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The effect of incorporating mealworm frass (MWF) in the diets of growing Gabaly rabbits on nutrient digestibility, live body weight and gain, properties of the carcass, and blood parameters was investigated. Fifty-two Gabaly rabbits (6 weeks old) were selected after weaning and divided into four groups in a random fashion (13 rabbits/group) based on their weights (653 ± 15 g). The experimental period extended from 6 to 15 weeks of age. Four isocaloric, isonitrogenous and isofibrous diets in pellet shape were formulated. Mealworm frass (MWF) was incorporated at levels of 0, 1, 2, and 3 % for rabbit groups: G0 (as a control), G1, G2, and G3. At the end of the feeding experiment period (15 weeks of age), digestibility trials were conducted to determine the nutrient digestibility and nutrition values of the experimental diets. Three rabbits were slaughtered from each group to determine the carcass traits and some blood parameters. The chemical composition MWF was recorded as dry matter 87.08-, organic matter 84.98-, crude protein 22.59-, crude fibre 17.62-, ether extract 2.78-, ash17.24-, and nitrogen-free extract 41.99- %. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fibre improved (P

The reaction of hydrazonoyl halides with different carbodithioate derivatives in the presence of triethylamine was studied, resulting in the synthesis of a series of unsymmetrical azine derivatives with yields ranging from 64 % to 80 %. The structures of these compounds were confirmed through spectroscopic analysis (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry) and elemental analysis. Quantum mechanical calculations were employed to gain deeper insights into the structural and electronic properties of these molecules. Notably, parameters such as heat of formation, net charges, and dipole moments were computed, revealing good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results. This correlation validates the theoretical calculations and further elucidates the stability and reactivity of the unsymmetrical azines. Molecular docking studies further revealed that compounds 5h and 5e achieved the highest docking scores, suggesting potential therapeutic applications. These results, supported by ADMET studies, indicate that substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole scaffolds hold promise for further development as therapeutic agents. This research advances the understanding of heterocyclic chemistry and underscores the potential for developing new compounds, providing promising opportunities for drug development.

BackgroundIn developing countries, institutional delivery is a key proven intervention that reduces maternal mortality and can reduce maternal deaths by approximately 16%–33%. In Somalia, only 32% of births are delivered in a health facility with the assistance of a skilled healthcare provider. We aimed to investigate the factors hindering women from giving birth at healthcare facilities in major towns in Somalia, where most of the health facilities in the country are concentrated.MethodsA community-based health survey was carried out in 11 major towns in Somalia between October and December 2021. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from 430 women who gave birth in the last five years. Women were recruited through convenient sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% CI were estimated to assess the associations.ResultsThe overall prevalence of institutional delivery was 57%. Approximately 38% of women living in Mogadishu and 53% living in another ten towns give birth at home. Women who had poor knowledge of the importance of health facility delivery had nearly four times higher odds of delivering at home (AOR 3.64 CI: 1.49–8.93). Similarly, those who did not receive antenatal care (AOR 2.5, CI: 1.02–6.39) and those who did not receive a consultation on the place of delivery (AOR 2.15, CI: 1.17–3.94) were more likely to give birth at home. The reasons for home delivery included financial reasons, the long distance to the health facility, and the fact that it was easier to give birth at home.ConclusionThe study found that home delivery is high in major towns in Somalia and is associated with a lack of understanding of the importance of health facility delivery, not using ANC, and not receiving consultancy about where to give birth. Primary health care should strengthen information, education, and communication activities. Since the health care system in Somalia is overwhelmingly private, the government may consider access to free and within-reach ANC and health facility delivery for women and girls from families who cannot pay the ANC and childbirth delivery cost.

Chicken anemia virus (CAV) is a widespread and economically significant pathogen in the poultry industry. In this study 110 samples were collected from various poultry farms in selected Egyptian provinces during 2021–2022 and were tested against CAV by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), revealing 22 positive samples with 20% incidence rate. Full sequence analysis of five selected CAV strains revealed genetic variations in VP1, VP2, and VP3 genes. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the Egyptian strains with reference viruses, mainly in group II, while vaccines like Del-Rose were categorized in group III. Recombination events were detected between an Egyptian strain (genotype II) and the Del-Rose vaccine strain (genotype III), indicating potential recombination between live vaccine strains and field isolates. To evaluate pathogenicity, one Egyptian isolate (F883-2022 CAV) and Del-Rose vaccine were tested in Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) chicks. Chicks in the positive group displayed clinical symptoms, including weakness and stunted growth, with postmortem findings consistent with CAV infection. The vaccine group showed milder symptoms and less severe postmortem changes. This study provides important insights into the genetic diversity of CAV in selected Egyptian poultry farms showing recombination event between field strain and vaccine strains, highlighting the need for advanced vaccination programs, especially for broilers.

IntroductionSkin injuries represent a prevalent form of physical trauma, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies to expedite the wound healing process. Hesperidin, a bioflavonoid naturally occurring in citrus fruits, exhibits a range of pharmacological attributes, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and analgesic properties. The main objective of the study was to formulate a hydrogel with the intention of addressing skin conditions, particularly wound healing.MethodsThis research introduces a methodology for the fabrication of a membrane composed of a Polyvinyl alcohol - Sodium Alginate (PVA/A) blend, along with the inclusion of an anti-inflammatory agent, Hesperidin (H), which exhibits promising wound healing capabilities. A uniform layer of a homogeneous solution comprising PVA/A was cast. The process of crosslinking and the enhancement of hydrogel characteristics were achieved through the application of gamma irradiation at a dosage of 30 kGy. The membrane was immersed in a Hesperidin (H) solution, facilitating the permeation and absorption of the drug. The resultant system is designed to deliver H in a controlled and sustained manner, which is crucial for promoting efficient wound healing. The obtained PVA/AH hydrogel was evaluated for cytotoxicity, antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities, anti-inflammatory and membrane stability effect. In addition, its action on oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers was evaluated on BJ-1 human normal skin cell line.Results and DiscussionWe determined the effect of radical scavenging activity PVA/A (49 %) and PVA/AH (87%), the inhibition of Human red blood cell membrane hemolysis by PVA/AH (81.97 and 84.34 %), hypotonicity (83.68 and 76.48 %) and protein denaturation (83.17 and 85.8 %) as compared to 250 μg/ml diclofenac (Dic.) and aspirin (Asp.), respectively. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed an increased expression of genes associated with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and downregulated TNFα, NFκB, iNOS, and COX2 by 67, 52, 58 and 60%, respectively, by PVA/AH hydrogel compared to LPS-stimulated BJ-1 cells. The advantages associated with Hesperidin can be ascribed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes. The incorporation of Hesperidin into hydrogels offers promise for the development of a novel, secure, and efficient strategy for wound healing. This innovative approach holds potential as a solution for wound healing, capitalizing on the collaborative qualities of PVA/AH and gamma irradiation, which can be combined to establish a drug delivery platform for Hesperidin.

IntroductionDeterioration of cognitive functions is commonly associated with aging, although there is wide variation in the onset and manifestation. Albeit heterogeneity in age-related cognitive decline has been studied at the cellular and molecular level, there is poor evidence for electrophysiological correlates. The aim of the current study was to address the electrophysiological basis of heterogeneity of cognitive functions in cognitively Inferior and Superior old (19-20 months) rats in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the hippocampus, having Young (12 weeks) rats as a control. The midbrain VTA operates as a hub amidst affective and cognitive facets, processing sensory inputs related to motivated behaviours and hippocampal memory. Increasing evidence shows direct dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic input from the VTA to the hippocampus.MethodsAged Superior and Inferior male rats were selected from a cohort of 88 animals based on their performance in a spatial learning and memory task. Using in vivo single-cell recording in the VTA, we examined the electrical activity of different neuronal populations (putative dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons). In the same animals, basal synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity were examined in hippocampal slices.ResultsElectrophysiological recordings from the VTA and hippocampus showed alterations associated with aging per se, together with differences specifically linked to the cognitive status of aged animals. In particular, the bursting activity of dopamine neurons was lower, while the firing frequency of glutamatergic neurons was higher in VTA of Inferior old rats. The response to high-frequency stimulation in hippocampal slices also discriminated between Superior and Inferior aged animals.DiscussionThis study provides new insight into electrophysiological information underlying compromised cerebral ageing. Further understanding of brain senescence, possibly related to neurocognitive decline, will help develop new strategies towards the preservation of a high quality of life.

Nitrogen and sulfur-containing heterocyclic aromatic derivatives play an enormous and important role in the field of medicine and in synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds. In this study, a series of new 2-[1-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinyl)-4-methyl-5-aryldiazinyl)-thiazole derivatives (9a–d) was synthesized by an efficient and convenient method by reacting hydrazonoyl chloride derivatives (4) with carbothioamide derivative (3). The structures of these compounds were elucidated using elemental analyses, spectroscopic analyses (IR, NMR, Mass spectrometer) and computational measurements. Density functional theory (DFT) is performed to get the optimized structures with minimization Energy. The main goal of preparing these compounds is to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activities after studying their molecular docking. The docking was performed on compounds (9a–d) against tyrosine kinase (PDB ID: 2HCK). The results revealed that all docked compounds (9a-d) have a higher binding energy, ranging from −7.56 to −8,89 kcal/mol. compared to the original ligand quercetin, which was −5.92 kcal/mol. Moreover, the results of antioxidant and anticancer activity assay methods demonstrated that the tested derivatives (9a-d) exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-tumor activities against HepG2 cell lines.

The essential enzyme cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a promising target for anticancer drug development due to its pivotal role in regulating the cell cycle. This study aimed to synthesize novel 3-thiazolyl-indole derivatives and assess their ability to inhibit CDK2 using molecular docking analyses. A series of these compounds was synthesized through a multistep approach, and various techniques, including NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry, were used for structural characterization. Prolonged molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to explore pharmacokinetics, toxicity profiles, binding interactions, and structural dynamics. Additionally, nine newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines (HepG2, MCF-7, and HCT-116) in comparison to cisplatin. The results revealed that compounds 5c, 5b, and 10b displayed favorable activities when compared to the reference drug. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of the most potent compounds (5a-c) was tested in an in vitro enzyme assay against CDK2. The findings indicated that several 3-thiazolyl-indole derivatives exhibited significant inhibitory activity against CDK2, with compound 5c being the most potent (IC50 value of 0.35 ± 1.07 µM compared to roscovitine's 0.39 ± 0.47 µM). Molecular docking revealed the compounds' binding modes in the CDK2 site. This research highlights the potential of 3-thiazolyl-indoles in anticancer drug development.

IntroductionAging is in general associated with a decline in cognitive functions. Looking more closely, there is a huge heterogeneity in the extent of cognitive (dys-)abilities in the aged population. It ranges from the population of resistant, resilient, cognitively unimpaired individuals to patients with severe forms of dementias. Besides the known genetic, environmental and life style factors that shape the cognitive (dys-)abilities in aging, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signals related to cognitive heterogeneity are completely unknown. One putative mechanism underlying cognitive heterogeneity might be neuroinflammation, exerted through microglia, the brain’s innate immune cells, as neuroinflammation is central to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, leukotrienes (LTs), i.e., small lipid mediators of inflammation produced by microglia along aging and neurodegeneration, got in the focus of geroscience as they might determine cognitive dysfunctions in aging.MethodsHere, we analyzed the brain’s expression of key components of the LT synthesis pathway, i.e., the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox), the key enzyme in LT production, and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) in young and aged rats. More specifically, we used a cohort of rats, which, although grown up and housed under identical conditions, developed into aged cognitively unimpaired and aged cognitively impaired traits.ResultsExpression of 5-Lox was increased within the brain of aged rats with the highest levels detected in cognitively impaired animals. The number of microglia cells was higher in the aged compared to the young brains with, again, the highest numbers of 5-Lox expressing microglia in the aged cognitively impaired rats. Remarkably, lower cognitive scores in the aged rats associated with higher numbers of 5-Lox positive microglia in the animals. Similar data were obtained for FLAP, at least in the cortex. Our data indicate elevated levels of the LT system in the brain of cognitively impaired animals.DiscussionWe conclude that 5-Lox expressing microglia potentially contribute to the age-related cognitive decline in the brain, while low levels of the LT system might indicate and foster higher cognitive functions and eventually cognitive reserve and resilience in aging.

Abstract Background About 7 million people die from various types of cancer every year representing nearly 12.5% of deaths worldwide. This fact raises the demand to develop new, effective anticancer, onco-suppressive, and chemoprotective agents for the future fighting of cancers. Genistein exhibits pleiotropic functions in cancer, metabolism, and inflammation. It functions as an antineoplastic agent through its effect on the cell cycle, apoptotic processes, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Aim of the study The current study aimed to study the genistein onco-suppressive effects during 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in hamsters’ buccal pouch utilizing flow cytometry analysis (FMA), as a fast-diagnosing tool, in addition to the histopathology. Material and methods The buccal mucosa of adult male Syrian hamsters was painted with paraffin oil only (group 1), DMBA mixed in mineral oil (group 2), or orally administrated genistein along with painting DMBA (group 2B). The buccal mucosa was utilized for flow cytometric analysis and histopathological examination. Results Grossly, DMBA-induced carcinogenesis started at the 9th week. Progressive signs appeared in the following weeks reaching to large ulcerative oral masses and exophytic nodules at the 21st week. Histologically, invasive well-differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) appeared in the underlying tissues from the 12th week, showing malignant criteria. Genistein had delayed clinicopathological change, which started 6 weeks later, than the DMBA-painted hamsters, as mild epithelial dysplastic changes. This became moderate during the last 6 weeks, without dysplastic changes. Flow cytometry revealed that DMBA led to considerable variation in DNA proliferation activity, aneuploid DNA pattern, in 47.22% of hamsters and significantly raised the S-phase fragment (SPF) values, which drastically reduced after genistein treatment. Conclusion Taken together, genistein could be employed as an onco-suppressive agent for carcinogenesis. Moreover, FMA could be used as an aiding fast tool for diagnosis of cancer.

IntroductionThis study investigated the effects of using sun-dried Azolla (Azolla pinnata) meal (SDAM) protein to replace sunflower meal protein in the diets of Zaraibi goats dams on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, composition, and economics.MethodA total of 15 Zaraibi goats (32.23 ± 0.2 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups, R1, R2, and R3 which were fed based on average milk production. The basal ration was a concentrated feed mixture containing 0, 10, and 20% SDAM which replaced 0, 25, and 50% of sunflower meal protein in the respective groups.ResultsNutrient digestibility and feeding values were improved with R3 goats, which had the highest level of azolla (20%) R3 versus R2 and R1 goats. The total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration in the in-rumen liquor was elevated by increasing the level of azolla up to 20% in R3 goats. The results revealed significantly higher (P

The Al-Najaf sea is a natural groundwater depending depression reservoir. The increase in uncontrolled dumping of solid waste in nearby areas and the use of sewage and animal manure as agricultural enhancing agents raise the fear of threatening the natural life in this lake by increasing metal concentrations in sediments. Forty-eight samples of sediments were collected, and the concentrations of eight metals (Fe, Zn, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Cd, and Ni) were measured in each sample. Five pollution indices (contamination factor, degree of contamination, pollution load index, enrichment factor and geo - accumulation index) were calculated. Spatial distributions with the pollution indices were studied to detect the specific metals that may contaminate the sediments and their probable source from the pattern of their distribution. The study revealed that, for most metals, concentrations at the lake shore were higher than those in the interior of the lake. Moreover, all the pollution indices were higher than the critical value on shores and slightly less than the critical level inside the lake, which means that the use of spatial distribution of metals in combination with pollution indices are beneficial in the detection of metal polluted sediments and their possible sources from their transmission patterns.

The worldwide increase in cognitive decline, both in aging and with psychiatric disorders, warrants a search for pharmacological treatment. Although dopaminergic treatment approaches represent a major step forward, current dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors are not sufficiently specific as they also target other transporters and receptors, thus showing unwanted side effects. Herein, we describe an enantiomerically pure, highly specific DAT inhibitor, S-CE-123, synthetized in our laboratory. Following binding studies to DAT, NET and SERT, GPCR and kinome screening, pharmacokinetics and a basic neurotoxic screen, S-CE-123 was tested for its potential to enhance and/or rescue cognitive functions in young and in aged rats in the non-invasive reward-motivated paradigm of a hole-board test for spatial learning. In addition, an open field study with young rats was carried out. We demonstrated that S-CE-123 is a low-affinity but highly selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor with good bioavailability. S-CE-123 did not induce hyperlocomotion or anxiogenic or stereotypic behaviour in young rats. Our compound improved the performance of aged but not young rats in a reward-motivated task. The well-described impairment of the dopaminergic system in aging may underlie the age-specific effect. We propose S-CE-123 as a possible candidate for developing a tentative therapeutic strategy for age-related cognitive decline and cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.

Abstract Background Drought tolerance and grain quality are the main challenges in maize cultivation due to climatic changes and population growth. So, this study aims to evaluate the suitability of nixtamalized corn flour (NCF) obtained from new drought-tolerant white corn hybrids planted under drought conditions for gluten-free biscuits production. Chemical compositions of corn hybrids, pasting properties of dough, and physical and sensory characteristics of biscuits were evaluated. Results Protein, fat, crude fiber, and ash contents of corn hybrids differed significantly, while there were no significant differences between carbohydrate contents. NCF showed lower peak viscosity, trough value, breakdown, and final and setback viscosities as compared to raw Single Cross Giza (SC 10) flour. This indicates that nixtamalization process reduced retrogradation capability of the produced corn flours. Corn flour with the lowest retrogradation tendency was the one produced from genotype No. 5. Baking quality, sensory properties, and color attributes indicated that biscuits made from NCF of hybrids No. 2 and 5 were significantly more acceptable compared to other samples. Conclusion Gluten-free biscuits could be produced using NCF of all white hybrids with acceptable quality. Moreover, superior sensory characteristics of samples manufactured from genotypes No. 2 and 5 and thereby suitable for gluten-hypersensitive patients.

Abstract Background Pyrazolines show different biological activities. In recent years, interest in the chemistry of hydrazonoyl halides has been renewed. 1,3,4-Thiadiazoles are one of the most common heterocyclic pharmacophores with a wide range of biological activities. Results Ethyl 2-(5-(furan-2-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-methyl-thiazole-5-carboxylate, 2-(5-(furan-2-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)thiazol-4(5H)-one, and 1-(2-(5-(furan-2-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-methylthiazol-5-yl)ethan-1-one were synthesized from the reaction of 5-(furan-2-yl)-3-(p-tolyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide with different halogenated compounds. Thiazole, 1,3,4-thiadiazole and pyrano[2,3-d]thiazole derivatives were also synthesized. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated based on elemental analysis, spectral data, and alternative synthetic routes whenever possible. Additionally, the newly synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. Conclusions A new series of novel functionalized 1,3,4-thiadiazoles, 1,3-thiazoles, and pyrazoline-containing moieties were synthesized using hydrazonoyl halides as precursors and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial, and antifungal activities. The antimicrobial results of the examined compounds revealed promising results and some derivatives have activities similar to the references used.

This paper presents a numerical simulation of the flow around elliptic groynes by using CFD ‎software. The flow was simulated in a flume with 4m long, 0.4m wide, ‎and 0.175m ‎high ‎‎with a constant bed slope. Moreover, the first Groyne placed at 1m from the flow ‎‎inlet with a ‎constant the Groyne height of 10cm and a 1cm thickness, and the ‎width of Groynes equals ‎7cm‎. A submergence ratio of the elliptic Groynes of 75% was assumed, corresponding to a discharge of ‎0.0057‎m3/sec. The CFD ‎model showed a good ability to simulate the flow ‎around ‎Groynes with ‎ good accuracy. The results of ‎CFD software showed that when using double elliptic Groynes, the bed shear stress is decreased with the ‎increase in the spacing between Groynes, as well as and the best spacing between the double ‎elliptic Groynes is twice of the Groyne width. Moreover, the used number of Groynes has no ‎much ‎impact ‎on velocity and shear ‎stress values.

Lipids play a major role for several brain functions, including cognition and memory. There is a series of work on individual lipids showing involvement in memory mechanisms, a concise lipidome was not reported so far. Moreover, there is no evidence for age-related memory decline and there is only work on brain of young vs. aging animals. Aging animals, however, are not a homogeneous group with respect to memory impairments, thus animals with impaired and unimpaired memory can be discriminated. Following recent studies of hippocampal lipid profiles and hypothalamus controlled hormone profiles, the aim of this study was to compare hypothalamic, lipidomic changes in male Sprague-Dawley rats between young (YM), old impaired (OMI) and old unimpaired (OMU) males. Grouping criterions for aged rats were evaluated by testing them in a spatial memory task, the hole-board. YMs were also tested. Subsequently brains were removed, dissected and hypothalami were kept at −80°C until sample preparation and analysis on liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Significant differences in the amounts of a series of lipids from several classes could be detected between young and aged and between OMI and OMU. A large number of lipids were increased in OMI and a smaller number in OMU as compared to young rats. Differences of lipid ratios (log2 of ratio) between OMI and OMU consisted of glycerophosphocholines (aPC 36:2 and 36:3; PC 34:0, 36:1, 36:3 and 40:2); Glycerophosphoethanolamines (aPE 34:2, 38:5 and 40:5; LPE 18:1, 20:1, 20:4, 22:4 and 22:6; PE36:1 and 38:4); glycerophosphoserines (PS 36:1, 40:4, and 40:6); triacylglycerol TG 52:4; ceramide Cer 17:2 and sphingomyelin SM 20:0. Thus, hypothalamic lipid profiles across different lipid classes discriminate aged male animals into OMU and OMI. The underlying mechanisms may be related to different functional networks of lipids in memory mechanisms and differences in metabolic processes. The study underlines the importance of lipidomics in the pathophysiology of age-related cognitive decline. The necessity of evaluating the cognitive status of aged subjects by behavioral tests results in more specific detection of critical lipids in memory decline, on which now can be focused in subsequent memory studies in animals and humans.

Abstract Background Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a global public health challenge, and new drugs have been authorized for its treatment. The current study aimed to detect the change in blood levels of tryptophan and phenylalanine with the recent therapy direct-acting antiviral (sofosbuvir). Methods This case-controlled study was conducted on HCV patients including 40 treated with direct-acting antiviral (sofosbuvir), 40 untreated underestimations of full medical history, and laboratory tests involved ELISA assay and real-time (RT) PCR technique as well as measuring tryptophan and phenylalanine by HPLC-UV, in addition to 20 apparently healthy subjects served as a control group. Results There is a high statistical significant decrease in tryptophan and increase in phenylalanine in treated cases than untreated cases and control groups. This study showed that phenylalanine at the cutoff of 2.13 μg/ml had 96.9% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity among treated cases; also, tryptophan at the cutoff of 8.53 ng/ml had 81.2% sensitivity and 75% specificity to predict severe depression. There is a statistically significant increase in tryptophan and decrease in phenylalanine in mild/moderate than very severe depression. Conclusion Direct-acting antiviral (sofosbuvir) causes a decrease in tryptophan levels and increase in phenylalanine levels that as a result leading to depressive symptoms as adverse effects, so advising by dietary supplements of tryptophan for patients treated from chronic HCV by direct-acting antiviral (sofosbuvir).

Abstract Background Transient hyperprolactinemia was proven to adversely affect the outcome of IVF. We aimed to identify changes in serum prolactin levels in patients undergoing ICSI, and to evaluate the effect of these changes on the clinical pregnancy rate. Methods A prospective observational study included 90 patients scheduled for ICSI cycles. In each case 4 serum samples were collected during the cycle (midluteal, before ovum pick up procedure (OPU), 2 h after OPU, and before embryo transfer). Serum prolactin level was determined by immunoassay each time. Results The sample collected 2 h after OPU had a mean difference of 25.8 ± 2.8 ng/ml compared to the basal serum prolactin (p

Objective: To detect the effect of combined oral contraceptive pills (COC) on dynamic postural balance in healthy middle aged women. Materials and methods: A prospective randomized controlled study included 200 patients classified into two groups. Group I received COC containing 30 μg of EE and 3 mg of drospirenone for 12 consecutive cycles and Group II received no treatment. Overall, medio-lateral and antero-posterior stability were measured using Biodex system after 12 months. Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference between the 2 study groups regarding estradiol level (12.84 ± 1.96 vs. 38.86 ± 3.99, P value

Background: Strain imaging assessing regional myocardial deformation and can be used to quantify regional myocardial function and differentiate between ischemic and non ischemic myocardium. Objectives: to assess sensitivity and specificity of strain imaging in detection of coronary artery disease in comparison with coronary angiography. Patients and Methods: ninety six patients were referred to Ibn albitar center for cardiac surgery, Baghdad, Iraq with symptoms of coronary artery disease for a period between June 2014 and April 2015, all of whom were evaluated by two dimensional echocardiography and all were found to have good left ventricular systolic function with no regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA), coronary angiography were done for all patients. Results: of the 96 patients: 69(71.9%) were males and 27(28.1%) females, with mean age 55.7 ± 9.71 years. Thirty-one (32.3%) patients have no significant coronary artery disease and sixty-five (67.7%) have significant coronary artery disease. The sensitivity and specificity of global longitudinal strain in detection of coronary artery disease are 67.7% and 80.6% respectively. Global longitudinal strain appears to be useful in localization of coronary artery disease. Conclusions: speckle tracking Strain echocardiography is simple, noninvasive and non-angle dependent with acceptable sensitivity and specificity in early detection of cardiomyopathy including ischemic myopathy.

Nutrition can have significant effects on behavior and cognitive processes. Most of the studies related to this use extremely modified diets, such as high fat contents or the exclusion of distinct components needed for normal development and bodily homeostasis. Here we report significant effects of diets with moderate differences in compositions on food rewarded spatial learning in young (3–4 months), adult (6–7 months), and aged (17–18 months) rats. Young rats fed with a lower energy diet showed better performance only during aquisition of the spatial task when compared to rats fed with a standard diet. Adult rats (6–7 months) fed with a standard diet performed less well in the spatial learning task, than rats fed with lower energy diet. Aged rats fed with a lower energy diet (from 13 to 18 months of age) performed better during all training phases, as in a previous test when they were adult and fed with a standard diet. This difference could only be partly explained by lower motivation to search for food in the first test. Correspondingly, the variability of individual performance was significantly higher and increased over trials in adult rats fed with the standard diet as compared to adult rats fed with lower energy diet. Thus, moderate changes in feeding diets have large effects on motivation and cognition in elderly and less in young rats in a food rewarded spatial learning task. Therefore, nutrition effects upon food rewarded spatial learning and memory should be considered especially in aging studies.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and a common cause of end-stage renal disease. Autophagy has a defensive role against kidney damage caused by hyperglycemia. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes are currently considered as a new promising therapy for chronic renal injury. However, the renal-protective mechanism of exosomes on DN is not completely understood. We examined the potential role of MSC-derived exosomes for enhancement of autophagy activity and their effect on DN. In our study, we used five groups of rats: control; DN; DN treated with exosomes; DN treated with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (inhibitors of autophagy); and DN treated with 3-methyladenine (3-MA), chloroquine, and exosome groups. We assessed renal function, morphology, and fibrosis. Moreover, ratios of the autophagy markers mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), Beclin-1, light chain-3 (LC3-II), and LC3-II/LC3-I were detected. Additionally, electron microscopy was used for detection of autophagosomes. Results: Exosomes markedly improved renal function and showed histological restoration of renal tissues, with significant increase of LC3 and Beclin-1, and significant decrease of mTOR and fibrotic marker expression in renal tissue. All previous effects were partially abolished by the autophagy inhibitors chloroquine and 3-MA. Conclusion: We conclude that autophagy induction by exosomes could attenuate DN in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.

Aims: To evaluate the load at fracture for different mandibular over–dentures and the positions of thefracture area for these designs. Material and methods: Ten mandibular dentures were made, each oftwo designs. The first design consisted of acrylic resin over–denture supported by two dome–shaped 3mm mandibular canines copings, the second design consisted of two dome–shaped copings connectedwith a rigid metallic bar. The mean and standard deviation were calculated in addition to the analysis ofvariance which showed a significant difference at P < 0.05. Results: Showed that the over–denturesupported by two dome shaped mandibular canines were more fracture resistance than the over–denturesupported with the bar. The fracture position depends on the denture design. Conclusions: The resultsindicated that the denture made entirely of acrylic resin was much more stronger than the denture withless thickness due to the incorporation on metallic rigid bar.