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To evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy or exercise intervention on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, sleep, and psychological and physical functioning in adults diagnosed with Lymphoma.A systematic literature search of the PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases was carried out to identify articles published from March 2010 until December 2020. The risk of bias, methodological quality, and level of evidence was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) checklist.Out of the 577 articles identified from the initial search, a total of 12 randomised control trials were shortlistd for this systematic review. From the 12 articles, 9 studies included participants with Lymphoma who were at various stages of chemotherapy or had completed treatment and 3 studies included participants with various haematological malignancies and had stem cell transplantation. The quality of each study was assessed using the PEDro scale with the a mean score of 6.3±0.89. The PEDro scores regarding the quality of studies ranged from 5-8 (fair to good).There is moderate evidence strength suggesting that exercises therapy for persons diagnosed with Lymphoma can include aerobic or cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and mind-body exercise has beneficial effects on fatigue, physical performance, and QOL in persons diagnosed with Lymphoma patients.PROSPERO No.: CRD42021227418.

Background Postoperative epidural analgesia provides superior postoperative analgesia at rest and with activity, compared with systemic opioids. However, the impact of postoperative epidural analgesia on postoperative morbidity and/or mortality remains controversial, because of the sub-optimal reliability of epidural catheters that are placed preoperatively and used for postoperative pain control. The present study used the technique of lumbar epidurography. The study aims to better understand the possible correlation between the fluoroscopic characteristics of epidural catheters following injection of contrast medium and the postoperative functional characteristics regarding analgesia. In this single-arm clinical trial, 70 patients, aged 50 to 75 years old, underwent surgical urological procedures, involving incisions up to T8 dermatome, under combined general and epidural anesthesia. At the L2-L3 level, the epidural space was reached using the loss of resistance technique before general anesthesia was induced. The catheters were threaded upwards for 4–6 cm. Preoperative epidurograms were then done by injecting a 3-ml contrast medium OmnipaqueTM (240 mg I/ml) in the epidural catheters. The epidurograms were investigated for the location of the catheter tip in relation to the vertebral body, the extent of dye spread, laterality of dye spread (midline, right, or left), and the presence or absence of dye spread anterior to the spinal cord on the lateral image. The patients were followed postoperatively while epidural analgesia was infused. Results Both the postoperative epidural infusion and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores were lower when catheter tips ended at L1 than when they ended at L2. As the contrast’s vertical spread increases in preoperative epidurograms, the analgesic infusion rate and VAS score decrease, and the number of dermatomes insensitive to cold increases. Epidurographically right-sided catheters showed more dermatomes deficient to cold sensations on the right side, compared with mid-line and left-sided catheters. Restriction of contrast to the posterior epidural space was associated with lower VAS scores and wider anesthesia to cold. Conclusions The use of epidurography to study epidural catheters may have the potential advantage of predicting the functionality of catheters and improving the reliability of postoperative epidural analgesia.

The study examines the prophylactic action of artichoke leaf hydroethanolic extract (ALE) and artichoke flower head hydroethanolic extract (AFE) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/acetylaminofluorene (AAF)-induced lung cancer in Wistar rats. To chemically induce lung cancer, DEN was injected intraperitoneally twice a week for a fortnight at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), followed by oral supplementation of AAF four times a week for 3 weeks at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w. The DEN/AAF-administered rats were orally supplemented with ALE or AFE at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. for 17 weeks starting from the 1st week of DEN injection to the 17th week of the experiment. The lung cancerous injuries resulting from DEN/AAF-administration were significantly improved by the treatment with ALE and AFE as observed in histological examination. In addition, there was a significant reduction in lung lipid peroxidation, with resultant elevation in antioxidant enzymatic activity of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase as well as glutathione content in DEN/AAF-supplemented rats treated with ALE and AFE as compared to DEN/AAF-administered control. The lung tumor suppressor protein (p53) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA expression significantly increased in the rats treated with ALE and AFE. In conclusion, the finding showed that ALE and AFE produced anti-cancer prophylactic effects against DEN/AAF-induced lung cancer in rats via suppression of oxidative stress and improved apoptotic signal induction.

In the present investigation natural phenolic antioxidants were extracted from Jojoba seed waste. Samples of defatted jojoba seed meal (JSM), detoxified meal residue (DMR) and jojoba seed shell (JSH) were subjected to extraction by using various solvents: 70/30 (vol/vol) ethanol/water, 70/30 (vol/vol) methanol/water and 60/40 (vol/vol) acetone/water. Total phenolics content (TPC) is measured according to the Folin-Ciocalteu method. In addition, solvent extracts were tested for their antioxidant activity (AA) in vitro by the DPPH radical scavenging and the β-carotene linoleic acid bleaching methods. The highest amount of total phenolic compounds (TPC) is observed with 60% acetone extract of JSH (163.81±6.88 mg GAE g -1 extract DW). On the other hand, the 70% Methanolic extract of JSH indicates the highest activity in scavenging DPPH free radicals. DMR extracts had low amount of phenolics. Furthermore, the ethanolic extract of JSM and JSH at concentration 200ppm showed good antioxidant capacity for stabilization of super palm olein (SPO) than BHT as determined by the rancimat procedure. Therefore, these extracts could be a good alternative for synthetic antioxidant to protect the vegetable oils such as SPO which contain different levels of unsaturated fatty acids.

Polydatin (PD) has a broad range of pharmacological activities; however, its effects on diabetic liver damage are poorly studies. This work is aimed to explore possible protective effects of polydatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PD-CSNPs) or PD against liver damage associated with diabetes. Diabetes was induced in rats using nicotinamide/streptozotocin treatment. Diabetic rats were then divided into six groups: normal control rats, diabetic control rats, and rats orally treated with PD, PD-CSNPs, equivalent unloaded CSNPs, or metformin daily for 4 weeks. Treatment with PD and PD-CSNPs significantly reduced the blood glucose content, lipid peroxidation in the liver, and activities of serum transaminases and carbohydrate metabolism enzymes (including succinate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase); by contrast, liver glycogen content, glutathione concentration, and activities of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) were markedly increased compared with the control diabetic rats. Furthermore, expression of the tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β mRNAs was significantly downregulated, while expression of glucose transporter 2 and glucokinase mRNAs was strongly upregulated vs. control diabetic rats. We concluded that PD-CSNPs and PD ameliorate diabetic liver damage by modulating glucose transporter 2 expression, affecting the activity of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, and suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, PD-CSNPs being more efficient than PD, probably due to higher bioavailability and prolonged release.

BackgroundThe pre-operative period is a very stressful event for most of the individuals undergoing surgery especially the pediatric patients. So, relieving their pre-operative anxiety becomes an important concern for an anesthesiologist. Many anesthetic pre-medications are used to relieve this stress response. Of these pre-medications, midazolam and dexmedetomidine are effectively used as sedatives. The present study was planned to compare intranasal dexmedetomidine with intranasal midazolam as a pre-anesthetic medication in children. Forty-eight children aged 3–7 years, of either sex, weighing 13–22 kg, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1 and undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy surgery were enrolled in this comparative prospective, double blinded, randomized clinical study. The children were divided into 2 groups: group D and group M, of 24 each. Forty-five minutes before induction of anesthesia, group D (n= 24) received intranasal dexmedetomidine at a dose of 1 μg/kg and group M (n= 24) received intranasal midazolam of 0.2 mg/kg.ResultsChildren who were pre-medicated with dexmedetomidine had lower sedation scores, lower anxiety levels, easier child-parent separation, better mask acceptance, and lower pain scores than those who received midazolam. The incidence of emergence agitation was decreased in both groups with no significant difference.ConclusionIntranasal dexmedetomidine seems to offer some advantages compared with midazolam. Thus, it can be used effectively and safely as a pre-anesthetic medication in children undergoing any surgical procedures under general anesthesia.

Polydatin (PD) has many pharmacological activities; however, its bioavailability is still a critical cornerstone issue. The present investigation aimed to develop a novel oral formula of polydatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PD-CSNPs) to improve PD therapeutic potential against type 2 diabetes. The interaction mechanism between PD and CSNPs was studied via Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations. The formula was prepared and characterized by FTIR, XRD, TEM, and dynamic light scattering. The release profile of PD was studied in vitro, as well as the cytotoxicity effect versus Vero cell line and antidiabetic activity in type 2 diabetic rats were investigated. The practical results verified the formation of PD-CSNPs with entrapment efficiency of about 96.74 ± 0.39%, size average 144.25 ± 3.37 nm, and the prolonged release pattern was less than 20% after 12 hrs. The cytotoxicity study confirmed the safety of the formula at low and high doses. Moreover, the in vivo study revealed that PD-CSNPs exhibited highly significant antidiabetic efficacy in diabetic rats compared to free PD. To conclude, the current investigation proved that CSNPs are promising nanocarriers for nontoxic and effective PD delivery against type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To explore the probable in vitro, in situ and in vivo mechanisms of gallic acid (GA) and p-coumaric acid (PCA) as anti-hyperglycemic agents.Animals and methods: Male albino rats were allocated into four groups, group1 was used as normal control. Group 2 was established as a diabetic control and group3 and 4 were treated with an oral dose of GA and PCA, respectively.Results: GA and PCA revealed a significant decrease in the activity of α-amylase, a noticeable rise in glucose induced-insulin secretion and glucose-uptake in peripheral glucose-uptake in vitro, increase also liver glycogen and serum insulin levels in vivo. Further, GA and PCA exhibited a significant reduction in intestinal glucose absorption in situ compared to blank.Conclusion: The antihyperglycemic activities of GA and PCA can be mediated through delaying intestinal glucose absorption, enhancing β-cell activity and promoting glucose uptake by peripheral tissue via enhancing insulin sensitivity.

Chicoric acid (CA) is a natural antioxidant with promising hepatoprotective activity. We investigated the potential of CA to prevent methotrexate (MTX) hepatotoxicity, pointing to the role of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and PPARγ. Rats received CA for 15 days and were then injected with MTX at day 16. Blood and tissue samples were collected for analysis at day 19. CA ameliorated liver function markers and mitigated histological alterations in MTX-induced rats. Pre-treatment with CA suppressed reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidants in MTX-induced rats. Moreover, CA upregulated hepatic Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, and PPARγ, and attenuated inflammation. Consequently, CA inhibited apoptosis by increasing Bcl-2 expression and suppressing Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 in MTX-administered rats. In conclusion, CA prevented oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver injury induced by MTX by activating Nrf2 /HO-1 signaling and PPARγ.

Despite the great strides made in fundamental and applied research, forensic entomology is constantly growing and considered to be an interconnected scientific discipline. Indeed, there is shortage in the available scientific literature in comparison to many other legal and biological subjects as well as in the number of forensic entomologists. The main goal of this work is to clarify the importance of forensic entomology by demonstration of their applications; it can provide important information about when, where, and how a particular death occurred. It can also identify the assailant and/or the victim or might highlight in some cases, the victim's state of neglect prior to death. It also aimed to demonstrate the impact of new emerging technologies; encouraging researchers to further pursue this line of research. More multidisciplinary research would lead to better understanding and identifying novel research areas. Consequently, that could meet scientific and legal expectations.Mimo ogromnych postępów w badaniach podstawowych i stosowanych entomologia sądowa stale się rozwija i jest uznawana za interdyscyplinarną dziedzinę wiedzy. W zestawieniu z innymi naukami prawnymi i biologicznymi publikacje z zakresu entomologii sądowej są jednak stosunkowo skromne, podobnie jak liczba entomologów sądowych. Głównym celem niniejszej pracy jest przedstawienie znaczenia entomologii sądowej przez omówienie jej zastosowań, czynności podejmowane przez entomologów mogą bowiem dostarczać istotnych informacji dotyczących czasu, miejsca i przyczyny śmierci, ułatwiać identyfikację sprawców i/lub ofiar przestępstwa, a w niektórych przypadkach także określać stan zaniedbania ofiar przed śmiercią. W pracy omówiono też możliwość wykorzystywania zdobyczy najnowocześniejszych technologii. Interdyscyplinarność prac badawczych umożliwi dalsze zgłębianie tej dziedziny, przyczyniając się do wytyczania nowych obszarów badań z korzyścią dla rozwoju nauki oraz zastosowań kryminalistycznych.

Several reports have been shown the pivotal role of oxidative stress in the progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Polydatin (PD), a natural phytochemical, has wide range of pharmacological actions, however, the underlying beneficial effects in pancreas was not clarified. In the current study, using in vivo and in vitro models, we investigated the possible protective effects of PD against oxidative damage in pancreatic β-cells. Diabetic rats were examined after oral administration with PD (50 mg/kg b.wt.) for 28 days. Results revealed that PD significantly enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin secretion in the bloodstream of diabetic rats as well as lipid metabolism. Interestingly, in vivo results indicated that PD decreased the lipid peroxidation, improved the antioxidant status, and inhibited the inflammation in pancreas. Alongside, we artificially induced oxidative stress by exposing the insulin-producing RINm5F cells to hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of PD. The co-treatment with PD preserved cell viability, reduced ROS accumulation, as well as enhanced the anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and cell function markers. To conclude, PD exhibited potential action in preserving β-cell function and inhibiting oxidative damage probably through its antioxidant properties. Thus, PD could be a possible therapeutic agent for diabetic patients.

Background Peribulbar Anesthesia (PBA) is a relatively safe method for cataract surgery. The anesthetic volume should be adjusted according to the axial eyeball length. Thus, using Minimum Effective Volume (MEV) of local anesthetic helps avoiding unnecessary volumes, preventing increases in intra-ocular pressure, and producing satisfactory conditions for cataract surgery. This study aims to determine the MEV90 of local anesthetics in relation to eye globe axial length in peribulbar blocks for cataract surgery. Methods Patients scheduled for cataract extraction under local anesthesia were divided according to their axial eyeball length; Group 1 included those with axial length from 22 to 24 mm, Group 2 included patients with axial length from 24.1 to 26 mm. The initial volume used was 7 mL of a solution of bupivacaine 0.5% (3 mL) + lidocaine 2% (3 mL) + hyaluronidase 150 IU (1 mL). The subsequent volumes were dependent on the response of the previous patient, by using a Bias Coin Design (BCD) and Up and Down Method (UDM) for MEV-90 determination. Results The study was concluded with 119 patients. Sixteen patients needed supplemental volume of local anesthetic in Group 1 and thirteen in Group 2. The MEV90 for Group 1 was approximately 5.82 mL (95% CI 5.6 to 5.87 mL) and 5.45 mL for Group 2 (95% CI 5.38 to 5.91 mL). No major complications were noted. There was a negative correlation between the effective volume of LA and eye globe axial length in both groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion The MEV90 of local anesthetics for peribulbar block show a strong and inverse correlation with eye globe axial length. This may help achieving an effective block with minimum complications.

This study is aimed at assessing the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects ofCitrus reticulata(C. reticulata) fruit peel hydroethanolic extract and two flavonoids, hesperidin and quercetin, in nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced type 2 diabetic rats. In addition, GC-MS and HPLC-MS analyses of the extract were performed and the results indicated the presence of multiple flavonoids including hesperidin, quercetin, naringin, and polymethoxylated flavones (nobiletin and tangeretin). To achieve the aim of the study, diabetic rats with NA/STZ-induced T2DM were orally treated withC. reticulatafruit peel hydroethanolic extract, hesperidin, and quercetin at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.w./day for four weeks. The treatments withC. reticulatafruit peel extract, hesperidin, and quercetin significantly ameliorated the impaired oral glucose tolerance; the elevated serum fructosamine level; the diminished serum insulin and C-peptide levels; the altered HOMA-IR, HOMA-IS, and HOMA-βcell function; the decreased liver glycogen content; the increased liver glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase activities; the deleteriously affected serum lipid profile; the elevated serum AST and ALT activities; and the raised serum creatinine and urea levels in the diabetic rats. The treatments also produced remarkable improvement in the antioxidant defense system manifested by a decrease in the elevated liver lipid peroxidation and an increase in the lowered glutathione content and GPx, GST, and SOD activities. Furthermore, the three treatments enhanced the mRNA expression of GLUT-4 and the insulin receptorβ-subunit, but only quercetin produced a significant increase in the expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue of diabetic rats. In conclusion,C. reticulatafruit peel hydroethanolic extract, hesperidin, and quercetin have potent antidiabetic effects which may be mediated through their insulinotropic effects and insulin-sensitizing actions. In addition, the alleviation of the antioxidant defense system by the extract, hesperidin, and naringin may have an important action to enhance the antidiabetic actions and to improve liver and kidney functions in NA/STZ-induced diabetic rats.

There are many indications that confirm the vital role of adipocytokines and PPARγ in diabetics. Hence, the current investigation aimed to study the modulatory effects of gallic acid and p-coumaric acid on adipocytokines secretion and PPARγ mRNA expression in type 2 diabetic rats. After induction of type 2 diabetes, diabetic rats were orally treated with 20 mg/kg body mass gallic acid and 40 mg/kg body mass p-coumaric acid for six weeks. Among treatment diabetic rats, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels significantly declined in diabetic rats, while insulin level and body weight significantly increased as compared to control group. Gallic acid and p-coumaric acid markedly decreased the level of TNF-α and increased the levels of PPARγ mRNA and adiponectin. In addition, the tested agents improved markedly lipid profile parameters, cardiovascular indices 1 and 2 and anti-atherogenic index. In conclusion, gallic acid and p-coumaric acid exhibited marked antidiabetic action that could be mediated via modulation of TNF-α and adipocytokines secretions as well as upregulation of PPARγ mRNA expression.

The therapy of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) stays a challenging issue. During the last decade, there has been an interest in the expansion of anti-diabetic drugs especially those of natural sources. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the anti-hyperglycemic and the anti-hyperlipidemic effects as well as the anti-oxidant activities of navel orange hydroethanolic extract and its constituting flavonoids naringin and naringenin on nicotineamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. To induce T2DM, 16h-fasted rats were intraperitoneally injected with STZ at dose of 50mg/kg body weight (b. w.), 15min after the intraperitoneal administration of NA (120mg/kg b. w.). The NA/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats were orally treated with navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and narengenin at dose level of 100mg/kg b. w./day for 4 weeks. The treatments with navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and narengenin potentially alleviated the lowered serum insulin and C-peptide levels, the depleted liver glycogen content, the elevated liver glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase activities, the deteriorated serum lipid profile, and the suppressed liver antioxidant defense system of NA/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats. The treatments also enhanced the mRNA expression of insulin receptor β-subunit, GLUT4 and adiponectin in adipose tissue of STZ/NA-induced type 2 diabetic rats. In conclusion, the navel orange peel hydroethanolic extract, naringin and naringenin have potent anti-diabetic effects in NA/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats via their insulinotropic effects and insulin improving action which in turn may be mediated through enhancing insulin receptor, GLUT4 and adiponectin expression in adipose tissue.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is commonly used in industry, and is a proven toxin and carcinogen. However, the information regarding its neurotoxic mechanism is not completely understood. The present study was designed to scrutinize the possible protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a bioactive phenolic of propolis extract, on Cr(VI)-induced brain injury in rats, with an emphasis on the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Rats received 2mg/kgK2CrO4 and concurrently treated with 20mg/kg CAPE for 30 days. Cr(VI)-induced rats showed a significant increase in cerebral lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines, with concomitantly declined antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase. CAPE attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced antioxidant defenses in the cerebrum of rats. Cr(VI) significantly up-regulated JAK2, STAT3 and SOCS3, an effect that was reversed by CAPE. In conclusion, CAPE protects the brain against Cr(VI) toxicity through abrogation of oxidative stress, inflammation and down-regulation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling in a SOCS3-independent mechanism.

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) is a bioactive component of licorice with promising hepatoprotective activity. However, its protective mechanism on methotrexate (MTX) hepatotoxicity in not well defined. We investigated the hepatoprotective effect of 18β-GA, pointing to the role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and the redox-sensitive nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Wistar rats were orally administered 18β-GA (50 and 100 mg/kg) 7 days either before or after MTX injection. MTX induced significant increase in circulating liver function marker enzymes and bilirubin with concomitant declined albumin levels. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, and liver malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were significantly increased in MTX-induced rats. Treatment with 18β-GA significantly reduced serum enzymes of liver function, bilirubin and pro-inflammatory cytokines. 18β-GA attenuated MTX-induced oxidative stress and restored the antioxidant defenses. In addition, 18β-GA improved liver histological structure and decreased the expression of Bax whereas increased Bcl-2 expression. MTX-induced rats showed significant down-regulation of Nrf2, hemoxygenase-1 and PPARγ, an effect that was markedly reversed by 18β-GA supplemented either before or after MTX. In conclusion, 18β-GA protected against MTX-induced liver injury, possibly by activating Nrf2 and PPARγ, and subsequent attenuation of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Therefore, 18β-GA can provide protection against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Identification of semen residues has relevant consequences, especially for what concerns the ascertainment of possible sexual assault. Forensic scientists usually focus on the vaginal swab for semen detection despite the importance of semen deposition on the skin. Postmortem identification of spermatozoa on putrefied human skin is still under investigation. Sperm Hy-Liter™ is an antibody technique, used to identify human spermatozoa heads in forensic stains. This approach has the potential to eliminate spermatozoa visualization problems in a traditional method. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare between the traditional method (light microscope and staining via hematoxylin/eosin) and a fluorescence-based method (by using fluorescent microscope and staining via Sperm Hy-Liter™) for postmortem identification of spermatozoa on human skin at different time intervals. A piece of human skin was divided into three strips; the first was a negative control while semen was spread on the second and third skin strips. The first (control) and second groups were stained by hematoxylin/eosin for light microscopic examinations. The third group was stained by Sperm Hy-Liter™ then examined under fluorescent microscope. The results revealed that the spermatozoa identifiability was up to 110 days based on Sperm Hy-Liter™ and fluorescent microscope, while it was up to 12 days via using hematoxylin/eosin and light microscope. Further studies are recommended in order to verify not only the accuracy of the used method on skin of dead victims but also to evaluate persistence of spermatozoa on different body sites and fabrics.Identyfikacja śladów nasienia ma istotne znaczenie, zwłaszcza w sprawach wymagających potwierdzenia, że doszło do napaści na tle seksualnym. Przy wykrywaniu nasienia specjaliści medycyny sądowej zazwyczaj wykorzystują metodę wymazu z pochwy, choć ważną rolę odgrywa także analiza obecności nasienia na skórze. Pośmiertna identyfikacja plemników na skórze objętej rozkładem gnilnym stanowi przedmiot ciągłych badań. Sperm Hy-Liter™ jest techniką bazującą na przeciwciałach, która może być wykorzystywana w medycynie sądowej do identyfikacji główek plemników ludzkich w zaplamieniach biologicznych. Technika może wyeliminować trudności z wizualizacją plemników, które występują w metodzie tradycyjnej. Celem pracy było porównanie metody konwencjonalnej (mikroskop optyczny oraz barwienie hematoksyliną i eozyną) z metodą fluorescencyjną (mikroskop fluorescencyjny i barwienie z wykorzystaniem zestawu Sperm Hy-Liter™) w pośmiertnej identyfikacji plemników na skórze ludzkiej w różnych odstępach czasowych. Fragment skóry ludzkiej podzielono na trzy skrawki. Pierwszy stanowił ujemną próbkę kontrolną, natomiast na drugim i trzecim skrawku skóry rozprowadzono nasienie. Pierwszy (kontrolny) i drugi skrawek skóry wybarwiono hematoksyliną i eozyną w celu obserwacji pod mikroskopem optycznym. Trzeci skrawek poddano barwieniu przy wykorzystaniu zestawu Sperm Hy-Liter™, a następnie analizowano pod mikroskopem fluorescencyjnym. Okres identyfikowalności plemników wynosił do 110 dni przy zastosowaniu zestawu Sperm Hy-Liter™ i mikroskopu fluorescencyjnego oraz do 12 dni w przypadku próbek barwionych hematoksyliną i eozyną, a następnie analizowanych pod mikroskopem optycznym. Zaleca się przeprowadzenie kolejnych badań w celu weryfikacji dokładności zastosowanej metody pośmiertnej identyfikacji plemników na skórze ludzkiej, a także oceny czasu ich utrzymywania się w poszczególnych lokalizacjach ciała i na różnych materiałach.

Dear Editor,4-Fluoroamphetamine (4-FA), known as “ecstasy light”, is a widely used ring-substituted amphetamine. Three cases of severe adverse effects related to 4-FA use comprising Takotsubo’s syn...

Liver injury is one of the adverse effects of methotrexate (MTX). Ferulic acid (FA) is an antioxidant phytochemical that confers hepatoprotective efficacy; however, its effect against MTX hepatotoxicity remains unexplored. This study investigated the role of FA in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, and PPARγ in MTX-administered rats. Following oral FA supplementation for 15 days, rats received a single dose of MTX at day 16 and samples were collected at day 19. MTX provoked multiple histological manifestations, including degenerative changes, steatosis, inflammatory cells infiltration and hemorrhage, and altered serum transaminases, bilirubin, and albumin. Reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide were increased in the liver of rats that received MTX. FA prevented all histological alterations, ameliorated liver function markers, suppressed oxidative stress, and boosted antioxidants in MTX-induced rats. FA reduced serum TNF-α and IL-1β, and hepatic NF-κB p65, Bax, and caspase-3, whereas increased Bcl-2, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, and PPARγ. In conclusion, FA prevented MTX hepatotoxicity by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and PPARγ, and attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) and represents a major problem in the clinical setting. We investigated the possible involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in methotrexate (MTX)-induced nephrotoxicity and the protective potential of ferulic acid (FA), pointing out the role of PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Rats that received MTX showed a significant increase in circulating creatinine and urea, and kidney Kim-1 levels along with multiple histological alterations. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels showed a significant increase in the kidney of rats that received MTX, while antioxidant defenses were diminished. FA ameliorated kidney function markers, prevented histological alterations, suppressed ROS production and enhanced antioxidant defenses. FA inhibited MTX-induced inflammasome activation as showed by the decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB, and expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β. MTX caused apoptosis marked by increased expression of BAX, cytochrome c and caspase-3, and suppressed Bcl-2, effects that were significantly reversed in FA-treated groups. In addition, FA up-regulated Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling and PPARγ expression in the kidney of MTX-induced rats. In conclusion, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may represent a new mechanism for MTX nephrotoxicity. FA up-regulated PPARγ and Nrf2 signaling, prevented overproduction of ROS, and suppressed NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and apoptosis in the kidney of MTX-induced rats.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health concerns around the world. This study describes the epidemiology of reported STI cases from 2005 to 2012 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: The annual registry was the main source of data as reported by healthcare providers. Case definitions were based on positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blot test for HIV cases. The definitions of other STIs were based on published Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions. Results: During the study period, 68,886 new cases were reported, with nongonococcal urethritis being the highest STI (25.4) per 100,000 population (25.4), followed by trichomoniasis (9.1), HIV (7), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (2.9), and syphilis (1.3). The cases included nongonococcal urethritis (n = 35,613; 51.7%), trichomoniasis (n = 12,679; 18.4%), gonococcal urethritis (n = 3,006; 4.4%), syphilis (n = 1,769; 2.6%), HIV (n = 9,843; 14.3%), genital warts (n = 4,018; 5.8%), genital herpes (n = 1,508; 2.2%), and chancroid (n = 450; 0.7%). Saudi contribution to HIV cases increased from 28.9% in the preceding decade to 43.5% in the current study. Conclusions: Nongonococcal urethritis, trichomoniasis, and HIV were the most commonly reported STIs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) has multiple beneficial and therapeutic effects. However, its protective roles on methotrexate (MTX)-induced renal injury are not well defined. In the present study, we investigated the possible protective effects of 18β-GA against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.18β-GA (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered for 7 days either before or after MTX. The rats were decapitated and kidney and serum samples were collected.MTX-induced renal injury in rats was evidenced by the significant (p 0.001) increase in circulating kidney function markers and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), as well as the histopathological alterations. MTX-induced rats exhibited significantly increased lipid peroxidation (p 0.05) and nitric oxide (p 0.001) levels, with concomitant marked (p 0.001) decline in the antioxidant defenses. 18β-GA, administered either before or after MTX, produced a significant amelioration of circulating kidney function markers, TNF-α, kidney lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and antioxidant defenses. In addition, 18β-GA supplementation significantly up-regulated the mRNA abundance of both nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemoxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the kidney of MTX-induced rats.These results indicate that 18β-GA has a protective effect on MTX-induced nephrotoxicity with possible mechanisms of attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation through up-regulating the Nrf2/ARE signaling. These findings make 18β-GA candidate as a potent agent in preventing MTX-induced kidney injury.

AIM: To assess the associations between the body adiposity indices and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in Egyptian women and to evaluate their predictive power.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis performed on 180 Egyptian women aged between 25-35 years. They were 90 women with MS diagnosed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and 90 healthy age matched controls. Body adiposity index (BAI), body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were calculated and serum samples were analyzed for metabolic parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) was used to determine the discriminatory capacity of BAI, WHR WHtR and BMI for MS.RESULTS: Area under the curve (AUC) was highest for BIA, followed by WHR, WHtR and then BMI. All adiposity indices were significantly correlated with metabolic components and BAI had the highest correlation coefficients compared to other indices.CONCLUSION: BAI is a practical predictor for MS and has satisfactory diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing MS among Egyptian women and can be used in addition to WHR, WHtR and BMI for identifying MS in the field studies.

Background Gilbert syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of bilirubin glucuronidation which has not been investigated in Egypt. This longitudinal study investigated the frequency, clinical course, genetic profile and health related quality of life in Egyptian adults. Methods An initial cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the frequency of Gilbert syndrome among Egyptian adults. Subjects fulfilling the criteria of GS were enrolled into the study and prospectively followed for the clinical features, risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia, health related quality of life [Short form-36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)], vitamins assessment and UGT1A1 polymorphisms. Results One hundred and one subjects fulfilled the criteria of GS with a prevalence of 8.016%. Recurrent jaundice was the only presentation in 47 (56.627%) GS subjects and jaundice was associated with abdominal pain, dyspepsia or loss of appetite in 54 (53.465%) subjects. A significant difference in 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 levels was detected between GS patients and control subjects (P 12 h, pregnancy, and low calorie weight losing plans, systemic infections, and intensive physical effort. During jaundice attacks, subjects with GS had significant differences in vitality, role emotional, social functioning, worry and general health domains of the SF-36v2 and CLDQ compared to controls. The homozygous polymorphism A(TA)7TAA was the most frequent polymorphism in Egyptians with GS. Conclusion Gilbert syndrome is a frequent inherited disorder in Egypt. In a substantial percentage of subjects with GS, episodes of jaundice are associated with other symptoms and nutritional deficiencies which result in impairment of HRQOL. Screening, counseling, monitoring and individualized health care are recommended for subjects with GS in the setting of anesthesia, pregnancy, treatment with DAAs, deliveries, surgery and weight loss plans.

Introduction: The incidence of HIV/AIDS is increasing worldwide and in the Middle East. In this study, we analyzed the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the patterns of CD4 and viral load (VL), and stage of presentation. Methodology: Laboratory variables, ART use, and CD4 count were obtained and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 997 cases from eight HIV/AIDS care providers were included. Of the total cases, 274 (28.3%) had a CD4 count of < 200 cells/mm3, and 413 (42.3%) had a viral load of > 5 log10. Of the total cases, 50% were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and the majority of cases were asymptomatic (70%). Of those patients on ART, 247 (39.5%) took tenofovir/emtricitabine combined with either efavirenz (147; 14.7%) or lopinavir/ritonavir (100; 10%), and 158 (15.8%) were on lamivudine and zidovudine with either efavirenz (32; 3.2%) or lopinavir/ritonavir (126; 12.6%). Other combinations were used in 70 (7%) patients. The mean (± standard deviation) of baseline CD4 and viral load were 401 cells/mm3 (322 cells/mm3) and 4.6 log1010 (1.3 log10), respectively. At diagnosis, 72% of patients were asymptomatic; 50% had AIDS and 20% had CD4 count < 350. Conclusions: ART use was in line with international guidelines, but the number of patients receiving ART was lower than expected. Large proportions of cases presented late with AIDS at diagnosis or had CD4 < 350. Further data is needed to evaluate the medical care of patients with HIV/AIDS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The DNA analysis is a cornerstone in contemporary forensic sciences. DNA sequencing technologies are powerful tools that enrich molecular sciences in the past based on Sanger sequencing and continue to glowing these sciences based on Next generation sequencing (NGS). Next generation sequencing has excellent potential to flourish and increase the molecular applications in forensic sciences by jumping over the pitfalls of the conventional method of sequencing. The main advantages of NGS compared to conventional method that it utilizes simultaneously a large number of genetic markers with high-resolution of genetic data. These advantages will help in solving several challenges such as mixture analysis and dealing with minute degraded samples. Based on these new technologies, many markers could be examined to get important biological data such as age, geographical origins, tissue type determination, external visible traits and monozygotic twins identification. It also could get data related to microbes, insects, plants and soil which are of great medico-legal importance. Despite the dozens of forensic research involving NGS, there are requirements before using this technology routinely in forensic cases. Thus, there is a great need to more studies that address robustness of these techniques. Therefore, this work highlights the applications of forensic sciences in the era of massively parallel sequencing.

Introduction To assess the prevalence of metabolic risk indicators for the metabolic syndrome (MS) in a sample of obese Egyptian adolescents and to compare anthropometric and biochemical parameters in subjects with one or two parameters of the MS with those who meet MS criteria. Material and methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 obese adolescents, with a mean age of 15.45 ±2.54 years. Variables examined included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), insulin and insulin resistance (IR) measured by Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the predictive powers of anthropometric parameters associated with increased risk for the MS. Results The overall prevalence of the MS was 20%. Individuals meeting 3 or more MS criteria had significantly higher levels of BP, TG, glucose, insulin and HOMA-R and low HDL levels compared with those who had 1 or 2 MS criteria. Area under the curve (AUC) for identifying the MS risk factors was the highest for WHR, followed by WC and BMI in both genders (p < 0.001). Conclusions The most prevalent metabolic risk factors that compose the MS were arterial hypertension, low HDL and hypertriglyceridemia; BMI tended to be the weakest index for identifying MS risk factors, while WHR was the best predictive index in both genders.

AIM: To investigate the association of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ( PPARG ) Pro12Ala polymorphism with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its effect on the metabolic parameters in PCOS women. METHODS: The study used PCR to identify the presence of the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism in 100 PCOS women and 120 age-matched healthy women. All participants were subjected to anthropometry, biochemical and metabolic evaluation. RESULTS: Significant difference in the genotypes distributions of PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism was observed among PCOS women and controls (p = 0.03). The frequency of the polymorphic allele Ala was significantly higher in PCOS cases than that in the controls (OR = 2.01, p = 0.01). The carries of the variant allele Ala in PCOS women showed significant higher values in body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, sum of skin folds, fasting blood glucose, fasting blood insulin, HOMA-IR, fasting triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein than non-carriers. CONCLUSION: The PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism might contribute to the risk of PCOS and abnormal metabolic parameters and could be considered as a biomarker for early diagnosis and clinic prediction of metabolic complications.

Ten different microalgal species were screened for their antioxidant activity using 2,2 ́-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, both total phenolic and carotenoid contents were determined. The ethanolic extract ofOscillatoriasp. showed the highest antioxidant activity (69.1 %), while the greenChlorellasp. showed higher phenolic content (39.1 mg GAE g-1dry wt.) andScenedesmus obliquusrecorded higher carotenoid content (3.73 mg L-1), than cyanobacterial species Microalgal biomass plays a great role as a potential source of natural antioxidants, not only due to the carotenoids but also the phenolic compounds.

The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of different extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol (70%) and water) of three tested cyanobacterial species (Phormidium sp., Oscillatoria sp. and Nostoc muscorum ) were evaluated, using 2,2 ́-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method and Folin–Ciocalteu method, respectively. The ethanolic extract of Oscillatoria sp. possessed the highest antioxidant activity (69.13±0.35 %) and therefore could be potential source of natural antioxidants. The correlation coefficients between the antioxidant activities and the phenolic contents were very small in most of extracts (R2 = 0.0291-0.2934). However, the water extract demonstrated relatively higher value (R2= 0.7446). Thus, phenolic compounds may not be considered the major contributors for the antioxidant activities of these cyanobacterial species. So, other antioxidant substances may be present in the extract and share in this activity.

Spirulina platenisiswas screened for antioxidant activity, water soluble pigments (phycobiliproteins) and secondary metabolites. Successive extraction by hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol (70%) and water was carried out. Ethyl acetate extract demostrated high antioxidant activity with both 2,2 ́-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging (47±0.32 %) and β-Carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays (93.64±0.25%),while, it showed very low antioxidant activity with 2, 2 ́-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging method. Relatively high phycobiliproteins (0.16±0.01 mg ml-1), total phenolic content (21.88±1.67 mg GAE g-1dry wt.), total alkaloids (3.02±0.06 %) and total terpenoids (0.14±0.00%) were determined.

Aim To compare the reliability of short and long cytochrome oxidase I gene fragment (COI) in identification of forensically important Diptera from Egypt and China. Methods We analyzed 50 specimens belonging to 18 species. The two investigated markers were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by direct sequencing. Nucleotide sequence divergences were calculated using the Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distance model and neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic trees. Results Although both tested fragments showed an overlap between intra and interspecific variations, long marker had greater completeness of monophyletic separation with high bootstrap support. Moreover, NJ tree based on the long fragment clustered species more in accordance with their taxonomic classification than that based on the short fragment. Conclusion In dipterous identification, it is recommended to use the long COI marker due to its greater reliability and safety.

This paper discusses the effectiveness of installing two types of FACTS devices, namely STATCOM and DVR to enhance the fault ride through (FRT) capability of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) applied in wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The response of the DFIG to a 3-phase ground fault is investigated with each of these devices. Comparing the stator and rotor voltages, stator and rotor currents, active and reactive power, of the two investigated systems is presented. PI controllers are employed to allow the rotor speed to follow the turbine speed and to adjust the applied rotor voltage magnitude and phase angle according to the wind turbine speed for maximum power tracking. This is achieved by controlling the two PWM converters connected between the rotor circuit and the electrical grid. Results showed a better FRT when using the STATCOM device with the DFIG.

Background and Aim. Trace elements and vitamins play a vital role in human body to perform its function properly. Thalassemic patients are at risk of micronutrient deficiency. This study estimated levels of vitamins A, C, E, B12, folic acid, total homocysteine (tHcy), and methylmalonic acid (MMA) along with trace elements, zinc, copper, and selenium in Beta-thalassemia-major patients.Methods. This study included 108 patients with Beta-thalassemia-major and 60 age and sex matched healthy children. Serum levels of vitamin A, E, C, tHcy, and MMA were estimated by high pressure liquid chromatography while serum levels of folic acid and B12 were estimated by thin layer chromatography. Serum zinc, copper, and selenium were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.Results. There was a significant decrease of vitamins A, C, E, and B12 and trace elements zinc, copper, and selenium in thalassemic patients as compared to controls. tHcy and MMA were significantly elevated in patients. No significant correlations were found between the serum levels of the studied vitamins and trace elements as regards age, frequency of transfusion, duration of transfusion, and serum ferritin.Conclusion. The level of various nutritional biomarkers (vitamins A, C, E, and B12 and trace elements zinc, copper, selenium) was reduced in chronically transfused Egyptian thalassemic patient. These patients should have periodic nutritional evaluation and supplementation. Multicenter studies are highly recommended.

Ming Zhong1, Xiang Wang1, Jifang Wen1*, Jifeng Cai2, Chang Wu1, and Sanaa Mohamed Aly2 Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China *Correspondence address. Tel: þ86-731-82650400; Fax: þ86-731-82650410; E-mail: jifangw@yahoo.com

In recent years, iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) has been suggested to have an association with childhood-onset ischemic stroke in otherwise healthy children, but few cases have proven it thus far. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether iron-deficiency anemia is a risk factor for cerebrovascular events and childhood-onset ischemic stroke in previously healthy children. This was a case–control study that included 21 stroke cases with patients who had previously been generally healthy, and matched with age and gender of 100 healthy control subjects. Patients were included if a diagnosis of definite stroke had been made and other known etiologies of childhood onset stroke were excluded. For all subjects, iron parameters including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron binding capacity, and transferrin saturation were assessed. We screened all case patients for prothrombotic factors including level of hemoglobin S, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, lupus anticoagulant, factor V Leiden, and prothrombin gene mutation (G20210A). Brain magnetic resonance images (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) were performed to all case patients. All case patients have normal results regarding functional, immunological, and molecular assay for prothrombotic factors screening. Our results showed that IDA was disclosed in 57.1 % of stroke cases with no identified cause, as compared to 26 % of controls. Our study suggest that previously healthy children who developed stroke are 3.8 times more likely to have IDA than healthy children, who do not develop stroke (OR, 3.8; 95 % CI:1.3–11.2 P = 0.005). In addition, there was significant interaction between IDA and thrombocytosis among studied cases (OR, 10.5; 95 % CI, 1.0–152 P = 0.02). There were nonsignificant differences between stroke patients with IDA and those with normal iron parameters regarding stroke subtype (P > 0.05). Public health messages on the importance of early detection of iron-deficiency anemia in young children, especially in our developing countries so that it can be treated before a life-threatening complication like stroke develops.

The blowfly Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) cannot only act as a mechanical vector of various pathogens, but also infest man and animals causing human health problems and economic losses in the livestock and fish industries. As in other insects, olfaction of this species plays an important role in host location and is presumably mediated via transmembrane receptor signaling pathways. Here, we isolate and characterize CmegGr1 and CmegGr2, two new members of the chemosensory receptor gene family from C. megacephala. The open reading frames of CmegGr1 and CmegGr2 cDNA clones encode 453 and 486 amino acid residues, respectively. These two deduced proteins display high amino acid conservation with previously identified carbon dioxide (CO₂) receptors, such as Drosophila melanogaster Gr21a/Gr63a and Anopheles gambiae s.s. Gr22/Gr24. Further sequence analysis showed that both proteins are consistent with their corresponding orthologs in the membrane topology prediction with some ambiguities in the location of N terminus and the number of transmembrane domains. The transcripts of CmegGr1 and CmegGr2 were detected in the major chemosensory organs including the antennae and proboscises with maxillary palps attached. These results suggest that CmegGr1 and CmegGr2 are likely to be the primary receptors for CO₂ detection in C. megacephala. Knowledge of the molecular identity of the blowfly olfactory CO₂ receptors may aid in the development of novel control strategies designed to take advantage of this unique and critical olfactory pathway.