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Introduction: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have widespread commercial application in many products such as home and food products. They lead to various harmful effects. Aim of the Work: The current work aimed to detect the impact of Silver nanoparticles on parotid gland of adult male albino rats and the possible protective role of Royal Jelly. Royal jelly is the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands' secretion of worker honeybees to feed the young larvae and queen bee. It has been reported to be antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were equally divided into 3 groups: Control group, treated group which received silver nano particles (AgNPs) by I.P. injection at a dose of 2 mg/kg once daily for 28 days and protective group which received AgNps as the previous dose then received royal jelly orally in gavage in a dose of (1 gm/kg body weight) 3 times a week for 28 days. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tissue Amylase were calculated. Specimens of parotid gland were examined by light and electron microscopes. The treated group showed vacuolation of acinar and duct cells, darkly stained nuclei, dilated excretory ducts, congested blood vessels and infiltrating inflammatory cells. Ultrastructurally, there were ill defined organelles, dilated RER, autophagic vacuoles and dark heterochromatic nuclei. Immunohistochemically, there was increased cytoplasmic immunostaining of Bax and increased nuclear and cytoplasmic immunostaining of Ki67 in many acini. Results: These results were estimated morphometrically and statistically. Royal jelly intake showed improving the parotid gland structure and function. Biochemical and histological parameters showed great improvement. Royal Jelly has an ameliorative effect against Silver nanoparticles-induced parotid gland toxicity. Conclusion: Royal jelly has a potent antioxidant activity against silver nanoparticles in parotid gland of adult male albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of carvedilol on insulin resistance in high-fructose, high- fat diet (HFrHFD)--fed mice and the implication of the [beta]-arrestin2 pathway. The acute effect of carvedilol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on glucose tolerance and hepatic lipid signaling in normal and insulin resistant mice was investigated. Then, the chronic effect of carvedilol on insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice was examined. Changes in [beta]-arrestin2 and its downstream signals in liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue were measured. This involved measuring phosphatidylinositol 4,5- bisphosphate (PIP2) and diacylglycerol (DAG) levels and protein kinase B (AKT) activity. Carvedilol acutely reduced fasting blood glucose levels in both normal and insulin resistant mice without significantly affecting the glucose tolerance. These acute effects were associated with increased hepatic PIP2 but decreased hepatic DAG levels. Chronic administration of carvedilol significantly ameliorated insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice. These chronic effects were associated with increased [beta]- arrestin2, PIP2, and AKT activity levels but decreased DAG levels in the classical insulin target tissues. In conclusion, carvedilol acutely maintains glucose homeostasis and chronically ameliorates insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in HFrHFD-fed mice. The insulin sensitizing effects of carvedilol are highly correlated with the upregulation of [beta]-arrestin2 pathway. Key words: amlexanox, [beta]-arrestins, biased agonists, carvedilol, insulin resistance, paroxetine. Resume: Nous avons vise a etudier les effets a court et a long terme du carvedilol sur la resistance a l'insuline chez des souris auxquelles etait administre un regime alimentaire a teneur elevee en fructose et en matieres grasses (HFrHFD), de meme que le role de la voie de signalisation de la [beta]-arrestine2. Nous avons etudie l'effet a court terme du carvedilol (10 mg/kg, par voie i.p.) sur la tolerance au glucose et la signalisation des lipides hepatiques chez des souris normales et resistantes a l'insuline. Puis, nous avons examine l'effet a long terme du carvedilol sur la resistance a l'insuline et la dyslipidemie chez des souris auxquelles etait administre un HFrHFD. Nous avons mesure les variations des taux de p-arrestine2 et ses signaux en aval dans le foie, le muscle squelettique et le tissu adipeux, ce qui revenait a mesurer les taux de phosphatidylinositol 4,5bisphosphate (PIP2) et de diacylglycerol (DAG) ainsi que l'activite de la proteine kinase B (AKT). A court terme, le carvedilol entrainait une diminution de la glycemie a jeun chez les souris normales comme resistantes a l'insuline sans effet marque sur la tolerance au glucose. Ces effets a court terme etaient associes avec une hausse du PIP2 hepatique, mais avec un abaissement des taux de DAG. L'administration a long terme de carvedilol permettait d'attenuer nettement la resistance a l'insuline et la dyslipidemie chez les souris auxquelles etait administre le HFrHFD. Ces effets a long terme etaient associes avec une augmentation des taux de [beta]-arrestine2 et de PIP2 ainsi que de l'activite de l'AKT, mais avec une diminution des taux de DAG dans les tissus reconnus comme cibles par l'insuline. En conclusion, a court terme, le carvedilol permet de maintenir l'homeostasie du glucose tandis qu'a long terme il permet d'attenuer la resistance a l'insuline et la dyslipidemie chez des souris auxquelles est administre un HFrHFD. Les effets de sensibilisation a l'insuline du carvedilol sont clairement proportionnels a la regulation a la hausse de la voie de signalisation de la [beta]-arrestine2. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: amlexanox, [beta]-arrestines, agonistes partiels, carvedilol, resistance a l'insulin, paroxetine., Introduction Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are growing health problems worldwide. Indeed, sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie diets are the main triggers of these disorders (Muoio and Newgard 2006). In [...]

In this paper, we define a new class of bi-univalent functions of complex order ∑qn(τ, ς; φ) which is defined by subordination in the open unit disc D.By using DqnF(ς) operator. Furthermore, using the Faber polynomial expansions, we get upper bounds for the coefficients of function belonging to this class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food coloring agents used in food remain controversial because many adverse effects are encountered. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether curcumin has potential protection against oxidative stress, organ damage, and genotoxic effects induced by different doses of tartrazine, a synthetic food coloring agent, in male rats. Experimental procedure: Six groups were established as follows: Group 1 represented the control. Groups 2 and 3 were given tartrazine orally, with a daily dosage of 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w., respectively. Group 4 was given orally a daily dose of 50 mg curcumin/kg b.wt. Groups 5 and 6 were orally given daily doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg tartrazine and cotreated with 50 mg/kg curcumin, respectively. Results: The administration of low and high dose tartrazine for 30 and 60 days significantly increased the following parameters in proportion to the dose and time of exposure: body weight; levels of AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxidation; and reduced organ weight (liver, kidneys, and testes), concentrations of total protein, albumin, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), free and total testosterone, sperm count, motility, and viability. Furthermore, tartrazine induced histopathological alterations and DNA damage in hepatic, renal and testicular tissues. Co-treatment of rats with curcumin and tartrazine revealed milder pathological alterations compared to rats treated with tartrazine alone. Conclusion: Taken together, this study showed that curcumin ameliorated the tartrazine-induced toxicity in the liver, kidney, and testis of male rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatic arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune progressive disease affecting one percentage of the general population Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of health teaching for mothers' on quality of life for children with rheumatic arthritis. Design: A quasiexperimental design was used to conduct this study (pre &post-test). Setting: the study was conducted at Pediatric Rheumatic Fever Clinic of Tanta University Hospital. Subject and method: A quasi-experimental research design was used with a convenience sample of 60 mothers and their children with rheumatic arthritis. Data were collected using three tools: tool (I) Structured Interview Schedule sheet: it was be divided into two part: part (A) Socio demographic characteristics of studied mothers and their children, part (B) Mothers' knowledge and practice about rheumatic arthritis (Pre/Post): Tool (II) Quality of life domains for children with rheumatic arthritis (Pre/Post). Tool (III) FLACC behavioral pain assessment scale (Pre/Post). Results: The results revealed that more than a third of the total score of knowledge about rheumatic arthritis at pre-education compared to less than three quarters of them at post education, and one third of them had good total quality of life at preeducation compared to more than half of them at post education. Also, one third of them had mild pain at pre-education compared to that more than half of them at post education. Conclusion and Recommendations: it can be concluded that after health education was implemented, the quality of life for children with rheumatic arthritis improved. Establish continuous educational and training program for children and their mothers about rheumatic arthritis are recommended to increase their knowledge, quality of life, and management of RA and prevent its complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver disease accounts for approximately 2 million deaths er year worldwide. Liver fibrisis results from chronic injury to the liver. If not effectively treated in time, liver fibrosis may transform into liver cirrhosis. MVs are recognized as potential biomarkers and important theraputic tools for a wide sectrum of diseases. Medical ozone has the ability to protect the body against pathological conditions caused by oxidative stress. The influence of ozone and MVs on CCL4 induced liver fibrosis was investigated in this study. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups. I control, II CCL4 group, III ozone and IV microvesicles groups. Liver fibrosis was induced in group II, III & IV using 12 SC injections (0.5 ml/kg body weight) of CCL4 dissolved in olive oil twice ber week for weeks. Blood samples were obtained to estimate serum ALT & AST. Liver tissues were processed for measurment of GSH & SOD, light and electron microscopic examination. H&E staine sections og group II showed dilated congested sinusoids and centralveins, mononuclear infiltrations, vacuolations and dark nuclei. Ultrastructurally, group II revealed irregular heterochromatic nuclei of hepatocytes, small scanty mitochondria & vacuolations. Morphometric & statistical analyses were performed. Group III showed some improvement, however, group IV showed more imrovement. The results indicates that MVs caused marked improvement than ozone against CCL4 induced liver damage via antioxidant & antiinflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution emerges from different sources such as industry, domestic uses, use of pesticides and fertilisers and other daily uses of organic materials. Wastewater treatment has received great interest especially in the last few years and different techniques have been used for that object. The most recents are the advanced oxidation processes; where photocatalytic reactions represent a sounding technique. In the present work Methylene Blue dye (MB) is used as a model pollutant and the dye-polluted water is photocatalytically treated using TiO2 as nanoparticles and nanofiber in different dosages. The catalyst is supported on Agar-Agar before being used. Another set of experiments is run with silver-doped catalyst where the catalyst is doped with different concentrations of silver (Ag). Results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles have better performance as a photocatalyst than TiO2 nanofiber. It is clear that the highest performance is given by the catalyst doped with 2% silver (51.679% degradation). This is followed by doping with 3% silver (37.367% degradation) while doping with 1% silver gave results very close to the results of un-doped TiO2 (24.026% degradation for 1% silver-doped catalyst as compared to 24.393% degradation for the undoped catalyst). The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is used for predicting the optimum values for the operating parameters which lead to the highest percentage dye degradation. The optimum values were found to be as follows: 40 ppm, 10 ppm and 5 for catalyst conc., dye conc. and pH, respectively. The maximum percent degradation achieved at these conditions was 49.45%. Validation of the model with experimental results showed that the model fits well this type of processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspergillus nidulans (accession number MT355567) was selected as a most potent isolated, dried and chemically pretreated biomass was investigated. Various biosorption parameters as pH, initial concentration of U, biosorbent dose, biosorbent particles size, temperature and contact time were studied. Maximum uranium removal efficiency was 97% and 98.5% for dried and chemically pretreated biomass, respectively. The optimum pH for U(VI) removal was 4.0 with U concentration 350 mg/L, biomass concentration 0.4 g, biomass size 0.250 mm within 16 and 14 min for dried and chemically pretreated biomass, respectively, at 25°C. Uranium biosorption was closely related to pseudo-second-order kinetic model and obeys the Langmuir isotherm model. Calculation were suggested that U biosorption was not endothermic. According to the calculation the hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups on the fungal surface could back to biosorption of U. Desorption of U from the metal laden (68% for dried biomass and 47.5% for chemical-treated biomass) was completely achieved by applying 2 M HNO3 although the U adsorption capacity of both biosorbents were decreased from 67.5% to 28% for dried biomass and from 47.3% to 26% for chemical-treated biomass after four biosorption–desorption cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FIBRINOLYTIC enzyme production from Scopulariopsis brevicaulis OS 3456 isolated from a local soil sample was studied. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and gel filtration chromatography using Sephadex G-100, increasing its specific activity to 370 U/mg with a yield of 1.5% and a purification fold of 3.4. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was 61.5 kDa determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. The optimum temperature of the enzyme was 37oC, and it was stable over a pH range of 5.0-9.0 with maximum stability at pH 7.0. The activity was increased in the presence of ß-mercaptoethanol, Mn2+, Ba2+, triton X-100, and xylene by 137.1, 51.6, 41.4, 37.5, and 23%, respectively. Furthermore, the enzyme activity was inhibited by Cd2+, Al3+, EDTA, PMSF, and acetone. The in vitro thrombolytic activity of the undiluted purified enzyme (370 U/mg) was found to be 100%. Meanwhile, in the cases of 185, 92.5, 46.25, 23.125, and 11.562 U/mg, the clot lysis percentage was 76.8, 67.4, 57.8, 39.5, and 28%, respectively. A carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model was applied to test the in vivo thrombolytic activity of the enzyme. The result indicated no obvious thrombus in the tails of mice treated with the tested enzyme (370 U/mg). However, when the enzyme was diluted, its thrombolytic activity decreased gradually. All these results explore the promising thrombolytic activity of the extracted fibrinolytic enzyme. Hence, more purification steps and more experimental animal studies are required in the future for its use as a commercial drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In 2018, Egypt underwent a health system reform programme, in which a universal health insurance system rolled out across the country beginning, with the Port-Said Governorate in July 2019. Objectives. This study was conducted to assess patient satisfaction and health system responsiveness among attendants to family health centres and units affiliated with universal health insurance in the Port Said Governorate, Egypt. Material and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted that included 156 patients who were seeking health care in family health centres and units affiliated with universal health insurance in the Port Said Governorate. A multi-clustering sampling technique was used. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results. Among the 156 patients who were enrolled in the current study, 54 were male (34.6%) and 102 were female (65.4%), with a mean age of 37.10 ± 15.22 years. Regarding domains of health system responsiveness, about 73% of the attendants perceived the overall health system responsiveness as good regarding the domains of basic amenities, communication and confidentiality. On the other hand, three domains were perceived as poor, including autonomy, prompt attention and dignity (37.8%, 34% and 30.8%, respectively). Conclusions. It was found that more than two third of the attendants perceived the overall health system responsiveness as good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Diabetes-related distress and glycemic control are of a particular concern to primary care physicians because of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on diabetic patients' lifestyle, psychological well-being and healthcare access. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between diabetes-related distress and glycemic control in diabetic patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care settings during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at primary healthcare clinics in a rural area in Egypt among 430 patients with T2DM during the period from September 2020 to June 2021. All patients were interviewed for their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. Diabetes-related distress was measured by the problem areas in the diabetes scale (PAID), where a total score of ≥40 indicated a severe diabetes-related distress. The most recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements were used to indicate the glycemic control. Quantile regression model (0.50 quantile) was used to perform the multivariate analysis to identify significant factors associated with HbA1c level. RESULTS: Most of the participants had a suboptimal glycemic control (92.3%), while 13.3% had severe diabetes-related distress. HbA1c level was significantly and positively correlated with the total PAID score and all its sub-domains. Multivariate quantile regression revealed that obesity, multi-morbidity, and severe diabetes-related distress were the only significant determinants of the HbA1c median level. Obese patients had significantly higher median HbA1c compared to patients who were not obese (coefficient = 0.25, P < 0.001). Patients with two or more comorbidities (i.e., multimorbidity) had a significantly higher median HbA1c than patients with single or no chronic comorbidities (coefficient = 0.41, P < 0.001). Severe diabetes-related distress was significantly associated with higher median HbA1c compared to nonsevere diabetes-related distress (coefficient = 0.20, P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Diabetes-related distress had a significant association with HbA1c level. Family physicians should implement multifaceted programs to optimize diabetes control and reduce any associated distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) accounts for 80% of all bladder cancers. Although it is mostly low-grade tumors, its high recurrence rate necessitates three-times-monthly follow-ups and cystoscopy examinations to detect and prevent its progression. A rapid liquid biopsy-based assay is needed to improve detection and reduce complications from invasive cystoscopy. Here, we present a rapid spectroscopic method to detect the recurrence of NMIBC in urine. Urine samples from previously-diagnosed NMIBC patients (n = 62) were collected during their follow-up visits before cystoscopy examination. Cystoscopy results were recorded (41 cancer-free and 21 recurrence) and attenuated total refraction Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra were acquired from urine samples using direct application. Spectral processing and normalization were optimized using parameter grid searching. We assessed their technical variability through multivariate analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). We assessed 35 machine learning models on a training set (70%), and the performance was evaluated on a held-out test set (30%). A Regularized Random Forests (RRF) model achieved a 0.92 area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) with 86% sensitivity and 77% specificity. In conclusion, our spectroscopic liquid biopsy approach provides a promising technique for the early identification of NMIBC with a less invasive examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study aims to compare parasitology technicians (ParaTechs) with medical staff parasitologists (MedParas) in terms of diagnostic ability and to assess the actual occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in selected faecal samples from primary health care units (PHCUs). Methods The study included five PHCU ParaTechs in the El-Kassassin rural area, evaluated using a scoring system for their knowledge, skills, practices and parasitology laboratory facilities. Seventy-five faecal samples previously examined for ova and parasites by ParaTechs were chosen for re-evaluation by MedParas. Results The most deficient ParaTechs-related factor was the parasitological knowledge, which scored 23.9% of the maximum score, while ParaTechs had acceptable levels of skills and practices, scored 60% and 61%, respectively. Compared with MedParas, false positive ParaTech diagnoses made up 8.8% of all negative samples, while false negative diagnoses made up 85.4% of all positive samples. ParaTechs underestimated the count or misidentified the type of parasites in one-third of the true positive samples. The overall rate of misdiagnosis among ParaTechs was 53.3% of all samples. Conclusions Regular ParaTech training, including culture and staining at parasitology labs, and collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Population and academic institutions are essential to increase ParaTechs diagnostic abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Avian coccidiosis is one of the major diseases threatening the poultry industry in Egypt and worldwide. As such, developing a new oocysticidal to control this disease seems crucial. The present study examined the in vitro effects of allicin and alcoholic garlic extract at different concentrations as natural disinfectant candidates compared with KOH 5% as a chemical disinfectant against Eimeria tenella oocysts and the in vivo infectivity of these treated oocysts in chickens. The morphological changes in the treated oocysts were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The in vivo infectivity was evaluated using a gross and histopathological examination of the cecal tissues to determine the most significant changes. The study showed promising results for using Allicin at a concentration of 180 mg/mL and garlic at a concentration of 360 mg/mL in reducing the number of oocysts, the sporulation percentage, and the number of oocysts with marked deformities. The sporulated oocysts exposed to Allicin and alcoholic garlic extract revealed the lowest infectivity and pathogenicity, resulting in a minor gross lesions score. In addition, restoration of the major reported histopathological changes compared to oocysts sporulated in media containing the KOH 5%. Collectively, this study provides novel information regarding the potential use of natural extracts of allicin and alcoholic garlic as environmentally eco-friendly disinfectants in poultry farms to reduce the spread of coccidiosis. Avian coccidiosis remains one of the major parasitic diseases that threaten the global poultry industry. Since prevention is superior to treatment, this study focuses on eliminating the infection outside the host. To determine their effect on the viability of Eimeria tenella oocysts in vitro, allicin and alcoholic garlic extract, which are natural, less toxic, and inexpensive products, were compared to KOH 5% (chemical disinfectant) using an in vitro culture system. Three concentrations of allicin (45, 90, and 180 mg/mL) and alcoholic garlic extract (90, 180, and 360 mg/mL, were used. Subsequently, destructive and sporulation-inhibiting effects on Eimeria oocysts were detected using light and electron microscopy. Young chickens were infected with treated sporulated oocysts to determine their effect on infectivity. After 7 days pi, the percentage of excreted oocysts (oocyst shedding) was determined, and the chickens were slaughtered for histopathological examination of the cecal tissues. Under an electron microscope, allicin at a concentration of 180 mg/mL and alcoholic garlic extract at a concentration of 360 mg/mL demonstrate a high oocysticidal activity with severe destruction of the oocyst wall and the appearance of pores. In addition, both concentrations directly affected the infectivity of sporulated oocysts by reducing the shedding of oocysts and the pathological lesions of infected young chickens. We concluded that the ability of Allicin and alcoholic garlic extract to eliminate Eimeria oocysts makes them superior to chemical disinfectants as a disinfectant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Euthyroid Sick Syndrome is a common endocrinal change following any acute or chronic illness like those with heart failure. This study aimed to explore that thyroid function may be altered in patients of heart failure and this may affect the severity and outcome of heart failure. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Pediatric cardiology unit, Pediatric department, Zagazig University Hospitals from April 2018 to January 2019. This study included 84 infants and children, divided into 2 groups, 42 patients with heart failure due to congenital heart disease in comparison to other 42 healthy infants and children. Results:In our study we revealed that FT3 and FT4 were significantly lower among studied cases than their controls and TSH was higher among cases. In ECHO findings, the mean of EF% and FS% was lower among studied cases with positive correlation of FT3, FT4 with EF% and FS%, while TSH showed a negative correlation with EF and FS. Also our study showed that there was statistically significant relation between all thyroid functions and Ross classification for severity of heart failure, it was found that the mean of FT3 and FT4 in grade IV was low er than that of grade II and III, While the mean of TSH was higher in grade IV than grade II, III. Conclusions: our study, thyroid function can be altered in pediatric heart failure and this alteration in thyroid function may be related to the severity of heart failure and worse outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pattern of medical services changed to minimize transmission to health care workers (HCWs) or hospitalized patients. Despite the care of COVID-19 patients in a special ward, new cases are accidentally discovered. This study aimed at determining the antibody seroprevalence among asymptomatic HCWs and the associated risks. Methods: The study involved 190 participants, including physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrative staff. All were inquired for sociodemographic, specialty, previous isolation, and previous infection, and their blood was tested for SARS-CoV2 antibody. Results: Of 190 HCWs; 72,1% were females, the mean age was 32.6±7.9 years, 10.5% were smokers, and 15.8% reported co-morbid illness. SARS CoV2 antibodies were found in 68 (35.8%); being IgG, IgM and both IgM and IgG in 47 (69.1%), 10 (14.7%) and 11 (16.2%) participants respectively. The prevalence was higher (47.6%) among HCWs of the COVID unit, [OR=1.7 (95% CI: 0.69-4.3)] and HCWs with previous COVID-19, OR:1.61 (95% CI:0.88-2.94). The prevalence was significantly lower among smokers (p=0.049), OR:0.29 (95% CI:0.08-1.01), and significantly higher in HCWs who recalled cough (p=0.036) OR: 1.97 (95% CI: 1.05-3.69). The likelihood of antibody seropositivity increased in technicians [OR:2.02 (95% CI: 0.92-4.44)], followed by physicians [OR:1.7 (95% CI: 0.7-4.33)] while the odds ratio was low among nurses [OR:0.58 (95% CI: 0.32-1.07). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of antibody positive HCWs had evidence of past SARS CoV2. Provision of adequate personal protective equipment and periodic screening of HCWs are urgently needed to lessen the transmission within the health care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study was aimed to screen and isolate soil and endophytic fungi with the ability to biosynthesize stable silver nanoparticles (SNPs) with antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Methodology and results: A total of 60 fungal isolates isolated from soil and plant samples were screened for their ability to biosynthesize SNPs. Among which, 21 isolates have supported the biosynthesis of SNPs. Furthermore, the endophytic isolate PRR2.1 synthesized highly thermostable SNPs with long shelf life. The PRR2.1 isolate was identified as Albifimbria verrucaria by morphological and molecular means. The synthesis of SNPs was initially monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Further characterization by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering revealed well-dispersed spherical crystalline in nature SNPs with a mean size of 14 nm and zeta potential of - 24.47 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of biomolecules adsorbed on the surface of biosynthesized SNPs responsible for their synthesis and stability. The mycosynthesized SNPs exhibited stronger antifungal activity against pathogenic strains of Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus and Candida albicans with respect to its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae compared to standard antifungal itraconazole and antibiotic cefadroxil with mostly consistent minimum inhibitory concentration of 5.31 µg/mL. The biosynthesized SNPs demonstrated dose-dependent in vitro antiproliferative activity against cancerous HeLa cell line with IC50 value of 2.52 µg/mL and less cytotoxic activity against WI-38 (normal human lung fibroblasts) cell line with CC50 value of 10.2 µg/mL. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: These results show the potential of endophytic fungi biosynthesized SNPs as possible biofriendly, safe and efficient antimicrobial agents with promising antiproliferative activity and low cytotoxicity, which can be furtherly implemented in various biomedical and biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing worldwide. T2DM is often complicated by a range of psychological disorders that interfere with glycemic control and self-care. Previous studies have reported diabetes distress, depression, and anxiety among patients with T2DM; however; little is known about the burden of these comorbid mental disorders in primary care patients with T2DM treated in Egypt during the COVID-19 era. Participants were selected by convenient sampling from eight rural primary healthcare facilities from Ismailia in Egypt. Symptoms of diabetes distress, depression and anxiety were assessed by using the Arabic version of the 20-item Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID), Patient Health Questionnaire 9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scales, respectively. Multiple hierarchical logistic regression models were used to estimate the significant factors associated with diabetes distress, depression, and anxiety. A total of 403 individuals with T2DM were interviewed. The prevalence of severe diabetes distress was 13.4% (95% CI: 10.1–16.7), while prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 9.2% (95% CI: 6.4–12.0%), and 4.0% (95% CI: 2.1–5.9), respectively. In a series of hierarchical logistic regression models, significant predictors for diabetes distress were being married, illiterate, not-working, living with insufficient income, and having multi-comorbidities. Likewise, the significant predictors for depression and anxiety were elevated glycated hemoglobin level and the higher PAID total score, while having multi-comorbidities was a significant predictor for anxiety only. Diabetes distress was more prevalent than depressive and anxiety symptoms in this study population. Several sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were identified to be related with psychological problems among patients with T2DM, which necessitate a multidisciplinary team-based approach for optimal screening and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in a cohort of patients with primary and secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and to examine the relation of thrombocytopenia to the clinical, laboratory findings, and damage index for antiphospholipid syndrome (DIAPS). Patients and methods: Between August 2018 and February 2019, a total of 168 patients (16 males, 152 females; mean age: 32.5±8.4 years; range, 18 to 59 years) who were followed in our clinic for APS were retrospectively analyzed. Medical records of the patients were screened and clinical data, laboratory investigations, and treatments applied were recorded. The DIAPS was calculated for all patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of thrombocytopenia and both groups were compared regarding clinical, laboratory findings and DIAPS. Further subgroup analysis was done for patients with primary APS. Results: The most common clinical manifestations in our patients were obstetric manifestations (77.4% in pregnant women), musculoskeletal manifestations (69%) and peripheral vascular thrombosis (54.8%). The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in our study was 42.3%, and it was significantly associated with musculoskeletal manifestations (p=0.043), vascular thrombosis (p=0.043), neurological manifestations (p=0.030), cutaneous manifestations (p=0.006), and use of immunosuppressives (p=0.047). The DIAPS was significantly higher in the thrombocytopenia group (p=0.034). Further subgroup analysis of patients with primary APS revealed that neurological manifestations (p=0.010) were significantly higher in the thrombocytopenia group, while the DIAPS was higher in the thrombocytopenia group, but it did not reach statistical significance (p=0.082). Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia may be associated with a higher incidence of vascular thrombosis, neurological manifestations, musculoskeletal manifestations, use of immunosuppressive treatment, and DIAPS. In primary APS patients, thrombocytopenia may be a risk for neurological manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on extracting and analyzing different spectral features from transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images for prostate cancer recognition. First, the information about the images' frequency domain features and spatial domain features are combined using a Gabor filter and then integrated with the expert radiologist's information to identify the highly suspicious regions of interest (ROIs). The next stage of the proposed algorithm is to scan each identified region in order to generate the corresponding 1-D signal that represents each region. For each ROI, possible spectral feature sets are constructed using different new geometrical features extracted from the power spectrum density (PSD) of each region's signal. Next, a classifier-based algorithm for feature selection using particle swarm optimization (PSO) is adopted and used to select the optimal feature subset from the constructed feature sets. A new spectral feature set for the TRUS images using estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) is also constructed, and its ability to represent tissue texture is compared to the PSD-based spectral feature sets using the support vector machines (SVMs) classifier. The accuracy obtained ranges from 72.2 % to 94.4 %, with the best accuracy achieved by the ESPRIT feature set. Index Terms--Cancer, image classification, optimization methods, spectral analysis.

Developing a suitable applicative process and scaling up the microbial synthesis of nanomaterials is an attractive and emerging prospect for a future sustainable industrial production. In this paper, optimization of fermentation conditions for enhanced production of Co 3 O 4 , CuO, Fe 3 O 4 , NiO, and ZnO nanoparticles by the endophytic A. terreus ORG-1 was studied. Different cultivation conditions were evaluated. Then, a response surface methodology program was used to optimize physical conditions controlling the biosynthesis of these NPs. Finally, the use of gamma irradiation for improvement of NPs' production was adopted. Under the optimum conditions and after gamma irradiation, the final yields of the respective NPs reached 545.71, 651.67, 463.19, 954.88, 1356.42 mg L−1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the production and enhancement of different types of nanomaterials from one microbial culture that can open up the way towards the industrialization of the microbial production of nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is the most common cause of acute kidney injury in ICU patients, with increasing mortalities. Treatment septic AKI is unsatisfactory; therefore, more effective therapies must be investigated. MSCs-MVs have the same effectiveness in tissue repair as their original cells. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is considered a simple and convenient tool in regenerative medicine. This study aimed to compare the probable therapeutic effect of MSCs-MVs versus G-CSF on septic AKI in rats. Forty-eight adult male rats were divided into four groups; I control group (IA-ID), II induced-sepsis group, III G-CSF, and IV MSC-MVs groups. Sepsis was induced in groups II, III, IV through a single IV injection of 10 mg/ kg of E.Coli-LPS dissolved in 1 ml saline. Four hours later, group IV received a single IV injection of MSCs-MVs, while group III received a SC injection of Neupogen for 5 days. All animals were sacrificed 7 days from the start. Serum and tissue samples of each group were used for biochemical study. Sections from all groups were subjected to light and electron microscopic examination. A fluorescent microscope examination for subgroup ID and group IV was done. Morphometric and statistical analyses were performed. Group II showed features of acute tubular injury. Group III showed some improvement (biochemically, LM & EM level) however, group IV showed more improvement. MVs injection caused a marked improvement in septic AKI; G-CSF can also meliorate the degenerative effect of sepsis on renal cortex, but to a lesser extent than MSCs-MVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology is the property of Canadian Science Publishing 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.)

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Experimental Biology (Botany) is the property of Egyptian Society of Experimental Biology 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.)

Camel minced meat is widely used in the world especially they were used to produce low cost protein when compared with other animals. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the effects of chitosan, rosemary essential oils, and sodium lactate on the organoleptic, chemical, and bacteriological quality of camel minced meat during refrigerated storage at 4°C. Twenty kg of camel meat (round meat) were obtained 24 hours after slaughter. The meat was minced and classified into four groups; untreated control and three treated groups (0.2% rosemary oil, 2% sodium lactate and 1% chitosan), which was kept under chilling conditions at 3±1° C and examined at different storage periods (zero-time, 3rd, 5th and 7th days of storage). The organoleptic, chemical, and bacteriological quality of minced meat was assessed. The surface discoloration was noticed on the 3rd day of the control group, but all treated groups retained their normal color especially 1% chitosan group, which maintained the highest value of redness. The sodium lactate group at 7th day of storage had pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N mg/ 100 g) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA mg/kg) of 6.13, 14.3 and 1.08, respectively, while they were 6.37, 16.4 and 0.82 of rosemary group and 6.29, 15.64 and 0.72 of chitosan group, respectively. Spermine, spermidine, putrescine and tyramine were detected without significant differences in all examined groups but cadaverine and tryptamine were significantly low in all groups when comparing with the control group. Sodium lactate exhibits a great effect against bacterial growth on the 7th day of chilling by minimizing the bacterial load to be 5.95, 3.44 and 3.21 log10 CFU/g for psychrotrophic, Enterobacteriaceae and pseudomonas, respectively with original counts of 6.98, 4.51, and 4.29 log10 CFU/g, respectively. The current study concluded that the quality of camel minced meat could be enhanced by adding rosemary, sodium lactate, and chitosan, but sodium lactate was the best in controlling bacterial proliferation and biogenic amine formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eimeria sp. is one of the most important parasites that cause very high economic loss in poultry farms in Egypt. It causes a disease called coccidiosis. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of Eimeria species in chicken and detection of its pathological effect within the intestinal mucosa. The present study investigate the prevalence of Eimeria sp. in chicken through fecal examination and the diagnosis was based on direct fecal sample examination (unstained wet mount technique) and concentration techniques, followed by sporulation of unsporulated oocyst for identification of Eimeria spp. and finally studying the pathological effect of this parasite in the intestinal mucosa of infected chicken. The total prevalence rate of Eimeria spp. was (66%). The incidence rate in Broiler chickens was (70%) and in Balady was (58%). The highest percent of infection was at the age of (15-30) day (54.3% in Broiler and 72.4% for Balady), and the disease was more prevalent in winter than in summer. The species that were detected are E.acovullina (the highest prevalence rate) followed by E. tenella, E.necatrix followed by E.mitis (lowest prevelance rate). These results indicate that the coccidiosis is a serious parasitic disease that effect on the poultry production in Egypt and control measures should be put in consideration to overcome this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Chromium salt possesses unique characteristics that render it useful in numerous applications in several industrial processes, especially tanning of animal hides which act as a major source of hexavalent chromium toxicity in environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of loofah immobilized Cladosporium cladosporioides CEL14 in remediate tannery wastewater which contains hexavalent chromium. Methodology and results: A total of 18 fungal species were isolated from three different sites of tannery wastewater in Egypt, of which C. cladosporioides CEL14 was the most capable species of chromate remediation with 81% after 7 days of incubation as free cells. The experiments were conducted in minimum salt medium supplemented with 200 ppm chromate in the form of potassium dichromate. Different process parameters studies demonstrated that chromate was completely removed at 30 °C, pH 6, 0.1% malt extract and 0.2% glucose after 7 days of incubation with 20% inoculum size. After that, C. cladosporioides was immobilized on a natural support material (loofah). The removal ability of chromate was enhanced through permanent viable immobilization on loofah pieces, which showing complete removal of chromate within 3 days. The toxicity assessment of treated tannery effluents revealed that 74% of Brassica napus seeds were germinated upon exposure to the treated effluent. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study revealed that C. cladosporioides CEL14 isolate has high potential as bioremediating agent against toxic hexavalent chromium. The removal ability of toxic chromate was enhanced through permanent viable immobilization on loofah pieces. This technology is simple, cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly. The loofah immobilized with C. cladosporioides CEL14 has potential to be applied in wastewater treatment of small-scale tanneries after onsite trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Aim To assess the level of plasma growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) in preterm infants with LOS and correlate its level with other clinical and laboratory factors in those patients. Patients and methods This is a case–control study that was carried out on 90 preterm newborns admitted at Ghamra Military Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. All patients were divided into three groups: group 1 included 30 preterm infants with confirmed LOS and positive blood culture; group 2 included 30 preterm infants with clinically evident LOS and negative blood culture, and group 3 (control group) included 30 nonseptic preterm infants. The preterm infants were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, and all investigations, including Gas6, done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Our results showed a highly statistically significant increase in Gas6 in groups 1 and 2 rather than group 3, with P value less than 0.001. Moreover, there was a highly statistically significant increase in Gas6 in group 1 rather than group 2. Conclusion Our results indicate that Gas6 is an accurate biomarker for the diagnosis of LOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Identifying the location and the volume of the prostate is important for ultrasound-guided prostate brachytherapy. Prostate volume is also important for prostate cancer diagnosis. Manual outlining of the prostate border is able to determine the prostate volume accurately, however, it is time consuming and tedious. Therefore, a number of investigations have been devoted to designing algorithms that are suitable for segmenting the prostate boundary in ultrasound images. The most popular method is the deformable model (snakes), a method that involves designing an energy function and then optimizing this function. The snakes algorithm usually requires either an initial contour or some points on the prostate boundary to be estimated close enough to the original boundary which is considered a drawback to this powerful method. Methods The proposed spectral clustering segmentation algorithm is built on a totally different foundation that doesn't involve any function design or optimization. It also doesn't need any contour or any points on the boundary to be estimated. The proposed algorithm depends mainly on graph theory techniques. Results Spectral clustering is used in this paper for both prostate gland segmentation from the background and internal gland segmentation. The obtained segmented images were compared to the expert radiologist segmented images. The proposed algorithm obtained excellent gland segmentation results with 93% average overlap areas. It is also able to internally segment the gland where the segmentation showed consistency with the cancerous regions identified by the expert radiologist. Conclusion The proposed spectral clustering segmentation algorithm obtained fast excellent estimates that can give rough prostate volume and location as well as internal gland segmentation without any user interaction.

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Microbiology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Copyright of Enfermería en Cardiologia is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Enfermeria en Cardiologia 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 Repeated cesarean section (CS) is the most significant factor contributing to overall increased CS rates. The primary indicator of repeated CS is a prior CS. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a trial to reduce CS rates. Aim The aim of study was to examine the effect of counseling on the incidence, maternal, and neonatal outcomes of VBAC. Design A quasi-experimental one-group posttest-only design was adopted for this study. Setting The study was conducted at the Outpatient Clinic and Casualty Department at Manial University Hospital affiliated to Cairo University. Sample A purposive sample of pregnant women was recruited through a period of 6 months from July to December 2019 based on certain criteria; the most important one is to have a previous CS. Tool A structured interviewing tool, labor progress record (Partograph), and neonatal Apgar score were used to collect the data. Results A total of 90 participants were enrolled into study. A total of 79 (87.8%) women agreed to have VBAC after counseling compared with only 11 (12.2%), who refused to have VBAC and chose CS. The trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) rate was 40.5%. The rate of VBAC was 31.6%. Success rate of TOLAC was 78.1%, whereas failed TOLAC was 21.9% owing to lack of labor progress and fetal distress. Overall, 68.4% had CSs lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Among them, 37% had elective LSCS and 63% had emergency LSCS. Physician decision without any medical indication for CS was the most common indications of elective repeat CS, with a rate of 85%. Oligohydramnios was the most common cause for emergency CS delivery, with a rate of 44.5%. All women who delivered VBAC had normal progress of labor and their babies had normal Apgar score (8-10). No cases that underwent VBAC had any morbidity or mortality. Conclusion Counseling is needed for the selection of VBAC as a mode of delivery. Successful VBAC is associated with better fetomaternal and neonatal outcomes, so most women with one previous cesarean delivery with a low-transverse incision should be counseled and encouraged to undergo a trial of labor in her recurrent pregnancy. Recommendations A qualitative research study should be conducted to assess the satisfaction of women from VBAC and compare it with CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was performed to assess the diagnostic potential of anti-carbamylated proteins (anti-CarP) antibodies in Egyptian patients with RA and their relation to clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and radiological damage. The study involved 90 RA patients and 90 matched healthy controls. Disease activity score (DAS28) and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were assessed. Plain x-ray hands and feet were performed and assessed by modified Larsen's score. Laboratory investigations including acute phase reactants, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) and anti-CarP antibodies were estimated. The patients mean age was 42.6 ± 10.4 years (20–60 years), disease duration was 4.3 ± 3.3 years and were 82 females (91.1%) and 8 males (8.9%). The mean DAS28 was 4.9 ± 1.2, HAQ was 1.6 ± 0.7 and Larsen score 33.8 ± 12.2. 29/90 (32.2%) patients were positive for anti-CarP antibodies and were significantly associated with extra-articular manifestations and deformity (p < 0.001), but not with acute phase reactants. Anti-CarP antibodies significantly associated with modified Larsen's (p < 0.001), but not DAS28 (p = 0.13). The sensitivity and specificity were 32.2% and 96.7% for anti-CarP antibodies, 61.1% and 97.8% for anti-CCP antibodies, 66.7% and 91.1% for RF respectively. 25.7% of anti-CCP negative patients showed anti-CarP positivity, and radiological damage was significantly associated with anti-CarP in them. The sensitivity of anti-CarP antibodies was low in comparison to both RF and anti-CCP; however, they showed high specificity and were detected in anti-CCP negative patients, so they could be useful to test beside anti-CCP and RF. Anti-CarP antibodies may reflect disease radiological damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalazine and phthalazinone derivatives are important owing to their significant biological activities and pharmacological properties. Herein, a benzoic acid derivative (2), a benzoxazin-1-one derivative (3), and an oxophthalazin-2(1 H)-yl)acetohydrazide (13) are utilized as precursors to construct a novel series of phthalazinones bearing various valuable functional groups in excellent yields via several simple and promising approaches. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the newly synthesized phthalazines is screened against different microbial strains; namely, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria utilizing Amoxicillin as a standard drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Botany is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)