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Radiotherapy is an indispensable cancer treatment approach. However, it is associated with hazardous consequences on multiple organs characterized by insidious worsening severity over time. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in radiation-induced premature ovarian failure (POF). Exposing female rats to 3.2 Gy whole-body ϒ-rays successfully induced POF. One week later, a single intravenous injection of BM-MSCs (2*106) cells was administered. BM-MSCs perfectly home to the damaged ovaries, enhanced ovarian follicle pool, and preserved the ovarian function manifested by restoring serum estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone levels, besides, rescuing the fertility outcomes of irradiated rats. These events have been associated with inhibiting ovarian apoptosis (Bax/Bcl2, caspase 3) and enhancing proliferation (PCNA). Interestingly, BM-MSCs reversed the inhibition of ovarian FOXO3 expression induced by radiation which resulted in increased primordial follicles stock. Moreover, BM-MSCs recovered the suppressed folliculogenesis process induced by radiation through upregulating FOXO1, GDF-9, and Fst genes expression accompanied by downregulating TGF-β which enhanced granulosa cells proliferation and secondary follicle development. Mechanistically, BM-MSCs miRNAs epigenetically upregulate Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo signaling pathways which are implicated in ovarian follicles growth and maturation. Therefore, BM-MSCs presented a ray of hope in the treatment of radiation-associated POF through genetic and epigenetic modulation of the integrated TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hippo pathways which control apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation of ovarian follicles.

When an explosive burns, gaseous products are formed as a result. The interaction of the burning solid and gas is not well understood. More specifically, the process of the gaseous product heating the explosive is yet to be explored in detail. The present work sets out to fill some of that gap using mathematical modelling: this aims to track the temperature profile in the explosive. The work begins by modelling single-step reactions using a simple Arrhenius model. The model is then extended to include three-step reaction. An alternative asymptotic approach is also employed. There is close agreement between results from the full reaction-diffusion problem and the asymptotic problem.

Four simple, precise and sensitive UV- spectrophotometric procedures were achieved for estimation of tenofovir alafenamide in the presence of its alkaline degradate. Dual wavelength was the first one which based on determination of the drug at 235.5 nm and 261.5 nm. First – derivative spectrophotometric method was the second one which the amplitude values were measured at 274 nm using Δλ of 8 nm and a scaling factor of 20. Third one was ratio difference which peak’s amplitudes ratio spectra difference of tenofovir alafenamide was measured between 261.5 nm and 252 nm using devisor of 10 μg mL-1 of its alkaline degradate. While the last method was a first derivative of ratio spectra using Δλ = 8 nm and a scaling factor = 10 to measure the amplitude at 275.6 nm. The linearity range was 5-35 μg mL–1 in all procedures. The suggested procedures were effectively utilized for the estimation of the cited drug in bulk form as well as its dosage forms. According to ICH guidelines, all procedures were validated. Moreover, (Analytical eco-scale and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) were used to estimate the greenness of the suggested methods compared with a reported one as two assessment tools.

The mining sector is one of the economic sectors that influences the economic growth of a region. Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is one of the indicators to observe the gross economic condition of a region. In this study, an analysis was conducted on the role of the mining sector and other economic sectors in the regional economic growth of Kolaka District based on the GRDP data. The goal is to determine the basis of the economic sectors that could increase the economic growth of the Kolaka District and the potential of the mining sector in supporting the economic growth of this region. This research required GRDP data of Kolaka District and Southeast Sulawesi Province based on the constant price for the 2010 base year according to the business fields from 2010 to 2018 and general conditions as well as the map of Kolaka District. The research methods used in this study were the location quotient analysis and shift-share analysis. Judging from the contribution of the mining sector to GRDP, the value of LQ > 1, which means the mining sector is a basic sector or a sector that can encourage economic growth in Kolaka District even able to export outside the region of Kolaka District and the mining sector it is a sector that shows fast and progressive growth.

Background: Sleep quality and disturbances have been suggested to play an important role in cardiovascular disease risk. Objective(s): The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible relationship between quality of sleep, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular disease risk in adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Hospital. The participants of this study were 124 adults who were subjected to be interviewed with sleep questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness scale, Berlin Questionnaire, and Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale. Their blood pressure and body mass index were measured, along with the fasting blood glucose and lipid profile assessment. Moreover, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was calculated. The participants were then classified into two groups according to their estimated risk of ASCVD: low- or borderline-risk group and intermediate- or high-risk group. Results: In both groups, the comparison of the results of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) showed a significant difference: total score (about 40% of bad sleepers and 20% of good sleepers had intermediate to high ASCVD risk), subjective sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and the use of sleep medications (p values = 0.015, 0.023, and 0.023, respectively). Moderate positive correlations were observed between the ASCVD risk score and total PSQI score (r = 0.4, p < 0.001), subjective sleep (r = 0.332, p < 0.001), sleep latency (r = 0.3, p = 0.006), sleep duration (r = 0.4, p < 0.001), sleep efficiency (r = 0.4, p = 0.001), sleep disturbance (r = 0.218, p = 0.016), and the use of sleep medications (r = 0.24, p = 0.002). In both groups, a significant difference was observed in the severity of restless legs syndrome (p value = 0.012). Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, the overall sleep quality was linked to a higher estimated risk of developing cardiovascular events. A significant positive moderate correlation was found between sleep quality scores and cardiovascular risk, especially sleep efficiency and duration.

Background: Epistaxis or nosebleeds is a common complaint especially in young children. Most of the risk factors causing epistaxis are preventable or modifiable, so identification of these risk factors decreases complications that may be happening with epistaxis. Objectives: To determine the related risk factors of epistaxis among children aged 6-12 years old in Lower Egypt and its frequency.Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted on 758 children. By multistage sampling technique, Sharkia and Menoufia governorates were selected to represent Lower Egypt, Zagazig and Shebin El-Kom health districts were selected, then four family health facilities were chosen to represent urban and rural areas. Data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, characters of the epistaxis attack and many related risk factors were collected via a semi-structured questionnaire.Results: The study revealed a high frequency of epistaxis (35.4%) among children aged 6-12 years old. About (53.3%) of them were of low socioeconomic standard. The attacks were more frequent in winter (43.7%) and most of them were of a little amount of bleeding. the risk was more evident with head and face trauma, cigarette smoke exposure, children suffering from a chronic cough or nasal allergy or using steroid-containing drugs.Conclusion: there is a high frequency of epistaxis among young children. Most of the related risk factors are easily modifiable to prevent the recurrence of the attacks. Health education regarding children's safety measures with increasing awareness about red flags is still needed.Keywords: allergic rhinitis, frequency, Lower Egypt, nosebleed, trauma.

Objective: Determine seizure frequency and association with neurologic outcomes in infants undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Identify patient or clinical factors associated with seizures or brain injury on imaging. Methods: Retrospective, single-center study including infants less than 1 year of age, who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between 2012 and 2017. Results: A total of 104 infants met study criteria including 45 patients with continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring during their extracorporeal membrane oxygenation run and 59 infants without EEG. Seizures (electrographic-only or electro-clinical) were identified in 18 of the 45 (40%). Among the 18 infants with seizures, 14 (78%) had moderate to severe brain injury, whereas only 44% of those without seizures (12 of 27) on EEG had moderate to severe brain injury ( P = .03). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECPR), mode of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, length of stay, survival to discharge, and congenital heart disease were not associated with seizures. One of 10 patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease due to hypoplastic left heart syndrome had seizures compared with 7 of 10 patients with non–hypoplastic left heart syndrome lesions ( P = .02). Seizures were associated with moderate to severe brain injury, after adjusting for ECPR and congenital heart disease ( P = .04). Conclusions: Electrographic seizures were common in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and higher than previously reported. Seizures were associated with moderate to severe abnormalities on imaging, after adjusting for ECPR and congenital heart disease. This study adds to recent literature describing the risk of seizures in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and highlights the presence of brain injuries that may be identified by routine EEG surveillance.

Background: Epistaxis is a common pediatric complaint, so we study its risk factors trying to control and decrease it among primary school children. Objectives: To determine frequency of epistaxis and to assess the risk factors of epistaxis in primary school children (8-12 years old). Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study that was conducted on 312 children. Sample was collected by systematic random technique from the children attending to Family Health Center, Sanafa, Mit-Ghamr city, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Participants’ data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, and risk factors were collected via predesignedquestionnaire. Results: The study revealed that prevalence of epistaxis among the studied group was 32.4% and the most common risk factors among the studied group were smoking, head trauma, factory gases, chronic cough and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (56.7%, 45.8%, 35.6%, 32.7% & 30.1% respectively).Conclusion: Recurrent epistaxis can be troublesome and alarming for parents and children. so special attention must be given for it.

Ecofriendly biocontrol agents to control pathogenic fungi are in demand globally. The present study evaluated the antifungal potentials of marine bacteria Serratia marcescens BKACT against eight different Fusarium species. A highest 75.5 ± 0.80% of mycelial inhibition was observed against Fusarium foetens NCIM 1330. Structural characterization of the purified compound was analyzed by GC-MS and NMR techniques; based on the analysis, it is confirmed as 2, 4-di-tert butyl phenol (2, 4-DTBP) with chemical structure C

In this study, the protective effect of sodium copper chlorophyllin and nebivolol was evaluated in a mice model of CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin was used as a traditional hepatoprotective drug.Thirty (30) mice were used as they were divided into five groups: the first group was the control group which received distilled water + olive oil, the second group which received 1.5 ml/kg of CCl4 diluted in olive oil three times a week, the third group which received CCl4 + Silymarin 50 mg/kg/day, the fourth group which received CCl4 + nebivolol 4 mg/kg/day, and the fifth group which received 1.5 ml/kg of CCl4+ Cu-chlorophyllin 50 mg/kg/day. The drugs were given by intraperitoneal route for 5 weeks. The detection, quantification of CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and possible protective effect of either silymarin, nebivolol, or sodium copper chlorophyllin were assessed using biochemical analysis of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, lipid profile, an assay of oxidants and antioxidants, assay of interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and histopathological examination.The administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) produced pronounced liver impairment. It significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP, malondialdehyde, and serum nitric oxide levels compared to normal control group besides a decrease in total protein, serum catalase, tissue SOD, and GSH levels. IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher while total cholesterol was significantly lower in mice receiving CCL4 compared to the normal control group. CCL4 induced severe hyperemia and congestion inside the portal area with leukocytic infiltration, hepatic degeneration, and bridge fibrosis.Co-administration of either silymarin, nebivolol, or sodium copper chlorophyllin with CCl4 was able to ameliorate up to almost contradict CCl4 induced hepatic injury through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

There is an increasing interest in the use of bivalirudin for pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) anticoagulation. However, dosing is not well described in those requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We aimed to determine whether CRRT affects bivalirudin dosing in pediatric ECMO patients. Children ≤18 years of age placed on ECMO and anticoagulated with bivalirudin for ≥24 hours from January 2019 to May 2020 were included. Bivalirudin doses were collected for 144 hours from initiation of bivalirudin or CRRT. Analysis was performed to determine whether CRRT, age, or weight affected bivalirudin dosing. Thirty-one children were included, and 11 (35%) required concomitant CRRT. There was no difference in age (median 9.1 versus 3.2 months, p = 0.15) or days on ECMO (median 11 versus 9, p = 0.7) between those who did or did not receive CRRT. The mean bivalirudin dosing was similar in patients who did or did not require CRRT (median and IQR: 0.13 mg/kg/hour [0.08-0.26] versus 0.15 mg/kg/hour [0.11-0.22], respectively, p = 0.13). Younger age ( p0.001) and lower weight ( p0.001) were associated with higher bivalirudin dosing. In our study, bivalirudin dosing did not differ if the patient required CRRT while on ECMO.

Correction to: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 2021; 25 (19): 6013-6024-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_26879-PMID: 34661261, published online on 15 October 2021. After publication, the authors applied to add some corrections to the paper. They wanted to change the second affiliation of one co-author Dr. Eman Said. The second affiliation will be "Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia", instead of "College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia". There are amendments to this paper. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/26879.

In the present study, a cost-effective, robust Microbioreactor based production optimization of levan like exopolysaccharide from marine Bacillus sp. SGD-03 was analysed. FE-SEM analysis has showed the significant fibrillar structure of EPS. Size exclusion chromatography and other analytical data revealed that, produced EPS has a molecular weight of 1.0 × 10

Purpose We aimed to determine whether the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) at primary diagnosis differs from controls and whether it is associated with disease stage and outcome. Methods In this retrospective study, we recruited MCC patients with stage I–III. PIV was calculated from absolute complete blood cell counts obtained within one week at MCC diagnosis as follows: [neutrophils (103/mm3) × platelets (103/mm3) × monocytes (103/mm3)]/lymphocytes (103/mm3). As controls, we studied age–gender-matched cutaneous melanoma (CM, stage I–III) patients and healthy controls (HC). Univariate and multivariate statistics were used. Results The median PIV in MCC patients was significantly increased compared to both CM patients as well as healthy controls. PIV of MCC patients in stage II and III was significantly higher compared to stage I patients. ROC analysis revealed that MCC recurrence was significantly associated with a PIV greater than 372 [p Conclusion We determined, for the first time, the prognostic ability of the promising blood-based biomarker PIV in MCC patients and observed that PIV is increased in MCC patients in dependence on disease stage and independently predicts MCC recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear.AIM: To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine practice and evaluate the association with outcomes.METHODS: Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into 3 groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), (iii) cTn elevated (>99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism /any acute coronary syndrome/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints.RESULTS: Among 10 445 AF patients (median age 71 years, 40.3% females) cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). cTn was elevated in 904/2834 (31.9%) and in-range in 1930/2834 (68.1%) patients. Female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease, and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. Elevated cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE (Model 1, hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-2.16, Model 2, HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.05; Model 3 HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.37-2.26) and all-cause death (Model 1, HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21-1.74; Model 2, HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.66; Model 3, HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12-1.71).CONCLUSIONS: Elevated cTn levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

Contains fulltext : 244550.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) INTRODUCTION: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients undergoing splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery represent a small subgroup of patients. Splenic metastases or technical reasons due to extensive upper abdominal disease may require a splenectomy. It has been hypothesized that as the spleen's antitumor immunologic functions may inhibit cancer growth, splenectomy may promote the growth of residual disease as observed in other cancer types of murine studies. The few studies assessing the impact of splenectomy on the oncologic outcomes of advanced stage EOC patients have reported inconsistent results. It remains unclear whether splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery is justified to achieve complete cytoreduction. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a splenectomy on perioperative outcomes and survival of advanced stage EOC patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this nationwide population-based study, all consecutive patients diagnosed with FIGO stage IIIC and IV EOC between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2015 were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery combined with platinum-based chemotherapy as primary treatment were selected. Differences in clinicopathologic characteristics between splenectomy and non-splenectomy patients were assessed. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for covariates that influence survival. RESULTS: A total of 3911 patients were identified: 99 splenectomy and 3812 non-splenectomy patients. Splenectomy patients were more likely to undergo extensive surgery or surgical reintervention, to receive intraperitoneal chemotherapy, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, to experience postoperative infections, and to be admitted to an intensive care unit (all p

SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) showed pronounced beneficial effects in patients with heart failure but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated the effect of empagliflozin, selective SGLT2i, on hypertension-induced cardiac and vascular dysfunction. Male Wistar rats received diet with or without empagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day). After 1 week, a hypertensive dose of Ang II (0.4 mg/kg/day) was administered using osmotic mini-pumps for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was determined by sphygmomanometry, the cardiac function by echocardiography and ex vivo (coronary microvascular endothelial cell activation, LV remodeling and fibrosis responses), and the systemic micro and macrovascular endothelial cell activation ex vivo. Empagliflozin treatment did not affect the Ang II-induced hypertensive response. Ang II treatment increased LV mass and induced LV diastolic dysfunction, fibrosis, collagen I and ANP expression, and infiltration of macrophages. In the vasculature, it caused eNOS upregulation in the aorta and down-regulation in mesenteric microvessels associated with increased oxidative stress, ACE, AT1R, VCAM-1, MCP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 and collagen I expression, increased endothelial SGLT1 staining in the aorta, mesenteric and coronary microvessels, increased SGLT1 and 2 protein levels in the aorta. All Ang II-induced cardiac and vascular responses were reduced by the empagliflozin treatment. Thus, the SGLT2i effectively attenuated the deleterious impact of Ang II-induced hypertension on target organs including cardiac diastolic dysfunction and remodeling, and endothelial cell activation and pro-atherosclerotic, pro-fibrotic and pro-remodeling responses in macro and microvessels despite persistent hypertension.

Introduction: Varying public views on cannabis use across countries may explain the variation in the prevalence of use, policies, and research in individual countries, and global regulation of cannabis. This paper aims to describe the current state of cannabis use, policies, and research across sixteen countries.Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for studies published from 2010 to 2020. Searches were conducted using the relevant country of interest as a search term (e.g., "Iran"), as well as relevant predefined keywords such as "cannabis," "marijuana," "hashish," "bhang "dual diagnosis," "use," "addiction," "prevalence," "co-morbidity," "substance use disorder," "legalization" or "policy" (in English and non-English languages). These keywords were used in multiple combinations to create the search string for studies' titles and abstracts. Official websites of respective governments and international organizations were also searched in English and non-English languages (using countries national languages) to identify the current state of cannabis use, policies, and research in each of those countries.Results: The main findings were inconsistent and heterogeneous reporting of cannabis use, variation in policies (e.g., legalization), and variation in intervention strategies across the countries reviewed. European countries dominate the cannabis research output indexed on PubMed, in contrast to Asian countries (Thailand, Malaysia, India, Iran, and Nepal).Conclusions: Although global cannabis regulation is ongoing, the existing heterogeneities across countries in terms of policies and epidemiology can increase the burden of cannabis use disorders disproportionately and unpredictably. There is an urgent need to develop global strategies to address these cross-country barriers to improve early detection, prevention, and interventions for cannabis use and related disorders.

Gastric ulcer is a very common illness that adversely affects a significant number of people all over the globe. Phytochemical investigation of P. glabra leaf alcohol extract (PGLE) resulted in the isolation and Characterization of a new nature compound, quercetin-3- O-α -L-rhamnosyl-(1′''-6′')-(4′'- O -acetyl)-β -D-galactoside (4), in addition to seven known compounds. They are ferulic acid (1), p- coumaric acid (2), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnoside-3′-O-β-D-glucoside (3), quercetin-3- O-α -L-rhamnosyl-(1′''-6′')-(4′'- O -acetyl)- β –Dgalactoside (4), quercetin-3- O—β -D-galactoside (5), 7-hydroxy maltol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (6), maltol-3- O-β -D-glucoside (7), and methyl coumarate (8) that were first to be isolated from the genus Pachira. PGLE demonstrated in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. Moreover, the in vivo gastroprotective assessment of PGLE at different dosses, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg against ethanol induced ulceration revealed a dose-dependent gastroprotection comparable to omeprazole. PGLE attenuated gastric lesions and histopathological changes triggered by ethanol. Interestingly, PGLE exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect through down-regulating the expression of nuclear factor-ĸB and pro-inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 in the ulcer group. It also hindered apoptosis through decreasing Bax and increasing Bcl-2 expression hence decreasing Bax/Bcl2 ratio with a subsequent reduction in caspase 3 expression. Collectively, P. glabra is a rich reservoir of various phytochemicals reflecting a promising potential for alleviation of gastric ulcer through the mediation of inflammatory and apoptotic cascades.

There is a paucity of data regarding the use of direct thrombin inhibitors such as bivalirudin for children on extracorporeal life support (ECLS). We sought to compare the outcomes of children on ECLS anticoagulated with bivalirudin versus heparin. Patients transitioned from heparin to bivalirudin were treated as a separate group. A single-institution, retrospective review of all consecutive children (neonate to 18 years) placed on ECLS in the cardiac or pediatric intensive care units was performed (June 2018-December 2019). Data collected included demographics, anticoagulation strategy, number of circuit interventions, blood product use on ECLS, survival to decannulation, and survival to discharge. Fifty-four children were placed on ECLS for a total of 56 runs. Demographics and venovenous versus venoarterial ECLS were similar. The bivalirudin group had longer median duration of support compared to the heparin group--11.0 days [IQR 6.2, 23.1] versus 3.3 days [2.1, 6.2], P < .001. Patients switched from heparin to bivalirudin had a similar duration of support (10.3 days [8.3, 18.3]) as those on bilvalirudin alone. However, there was no difference in red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, or platelet transfusions. There was no difference in the number of circuit interventions, survival to decannulation or discharge. The freedom to first circuit intervention was longer with bivalirudin compared to heparin. Our data suggest that even with longer pediatric ECLS runs on bivalirudin, there were no differences in the outcomes between the heparin and bivalirudin groups, with longer freedom from first circuit intervention with bivalirudin. While this is the largest reported series comparing children on ECLS anticoagulated with heparin versus bivalirudin, larger studies are needed to determine the optimal anticoagulation strategy for this diverse and complicated group of children.

The aim of the study was to determine the state of the dogs' immune system in experimental toxocariasis. The work was performed during 2017-2020 at the Department of Parasitology and Ichthyopathology in Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies Lviv. The 12 dogs aged 2 to 4 months were used for research studies. Two groups were formed of six animals in each: control and experimental. Puppies of the experimental group (E) were infected with the causative agent of toxocariasis at a dose of 5000 invasive eggs of Toxocara canis per kg of body weight. The control puppies were clinically healthy. At the clinical display of toxocariasis invasion at dogs the cellular, humoral and nonspecific links of the immune system are suppressed and the secondary immunodeficiency comes. Suppression of cellular immunity was accompanied by a decrease in the T- and B-lymphocytes count in the blood of dogs of the (E) group, which indicates the suppression of the lymphoid immune system and a reduction in the resistance of animals. Along with the fall in cellular immunity in infected puppies, suppression of the nonspecific immune system was established, which is manifested by a decline in the phagocytic activity of neutrophils and a decrease in the phagocytic index. Thus, on the 15th and 20th days of the test, the phagocytic activity of neutrophils reduced to 1.6 and 3.9 %, while the phagocytic index – to 5.4 and 6.9 %, respectively. In the study of antimicrobial activity of serum of infected dogs, T. canis found inhibition of bactericidal and lysozyme activity, which reflects the suppression of the physiological state of the humoral immune system of animals with the development of toxocariasis. On the 25th day of the research, a deccline in BABS to 24.0 ± 2.7 %, while in the (C) group of dogs this figure was 30.6 ± 1.9 %. The lowest LABS was on the 25th day of the (E) in animals that were experimentally infected with the pathogen toxocariasis, where compared with the (C) group, this figure decreased by 6.0 %, respectively. The high level of CIC in the serum of dogs infected with T. canis indicates the suppression of the immune system of their body due to the accession of specific antibodies to the products of metabolism of toxocara, which act as antigens.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of toxocariasis invasion on protein-synthesizing function and functional state of the liver of dogs. For experimental studies, 12 dogs aged from two to four months were used and two groups of six animals were formed in each: control and experimental. Puppies of the experimental group were experimentally infected with the pathogen toxocariasis at a dose of 5,000 invasive eggs of T. canis per kg of body weight. The control puppies were clinically healthy. Protein-synthesizing function of the liver of dogs in experimental toxocariasis was studied by the level of total protein and its fractions. It was found that on the 25th day of the experiment the level of total protein in the blood of the experimental group of dogs was 56.9 ± 1.47 g/l, while in the control group – 63.8 ± 2.92 g/l. The lowest level of the studied indicator was on the 30th day of the experiment in the blood of the experimental group of dogs, where it decreased by 9.6 %. The results of a study of protein fractions in the blood of dogs infested with toxocara showed that the percentage of albumin is likely to decrease. However, in the blood of infected dogs in this period of research there was a probable increase in globulin levels. The study of the effect of toxocariasis invasion on the activity of enzymes in blood serum is a test for the morphological and functional state of tissues and organs. Based on the studies, it was found that with the development of toxocariasis invasion in dogs there is an increase in alanine aminotransferase in their serum. On the 25th and 30th day of the experiment, the activity of the enzyme in the serum of infected dogs was the highest, where compared with the control group of dogs, the activity of ALT increased by 51.2 and 59.1 %, respectively. Similar changes in activity were observed in the determination of aspartate aminotransferase, where, respectively, on the 15th, 20th and 25th day of the experiment, the activity of AST in the serum of infected dogs increased by 19.3, 27.5 and 39.1 %.

The first total synthesis of (-)-2-methoxy-2-butenolide-3-cinnamate (butenolide cinnamate) was achieved using commercially available starting material. The synthesized compound was found to have promising antibacterial activity against Gram-negative strains

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is extracorporeal life support for life-threatening cardiopulmonary failure. Since its introduction, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has expanded to patients with more complex comorbidities without change in patient mortality rates. Although many patients survive, significant neurological complications like seizures, ischemic strokes, and intracranial hemorrhage can occur during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation care. The risks of these complications often add to the complexity of decision-making surrounding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology and incidence of neurological complications in children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, factors influencing the incidence of these complications, commonly used neurological monitoring modalities, and outcomes for this complex patient population. We discuss the current literature on the use of electroencephalography for both seizure detection and monitoring of background electroencephalographic changes, in addition to the use of less commonly used imaging modalities like transcranial Doppler. We summarize the knowledge gaps and the lack of clinical consensus guidelines for managing these potentially life-changing neurological complications. Finally, we discuss future work to further understand the pathophysiology of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related neurological complications.

Background. Scoliosis is a common problem among neuromuscular disorders with increased incidence of morbidity and mortality. The management of neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) is complex and requires a cooperative multi-disciplinary team to provide meticulous perioperative care. Conservative treatment, such as bracing, can delay but not replace surgical correction. However, surgery has the risk of higher perioperative complication rates in this patient population. Aim. It is a retrospective study to evaluate clinical outcome, approaches, pitfalls in management of NMS patients undergoing surgical correction. Materials and methods. We retrospectively evaluated patients with NMS who underwent surgery for scoliosis from 2004 to 2018. Sixty-eight patients were included in the study after meticulous preoperative checkup. In most cases an single-pedicle screw construct was used, but in a few others a hybrid construct was used. A follow up was performed to make a clinical and radiological assessment and recorded all measurements and any complications. A telephone questionnaire was used for functional evaluation and patient/parent satisfaction with surgery. Only 52 patients could participate in the questionnaire. Results. The mean follow up period was 43.28 months, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 14.29 years. The mean preoperative Cobbs angle was 71.7, while that of final follow-up was 34.6. The mean Cobbs correction percentage was 53.25%. For correction of fixed pelvic obliquity 15, a sacropelvic extension was done in 60.29% of cases. Complications occurred in 39.71% of operated cases; chest related in 36.11% (of all complications), hardware-related 16.67%, visceral complications (as paralytic ileus) in 13.89%, decubitus ulcer and delayed wound healing in 13.89%, deep wound infection in 8.33%, CNS complications (as status epilepticus) in 8.33%, and death in 2.78% (one case). The results of the questionnaire indicated favorable functional outcomes and patient/family satisfaction with surgery. Conclusion. Despite the perioperative difficulties seen in patients with NMS, patients who had relatively higher postoperative morbidity and mortality, most patients/parents were satisfied with the results of the spinal deformity surgery. The patients/parents would recommend surgery to other patients with similar disorders.

MoOx/Al2O3 based catalyst has long been widely used as an active catalyst in Oxidative Desulfurization reaction due to its high stability under severe reaction conditions and high resistance to sulfur poisoning. In this context, 4 and 9 Wt.% MoO3 grafted on mesoporous γ-Al2O3 has been synthesized using the modified atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. Another MoO3/Al2O3 sample was prepared by the conventional wetness impregnation (IM) method, for comparison. The effect of the preparation methods on the metal–support interaction was evaluated using different characterization techniques; including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2-physisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H2-temperature-programmed reduction, and FT-IR. Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) reaction of the model fuel oil was used as a probe reaction to examine the catalytic efficiency of the prepared catalysts. ALD method led to samples with much better physicochemical properties than those of the prepared one via the impregnation method. However, the 9 Wt.% MoO3/Al2O3 (ALD) catalyst in the ODS reaction of model fuel oil shows remarkable catalytic performance with ~80%, which has been attributed to the more Mo6+ surface concentrations relative to Al3+ with large pore diameter and surface area. The kinetic study shows that the ODS of DBT follows a pseudo-first-order rate reaction.

Background: client’s satisfaction is a measure of the extent to which clients are trustworthy with the health care which they received. Pregnant women’s satisfaction is considered a performance indicator in antenatal care (ANC) quality evaluation. Objectives: To assess clients’ satisfaction regarding antenatal health care services provided at the primary health care level in Sharkia governorates, Egypt. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted on 765 pregnant women. Through a multistage cluster sampling technique, four health facilities were selected to represent Sharkia governorate. Participants’ data regarding socio-demographic characteristics, numbers of their antenatal visits and questions to assess the satisfaction about the quality of antenatal care were collected via semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that out of the total participants, overall satisfied with ANC services were 288 (37.6%). The most common specific component of ANC that had good-satisfaction by the respondents was tetanus vaccine availability (100%). Shortage of referral requirements were the commonest causes of dissatisfaction. Clients who were urban residents, who had middle & high social class and who have ≥2 previous antenatal care visits were more likely to have the satisfaction in ANC services. Conclusion: The results of the study reflect multiple pitfalls in the different components of the ANC services, so special attention must be given for increasing resources to improve the quality of ANC services in the governorate.

Background: febrile convulsion (FC) in childrenis a common presentation in family medicine and pediatric clinics. Parental anxiety and fear of fever are often related to inadequate knowledge. Objective: to assess the effect of health education program on knowledge and attitude of mothers regarding febrile convulsion. Methods: an intervention study was conducted on 32 children. The study was implemented in Zagazig health district which is the capital of Sharkia governorate. Two family health centers were selected randomly to represent the district. Participants’ information regarding FC was collected via the KACP questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that only 18.8 % of the studied sample had an adequate total knowledge regarding FC, 87.5 % total positive attitude and about one third of the studied mothers had an appropriate knowledge regarding first aid and home management during the FC attack (pre-program), which greatly improved with high statistically significant difference after implementing the health education program. Conclusion: Parental fear of fever and febrile convulsion could be declined through appropriate health education sessions discussing all aspects of the disease and possible complications and how to prevent it.

Aims: Two spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for the determination of sofosbuvir in presence of its alkaline degradate. Study Design: Ratio difference and ratio derivative methods were assisted for determination of sofosbuvir in presence of its alkaline degradate, laboratory-prepared mixtures and in tablet dosage forms. Place and Duration of Study: Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al - Azhar University, between December 2019 and January 2020. Methodology: Two analytical methods were achieved and validated for the quantitative determination of Sofosbuvir in presence of its alkaline degradate. The first method was ratio difference (RD) method, where the UV absorption spectra of different concentrations of sofosbuvir were divided by the spectrum of a certain concentration (15 µg mL-1) as a devisor of its alkaline degradate to get the ratio difference spectra. Afterwards, the peak amplitudes difference between 253.7 and 243.5 nm were measured. The second method was the ratio derivative (1DR) method, where the first derivative of the ratio spectra (1DR) was obtained and its amplitude was measured at 247 and 268 nm. Good linearity was obtained over the concentration range of 3-15 µg mL-1 for the proposed methods. The proposed procedures were adopted for the selective determination of intact Sofosbuvir in presence of up to 80% of its degradation product. Sofosbuvir was exposed to different conditions as alkaline, acidic and oxidative degradation. Results: The proposed methods were developed and validated with good linearity range of 3-15 µg mL-1 for both methods, and also with good accuracy and precision. And the obtained results were statistically compared to those obtained by the reported method. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir was successfully determined by the proposed ratio difference and ratio derivative methods in bulk powder, laboratory prepared mixtures and tablet dosage form with good accuracy and precision. The methods were validated according to ICH guidelines. The results obtained were compared with those of the reported method and were found to be in good agreement.

Ordered meso-porous Co3O4 (meso-Co3O4) was prepared via the nano-casting route using three-dimensionally (3D) ordered meso-porous silica (KIT-6) as a hard template, whereas the bulk Co3O4 was prepared by the precipitation method for comparison. The prepared meso- and bulk Co3O4 were used as supports to prepare V2O5 (6 wt%) loaded catalysts by conventional wetness impregnation technique. The structural and morphological characterizations of the prepared samples were investigated by XRD, N2-physisorption, TEM–EDX, H2-TPR, and FT-IR analyses. The result informed that the meso-Co3O4 retains small particle size, high surface area, rich surface adsorbed oxygen species, and low temperature reducibility as compared with the bulk one. These characters are responsible for the better dispersion of vanadium onto the meso-Co3O4 support.

A new nigericin analogue that has been chemically modified was synthesized through a fluorination process from the parent nigericin, produced from a novel Streptomyces strain DASNCL-29. Fermentation strategies were designed for the optimised production of nigericin molecule and subjected for purification and structural analysis. The fermentation process resulted in the highest yield of nigericin (33% (w/w)). Initially, nigericin produced from the strain DASNCL-29 demonstrated polymorphism in its crystal structure, i.e., monoclinic and orthorhombic crystal lattices when crystallised with methanol and hexane, respectively. Furthermore, nigericin produced has been subjected to chemical modification by fluorination to enhance its efficacy. Two fluorinated analogues revealed that they possess a very potent antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. To date, the nigericin molecule has not been reported for any reaction against Gram-negative bacteria, which are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. For the first time, fluorinated analogues of nigericin have shown promising activity. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis of fluorinated analogues demonstrated tenfold lesser toxicity than the parent nigericin. This is the first type of study where the fluorinated analogues of nigericin showed very encouraging activity against Gram-negative organisms; moreover, they can be used as a candidate for treating many serious infections.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disorder. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs, LncR, Linc RNA) have role in many autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including MS. LincR-Gng2...