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In this work the multi-component reactions of either of the arylhydrazocyclohexan-1,3-dione derivatives 3a – c with either of benzaldehyde ( 4a ), 4-chlorobenzaldehyde ( 4b ) or 4-methoxybenzaldehyde ( 4c ) and either malononitrile ( 5a ) or ethyl cyanoacetate ( 5b ) giving the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4 H -chromene derivatives 6a – r , respectively, are presented. The reaction of two equivalents of cyclohexan-1,3-dione with benzaldehyde gave the hexahydro-1 H -xanthene-1,8(2 H )-dione derivative 7 . On the other hand, the multi-component reactions of compound 1 with dimedone and benzaldehyde gave 13 . Both of 7 and 13 underwent heterocyclization reactions to produce fused thiophene, pyran and thiazole derivatives. Selected compounds among the synthesized compounds were tested against six cancer cell lines where most of them gave high inhibitions; especially compounds 3b , 3c , 6b , 6c , 6d , 6f , 6i , 6m , 6n , 8b , 14a , 15 and 16 being the most cytotoxic compounds. Further tests against the five tyrosine kinases c-Kit, Flt-3, VEGFR-2, EGFR, and PDGFR and Pim-1 kinase showed that compounds 3c , 6c , 6d , 6f , 6n , 14a and 15 were the most potent of the tested compounds toward the five tyrosine kinases and compounds 3c , 6c , 6d , 6n and 15 displayed the highest inhibitions toward Pim-1 kinase.

Background: Recently tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiazole derivatives acquired a special attention due to their wide range of pharmacological activities especially the therapeutic activities. Through the market it was found that many pharmacological drugs containing the thiazole nucleus were known. Objective: This work aimed to synthesize target molecules not only possess anti-tumor activities but also kinase inhibitors. The target molecules were obtained starting from the arylhydrazonocyclohexan-1,3-dione followed by their heterocyclization reactions to produce anticancer target molecules. Methods: The arylhydrazone derivatives 3a-c underwent different heterocyclization reactions to produce thiophene, thiazole, pyrazole and 1,2,4-triazine derivatives. The anti-proliferative activity of twenty six compounds among the synthesized compounds toward the six cancer cell lines namely A549, H460, HT-29, MKN-45, U87MG, and SMMC-7721 was studied. Results: Anti-proliferative evaluations, tyrosine and Pim-1 kinase inhibitions were perform for most of the synthesized compounds where the varieties of substituent through the aryl ring and the thiophene moiety afforded compounds with high activities. Conclusion: The compounds with high anti-proliferative activity towards the cancer cell lines showed that compounds 3b, 3c, 5e, 5f, 8c, 9c, 11c, 12c, 14e, 14f and 16c were the most cytotoxic compounds. Further tests of the latter compounds toward the five tyrosine kinases c-Kit, Flt-3, VEGFR-2, EGFR, and PDGFR and Pim-1 kinase showed that compounds 3c, 5e, 5f, 8c, 9c, 12c, 14e, 14f and 16c were the most potent of the tested compounds toward the five tyrosine kinases and compounds 6d, 11a, 20b and 21e were of the highest inhibitions towards Pim-1 kinase. Pan Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS) for the most cytotoxic compounds showed zero PAINS alert and can be used as lead compounds.

This study aimed to supplement soft wheat flour with different levels of sweet lupin powder and/or whey protein concentrate for producing a semi hard sweet biscuit as a functional product and their effects on the chemical and physical properties of produced biscuit were carried out. The results indicate that lupin and whey protein had 3.94 and 7.5 times higher than those of wheat flour. Fat content was higher in lupin with 2 and 4 folds compared with wheat flour, respectively. Lupin had higher ash content with 1.3 and 8.30 folds than its corresponding value in whey protein and wheat flour. Regarding to fibers content, lupin represented 4.44 and 1.33 times higher than that of wheat flour and whey protein, respectively. Generally, the higher the supplementation level of lupin flour and whey protein, the higher the protein, lipid, fiber and ash contents, while the lower the carbohydrate one. The water activity (aw) values have been decreased with increasing supplementation levels of lupin flour and whey protein, which prove the ability of lupin flour and whey protein to capture water which limit the available water for reactions and will affect the shelf life of the products, The farinogram parameters showed an increase in development time by increasing the ratios of lupin and whey protein, The degree of softening increases in samples supplemented with lupin and whey protein. Gelatinization temperature was increased ranged between 58.5˚C in wheat flour to 66˚C in higher supplemented samples. While, the maximum gelatinization decreases by increase supplementation levels of lupin flour and whey protein. Hardness of biscuit increased by increasing supplementing wheat with levels of lupin powder and whey protein. The same trend was found in Fracturability which increased by increasing the supplementation. Resilience values ranged between 0.01 and 0.10, while adhesiveness values ranged between 0.01 and 0.80. Biscuit samples supplemented with 15% lupin powder and 7% whey protein had high score of color, crust appearance, texture, aroma, taste and overall acceptability. The lowest score of crust appearance, texture, aroma, taste and overall acceptability were in supplemented samples with 45% wheat flour, 40% lupin flour and 15% whey protein. The amino acids profile of biscuit sample supplemented with (15%) lupin flour and (7%) whey protein which demonstrates rising in all of amino acids compared to control one. Leucine came as a predominant essential amino acid (0.65%) in control sample raised with 1.75 fold to be 1.14% in supplemented one. Similar finding was also detected when total EAA was compared (raised with 1.8fold). Only cysteine and methionine were less than 0.5% in treated sample rather than those of control. Regarding to the NEAA, glutamic acid is the major NEAA in both of treated or untreated samples (3.3%). The total NEAA was raised by 1.37 fold owing to supplementation process with 15% lupin and 7% whey protein. Similar increasing fold was recorded when total EAA/ NEAA ratio was considered.

Background: Beta-thalassemia is a hereditary haemoglobinopathy caused by defective hemoglobin (Hb) β-globin synthesis, leading to excess α-globin chains that cause hemolysis and impair erythropoiesis. Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) is not a signal protein and not generated in pro-inflammatory state alone but rather an end product of oxidative stress. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with β-thalassemia major and its relation to different iron chelators. Patients and Methods: The study was carried on 40 children diagnosed as beta-thalassemia major recruited from the outpatient clinic and the pediatric department, at Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Faculty of medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University and EL Minia Insurance Hospital. They were 20 male and 20 female, aged from 4 - 11 years. Another 40 apparently healthy children age and sex matched as control group. CRP and IMA were determined for all participants. Results: There were significant increases in serum CRP, IMA and ferritin levels in patients group compared to control group. There were significant decreases of IMA and CRP levels of thalassemic patients on chelation deferiprone (DFP) compared to deferasirox (DFX) P-value (Conclusion: IMA, CRP and Serum ferritin were higher in children with β-thalassemia major than controls. Moreover, IMA and CRP levels in thalassemic children on deferiprone (DFP) were significantly lower compared with children on deferasirox (DFX). So it could be considered as useful markers in the follow up assessment of thalassemic patients for early detection of complications.

BACKGROUND Therapies for postacne scarring act through modulation of elastin and collagen, and collagen III might therefore represent a biomarker of treatment effectiveness. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients (n = 70) with postacne scars and individuals without scars (n = 56) were included in this case-control study. Patients were treated with Dermaroller microneedling, trichloroacetic acid chemical reconstruction, punch excision, or scar subcision. Scar severity was graded immediately before and after treatment with a photographic quartile scale and the ECCA scale. Serum levels of collagen III were measured in control individuals and in patients, before treatment, 1 month after the first treatment session, and 4 months after the final session. RESULTS Circulating levels of collagen III were significantly higher in patients with postacne scarring (24.1 ± 12.5) before treatment than in control individuals (2.6 ± 0.8). Circulating levels of collagen in patients were significantly lower 4 months posttreatment (14.3 ± 8.1) than at baseline. The mean percentage change in serum collagen III was positively correlated with both the mean percentage improvement by photographic evaluation (r = .530, P

Golden berry and sweet cherry are known as nutritious fruit and herbal medicine for health-promoting properties. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of golden berry and sweet cherry on acute renal failure in rats induced by glycerol.Thirty six male albino adult rats (150±10 g.) were used, divided into two main groups; one (6 rats each) was used as a negative control group, while the other group of rats were injected intramuscularly with glycerol 10 ml/kg BW (50% v/v in sterile saline 0.9 %) to induce acute renal failure. The second main group was divided into 5 equal sub-groups ; one used as a positive control and the other four groups were fed on supplemented diet (5 % and 10 % ) of each of dried golden berry and sweet cherry.Biological evaluation, liver enzymes, kidney functions, Na, K and serum antioxidant markers were estimated at the end of the experiment. The results indicated that kidney and liver functions were restored significantly in groups of rats which received golden berry and sweet cherry 10%, followed by golden berry and sweet cherry 5 % as compared to the positive control group. Glycerol rats group showed significant decrease in serum proteins and serum electrolytes. On the other hand, all supplemented groups with golden berry and sweet cherry showed a gradual significant increase in the mentioned parameters. Therefore, this study reveals the benefits of golden berry and sweet cherry in experimental animals with kidney and liver disease.

Nabq as “A Managed Resource Protected Area” or as “Multiple Use Management Area” is subjected to human activities that influence its biodiversity. Therefore, many field trips from January 2016 to January 2017 were carried out to detect the main activities in Nabq protectorate and their impacts on faunal macro-benthos biodiversity. Four stations representing two major habitats (mangrove and rocky shore) were chosen depending on anthropogenic activities. A total of 112 macro-benthos taxa were recorded in Nabq dominated with Planaxis salcatus, Nerita spp., Barbatia trapezina and Ophiocoma scolopendrina. The anthropogenic activities don't only affect the presence and absence of species, but also influence on the dominance status of species in the investigated stations. El-Rowayseaa and El-Dagal were unaffected stations showing more abundance and diversification than El-Gharkana and El-Monkateaa which were affected mangrove and rocky shore stations, respectively. In conclusion, anthropogenic activities are the main cause of recent changes to the marine biodiversity in Nabq Protected Area and their continuation may cause habitat damage. Keywords: Macro-benthos, Biodiversity, Human activities, Ecotourism, Fishing, Protected areas

// Kholoud Alwosaibai 1, 2, 3 , Atefeh Abedini 1, 2 , Ensaf M. Al-Hujaily 1, 2 , Yong Tang 4 , Kenneth Garson 1, 2 , Olga Collins 1, 2 and Barbara C. Vanderhyden 1, 2, 5 1 Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 2 Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ontario, Canada 3 King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia 4 Department of Urology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China 5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Correspondence to: Barbara C. Vanderhyden, email: bvanderhyden@ohri.ca Keywords: fallopian tube, ovarian cancer, stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, PAX2 Received: May 04, 2016 Accepted: July 18, 2017 Published: August 10, 2017 ABSTRACT Recent studies have provided evidence that the secretory cells of the fallopian tube (oviduct) are a probable origin for high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. In addition to secretory cells, the fallopian tube epithelium consists of ciliated cells and CD44+ undifferentiated stem-like cells. Loss of PAX2 expression is recognized as an early event in epithelial transformation, but the specific role of PAX2 in this transition is unknown. The aim of this study was to define the role of PAX2 in oviductal epithelial (OVE) cells and its response to transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ), characterizing specifically its potential involvement in regulating stem cell-like behaviors that may contribute to formation of cancer-initiating cells. Treatment of primary cultures of mouse OVE cells with TGFβ induced an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated with decreased expression of PAX2 and an increase in the fraction of cells expressing CD44. PAX2 knockdown in OVE cells and overexpression in ovarian epithelial cells confirmed that PAX2 inhibits stem cell characteristics and regulates the degree of epithelial differentiation of OVE cells. These results suggest that loss of PAX2, as occurs in serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas, may shift secretory cells to a more mesenchymal phenotype associated with stem-like features.

Mutations in the SLC4A1 gene coding for kidney anion exchanger 1 (kAE1) cause distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). We investigated the fate of the most common truncated dominant dRTA mutant kAE1 R901X. In renal epithelial cells, we found that kAE1 R901X is less abundant than kAE1 wild-type (WT) at the plasma membrane. Although kAE1 WT and kAE1 R901X have similar half-lives, the decreased abundance of kAE1 R901X at the surface is due to an increased endocytosis rate and a decreased recycling rate of endocytosed proteins. We propose that, in polarized renal epithelial cells, the apically mistargeted kAE1 R901X mutant is endocytosed faster than kAE1 WT and its recycling to the basolateral membrane is delayed. This resets the equilibrium, such that kAE1 R901X resides predominantly in an endomembrane compartment, thereby likely participating in development of dRTA disease.

In an attempt to conceptualize the process of cancer formation, Hanahan and Weinberg [2000] have outlined six universal characteristics of tumorigenesis, and labelled them as the “hallmarks of cancer”. These hallmarks include; unlimited proliferation, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, initiating invasion and metastasis. Cancer cell signalling is crucial for initiating and controlling cellular pathways that are involved in these hallmarks. The intricate network of communication between cancer cells and other cancer or non-cancer cells is still being investigated, and is yet to be fully understood. Initially it was proposed that the main form of communication between cells within the tumour microenvironment are soluble growth factors, and gap junctions. Then, researchers reported another form of cell-to-cell communication, through the release of spherical particles called exosomes. It is believed that these exosomes enable communication through the transfer of active components from the releasing cell, and off-loading it into the recipient cell. As researchers continue to examine the development of the cancer hallmarks and the pathways involved, it became evident that cancer cell-derived exosomes play a major role in almost all of them. This review will examine the role played by cancer cell-derived exosomes in development of cancer.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins can act as allergens and stimulate production of specific IgE with subsequent development of allergic manifestations. In addition, they act as superantigens that induce cytokine secretion with more increase of IL-4/IFN-γ ratio causing augmentation of allergic reactions. Herein we tested the hypothesis that exposure to Staphylococccus aureus and its enterotoxins induces immunological changes that contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. This study included 45 air way allergic patients, and 45 controls. The following were done: intradermal allergy skin testing, invitro effect of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) on cytokine secretion from separated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, detection of nasal carriage of S. aureus and its enterotoxin production by ELISA & serum levels of total IgE, SEB-specific IgE and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were measured. We found that nasal carriage of enterotoxin producing S. aureus in allergic patients was significantly higher than in control. Blood eosinophilia, total IgE& ECP levels were significantly higher in S. aureus nasal carrier than non-carrier patients. On in vitro exposure of PBMCs to (SEB), IFN-γ secretion was significantly less in patients than control and IL-4 secretion was significantly more in patients than control. SEB-specific IgE was detected in 15.6% of patients & not detected in control. There was a significant positive correlation between SEB-specific IgE level in patients and markers of severity of allergic reaction including blood eosinophilia, ECP and total IgE level. This study suggests that nasal carriage of enterotoxin producing S. aureus has a potential role in the development and severity of allergic airway diseases.

Intercropping of non-legume plant with a legume crop is proving a successful system for better use of nutrients by plants, particularly in nitrogen deficient soils. Such a system may affect soil fauna activity. The present experiment was conducted at Fayoum Governorate (Egypt) in order to study the impact of wheat intercropped with faba bean on soil fauna populations. Cultivation period was between November 2010 and April 2011. Five treatments were designed: (1) wheat alone, (2) faba bean alone, (3) wheat intercropped with faba bean (1:1), (4) wheat intercropped with faba bean (2:1), and (5) wheat intercropped with faba bean (1:2). Soil fauna were collected monthly during the cultivation period by means of the pitfall trap method. Data of soil fauna populations were statistically treated by advanced multivariate statistical methods, correspondence analysis and ascending hierarchic classification. Soil fauna were dominated by Collembola, spiders, Diptera, Aphididae, Formicidae, Orthoptera and Coleoptera. Generally, intercropping increased soil fauna populations. This increase was associated with wheat intercropped with more rows of faba bean. These populations were also increased as the age of plants increased. The percentages of trophic groups including: herbivores, carnivores and detritivores were also discussed.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect supplemented diets with different doses of flaxseed on some biological, biochemical and histopathology changes in rats suffering from nephropathy. Thirty adult male albino rats "Sprague Dawley strain" weighing (170-175g) were divided into two main groups, the first main group fed on basal diet as a (negative control group). The second main group (24 rats) injection with 10 ml glycerol /kg dissolve in saline solution (glycerol / saline solution v/v) to induce renal failure, the dose of glycerol were injected under slight diethyl ether anesthesia. The second main group divided into four subgroups, the first subgroup fed standard diet (positive control group). The second subgroup fed standard diet containing 3% flaxseed. The third subgroup fed standard diet containing 5% flaxseed. The forth subgroup fed standard diet containing 7% flaxseed. At the end of the experiment (4 weeks), blood samples were taken; serum was separated and subjected to biochemical analysis (renal function). Glutathione, Malondialdehyde and histopathology were exanimated in kidney tissue in all groups. The results indicated that all treated groups get better in body weight gain%, Kidney functions (urea, uric acid and creatinine in serum) and GSH and MDA renal tissue ameliorated especially in renal failure rats fed on diet containing 5% and 7% flaxseed.

Mesocosm experiments were performed to investigate, whether the presence of endogeic earthworms; Aporrectodea caliginosa and Pheretima californica together influence the population density and diversity of soil microathropods also to determine whether their influence may change the physical habitat and the soil essential elements. The effects of earthworms on oribatids at the genus level were further examined. The experiment included five treatments 1) a control treatment with soil only; 2) soil+earthworms; 3) soil+microarthropods; 4) soil+microarthropods+Aporrectodea caliginosa and 5) soil+microarthropods+Aporrectodea caliginosa+Pheretima californica and lasted for six months. Then after, the mesocosms were tested and microarthropods were extracted, identified and counted. The concentrations of essential elements were measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, in each treatment. The detected results indicated that, the population density of the grouped microarhropods was significantly lower in the treatments containing the two earthworm species compared with other treatments. The population density of oribatid mites, prostigmata and Collembola follow the same order: treatments with the two earthworm species < treatments with one earthworm species < treatments with microarthropods only. In contrast, the presence of the two tested earthworm species reflected an increased density of the number of mesostigmated mites followed by the treatments with one earthworm species and then after comes the treatments with microarthropods only. In spite of the recorded negative effect of the earthworms on the density of microarthropods, the presence of microarthropods and earthworms leads to a significant increase in the net level of soil elements. The increase in N, C, K and P concentrations of soil at the end of the experiment followed the pattern: soil with earthworms < soil with micro arthropods < soil with microarthropods and earthworms; A. caliginosa < soil with microarthropods and both earthworm species. However, no significant differences in pH were reported in both of the treatments with earthworms only and that with earthworms and microarthropods. However, more studies must be carried out to explain the effects of these fauna on the soil nutrient cycles.

Petroleum hydrocarbons were intended to address risks to soil microarthropods and various other soil faunathat are considered to be important in maintaining a minimum level of soil ecological functioning. Thestudy was carried out in cultivated soil exposed to petroleum hydrocarbon product PHC (solar) producedfrom a mixture station of Asphalt at Berma Village. Egypt. Another unpolluted soil adjacent to the pollutedsoil was chosen as control. The experiment was undertaken for four seasons.This paper focuses on the effect of this product on the species richness, species abundance, and verticaldistribution of soil microarthropods (mites,collembolans, and Mesostigmata). Extraction of organisms wascarried out using the Berlese-Tullgren funnel . In the unpolluted and polluted habitats, there was an inverserelationship between mite/ collembolan abundance/density (except in the Mesostigmata )and soil depth;however, the correlations were not significant. In contrast, there was a significant direct correlationbetween mite abundance/density and depth in the polluted habitat, (F=29.11; df=1.3; p 0.05). In the unpolluted habitat, approximately 90% of allcollembolans were found above a depth of 10.0cm; this declined to 30% in the polluted soil. Mesostigmataand occupied lower layers below 5cm in polluted and unpolluted soil.

Bicarbonate is a waste product of mitochondrial respiration and one of the main buffers in the human body. Thus, bicarbonate transporters play an essential role in maintaining acid-base balance but also during fetal development as they ensure tight regulation of cytosolic and extracellular environments. Bicarbonate transporters belong to two gene families, SLC4A and SLC26A. Proteins from these two families are widely expressed, and thus mutations in their genes result in various diseases that affect bones, pancreas, reproduction, brain, kidneys, eyes, heart, thyroid, red blood cells, and lungs. In this minireview, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the effect of SLC4A and SLC26A mutants, with a special emphasis on mutants that have been studied in mammalian cell lines and how they correlate with phenotypes observed in mice models.

A laboratory bioassay was conducted to assess the response of wheat seedlings to the produced allelochemicals of the most invasive weeds in the Nile Delta in Egypt, Rumex dentatus and Malva parviflora. Wheat grains germination percentages, seedlings growth criterion and offsetting secondary metabolites were studied. Results indicated that R. dentatus and M. parviflora produced allelochemicals (phenolic acids, alkaloids and saponins) which variably impede wheat grains germination and seriously inhibit growth of wheat seedling. R. dentatus and M. parviflora inhibition was a function of their extract concentration and the growth stage of extracted weed. Root extracts of the two weeds especially at the highest concentration exhibited the greatest inhibitory effects. Contradictory shoot extracts of the two weeds at the fruiting stage led to more inhibition in germination percentages than root extracts. Seedlings weight of germinated wheat variably repressed by the extracts of the two weeds, the highest extract concentration caused the noticeable effect. The growth in seedling length was on the opposite progressively increased by the used extracts. This was confirmed by the counteracting allelochemicals produced in seedlings. Saponin and phenolic compounds represented the most allelochemicals produced by wheat seedlings as a defensive response to the two weeds. Wheat seedling metabolizes more saponin or phenolics to counteract the inhibition of any of the two types of compounds.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of different graded levels of local and imported yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the growth performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. 250 fingerlings of the African catfish were collected from Edku Lake (northern Egypt) to carry out an experimental study. After a two-week acclimation period, the fish were divided into 5 groups of 50 fish each. Then, each group of fish was randomly distributed into aerated rectangular fiber glass tanks (0.90 x 3.70 x 1.90 m). The tanks were filled with tap water in which oxygen saturation was 5.6 g/l at pH 7.9; water temperature range from 26 to 27°C; and, photoperiod was 12:12 Light: Dark. The results showed that the supplementation of local yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, improved growth and feed utilization. Significant results were recorded for treatment group 2 (G2) that fed on commercial pellets diet with 2% local Baker Yeast compared to the control group. It was shown that the yeast supplementation significantly affected the whole-fish body composition (Feed intake-dry matter, protein intake and energy intake). All treatments exhibited higher values compared to the control group. It was suggested that the positive effect of live yeast in African catfish diets under the present study conditions may be due the release of growth factors at the selected yeast concentration. In this study treatment of G2 that fed on commercial pellets diet with 2% local Baker Yeast showed the lowest values for dray matter, ether extract and ash content, while it showed highest value for crude protein compared to the control group. Hematological analysis of all the treatment groups showed satisfactory values compared to the control groups. From the economic point of view similar to the imported yeast, the use of cheap local baker's yeast for African catfish also increases their growth and production under farming conditions.

PAX2 is an essential transcription factor for development. Aberrant PAX2 expression in adult tissues is associated with carcinogenesis and experimental evidence shows that PAX2 generally exhibits oncogenic properties. Although PAX2 is not expressed in normal ovaries, it is highly expressed in low malignant potential and low-grade epithelial ovarian tumors, suggesting that PAX2 induction in ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) may contribute to transformation. Herein, we provide evidence that expression of PAX2 in normal murine OSE cells (mOSE) enhances their proliferation and survival and, with loss of p53, induces tumorigenicity. PAX2 expression in murine ovarian cancer cells enhanced or inhibited tumorigenicity, depending on the model system. In RM cells (mOSE transformed by K-RAS and c-MYC), PAX2 expression inhibited p53 and induced pERK1/2 and COX2, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis and decreased apoptosis of tumors arising from these cells. However, in a murine model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (STOSE), PAX2 expression improved animal survival by reducing proliferation and metastasis, which correlated with increased Htra1 and decreased COX2. Thus, PAX2 may not be a classical oncogene or tumor suppressor but instead can act in either role by differential regulation of COX2 and/or HTRA1. Cancer Prev Res; 8(12); 1163–73. ©2015 AACR.

This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the indirectselection by using certain plasma constituents at 8 and 12 weeks ofage to achieve an advantageous change of the target productivetraits in three local breeds of chickens: Dandarawi (Dand),Fayoumi (Fay) and Golden Montazah (GM). Breed significantly(P≤ 0.01) affected plasma constituents regardless of age ofmeasurements. Fay had significantly higher PG and PTC thanother breeds (200.65 and 108.20 mg/100ml) whereas GM had thelowest PTC of 88.91mg/100ml. Dand had the highest PTP being6.38mg/100ml. Age of measurements significantly affected eitherPTP or PTC while, its effect on PG was insignificant. Higher PTPat 12 than 8 weeks of age was shown whereas the PTC wassignificantly higher at 8 weeks of age than 12 weeks of age (6.46vs 5.69 and 109.79 vs 96.94 mg/100ml, Table 1). Significant breedby age of measurement interaction (P≤ 0.01) effects on PG, PTPand PTC were found. There were inconsistent breed differenceseither in magnitude or direction in the expected correlatedresponses in egg production-related traits and each of clutch sizeand pause traits to future selection. Therefore, plasma constituentsat 8 and 12 weeks in Dand, GM and Fay can be used as selectioncriteria to improve their productive performance. So, the morethan unity efficiencies indicated indirect selection for targetproductive traits through selection for plasma constituents atcertain studied ages which was more efficient than the directselection for improving these traits. However, direct selection forproductive traits will be the most efficient method for improvingthese traits if their efficiencies were lower than unity.

Chicks of two selected lines of Japanese quail for high six weekbody weight and high 1-6 week growth rate (HBW6 and HGR0-6) overthree generations were used to partition the variability of growth andcarcass traits. A randombred control line (RC) was kept in order tofacilitate comparison between lines. The RC had the lowest bonelessmeat% (BLM), fat% and live body weight at slaughter (LBW6) being48.13%, 16.09% and 184.65g, respectively. Although HGR had thehighest BLM% and dressing%, birds of this line had significantlypoorer feed conversion (FC) and performance index (PI) than otherlines. On the other hand, birds of the HBW line had the highest LBW6and PI but had higher carcass' fat% (200.25g, 3.55 and 20.51%,respectively). Sex significantly affected BLM%, carcass %, dressing%,LBW6, FC and PI. Although males had significantly higher carcass%,their PI were poorer than females, this may be due to the superiority offemales growth than males at different ages of growth and thisdifference may be attributed primarily to the relatively large ovaries,liver and intestines of the females. When these parts were excluded,lower carcass% for female was obtained. Except triglycerides (TG),line significantly affected all plasma constituents. The RC line had thehighest growth hormone (GH) and the lowest albumin (Alb), totallipids (TL), total protein (TP), triiodothyronine (T3) and ratio of T3 tothyroxine (T3/T4). Whereas, HGR had the lowest GH and the highestAlb, TP, T3 and T4. Females had significantly higher Alb, TP and T3/T4than males, however, males had higher T3 than females. The results ofpath analyses revealed that the studied plasma constituents measured atthree weeks of age in both sexes could be used to predict carcass traitsand growth productive performance in Japanese quail. Each of GH,TG, TL, Alb, TP and T3/T4 was the first contributors of studiedproductive traits in line by sex groups indicating direct effects whichranged from 0.530 to 0.763, 0.504 to 0.945, 0.887 to 0.906, 0.513 to0.990 and 0.609 to 0.892, respectively. Plasma constituents showedhigher indirect coefficients of determination for their effects on allstudied productive traits than their direct effects. This suggests that apart of the variations in these traits could be attributed to a trait ormore, not handled in this study and may diminish the random errorvariation when considered.

Three quail lines were used in this work to study the effects ofmass selection for increased body weight or growth rate: HBW42 linewas selected for high body weight at 42 day of age, HGR1-42 line wasselected for high growth rate during the period from one-day to 42day of age and randombred control line (RBC) was maintained asnon-selected pedigreed population over three generations ofselection. The following results were obtained:There was an asymmetry in the direct response to selection inthe male and female BW and GR favoring females. After threegenerations of mass selection, the HBW42 line exceeded the RBC by8.40g (4.81%) and 13.66g (7.53%) for males and females,respectively. The regression coefficients were higher for femalesthan males after the 3rd generation being 2.28g (1.295%) for femalesvs 0.475 g (0.315%) for males than the RBC. After three generationsof mass selection, GR1-42 line decreased from 184.1 to 183.8% formales and 184.9 to 184.2% for females. Females had significantlyhigher response on generation number either as a deviation or as apercent deviation from the controls. The ratios of effective to therealized selection differentials for the selected lines and sex groupswere more than unity, except for females in the 1st generation ofselection for HGR1-42 line which was indicating that natural selectionfor fitness did operate in the opposite direction of artificial selection.The more than unity ratios in all sex groups of the HBW42 line andmales of HGR1-42 line indicated that natural selection did not affectartificial selection. Selection yielded, with few exceptions,consistently lower heritability estimates in the selected lines,regardless of the estimation method. The unweighted mean ofheritability estimates either for male or female progeny weightsindicated that non-additive, primarily and maternal effects may beaffected body weights. The larger h2S for females of HGR1-42 line inthe 2nd and 3rd generations of selection than h2D indicated sex-linkedeffects. Females had considerably higher realized heritabilities thanmales. The realized heritabilities obtained for the HGR1-42 line weregenerally higher than those for the HBW42 line (0.69 vs 0.41).Generally, as generation number increased realized heritabilities forthe selected traits in all sex groups decreased. The rate of decline inmagnitude of heritabilities was higher in the HGR1-42 line than theHBW42 line. Whereas, the heritabilities of all sex groups for the RBCwere higher than those for the selected lines. It can be concluded thatthe direct response for HBW42 line was greater than those of the lineselected for HGR1-42 compared to their controls.

More than any other species, humans have difficulty reproducing. As recent studies show that human infertility is ever increasing, much efforts are needed towards the understanding of our low fecundity. While aneuploidy is the leading cause of spontaneous pregnancy loss in humans, we still know surprisingly little about the developmental consequences of chromosomal abnormalities. We have here used a mouse model that spontaneously incites chromosomal primary aneuploidy in female haploid oocytes and find that after fertilization, these primary aneuploid cells become cytological unstable, generating diverse karyotypic mosaic embryos. The mosaic aneuploid embryos can develop and implant into the female uterine tissue and initiate the gastrulation process (E6.5) but quickly degrade and succumb by E8.0. We find that loss of embryo viability due to chromosomal mosaicism is caused by the activation of a spatially and temporally controlled p53-independent apoptotic mechanism and does not result from a failure to progress through mitosis. We conclude that an initial state of primary aneuploidy within an embryo results in a rapid evolution of mosaicism and early embryonic death. This gestational loss due to aneuploid mosaicism could account for the large proportion of human pregnancy loss prior to clinical recognition.

Nasutitermes octopilis, N. ephratae, N. similis, N. guayanae, N. guayanae form columbicus, and N. surinamensis are cited for the first time from French Guiana on the basis of the soldier and worker castes. The mandible of major worker of N. surinamensis, of small soldier of N. costalis, small worker of N. ephratae, small and major worker of N. similis, and of the major worker of N. guayanae [“form” columbicus (Holmgren, 1910)] are described for the first time.

The occurrence of a gall maker, Resseliella salvadorae (Rao), (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and its parasitoid on widely distributed medically important plant Salvadora persica L (Salvadoraceae) from Sudan is recorded for the first time. The life stages of the gall maker and parasitoid captured with digital microscope and the exomorphology of the galls on leaf and stem is also provided.

Velocitermes betschi n. sp. is described on the basis of the soldier and worker castes, from Cacao and St-Eugène regions in French Guyana. It is the tenth described species of Neotropical Velocitermes and the first record of the genus in French Guyana., Velocitermes betschi n. sp., une nouvelle espèce de termite pour la Guyane française (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae). Velocitermes betschi n. sp. est décrit sur la base du soldat et de l'ouvrier, des régions de Cacao et St-Eugène, en Guyane française. C'est la dixième espèce décrite dans ce genre néotropical cité pour la première fois de Guyane française., Ensaf Alireza, Nel André. Velocitermes betschi n. sp., a new species of termite from French Guyana (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 107 (2), juin 2002. pp. 135-139.

Objective: To evaluate H. pylori infection and virulent strain in diabetic children. Patients: In this study 53 type 1 diabetics and 53 of normal volunteers were included. Methods: All studied children were subjected to assessment of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1), Anti H. pylori antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM), Anti-cytotoxin associated gene A antibodies (Anti Cag A IgG). Results: Anti H. pylori antibodies IgA, IgG, total antibodies and anti Cag A IgG were significantly higher in diabetics. Diabetic patients with positive anti Cag A IgG had a lower age of onset of diabetes, higher age of patients, body mass index (BMI) and HbA1. Conclusion: High prevalence of infection with the virulent strain of H. pylori among diabetic children with older age, large BMI, high HbA1 and younger age of onset of disease. The screening for the virulent strain in diabetic patients with poor metabolic control is mandatory. Control of diabetes is essential to present the infection with H. pylori.

Previously known from Brazil, North Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia, Diversitermes diversimiles (Silvestri, 1901) is cited for the first time from French Guiana, on the basis of the soldier and worker castes. The digestive tube of its worker is photographied for the first time.

Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) can be caused by mutations in the gene encoding the anion exchanger 1 (AE1) and is characterized by defective urinary acidification, metabolic acidosis, and renal stones. AE1 is expressed at the basolateral membrane of type A intercalated cells in the renal cortical collecting duct (kAE1). Two dRTA mutations result in the carboxyl-terminal truncation of kAE1; in one case, the protein trafficked in a nonpolarized way in epithelial cells. A recent yeast two-hybrid assay showed that the carboxyl-terminal cytosolic domain of AE1 interacts with adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1A) subunit μ1A (mu-1A; Sawasdee N, Junking M, Ngaojanlar P, Sukomon N, Ungsupravate D, Limjindaporn T, Akkarapatumwong V, Noisakran S, Yenchitsomanus PT. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 401: 85–91, 2010). Here, we show the interaction between kAE1 and mu-1A and B in vitro by reciprocal coimmunoprecipitation in epithelial cells and in vivo by coimmunoprecipitation from mouse kidney extract. When endogenous mu-1A (and to a lesser extent mu-1B) was reduced, kAE1 protein was unable to traffic to the plasma membrane and was rapidly degraded via a lysosomal pathway. Expression of either small interfering RNA-resistant mu-1A or mu-1B stabilized kAE1 in these cells. We also show that newly synthesized kAE1 does not traffic through recycling endosomes to the plasma membrane, suggesting that AP-1B, located in recycling endosomes, is not primarily involved in trafficking of newly synthesized kAE1 when AP-1A is present in the cells. Our data demonstrate that AP-1A regulates processing of the basolateral, polytopic membrane protein kAE1 to the cell surface and that both AP-1A and B adaptor complexes are required for normal kAE1 trafficking.

Ensaf Alireza, Betsch Jean-Marie. Dolichorhinotermes neli n. sp., nouvelle espèce pour la science et Cornicapritermes mucronatus Emerson, 1950, nouvelle espèce de Termite pour la Guyane française (Isopt., Rhinotermitidae et Termitidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 107 (4), octobre 2002. pp. 346-348.

The effects of the hyperforin (HF), a natural phloroglucinol purified from Hypericum perforatum, were investigated ex vivo on leukemic cells from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). HF was found to promote apoptosis of B-CLL cells, as shown by time- and dose-dependent stimulation of phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation, by disruption of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, caspase-3 activation and cleavage of the caspase substrate PARP-1. Moreover, HF-induced downregulation of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1, two antiapoptotic proteins that control mitochondrial permeability. HF also downregulated two proteins which are overexpressed by B-CLL patients' cells, the cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1 through caspase-dependent cleavage into a p23 form, and the nitric oxid (NO) synthase of type 2 (inducible NO synthase). This latter was accompanied by reduction in the production of NO known to be antiapoptotic in B-CLL cells. Preventing effects of the general caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk indicated that HF-promoted apoptosis of B-CLL cells was mostly caspase dependent. Furthermore, normal B lymphocytes purified from healthy donors appeared less sensitive to HF-induced apoptosis than B-CLL cells. These results indicate that HF may be of interest in the development of new therapies for B-CLL based on the induction of apoptosis and combination with cell cycle-dependent antitumor drugs.

Potentialities of Termitaria coronata Thaxter, 1920 (Deuteromycetes, Termitariales) for biological control against Termites (Isoptera). Termitaria coronata Thaxter, 1920, is observed on the 0.95% of Nasutitermes banksi, 2.5% of N. ephratae, 2% of N. guayanae, 4.6% of N. nigriceps and 1.7% of N. surinamensis. Among 600 examined specimens of termites belonging to these five species of Nasutitermes from French Guyana, about 2,3 % were infected by T. coronata. The infected antennae have a considerable inflammation and an important deformation. The presence of T. coronata on the articulations handicapped mechanically the termite. Inflammations and malformations are more important on the head than on the other parts of the body. The degradations of the epidermal cells are considerable., Sur 600 individus examinés de cinq espèces de Nasutitermes de Guyane française, environ 2,3% sont infectés par le champignon Termitaria coronata Thaxter, 1920. Les antennes infestées ont une inflammation considérable et une déformation. L'infestation des articulations handicape souvent ces termites. L'inflammation et les malformations sont plus importantes sur la tête que sur le reste du corps. Les dégradations des cellules épidermiques sont considérables., Ensaf Alireza, Callard Patrice, Bourée Patrice. Potentialités de Termitaria coronata Thaxter, 1920 (Deutéromycètes, Termitariales) pour la lutte biologique contre les Termites (Isoptera). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 111 (1), mars 2006. pp. 43-49.

Several recent studies have suggested that mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate into female and male germ cells in vitro. The meiotic process in germ cell-like cells derived from ESCs has not been studied in detail, but it has been reported that synaptonemal complex protein-3 (SYCP3) is expressed in these cells. Here, we have carefully evaluated the meiotic process in germ cell-like cells derived from ESCs, using a panel of meiosis-specific markers that identify distinct meiotic signatures unique to meiotic prophase I development in vivo. We find that whereas SYCP3 is expressed in germ cell-like cells, other meiotic proteins, such as SYCP1, SYCP2, STAG3 (stromal antigen 3), REC8 (meiotic protein similar to the rad21 cohesins), and SMC1 (structural maintenance of chromosomes-1)-beta, are not expressed. The nuclear distribution of SYCP3 in the germ cell-like cells is highly abnormal and not associated with the chromosomes of these cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis shows that the SYCP3-positive germ cell-like cells do not contain synapsed homologous chromosomes but instead display a chromosomal organization normally found in somatic cells. The absence of expression of essential meiotic proteins and a normal meiotic chromosomal organization strongly suggests that the germ cell-like cells formed from ESCs fail to progress through meiosis.

Five Termites new for French Guyana (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae). Five Termites species are recorded for the first time from the French Guyana. The fauna of Termites of French Guyana has definitely a very high diversity, suggesting that important discoveries will be made in the future., Cinq espèces de Termites sont citées pour la première fois de la Guyane française. Ces découvertes confirment que la termitofaune guyanaise est nettement plus riche que ce que les travaux antérieurs suggéraient., Ensaf Alireza, Garrouste Romain, Betsch Jean-Marie, Nel André. Cinq termites nouveaux pour la Guyane française (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae et Termitidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 108 (5), décembre 2003. pp. 477-484.

Ensaf Alireza, Ponchel Yannig, Nel André. Rounditermes dechambrei, a new genus and species of Nasutitermitinae from French Guiana (Isopt., Termitidae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 108 (1), mars 2003. pp. 53-54.

A new species of termite, Constrictotermes cacaoensis n. sp., and a species newly recorded from French Guyana, C. cavifrons (Holmgren, 1910) (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae). Constrictotermes cacaoensis n. sp. is described from Cacao, a locality in the North-East of French Guyana. It clearly differs from the other described Constrictotermes spp. : C. cavifrons (Holmgren, 1910), C. cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901), C. guantanamensis Krecek, Scheffrahn & Roisin, 1996, C. latinotus (Holmgren, 1910), et C. rupestris Constantino, 1997 in several morphological characters of the thorax, head capsule, antennal segments and dimensions of the soldier, but also in the structure of the worker mandibles. We record for the first time Constrictotermes cavifrons (Holmgren, 1910) from French Guyana., Constrictotermes cacaoensis n. sp. est décrite des environs de Cacao, au NE de la Guyane française. Plusieurs caractères morphologiques des soldats (pronotum, capsule céphalique, articles antennaires, nasus, dimensions), mais aussi la forme des mandibules des ouvriers permettent de distinguer C. cacaoensis des autres espèces connues : C. cavifrons (Holmgren, 1910), C. cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901), C. guantanamensis Krecek, Scheffrahn & Roisin, 1996, C. latinotus (Holmgren, 1910), et C. rupestris Constantino, 1997. Constrictotermes cavifrons (Holmgren, 1910), connue de la Guyana, de l'Amazonie brésilienne, du Venezuela, du Pérou et de la Bolivie est signalée pour la première fois de la Guyane française., Ensaf Alireza, Nel André, Betsch Jean-Marie. Constrictotermes cacaoensis n. sp., nouvelle espèce de termite et Constrictotermes cavifrons (Holmgren, 1910), espèce nouvelle pour la Guyane française (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 107 (1), mars 2002. pp. 57-59.

Ensaf Alireza, Betsch Jean-Marie, Nel André. Cylindrotermes parvignathus Emerson, nouvelle espèce de termite pour la Guyane française (Isopt., Termitidae, Amitermitinae). In: Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France, volume 106 (4), octobre 2001. pp. 427-428.