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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an international health concern. The C-X-C chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) functions as a scavenging cell surface receptor. Vitamin D3 has vital effects on inflammat...

The present study aims at investigating the potential of the hippo grass for sequestering inorganic and organic nutrients in its biomass, in addition to its forage quality along Ismailia Canal, Egypt. Eight sites including 6 polluted and 2 unpolluted were selected for a seasonal plant, water and sediment investigations. The nutrients and nutritional value of the plant tissues were estimated. The highest aboveground biomass was recorded during summer, while the lowest was in winter. The plant had the highest contents of Na, K, N and Mg during winter, while P and Ca during spring and autumn, respectively. Also, Na, K and P had the highest concentrations (176.7 mg kg−1, 206.9 mg kg−1 and 1.1%) in the belowground, while N, Ca and Mg (0.9, 1.6 and 0.5%) in the aboveground organs. The contents of the investigated elements (except Na) were comparable in polluted and unpolluted canals with no significant differences. The aboveground parts had the highest values of ether extract (1.1%) during summer, crude fibres (60.2%) during spring, and total proteins (5.6%) during winter. The belowground tissues had the highest values of metabolized, digestible and net energy (2.4, 2.0 and 1.0 Mcal kg−1) during winter. In contrast, the aboveground shoots had the highest amounts of digestible crude protein (1.7%) during winter and gross energy during spring. The nutritional value of the hippo grass from unpolluted canals were greater than polluted ones for both above- and belowground parts. Hippo grass can sequester large amounts of nutrients. Consequently, this plant can be used in restoring eutrophic water through harvesting the aboveground biomass during the growing season. Besides, the aboveground shoots of the hippo grass could be used as a forage for dairy cattle, goat, beef cattle and sheep.

Background: Vascular calcification is a common complication in end-stage renal disease patients and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Aim of the work: The current work aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism FokI with fetuin-A and intact parathormone hormone in Egyptian hemodialysis patients. Patient and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study including 50 hemodialysis patients attending the hemodialysis unit in Al-Zahra University Hospital and 30 apparently healthy persons as a control group. For all studied subjects, a detailed history was taken, physical examination, carotid intima-media thickness by carotid duplex, echocardiography, Laboratory investigations included serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, iPTH, fetuin, and genotype frequency by PCR Results: There was a highly significant increase in carotid intimal media thickness in the patient group Vs. control group & a highly significant decrease in serum Fetuin-A in the patient's group Vs. control group. There was a significant difference in the genotype distribution of FokI polymorphism among patients and control. There were significant negative relationships between FF genotype and iPTH and a highly significant negative correlation between serum fetuin-A and iPTH in the patient group. Conclusion: Vitamin D receptor gene FokI polymorphism FF genotyping is more frequent in hemodialysis patients who have higher iPTH and lower fetuin-A levels, which could identify the high-risk group susceptible to vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients. Further studies are needed.

In the present study, we assessed seasonal variation in the accumulation potential of wild mint (Mentha longifolia) to heavy metals as well as the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of t...

Background Elevated CRP and increased CCA-IMT are both associated with the occurrence of stroke. CRP and IMT are closely associated; the higher the CRP, the greater the carotid atherosclerosis as measured by carotid IMT. Objectives To study the relationship between elevated C-reactive protein as a blood biomarker and increased intimal media thickness of carotid artery, and its relation to infarct size and its impact on prognosis. Materials and methods This study is an analytical observational study, in which 73 patients who have recently suffered first-ever acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation within 72 h were recruited. Only 64 of them were able to continue the study with follow-up during the 1 month and 3 months durations. Magnetic resonance imaging for the brain was done and the infarct volume was measured. All patients had quantitative Serum CRP level within 72 h from stroke onset and carotid duplex with assessment of carotid intimal media thickness (IMT). Results The results showed there is a significant positive correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and MRS after 1 month yet no significant correlation was found between hs-CRP and IMT. Conclusion Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) could serve as prognostic blood biomarker in long-term follow-up of stroke patients. Non-significant correlation was found in our study between increased hs-CRP and increased intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT).

This study was conducted to investigate the production of an efficient chitinase from a marine isolate. Accordingly, a marine fungus was isolated from the soft coral; Heteroxenia fuscescens and identified by molecular 18S rRNA technique as Penicillium chrysogenum. The isolate was chitinase producer (331, 8 U/mL) and the result was confirmed by TLC and HPLC. The enzyme was partially purified and immobilized completely in a modified bentonite. The free and immobilized enzymes recorded a maximum relative activity (100%) at 50 and 55°C, respectively, the activation energy of the immobilized enzyme was 10.60 Kjmol -1 with 40% reduction than that of the free enzyme. Thermal and pH stability studies showed that the enzyme maintained its complete activity at (50 and 55) °C for 120 min and at pH 5 and 6. The deactivation rate constant (Kd), deactivation energy (Ed), half-life (t1/2) , D, ∆ G, ∆ H, ∆ S values were calculated for both enzyme forms and insured the success of the immobilization process in enzyme protection. The immobilized enzyme was reused for three cycles without loss in activity. Toxicological studies of chitinase against 3rd instar larvae of Cx. pipiens L revealed high mortality rates.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of germination process on melatonin, total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities of broad beans (Vicia faba L.), lupine seeds (Lupinus albus), chickpea seeds (Cicer arietinum L.), lentil seeds (Lens culimaris), fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) fractions (cotyledons, radicles and seed hulls). Radicle length of germinated legumes and sensory properties of legumes after 6 days of germination were also evaluated. Fenugreek and chickpea seeds had higher melatonin (54.22 and 24.42 ng/g), total phenols (5.79 and 5.68 mg gallic acid/g) and total flavonoids (8.86 and 8.43 mg quercetin/g), respectively than other legumes however, common beans showed the lowest values. Broad beans and lentil seeds had the highest antioxidant activities while lupine seeds showed the lowest value among all other legumes. The mean values of melatonin for cotyledons, radicles and seed hulls were increased by 386.26, 261.98 and 183.22%, respectively compared with the third day of germination. The increases in melatonin content of legume fractions were parallel to the increases in radicle lengths, total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities throughout the germination time. Overall acceptability of legumes had rating scores ranged between like moderately and like very much except for chickpea which had rating score described as like slightly. Keywords: Melatonin, Legumes, Germination, Radicle length, Total phenols

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a known complication in cancer patients after getting thoracic radiotherapy. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) as anastrozole have been used instead of tamoxifen for adjuvant endocrine treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone sensitive breast cancer. This study is to evaluate the concurrent treatment of anastrozole and RIPF in rats. Twenty four female Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups: Control (C), Radiation group (R) (total dose 30 Gy in 10 fractions, 5 fractions/week), anastrozole group (A) (0.003 mg/200 g body weight) orally for 14 consecutive days, and Radiation + anastrozole group (R + A). Radiation exposure resulted in a significant increase (

During pregnancy, the placenta plays a pivotal role in fetal-maternal communication. Despite the known involvement of trophoblast mononuclear (MNC) and binuclear (BNC) cells in placentation and fetal development, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the gene expression in these cells and their role in pregnancy have not been fully elucidated. Thus, a genome-wide expression profile analysis of MNC and BNC from ovine placentomes on day 90 and 130 of pregnancy was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG) and regulatory pathways. After tissue separation, enzymatic digestion, and elutriation, MNC and BNC were obtained, and the total RNA was isolated and sequenced (n = 2 ewes/day). Differential expression analysis was carried out with DESeq2 after library quality control and read mapping using FastQC and STAR, respectively. Among six pairwise contrasts possible, herein, we focused on the one between MNC and BNC on day 130. Accordingly, we identified 514 genes upregulated and 161 downregulated in BNC (adj.Pval < 0.05). Interestingly, we found nine DE long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNA). Although the function of lincRNAs remains under investigation, its transcription has been associated with gene expression regulation in utero. The DEGs functional over-representation analysis included Rap1 and PI3k-Akt signaling pathways as up-regulated in BNC (adj.Pval. < 0.05). These pathways are activated by extracellular signals and are involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, morphogenesis, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we identified PLA2G10 gene that codes a phospholipase protein involved in the production of prostaglandins, which have been associated with placental blood flow. These findings suggest an intricate and complex network underlying gene expression between cells and time points that are essential for the fetal-maternal placenta relationship. This project was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant n. 2016-67016-24884 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The efficiency of local isolate of Beauveria bassiana indigenous in Egypt, was estimated compared with the bio-pesticide (mixture of B. bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae ) on the greater wax moth (GWM), Galleria mellonella L. Five concentrations of B. bassiana (1×107, 2.5×107, 5 ×107, 7.5×107 and 1×108 conidia/ml ) and the biopesticide, (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10g/L) against G. mellonella larvae were evaluated under storage conditions. B. bassiana was reared in two media ( PDA and mummies of GWM larvae). The fungal isolate, Beauveria bassiana at all tested concentrations affect the mortality of G. mellonela larvae, especially at the highest concentration. The obtained data obviously indicated that, fungal isolate (grown on mummies of GWM) exhibited a relatively high effect on G. mellonella larvae in comparison with that reared on PDA media. However, after 21 days of treatment B. bassiana reared on GWM larvae caused, 46.33± 17.9, 63.33±11.6, 70± 00, 70± 20 and 86.66± 11.6% mortality, while, B. bassiana grown on PDA caused, 40 ± 12.5, 50± 16.0, 73.33± 24.3, 53.33±24.2 and 80 ±26.3 % mortality of the treated larvae at the concentrations of 1×107, 2.5×107, 5×107, 7.5×107 and 1×108 conidia/ml, respectively .At the highest concentration (10 g/L) of the bio-insecticides the mortality percentages of treated G. mellonela larvae were 40±16.4, 66.66±24.2, 76.66±27.6 and 83.33±27.2%, after 6, 9, 12 and 15 days of treatment , respectively.

There are current attempts to find a safe substitute or adjuvant for Sorafenib (Sorf), the standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it triggers very harsh side effects and drug-resistance. The therapeutic properties of Bee Venom (BV) and its active component, Melittin (Mel), make them suitable candidates as potential anti-cancer agents per-se or as adjuvants for cancer chemotherapy. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the combining effect of BV and Mel with Sorf on HepG2 cells and to investigate their molecular mechanisms of action. Docking between Mel and different tumor-markers was performed. The cytotoxicity of BV, Mel and Sorf on HepG2 and THLE-2 cells was conducted. Combinations of BV/Sorf and Mel/Sorf were performed in non-constant ratios on HepG2. Expression of major cancer-related genes and oxidative stress status was evaluated and the cell cycle was analyzed. The computational analysis showed that Mel can bind to and inhibit XIAP, Bcl2, MDM2, CDK2 and MMP12. Single treatments of BV, Mel and Sorf on HepG2 showed lower IC50 than on THLE-2. All combinations revealed a synergistic effect at a combination index (CI)

Objective this study was conducted to determine the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on salivary secretion of glucose, amylase and immunoglobulin A levels and also to fined out if saliva could be used as anon invasive method to monitor glycaemic control in type 2 diabbetes. This study was conducted on 40 human subjectes, They were 20 males and 20 females, their ages ranged from 35 years to 64 years,and they were divided into two groups, the first one is the patient group which contains 20 diabetic paient. (10 males and 10 females,aged between 38 years to 64 years). the second one is the control group which contains 20 healthy adult (10 males and 10 females,aged between 35 years to 60 years) they were age and sex matched. All studied group were subjected to clinical and laboratory investigation which includes post prandial blood glucose, HA1C, salivary glucose, salivary amylase, and salivary immunoglobulin A. Results there was a highly significant increase in the level of post prandial blood glucose, HBA1C; Salivary glucose, Salivary amylase & Salivary immunoglobulin A in diabetic group compared with control group and There was a significant positive correlation between post prandial blood glucose and salivary glucose in diabetic group. Conclusions These results suggest that diabetes influences the composition of saliva and that saliva can be used as less painful,non invasive biomarker for monitoring the blood glucose concentration in the patients with diabetes mellitus.

Canned tilapia fish luncheon were formulated with 20, 25, 30 and 35% of beef fat and stored at room temperature (25–35 °C) for 6 months. The proximate composition, chemical and physical quality characteristics, color, texture and sensory properties of canned tilapia fish luncheon were evaluated. Tilapia fish luncheon formulated with different concentrations of beef fat had higher crude fat, energy and lower moisture, crude protein and total ash contents than control fish luncheon. Total volatile bass nitrogen (TVBN), trimethylamine (TMA) and redness (a*) values of tilapia fish luncheon were decreased by increasing concentrations of beef fat from 19.29 to 17.07 mg N/100 g, from 7.54 to 4.97 mg N/100 g and from 2.47 to 2.01, respectively. However, thiobarbituric acid value (TBA), lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and hue angle had an opposite trend. Carbohydrates, pH, hardness, cohesiveness and springiness were not affected by concentrations of beef fat. TVBN, TMA, TBA, pH and hue angle values of tilapia fish luncheon were increased by increasing storage time. However, L*, a* and b* had an opposite trend. Carbohydrates and springiness were not affected by storage time. Tilapia fish luncheon had rating scores ranged between like moderately (7.30–7.99) and like very much (8.00-8.15) of all sensory properties.

Marinated spent hen meats were used in the preparation of kobeba. The chemical, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of kobeba were evaluated during storage at -18˚C for 5 months. Kobeba treated with lime juice had higher crude protein (14.03%), crude fat (7.78%), total ash (3.18%), carbohydrates (8.69%), cooking loss (5.62%), water holding capacity (3.41 cm2/0.3g) and plasticity (2.30 cm2/0.3g) and lower moisture (66.41%) and pH (5.96) than kobeba treated with propionic acid and acetic acid. Lime juice, acetic acid and propionic acid marination reduced total volatile nitrogen values by 25.82, 20.53 and 11.20% and thiobarbituric acid values by 33.82, 25.37 and 18.38%, respectively. Lime juice followed by acetic acid was more effective in reducing total bacterial, psychrophilic bacteria and yeast and mold counts than propionic acid. Kobeba marinated with lime juice had higher rating scores (7.68-7.98) for all sensory properties than kobeba marinated with propionic acid and acetic acid. Total volatile nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid, pH, water holding capacity and cooking loss of kobeba were increased as storage period increased. However, plasticity had an opposite trend. Water and fat retention of kobeba were not affected by storage period. At the end of storage period, kobeba had rating scores described as like slightly (6.19-6.45) for all sensory properties.

Diallyl sulfide (DAS) is a garlic-derived organosulfur compound. The current study was planned to evaluate the protecting effects of DAS against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced nephropathic encephalopathy. DAS (100 mg/kg) was orally administered for 4 days, 60 min after the last dose, rats were injected with CP (150 mg/kg). DAS treatment before CP significantly decreased serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) compared with CP-treated rats. DAS treatment decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the renal tissues and significantly attenuated the elevated neurotransmitters N-methyl-D-aspartate/adenosine triphosphate (NMDA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and remarkably restored neuronal nitric oxide (NO) level and nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) activity in the brain compared to CP-treated rats. DAS for 4 consecutive days before CP showed moderate positive immunohistochemically expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the brain and kidney tissues comparable to CP-treated rats. DAS afforded renal and neuroprotection against CP-induced nephropathic encephalopathy due to its capacity to ameliorates the afore-mentioned biochemical parameters which were supported by histopathological and immunohistochemically examination.

A tyrosine kinase inhibitor Imatinib (IM) is used in the treatment of different varieties of cancers. The current study was designed to explore the beneficial role of l -carnitine against IM-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Male albino rats received IM (40 mg/kg, i.p.) either alone or/in combination with l -carnitine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days. IM increased serum inflammatory cytokines, concomitant with activation of cardiac MAPK, α-SMA, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide(NO), decreased cardiac peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione (GSH) content. The expression levels of Bcl-2 and PDGF were significantly decreased, while the expression levels of CTGF and BAX were significantly increased in the IM group. The l -carnitine treatment successfully protected the heart as indicated by the improvement of the biochemical and histopathological parameters. l -carnitine didn't affect the serum concentration of IM and increased intracellular concentration in the combination-treated group as measured by the mass spectrometer. Conclusion: l -carnitine abrogated IM-induced cardiac damage and apoptosis via PDGF/PPARγ/MAPK pathways.

Background: Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is a benign expansion of clonal B lymphocytes that can be found in the blood of healthy adults, and it has the potential for evolution to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). MBL is commonly found among elderly population. We aimed to study the frequency among 200 healthy elderly adults who were chosen from general practice, ophthalmology, gynecology, cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedic preoperative patients. The selected individuals had normal hematologic parameters with no evident history of malignant disease. Methods: Blood samples were collected on EDTA, the leukocytes were stained by CD5/CD19 and kappa/lambda/CD19, and then MBL cells were searched for using flow cytometry to detect CD19-positive B-cell population with abnormal kappa/lambda immunoglobulin light chain ratio (> 3 or < 0.3) or disease-specific immunophenotype (IPT), i.e., co-expression of CD5/CD19. Results: The frequency of MBL among the studied samples was 5.5% without significant difference between males and females. The detected frequency found may be related to the sensitivity of the method used. Higher frequencies may be detected if more colors were used to detect more antigens. Conclusion: The study suggested that MBL can be identified through routine hospital investigations among elderly subjects and that monoclonal proliferation of B lymphocytes can be detected in an increasing number depending on the progressive improvements in the flow cytometric techniques. J Hematol. 2016;5(2):54-59 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jh269w

Pulmonary fibrosis and cardiotoxicity are a common and dose-limiting side-effect of ionizing radiation used to treat cancers of the thoracic region. This study aims at investigating the role of Bcl-2, Bax protein and caspase-3 in the pathogenesis of tissue damage induced by gamma irradiation (IRR) and the protective potential role of vitamin E (Vit E) and/or L-carnitine (L-car) against γ-irradiation induced oxidative injury. Irradiation was performed as a whole body γ-irradiation (5Gy). Immnuohistochemistry was used to estimate Bcl-2 expression. The level of Bax and caspase 3 activity were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C-reactive protein was determined using immunoturbidimetric assay. Results revealed that γ-irradiation (5Gy) induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway by downregulating Bcl-2 expression, upregulating Bax protein and activating caspase-3. Administration of Vit E (50mg/kg) and/or L-car (300mg/kg) prior to gamma-irradiation decreased apoptosis through changing the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 activity. Exposure to γ-irradiation increased triglyceride, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), C-reactive protein (CRP) and potassium levels, creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and decreased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The altered lipid profile, CRP and potassium levels, CK-MB and LDH activities induced by exposure to γ-irradiation were significantly renovated in Vit E and/or L-car pretreated γ-irradiated rats. In conclusion, Vit E and/or L-car might ameliorate γ-irradiation induced apoptosis via modulation of Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3.

This work was carried out to evaluate the quality and the developmental competence of the in vitro buffalo embryos produced under different culture conditions. Oocytes were matured in TCM 199 for 24 h at 38.5°C and 5% CO2. After maturation, oocytes were in vitro fertilized by frozen thawed sperms capacitated in vitro by caffeine at final concentration 2 million sperm /ml. The sperm-oocytes were incubated in TALP medium for 24 hrs. Fertilized oocytes were cultured in Cell free media (CR1aa) or with cumulus or oviductal cell monolayers (Experiment 1), CR1aa with addition of (10, 20, 50 and 100 µg/mL) lactoferrin (Experiment 2) inside CO2 incubator with 5% CO2 at 38°C. The cleavage, morula, blastocyst rates were recorded and embryo cell number and mitochondrial function were evaluated. Addition of bovine oviductal cell monolayer (BOCM) to culture media significantly increased the morula and the blastocyst compared with cell free media and media with cumulus cell monolayer and also significantly increased the cell number and the mitochondrial function of in vitro produced buffalo embryos. Addition of lactoferrin by concentration 50µg/ml to culture media resulted in a significant increase in rates of cleavage; morula and blastocyst compared with control or other concentrations and also resulted in an increase in the cell number and the mitochondrial function of in vitro produced buffalo embryos. It could be concluded that, addition of oviductal cells (monolayer) or lactoferrin to culture medium significantly improved the quality of in vitro produced buffalo embryos.

In this study, ethanol extracts, ethyl acetate extracts and chloroform extracts of olive leaves, pomaces and virgin oil of picual and coratina cultivars were examined for their antioxidant activities. Coratina pomace ethanol extract had higher antioxidant activity(99.90%)than α-tocopherol (80.40%). Coratina pomace extracts had 97 mg gallic acid/g dried sample total phenols and 23.83 mg rutin acid/g dried sample total flavonoids. E-vanillic, salicylic, pyrogallol, benzoic acid, and catechin were the most abundant phenolic compounds in coratina pomace ethanol extract which represented 82.65% of the total phenolic compounds. Naringin, luteolin, hispertin, and quercetin were the most abundant flavonoid compounds in coratina pomace ethanol extract which represented 85.82% of the total flavonoids compounds. The coratina pomace ethanol extract had 7.53 h induction period of sunflower oil which represented 92.75% of α-tocopherol. Therefore, coratina pomace ethanol extract was selected for improving the shelf-life of carp fillets and carp burgers during storage at 5°C for 16 days. Carp fillets treated with coratina pomace ethanol extract at the concentration of 250 ppm and dipping time of 30 min and stored at 5°C for 16 days had lower TBA values, total bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria, lipolytic bacteria, proteolytic bacteria, total yeast and mold counts and rancid odor (described as very slight) as compared with the untreated sample (described as very strong). Fat retention and juiciness of carp fillets were increased and moisture retention and shrinkage decreased, however, the cooking yield was not affected. Carp burgers treated with coratina pomace ethanol extract at the concentration of 250 ppm and dipping time of 30 min and stored at 5°C for 16 days had lower moisture content, TBA values, total bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria, lipolytic bacteria, proteolytic bacteria and total yeast and mold counts than untreated sample. However, crude protein, crude fat, total ash and total carbohydrate contents had an opposite trend. Carp burgers stored at 5°C for 16 days in nitrogen packaging condition had lower mean TBA values, total carbohydrate than carp burgers stored in air packaging condition either in uncooked or cooked burgers. However, moisture, crude fat, total ash and crude protein contents had opposite trend. The total aerobic bacteria and psychrophilic bacteria counts were reduced by the cooking process either with air or nitrogen packaging conditions. However, lipolytic bacteria, proteolytic bacteria and total yeast and mold counts were inhibited by the cooking process. The uncooked carp burgers had mean rating scores ranged between like moderately (7.0) and like very much (8.0). However, cooked burgers had mean rating scores ranged between neither like nor dislike (5.26) and like moderately (7.0).

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an oxazaphosphorine nitrogen mustard alkylating drug used for the treatment of chronic and acute leukemias, lymphoma, myeloma, and cancers of the breast and ovary. It is known to cause severe cardiac toxicity. This study investigated the protective effect of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on CP-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. CP resulted in a significant increase in serum aminotransferases, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) enzymes, asymmetric dimethylarginine and tumor necrosis factor-α and significant decrease in total nitrate/nitrite(NOx). In cardiac tissues, a single dose of CP (200mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in significant increase in malondialdehyde and NOx and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities. Interestingly, Administration of NAC (200mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 days prior to CP attenuates all the biochemical changes induced by CP. These results revealed that NAC attenuates CP-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative and nitrosative stress and preserving the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-factorial, chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by dysfunction of T and B lymphocytes. Although the prognosis of SLE has improved in the past few decades, the absence of biomarkers for residual activity in various organs and the early detection of disease flares hamper further management. Conventional serologic markers of SLE, such as anti-dsDNA and complement levels, are not ideal, as they are not sufficiently sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of the disease and monitoring of disease activity. Thus, novel biomarkers for SLE activity have to be developed. Semaphorin 5A (Sema 5A), antinuclosome antibody (Anu A) and ferritin may fall into this category of novel bio markers.Objective: To evaluate the role of serum Sema 5A, Anu A and ferritin in detection of SLE activity.Methods: The present study included 40 patients with SLE divided according to Systemic Lupus Erythematous Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) into two groups: 20 active SLE and 20 inactive SLE patients. They were compared with 20, sex and age matched healthy individuals for control. Levels of Sema 5A, Anu A were measured by Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and serum ferritin levels were measured by Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA).Results: There was highly significant increase in Sema 5A, Anu A and ferritin levels inactive when compared within active SLE patients and control subjects (P=0.000 and P=0.000 and P=0.000 respectively). There was a significant increase in ferritin level in inactive SLE patients when compared with control subjects (P=0.045) with no significant difference regarding Sema 5A, Anu A (P3=0.089 and 0.225 respectively). There were positive correlations between Sema 5A, Anu A, ferritin and each of SLEDAI, and CRP. Positive correlation also found between Sema 5A and each of Anu A and ferritin and between AnuA and ferritin. Negative correlation was found between Sema 5A and C3 and between Anu A, ferritin and C4. Significant relation was found between Sema 5A, Anu A, ferritin and each of ANA and anti-dsDNA in active SLE patients. Area under the curve (AUC) for ferritin, Sema 5A and Anu A were (0.861, 1.0 and 1.0 respectively).Conclusion: Our study showed that the serum proteins semaphorin 5A, antinuclosome antibodies and ferritin may be useful markers in monitoring disease activity in patients with SLE. Regarding area under the curve (AUC), these serum protein markers result in even better sensitivity and specificity profiles in picking up early relapse of SLE.

This study investigated the effect of N -acetylcysteine (NAC) against γ-radiation-induced cytotoxicity in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. HepG2 Cells were incubated with 20 mM of NAC for 24 h prior to 6 Gy γ-irradiation. Apoptosis markers, such as caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress markers, such as total nitrate/nitrite (NO( x )) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) content were studied. Half of the lethal dose (LD 50 ) of NAC on HepG2 cell viability was found to be 20 mM/mL after incubation for 48 h. Incubation of irradiated HepG2 cells with NAC inhibited γ-radiation-induced increases in caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation. Treatment with NAC before γ-radiation restored the changes induced by γ-irradiation by increasing SOD activity and GSH content in parallel with a decrease in MDA and NO(x) levels in HepG2 cells. NAC has a modulatory effect against γ-radiation-induced oxidative damage plausibly ascribable to its antioxidant/free radical scavenging ability.

The present study was carried out to investigate the antioxidant activity and the protective effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) on α-radiation-induced toxicity in cardiac and pulmonary tissues in rats. Rats were administered MO (300 mg/kg, oral gavage) for 15 consecutive days and 1 h after the last dose, rats were exposed to 6 Gy α-radiation. Irradiation toxicity was manifested biochemically by an increase in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, elevation of MDA and NO(x) in examined tissues as well as a decrease in serum level of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and tissue glutathione(GSH) level, catalase(CAT), glutathione peroxidase(GSHPx) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activities. Marked DNA damage was observed. Pretreatment with MO showed a significant amelioration in the levels of lipid profiles, MDA, NO(x) and DNA damage. The antioxidant enzymes increased significantly along with the levels of GSH. The aqueous extract of MO exhibited strong scavenging effect on 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. Moreover, histopathological examination of heart and lung tissues confirmed the biochemical data. Our results show that pretreatment with MO extract minimize the oxidative stress of α-irradiation indicating its free radical scavenging and potent antioxidant activities.

The present study was conducted at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Mahlet Musa, Kafrelsheikh Governorate during the period from the beginning of September 2012 to the end of August 2013, to study the impact of type of beehives on brood rearing and colony population size. The mean area of worker sealed brood/colony/ month, and mean numbers of bees/colony/month obtained from foam hive colonies were significantly higher than those from langstroth hive colonies ones during all experimental periods. The highest rate of colony growth was recorded in colonies of all beehives during May, while the lowest one was occurred during December.

This study aimed to illustrate the potential role of wild migratory quails in the epidemiology of some zoonotic pathogens in Egypt. Ninety four apparently healthy migratory quails were collected from public markets after being trapped during hunting season from the North Sinai. Oral, cloaca and organs (liver, lung and heart) swabs were collected for bacteriological and viral examination. Bacteriological examination revealed high percentage of lactose fermenter bacteria (48.9%) including E. coli spp. (37.2%) and Salmonella spp. (24.4%). Three out of 12 (25%) of Salmonella spp. Isolates were S. enterica subspecies typhimurium. Other bacteria isolation rate was differed such as Staphylococcusaureus spp. (19.1%), Proteus spp. (7.4%), Listeria spp. (4.2%) and Klepsila spp. (3.1%). E. coli spp. and Salmonella spp. isolates were further examined by API20and PCR techniques. Antibiogram testing against 32 E. coli spp. and 12 Salmonella spp. isolates, revealed multi-drug resistance pattern and high sensitivity to enrofloxacin, nitrofuranation and ofloxacine. Parasitological examination revealed that 35 (37.2%) quails were infected with chewing lice (Phithiraptera spp.). Intestinal infection with Heterakis spp. and/or Ascarida spp. Was detected in 27 (28.7%) quails. All quails were negative for avian influenza virus by direct detection by Rt-PCR for oral and cloaca swabs followed by inoculation in embryonated chicken eggs. In conclusion, the migratory quails might play a potential role in dispersion of zoonosis in Egypt.

In this paper, the dynamic of prey predator model was discussed when the relationship between them is functional response type III. In addition, when prey exposure to the disease as nonlinear function. Also the infected prey exposed to harvest as a nonlinear and as linear function. The bounded and positive solutions, periodic, conditions of equilibrium points and the stability were we discussed Some results were illustrated in numerical simulations, and show we can use the linear function of harvesting to control on the dices http://dx.doi.org/10.25130/tjps.24.2019.079

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of l-carnitine (l-CAR) in tamoxifen (TAM)-induced toxicity and antitumor activity. Adult female rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I was served as control, groups II and III were treated with TAM (10 mg/kg, periorally) and l-CAR (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), respectively, while group IV was treated with both compounds. The treatment continued daily for 28 days. Administration of TAM resulted in significant increase in serum lipid profiles, liver enzymes, and bilirubin level. TAM produced a significant increase in lipid peroxides (LPO) level and nonsignificant change in nitrogen oxide (NO( x)) level accompanied with significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of hepatic and uterus tissues and significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) content of uterus tissue. Administration of l-CAR for 1 h prior to TAM treatment decreased serum lipids and liver enzymes significantly and significantly increased SOD activity in liver and uterus tissues compared with TAM-treated group. Furthermore, it restored LPO and GSH levels and increased NO( x) level in uterus tissue. DNA fragmentation and the apoptotic marker, caspase-3, were not detected in the liver of all treated groups. Histopathologically, alterations in the liver and uterus structures after TAM treatment, which was attenuated after l-CAR administration. The antitumor effect and survival of the combined treatment of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice was less than each one alone. l-CAR interestingly increased survival rate of EAC-bearing mice more than TAM-treated group. In conclusion, l-CAR has beneficial effects regarding TAM toxicity; however, it interferes with its antitumor effect.

Cisplatin (CIS) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for therapy of many tumors and has been limited by its toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF k B) in the pathogenesis of hepatic damage induced by CIS, and investigated the modulatory effect of metformin (MET) and/or low dose gamma radiation (LDR) on CIS-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. CIS(7.5 mg/kg, i.p.) hepatotoxicity was evidenced by alteration of serum hepatic indices (ALT and AST) accompanied with decreased hepatic PPAR-γ, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, whereas the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and NF k B significantly increased as well as MAPK activity compared with the control, MET and LDR groups. Furthermore, CIS induces apoptosis as indicated by an elevation of hepatic caspase-3. Treatment with MET (150 mg/kg, orally for 14 days) and/or LDR (0.5 Gy), prior to CIS alleviates CIS-induced hepatic damage by mitigating oxidative/ nitrosative stress and PPAR-γ activity reduction, hepatic caspase-3 elevation, and inhibition of NFκB, and MAPK activity levels. Conclusions: Modulation of PPAR-γ, MAPK and NF k B might contribute to amelioration of CIS-induced hepatic toxicity.

The study is designed to determine the therapeutic effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in minimizing radiation-induced injuries in rats. Rats were exposed to 7 Gy gamma radiation, 30 min later rats were injected with CAPE (10 μmol/kg body, i.p.) for 7 consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed at 8 and 15 days after starting the experiment. Gamma-irradiation induced significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and xanthine oxidase (XO) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities, and significant decrease in total nitrate/nitrite (NO( x )) level and glutathione peroxidise (GP x ), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in heart tissue and augmented lipid fractions levels and activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum. Irradiated rats early treated with CAPE showed significant decrease in MDA, XO and ADA and significant increase in NO( x ) and SOD in heart tissue and in serum enzymes compared with irradiated group. Serum lipid profiles and cardiac enzymes were restored. Conclusion: CAPE could exhibits curable effects on gamma irradiation-induced cardiac-oxidative impairment in rats.

This work was based on field screening procedure to detect the population density of Aphis craccivora for two successive seasons (2004–2005) and (2005–2006) to emphasis the relation between the economic injury level (EIL) and yield loss. Results obtained showed that the equilibrium position (steady point) during the first and second season was 9.06 and 3.32 individuals/five leaflets, respectively, while the injury level was 3.4 and 1.16 individuals/leaflets. When the bean plant was subjected to three successive insecticidal applications during the early growing, season is sufficient to decrease the yield loss significantly (yield capacity 21.43 Ard./fed.) with comparing to untreated plant (14.98 Ard./fed.), while the plants exposure for one treatment was 17.36 Ard./fed. The EIL was 8.6 individual of aphids/plant depending on the market price of bean and control cost during the season.

The up-regulation of angiotensin II AT1 receptors has been implicated as a major mediator in the development of hypertension and progressive nephropathy in experimental diabetes. In spite of the documented potential of garlic treatments in ameliorating diabetic complications, the possible involvement of the angiotensin II AT1 receptor, as a central target for the anti-diabetic potential of garlic, has not been explored. Three groups of rats were studied after 8 weeks following diabetes induction: normal, streptozotocin-induced diabetic (control diabetic), and garlic-treated diabetic rats. A polyclonal antibody of proven specificity to the AT1 receptor, as verified by western blotting, indicated in immunohistochemical assays that AT1 receptor labeling was significantly increased in adrenal and renal tissues of control diabetic rats compared to the normal group. The increased AT1 receptor labeling involved all cortical zones and medullary chromaffin cells of the adrenal gland. Except for glomerulii, increased AT1 receptor labeling was also evident in proximal convoluted tubules in the renal cortex, and all tubular segments and interstitial cells outlining the vasa recta bundles in the inner stripe of the outer renal medulla. Compared with control diabetic rats, the labeling of the AT1 receptor in the garlic-treated diabetic group was significantly reduced throughout adrenal and renal regions to levels comparable to those observed in normal rats. The capacity of garlic to modulate diabetes-induced AT1 receptor up-regulation may be implicated in reversing the detrimental consequences of excessive Ang II signaling, manifested by the development of hypertension and nephropathy.

The aim of this study was to prepare extruded corn products from 90% yellow corn grits and 10% corn starch with 5, 10 and 15% replacement levels of dried or dried after fried common carp fish at the expense of yellow corn grits. The chemical, physical, sensory properties and microbiological analysis of extruded corn products were evaluated during storage at room temperature for 3 months. Extruded corn products formulated with different replacement levels of carp fish had higher moisture, crude protein, crude fat and energy than control sample. The TVN, TMA, TBA, bulk density, shear force and water absorption index of extruded corn products were increased by increasing the replacement levels of carp fish. However, expansion ratio, water solubility index and total bacterial counts had an opposite trend. Extruded corn products formulated with dried carp fish had higher crude protein, TVN, TMA, expansion ratio, water absorption index, water solubility index and total bacterial counts and lower crude fat, energy, TBA, bulk density and shear force than those formulated with dried after fried carp fish. The TVN, TMA, TBA and total bacterial counts of extruded corn products formulated with different replacement levels of carp fish were increased by increasing storage period. Proteolytic bacteria count, lipolytic bacteria count and total yeast and mold did not detect in all samples during storage period. Sensory properties of extruded corn products had rating scores described as like moderately.

The loss of balance between the antagonistic activities of angiotensin II AT1/AT2 receptors has been impli-cated as a major mediator in the development of hypertension and progressive nephropathy in expe-rimental diabetes. The present study was designed to investigate the potential of garlic to modulate the level of expression of the AT2 receptor in the adrenal and renal tissues of diabetic rats. Three groups of rats were studied after 8 weeks following diabetes induction: normal, streptozotocin-induced diabetic (control diabetic), and garlic-treated diabetic rats. A polyclonal antibody of proven specificity to the AT2 receptor, as verified by Western blotting and emplo- yed in immunohistochemical assays, indicated that compared to normal rats, the highest adrenocortical AT2 receptor expression was significantly shifted from the zona glomerulosa to the zona fasciculate/ reticularis, and was significantly reduced in adrenomedul- lary chromaffin cells of control diabetic rats. In the kidney, STZ treatments were associated with a signi- ficant decrease in AT2 receptor expression throughout glomeruli and all cortical and medullary tubular segments. Compared to control diabetic rats, the labeling of the AT2 receptor in the garlic-treated diabetic group was restored among adrenocortical zona glomerulosa cells and adrenomedullary chromaffin cells and significantly reduced in the zona fasiculata, and was also restored in glomeruli and throughout renal cortical and medullary tubular segments, to le- vels comparable to those observed in normal rats. The capacity of garlic to modulate diabetes-induced AT2 receptor down-regulation may be implicated in restoring the recuperative processes mediated by AT2 receptors, which interfere with the development of hypertension and nephropathy.

Three plant growth regulators namely cycocel, alanap-3 and weedazol were evaluated for their retardant effect and relative toxicity against the egg and larval stages of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.). Five concentrations from each material were tested. The results obtained clarified that these compounds reduced the egg hatchability at higher concentrations. Alanap-3 and weedazol at lower concentrations decreased the percentage of larval survival. The larval duration and the pupal weight were also affected. Higher concentrations act as antifeedants against the newly hatched larvae. Cycocel behaved differently from the other two materials tested and had an effect only at higher concentrations. Zusammenfassung Wirkungen von 3 Pflanzenwachstums-Regulatoren auf die Eier und Larven von Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lep., Noctuidae) Drei Substanzen mit wachstumsregulierenden Effekten: Cycocel, Alanap-3 und Weedazol wurden in 5 Konzentrationen hinsichtlich ihrer verzogernden und toxischen Wirkungen auf die Eier und Larven der Baumwollblatteule untersucht. Die Schlupffahigkeit der Eier wurde nach Anwendung hoher Konzentrationen aller 3 Substanzen reduziert. Alanap-3 und Weedazol erhohten bei niedriger Konzentration die Larvensterblichkeit. Auch die Entwicklungsdauer und das Puppengewicht wurden von ihnen beeinfluβt. Bei hoheren Konzentrationen wirkten die Substanzen als Fraβhemmstoff gegen die frisch geschlupften Larven. Cycocel unterscheidet sich von den beiden anderen Stoffen darin, daβ es in allem nur bei hoher Konzentration wirkte.

The chronic effect of gallic acid and coumarin as allelochemics on food consumption, digestion and other related parameters against the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis were undertaken in the present investigation. Gallic acid at 5 · 10−2M and 10−2M reduced the food consumption and digestion of food. The same two concentrations reduced the efficiency of conversion of assimilated food into the body tissue. Coumarin at higher concentration (10−1M) acted as antifeedant and the larvae ceased feeding completely. Lower concentrations of coumarin decreased the ingested and digested food. It inhibited the pupal weight by reducing the efficiency of conversion of assimilated food. Zusammenfassung Zur Wirkung von Gallensaure und Cumarin auf die Umwandlung aufgenommener und verdauter Nahrung im Korpergewebe von Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lep., Noctuidae) Es wurde der chronische Einflus von Gallensaure und Cumarin als Wirkstoffe (= nicht zur Nahrung gehorende Substanzen, die von einem Organismus produziert werden und in einem anderen wirken) auf den Nahrungsverbrauch, die Verdauung und andere damit verbundene Parameter bei der Baumwolleule, S. littoralis, untersucht. Gallensaure in Konzentration von 5–10−1M und 10−1M verminderten den Nahrungsverbrauch und die Verdaung. Die gleichen 2 Konzentrationen verringerten auch die Umwandlung verdauter Nahrung in Korpergewebe. Cumarin bei hoherer Konzentration (10−1M) wirkte als Antifeedant, das die Nahrungsaufnahme der Raupen vollstandig verhinderte. Niedrigere Konzentrationen von Cumarin verringerten die Menge der aufgenommenen und verdauten Nahrung. Sie senkten weiterhin das Puppengewicht durch Reduzierung der Umwandlung verdauter Nahrung in Korpergewebe.

The relative suitability of the different host plants as well as the different textures for the egg laying of Agrotis ipsilon was conducted. The results showed that deccan hemp plant (Hibiscus cannabinus) attracted the females to lay the majority of their eggs on it. The lower surface of the plant leaves elicited the maximum response with respect to the different hosts examined with the exception to the plant leaves of deccan hemp, where as the adults directed their preference to the upper surface. The texture of the wire gauze covered the ovipositional cage elicited the maximum ovipositional response in comparison to the other substrates present. Zusammenfassung Uber die Unterscheidung verschiedener Substrate bei der Eiablage von Agrotis ipsilon (Hufn.) (Lepid., Noctuidae) Es wurde die relative Eignung verschiedener Wirtspflanzen sowie unterschiedlicher Oberflachenstruktur fur die Eiablage von A. ipsilon untersucht. Es zeigte sich, das unter mehreren Pflanzen Hibiscus cannabinus fur die Eiablage besonders anziehend wirkte. Die Blattunterseite war bei allen untersuchten Wirtspflanzen hinsichtlich der Eiablage attrakriver als die Blattoberseite, mit Ausnahme der Hibiscus-Blatter, bei denen es umgekehrt war. Die Oberflachenstruktur der die Eiablage-Kafige bedeckenden Drahtgaze war fur die ablegenden ♀♀ attraktiver als alle dargebotenen Pflanzen.

The present work deals with the effect of three plant species of the family Leguminosae on the cow pea aphid. From the data obtained, it was clear that broad bean plant was highly acceptable as food and can support growth well, whereas clover and termis proved to be largely resistant for Aphis craccivora infestation and can not support growth well. Poor growth was related to a low rate of feeding which may have been due to the effect of nun-nutrient feeding deterrents. Thus biochemical analysis of the broad bean and termis plants indicate the presence of coumarin in variable concentrations. The percentage of coumarin in termis was considerably higher than of broad bean. Accordingly bean plant with lower concentration of coumarin was found to be highly acceptable as host plant to the cow pea aphid, while termis with higher coumarin concentration proved to be highly resistant. Bean plant systemically treated with 100 ppm and 200 ppm coumarin and offered to the cow pea aphid as food, decreased significantly its natality and natality rate in comparison to the control (bean plant without treatment). Coumarin at higher dose (200 ppm.) acted as a detterent agent, where the resulting young died without reaching the second generation. Zusammenfassung Zum Einflus von Cumarin als sekundarer Pflanzeninhaltsstoff auf die Nahrungseignung fur die Blattlaus Aphis craccivora Koch Die Arbeit befast sich mit der Eignung von 3 Pflanzenarten aus der Fam. Leguminosae als Nahrung von A. craccivora. Es zeigte sich, das die Bohne (Vicia faba) als Nahrung hoch geeignet war und ein gutes Wachstum der Population ermoglichte, wahrend Klee (Trifolium alexandrinum) und Lupine (Termis lupinus) sich gegenuber der Laus als weitgehend resistent erwiesen und keine bzw. nur eine schwache Entwicklung der Population zuliesen. Bei der Lupine nahmen die Lause offensichtlich unter dem Einflus einer Deterrent-Substanz nur wenig Nahrung auf. Die biochemische Analyse von Bohne und Lupine ergab sehr unterschiedliche Mengen (bei Lupine sehr viel hoher) an Cumarin. Wurden Bohnenpflanzen mit 100–200 ppm Cumarin behandelt und den Lausen als Nahrung vorgesetzt, ergab sich eine signifikante Abnahme der Nachkommenzahl im Vergleich zu unbehandelten Bohnen. Cumarin in der hoheren Dosis (200 ppm) wirkte als ausgesprochenes Deterrent, unter dessen Einflus die Nachkommen noch vor Erreichen der 2. Generation abstarben.

Two novel lectins that bind selectively to trematode-associated fucosylated determinants have been characterized and purified from the hemolymph of wild-type rock-dwelling Turbo coronatus and mud-dwelling Cerithidea cingulata snails inhabiting Kuwait Bay. Both lectins were separately purified from the hemolymph of T. coronatus (designated Tc lectin) and C. cingulata (designated Cc lectin) by affinity chromatography on immobilized l -fucose–agarose columns and elution with a gradient of 0.1–1 M l -fucose. Assessments of the structural characteristics, by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, indicated that Tc and Cc lectins were structurally distinct, and exist in their native forms as multimers of non-covalently associated subunits of different sizes and pIs. Removal of N-linked glycans by endo-β- N -acetylglucosaminidase F resolved the heterodisperse pattern of Tc lectin subunits into 31 and 27 kDa components (each with a pI of 7.8) as well as an 8 kDa component with a pI of 7.2, and collapsed the size microheterogeneity of the Cc lectin subunits into a single spot of 33 kDa (pI 5.4). Each of these subunits is subjected to differential post-translational N-linked glycosylations, which involve variable acidic complex-type units in Tc lectin and neutral high-mannose-type units in Cc lectin. Based on trematode glycoprotein binding and inhibition assays, the two lectins exhibited optimum binding at a similar pH range, but were distinct in terms of their temperature stability as well as binding affinities towards the fucose moiety constituting the fucosylated target.

Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium infantis were added to mayonnaise as either free cells or encapsulated. The survival of bifidobacteria and their effect on mayonnaise quality were evaluated. The viability of free cells disappeared after 2 wk; however, encapsulated B. bifidum survived well for 12 and B. infantis for 8 wk. Mayonnaise containing encapsulated bifidobacteria had lower total bacterial counts compared to other treatments. Yeast and mold started to appear after 12 wk of storage in mayonnaise containing encapsulated bifidobacteria and after 6 wk with other treatments (control, cells free of bifidobacteria). Mayonnaise containing encapsulated bifidobacteria had higher titratable acidity and lower TBA values than other treatments. Sensory properties of mayonnaise were improved by the addition of encapsulated bifidobacteria.