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Hesperidin (Hes) protects different organs from damage by acting as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This study aims to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of free hesperidin and its chitosan nanoparticles (HNPs) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, hypothesizing that HNPs will enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy due to improved solubility and targeted delivery. HNPs were synthesized via ion gelation and characterized using TEM, SEM, and zeta potential analyses. Key assessments included gastric acidity, histological analysis, and markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. HNPs significantly decreased gastric acidity, reduced inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities compared to free hesperidin and esomeprazole. Furthermore, Sirt-1, PGC-1α, HO-1, and FOXO1 gene expression were also evaluated. HNPs raised Sirt-1, PGC-1α, HO-1, and downregulated FOXO1, and they suppressed the activities of NF-κB p65, COX-2, IL-1β, CD86, FOXO1 P53, and caspase-3 and increased Sirt-1 activity. HNPs treatment notably restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and improved histological outcomes more effectively than free hesperidin and esomeprazole. These results indicate that chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhance the gastroprotective effects of hesperidin against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, potentially offering a more effective therapeutic strategy. Further research should explore the clinical applications of HNPs in human subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer drug that causes infertility disorders. This study was designed to evaluate a nanoformulation of chitosan with an ethanolic extract from Spirulina platensis in terms of its protection against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity. Nine groups of female Wistar rats were randomly assigned as follows: 1: control vehicle, 2: chitosan polymer, 3: telmisartan, 4: Spirulina platensis extract, 5: nanoformulation of the Spirulina platensis, and 6: single injection of CP; groups 7, 8, and 9 received the same treatments as those used in groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively, with a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg, I.P). The results displayed that the CP treatment decreased estradiol, progesterone, anti-mullerian hormone, and GSH content, and it downregulated PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, and HO-1 gene expression. In addition, the CP treatment caused an increase in the FSH, LH, and MDA levels. In the same manner, the protein expression of caspase-3, NF-kB, and TNF-α was upregulated in response to the CP treatment, while PPAR-γ was downregulated in comparison with the control. The rats treated with SPNPs exhibited a substantial reduction in the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation of the ovarian tissue. This study's conclusions showed that SPNPs counteracted the effects of CP, preventing the death of ovarian follicles and restoring the gonadotropin hormone balance and normal ovarian histological appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decline in rainfall as a source of agricultural water has affected and will continue to affect sustainable crop production globally including in Hungary. Conservation of the greatest water reservoir is important for the sustainable development of agriculture in Hungary. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the different tillage methods on soil moisture content, grain yield, and root weight of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) under rainfed conditions. A field study was conducted at the Józsefmajor Experimental and Training Farm (JM) of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences near Hatvan. The experiment consisted of six tillage treatments: disking (D, 16 cm), shallow cultivation (SC, 20 cm), no-till (NT), deep cultivation (DC, 25 cm), loosening (L, 45 cm), and plowing (P, 30 cm). Soil moisture content (SMC) was measured monthly, and grain yield and root weight were measured at the end of the cropping period. Our results showed no significant difference in SMC between conservation and conventional tillage methods in 2018. However, in 2021, greater SMC was significantly conserved under NT compared to P. Regarding the sampling date, a significant increase in moisture with time was observed. A significantly lower SMC was observed on 3 June 2019 between L and D. while on the 9 September 2020, SMC significantly differed between P and all the other treatments (D, SC, NT, DC, and L). Interestingly in 2018, SMC was significantly lower at 10–20 cm depth between L and D. Notably the effect of depth on SMC was observed as moisture significantly increased with increasing depth in all tillage treatments. Root weight was greatest at DC (1.54 t ha−1) in 2018 and under L (3.89 t ha−1) in 2021. Similarly, wheat grain yield was greatest at DC (2.48 t ha−1) in 2018, while sunflower yield in 2021 was greatest at L (3.86 t ha−1). It is comprehensible that conservation tillage methods such as L and NT can increase SMC and grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian woodcock prefers habitats where its main prey, earthworms, can be found in higher densities. Although they are forest‐dwelling birds, they regularly visit pastures and natural grasslands at night, where earthworm abundance is generally higher. However, there is little information on fine‐scale habitat use in relation to variation in habitat characteristics and prey availability, particularly beyond the breeding season. In our study, we investigated if the nocturnal occurrence of woodcocks during migratory stopover periods differed between two neighbouring fields, or management units, with similar vegetation structure, and if within‐field variation in the spatial patterns of woodcock sightings were associated with fine‐scale earthworm densities and soil parameters. Specifically, we used GPS tracking data of two tagged woodcocks and direct observation data to study patterns of occurrence of birds in a mixed forest‐pasture landscape in Hungary during pre‐ and post‐breeding periods. We compared these patterns with fine‐scale soil characteristics and earthworm abundance, acquired by field sampling. We found that the field with higher earthworm abundance was visited by woodcocks more frequently, and this correlation was similarly observed at the intra‐field level. Our results demonstrate that woodcocks select foraging sites with higher earthworm densities at multiple spatial scales, both between fields (coarse scale), and within fields (fine‐scale). Considering that woodcocks tended to return to the same field to forage at night, the strong associations between occupancy and resources provide a basis for developing habitat management strategies at the field level for conservation. As earthworm densities and soil parameters are good indicators of woodcock foraging habitat, measuring those variables, at least at a coarse scale, could aid in predicting important habitats for the species across the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip fracture is considered one of the most fatal fractures for elderly people, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality and impaired functional capacity, particularly for basic and instrumental activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of implementing a discharge plan on functional abilities of geriatric patients with hip fractures. Design: A quasi experimental research design was used in this study. Subjects: The study subjects comprised 60 elders with hip fractures divided into two equal groups (study and control) where each group consists of 30 elders. The experimental group received the discharge plan beside routine care in hospital, whereas, control group received only the routine hospital care. Conclusion: Applying the discharge plan on geriatric patients with hip fracture was effective in enhancing recovery rate for performing ADLs. Positive but insignificant recovery rate was found in some IADLs.

Background: Cardiotoxicity is one of the limiting side effects of the commonly used anticancer agent cyclophosphamide (Cyclo). Materials and methods: The possible protective effects of telmisartan and nanoformulated Spirulina platensis (Sp) methanolic extract against Cycloinduced cardiotoxicity were examined in this study. Experimental groups of rats were randomly divided into nine groups as control vehicle, control polymer, telmisartan (TEL, 10 mg/kg), free Sp extract (300 mg/kg), nano Sp extract (100 mg/kg), Cyclo (200 mg/kg), TEL + Cyclo, free Sp + Cyclo, and nano Sp + Cyclo. The groups with Cyclo combinations were treated in the same manner as their corresponding ones without Cyclo, with a single dose of Cyclo on day 18. Results: The results indicate that Cyclo causes significant cardiotoxicity, manifesting in the form of notable increases of 155.49%, 105.74%, 451.76%, and 826.07% in the serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) enzyme activities, respectively, as compared to the control. In addition, the cardiac glutathione (GSH) content and activity of glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) enzyme decreased by 65.94% and 73.85%, respectively. Treatment with nano Sp extract showed the most prominent restorations of the altered biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features as compared with those by TEL and free Sp; moreover, reductions of 30.64% and 43.02% in the p-AKT content as well as 60.43% and 75.30% of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) immunoreactivity were detected in the TEL and free Sp treatment groups, respectively. Interestingly, nano Sp boosted the autophagy signal via activation of beclin-1 (36.42% and 153.4%), activation of LC3II (69.13% and 195%), downregulation of p62 expressions (39.68% and 62.45%), and increased gene expressions of paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) (90.3% and 225.9%) compared to the TEL and free Sp treatment groups, respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest the protective efficiency of telmisartan and nano Sp extract against cardiotoxicity via activations of the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and autophagy signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term cultivation experiments are gaining more attention due to the possibility of following the changes in soil parameters (e.g., soil organic carbon (SOC), stock and soil health indicators, etc.). Our objective was to assess the status of soil in an 18-year-old tillage experiment after almost two decades of systematic tillage. In this research, soil physical (bulk density, moisture content), chemical (pH, SOC), and biological properties (soil microbial respiration, abundance, biomass, species composition of earthworms, yield) were used as indicators in three soil cultivation methods representing different degrees of disturbance (no-till—NT; shallow cultivation—SC; and ploughing—P). Based on our results, there were significant differences in bulk density (NT > SC, P) in 0–10 cm, and NT > P in deeper layers (10–20, 20–30, 30–40 cm), while the SOC content in 0–10 cm was the highest in NT (2.5%), followed by SC (2.4%) and P (2.0%). Soil microbial respiration was significantly greater in NT than in SC and P. The abundance and biomass of earthworms was the highest in NT (189 ind m−2, 41.26 g m−2), followed by SC (125 ind m−2, 36.9 g m−2) and P (48 ind m−2, 7.4 g m−2). We concluded that NT offered a beneficial habitat for earthworms and microorganisms and a high SOC storage capacity; however, bulk density was less convenient due to soil compaction in our experiment. Therefore, SC can be used as an alternative approach for sustainable soil tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orlistat (ORL) is an effective irreversible inhibitor of the lipase enzyme, and it possesses anticancer effects and limited aqueous solubility. This study was designed to improve the aqueous solubility, oral absorption, and tissue distribution of ORL via the formulation of nanocrystals (NCs). Methods: ORL-NC was prepared using the liquid antisolvent precipitation method (bottom-up technology), and it demonstrated significantly improved solubility compared with that of the blank crystals (ORL-BCs) and untreated ORL powder. The biodistribution and relative bioavailability of ORL-NC were investigated via the radiolabeling technique using Technetium-99m (99mTc). Female Swiss albino mice were used to examine the antitumor activity of ORL-NC against solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)-induced hepatic damage in mice. Results: The prepared NCs improved ORL's solubility, bioavailability, and tissue distribution, with evidence of 258.70% relative bioavailability. In the in vivo study, the ORL-NC treatment caused a reduction in all tested liver functions (total and direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, and ALP) and improved modifications in liver sections that were marked using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining (Ki-67 and ER-α) compared with untreated SEC mice. Conclusions: The developed ORL-NC could be considered a promising formulation approach to enhance the oral absorption tissue distribution of ORL and suppress the liver damage caused by SEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Libyan Studies is the property of Cambridge University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. The early stage of MF is a difficult diagnostic case, as it is often confused with many benign inflammatory dermatoses (BID). The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of TOX, FOXP3, CDD4 and GATA3 in differentiating early stages of MF from histologically overlapping BID lesions. Material and Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed, in which immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of TOX, FOXP3, CD4 and GATA3 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections of skin lesions from 30 cases with BID and 30 patients with early-stage MF. Results: The association between TOX expression and early-stage MF was statistically significant (P <0.001). TOX had the highest sensitivity of 96.77% and accuracy of 85.71% in diagnosis of MF; followed by CD4 with sensitivity of 85.71% and accuracy of 78.95%; and then, GATA3 with sensitivity of 76.7% and finally FOXP3 with sensitivity of 70.0%. Conclusion: TOX is suggested to be of higher diagnostic value in the early stages of MF than the conventionally used CD4 and other markers examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in intravesical therapy and surgery, up to 30% of NMIBC suffer progression to MIBC. OBJECTIVES: To identify the valuable prognostic biomarkers, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of Sox2, YAP1, and IMP3 in 60 cases of NMIBC who underwent TURBT with adjuvant intravesical bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG). METHODS: The immunohistochemical expression was done on a sixty patients who complained from primary papillary superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder (Stage Ta-T1).Their predicting role for recurrence, progression, progression-free survival (PFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was assessed. RESULTS: High Sox2 expression was observed in 55% of NMIBC cases, and it was significantly associated with the tumor size, grade, and stage (p <0.001 for each). High YAP1 was noted in 33.3% of the cases, and its expression was significantly associated with the tumor size, grade, and stage (p <0.001 for each). Strong IMP3 expression was detected in 45% of the cases, and it was associated with the tumor size, grade, and stage (p < 0.001 for each). Analysis of follow-up period revealed that NMIBC with high Sox2, high YAP1, and Strong IMP3 expression exhibited a potent relation with tumor recurrence, progression, and shorter RFS & PFS. CONCLUSIONS: High Sox2, high YAP1, and strong IMP3 could be considered as adverse prognostic factors of tumor recurrence and progression in NMIBC, and these patients should be followed carefully. Therefore, we suggest that Sox2, YAP1 and IMP3 should be considered and evaluated during the selection of the appropriate management strategy for NMIBC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care is comprehensive supportive care addressing the suffering, pain, discomfort, symptoms, and stress of cancer and any serious life-threatening disease. It is a key part of care for our children living with cancer and is an important source of support for their families. The study aimed to assess the perception of pediatric oncology family care providers toward palliative care and its perceived barriers in Egypt.Method: Total number of 500 oncology children's family care providers was recruited. A descriptive research design was utilized. Researchers used three tools as Structured Interview Questionnaire to assess the participants' knowledge and perceived barriers, Attitude toward palliative care Likert Scale, and Reported Practices Observational Checklist. The study was conducted in outpatient cancer clinics affiliated with El-Nasr governmental hospital located at Port Said governorate.Results: 51.8% of the total oncology children's family care providers had sufficient knowledge, 78.6% had a positive attitude, while,76.8% of them had inappropriate Practice towards palliative care.Significance Of Results: The pediatric oncology family care providers had sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude toward palliative care, but their practices were inappropriate. Also, the majority of participants identified Lack of family care providers training in pediatric palliative care and improper communication between the health team and family care providers as the main barriers to providing palliative care to children. Providing a palliative care training program for family caregivers through continuing professional development is highly recommended besides further research studies using large probability samples at different settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A human is exposed to a chemical mixture rather than a single chemical, particularly with the wide spread of nanomaterials. Therefore, the present study evaluated the combined exposure of lead acetate (Pb) and zinc oxide‐nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) compared to each metal alone on the thyroid gland of adult rats. A total of 30 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups, group I (control), group II received Pb (10 mg/kg), group III received ZnO‐NPs (85 mg/kg) and group IV co‐administrated the two metals in the same previous doses. The materials were gavaged for 8 weeks. The toxicity was assessed through several biochemical parameters. Our results revealed significant body weight reduction relative to increased thyroid weights, decreased both of serum‐free triiodothyronine (FT3), tetra‐iodothyronine (FT4), increased thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), increased serum and thyroid levels of Pb and zinc, significant elevation in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), reduction in interleukin 4 (IL4), upregulation of Bax, and downregulation of Bcl‐2 genes. Additionally, there was significant overexpression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2(Nrf2), 8‐Hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8‐OHdG), the elevation of tissues malondialdehyde (MDA), reduction of tissues total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and disruptive thyroid structural alterations in all metals groups with marked changes in the combined metals group. In conclusion, the combined exposure of Pb and ZnO‐NPs induced pronounced toxic thyroid injury, pointing to additive effects in rats than the individual metal effects through different significant changes of disruptive thyroid structural alterations related to the loading of thyroid tissues with Pb and zinc metals producing oxidative stress that mediated inflammation and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense local stereo matching is traditionally based on initial cost evaluation using a simple metric followed by sophisticated support aggregation. There is a high potential of replacing these simple metrics by robust binary descriptors. However, the available studies focus on comparing descriptors for sparse matching rather than the dense case of extracting a descriptor per each pixel. Therefore, this paper studies the design decisions of well-established binary descriptors such as BRIEF (Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features), ORB (Oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF), BRISK (Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints) and FREAK (Fast Retina Keypoint) to decide their suitablility for the dense matching case. The results shows that support agregation is required for use with binary descriptors to handle edges in local dense matching. Also, BRIEF produced the smoothnest disparity map if geometric transformations is not present. Whereas, FREAK and BRISK achieved the least overall error percentage across all regions. The lastest Middlebury Stereo benchmark is utilized in the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Osteoporosis is a crucial health concern, common in older people regardless of their gender. Improving knowledge about osteoporosis raises awareness among older adults. The aims of this study were to assess the older adults knowledge and beliefs about osteoporosis based on their socio-demographic characteristics; and, to examine the effectiveness of the educational program on their knowledge and health beliefs. Design: Quasi-experimental research design was used. Methods: The study utilized a one-group pretest-posttest design with a convenience sample of 200 older adults, 75.5% of them were females. Data were collected using Osteoporosis Knowledge Test scale (OKT) and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS). Results: The findings showed that there was significant increase in knowledge scores after the implementation of the educational program. Furthermore, there was a benefit of calcium intake and significant difference in regard to participants gender, and level of education. Discussion: The intervention of our study has led to an increase in knowledge about osteoporosis among the studied older adults after the program. This result is consistent with many other studies on the education and exercise programs to improve osteoporosis knowledge of older adults. Conclusion: The educational program has positively affected the older adults patients knowledge, attitude, and belief in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a great demand to introduce new approaches into cancer treatment field due to incidence of increased breast cancer all over the world. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of imatinib mesylate (IM) and/or hesperidin (HES) nanoparticles alone or in combination in enhancing the anticancer activity and to investigate the ability of nanoencapsulation to reduce cardiotoxicity of IM in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC)‐bearing mice. IM and HES were loaded into PLGA (poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) polymer. SEC was induced in female albino mice as a model for experimentally induced breast cancer. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10). On day 28 from tumor inoculation, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes for hematological studies, biochemical determination of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels. In addition, tumor and cardiac tissues were utilized for histopathological examination as well as determination of MDR‐1 gene expression. Immunohistochemical staining of BAX and BCL‐2 was done. Nano IM‐ and/or Nano HES‐treated groups showed a significant reduction in tumor volume, weight, hematological, cardiac markers, and tumor MDR‐1 gene downregulation compared to free conventional treated groups. In conclusion, the use of HES as an adjuvant therapy with IM could improve its cytotoxic effects and limit its cardiac toxicity. Furthermore, nanoencapsulation of IM and/or HES with PLGA polymer showed a remarkable anticancer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histamine- producing bacteria may be associated with much irritable bowel disease. The present study was feces samples for histamine producing bacteria (HPB) isolation. Detection was depended on Niven's medium that out of 30 bacterial samples, only 21 isolates were positive for histamine production. The bacterial species were identified by Vitek2 –compact results. E.coli species were selected for present study. Vitek2 –compact device was used to study the sensitivity of bacterial isolates against 16 antibiotic. Most E.coli species were resistant to beta- Lactamaes (Ampicillin/Sulbactam Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin), and sensitive to Trimethoprim (100%. The study showed that E.coli have histidine decarboxylase enzyme that has the ability to produce histamine and the occurrence of the disease, which is considered a virulence factor. The concentration of histamine was detected by HPLC technique (21.01 μg/ml. There are various factors that affect the bacterial production of histamine were detected include pH, salt and temperature. E.coli proportion to the concentration of histamine in pH (6) 21.41 Histamine- producing bacteria may be associated with much irritable bowel disease. The present study was feces samples for histamine producing bacteria (HPB) isolation. Detection was depended on Niven's medium that out of 30 bacterial samples, only 21 isolates were positive for histamine production. The bacterial species were identified by Vitek2 –compact results. E.coli species were selected for present study. Vitek2 –compact device was used to study the sensitivity of bacterial isolates against 16 antibiotic. Most E.coli species were resistant to beta- Lactamaes (Ampicillin/Sulbactam Ampicillin and Ciprofloxacin), and sensitive to Trimethoprim (100%. The study showed that E.coli have histidine decarboxylase enzyme that has the ability to produce histamine and the occurrence of the disease, which is considered a virulence factor. The concentration of histamine was detected by HPLC technique (21.01 μg/ml. There are various factors that affect the bacterial production of histamine were detected include pH, salt and temperature. E.coli proportion to the concentration of histamine in pH (6) 21.41μl/mg and less at a temperature 40℃ was 4.82 μl/mg.l/mg and less at a temperature 40℃ was 4.82 μl/mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries is the property of Egyptian Society for Fisheries Development & Human Health and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: The treatment strategies of astrocytoma have not changed considerably due to the restricted appreciation of its biology. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the stem cell-related proteins (CD133 and Sox2) and their prognostic value in astrocytic glioma. METHODS: The immunohistochemical expression of CD133 and Sox2 in 40 patients with an astrocytic glioma of different grades was studied. The recorded data on the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and the response to the therapeutic protocol were collected and lastly analyzed. RESULTS: CD133 expression was observed in 87.5% of the cases, while positive Sox2 expression was found in all the studied cases. There was a significant association of CD133 expression with the histological grade and the tumor size (p < 0.001). A significant association of Sox2 with the histological grade and the tumor size was noted (p = 0.004, p = 0.006 respectively). Up-regulation of both CD133 and Sox2 had a significant association with poor clinical response to the therapy (p < 0.001 for each). Shorter OS and PFS were related to CD133 and Sox2 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: : Astrocytoma with CD133 and Sox2 overexpression had an unfavorable prognosis and poor clinical response to the current therapeutic protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to charge the microbial consignment of uncooked meat samples collected from the slaughtered animals of Basrah abattoir. In this, study fifty raw meat samples (25 meat Cow and 25 meat Sheep). In the present study, the pathogenic bacteria were identified as Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens by 16S rDNA. This has a specific suggestion beginning the Public Health point of sight. The result designates considerable attendance of microbial contaminants in the meat where a shortage of correct hygiene in the slaughtered. The specimen (2) were diagnosed by amplifying universal primer of 16SrDNA. Sequence information is analyzed by (NCBI) program. Sequence results showed the dominance of Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Hypoandrogenicity is common in men with rheumatoid arthritis who have lower levels of sex hormones such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. The fat tissue hormone leptin is stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and was found to be associated with hypoandrogenicity. Aim of the work: To study the inter-relation between serum levels of TNF-α, leptin and androgens in early diagnosed RA. Patients and methods: Serum levels of TNF-α, leptin, testosterone, and (DHEAS) hormones were measured by ELISA and compared in 40 men with early RA and 30 healthy volunteers. Results: The mean serum leptin and TNF-α were significantly elevated in patients with RA compared to control group, and both of them were positively correlated with the disease activity score (DAS28). Sex hormones (testosterone and DHEAS) were significantly decreased in male patients with RA compared to control group, and they were negatively correlated with serum TNF-α, leptin. Conclusion: Our data suggest that TNF-α, and leptin may be involved in hypoandrogenicity in patients with RA and that strategies aimed at interfering with leptin axis could represent innovative therapeutic tool for hypoandrogenicity in RA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Though linked with a favorable overall survival rate, the heterogeneity of NMIBC (non-muscle invasive bladder cancer) has an effect on patients' rates of recurrence. The decision making is depended on the established pathological and clinical parameters for each individual. Therefore, to improve clinical outcome, life quality and survival rates of oncological patients, more parameters are needed to support the decision. Objectives: Analysis the prognostic potential of CHEK2, FASN and Her2/neu immunohistochemical expression in fifty cases of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who underwent TURBT as well as adjuvant intravesical BCG with a focus on prognostication of recurrence as well as progression among NMIBC. Materials and Methods: Our study included fifty cases who had primary papillary superficial (noninvasive) TCC "transitional cell carcinoma" (Stage Ta-T1; with or without CIS of the bladder. Only the tumors containing proper detrusor muscle in biopsy were involved in this study. Between January 2016 and December 2019, the Urology department performed surgical resection. Results: Decrease or loss of CHE2 expression was reported among (56%) of the patients, which was significantly linked with tumor size, smoking, grade, multifocality and concomitant Cis. High FASN expression was demonstrated among (68%) NMIBC cases, expression was significantly linked with tumor size, smoking, grade, multifocality as well concomitant Cis. Positive Her2/neu was found in of (42%) the cases, and the expression was significantly linked with tumor size, smoking, grade, multifocality and concomitant carcinoma in situ. The overall disease-free survival was significantly correlated with low expression of CHEK2 and positive Her2neu. Conclusion: Loss of CHEK2, high FASN and positive Her2/neu in the biopsies of noninvasive "superficial" urothelial carcinomas is an independent predictor of tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life threatening conditions characterized by renal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) such as kidney transplantation, partial nephrectomy, renal artery angioplasty, cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic bypass surgery, continue to be among the most frequent causes of acute renal failure. The current study investigated the possible protective effects of tadalafil alone and in combination with diltiazem in experimentally-induced renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Possible underlying mechanisms were also investigated such as oxidative stress and inflammation. Rats were divided into sham-operated and I/R-operated groups. Anesthetized rats (urethane 1.3 g/kg) were subjected to bilateral ischemia for 30 min by occlusion of renal pedicles, then reperfused for 6 h. Rats in the vehicle I/R group showed a significant (p ˂ 0.05) increase in kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) content; myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity; TNF-α and IL-1β contents. In addition significant (p ˂ 0.05) increase in intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) content, BUN and creatinine levels, along with significant decrease in kidney superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, marked diffuse histopathological damage and severe cytoplasmic staining of caspase-3 were detected. Pretreatment with combination of tadalafil (5 mg/kg bdwt) and diltiazem (5 mg/kg bdwt) resulted in reversal of the increased biochemical parameters investigated. Also, histopathological examination revealed partial return to normal cellular architecture. In conclusion, pretreatment with tadalafil and diltiazem combination protected against RIR injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) is a biologically heterogeneous with different genomic and molecular profiles, beside clinical response to the chemotherapy with subsequent in obstacles in starting unified, acceptable treatments and so we assess immunoexpression of Nanog, ZEB1, and EpCAM in SOC., Methods: In this study, the immunoexpression of Nanog, ZEB1, and EpCAM was studied in 60 cases of SOC. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) data and response to chemotherapy were  analyzed., Results: NANOG was immunostained in 65% of the cases with a significant association with tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, and FIGO stage (p < 0.001 for each). ZEB1 showed moderate- high expression in 58.3% of the cases with significant up-regulation of ZEB1 expression with SOC grade, nodal metastasis, and SOC FIGO stage (p<0.001). EpCAM revealed high expression in 60% of the cases with significant association with higher grade, nodal metastasis, and advanced stage (p < 0.001 for each). Up-regulation of Nanog was significantly associated with response to chemotherapy, relapse, shorter OS and DFS (p < 0.001 for each). ZEB1 overexpression exhibited a significant association with response to chemotherapy (p= 0.012), relapse, shorter OS and DFS (p<0.001 for each). Moreover, the high EpCAM had a significant association with response to chemotherapy (p= 0.043), relapse (p < 0.001) shorter OS (p=0.006) and DFS (p< 0.001)., Conclusions: Up-regulation of Nanog and ZEB-1 and EpCAM perhaps promote an aggressive SOC with a high risk of relapse and unfavorable response to standard chemotherapy regimen.

Objective: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. The early stage of MF is a difficult diagnostic case, as it is often confused with many benign inflammatory dermatoses (BID). The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of TOX, FOXP3, CDD4 and GATA3 in differentiating early stages of MF from histologically overlapping BID lesions., Material and Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed, in which immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of TOX, FOXP3, CD4 and GATA3 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections of skin lesions from 30 cases with BID and 30 patients with early-stage MF., Results: The association between TOX expression and early-stage MF was statistically significant (P < 0.001). TOX had the highest sensitivity of 96.77% and accuracy of 85.71% in diagnosis of MF; followed by CD4 with sensitivity of 85.71% and accuracy of 78.95%; and then, GATA3 with sensitivity of 76.7% and finally FOXP3 with sensitivity of 70.0%., Conclusion: TOX is suggested to be of higher diagnostic value in the early stages of MF than the conventionally used CD4 and other markers examined.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecologic cancer and the current methods for the prediction of its prognosis and treatment response are unfortunately suboptimal. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of p53, Pirh2, and L1CAM in 60 cases of EC using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction. TP53 missense mutations result in nuclear accumulation of p53 protein that can be detected as overexpression by IHC. This is in the form of diffuse strong nuclear positivity involving at least at least >50% of the tumor cells as a whole or if >50% of the tumor cells of a discrete geographical areas. Abnormal p53 IHC expression was expressed in 33.3% of the cases and significantly associated with the tumor grade, myometrial invasion (MI), lymphovascular invasion (LVSI), nodal metastasis, and FIGO stage, and the advanced European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) risk groups ( P <0.001 for each). High IHC Pirh2 expression was noted in 58.3% of the cases, and significantly associated with MI, LVSI, nodal metastasis, FIGO stage, and high-risk group ( P <0.001, P =0.011, P =0.010, P =0.024, P =0.005, respectively). There was a significant upregulation of Pirh2 mRNA expression in EC specimens as compared with the control adjacent tissues ( P =0.001). Upregulated Pirh2 mRNA expression had a significant association with Pirh2 immunostaining, tumor grade, tumor stage, MI, lymph node involvement, LVSI, and relapse ( P <0.001 for each). Positive L1CAM immunoexpression was noted in 26.7% and was significantly associated with grade, MI, LVSI, nodal metastasis, FIGO stage, and high-risk group ( P =0.003, P =0.023, P =0.003, P <0.001, P <0.001, P =0.002, respectively). Analysis of follow-up period revealed that EC with abnormal p53 IHC expression, high pirh2 and positive L1CAM expression exhibited a potent relation with tumor relapse, shorter overall survival and disease-specific survival ( P <0.001 for each). Mutant p53, high Pirh2, and L1CAM-positive EC are highly aggressive tumors with a shortened survival rate, dismal outcome, and high risk of relapse after the standard protocol of therapy., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)