed. Results: We found that 40% (P

The modern broiler industry faces huge challenges to keep high production quality and quantity, especially under environmental heat stress conditions. The negative effect of heat stress on broiler productivity is mediated by oxidative stress induction. The blue-green alga (Spirulina platensis) has many applications in poultry nutrition with the high levels of bioactive antioxidant compounds, which can alleviate the oxidative stress damage induced by high ambient temperature. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary Spirulina inclusion at different levels on growth performance, redox status, carcass traits, meat quality, blood hematology, and metabolites profile of broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress. A total of 300 one-day-old Cobb-500 broiler chicks were recruited. Starting from day 21 to 42 of age, birds were randomly divided into five treatment groups with 6 replicates × 10 birds per group, where the first one was provided with the basal diet and reared under normal thermal conditions (23 ± 1 °C) to serve as a negative control. Meanwhile, the other four groups were exposed to cyclic heat stress (34 ± 1 °C for 8 h per day) and were fed a basal diet supplemented with Spirulina at a concentration of 0, 0.5, 1 or 1.5%. Spirulina supplementation to heat-stressed broilers was able to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on the final average daily gain, body weight and feed conversion ratio, with the best impact observed among the chickens fed 1% Spirulina. Hematological results indicate increasing hemoglobin and hematocrit levels with Spirulina supplementation compared to the non-supplemented stressed group. Further, Spirulina supplementation significantly influenced blood lipid metabolites marked by reduced serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. The lipid peroxidation level was reduced (p &lt, 0.05), while the antioxidant enzyme activity was increased with Spirulina supplementation to the heat-stressed group. Spirulina supplementation at 0.5 or 1% improved carcass dressing, breast and leg percentages. It can be concluded that dietary Spirulina supplementation at 0.5 or 1% to broiler reared under heat stress conditions can effectively improve broiler production performance and balance the redox status.

Substance-use disorder is globally prevalent and responsible for numerous social and medical problems. Pregabalin (Lyrica), typically used to treat diabetic neuropathy, has recently emerged as a drug of abuse. Drug abuse is associated with several neuronal changes, including the downregulation of glutamate transporters such as glutamate transporter 1 and cystine/glutamate antiporter. We investigated the effects of N-acetylcysteine, a glutamate transporter 1 and xCT upregulator, on pregabalin addiction using a conditioned place preference paradigm. Pregabalin (60 mg/kg) was found to induce conditioned place preference when compared to a vehicle. A 100 mg/kg dose of N-acetylcysteine was found to block pregabalin-seeking behaviors. These results support previous findings showing that glutamate transporters play an important role in pregabalin-induced seeking behaviors. N-acetylcysteine may represent a beneficial agent in preventing the abuse potential of pregabalin.

In agriculture, gibberellic acid (GA3) is commonly used with extreme dangers for public health. The current research evaluates the improving effects of n-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 150 mg/kg bw) co-administered with GA3 (55 mg/kg bw) mediated testicular injury. Twenty-four male albino rats were split into 4 groups: Negative control (CNT), NAC group, positive GA3 group and protective group, co-administered NAC plus GA3. On day 21, rats were anesthetised then euthanised by decapitation. Blood samples were collected; testicular samples were taken for semen analysis, serum chemistry, RNA extraction, histological and antioxidants markers examination. Our results revealed a significant decline p < .05 of catalase level and total antioxidant capacity. There was a substantial rise of MDA concentration in GA3-treated rats along with a considerable decrease of the antioxidant markers (SOD, GSH) and serum male reproductive hormones. In GA3-treated rats, an overexpression of the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with boost mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa (NFk B) were confirmed. There was downregulation of steroidogenesis genes and decrease in sperm quality and concentration with an increase in sperm abnormalities, all were reported in GA3-treated rats. NAC treatment significantly increased the antioxidant state, testicular function beside structural germ cell and seminiferous tubules histology accompanied by upsurge of steroidogenic mRNA expressions (P450scc and 3β-HSD) and downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression (TNF-α, IL-1β). These results confirm the antioxidant capability of NAC and afford robust evidence about the ameliorative effect of the NAC to attenuate the testicular injury induced by GA3 through modulation of the antioxidant defence system, steroidogenic and pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression.

The extensive usage of gibberellic acid (GA3) in agriculture and plant growth is generally associated with enormous human and public health hazards. The present research assesses the impact of n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the hepatorenal injury persuaded by GA3 for this purpose, After two weeks of adaptation twenty-four rats allocated into four groups (6 rats/group) as follows: control group, supplied with saline only; n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) group, provided with 150 mg/kg/bw by stomach tube (orally) dissolved in saline; Positive GA3 group, received GA3 (55 mg/kg/bw) orally; Protective group received NAC (150 mg/kg/bw) and GA3 (55 mg/kg/bw) as in NAC and GA3 groups. Rats received their treatments for consecutive 3 weeks. On day 22, rats were anesthetized, then euthanized. Blood and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical, antioxidants markers analysis, gene expression, and histopathological examination. Our results revealed significant changes in serum AST, ALT, urea, uric acid, total protein, and albumin levels with a substantial rise of MDA and NO concentration in GA3 treated rats along with a considerable decrease of the GSH and overexpression of the inflammatory hepatic and renal cytokines (IL-10, TNF-α, NOS) and fibrotic gene expression TGF-β1, and α-SMA, with boost expression of nuclear factor-kappa (NFk B). NAC co-administered with GA3 significantly normalized the kidney and liver function and the antioxidant state, besides normal histological structure of both liver and kidney tissue and downregulated expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as, fibrogenic gene expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The current study confirmed that GA3 induced hepto-renal dysfunction that was ameliorated by NAC administration. Moreover, our findings confirmed the antioxidant capability of n-acetyl cysteine and afford robust evidence about the ameliorative effect of the n-acetyl cysteine to attenuate the hepatorenal injury induced by gibberellic acid through modulation of the antioxidant defense system fibrogenic, and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression.

Background and objectives. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic illness related to numerous organ damage, dysfunctions, and renal malfunction. In diabetes, oxidative stress plays a crucial part in the biochemical and pathological alterations linked to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). In this study, an effort was made to evaluate the possible interaction of garlic (Allium sativum) (250 mg/kg) with the biguanide derivative, metformin (MET) (70 mg/kg), on IRI induced myocardial dysfunction in the isolated rat heart. Methods. The study was undertaken on both normoglycemic and alloxan (90 mg/kg) induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats weighing 150–250 g. At the completion of the treatment phase (30 days for garlic, 250 mg/kg, oral; 10 days for MET, 70 mg/kg, oral), rats were anesthetized and mounted on the modified Langendorff’s apparatus. IRI was produced by myocardial no-flow global ischemia. Developed tension (DT) and heart rate (HR) were recorded both before and after ischemia. The perfusate was collected to estimate the leakage of cardiac biomarkers (Creatine Kinase-MB: CK-MB and Lactate dehydrogenase: LDH). Hearts were removed from the setup and utilized to prepare heart tissue homogenate (HTH) and histological slides. The endogenous antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), in addition to oxidative thiobarbituric acid substances (TBS), were estimated in HTH. Results. The hemodynamic parameters, including percentage recovery in HR and DT, were found significantly higher in animals pretreated with garlic and MET in diabetic rats (DR). Both SOD and CAT enzyme activities increased significantly while TBS levels were reduced in the HTH of animals treated with garlic and MET. The cardiac markers CK-MB and LDH levels also increased in HTH with a corresponding decrease in the perfusate. The histopathological changes in the heart and pancreas demonstrated noticeable protection of the tissues due to pretreatment with garlic and MET. Taken together, these findings advocate that reactive oxygen species derived from hyperglycemia execute an important function in myocardial global IRI; the therapy of garlic homogenate was found to be effective in alleviating these toxic effects. Conclusion. The combined therapy of MET and garlic provided synergistic cardioprotection, implying that garlic seems to possess promise in lowering toxic parameters by protecting diabetic induced myocardial injury.

The solid adducts of SnCl2.(3amt).H2O, SnCl2.2(3amt).H2O, CdCl2.(3amt), CdCl2.2(3amt), SnCl2.(2mct).0.5H2O, SnCl2.2(2mct), CdCl2.(2mct), CdCl2.2(2mct).H2O, SnCl2.(2mcp).1.5H2O, >2.2(2mcp).4H2O, CdCl2.(2mcp), CdCl2.2(2mcp), SnCl2.(4amt).4H2O, SnCl2.2(4amt).1.5H2O, CdCl2.(4amt).H2O, and CdCl2.2(4amt) (where the 3amt, 4amt, 2mct, and 2mcp represent 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 2-mercaptothiazoline, and 2-mercaptopyridine simple organic chelates, respectively) were prepared using a solid-state route and investigated by CHN elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, we investigated the thermogravimetric characterization and antimicrobial proprieties. It is verified that for 3amt and 4amt adducts, the coordination occurs through nitrogen atom. For 2mct compounds, the coordination occurs through nitrogen (Sn) or sulfur (Cd). For 2mcp adducts, both coordination sites nitrogen and sulfur are involved. By examination of TG curves, it is confirmed that for each hydrated compounds, the first mass loss step is linked with the release of water molecules followed by the release of ligand molecules and sublimation of the metal chloride. Furthermore, it is verified that, considering only the release of ligand molecules (3amp, 4amp, 2mct, or 2mcp), the cadmium adducts are always more stable than the correspondent tin adducts probably due to the formation of cross-linking bonds in these compounds. Finally, of these 16 adducts, 14 showed antimicrobial activities against different bacterial and fungal strains.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a chief proinflammatory cytokine with a significant role in the immune response against viral infections. Today there is increasing evidence about the association between individual genetic polymorphisms and cytokines in predicting HBV infection susceptibility.This study aimed to investigate the association between IFN-γ gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to hepatitis B viral infection (HBV), and the impact of these genetic polymorphisms on IFN-γ production. IFN-γ (+874A/T, rs2430561, and +2109A/G, rs1861494) was genotyped by single-stranded polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) in 126 Egyptians with chronic HBV infection and in 100 healthy control subjects. The plasma levels of IFN-γ were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Compared to the control subjects there was a slight increase in +874TT genotype frequency in HBV patients. However, no statistical significance in IFN-γ (+874A/T and +2109A/G) genotype/allele distribution was demonstrated, indicating the lack of association between these SNPs and susceptibility to HBV infection. In +2109A/G, only AG genotype was observed with a complete abrogation of GG and AA genotypes. Haplotypes between different loci on selected genes showed insignificant changes in their frequency in patients and control subjects. HBV patients had a significantly higher level of IFN-γ (P0.001) compared to controls. The maximum significant increase in IFN-γ production was observed in subjects harboring the +874TA genotype.As no association could be characterized between the polymorphism in IFN-γ (+874A/T and +2109A/G) and susceptibility to chronic HBV infection, our data support the concept that IFN-γ gene polymorphisms are not predictors of HBV susceptibility in this segment of the Egyptian population.

Background and objective Radiation exposure can cause several harmful effects in biological systems due to free radical production. Several antioxidants have been tested as potential hepatoprotective agents against ionizing radiation as they lower oxidative stress in normal cells induced by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible ameliorative effects of Juniperus phoenicea L. Materials and methods Aqueous leaves extract on different biochemical and histopathological parameters against whole body gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative stress, organ dysfunction and metabolic disturbances in experimental Swiss Albino rats. After a single dose of gamma-radiation (6 Gy), there was a significant reduction in albumin, total protein and globulin levels and a significant increase in the liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and GGT) and lipid profile parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) in gamma-irradiated rats unlike in normal controls. Results The gamma-irradiated rats pre-treated with J. phoenicea leaf extracts, however, showed a significant increase in albumin, total protein and globulin levels and a significant reduction in liver enzymes and lipid profile parameters as opposed to the untreated ones. The gamma-irradiated rats showed toxic changes in the liver, whereas, the rats pre-treated with J. phoenicea leaves extract demonstrated a protective effect. Additionally, gamma- irradiation caused myocardial degenerative changes, interstitial edema between muscle fibers, necrosis and inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrotic and cellular damages to the heart, but J. phoenicea leaves extract were found to ameliorate the gamma-irradiation-induced changes in the heart. Conclusion The results suggested that treatment with J. phoenicea leaves extract is possibly safe and can ameliorate gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative damage and tissue injury in rats. The leaves of J. phoenicea could serve as a potential source of therapeutic antioxidants.

The Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) (GBS) is one of the natural flora bacteria in the female reproductive system. In the recent years, GBS has become the major bacterial infections throw the perinatal period causing many troubles. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and antibiotic genes of GBS colonization in pregnant women of obstetrics hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Fourteen Streptococcus agalactiae isolates obtained after screening about 134 swabs samples from genitourinary tract specimens of women patients from obstetrics hospital in Taif governorate, Saudi Arabia. These isolates were studied for antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. All obtained isolates were identified as Streptococcus agalactiae by the 16S rDNA gene sequence. These strains were found by Disc diffusion method sensitive against Meropenem, Cefotaxime, Cefepime, Amoxicillin, Penicillin G, Daptomycin, Chloramphenicol, Linezolid and Levofloxacin. The highest resistance was for Tetracyclin (85.7%) whereas the lowest resistance was found for Vancomycin (21.4%). Resistance against Erythromycin and Clindamycin was 71.5%, and 28.5% respectively. PCR based detection revealed 50% of isolates were carrying the tetT genes, while 92.8% of isolates were carrying tetO and tetM genes associated with Tetracycline resistance. All isolates were harboring genes that associated with Erythromycin resistance like ErmB1, ErmB2, and Erm(A|TR) genes, but only 28.5% of isolates were carrying ErmTR gene. Molecular detection of virulence associated genes revealed that out of fourteen isolates of S. agalactiae, only one isolate was carrying the LinB gene, while all isolates were positive for MreA and VanA genes respectively. We can conclude that the GBS isolates were found sensitive to many antibiotic while most isolates were resistance to Tetracycline due to the existence of tetO and tetM genes. Resistance against Erythromycin and Clindamycin was 71.5%, and 28.5% respectively. The two erythromycin resistance genes (ErmB and ErmTR) were found in all isolates, while, the third erythromycin resistance gene Erm(A|TR) was found only in 25.8% of the isolates.

Graphical abstract, Respiratory viruses represent a severe public health risk worldwide, and the research contribution to tackle the current pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 is one of the main targets among the scientific community. In this regard, experts from different fields have gathered to confront this catastrophic pandemic. This review illustrates how nanotechnology intervention could be valuable in solving this difficult situation, and the state of the art of Zn-based nanostructures are discussed in detail. For virus detection, learning from the experience of other respiratory viruses such as influenza, the potential use of Zn nanomaterials as suitable sensing platforms to recognize the S1 spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 are shown. Furthermore, a discussion about the antiviral mechanisms reported for ZnO nanostructures is included, which can help develop surface disinfectants and protective coatings. At the same time, the properties of Zn-based materials as supplements for reducing viral activity and the recovery of infected patients are illustrated. Within the scope of noble adjuvants to improve the immune response, the ZnO NPs properties as immunomodulators are explained, and potential prototypes of nanoengineered particles with metallic cations (like Zn2+) are suggested. Therefore, using Zn-associated nanomaterials from detection to disinfection, supplementation, and immunomodulation opens a wide area of opportunities to combat these emerging respiratory viruses. Finally, the attractive properties of these nanomaterials can be extrapolated to new clinical challenges.