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Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a neoplastic disease of immature lymphocytes or lymphocyte progenitor cells either the B- or T-cell lineage. It is the most common malignancy diagnosed in patients younger than 15 years, and account for approximately 25-30% of adult acute leukemia. Objective: To evaluate some antioxidants as zinc, selenium, vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin E (tocopherol) status at diagnosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and to compare it to that of a control population. Patients and methods: This case-control study was carried out at Oncology Unit of Pediatrics Department and Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University Hospitals. This study consisted of two groups: Patients’ group (30 children patients with newly diagnosed ALL). As regard control group, it included 30 healthy children who were matched well with patients’ age and sex. Fasting levels of serum zinc, selenium, retinol and tocopherol were measured. Results: There was a high statistically significant decrease of vitamin E, selenium and zinc among all cases than their controls. While, there was a significant increase of vitamin A among all cases. Zinc level was statistically significantly increased with increased risk of disease, while no statistically significant relation between disease risk and other levels of serum antioxidant. Conclusion: Some antioxidants as zinc, selenium and vitamin E (tocopherol) status at diagnosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia are lower compared to that of a control population.

Blastocystis hominis is a cosmopolitan protozoan that has been associated with several gastrointestinal disturbances involving lactose intolerance. However, the underlying pathogenic factors remain indistinct. 20 Swiss albino mice were utilized and assembled into four groups, each of five mice: group-I: received neither infection nor lactose (healthy control), group-II: received a single dose of 10,000 cysts of Blastocystis and lactose diets in a dose of 12.5 g/day/mouse for 7 consecutive days starting from day 14 p.i., group-III: non-infected mice with oral doses of lactose (12.5 g/day/mouse) for 7 consecutive days (positive control), group-IV: infected mice on lactose free diet (negative control). We investigated the histopathological changes using H&E stain.s Also, lactase enzyme activity was measured using spectrophotometry and the production of TNF-α and apoptotic events were explored via immunohistochemistry and compared in the small intestine of all groups. The active inflammatory changes in the infected animals were moderate in the form of loss of villous architecture, increased ILC (P-value > 0.001) besides scattered forms of the parasite as compared to non-infected mice. There was a reduction in lactase enzyme activity p.i. The TNF-α levels were induced p.i. as compared to non-infected mice (P-value > 0.001). The expression of Bax protein was upgraded, while Bcl-2 expression decreased significantly with a reverse in Bax/Bcl2 ratio in infected animals. Blastocystis infection appears to humble lactase enzyme activity via the induction of apoptosis in the epithelial cells of the small intestinal brush border in a TNF-α associative pathway.

The effect of the surface treatment of clay nanoparticles on the Styrene -butadiene Rubber (SBR) /clay nanocomposite was studied. The treatment process was done by coating the clay by trimethylolpropane tiracrylate (TMPTA) then irradiated by 100 kGy of an electron beam accelerator. Two distinct groups from SBR/ Nano treated and non-treated clay composites were prepared to be compared with each other. The effect of clay nanoparticles loading and treatment process on the rubber was investigated by Dielectric properties, Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and volume fraction dependence. It is found that by the addition of clay, there is a decrease in the amorphous contents of the samples owing to the detectable increase in the relaxation time as observed from the dielectric relaxation spectroscopy measurements. The depolarizing factor, calculated by Tasangaris equation indicates the change of the shape of clay particles from oblate ellipsoids to the shape of a sphere with the applied frequency. The activation energy was calculated for all samples and show that it decreases with the treatment process while increased with the increase of the clay. Furthermore, the weight loss has an undulatory behavior with the clay increasing and treatment process.

The catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) of ethanol with H2O co-feed was studied in a laboratory scale adiabatic reactor on Rh/α-Al2O3 catalysts deposited on honeycomb monoliths. In order to understand the behavior of the homogeneous and the heterogeneous reactions taking place in the CPO process, axial temperature and concentration profiles were collected using a spatially resolved sampling technique. The effect of steam co-feed was studied at C/O ratio of 0.65, varying the H2O molar concentration in the feed from 0% to 10 %. H2O was added to the system by replacing part of the diluting N2, keeping a constant ethanol concentration. At increasing H2O feed content, ethanol conversion grew close to 100 %. The water gas shift reaction was promoted, which resulted in increased H2 yield and H2/CO ratio. Globally, thermal effects of the water co-feed were negligible. Noteworthy, a significant drop of the concentration of cracking products such as CH4, and C2H4 in the initial part of the reactor was observed in the presence of water co-feed. Beneficial effects on the catalyst stability were also observed by performing tests of CH4-CPO (a reference reacting system that, due to the sensitivity of the temperature profile to the catalyst activity, is used to detect catalyst deactivation processes in between ethanol CPO tests) and by TPO measurements on the used catalysts. Less pronounced drift of the temperature-profile in CH4-CPO and lower carbon deposition were in fact associated with the water co-feed operation of the reactor.

Background: An effective pain therapy to block or modify the physiologic responses to stress has become an essential component of anesthesia for adequate postoperative pain relief. Objective: This work is aimed to evaluate effect of adding magnesium sulfate to long acting local anesthetic as bupivacaine on ultra sound guided inter scalene nerve block undergoing elective upper limb surgery. Patients and Methods: 60 Adult patients were included study and randomized into two equal groups; Magnesium Group received bupivacaine plus magnesium sulfate, and Saline Group received bupivacaine plus normal saline 2 ml. [The demographic data (age, sex, height, weight and ASA scoring) showed no statistical significance between 2 groups]. The time taken to stimulate the brachial plexus and the onset of block were recorded. The regain of sensation and motor power were checked at regular intervals. Patient and surgeon satisfaction were questioned. The study was conducted in Al-Azhar University Hospitals (Al-Hussein and Bab-Shaarya), from December 2019 till June 2020. Results: The duration of sensory and motor block, magnesium group was statistically significant compared to saline group [Mean and (standard deviation 789(135), 788(120) minvs710 (150), 720 (135) min, P= 0.038 vs. 0.042 respectively]. Patient satisfaction was statistically significant in favor to the magnesium group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in surgeon satisfaction between both groups. Conclusion: The addition of magnesium sulfate to a bupivacaine for interscalene nerve block prolongs the duration of analgesia and reduces postoperative pain.

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant tumor in women worldwide. E-Cadherin is a calcium-dependent epithelial cell adhesion molecule that is expressed at adherens junctions. Its loss may result in a poorly differentiated tumorphenotype. Cells with mutated E-cadherin demonstrate increased motility, altered organization of their actin cytoskeletonand associated with metastases, thereby providing evidence for its role as an invasion suppressor.Objectives: Assess the prognostic value of E-cadherin expression in invasive duct carcinoma (IDC) of the breastand to evaluate its correlations with other prognostic parameters.Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) E-Cadherin expression was studied in 60 IDC and the results were correlated with the clinico-pathological parameters.Results: E-cadherin was positive in 46/60 (76.7%) of IDC; 15/60 (25%) showed strong membranous staining. A significant inverse correlation was found between E-cadherin expression and number of lymph node metastasis.Conclusions: Loss of E-cadherin expression is a predictive of invasion and metastasis in IDC.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate surface hardness of a thermoplastic nylon denture base material and comparing it with conventional heat cured acrylic resin. Material and methods: Two different types of commercially available denture base materials were used in this study. divided two ggroups Group I: Heat cured acrylic resin denture base material. Group II: Thermoplastic nylon denture base material. each group had ten specimens .Each Specimens had dimensions of (65mm X 10mm X 2.5mm) length, width and thickness according to ADA Specifiication no 12. All species were tested using Digital Display Vicker`s microhardness test with values recorded in HV. Results: It was found that acrylic resin group recorded statistically non-significant higher Vickers hardness mean value (33.591±1.850 HV) than Thermoplastic nylon group (31.331±2.5 HV) as indicated by unpaired t-test (P=0.0818> 0.05) Conclusion : Thermoplastic material show to have less than the conventional acrylic resin in terms of surface hardness values.

Unreported peroxymonosulfate/mandelic acid as a redox pair initiation system has been used to graft copolymerizes acrylonitrile onto our previously prepared starch nanoparticle (SNPs) in aqueous medium under nitrogen atmosphere. Optimization of the grafting conditions was studied and the grafting parameters were expressed in terms of graft yield %, graft reaction efficiency % and homopolymer %. Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques confirmed the synthesis of the precursor’s materials and the success of the grafting onto starch nanoparticle. The resultant copolymer was found to be more thermally stable and more resistance to biodegradability than the starch nanoparticle counterparts. Besides, the optimum conditions were obtained when using 1 g starch nanoparticle, 2 ml of AN (based on weight of substrate), 30 m mol/l potassium peroxymonosulphate, 8 m mol/l mandelic acid, 2 hours reaction time and 45°C of temperature.

Background:Liraglutide is an incretin mimetic agent that approved recently in type-2 diabetes. The use of vitamin D is associated with an improvement in diabetic neuropathy. The aim of the study: Evaluation of the effect of liraglutide and vitamin D each alone and in combination with each other on diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin in rats. Materials and Methods:Five groups ofWistar rats were used in the experiment. Diabetic neuropathy was induced in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 using a single intraperitoneal(i.p.) injection of streptozotocin(STZ) in a dose of 60 mg/kg. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were treated for 4 weeks with liraglutide (0.8 mg/kg), vitamin D3 (12 µg/kg), and combination of the 2 drugs, respectively. Then the behavioral tests were done (hot plate, tail-flick, paw withdrawal pressure, and the rotarod tests). Blood samples were used for assessment of blood glucose, tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and interleukin-Iβ(IL-Iβ). Malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione (GSH)were measured in the sciatic nerve homogenate. Results:Liraglutide caused significant improvement in the behavioral tests of the diabetic rats with a significant reduction in blood glucose, TNF-α, IL-1β, and malondialdehyde. Vitamin D caused mild improvement in the behavioral tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The combined use of liraglutide with vitamin D caused more improvement in diabetic neuropathy tests, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion: Liraglutide has a moderate neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in cases of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy which are enhanced by the addition of vitamin D.

Background It remains essential for non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) patients, to develop a sensitive and specific diagnostic model. Data regarding the use of micro (mi)RNA-34 for NAFLD diagnosis are few. Routine clinical assessment, laboratory tests were done for Egyptian individuals (n = 314) were included (100 healthy individuals and 214 NAFLD patients). Quantification of miRNA-34 was done using real-time PCR. Extremely significant variables were entered into stepwise logistic regression. The diagnostic power of variables was estimated by the area under the ROC (AUC). Results MiRNA-34 levels were higher in NAFLD patients than healthy individuals with a significant difference (P< 0.0001). The multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the NAFLD-associated variables (CRP, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), ALT had p< 0.0001 while mRNA-34 had (p=0.0004). The AUCs (CI) of candidate NAFLD markers were in the order of miRNA-34 0.72 (0.66–0.77) < ALT 0.73 (0.67–0.79) < BMI 0.81 (0.76–0.86) < cholesterol < 0.85 (0.79–0.90) < CRP 0.88 (0.84–0.92). We developed a novel index for discriminating patients with NAFLD named NAFLD Mark. AUC was jumped to 0.98 (0.93–0.99) when five markers were combined. The AUC of NAFLD mark for NAFLD detection was higher than the AUCs of seven common NAFLD indexes (0.44–0.86). Conclusions The NAFLD mark is a non-invasive and highly sensitive and specific model for NAFLD diagnosis.

Pd(TMPDA)Cl2 (TMPDA = N,N,N`,N`-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis. [Pd(TMPDA)(H2O)2]2+ reacts with amino acid esters (L) to form mixed ligand [Pd(TMPDA)L]2+ complexes. The kinetics of base hydrolysis of [Pd(TMPDA)L]2+ was studied by pH-stat technique and the corresponding rate constants are reported. The coordinated glycine methyl ester is efficiently hydrolyzed, whereas the coordinated methionine methyl ester is hydrolysed with a much lower catalytic activity. The catalytic influence is depended on the mode of coordination of the ester to the palladium complex. Probable mechanisms for these reactions are considered. Activation parameters for the hydrolysis of the coordinated glycine methyl ester were determined experimentally. DFT calculations (B3LYP/LANL2DZ) were applied to determine the possible mechanism of the base hydrolysis of the amino acid esters. The calculations are discussed in reference to the reported experimental data.

Purpose This study aims to explore the incorporation of the authors previously prepared chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) of size around 60-100 nm in the cross-linking formulation of viscose fabrics to see CNPs impact in terms of imparting multi-functional characteristics such as tensile strength, dry wrinkle recovery angles and antibacterial properties. Design/methodology/approach CNPs of size around 60-100 nm were incorporated in cross-linking formulations for viscose fabrics, including different concentrations of glutaraldehyde as a non-formaldehyde cross-linking agent and magnesium chloride hexahydrate as a catalyst. The formulations were applied at different curing times and temperatures in 100 mL distilled water, giving rise to a wet pickup of ca. 85 per cent. The fabrics were dried for 3 min at 85°C and cured at specified temperatures for fixed time intervals in thermo fixing oven according to the traditional pad-dry-cure method. Findings The above eco-friendly method for finished viscose fabrics was found to obtain high dry wrinkle recovery angle and maintain the tensile strength of the finished fabric within the acceptable range, as well as antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as a gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Both, scanning electron microscope and nitrogen percent on the finished fabric confirm the penetration of CNPs inside the fabric structure. Finally, viscose fabrics pageant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria assessed even after 20 washing cycle. Research limitations/implications CNPs with its flourishing effect with respect to cationic nature, biodegradability, reactivity, higher surface area and antimicrobial activity; in addition to glutaraldehyde as non-formaldehyde finishing agent can be used as multi-functional agents for viscose fabrics instead of DMDHEU, polyacrylate and monomeric composites as hazardous materials. Practical implications CNPs as cationic biopolymers were expected to impart multi-functional properties to viscose fabrics especially with obtaining reasonable dry wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength in addition to antibacterial properties. Originality/value The novelty addressed here is undertaken with a view to impart easy care characteristics and antibacterial activities onto viscose fabrics using CNPs as antimicrobial agent and glutaraldehyde as non-formaldehyde durable press finishes to-replace the traditional formaldehyde-based resins. Besides, to the authors’ knowledge, there is no published work so far using the above cross-linking formulation written above.

Background and Aim Epigenetics involved in multiple normal cellular processes. Previous research have revealed the role of hepatitis C virus infection in accelerating methylation process and affecting response to treatment in chronic hepatitis patients. This work aimed to elucidate the role of promoter methylation (PM) in response to antiviral therapy, and its contribution to the development of fibrosis through hepatocarcinogenesis-related genes. Methods A total of 159 chronic hepatitis Egyptian patients versus 100 healthy control group were included. The methylation profile of a panel 9 genes (SFRP1, p14, p73, APC, DAPK, RASSF1A, LINE1, O6MGMT, and p16) was detected in patients’ plasma using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). Results Clinical and laboratory findings were gathered for patients with combined pegylated interferon and ribavirin antiviral therapy. Regarding the patients’ response to antiviral therapy, the percentage of non-responders for APC, O6MGMT, RASSF1A, SFRP1, and p16 methylated genes were significantly higher versus responders (P

The ability of reduced graphene oxide (rGo) in regenerating bone tissue has recently gained significant attention in biomedicine. Aim: we investigated the effects of rGo nanoparticles and platelet rich plasma (PRP) in regenerating induced defects in irradiated 2 types of rat bones. Materials and Methods: We had 4 experimental rat groups, each was 6 in number, all of them were irradiated then a bone defect was surgically induced at the condyle representing endochondral bone and ramus representing intramembranous bone in each rat. The bone defect was then grafted with rGo alone in (GpI), PRP alone in GpII, combination of PRP and rGO in GPIII or left ungrafted as a control in GpIV. 8 weeks later samples were explanted for histological studies. Results: All groups showed bone formation with highest organized bone formation in GPIII. Conclusion: regeneration of irradiated bony defects using the combination of rGO nanoparticles and PRP can provide the highest active healthy bone formation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repressing IPS e.max Press with different concentrations on the marginal gap and fracture strength of ceramic crowns.Materials and methods: Twenty-five IPS e.max Press crowns were fabricated. They were divided into 5 groups (5 samples in each group) according to the Wt.% of the new ceramic ingots to the repressed ceramic. Group I is 100 % new ceramics. Group II is 75 % new and 25% repressed ceramics. Group III is 50 % new and 50 % repressed ceramics. Group IV is 25% new and 75% repressed ceramics. Group V is 100 % repressed ceramics. Each crown was seated on the copper mold and the marginal gap was measured at 16 predetermined points using a computer connected stereomicroscope. For fracture strength test the crowns were luted using resin cement on epoxy dies and subjected to fracture strength test. Results: Group 1 (100 % new) recorded the least marginal gap (32.7 µm), while group 5 (100% repressed) recorded the highest marginal gap (120.91 µm). No statistical significant difference between marginal gap of the first three groups (100 % new, 75% new + 25% repressed, 50% new + 50% repressed). A statistically significant difference was recorded between these 3 tested groups and group 4 (25% new + 75% repressed). There was also a significant difference between group 4 and group 5 (100% repressed). Fracture strength results showed that Group I (100 % new) recorded the highest fracture strength (929.724 N), while group III (50% new) recorded the least fracture strength (819.366N). A statistical significant difference was found between the first four groups and a siginficant difference between GroupV (100% repressed) and Group I,II,III. While, there was no significant difference between Group IV and Group V.Conclusions: It was found that various weight percentages of repressed ceramics affected the marginal gap and had a significant effect when it exceeded 50 %, although all tested groups were clinically accepted. Also, homogeneity of the ceramic structure had a positive effect on fracture strength, as the least fracture strength was recorded for the 50% new + 50% repressed ceramic group and it increased significantly as this relation increased towards either the new ingot ceramics or the repressed ceramic

Background & Aims: Patients with thalassemia have a lifelong need for blood transfusion, which makes them more risky to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Iron overload and chronic HCV are considered risk factors for patients with thalassemia to develop liver insults. The aim of the present study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in the treatment of chronic HCV infection in Egyptian adult patients with β- thalassemia major. Methods: A retrospective study included 53 patients with β-thalassemia major with chronic HCV treated with sofosbuvir (400 mg) and ledipasvir (90 mg) as a single pill fixed-dose combination once daily for 12 weeks. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by the sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 weeks after the end of the treatment. Results: SVR was achieved in 96.23% of patients. 47.17% of patients had minor side effects. There was a significant reduction in ALT, AST, and serum ferritin 12 weeks post-therapy. There was an insignificant change in hemoglobin level or blood transfusion requirement 12 weeks posttherapy. There was no change in iron chelators doses throughout the study period. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir regimen seems to be safe and highly effective in the treatment of chronic HCV in patients with β-thalassemia major.

Background: Achievement of sustained virological response [SVR] and improvement of hepatic fibrosis are the essential goals for therapy of chronic hepatitis C [CHC] with direct acting antivirals [DAAs] therapy. Early detection and management of hepatic fibrosis can significantly improve the prognosis of CHC in clinical practice. Aim of the work: To assess the effect of successful DAAs therapy on liver stiffness in patients with CHC. Methods: This study included 100 patients with chronic HCV-related liver disease. All were treated with Sofosbuvir-based regimen for 12 weeks on outpatient base. HCV treatment applied according to the protocol designed by the Egyptian National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis. Follow up continued for 12 weeks [after the end of treatment [EOT]] to estimate effect of successful DAAS therapy on liver stiffness using Shear Wave Elastography [SWE], aminotransferase-to platelet ratio index [APRI] and Fib-4 score before initiation of antiviral therapy, at end of treatment [EOT] and 12 weeks after EOT [SVR12]. Results: Platelets significantly increased, ALT and AST decreased and mean values of APRI, Fib-4 score and Liver stiffness assessment were significantly reduced in all patients at SVR12. Hemoglobin levels significantly reduced in patients receiving ribavirin 12 weeks after EOT. Conclusions: Elimination of HCV after successful DAAS treatment was associated with a significant improvement of the liver stiffness at both EOT and 12 weeks afterwards EOT as evidenced by SWE, Fib-4 score and APRI index

Background and Aims. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have made a revolution in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with promising reduction of HCV infection and disease morbidities. However, unfortunately, treatment failure still occurs in about 5–15% of patients treated with DAA‐based combination regimens. The primary aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a quadruple regimen of (sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, and simeprevir with a weight-based ribavirin) in chronic HCV DAAs-experienced patients. Methods. This observational, open-label prospective study was carried out on 103 genotype 4 hepatitis C virus-infected patients who failed to achieve SVR12 after sofosbuvir-daclatasvir with or without ribavirin. Patients were treated for three months with sofosbuvir (400 mg), daclatasvir (60 mg), and simeprevir (150 mg) with a weight-based ribavirin dosage (1000–1200 mg/d). Response to treatment was determined by quantitative PCR for HCV at 3 months after the end of treatment (SVR12), and adverse events during the treatment were recorded. Results. SVR was achieved in 100 patients (97.1%) at week 12 after treatment. No dangerous or life-threatening adverse events were recorded. Conclusions. Retreatment of HCV genotype 4 patients with quadruple therapy is a good therapeutic option and achieves high response rates with minimal side effects.

Background The cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.), is one of the most dangerous pests in Egypt and Africa, causing significant economic loss of cotton crop yield. The frequent use of insecticides to control this insect has led to the development of a generation’s resistance to them. The need of a new, safe control method and effective insecticides has become necessary after the recent increases in environmental pollution and insect resistance. This study is devoted to developing a novel synthetic scheme to produce a pesticide nanocomposite of very high efficiency compared to the originals. The nature of its chemical binding has been investigated via Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Results In this work, the method is based on using silver nanoparticles (AgNPS) as a pesticide carrier by loading the organophosphorus pesticide profenofos on to their surface. The profenofos, AgNPS alone and nanocomposite profenofos (AgNPS@P) have been tested against second- and fourth-instar larvae of laboratory and field cotton leafworm. Our findings indicate that the AgNPS@P is more effective on cotton leafworm larvae than each of profenofos and nanosilver alone. The activity of AgNPS@P (LC50 = 0.94 and 5.15 ppm) was increased to 85 and 69 times more than that of profenofos (LC50 = 79.52 and 356.97 ppm) against second- and fourth-instar larvae of field cotton leafworm. Conclusions This method may be successful for reducing environmental pollution and the resistance of this pest to many pesticides.

Background: Epigenetic gene regulation is important in human cancer.Aim of Study: We investigated the possible role of acetyla-tion level in the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expres-sion in hepatocellular carcinoma.Material and Methods: We first determined the inhibitory concentration (IC20, IC35 and IC50) of the histone deacetylase inhibitor Sodium Butyrate (SB) in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Then, we analyzed the expression level of five miRNAs (miR-133b, miR-122-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-539-5p and miR-518f-3p after treatment using qRT-PCR assay. MiRTarBase, MiROB and GeneCards databases were used for the identification of strong validated targets of examined microRNAs, and the detection of possible functions of the selected targets and related pathways.Results: SB revealed an anti-proliferative effect in both HepG2 and Huh7 cells, with IC50 values of 6.7mM and 9.2mM, respectively. MiR-133b showed up-regulation in HepG2 and miR-122-5p was down-regulated in HepG2 and Huh7 (29.5 and 1000 folds) in a dose dependent manner. MiR-26a-5p exhibited decrease in its level in both cell lines at IC35, but was increased at IC50 in HepG2 cells. MiR-518f-3p showed increase in its level during various doses of SB in both cell lines. Finally, miR-539-5p showed down expression in both cell lines. Prediction pathway analysis referred to the important role of each of miR-133b, miR-122-5p and miR-26a-5p in proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis.Conclusion: Sub-lethal doses of SB have significant effects on miRNAs expression in human hepatocellular car-cinoma cells. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of miRNAs may enhance the development of therapeutic strate-gies against HCC.

To minimize the serious defects of durable press finishing of cellulosic textiles with respect to the great loss in strength properties, new pioneering strengthening approach of cotton fabric based on our previously prepared starch nanoparticles of size around 80–100 nm was used. For this purpose, cotton fabrics were treated with different concentrations of starch nanoparticles via coating technique using pad-dry-cure method, at which the starch nanoparticles are attached to the fabrics with the use of a padder adjusted to appropriate pressure and speed, followed by drying and curing. Fabric stiffness, surface roughness, tensile strength, elongation at break, abrasion resistance, wrinkle recovery angles, add-on %, and degree of whiteness as well as durability of treated fabrics were fully explored. SEM was used for detecting the change in surface morphology of reinforced coated fabric. The results obtained reflect the following findings: (a) all fabric performance like tensile strength, stiffness, wrinkle recovery angle, abrasion resistance and add on % were improved for coated fabrics with starch nanoparticles in comparison with untreated fabric, except that of surface roughness; (b) SEM confirmed the change in surface morphology of cotton fabric after reinforcement treatment using starch nanoparticles; (c) the dry wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength of cotton fabrics treated in presence of 30 g/l starch nanoparticles are slightly decreased after 10 washing cycles as compared with untreated fabric; and (d) starch nanoparticles introduce an advance in textile finishing with respect to the above-mention fabric performance except that of surface roughness.

Objectives Data on the management of chronic antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation are limited. We aimed to assess the impact of treatment of biopsy-proven chronic active antibodymediated rejection with combined plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab treatment versus intravenous immunoglobulin alone or conservative management on the evolution of renal function in renal transplant recipients. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, we compared patients diagnosed with chronic active antibody-mediated rejection who were treated with standard of care steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, and rituximab (n = 40) at our center versus those who received intravenous immunoglobulin only or just intensified maintenance immunosuppression (n = 28). All patients were followed for 12 months clinically and by laboratory tests for graft and patient outcomes. Results The two groups were matched regarding mean recipient age (41.9 ± 15.4 vs 37.8 ± 15.5 y in patients with conservative versus combined treatment), recipient sex, mean body weight, and the cause of end-stage kidney disease. Most patients and their donors were males. Glomerulonephritis represented the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease in both groups followed by diabetic nephropathy. The type of induction and pretransplant comorbidities were not different between groups (P > .05) except for the significantly higher number of chronic hepatitis C infections in patients who received conservative treatment (P = .007). Mean serum creatinine values before and after treatment of chronic active antibodymediated rejection were comparable between groups (P > .05). Active treatment with heavier immunosuppression (rituximab and plasma exchange) was associated with posttreatment viral (cytomegalovirus and BK virus) and bacterial infections that necessitated more hospitalization (P > .05). However, graft and patient outcomes were significantly better in the active treatment group than in patients with conservative treatment (P = .002 and .028, respectively). Conclusions Combined treatment of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection with plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab can significantly improve outcomes after renal transplant.

Purpose: A comparative study using OCT to determine the possible causes associated withincomplete visual recovery after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair incases with and without visual improvement. Patients& methods: We studied 200 eyes of 200patients with RRD that involved the fovea. The patients were examined and the findingsrecorded before and after surgery. The period from the onset of symptoms to presentationranged from 3-60 days. OCT was performed at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th post-operative months. Thepatients were followed for a period from 6-18 months (mean 8.4 months). Results: On comparingthe best corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) at 1st and 6th months, there was a mean gain of 3Snellen lines (range; 1-6 lines) in 160 patients (80%) and no improvement in 40 patients(20%).The mean postoperative BCVA at 1,3 and 6 months of the improved patients was 6/60,6/24,and 6/18 respectively (Log MAR equivalent of 1.00, 0.60 ,and 0.50 ). OCT of these 40 eyeswithout visual improvement showed subfoveal fluid in 10 eyes (25%), macular edema(ME) in 21(52.5%) eyes, epiretinal membranes(ERM) in 15 eyes (37.5%), photoreceptor damage (distortion ofthe photoreceptors IS/OS junction in 31 eyes (77.5%), macular holes(MH) in 2 eyes (5%), andretinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degenerative changes in 11 eyes (27.5%). OCT of those withvisual improvement also showed some abnormalities which contributed to incomplete visualrecovery: ME in 21 eyes (13.2%), ERM in 9 (5.6%)eyes, subfoveal fluid in 40 eyes (25%),photoreceptor damage in 31 eyes (19.4%), and RPE degenerative changes in 12 eyes (7.5%).Conclusion: Incomplete and/or delayed visual recovery after successful retinal reattachment mayoccur even in cases with visual improvement due to many causes; photoreceptor damage, macularedema, epiretinal membranes, subfoveal fluid, macular holes, and RPE degenerative changes.OCT is a valuable and noninvasive tool for detecting, evaluating and follow-up of these cases.

Objectives. Thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolic rate and plays an exquisitely important role in the human health. Fluoride exposure can affect thyroid function. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that works through several mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the hormonal, histological, and ultrastructural changes occurred in the thyroid gland induced by exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) and study the possible protective effect of curcumin on the NaF-induced effects. Methods. Thirty male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (10 rats each): the control group, NaF group, and NaF+Curcumin (NaF+Cur) group. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were assayed and thyroid tissues processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. Results. In NaF group, serum T3 and T4 levels were significantly decreased whereas TSH level was significantly increased compared to the control group. Thyroid tissues showed flattening of the epithelial lining with several follicular cell degenerations, hyperplasia, decreased colloid, disrupted basement membrane, cytoplasmic vacuolations, degenerated mitochondria, widening of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, and vascular congestion compared to the control group. In the NaF+Cur group, serum TSH levels were significantly decreased in comparison with NaF group and no significant difference in comparison with the control group. Thyroid sections appeared apparently normal compared to the control group and NaF group. Conclusions. Sodium fluoride affected both the function and structure of the thyroid gland while curcumin was protective against these toxic effects.

Nanofibrillated cellulose, obtained from rice straw agricultural wastes was used as a substrate for the preparation of a new injectable and mineralized hydrogel for bone regeneration. Tetramethyl pyridine oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose, was mineralized through the incorporation of a prepared and characterized biphasic calcium phosphate at a fixed ratio of 50 wt%. The TEMPO-oxidized rice straw nanofibrillated cellulose was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and carboxylic content determination. The injectability and viscosity of the prepared hydrogel were evaluated using universal testing machine and rheometer testing, respectively. Cytotoxicity and alkaline phosphatase level tests on osteoblast like-cells for in vitro assessment of the biocompatibility were investigated. Results revealed that the isolated rice straw nanofibrillated cellulose is a nanocomposite of the cellulose nanofibers and silica nanoparticles. Rheological properties of the tested materials are suitable for use as injectable material and of nontoxic effect on osteoblast-like cells, as revealed by the positive alkaline phosphate assay. However, nanofibrillated cellulose/ biphasic calcium phosphate hydrogel showed higher cytotoxicity and lower bioactivity test results when compared to that of nanofibrillated cellulose.

The present investigation aimed to prepare and evaluate an innovated re-mineralizing oral films made from a blend of hydroxyethyl-cellulose (HEC) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF), loaded with nepheline fluorapatite glass powder. Evaluation of film thickness, folding endurance, disintegration time, surface pH, ions release, together with SEM were carried out. In vitro re-mineralizing effect of the prepared film on demineralized teeth was examined. Results revealed the uniformity in thickness of films, folding endurance more than 300, and the disintegration times more than 24 hrs. The pH values were nearly neutral and high concentrations of calcium and fluoride ions were released. SEM showed a uniformity of glass powder particles distribution. Results of enamel micro-hardness (VHN) and ultra-morphology revealed that there was a significant increase in mean VHN after the remineralization for 15 and 30 days compared to the demineralized specimens. The innovative prepared films are effective approach for remineralization of early demineralized tooth lesions.

PEROXIDASES have numerous important applications in industries and biodegradation of organopollutants , so there is a need to explore more and more sources of enzymes with different characteristics. In the present study, lignin peroxidases (LiPs) producing by fungus Humicola grisea were extracted and purified using gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. Protein and heme protein were eluted in different peaks about 6 of these peaks had LiP activity and this is an indication that LiP in H. grisea was isoenzymes. Four of these isoenzymes were characterized regarding their molecular mass, optimum temperature and optimum pH for activity, substrate concentration and effect of some metal ions. The four purified isoenzymes have maximum activities at different temperatures, where optimum temperature for H2 and H4 isoenzyme were at 60 oC, and the optimum temperatures for H1 and H3 were at 40 oC and 30 oC, respectively. The maximum activities of the four isoenzymes were within the acidic range. The different LiP isoenzymes showed different Km and Vmax values representing the varied affinity of the four isoenzymes using veratryl alcohol as a substrate. Km values for H1, H2, H3 and H4 were 5.26, 5.0, 1.3 and 1.4, respectively. While Vmax values for the same isoenzymes were 1.25, 0.8, 0.87 and 1.1, respectively.

N ANOTECHNOLOGY, a highly promising discipline in science and technology, is the emerging and novel trend that will redesign the future of several existing know how which will change every aspect of our lives and leads to the generation of uniqueness in all the streams of technology. Biological synthesis of metal nanoparticles using microbes is gaining momentum due to the ecofriendly nature of the organisms which reduce toxic chemicals. Plant pathogenic fungi produce extracellular degradative enzymes that may be important in pathogenicity. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was investigated using pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and nonpathogenic strains of the same fungal species. These silver nanoparticles were characterized by means of UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV–visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver ion showed a peak at 420 nm corresponding to the Plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph showed formation of well-dispersed spherical silver nanoparticles with mean sizes 11.20 nm and 15.38 nm for pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains, respectively.

The phenolic profile of the leaves of Beta vulgaris subspecies vulgaris variety rubra was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometric (ESI-HRMS-MS) detection. Mass spectrometry-based molecular networking was employed to dereplicate the known compounds. Twelve known compounds, seven of which are previously undescribed as constituents in the B. vulgaris leaves were dereplicated and assigned with various levels of identification confidence. The ameliorative effects of the aqueous methanolic extract of the leaves were assessed against alloxan induced diabetic rats. It was found that the extract significantly decreased (p < 0.001) serum glucose, lipid profile, ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and hepatic MDA levels; and significantly increased (p

This study presents the analysis of airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and aeromagnetic data to delineate the distribution of the radioactive elements and determine their anomalous zones, subsurface structures controlled mineralized zones, and 3D magnetic inversion to give a full view of basement relief. According to statistical treatment of airborne gamma-ray spectrometry measurements, the highest values of potassium and equivalent thorium associated with Nakhiel Formation are 3.2% and 12.8 ppm respectively. Meanwhile, the equivalent uranium associated with phosphate beds attains 19.1 ppm. The spatial distribution of the relatively high concentrations of eU, eU/K and eU/eTh are recorded in adjacent areas in Upper Cretaceous deposits as > 12, 25 ppm and 5 ppm for eU, eU/K and eU/eTh, respectively. According to field measurements, the highest values of eU associated with phosphate beds and black Shale are 117 ppm and 20 ppm respectively. Meanwhile, the highest value of potassium associated with Quaternary sediments is 2.9%. Moreover, the highest value of eTh associated with Taref Formation is 16.2 ppm. The geochemical studies of collected samples from the anomalous zones showed the presence of secondary uranium in addition to rare earth elements. Meanwhile, the black shale trace elements are measured and showed high concentrations of tungsten. The magnetic data analysis is performed using tilt derivative and 3D magnetic modeling methods. Most of the deduced structures are trending in NW–SE, and NE–SW directions. The depths to the basement rocks are ranged from 0.475 km to 1.07 km below the ground surface.

Objective To evaluate surgical outcome, complications, and patients satisfaction with the Tube® (Promedon, Cordoba, Argentina) malleable penile prosthesis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). Patients and methods The records of 128 eligible patients who received Tube malleable penile prostheses at our institute between September 2008 and October 2015 were reviewed. Results Of the 128 patients, who received Tube penile prostheses at our institute, 53 were diabetics and 75 were non-diabetics. Both groups of patients were comparable for mean age, education level, marital status, hospital stay, time to commencing sexual intercourse, and median follow-up. Complications included: inter-corporeal septal perforation (2.3%), glanular urethral injury (1.5%), acute urinary retention (3.9%), superficial wound infection (7%), penile discomfort (9.4%), and penile prostheses infection (5.5%). Moreover, 3.9% developed atrophy of the cavernosal tissue, 5.5% experienced bad cosmesis, 6.3% experienced ejaculatory disorders, and 2.3% developed bladder calculi. In all, 13 prostheses (9.4%) were removed, seven of them due to infection, three on the patients’ demand and three due to mechanical failure. The satisfaction rates with the prostheses were 77.3% and 79.4% in the diabetic and non-diabetic patients, respectively; with an overall satisfaction rate of 78.5%. There was no significant difference in the complication rate or prostheses infection between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Conclusion Tube malleable penile prostheses are associated with low complication and high satisfaction rates. There was no significant difference in the complication rate or prostheses infection between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. A prospective comparative study with a large number of patients is recommended.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to 1) evaluate clinically and radiographically the carious dentin treated with Ozone, Casein Phosphopeptide - Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (Tooth Mousse) mixed with Glass Ionomer and Glass Ionomer Cement only in primary molars of 4 - 8 years old children (In vivo study), and 2) Compare the microhardness of carious dentin treated with Ozone, Casein Phosphopeptide - Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (Tooth Mousse) mixed with Glass Ionomer and Glass Ionomer Cement only in extracted primary molars (In vitro study). Design: Forty five primary molars with proximal caries in children, ranging in their age from 4-8 years old. They were equally divided into three groups (15 each) according to the materials were used for restoration. The first group was restored with glass ionomer cement, the second group was restored with Casein Phosphopeptide – Amorphous Calcium Phosphate(CPP-ACP ) incorporated with glass ionomer cement, and the third group was pretreated with ozonized olive oil then restored with glass ionomer cement. Also this study was carried out on forty five freshly extracted carious primary molars, which divided equally into three groups and restored as mentioned before in clinical cases and examinedfor microhardness assessment. Results: the greatest value of mean radiodensity was recorded in Tooth Mousse group followed by Glass ionomer group then Ozone group. However there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups. Conclusion: Casein phosphopeptide - Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (Tooth Mousse) mixed with Glass ionomer cement as well as glass ionomer alone seemed to be successful as a remineralizing agent in primary molars.

Background Fungi represent an interesting candidate for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has many industrial and biomedical indications. We aimed in this work to biologically synthesize silver nanoparticles using Aspergillus niger and to evaluate its effect against the newly identified Allovahlkampfia spelaea that causes resistant human keratitis. Material and methods Aspergillus niger (soil isolate) was treated with silver nitrate to produce silver nanoparticles. AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The effect of the synthesized nanoparticles against Allovahlkampfia spelaea growth, encystation, excystation, and toxicity in host cells was evaluated. Results AgNPs exhibited significant inhibition of Allovahlkampfia spelaea viability and growth of both trophozoites and cysts, with a reduction of amoebic cytotoxic activity in host cells. Conclusion AgNPs may give a promising future to the treatment of Allovahlkampfia spelaea infections in humans.

The cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis is the most devastating insect pests to many crop plants. The overuse of pesticides increased their resistance in all pests. This study has been devote to develop a novel synthetic scheme to produce pesticide nanocomposite of very high efficiency compared to its original ones. The method is based on using silver nanoparticles (AgNPS) as a pesticide carrier by loading the pyrethroid pesticide Lambda-cyhalothrin (L-CYN) into the surface of prepared AgNPS. The nature of binding has been investigate via TEM and FT-IR techniques. The new formulation of the pesticide nanocomposite AgNPS@L-CYN has been teste for its larvicidal activity against second instar larvae of lab and field cotton leafworm. Our findings indicate that silver lambda-cyhalothrin nanocomposite is more effective on cotton leafworm larvae than that of formulated lambda-cyhalothrin alone. The required concentration for control of cotton leafworm decreased more than 37 times. This approach might be successful ones for decreasing the resistance of this pest to pesticides and reduce environmental pollution.

Antibacterial and easy care characteristics were imparted to cotton fabrics using multifinishing formulation comprising citric acid (CA) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) as an eco-friendly finish. The latter of size around 60-100 nm were prepared through polymerization of meth acrylic acid (MAA) with chitosan using potassium permanganate as initiator and characterized using scanning electron microscope, transmittance electron microscope, Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, X-ray diffraction and thermo gravimetric analysis. Different factors affecting the degree of multifinishing treatment and their onset on fabric performance and antimicrobial activity were studied and optimized according to pad dry cure method. This was done to see the impact of chitosan nanoparticles to accomplish multifunction characteristics on cotton fabrics like reasonable strength loss, comparable wrinkle recovery angles, elongation at break, higher fabric stiffness and suitable durability in addition to antibacterial activity. It was seen from the attained results that; FTIR spectra and SEM micrograph showed the change in chemical structure and surface morphology of cotton fabric before and after finishing in absence and presence of chitosan nanoparticles. These fabrics parade antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria tested even after 10 washing cycles. Mechanism of finishing of cotton fabric using citric acid and CNPs is identified.

Pulsed neutron logging is currently the most commonly used technology for cased hole formation saturation analysis, providing data for reservoir monitoring and management. The common pulsed neutron log measurement is the formation capture cross section (Sigma). The data can be logged at a relatively fast logging speed. Water saturation analysis using the Sigma log requires high porosity and known formation water salinity. Errors in the Sigma log interpretation can result from the uncertainties of water salinity values, which usually change, for example, due to mixing of the hypersaline formation brine with the low-salinity injected seawater. Heterogeneity and changes in the carbonate petrophysical properties also play a role in magnifying the magnitude of water salinity changes. Carbon/ oxygen ratio logging (C/O) is salinity-independent and can be applied to overcome the problem, but the physics of the measurement usually require multiple passes with lower logging speeds than Sigma logging. This paper introduces a novel pulsed neutron logging methodology to help overcome the mixed-water salinity problem and produce a reliable water saturation interpretation for updating fluid front maps. First, the pulsed neutron tool was operated in Sigma mode to cover the full target reservoir interval in a single pass. The tool was then switched to the C/O mode with multiple passes for 50ft only at the top of the target reservoir. Monte Carlo modelling was applied to the C/O data to calculate the water saturation. The C/O result was then used with the Sigma log data to inversely calculate the Sigma water using a Sigma-based material balance equation across the same interval. The final water saturation across the full interval was estimated by using the calculated water salinity and the Sigma data. Through the application of the proposed methodology, we successfully measure the target formation saturation information in an acceptable operating time, when compared to conducting the conventional C/O logging across the full interval. The results show that the estimated formation water salinity is close to that value of drilling mud filtrate; the water saturation is slightly lower than that from the openhole resistivity interpretation. This paper introduces how to optimize a pulsed neutron logging program that combines the C/O and Sigma measurements to enhance the offshore operations efficiency, minimize the water saturation interpretation uncertainties, and support future field development planning.