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Oocytes experience detrimental osmotic stress during vitrification and warming procedures because of the osmolality imbalance between the vitrification‐warming fluids and the intracellular environment. Cellular osmotic homeostasis can be preserved by glycine, a powerful osmolyte with antioxidant properties. We aimed to examine the influences of supplementing glycine to the vitrification solutions (VS) on the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes following IVM/IVF and in vitro embryo culture (IVC). Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from dromedary camel ovaries and randomly allocated into two groups namely control (oocytes subjected directly to IVM) and vitrified (COCs were vitrified into VS supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mM glycine). For vitrification, COCs were equilibrated for 3 min in 12.5% ethylene glycol; EG plus 12.5% dimethyl sulfoxide; DMS and then they were vitrified for 60 s in VS composed of 25% EG + 25% DMSO using solid surface vitrification (SSV). Warming of vitrified oocytes was conducted in decreasing concentrations of trehalose solution. Following vitrification and warming, the morphologically viable oocytes were subjected to IVM for 36 h. Matured oocytes were then fertilized in vitro by epididymal spermatozoa and cultured for seven days. The results showed that the percentage of viable oocytes assessed by trypan blue stain was significantly higher (p ≤.05) in the 1.0 mM glycine‐supplemented group than 0.0‐ and 2.0‐mM glycine‐supplemented ones (90.0 % vs. 80.0% and 76.6%, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed between 0.5 mM glycine and other vitrified groups. Nuclear maturation rates, cleavage (48‐h post‐insemination; pi) and blastocyst rate (7‐days pi) were significantly lower in vitrified groups than control ones (p ≤.05). Among vitrified groups, these parameters were the highest in the 1.0 mM glycine‐supplemented group. Taken together, supplementation of vitrification solutions with 1.0 mM glycine could enhance the developmental potential of vitrified/warmed immature dromedary camel oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the shifted Legendre Gauss–Lobatto collocation (SL‐GLC) scheme to solve two‐dimensional space‐fractional coupled reaction–diffusion equations (SFCRDEs). The proposed method is implemented by expressing the function and its spatial fractional derivatives as a finite expansion of shifted Legendre polynomials. Then the expansion coefficients are determined by reducing the SFCRDEs with their initial and boundary conditions to a system of ordinary differential equations for these coefficients. Subsequently, we applied the proposed method to discretize the temporal and spatial variables to convert the two‐dimensional spacetime fractional coupled reaction–diffusion equations (STFCRDEs) to a system of algebraic equations. Some results regarding the error estimation are obtained. Several examples are discussed to validate the capability and efficiency of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the numerical solution of the integral equations of linear second kind Volterra–Fredholm. These integral equations are commonly used in engineering and mathematical physics to solve many of the problems. A hybrid of Bernstein and improved block‐pulse functions method is introduced and used where the key point is to transform linear second‐type Volterra–Fredholm integral equations into an algebraic equation structure that can be solved using classical methods. Numeric examples are given which demonstrate the related features of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we focused on solving numerically the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations (NLFSEs) with Caputo fractional derivative in time. The discrete schemes are constructed by using the trigonometric B‐spline collocation method and the non‐polynomial B‐spline method for space discretization respectively, while the L1‐formula is applied in time discretization. The Von Neumann approach is applied to examine the stability of the proposed methods. For validating the accuracy and efficiency of the presented schemes, numerical tests are compared with the exact solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries worldwide have been affected by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) that was first reported in China. To understand and forecast the transmission dynamics of this disease, fractional‐order derivative‐based modeling can be beneficial. We propose in this paper a fractional‐order mathematical model to examine the COVID‐19 disease outbreak. This model outlines the multiple mechanisms of transmission within the dynamics of infection. The basic reproduction number and the equilibrium points are calculated from the model to assess the transmissibility of the COVID‐19. Sensitivity analysis is discussed to explain the significance of the epidemic parameters. The existence and uniqueness of the solution to the proposed model have been proven using the fixed‐point theorem and by helping the Arzela–Ascoli theorem. Using the predictor–corrector algorithm, we approximated the solution of the proposed model. The results obtained are represented by using figures that illustrate the behavior of the predicted model classes. Finally, the study of the stability of the numerical method is carried out using some results and primary lemmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is an association between heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and insulin resistance, but less is known about the diabetic continuum, and in particular about pre‐diabetes, in HFpEF. We examined characteristics and outcomes of participants with diabetes or pre‐diabetes in PARAGON‐HF. Methods and results: Patients aged ≥50 years with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%, structural heart disease and elevated N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were eligible. Patients were classified according to glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c): (i) normal HbA1c, <6.0%; (ii) pre‐diabetes, 6.0%–6.4%; (iii) diabetes, ≥6.5% or history of diabetes. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death and total heart failure hospitalizations (HFH). Of 4796 patients, 50% had diabetes and 18% had pre‐diabetes. Compared to patients with normal HbA1c, patients with pre‐diabetes and diabetes more often were obese, had a history of myocardial infarction and had lower Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, while patients with diabetes had more clinical evidence of congestion, but similar NT‐proBNP concentrations. The risks of the primary composite outcome (rate ratio [RR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–1.88), total HFH (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.39–2.02) and CV death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% CI 1.07–1.71) were higher among patients with diabetes, compared to those with normal HbA1c. Patients with pre‐diabetes had a higher risk (which was intermediate between that of patients with diabetes and those with normal HbA1c) of the primary outcome (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.00–1.60) and HFH (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03–1.77), but not of CV death (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.75–1.40). Patients with diabetes treated with insulin had worse outcomes than those not, and those with 'lean diabetes' had similar mortality rates to those with a higher body mass index, but lower rates of HFH. Conclusion: Pre‐diabetes is common in patients with HFpEF and is associated with worse clinical status and greater risk of HFH. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01920711. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internet has become one of the main sources of news spread as it unleashed the information dissemination space, where the news websites express opinions on entities while also reporting on recent or unusual security risks. Recently, many research studies have focused on sentimental reflection on the views and impressions of people utilising natural language processing and analytical linguistics. Therefore, we have collected corpus from popular Arabic websites that publish articles related to recent security issues, and we provide light weight preprocessing techniques where data is term matrix is transformed. We also present an intensive lexical‐driven data analysis with visualised data views, as our topic modelling technique can effectively extract significant topics from all the collected text from different websites. Our experiments validate the k‐means clustering algorithm with and without the latent Dirichlet allocation topic modelling method, and we adopted various validation techniques to measure the topic clustering internally and externally. As shown in the experiments' results, our proposed combined method has a high round index rate of 87.2%, with a large number of topics and clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin is known to protect sperm against freezing‐inflicted damage in different domestic species. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of semen extender with melatonin on the quality and DNA integrity of cooled and frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa. We also investigated whether the addition of melatonin to the semen extender could improve the fertility of rabbit does artificially inseminated with frozen/thawed semen. Semen samples collected from eight rabbit bucks were pooled and then diluted in INRA‐82 supplemented either with (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mM) or without (0.0 mM) melatonin. Diluted semen was cooled at 5°C for 24 hr. For cryopreservation and based on the first experiment's best result, semen samples were diluted in INRA‐82 in the presence or absence of 1.0 mM melatonin and then frozen in 0.25 ml straws. Following cooling or thawing, sperm quality and DNA integrity were evaluated. Furthermore, the fertility of frozen/thawed semen was investigated after artificial insemination. Supplementation of semen extender with 1.0 mM melatonin improved (p <.05) motility, viability, membrane and acrosome integrities in cooled semen compared with other groups. Sperm quality and DNA integrity were higher (p <.05) in frozen/thawed semen diluted in 1.0 mM melatonin‐supplemented extender than in the control group. Conception and birth rates were higher in does inseminated with 1.0 mM melatonin treated semen compared with the controls. In conclusion, supplementation of semen extender with 1.0 mM melatonin improved the quality of cooled and frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa. Melatonin can preserve DNA integrity and enhance the fertility of frozen/thawed rabbit spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider an explicit solution of system of Sylvester matrix equations of the form A1V1 − E1V1F1 = B1W1 and A2V2 − E2V2F2 = B2W2 with F1 and F2 being arbitrary matrices, where V1,W1,V2 and W2 are the matrices to be determined. First, the definitions, of the matrix polynomial of block matrix, Sylvester sum, and Kronecker product of block matrices are defined. Some definitions, lemmas, and theorems that are needed to propose our method are stated and proved. Numerical test problems are solved to illustrate the suggested technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes the influences of pyrolysis conditions and feedstock types on biochar properties and how biochar properties in turn affect soil properties. Mechanistic evidence of biochar's potential for enhancing crop productivity, carbon sequestration, and nutrient use efficiency are also discussed. The review identifies the knowledge gaps, limitations, and future research directions for large-scale use of biochar. Both pyrolytic parameters and feedstock types are considered to be the main factors controlling biochar properties such as nutrient content, recalcitrance, and pH. Biochar produced at low temperatures may improve nutrient availability and crop yield in acidic and alkaline soils, whereas high-temperature biochar may enhance long-term soil carbon sequestration. Biochar can also improve the efficiency of inorganic and organic fertilizers by enhancing microbial functions and reducing nutrient loss, thereby making nutrients more available to plants. Integration of biochar and chemical or organic fertilizers generally provides for better nutrient management and crop yield in most types of soils. Although biochar can improve degraded soils, it is not a panacea; as such, soil- and crop-specific biochar are needed in order to ensure optimum crop yield and agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To describe the baseline characteristics and treatment of the patients randomized in the PARADIGM-HF (Prospective comparison of ARNi with ACEi to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and morbidity in Heart Failure) trial, testing the hypothesis that the strategy of simultaneously blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and augmenting natriuretic peptides with LCZ696 200 mg b.i.d. is superior to enalapril 10 mg b.i.d. in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Methods Key demographic, clinical and laboratory findings, along with baseline treatment, are reported and compared with those of patients in the treatment arm of the Studies Of Left Ventricular Dysfunction ( SOLVD-T) and more contemporary drug and device trials in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Results The mean age of the 8442 patients in PARADIGM-HF is 64 ( SD 11) years and 78% are male, which is similar to SOLVD-T and more recent trials. Despite extensive background therapy with beta-blockers (93% patients) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (60%), patients in PARADIGM-HF have persisting symptoms and signs, reduced health related quality of life, a low LVEF (mean 29 ± SD 6%) and elevated N-terminal- proB type-natriuretic peptide levels (median 1608 inter-quartile range 886-3221 pg/ mL). Conclusion PARADIGM-HF will determine whether LCZ696 is more beneficial than enalapril when added to other disease-modifying therapies and if further augmentation of endogenous natriuretic peptides will reduce morbidity and mortality in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The histamine 4 receptor ( H4 R) is expressed primarily on cells involved in inflammation and immune responses. Despite much research into inflammatory diseases, no drugs with favourable safety profiles are yet available for their treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential anti-inflammatory effect of 4-methylhistamine (4- Me H) or JNJ77777120 ( JNJ) and to explore the role of H4 R in a mouse model of carrageenan ( Cg) -induced pleurisy. A single dose of 4- Me H or JNJ (30 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 1 hr before Cg administration. The results illustrate that both the numbers of CD4+, CD25+, CD4+ CD25+, GITR+, GITR+ IL-17 A+-expressing T cells and the levels of T helper type 1 ( Th1)/ Th17 cytokines were markedly increased in both the Cg-treated and 4- Me H-treated groups, whereas the cytokines produced by Th2 cells were significantly decreased in the same groups. However, JNJ treatment significantly decreased both the number of T-cell subsets and GITR+, GITR+ IL-17 A+-expressing T cells, and the production of Th1/ Th17 cytokines. Further, JNJ up-regulated the expression of the Th2 cytokines. RT- PCR analysis revealed an increased expression of interleukin-1 β, tumour necrosis factor- α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the Cg-treated and 4- Me H-treated groups, which was reduced by treatment with JNJ in lung tissues. Moreover, histological examinations revealed anti-inflammatory effects of JNJ, whereas 4- Me H worsened Cg-induced inflammation. In conclusion, the results of the present work clearly indicate that JNJ possesses important anti-inflammatory properties that are increased in 4- Me H-treated mice, suggesting that H4 R are involved in pleurisy and that JNJ has an anti-inflammatory effect in associated disease conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present a general framework of the quadratic spline functions to develop a numerical method for solving the nonlinear space fractional Fisher's equation. Using Von Neumann method, the proposed method is shown to be conditionally stable. Finally, a numerical example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results reveal that the proposed approach is very effective, convenient, and quite accurate to such considered problems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low cost lime-based waste materials have recently been used to immobilize metals in contaminated soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oyster shells and eggshells as lime-based waste materials on immobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in contaminated soil, as well as their effects on metal availability to maize plants ( Zea mays L.). Oyster shells and eggshells were applied to soils at 1 and 5% w/w, after which they were subject to 420 days of incubation. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test was employed to determine the mobility of Cd and Pb in soils. The results showed that the addition of waste materials effectively reduced the metal mobility as indicated by the decrease in the concentration of TCLP-extractable Cd and Pb, and this was mainly due to significant increases in soil pH (from 6.74 in untreated soil to 7.85-8.13 in treated soil). A sequential extraction indicated that the addition of such alkaline wastes induced a significant decline in the concentration of Cd in the exchangeable fraction (from 23.64% in untreated soil to 1.90-3.81% in treated soil), but it increased the concentration of Cd in the carbonate fraction (from 19.59% in untreated soil to 36.66-46.36% in treated soil). In the case of Pb, the exchangeable fraction was also reduced (from 0.67% in untreated soil to 0.00-0.01% in treated soil), and the fraction of Pb bound to carbonate was slightly increased (from 16.61% in untreated soil to 16.41-18.25% in treated soil). Phytoavailability tests indicated that the metal concentrations in the shoots of maize plant were reduced by 63.39-77.29% for Cd and by 47.34-75.95% for Pb in the amended soils, with no significant differences being observed for the amendment types and the application rates. Overall, these results indicate that oyster shells and eggshells can be used as low cost lime-based amendments for immobilizing Cd and Pb in contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although the focus of therapeutic intervention has been on neurohormonal pathways thought to be harmful in heart failure (HF), such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), potentially beneficial counter-regulatory systems are also active in HF. These promote vasodilatation and natriuresis, inhibit abnormal growth, suppress the RAAS and sympathetic nervous system, and augment parasympathetic activity. The best understood of these mediators are the natriuretic peptides which are metabolized by the enzyme neprilysin. LCZ696 belongs to a new class of drugs, the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), which both block the RAAS and augment natriuretic peptides.Methods: Patients with chronic HF, NYHA class II-IV symptoms, an elevated plasma BNP or NT-proBNP level, and an LVEF of ≤40% were enrolled in the Prospective comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortailty and morbidity in Heart Failure trial (PARADIGM-HF). Patients entered a single-blind enalapril run-in period (titrated to 10 mg b.i.d.), followed by an LCZ696 run-in period (100 mg titrated to 200 mg b.i.d.). A total of 8436 patients tolerating both periods were randomized 1:1 to either enalapril 10 mg b.i.d. or LCZ696 200 mg b.i.d. The primary outcome is the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization, although the trial is powered to detect a 15% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular death.Perspectives: PARADIGM-HF will determine the place of the ARNI LCZ696 as an alternative to enalapril in patients with systolic HF. PARADIGM-HF may change our approach to neurohormonal modulation in HF.Trial Registration: NCT01035255. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The ability of the flavonoid lentinan (LAN) to enhance the repair of paclitaxel (PAC)-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in mouse bone marrow cells was investigated. Moreover, the possible mechanism underlying this modulation was determined. LAN was neither genotoxic nor apoptogenic at doses equivalent to 1 or 2 mg/kg/day. Pretreatment of mice with LAN significantly enhances the repair of PAC-induced DNA damage and bone marrow suppression in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, LAN affords significant protection against PAC-induced apoptosis. A significant increase of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in reduced glutathione levels were observed after PAC treatment and prior administration of LAN before PAC challenge ameliorated these oxidative stress markers. Conclusively, our study provides, for the first time, that LAN enhances the repair of PAC-induced DNA damage and apoptosis that resides, at least in part, on its ability to modulate the cellular antioxidant levels and consequently protect bone marrow cells from PAC genotoxicity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:370-377, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21499 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are concerns about the safety of the dextropropoxyphene and acetaminophen fixed-dose combination, particularly in patients with psychiatric morbidity, which has led to a phased withdrawal of this fixed-dose combination in many countries. A retrospective prescription audit was conducted to evaluate the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed-dose combination prescribing pattern in the major psychiatric hospital of Bahrain. The data analysis was performed using SPSS/PC+ version 14.0. Prescriptions with the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed-dose combination comprised 11.8% of all dispensed prescriptions and in most instances for outpatients undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation. Nearly half of the patients received ≥20 tablets of this fixed-dose combination (mean ± SD: 30.9 ± 13.1; range 20–126) as multiple doses. The dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed-dose combination was often co-prescribed with psychotropics, such as benzodiazepines (BZDs) (25.4%), BZDs + antidepressants (62.9%), BZDs + antipsychotics (3.7%) and BZDs + anticonvulsants (1.9%). Approximately 40% of prescriptions with the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed-dose combination were written ‘as required’ ( prn), basis. Despite poor safety and efforts to restrict or withdraw worldwide, the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed-dose combination continues to be irrationally prescribed to outpatients undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation in Bahrain. Health policy decision-makers should introduce a phased withdrawal of this drug from clinical use. In the meanwhile, it is important to create awareness among prescribers of the risks associated with over-dosage of the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed-dose combination and its interaction with other psychotropic medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although functional iron deficiency (FID) may be present in hemodialysis (HD) patients with high serum ferritin levels (>800 ng/mL), current protocols often preclude the use of intravenous (IV) iron in these patients. However, it has not been demonstrated that iron supplementation during erythropoietin therapy is ineffective or unsafe in increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients with high serum ferritin. This report describes the hematologic efficacy and safety of ferric gluconate (FG) therapy in patients with serum ferritin >800 ng/mL. A retrospective analysis was performed on HD patients at a single California dialysis center from January 1 to December 31, 2003. Patients classified as having high ferritin levels (serum ferritin >800 ng/mL on at least 66% of routine monthly measurements and transferrin saturation [TSAT] <25% on at least 1 occasion) were stratified as follows: patients in Group I were suspected of having FID and received FG ≥250 mg IV over a 3-month period when Hb was <11 g/dL, and patients in Group II were thought not to have FID and received <250 mg FG over a 3-month period. Both groups received standard recombinant human erythropoietin therapy as per the unit's protocol. Of 496 patients, 95 exhibited high ferritin and of these, 39 patients had sufficient data for analysis. Group I patients (n=14) showed a significant increase in Hb levels compared with Group II (n=25). There was no increase in ferritin levels in response to iron administration. No significant differences in hospitalizations or infections were observed between groups. Hemodialysis patients with high ferritin levels may have FID, and IV iron therapy safely improves FID in some patients. A larger randomized trial examining the optimal management of iron administration in HD patients with high ferritin levels is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. In the present study, the effect of taurine, on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced urinary bladder toxicity was investigated.2. Administration of a single dose of CP (150 mg/kg, i.p.) induced cystitis, as manifested by marked congestion, oedema and extravasation in rat urinary bladder, as well as a marked desquamative damage to the urothium, severe inflammation in the lamina propria, focal erosions and polymorphonuclear leucocytes associated with occasional lymphocyte infiltration as determined by macroscopic and histopathological examination.3. A significant decrease in the endogenous anti-oxidant compound glutathione and elevation of lipid peroxidation also resulted in rat urinary bladder tissue.4. Cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis markedly affected the contractile function of the urinary bladder, as revealed by a significant inhibition of tissue responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh) at different molar concentrationsin vitro.5. Conversely, pretreatment with taurine (1% in drinking water to reach a dose of 1 g/kg per day) for 7 days before and 1 day after CP injection produced a significant decrease in urinary bladder weight (oedema) and a marked decrease in vascular congestion and haemorrhage, as well as a profound improvement in histological structure. Moreover, taurine pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in lipid peroxide in urinary bladder tissue and glutathione content was greatly restored.6. Urinary bladder rings isolated from rats treated concurrently with taurine and CP showed a significant increase in their responsiveness to ACh compared with the CP group.7. These results suggest that taurine offers a protective effect against CP-induced urinary bladder toxicity and may, therefore, decrease the limitation on its clinical application. These results merit extension and further investigation of the impact of taurine on CP antitumour activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recently postulated from our laboratory that Arabic gum (AG) offers a protective effect in the kidney of rats against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin via inhibiting lipid peroxidation. It has also recently shown a powerful antioxidant effect through scavenging superoxide anions. In this study we utilized a rat model of cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity to determine its peak time following (1, 2, 5, and 7 days) of a single CP (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) injection. Also, a possible protective effect of cotreatment with AG (7.5 g/kg/day p.o.) on CP-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated. Biochemical as well as histological assessments were carried out. CP-induced nephrotoxicity was manifested by significant elevations of the functional parameters blood urea, serum creatinine, and kidney/body weight ratio. Maximum toxic effects of CP were observed 5 days after its injection, while it started after day 1 in the biochemical parameters, such as glutathione depletion in the kidney tissue with concomitant increases in lipid peroxides and platinum content. Additionally, severe necrosis and desquamation of tubular epithelial cells in renal cortex as well as interstitial nephritis were observed after 5 days in CP-treated animals. Five days after AG cotreatment with CP did not protect the kidney from the damaging effects of CP. However, it significantly reduced CP-induced lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that lipid peroxidation is not the main cause of CP-induced nephrotoxicity but it is rather more dependent on other factors such as platinum disposition in renal interstitial tubules. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 17:146–153, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.10072 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed field mapping of the central part of the area between the northern end of the Suez rift to the Nile Valley (Cairo-Suez area) shows that the Eocene to Miocene rocks are affected by E-W elongated belts of left-stepped en echelon normal faults. These belts act as transfer zones between NW oriented normal faults synchronous with faults of the same trend in the Suez rift. Individual faults within the en echelon fault belts are oriented E-W to WNW and dip in the same direction as the linked NW faults. Step faulting or horsts and grabens are two possible fault arrangements in the transfer zones depending on the geometry of the linked faults. The linked faults and the transfer zones are joined together in zigzag fault belts that extend northwest-ward from the northern part of the Suez rift into the Cairo-Suez area and possibly further northwestward. A substantial amount of the throw of the NW faults of the Suez rift is transferred northwestward by these zigzag fault belts. The throw generally decreases northwestward away from the rift. The en echelon fault belts were probably formed by right-lateral divergent wrenching on E-W oriented, deep-seated, preexisting faults. This right-lateral divergent wrenching is kinematically related to the dip-slip movement on the linked, NW oriented, normal faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]