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Reproductive toxicity is a major challenge associated with aluminum (Al) exposure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONP) treatment on Al-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Thirty-two adult male albino rats were allocated into four equal groups as follows: control, AlCl3 orally administered group (100 mg/kg bwt), ZnONPs injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) group (4 mg/kg bwt), and ZnONPs + AlCl3–treated group. The treatment was daily extended for 42 consecutive days. Oral administration of AlCl3 showed an oxidative damage confirmed by an increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and superoxide dismutase activity and accompanied by a decrease in glutathione content and catalase activity. Also, AlCl3 administration increased the pro-inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, significant declines in the levels of serum male reproductive hormones testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in AlCl3-intoxicated rats were noticed. In parallel, severe histopathological alterations were observed in testis tissues. Additionally, the immunohistochemical analysis showed that AlCl3 administration potentiates cell death in the testicular tissue by elevating the immunostaining intensity signal for the pro-apoptotic protein, cysteinyl aspartate specific protease-3 (caspase-3) and a marked depletion in the cell proliferation expression marker, Ki-67, in germinal cells of AlCl3-treated group. On the other hand, the daily i.p. injection to rats with ZnONPs before AlCl3 was found to ameliorate the reproductive toxicity induced by Al administration through reducing the testicular oxidative stress and improving the inflammatory, apoptotic, and reproductive markers as well as histopathological alterations in the testis. These results suggest that ZnONPs could be used as an alternative agent to minimize the reproductive toxicity associated with Al exposure through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and reproductive modulatory activities.

Inflammation is a major pathophysiological factor in development of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Vitamin D (VITD) plays an imperative role in modulation of several inflammatory responses. The current study aimed to investigate the possible beneficial effects of coadministration of VITD with pioglitazone (PIO), a PPAR-γ agonist, in fructose/streptozotocin (F/STZ) T2DM model in male Wistar rats. T2DM was induced by maintaining rats on 10% (w/v) fructose in drinking water for 9 weeks with an intraperitoneal injection of sub-diabetogenic dose of STZ (35 mg/kg) by the end of the fourth week. One week after STZ injection, PIO (10 mg/kg/day) alone or with VITD (500 IU/kg/day) was administered orally to diabetic rats till the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected, livers were homogenized to determine biochemical parameters, and samples of livers were fixed in 10% formalin in saline for histological examination. Administration of PIO alone improved diabetes-induced inflammatory and oxidative states besides controlling hyperglycemia and decreasing apoptosis. Coadministration of VIT D with PIO promoted additional improvement in glycemic and lipid profiles, provided further control on diabetic-induced hepatic inflammation evident by downregulating TLR2, TLR4, and IKK-β while upregulating IκB-α expression and reducing inflammatory cytokines namely; NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, decreasing apoptosis and oxidative stress by hampering caspase-3 and MDA contents, respectively, and improved liver histology than PIO alone. These beneficial effects of VIT D may expand its use by diabetics combined with antidiabetic drugs due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties.

Dengue fever is a worldwide health problem transmitted mainly by Aedes albopictus. The ability of female mosquitoes to transmit disease depends on their behavioral responses to locate their host. The presence of different types of sensory sensilla with different morphological characteristics is the most distinctive feature of Ae. albopictus, in addition to the main sensory organs. The sensory sensilla are chemosensory contacts that Ae. albopictus uses to locate long-distance hosts and oviposition sites by receiving well-defined cues such as changes in temperature and humidity, mechanical impact, and odors. As a result, it is crucial to study the sensory sensilla of Ae. albopictus. Although the sensory sensilla of Ae. aegypti have been extensively studied, but there is still a lack of knowledge about the sensory sensilla of the Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus. This study aimed to investigate the different types of sensory sensilla on the tarsi and external genitalia of both sexes of Ae. albopictus and their morphological features using a scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrated that the tarsi have five types of sensory sensilla: sensilla chaetica, grooved pegs, sensilla campaniform, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla coeloconica. There are two thick, grooved sensilla on the tarsal joints. Sensilla coeloconica on the tarsus are hidden under scales in a raised pit and have a diameter of 13.69 ± 0.071 μm, which is significantly larger than those on the external genitalia of males, which have a diameter of 7.65 ± 0.065 μm. Sensilla coeloconica is absent from the external genitalia of females. Two types of senillae chaetica are found on the tarsomeres, near the claws, and on the joints, which differ significantly in morphology and morphometric parameters. The ovulation-supporting cerci are provided with three pairs of long sensilla chaetica at the apex, measuring 111.36 ± 0.020 μm in length. Two groups of four apical sensilla and short spiny subapical sensilla are randomly distributed on the ovipositor. The female external genitalia have two types of sensilla chaetica, which are arranged in rows and are significantly smaller than those of the male external genitalia. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Aedes albopictus showed various sensory structures distributed on the tarsi and genitalia of both sexes. Adequate information is available in this study to understand chemoreception and odor detection by different kinds of sensilla that help to evaluate the ability of female mosquitoes to transmit diseases.

Ransomware is a strain of malware that disables access to the user’s resources after infiltrating a victim’s system. Ransomware is one of the most dangerous malware organizations face by blocking data access or publishing private data over the internet. The major challenge of any entity is how to decrypt the files encrypted by ransomware. Ransomware’s binary analysis can provide a means to characterize the relationships between different features used by ransomware families to track the ransomware encryption mechanism routine. In this paper, we compare the different ransomware detection approaches and techniques. We investigate the criteria, parameters, and tools used in the ransomware detection ecosystem. We present the main recommendations and best practices for ransomware mitigation. In addition, we propose an efficient ransomware indexing system that provides search functionalities, similarity checking, sample classification, and clustering. The new system scheme mainly targets native ransomware binaries, and the indexing engine depends on hybrid data from the static analyzer system. Our scheme tracks and classifies ransomware based on static features to find the similarity between different ransomware samples. This is done by calculating the absolute Jaccard index. Results have shown that Import Address Table (IAT) feature can be used to classify different ransomware more accurately than the Strings feature.

Background Despite the increased interest in publishing data on central neurocytoma, its management remains controversial. The overall incidence is approximately 0.5% of brain tumors. The reporting of institutional experience is of major need for such category of tumors to increase our knowledge and experience. In this study, we describe the clinical presentation, pathological data, and treatment outcomes of central neurocytoma. Results Medical records of patients with neurocytoma treated in our center from July 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Extra ventricular neurocytomas were excluded from analysis due to the known aggressive behavior compared to central neurocytoma. Seventeen patients treated at our center as central neurocytoma were included in the study. The frequent clinical presentation was headaches (58.8%) and paresis (35.3%). Ten patients (58.8%) developed symptoms before the age of 30 years. All patients were treated with surgical resection. Gross total resection was performed in 11 cases (64.7%) and subtotal resection was performed in 3 cases (17.7%). Four patients developed disease progression following the first excision (23.5%), for which additional resection was performed. Two patients received fractionated radiotherapy; one after the first resection due to residual disease postoperatively and the other patient following the third excision due to multiple recurrences with radiotherapy doses of 50.4 Gy and 54 Gy, respectively. The median follow-up time was 51 months (range of 14–106). The 5-year progression-free survival was 70 ± 13%. The overall survival for our cohort of patients was 100%. Conclusions Central neurocytoma is a rare tumor of neuronal origin and surgery is the mainstay of treatment with a favorable prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be offered in patients with residual disease or multiple recurrences, especially in patients with tumors of high MIC-1 LI.

Novel complexes of Ru (III), Cu (II) and Au (III) (2–4) were prepared using 6-phenyl-2-thioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (HL, 1) adopting either electrochemical or traditional chemical methods. The electrochemical method is preferred in the synthesis of the complexes than the chemical one because it affords pure products with higher yields in shorter reaction time. The novel thiopyridine complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H, 19F-NMR, TGA and DTA measurements. The antimicrobial activity evaluation revealed that the complex bearing copper metal 3 has nearly the same activity as the reference drug ciprofloxacin. Anti-inflammatory activity evaluation showed that complex 4 containing gold displayed anti-inflammatory activity higher than the reference drug celecoxib upon using carrageenan rat hind paw edema method.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of an acute bout of different exercise intensities on modifying the inflammatory markers in overweight and obese subjects. Sixty adult males divided into: a control group (n=30) included normal weight subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m2) and an overweight (OW) and obese group (n=30) included subjects with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Each group was randomly subdivided into three groups (n=10 each): low, moderate and high intensity exercise groups. Anthropometric measurements obtained and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured before and thirty minutes after twenty minutes incremental exercise, at 45%, 60% or 80% of predicted maximum heart rate, on a motor driven treadmill. Following an acute bout of moderate or high intensity exercise, OW and obese subjects showed significant increase in CRP and IL-6 levels; however, TNF-α levels significantly decreased. Nevertheless, an acute low intensity exercise induced no significant changes in any of the measured markers in the OW and obese subjects. In conclusion, an acute bout of moderate or high intensity exercise, but not low intensity exercise, induces an inflammatory response, characterized by a rise in levels of CRP and IL-6, and a decrease in TNF-α level in overweight and obese subjects.

Artificial lifting is considered as the most common technique in oil and gas production industry. However, from the electrical energy consumption prospective, artificial lifting is a heavy consumer. In the absence of a grid, oil and gas stack holders are forced to utilize diesel generator for energy production. Herein, an added cost of operation and maintenance is included in the oil production cost. The purpose of this work is to develop a systematic optimization methodology for utilizing renewable energy resources, specifically Photovoltaic (PV), in Oil & Gas Industry. The study has been applied on an entire oil field in the Egyptian western dessert. The load is operated with an integrated solar-assisted system and stand-alone diesel generator. The annual energy requirements using the Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for ten sucker rod pumping units have been evaluated. A metaheuristic optimizer (Water Cycle Optimization Technique WCOT) has been utilized to optimize the PV contribution in the hybrid PV/diesel system proposed. Moreover, centralized, and distributed generation systems have been investigated technically and economically. The results have shown that the hybrid centralized system can provide up to 62% reduction in the LCOE with respect to the running diesel generator 24/7 system.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been rising alarmingly and it has now become a global concern causing an enormous economic burden on the health care system. MetS is generally linked to complications in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and low grade inflammation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and their combination on blood pressure, blood sugar, dyslipidemia, and liver function in rats with MetS induced by high fructose and high fat diet (HF-HFD) and the possible underlying mechanism. Oral administration of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) and their combination for 4 weeks in HF-HFD-fed rats elevated serum high density lipoprotein and reduced glutathione. On the other hand, treatment with rosuvastatin, CoQ10 or their combination decreased the serum levels of malondialdehyde, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol as well as systolic blood pressure, body weight and fasting blood glucose level. In addition, the drugs or their combination declined serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. In conclusion, our results showed that rosuvastatin or CoQ10 protected against HF-HFD-induced MetS through the regulation of dyslipidemia, elevated blood glucose, elevated blood pressure, antioxidant defenses and inflammatory response. Rosuvastatin or CoQ10 also alleviated the impairment of liver function that was induced by HF-HFD. Interestingly, CoQ10 augmented rosuvastatin's effect in ameliorating MetS, via exerting synergistic modulatory effects on oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, rosuvastatin and CoQ10 combination therapy may have possible applications in ameliorating metabolic disorders.

This study investigates the hepatoprotective effect of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) transplantation, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and α-lipoic acid (ALA). Rats were administrated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (1 mg/kg, i.p.) twice/week for 8 weeks for the induction of hepatotoxicity. 7 groups of rats were used as follows: Normal control, CCl4, CCl4 co-administered with BM-MNCs (1 × 106 in 0.1 ml PBS, i.v.), or NAC (300 mg/kg, p.o) or ALA (100 mg/kg, p.o) single or combination. Liver function was tested by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver homogenates. Besides that, estimation of DNA damage was performed. In addition to Micronucleus test and histopathological investigation. CCl4 treated rats showed elevation in ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA accompanied by reduction in ALB, IL-10, SOD, CAT, GPx and TAC and increased the number of DNA breaks in liver tissue, showed many micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in bone marrow. NAC, ALA, BM-MNCs and their combination caused a reduction of ALT, AST, while, increase albumin, CAT, TAC, GPx, SOD as compared to CCl4 treated groups. Also decrease in MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α concurrently with an increase in IL-10. Moreover, BM-MNCs, NAC, ALA, and their combination decreased DNA tail %, and the count of MnPCEs. BM-MNCs combination with NAC or ALA exerted significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cytogenetical aberrations effect compared to each of them alone.HighlightsCCl4 elevated ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6 and MDACCl4 reduced ALB, IL-10, SOD, CAT, GPx and TACCCl4 increased the number of DNA breaks in liverNAC, ALA and BM-MNCs reduced ALT, AST, while, increase albumin, CAT, TAC, GPx, SODNAC, ALA and BM-MNCs decreased in MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α and increased IL-10 [Figure: see text].

In Aedes albopictus various types of sensillae were on the head and its appendages with distinctmorphological features. The antennae and maxillary palps play a major role in host detection,and other sensory-mediated behaviors. Six long sensilla chaetica were arranged in circularshape and spread uniformly across the diameter of the antennal flagellomers. Maxillarypalp is a relatively simple organ compared to antennae, consists of five segments, which denselycovered dorsal side with flattened scales, but chemosensory sensilla on ventral side. Thus,a desirable model for exploring neuromolecular networks surrounds chemo- and mechanosensation.Proboscis analyses gustatory code via food intake and involved in identification. Labellumexhibits the most of sensory structures on the proboscis. Numerous sensillatrichoidea distributeon antennal flagellomers.A significant difference in diameter of sensillacoeloconica that protruding from distal tip ofantennal flagellomers. Sensillachaetica with greater morphological variation were distributedthroughout Ae. albopictus head and appendages. Variation between different sensillae indicatestheir functions. Aporous sensilla play the mechanoreceptive role but, porous sensillawere contact chemoreceptors and olfactory ones. sensory mechanisms were extensivestudied, about Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus sensory systems is insufficient.

La investigación tuvo por objetivo explicar los factores socioeconómicos que influyen en la morosidad de una cooperativa de ahorro y crédito, dedicada a la captación de los ingresos por medio de ahorros, depósitos a plazo fijo y desembolsos por medio del otorgamiento de créditos individuales, siendo este último, materia de análisis. La investigación es de tipo cuantitativa correlacional, aplicada a 120 socios en condición de morosos. Los resultados del análisis de los factores socioeconómicos señalan que existe una relación altamente significativa con la morosidad, con un coeficiente de Pearson de 0.519. Se concluye que a causa de la crisis económica nacional e internacional de la pandemia del COVID-19 los socios incumplieron con el pago de las obligaciones contraídas con la institución. Por ello es necesario que los asesores y promotores consideren estos riesgos al momento de evaluar los créditos, con la finalidad de asegurar el retorno de los créditos otorgados.

Concrete is probably the most extensively used construction material in the world. The modern concept of construction is directed at the use of recycled materials, in particular, various waste products. This solves a number of problems -saving the expensive materials; - decreasing CO2 emissions by reducing the production of construction materials, so, these can also be used as refractory materials. Plant fibers are the most abundant fiber among all the natural fibers. Bamboo, palm, sisal, jute, date kernel, flax etc. are the commonly known plant fibers. Plant fibers are also called cellulosic fiber and have quite promising tensile strength. Natural Plant fibers treated by pyrolysis in concrete such as additions; determine the effect of these substances and the effect of temperature on the properties of concrete. The natural fibers in concrete are added accordingly with the percentage of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% by weight of cement concrete cubes are tested at the age of 7 and 28 days of curing. Natural waste treated by pyrolysis and different additives on concrete behavior to improve its performance in the future to use in Civil Engineering and Construction World. The optimum result for natural fibers was observed at 1.0% for bamboo and date kernel and 1.5% for palm oil of natural fiber.

PPAR-γ anti-inflammatory functions have received significant attention since its agonists have been shown to exert a wide range of protective effects in many experimental models of neurologic diseases. Rice bran is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are reported to act as PPAR-γ partial agonists. Herein, the anti-inflammatory effect of rice bran extract (RBE) through PPAR-γ activation was evaluated in LPS-induced neuroinflammatory mouse model in comparison to pioglitazone (PG) using 80 Swiss albino mice. RBE (100 mg/kg) and PG (30 mg/kg) were given orally for 21 days and LPS (0.25 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for the last 7 days. TNF-α and COX-2 brain contents were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, NFκB binding to its response element was evaluated alongside with the effect of treatments on IκB gene expression. Furthermore, PPAR-γ sumoylation was also studied. Finally, histopathological examination was performed for different brain areas. RBE administration was found to protect against the LPS-induced inflammatory effects by decreasing the inflammatory mediator expression in mice brains. It also decreased PPAR-γ sumoylation without significant effect on IκB expression or NFκB binding to its response element. The majority of the effects were attenuated in presence of PPAR-γ antagonist (GW9662). Level of significance was set to P

Background: Central venous stenosis or occlusion (CVSO) is a major complication in hemodialysis patients that significantly affects morbidity and failure of the peripheral arteriovenous fistula (AVF). However, the best treatment is still unknown (surgical or endovascular). Endovascular treatment is a widely accepted option that includes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without stenting. The optimal endovascular treatment is still undetermined. Aim: To study the success rate and effect of endovascular intervention as angioplasty alone or with stenting, in patients with CVSO as optimal endovascular treatment still undetermined. Patients and Methods: this is uncontrolled clinical trial was conducted in Suez Canal University Hospital in the period between July 2017 to July 2019 and follow-up for 12 months. Thirty-four patients with compromised upper limb arteriovenous fistula due to CVSO were included to assess the patency rate of primary angioplasty with or without stenting. Any patients with (mediastinal lesion invading central veins, ipsilateral peripheral vein stenosis, or infected AVF) were excluded. Results: The mean age of studied patients was 53.06±8.49 with a slightly larger number (19) of females (56%). Pre-intervention, the innominate vein was the highest affected with lesion by 41%. Occlusion was in 9 patients (26%), while; 25patients (74%) had stenotic lesion. The success rate of primary patency was 55%, follow-up of the successful cases at 3, 6, and 12 months with patency rate 91%,77%, and 59% respectively. There was no significant difference in the patency rate during one-year follow-up regarding the use of angioplasty alone or with stenting. Conclusion: percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stenting according to our results is successful, safe, and effective in managing central venous lesions in compromised AVF in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Contrary to traditional long saphenous vein (LSV) surgeries, stripping and endovenous laser ablation, using heat coagulation, ambulatory conservative hemodynamic correction of venous insufficiency (CHIVA) is LSV sparing technique. Aim: Based on the lack of studies discussing success and recurrence rate, this study was designed to assess the immediate and one-year follow-up of this technique, as well as its efficacy and safety. Patients and Methods: Thirty-three patients with primary LSV varicosities were included in this uncontrolled clinical trial. Patients with LSV diameter of ≥ 9.5mm or pregnancy were excluded. Results: The mean age of our patients was 33.36±8.865 years, and 54.5% of them were males. According to Hobb's score, 25 patients (75.7%) were completely cured, 6 patients (18.1%) were improved, while 2 patients (6.2%) were considered as failure. Most (87.9%) of the patients showed absent or no visible recurrence. The rest showed visible recurrence by duplex ultrasound. All patients had significant improvement of their symptoms (no pain, or edema) at the immediate follow-up after operation. No complication including hematomas, ecchymosis, hemorrhage, saphenous nerve neuralgia, phlebitis, infection, deep or LSV thrombosis was detected. Conclusion: CHIVA is a successful and effective option in managing patients with primary long Saphenous varicosities, with minimal recurrence rate, after one-year of follow-up.

Valproic acid is a commonly used drug for many psychiatric disorders, particularly for epilepsy. However, it has been reported that its use is associated with possible side effects including hepatotoxicity.The present study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of ellagic acid against valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Ellagic acid (60 mg/kg/day; p.o) was treated for one week, followed by concomitant injection of valproic acid (250 mg/kg/day; i.p.) for another 14 consecutive days to induce hepatocellular damage in adult Sprague–Dawley rats.Valproic acid showed a marked increase in serum enzyme activities, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT. In addition, it significantly increased MDA and NO along with a marked decline in reduced GSH content. At the same time, valproic acid administration resulted in marked elevation in hydroxyproline, TNF-α production and NF-kB expression. These results were confirmed by histopathological examination.Treatment with ellagic acid markedly attenuated valproic acid-induced hepatic injury in rats. Keywords: Valproic acid, Hepatotoxicity, Oxidative stress, Ellagic acid, Hepatocellular damage

Ahmed Yamany, Mervat E Behiry, Sahar A Ahmed Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, EgyptCorrespondence: Mervat E Behiry Tel +20 1124205071Fax +20 26 28 884Email lambaa2020@yahoo.comPurpose: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with multi-organ involvement. Hyponatremia is common in inflammatory diseases such as meningitis. Also, it has been found to be strongly associated with the degree of inflammation. However, it has not been fully evaluated in lupus. This study aimed to assess the inflammatory impact of hyponatremia in SLE patients and investigate its relationship with SLE disease activity.Patients and Methods: A totalof 101 patients with SLE were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups according to Na level; a normo-natremic group and a hyponatremic group. Demographic and clinical data were collected. SLE activity was assessed by the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). The estimated sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and complements (C3 and C4) were measured.Results: The majority of patients were females (98 subjects) (97%) with a mean age of 33± 8 years. Out of 101 participants, 40 patients (39.6%) were hyponatremic with a mean Na level of 131.58± 3.11 mmol/L. There was a statistically negative correlation between both ESR and SLEADI score and Na level (r=− 0.436 and − 0.436, respectively) with p=0.002, whereas Na level was positively correlated with complements, Cl, and albumin levels (r=0.653, 0.314, and 0.460, respectively) (p=0.000, 0.027, and > 0.001, respectively). CRP was not correlated with Na level. ESR was independently correlated with hyponatremia at the 95% CI for Exp B (0.997– 0.058) with a p-value of 0.048.Conclusion: Hyponatremia could be used as an indicator of SLE activity. Also, it might be an easily and rapidly detected as well as a prognostically useful marker of inflammation.Keywords: lupus erythematosus, activity, hyponatremia, complement, inflammation

Purpose Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with multi-organ involvement. Hyponatremia is common in inflammatory diseases such as meningitis. Also, it has been found to be strongly associated with the degree of inflammation. However, it has not been fully evaluated in lupus. This study aimed to assess the inflammatory impact of hyponatremia in SLE patients and investigate its relationship with SLE disease activity. Patients and methods A total of 101 patients with SLE were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups according to Na level; a normo-natremic group and a hyponatremic group. Demographic and clinical data were collected. SLE activity was assessed by the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). The estimated sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and complements (C3 and C4) were measured. Results The majority of patients were females (98 subjects) (97%) with a mean age of 33±8 years. Out of 101 participants, 40 patients (39.6%) were hyponatremic with a mean Na level of 131.58±3.11 mmol/L. There was a statistically negative correlation between both ESR and SLEADI score and Na level (r=-0.436 and -0.436, respectively) with p=0.002, whereas Na level was positively correlated with complements, Cl, and albumin levels (r=0.653, 0.314, and 0.460, respectively) (p=0.000, 0.027, and >0.001, respectively). CRP was not correlated with Na level. ESR was independently correlated with hyponatremia at the 95% CI for Exp B (0.997-0.058) with a p-value of 0.048. Conclusion Hyponatremia could be used as an indicator of SLE activity. Also, it might be an easily and rapidly detected as well as a prognostically useful marker of inflammation.

Neuronal progranulin (PGRN) overexpression is an endogenous adaptive pain defense following nerve injury. It allows the survival of injured neurons to block enhanced nociceptive responses. Trimetazidine (TMZ) is widely used by cardiac patients as an anti-anginal drug, reflecting its anti-ischemic property. TMZ promotes axonal regeneration of sciatic nerves after crush injury. This study explored the interplay between PGRN and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) to address mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain alleviation following paclitaxel (PTX) administration. Rats were given four injections of PTX (2 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day. Two days after the last dose, rats received TMZ (25 mg/kg) with or without the ERK inhibitor, PD98059, daily for 21 days. TMZ preserved the integrity of myelinated nerve fibers, as evidenced by an obvious reduction in axonal damage biomarkers. Accordingly, it alleviated PTX-evoked thermal, cold, and mechanical hyperalgesia/allodynia. TMZ also promoted ERK1/2 phosphorylation with a profound upsurge in PGRN content. These effects were associated with a substantial increase in Notch1 receptor gene expression and a prominent anti-inflammatory effect with a marked increase in mRNA expression of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor. Further, TMZ decreased oxidative stress and caspase-3 activity in the sciatic nerve. Conversely, co-administration of PD98059 completely abolished these beneficial effects. Thus, the robust antinociceptive effect of TMZ is largely attributed to upregulating PGRN and Notch1 receptors via ERK1/2 activation.

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and motor disabilities all over the world. It is a muti-factorial disorder associated with inflammatory, apoptotic, and oxidative responses. Nateglinide (NAT), an insulinotropic agent used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, recently showed potential anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. The aim of our study was to elucidate the unique neuroprotective role of NAT in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced stroke in rats. Fifty-six male rats were divided to 4 groups (n = 14 in each group): the sham-operated group, sham receiving NAT (50 mg/kg/day, p.o) group, ischemia/reperfusion (IR) group, and IR receiving NAT group (50 mg/kg/day, p.o). MCAO caused potent deficits in motor and behavioral functions of the rats. Significant increase in inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers has been observed in rats' hippocampi. Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway was significantly stimulated causing activation of series inflammatory biomarkers ending up neuro-inflammatory milieu. Pretreatment with NAT preserved rats' normal behavioral and motor functions. Moreover, NAT opposed the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) resulting in downregulation of more inflammatory mediators namely, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β), and the anti-survival gene PMAIP-1. NAT stimulated caveolin-1 (Cav-1) which prevented expression of oxidative biomarkers, nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and hamper the activation of apoptotic biomarker caspase-3. In conclusion, our work postulated that NAT exhibited its neuroprotective effects in rats with ischemic stroke via attenuation of different unique oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory pathways.

The present study was designed to investigate potential protective and ameliorate effects of red water-melon flesh (meat) and broccoli sprouts powders against potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced oxidative stress using experimental rats. Thirty-six (36) adult male albino rats were randomly distributed into 6 equal groups, 6 rats of each. Group 1 was fed on the basal diet and set as a negative control group (normal rats). The other 5 groups were injected by a single intraperitoneal dose of potassium bromate at dose of 125 mg/kg body weight for induction of oxidative stress. Group 2 was left as a positive control group and fed on basal diet only, while others groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were fed on supplemented diet with 5% powder of water-melon flesh, 10% water-melon flesh, 5% broccoli sprouts and 10% broccoli sprouts respectively. Feeding on melon flesh and broccoli sprouts (G3, G4, G5 & G6) caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in HDL, total protein and albumin, but with significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreases of globulin, LDL,VLDL, TC, TG, ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine, uric acid, urea and glucose as well as the activities of CAT,GPX &SOD which reflects the powerful nutraceutical therapeutic effect for feeding on water-melon flesh and broccoli sprouts to combat the oxidation stress induced by KBrO3 in male albino rats. Best treatments were for water-melon flesh 10% & broccoli sprouts 10% followed by water-melon flesh 5% then broccoli sprouts 5%. المستخلص العربي: تم إجراء الدراسة الحالية لمعرفة التأثيرات التغذوية العلاجية المحتملة لمساحيق لحم البطيخ الأحمر وبراعم البروکلى على الإجهاد التأکسدى المحدث بواسطة برومات البوتاسيوم.تم استخدام 36فأر أبيض بالغ يتراوح وزن الفأر (180±10) جرام، تم تغذيتها على الوجبة الأساسية لمدة أسبوع ثم قسمت بعد ذلک إلى6 مجموعات متساوية وترکت إحداها کمجموعة ضابطة سالبة, أما المجموعات الثمانية الأخرى فتم إصابتها تجريبيا باستخدام برومات البوتاسيوم بجرعة 125 ملجم / کجم من وزن الجسم لتحفيز الإجهاد التأکسدي. ترکت المجموعة 2 کمجموعة ضابطه موجبة وتمت تغذية المجموعات 3 و4 و5 و6 على نظام غذائي باضافة 5٪ من لحم البطيخ ، 10% من لحم البطيخ، 5% من براعم البروکلى، 10% من براعم البروکلى على التوالي. استمرت التجربة لمدة 28 يوم وفى نهاية التجربة تم وزن الفئران ثم ذبحهم وتجميع عينات الدم بعد صيام 12 ساعة ثم فصل السيرم لتقدير مستوى السکر في الدم ، وظائف الکبد (الجلوتاميک أوکسالو أستيک ترانس أمينيز، الجلوتاميک بيرفيک ترانس أمينيزوالألکالين فوسفاتيز) ، ووظائف الکلى ومستوي البروتين الکلى والألبيومين و الکولسترول الکلى و الجلسريدات الثلاثية,HDL-c,LDL-c, VLDL-c)) ومؤشر (AI). وقد أظهرت نتائج هذه الدراسة أن مساحيق لحم البطيخ وبراعم البروکلى (مجموعة3-4-5-6) أحدثت زيادة HDLc ، البروتين الکلي ، الألبومين ، الجلوبيولين ، مع انخفاض الجلوبيولين وALT-LDL-VLDL AST-ALP- ، الکرياتينين ، حمض اليوريک ، اليوريا ،الجلوکوز ونشاط انزيمات CAT,GPX and SOD الذي يعکس التأثير العلاجي القوي للتغذية على لحم البطيخ وبراعم البروکلى لمکافحة الإجهاد التأکسدي الناجم عن برومات البوتاسيوم في ذکور الفئران البيضاء. أفضل المعاملات کانت لحم البطيخ 10% ، براعم البروکلى 10% ، لحم البطيخ 5% ، براعم البروکلى 5%. الکلمات المفتاحية: برومات البوتاسيوم- التأکسد - لحم البطيخ - براعم البروکلى .

The risk of malaria recurrence increases due to the main vector, Anopheles pharoensis. The physiological age of the mosquito population is needed to expect malaria vector dynamics. The number of completed gonotrophic cycles is of great importance in determining the physiological age of females. A technique has been described that focuses on the number of dilatations remaining in the ovarioles after each oviposition to determine how many blood meals have been taken. At each gonotrophic cycle, the chances of infection of the vectors are repeated. The histological changes that occur immediately in the ovarioles and ovulation itself were studied. Under the influence of the contractions of the ovarian muscles, the eggs begin to move over the distal end of the ovariole into the inner oviduct. The terminal pedicle is markedly dilated near the diameter of the eggs. After the expulsion of the mature eggs, ovariole dilations were found at the point of their development in the terminal pedicle due to the accumulation of nurse cell remnants and follicular epithelium. The results were used to develop epidemiological localization and to evaluate the effectiveness of antimalaria interventions. The ovarian inspection often provides a technique to distinguish nulliparous from parous female anophelines. In addition, this study can provide basic entomological knowledge on the physiological age of mosquitoes by considering the histological changes in the ovaries, which allow the evaluation of vector management strategies in the field.

Pulpal involvement, secondary to dental caries, is not uncommon and is a challenging task for pediatric dentists. Morphological differences in root canal of deciduous teeth increases the complexity of management. The aim of this study was to compare two rotary file systems and hand instrumentation for root canal preparation in regard to canal transportation, centering ability ratio, and dentin thickness using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).A total of 72 canals from 24 freshly extracted mandibular deciduous second molars were divided into a set of 8 teeth, then prepared using 2 rotary files systems: the Kedo-S pediatric file system (Group A) and Pro AF Baby Gold file system (Group B) were compared to hand instrumentation (Group C). CBCT scans before and after root canal preparation were used to evaluate tested parameters. Instrumentation time for all three techniques was also measured using a chronometer.Although rotary file systems have shown superior results in root canal preparation as compared to hand instrumentation, no significant differences were observed between all the groups for canal transportation and dentin thickness at all three levels of prepared canals. A comparison of centering ability ratio between all the groups was found to be statistically significant only at the cervical level. A significant difference was observed between hand instrumentation using K-files (117.3 s) and both rotary systems (Kedo-S (81 s) and Pro AF Baby Gold (81.5 s)) in terms of canal preparation time (P0.001).Both tested rotary systems and hand instrumentation demonstrated comparable canal preparation results, with differences that were statistically non-significant in most tested parameters, without shaping errors. However, both the rotary systems were more efficient and faster than hand instrumentation.

Balancing microglia M1/M2 polarization has been shown as a prospective therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Various vital signaling pathways are likely to govern the microglial phenotype. The implication of 5HT1A receptors in neurodegenerative disorders has raised interest in exploring the repositioning of flibanserin (Flib), a 5HT1A agonist, as an effective neuroprotective agent for PD. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the ability of Flib to modulate microglia phenotype switching from M1 to M2 via PI3K/AKT downstream targets in a rotenone model of PD. Rats received rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) every other day and were concurrently treated with Flib (40 mg/kg/day) with or without wortmannin (15 μg/kg/day), a PI3K inhibitor, for 21 days. Flib improved the motor perturbations induced by rotenone, as confirmed by the reversion of histopathological damage and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemical alterations in both the striata and substantia nigra. The molecular signaling of Flib was elaborated by inducing striatal AKT phosphorylation and the expression of its substantial target, KLF4. Flib induced STAT6 phosphorylation to promote M2 polarization as demonstrated by the increased CD163

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, profoundly affecting the patient's quality of life and is associated with various complications. Linagliptin, a potent DPP- IV inhibitor, shows favorable anti-inflammatory effects in several animal model pathologies. To this end, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of linagliptin in a rat model of acetic acid-induced colitis. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms behind this effect were addressed. Accordingly, colitis was established by the administration of a 2 ml 6% acetic acid intrarectally and treatment with linagliptin (5 mg/kg) started 24 h after colitis induction and continued for 7 days. On one hand, the DPP-IV inhibitor alleviated the severity of colitis as evidenced by a decrease of disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon weight/length ratio, macroscopic damage, and histopathological deteriorations. Additionally, linagliptin diminished colon inflammation via attenuation of TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB p65 besides restoration of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. On the other hand, linagliptin increased levels of p-AMPK, SIRT1, and PGC-1α while abolishing the increment in p-JAK2 and p-STAT3. In parallel linagliptin reduced mTOR levels and upregulated expression levels of SHP and MKP-1 which is postulated to mediate AMPK-driven JAK2/STAT3 inhibition. Based on these findings, linagliptin showed promising anti-inflammatory activity against acetic acid-induced colitis that is mainly attributed to the activation of the AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α pathway as well as suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway that might be partly mediated through AMPK activation.