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Assessment of genetic diversity in a collection of genetic resources is a vital characterization for preserving this collection and planning future breeding programs. Genetic variability among four Egyptian molokhia (Corchorus olitorius L.) genotypes was observed using random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) DNA. RAPD patterns with polymorphism percentages were detected among the DNA samples from seven-day-old seedlings, representing each of the studied genotypes. Genetic diversity and relationships were evaluated using five randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers that revealed 288 scorable bands. Amplification products were ranged in size from 110 bp to 5.5 kb, while in number, they ranged from 2 to 17 bands. Indicated significant genetic diversity among the molokhia genotypes were 66.67% for Wild type x Balady, 65.28% for Wild type x Saidy, 63.39% for Wild type x Falahy. The closest proximity, incidentally the highest genetic similarity, was observed between Balady and Falahy (80.56%), while the lowest was observed between Balady and Saidy (56.94%). The total positive unique bands scored 11 bands, while the negative unique bands scored 8 within the tested genotype and the five primers. Studied five primers generated unique bands in three molokhia landraces, which could identify these genotypes at the molecular level. The results suggest considerable potential RAPD approach for proper genetic identification of individual genotypes and an efficient way of varietal authenticity for fraud prevention. Genetic variability within molokhia genotypes ascertained using these primers. Results recommended the usefulness of RAPD primers in conservation and exploitation of molokhia germplasm in wide variety of breeding programs.

Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is an inventive problem-solving method developed to find a solution for issues involving contradictions. The TRIZ method was applied to develop a new method of simulating raining weather conditions for vehicle lane support system (LSS) on-road testing infrastructure. The objective of the project was to develop a mechanical solution capable of dispensing a consistent amount of water to a moving vehicle to simulate raining weather conditions, while at the same time it is portable and easy to set up. Based on the requirement, the TRIZ 40 inventive principles were applied as the solution, based on the principles of “the other way around”, “segmentation”, “dynamicity” and “feedback”. The specific solution generated based on the inventive principles identified was to make both the vehicle and the rain simulating machine movable during the on-road test. This is achieved by creating a customized rain machine that can be fitted onto a moving vehicle. This simple setup enabled both vehicle-under-test (VUT) and the rain machine vehicle to move simultaneously during the test, at any test speed and type of test track desired. Furthermore, the rain machine itself is designed with the capability to dispense the water by using a control unit, hence making the testing method safer and less human effort required. Based on the literature review, there is yet no similar solution for simulating raining conditions in LSS on-road test made using the same principle developed in this project. The innovative portable rain machine developed in this project could also be applied for other Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) test protocols requiring similar raining testing conditions especially involving moving VUT.

Klebsiella species are regarded as terrifying pathogens that threaten different healthcare systems. These pathogens possess a variety of virulence factors which markedly account for their pathogenicity. Three virulence factors (capsule formation, hypermucoviscosity and biofilm formation) were screened, phenotypically and genotypically, among selected Egyptian Klebsiella clinical isolates. Two safe edible agents, clove oil and citric acid, were tested for their effect on bacterial capsules using the Anthony capsular staining method and the transmission electron microscopy. The antibiotic-resistance modifying activity of both agents was studied against selected troublesome isolates showing resistance to amikacin, meropenem and cefotaxime. Molecular docking of citric acid and eugenol with NDM-1, as well as the docking of citric acid with AAC(6′)-Ib and CTX-M-15 were carried out to explain the resistance modifying activity of the tested agents. Capsule formation was the most prominent virulence factor that was detected in all isolates. Both citric acid and clove oil could effectively reduce the size of the formed bacterial capsules. Citric acid showed promising synergistic effects when combined with the studied antibiotics against all the tested isolates. However, clove oil showed a synergistic effect only against 50% of the tested isolates when combined with meropenem. Relying on their binding efficiency mode obtained from molecular docking studies, the tested agents were recognized as promising inhibitors of the studied enzymes. In conclusion, both citric acid and clove oil are auspicious anti-virulence and resistance-modifying agents that can be combined with conventional antibiotics to combat virulent and multidrug resistant Klebsiella isolates.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effect of black and green tea on initial enamel caries like lesions of extracted human permanent teeth through microhardness analysis and polarized light microscopic evaluation. Materials and methods: Fifty extracted young premolars with a standardized window on enamel were immersed in a demineralizing solution for 48 hours to produce subsurface enamel lesions. They were divided into two groups according to the type of treatment (n= 25), group I: teeth were treated by black tea infusion; group II: teeth were treated by green tea infusion. The enamel surface microhardness was measured at baseline, after the incipient enamel lesion, and after treatment. Additional twenty young premolars were selected and prepared for evaluation of the changes in enamel birefringence using the polarized light microscope. Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant increase in enamel surface microhardness after treatment as compared to the demineralization phase. By comparing the two groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the percentage of surface microhardness recovery after treatment in favor of the black tea group (P

The emergence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci necessitated the search for alternative agents as linezolid, introduced to treat infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Linezolid resistance has since emerged, yet its global prevalence remains low. In Egypt, little is known about the situation. We investigated the prevalence and mechanisms of resistance among Egyptian staphylococcal clinical isolates. Linezolid resistance among 232 staphylococcal isolates obtained from Alexandria Main Hospitals between 2011 and 2016 was assessed using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration. Resistant isolates were checked for cfr presence using polymerase chain reaction. The V domain of different alleles of 23S rRNA gene was investigated for mutations. Selection for linezolid-resistant mutants was performed in vitro through serial passages in linezolid sub-inhibitory concentrations. Combinations of linezolid with imipenem or anti-inflammatory agents were investigated using time-kill and modified checkerboard assays. Three Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates (1.3%) from 2015 to 2016 were linezolid-resistant. One isolate carried cfr which was plasmid-borne, and together with another isolate which had a G2603T point mutation in the V domain of 23S rRNA gene. Successive exposure to linezolid sub-inhibitory concentrations was selected for three resistant Staphylococcus aureus mutants out of ten susceptible isolates. These mutants were more resistant towards different antibiotic classes than their susceptible parents. Linezolid combinations with imipenem, ibuprofen, or aspirin were synergistic against the isolates and mutants. Despite unregulated use of linezolid, resistance remains fairly low among the Egyptian isolates. Strict antimicrobial stewardship guidelines are needed in hospitals and the community to guard against further evolution of resistant mutants.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) systems are part of the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are equipped in the latest passenger vehicles sold in the Southeast Asia (SEA) countries. Both technologies are very beneficial to gain improved safety performance for vehicle occupants and benefiting other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists by alerting the driver and making automatic trajectory correction when the vehicle is deviating away from the correct path while in motion. Nevertheless, there is yet any test protocol established by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) to evaluate both technologies tailored to the SEA’s environmental conditions. Hence, this is a preliminary investigation of the new test protocol developed for LDW and LKA based on SEA’s environmental conditions. The proposed protocol incorporated the effect of both dry and wet conditions, which is unique to simulate the main weather elements in the region. On-road tests using actual passenger vehicles were conducted using a rain simulator to simulate the rainy weather. The preliminary tests were performed on straight road conditions. Results show that the proposed protocol was able to assess the effectiveness of LDW and LKA in both dry and wet conditions. Further actions shall be carried out in the later stage of this project to validate the proposed protocol using other vehicle models sold in SEA that equipped with similar technologies.

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A multi-locational field trial was conducted at two locations (Orchard of the Bayero University Gezawa village in Gezawa Local Government area) in the Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria to investigate the effect of applications of paraquat and atrazine herbicides on soil physico-chemical properties and maize performance. Pre-planting and plot-by-plot soil samples was taken 24 hours after herbicides application, vegetative growth period, reproductive stage and at harvest were taken and subjected to routine analyses using standard laboratory methods. Crop growth and yield characters were measured using standard methods. The experiment consisted of 7 treatments laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated 3 times. Results indicated highly significant differences between the locations in the content of the sand, silt and clay separates but no significant differences were observed between the treatments. There were highly significant variations in soil reaction, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and all the exchangeable bases, except calcium at both locations. Soil reaction, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and cation exchange capacity showed no significant differences with all the treatments across the locations. Electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and sodium were low across the locations but were higher at Bayero University Kano. The soils at both locations were generally acid. Thus, the soils at both locations were non-saline and non-sodic. Only the yield varied with the treatments. The highest yield was obtained at Bayero University Kano. Application of the highest treatment (4 kg/ha Atrazine + 4 kg/ha Paraquat was associated with high sand content and strong soil acidity). Combined application of 3 kg/ha Atrazine + 3 kg/a Paraquat was associated with low total nitrogen and exchangeable potassium and with the highest yield of maize. Application of Atrazine at 3 kg/ha corresponded with low organic carbon and low leaf area. Paraquat applied at 4 kg/ha was associated with very low concentration of exchangeable Na and moderate concentration of available P. Combined application of paraquat at 4 kg/ha was associated with low cation exchange capacity. Combined application of 3 kg/ha atrazine and 3 kg/ha paraquat is recommended for higher maize yield. Integrated soil fertility management is recommended in the study areas.

The benefits of a five-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (five-phase-PMSM) are its compact size, high fault tolerance, low voltage, and high output. The drives of this kind of machines can be enhanced using model predictive torque control (MP-DTC) technique. The outcomes of this technique with additional weighting factors are reduces the complexity of calculation, and reduction in current harmonics, which present in harmonic subspace in standard model predictive torque control. Decrease the low-order harmonic constituents of stator currents and alleviation torque ripple can be achieved by optimizing the objective function. Adding current limitations and switching frequency-weighting factor improves the cost function. The suggested technique can provide superior steady-state performance and keep the quick transient performing as a possible characteristic of the MP-DTC scheme. Thus, with the advantageous steady state and dynamic performing obtained concurrently, the most important aspects of the suggested system are the reduced mathematical burden, and with simplified objective functions compared to classic MP-DTC structure. The proposed method reduced the torque ripple from (3.49%) in a traditional method to (0.58%).

In this, work the finite control set (FCS) model predictive direct current control strategy with constraints, is applied to drive three-phase induction motor (IM) using the well-known field-oriented control. As a modern algorithm approach of control, this kind of algorithm decides the suitable switching combination that brings the error between the desired command currents and the predicated currents, as low as possible, according to the process of optimization. The suggested algorithm simulates the constraints of maximum allowable current and the accepted deviation, between the desired command and actual currents. The new constraints produce an improvement in system performance, with the predefined error threshold. This can be applied by avoiding the switching combination that exceeds the limited values. The additional constraints are more suitable for loads that require minimum distortion in harmonic and offer protection from maximum allowable currents. This approach is valuable especially in electrical vehicle (EV) applications since its result offers more reliable system performance with low total harmonics distortion (THD), low motor torque ripple, and better speed tracking.

It is hypothesi sed that systemic calcitonin delivery with adjunct local platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy is more effective in augmenting osseointegration than calcitonin delivery alone under experimental osteoporosis conditions. The primary objective of the present experiment was to assess the effect of systemic calcitonin delivery with and without adjunct local PRF therapy on osseointegration in ovariectomi sed osteoporotic rabbits.Thirty female bilaterally ovariectomized rabbits were used. The animals were fed a low-calcium diet to establish a model for osteoporosis. In each animal, 2 implants were bilaterally placed in tibia. The animals were randomly divided equally into 3 groups. In group 1, no treatment was offered (control group). In groups 2 and 3, the animals received intramuscular injections of calcitonin without and with local PRF delivery prior to implant placement, respectively. All animals were euthanised at 12 weeks, and osseointegration was assessed as the gap widths between the bone and implant surface in the cervical, middle and apical third using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) was also measured. p0.05 was defined as statistically significant.Gap widths in the cervical (p0.001), middle (p0.001) and apical third (p0.001) were statistically significantly higher in group 1 than groups 2 and 3. Gap widths in the cervical (p0.001), middle (p0.001) and apical third (p0.001) were significantly higher in group 3 than group 2. The mean BIC was statistically significantly higher in the cervical (p0.001), middle (p0.001) and apical third (p0.001) in group 3 compared with groups 2 and 3.When used as an adjunct to calcitonin, PRF enhanced osseointegration in an experimental osteoporosis model. However, further well-designed studies with inclusion of additional groups (treatment with PRF alone) are needed.

Background Immune checkpoint blockade therapies, which act on T cell inhibitory receptors, including CTLA-4 and PD-1, induce durable responses across diverse cancers. However, most patients do not respond to these therapies, and initially responsive cancers may relapse. Identifying molecular mechanisms that influence therapeutic responses and resistance is critical to realize the full therapeutic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The presence of immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment is associated with positive outcomes in breast cancer, specifically in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The underlying mechanisms driving this response are unclear. We have previously identified Neuroligin 4X (NLGN4X) as a protein expressed in TNBC.Methods Bioinformatic analysis was used for pathway analysis of TCGA TNBC patient dataset. Immunohistochemistry was performed on breast cancer tissue microarray for NLGN4X protein expression. RNA-seq was performed on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for differential gene expression upon gene knockdown. Cytokine array, western blot, cell adhesion array and Nanostring was performed to determine the role of NLGN4X in TNBC.Results In this study, we report that NLGN4X expression is lost in breast cancer with lymph node metastasis. Its expression negatively correlates with immune markers in vitro, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) TNBC patient dataset, and metastatic breast cancer tissues. RNA-seq analysis of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, silenced for NLGN4X by siRNA showed more than 500 differentially regulated genes. GSEA analysis of these genes revealed upregulation of interferon signaling pathway, cytokine signaling, and downregulation of cholesterol metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways. NLGN4X knockdown induced loss of cell adhesion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and MAVS-IRF7 signaling in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, analysis of the TCGA dataset of 104 TNBC patients also showed interferon signaling (IFN) as one of the significant pathways downregulated in TNBC patients expressing NLGN4X.Conclusion Loss of NLGN4X leads to innate immune activation in breast cancer and coincides with an aggressive phenotype of cancer. This study identifies the role of NLGN4X in regulating interferon signaling and immune microenvironment in TNBC.

The commonly reported measures of the predictive accuracy are evaluated in this paper. Absolute, squared, percentage, and integral errors methods are implemented, to reduce the objective function, which employed in model predictive control. These methods are usually investigated for dc source inverter, which controlled by finite set model predictive current control system, with three phase induction motor load. In this paper, the evaluation includes different aspects, accuracy, complexity, system harmonics content, and execution time. A vital criterion in this process is the performance of the inverter, and the matching between the reference and the measured machine currents. The evaluation shows that for one term objective function, absolute and square errors give similar results with less execution time for the absolute error, but if multi terms objective function the square error is better.

Nephrotoxicity is a serious side effect for the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine A(CSA). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that administration of calcium channel blockers such as verapamil or nifedipine ameliorates renal CSA-induced renal dysfunction. Furthermore, our study investigates the roles of inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotic pathways in CSA-induced renal dysfunction. Six groups of male rats ( n = 6/group) were used and received one of the following treatments for seven consecutive days: vehicle (Cremophor EL ip), CSA (25 mg·kg−1·day−1ip), verapamil (2 mg·kg−1·day−1ip), nifedipine (3 mg·kg−1·day−1ip), CSA in the presence or absence of either verapamil, or nifedipine. Biochemical and histomorphometric analyses showed that rats treated with CSA exhibited clear signs of nephrotoxicity that included 1) proteinuria and elevations in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, 2) mesangial expansion, 3) increases in glomerular and tubular type IV collagen expression, and 4) increases in the glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis indices. Although the single administration of nifedipine or verapamil had no significant effect on renal pathology, or its biochemical and physiological function, the concurrent use of either calcium channel blockers significantly and equipotently ameliorated the biochemical, morphological, and functional derangements caused by CSA. More importantly, we report that the oxidative (reactive oxygen species production, NADPH-oxidase activity, and dual oxidase 1/2 levels), fibrotic (transforming growth factor-β1 expression), and inflammatory (NF-κB expression) manifestations of renal toxicity induced by CSA were significantly reversed upon administration of nifedipine or verapamil. Together, these results highlight the efficacy of calcium channel-blocking agents in attenuating CSA-induced nephrotoxicity and predisposing biochemical and molecular machineries.

The endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) serves as a back-up mechanism that compensates for reduced nitric oxide (NO)/prostanoids bioavailability. Here we investigated whether (i) under conditions of vascular endothelium dysfunction, the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine (CSA) upregulates EDHF-dependent renal vasodilations through altering CYP4A/CYP2C signaling, and (ii) calcium channel blockers modulate the CSA/EDHF/CYP interaction. Rats were treated with CSA, verapamil, nifedipine, or their combinations for 7days. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. Kidneys were then isolated, perfused with physiological solution containing L-NAME (NOS inhibitor) and diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor, DIC), and preconstricted with phenylephrine. CSA (25mgkg-1day-1 for 7days) increased BP and augmented carbachol renal vasodilations. The co-treatment with verapamil (2mgkg-1day-1) or nifedipine (3mgkg-1day-1) abolished CSA hypertension and conversely affected carbachol vasodilations (increases vs. decreases). Infusion of MSPPOH (epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, EETs, inhibitor) reduced carbachol vasodilations in kidneys of all rat groups, suggesting the importance of EETs in these responses. By contrast, 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid (20-HETE) inhibition by HET0016 increased carbachol vasodilations in control rats, an effect that disappeared by CSA treatment, and reappeared in rats treated with CSA/verapamil or CSA/nifedipine. Renal protein expression of CYP2C and CYP4A as well as their vasoactive products (EETs/20-HETE) were increased in CSA-treated rats. Whereas the CYP2C/EETs effects of CSA were abolished by verapamil and intensified by nifedipine, the CYP4A/20-HETE effects were reduced by either CCB. Overall, nifedipine and verapamil blunts CSA hypertension but variably affected concomitantly enhanced EDHF-dependent renal vasodilations and alterations in CYP2C/CYP4A signaling.

The fragments that were found in different locations and of diverse sizes have been restoredit returned once more similar to its original state of the "Dream Stela". The stela is of arectangular form, but missing small segments on all sides, measuring about 175 cm width, 97cm height and 14.5 cm thick. It seems that the stela was unfinished, due to the different levelsand rough surface, as well as the different quality in finishing the scene of the two lions. Thereare some similarities with the reliefs and its accompanied inscriptions between this stela andthe Sphinx dream stela. The stela is made out of fine and white limestone, found in the mainmagazine of Giza plateau, but came in many pieces. Two big pieces of the stela are found bySelim Hassan during his excavations in the temple of Amenhotep II nearby of the Sphinx.

Electrospun nanofibers (NFs) as drug delivery/tissue regeneration template and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) have been widely investigated as two different approaches to enhance wound healing. In the present study, the two approaches were combined in a single platform for greater healing enhancement potentials. Composite photosensitizer-eluting NFs were developed using a polyhydrohybutyrate/polyethylene glycol (60:40 PHB/PEG) polymer blend and methylene blue (MB) as antimicrobial photosensitizer (PS). NFs protected the photoactivity of entrapped MB, enhanced its photodynamic activity against two wound bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus standard strain (SAst) and MRSA and sustained MB release allowing for flexible PS dosing and irradiation schedules. This combined PS-eluting NFs/APDT approach proved effective in the treatment of SAst-inoculated excision wounds in a challenging immunocompromized rat model. This was verified by morphological, morphometric, microbiological, histopathological and RT-PCR studies. Inclusion of PS-eluting NFs as an additional active component of APDT generates a combined non-antibiotic antimicrobial/cell regeneration approach with great potentials for wound healing and other biomedical applications.

This paper represents a test of a modified algorithm to minimize the cost function in the traditional finite control-set model predictive current control (FCS-MPC) to control the (five-leg) DC voltage input inverter. A Matlab/Simulink description of a system presents a certain deviation limits between the reference and the actual measured phase currents, also the model implements a load current limitation. The algorithm picks out a proper switching state, which makes the lower error value between the wanted and the prognosticated currents; the proposed technique sets the chosen switching state as a driving signal to the ten switches. The modified program eliminates the switching combination with error values above the requested ones. Thereafter the system response enhanced by lowering the overshoots. The rigidness of the model is examined by using a step change in reference signals.

En el hallazgo de algún cuerpo con la presencia de fenómenos cadavéricos en etapas avanzadas, es de mucha ayuda que los personales de la salud e incluso el personal de la administración y procuración de justicia, tenga los conocimientos básicos necesarios para realizar un diagnóstico de tiempo post mortem precoz, sin la necesidad de esperar hasta que el cuerpo sea valorado por un médico forense o patólogo.

Objective In 2014, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommended the use of a novel risk prediction model (HCM Risk-SCD) to guide use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We sought to determine the performance of HCM Risk-SCD by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles reporting on the prevalence of SCD within 5 years of evaluation in low, intermediate and high-risk patients as defined by the 2014 guidelines (predicted risk