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Dietary lipids play a major role in many diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the health value of plant oils, particularly heart health, has been recognized. Despite these facts, limited information is available on the potential nutritional and anti-arteriolosclerosis effects of chufa oil, olive oil, and anhydrous milk fat in C57BL/6N mice. In the present study, the effects of olive oil (OO), chufa oil (CO), and anhydrous milk fat (AMF) on 4-week-old C57BL/6N male mice, a model for studies of diet-induced atherosclerosis, were investigated. The AIN-93G-based diet was supplemented with 15% of either OO, CO, or AMF. The final mixture of the diets contained 15% fat, approximately 1.25% cholesterol, and 0.5% sodium cholate. The data obtained showed that most mice had gallstone disease. The highest percentage of the gallstones formed were found in AMF groups (approximately 85.7% of the mice). However, the lowest one was found in the chufa oil group (42.9%), followed by the olive oil group (57.1%). Although the mice’s food intake significantly differed, their body weights did not change during the feeding period. The diet supplemented with CO resulted in a significant reduction in serum cholesterol compared with the other groups. Livers from the CO-fed group showed higher triglyceride levels than those from the AMF group. No significant differences were found in atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic valve between the groups. Collectively, our results show no deleterious nutritional effects of the fats used on C57BL/6N mice fed cholesterol-rich diets. Chufa oil improved cholesterol metabolism and atherogenic index in mice. However, the major issue is the formation of gallstones in all mice, which is most prominent in AMF, followed by olive oil and chufa oil diets.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of testicular tumours at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital (RSHS) between 2017-2021. Material & Methods: This research was a cross-sectional descriptive study examining the clinical and histopathological profiles of testicular tumours. The secondary data sources included medical records from the Department of Urology, Anatomic Pathology, Medical Records, and Hospital Information System (SIRS). The collected data covered age, ethnicity, clinical symptoms, site, stage, annual prevalence rate, and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results: There were 42 patients who had primary testicular tumour. The highest prevalence of testicular tumours at RSHS was in 2019 consist of 12(29%) patients and the lowest in 2020 were 6(14%) patients. Most patients were >35 years old amounting 19(45%) patients, Sundanese ethnicity were 29(69%) patients, and testicular enlargement revealed in 27(64%) patients. Majority patients were in stage 0/IB 36(86%) patients and occurred in unilateral testis which 34(80%) patients, with 3(7%) patients metastasized. The most common histopathological type was seminoma 18(43%) cases followed by prepubertal-type yolk sac tumour 9(21%) patients. Seminomas, and the fibroma-thecoma group were mostly in patients over 35 years old, while prepubertal-type yolk sac tumour was more commonly in children under 15 years old. Conclusion: Prevalence of testicular tumours increased from 2017 to 2019, then started to decrease in 2020. Histopathologically, seminoma was the most common type. These tumours were most commonly found in older individuals (>35 YO) and unilateral, diagnosed in stage 0/IB, and were mostly presented with enlargement of testis. Keywords: Testicular tumours, clinical features, histopathology

The consumption of fruit and vegetable juices is widely recognized as a healthy choice across all age groups. Orange, carrot, and aloe vera are renowned for their functional properties and health benefits. In this study, we investigated the potential incorporation of aloe vera gel into blended orange and carrot juices. We also evaluated the resulting mixed probiotic juices (chemical, microbiological, and sensory aspects) during a 14-day storage period at refrigerator temperature. The chemical composition and phytochemical structure of aloe vera gel were examined, followed by an assessment of the biological effects of these healthy juices on diabetic albino rats. The results indicated improvements in total soluble solids, reducing sugars, and total sugars with increasing storage duration. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that incorporating aloe vera into the natural mixed juices enhanced their phytochemical quality. The treatment supplemented with aloe vera gel gave the highest total content of phenolic and flavonoid substances, which were 310 mg of GAE/100 g and 175 mg of quercetin/100 g, respectively. Probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis Bb12, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299V, and Lactobacillus acidophilus L10) exhibited good viable cell counts in orange and mixed orange and carrot probiotics juices with viable counts of 7.42–8.07 log CFU/mL. Regarding sensory attributes, the study found that increasing the ratio of orange juice improved the taste while increasing the ratio of carrot juice enhanced the color in juice mixtures. Incorporation of aloe vera into mixed natural juices also enhanced the reduction of blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, creatinine, ALT, AST, and urea levels while increasing total protein and HDL levels in diabetic rats. Based on these findings, oranges, carrots, and aloe vera offer the potential to produce new, flavorful, nutritious, and appealing juices. Moreover, this study determined that a functional juice with favorable sensory properties can be created by blending 75% orange juice, 20% carrot juice, and 5% aloe vera gel. Additionally, aloe vera demonstrated greater efficacy as an antidiabetic agent in rats. Further research is suggested to explore the potential advantages of aloe vera gel and probiotic juices in mitigating diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

Toxoplasmosis continues to be a prevalent parasitic zoonosis with a global distribution. This disease is caused by an intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, and the development of effective novel drug targets to combat it is imperative. There is limited information available on the potential advantages of wheat germ oil (WGO) and propolis, both individually and in combination, against the acute phase of toxoplasmosis. In this study, acute toxoplasmosis was induced in Swiss albino mice, followed by the treatment of infected animals with WGO and propolis, either separately or in combination. After 10 days of experimental infection and treatment, mice from all groups were sacrificed, and their brains, uteri, and kidneys were excised for histopathological assessment. Additionally, the average parasite load in the brain was determined through parasitological assessment, and quantification of the parasite was performed using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting gene amplification. Remarkably, the study found that treating infected animals with wheat germ oil and propolis significantly reduced the parasite load compared to the control group that was infected but not treated. Moreover, the group treated with a combination of wheat germ oil and propolis exhibited a markedly greater reduction in parasitic load compared to the other groups. Similarly, the combination treatment effectively restored the histopathological changes observed in the brain, uterus, and kidney, and the scoring of these reported lesions confirmed these findings. In summary, the present results reveal intriguing insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of wheat germ oil and propolis in the treatment of acute toxoplasmosis.

IntroductionHaemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite’s blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples.MethodsWe employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored.ResultsThe study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis.DiscussionThe study concluded that there was a relatively high occurrence of H. contortus among sheep from Upper Egypt. We recommend the implementation of stringent and effective control measures to combat the infection and safeguard livestock health.

According to reports, there are 1.9–3.6 incidences of IUD migration and uterine perforation for every 1000 IUD insertions. It is important to note that bladder perforation caused by a misplaced IUD is uncommon and is thought to happen most frequently during insertion. Here, we describe a patient who presented with symptoms related to the malposition of IUD inside the bladder. It is feasible to draw the conclusion that the cystoscopy technique should be taken into consideration as a suitable therapy option for such injuries in this organ. When a problem cannot be effectively treated by cystoscopy alone, laparotomy should be considered.

IntroductionCanine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs characterized by severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Little information is available about this topic in Egypt, particularly in the Delta region. This study reports the prevalence and molecular analysis of CPV-2 variants collected from El-Gharbia and Kafrelsheikh governorates in the Delta of Egypt.MethodsIn this study, 320 rectal swabs were collected from infected domestic dogs from two districts in delta Egypt. The samples were investigated by rapid immunochromatographic test and polymerase chain reaction for detection the prevalence of CPV-2 variants. The genetic characterization was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and partial VP2 gene sequence.Results and discussionThe viral antigen was detected in (264/320, 82.5%) of samples by IC test, while PCR was found more sensitive by detecting (272/320, 85%) positive samples. The RFLP technique using MboII restriction enzyme was successfully used for the differentiation of CPV-2c antigenic variants from CPV-2a/2b strains. Interestingly, the molecular and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both CPV-2a and CPV-2c are circulating in the study area. Deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed changes at residue (N426E) and residue (T440A).: Our results indicated that CPV-2 is prevalent among dogs in Egypt, and therefore further molecular and epidemiological studies of CPV-2 are warranted.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most frequently used urology surgical method to manage benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Despite the relatively efficacious treatment, urethral stricture (US) may form after TURP. The prevalence of the urethral strictures (US) following TURP ranges from 2.2% to 9.8%. The study aimed to identify the predictors of urethral strictures in patients receiving TURP. This study was a retrospective cohort study on patients underwent TURP in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung, Indonesia, between 2015 and 2019. Data were obtained from medical records and urology registry of a minimum 12-month follow-up period. Data on patient demographics, estimated volume of the prostate, total resected prostate, and operating time were extracted. Multiple logistic regression was utilized to determine the odds ratio difference between groups. A total of 451 TURP cases were performed between 2015 and 2019, with 22 (4.87%) cases of post TURP US identified. The mean estimated prostate weight was 45.6 g and resected prostate weight was 20.4 g, with a 0.37 gr/min resection rate. Prostate weight, operating time, and duration of catheterization after surgery were not significantly different statistically. Slower resection rate and smaller resected volume are the statistically significant predictors of increased occurrence of urethral stricture (p

Natural feed additives and their potential benefits in production of safe and highly nutritious food have gained the attention of many researchers the last decades. Cordia myxa is a nutrient-dense food with various health benefits. Despite this fact, very limited studied investigated the physicochemical and sensory impacts of incorporation of fermented camel milk with Cordia myxa and its biological effects. The current study aimed to assess the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of fermented camel milk (FCM) fortified with 5, 10, and 15% Cordia myxa pulp. The study demonstrated that fortification of camel milk efficiently enhanced protein, total solids, ash, fiber, phenolic substance, and antioxidant activity. When compared to other treatments, FCM supplemented with 10% Cordia myxa pulp had the best sensory features. In addition, FCM fortified with 10% Cordia myxa pulp was investigated as a potential inhibitor of hypercholesterolemia agents in obese rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were split into two main groups including normal pellet group (n = 8) served as negative control group (G1) and a group of hyperlipidemic animals (n = 24) were feed on a high-fat diet (HFD). Hyperlipidemic rats group (n = 24) were then divided into three subgroups (8 per each); second group or positive control (G2) which include hyperlipidemic rats received distilled water (1 mL/day), the third group (G3) involved hyperlipidemic rats feed on FCM (10 g/day) and the fourth group (G4) included hyperlipidemic animals feed on 10 g/day FCM fortified with 10% of Cordia myxa pulp by oral treatment via an intestinal tube for another 4 weeks. In contrast to the positive control group, G4 treated with Cordia myxa showed a substantial decrease in malondialdehyde, LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea levels, while a significant increase in HDL, albumin, and total protein concentrations. The number of large adipocytes decreased while the number of small adipocytes increased after consumption of fortified FCM. The results indicated that fermented milk fortified with Cordia myxa pulp improved the functions of the liver and kidney in hyperlipidemic rats. These results demonstrated the protective effects of camel milk and Cordia myxa pulp against hyperlipidemia in rats.

Objective: This study aims to provide fellow physicians a better insight in diagnosing and managing similar cases. Case(s) Presentation: A 36 year old male presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of red, painful, and progressively enlarging swelling of the left scrotal pouch since 1 week ago. The patient had a history of similar complaint and recurrent cloudy urine which were left untreated 1 year before. Based on physical examination and ultrasonography findings, the patient was diagnosed with left scrotal abscess and was treated by incisional drainage of abscess and necrotomy debridement under spinal anesthesia. Discussion: Tuberculosis infection of scrotal contents is rare and occurs in approximately 7% of the patients with tuberculosis, although tuberculosis itself is a global epidemic with more than 2 billion of the world population infected. In patients with genital tuberculosis, pulmonary and renal tuberculosis can be documented in 50% and 80-85% respectively. It is often secondary to the pre-existing tuberculosis of the urinary tract, which may be confirmed by the culture of early morning urine specimens. Conclusion: Treatment of testicular abscess is administration of appropriate antibiotics according to its causative organism accompanied by surgical drainage. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of testicular abscess is necessary, since chronic and severe cases, as happened in this patient, usually resulted in nonviable testicular tissue and necessitate orchidectomy. This may be due to cumulative ischemia of the testicles from multiple mechanisms: inflammatory infiltration causing compression of the spermatic cord, thrombosis secondary to venous congestion and/or bacterial exotoxins.

Obesity-induced skeletal muscle (SKM) inflexibility is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of melatonin on the red vastus lateralis (RVL) muscle in obese rat models at the molecular and morphological levels. Five-week-old male Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and their age-matched lean littermates (ZL) were orally treated either with melatonin (10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/24 h) (M–ZDF and M–ZL) or non-treated (control) (C–ZDF and C–ZL) for 12 weeks. Western blot analysis showed that mitochondrial fission, fusion, and autophagy were altered in the C-ZDF group, accompanied by reduced SIRT1 levels. Furthermore, C-ZDF rats exhibited depleted ATP production and nitro-oxidative stress, as indicated by increased nitrites levels and reduced SOD activity. Western blotting of MyH isoforms demonstrated a significant decrease in both slow and fast oxidative fiber-specific markers expression in the C-ZDF group, concomitant with an increase in the fast glycolytic fiber markers. At the tissue level, marked fiber atrophy, less oxidative fibers, and excessive lipid deposition were noted in the C-ZDF group. Interestingly, melatonin treatment partially restored mitochondrial fission/fusion imbalance in the RVL muscle by enhancing the expression of fission (Fis1 and DRP1) markers and decreasing that of fusion (OPA1 and Mfn2) markers. It was also found to restore autophagy, as indicated by increased p62 protein level and LC3BII/I ratio. In addition, melatonin treatment increased SIRT1 protein level, mitochondrial ATP production, and SOD activity and decreased nitrites production. These effects were associated with enhanced oxidative phenotype, as evidenced by amplified oxidative fiber-specific markers expression, histochemical reaction for NADH enzyme, and muscular lipid content. In this study, we showed that melatonin might have potential therapeutic implications for obesity-induced SKM metabolic inflexibility among patients with obesity and T2DM.

The incorporation of fermented camel milk with natural additives possesses numerous benefits for the treatment of various pathological and metabolic conditions. The present study investigated the impact of fortification of fermented camel milk with sage or mint leaves powder (1 and 1.5%, respectively) on glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, and liver and kidney functions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The gross chemical composition of sage and peppermint leaves powder was studied. The chemical composition of sage and mint extracts was performed using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of sage and mint extracts. Furthermore, a total of forty-two adult normal male albino rats were included in this study, whereas one group was kept as the healthy control group (n = 6 rats) and diabetes was induced in the remaining animals (n = 36 rats) using alloxan injection (150 mg/kg of body weight). Among diabetic rats groups, a control group (n = 6 rats) was kept as the diabetic control group whereas the other 5 groups (6 rats per group) of diabetic rats were fed fermented camel milk (FCM) or fermented camel milk fortified with 1 and 1.5% of sage or mint leaves powder. Interestingly, the oral administration of fermented camel milk fortified with sage or mint leaves powder, at both concentrations, caused a significant decrease in blood glucose level and lipid profile, and an increase in insulin level compared to the diabetic control and FCM groups. Among others, the best results were observed in the group of animals that received fermented camel milk fortified with 1.5% sage powder. In addition, the results revealed that the fermented camel milk fortified with sage or mint leaves powder improved the liver and kidney functions of diabetic rats. Our study concluded that the use of sage and mint leaves powder (at a ratio of 1.5%) with fermented camel milk produces functional food products with anti-diabetic activity.

We evaluated the in vivo effects of melatonin treatment on oxidative damage in the liver in an experimental model of ischemia–reperfusion. A total of 37 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, ischemia, ischemia + reperfusion, and ischemia + reperfusion + melatonin. Hepatic ischemia was maintained for 20 min, and the clamp was removed to initiate vascular reperfusion for 30 min. Melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally administered. Fluidity was measured by polarization changes in 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene-p-toluene sulfonate). After 20 min of ischemia, no significant changes were observed in cell and mitochondrial membrane fluidity levels, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation. However, after 30 min of reperfusion, membrane fluidity decreased compared to controls. Increases in lipid and protein oxidation were also seen in hepatic homogenates of animals exposed to reperfusion. Melatonin injected 30 min before ischemia and reperfusion fully prevented membrane rigidity and both lipid and protein oxidation. Livers from ischemia–reperfusion showed histopathological alterations and positive labeling with antibodies to oxidized lipids and proteins. Melatonin reduced the severity of these morphological changes and protected against in vivo ischemia–reperfusion-induced toxicity in the liver. Therefore, melatonin might be a candidate for co-treatment for patients with hepatic vascular occlusion followed by reperfusion.

There is scarce evidence about early nutrition programming of dynamic aspects of glucose homeostasis. We analyzed the long-term effects of early nutrition on glycemic variability in healthy children. A total of 92 children participating in the COGNIS study were considered for this analysis, who were fed with: a standard infant formula (SF, n = 32), an experimental formula (EF, n = 32), supplemented with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) components, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), and synbiotics, or were breastfed (BF, n = 28). At 6 years old, BF children had lower mean glucose levels and higher multiscale sample entropy (MSE) compared to those fed with SF. No differences in MSE were found between EF and BF groups. Normal and slow weight gain velocity during the first 6 months of life were associated with higher MSE at 6 years, suggesting an early programming effect against later metabolic disorders, thus similarly to what we observed in breastfed children. Conclusion: According to our results, BF and normal/slow weight gain velocity during early life seem to protect against glucose homeostasis dysregulation at 6 years old. EF shows functional similarities to BF regarding children’s glucose variability. The detection of glucose dysregulation in healthy children would help to develop strategies to prevent the onset of metabolic disorders in adulthood.

Experimental data have revealed that melatonin at high doses reduced obesity and improved metabolic outcomes in experimental models of obesity, mainly by enhancing brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. A potential dose-response relationship has yet to be performed to translate these promising findings into potential clinical therapy. This study aimed to assess the effects of different doses of melatonin on interscapular BAT (iBAT) thermogenic capacity in Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. At 6 wk of age, male ZDF rats were divided into four groups (n = 4 per group): control and those treated with different doses of melatonin (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg of body weight) in their drinking water for 6 wk. Body weight (BW) was significantly decreased at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg of melatonin, but not at 0.1 mg/kg compared with the control, with a similar rate of BW decrease being reached at the dose of 1 mg/kg (by ~11%) and 10 mg/kg (by ~12%). This effect was associated with a dose-dependent increase in the thermal response to the baseline condition or acute cold challenge in the interscapular area measurable by infrared thermography, with the highest thermal response being recorded at the 10 mg/kg dose. Upon histology, melatonin treatment markedly restored the typical brownish appearance of the tissue and promoted a shift in size distribution toward smaller adipocytes in a dose-dependent fashion, with the most pronounced brownish phenotype being observed at 10 mg/kg of melatonin. As a hallmark of thermogenesis, the protein level of uncoupled protein 1 (UCP1) from immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis increased significantly and dose-dependently at all three doses of melatonin, reaching the highest level at the dose of 10 mg/kg. Likewise, all three doses of melatonin modulated iBAT mitochondrial dynamics by increasing protein expression of the optic atrophy protein type 1 (OPA1) fusion marker and decreasing that of the dynamin-related protein1 (DRP1) fission marker, again dose-dependently, with the highest and lowest expression levels, respectively, being reached at the 10 mg/kg dose. These findings highlight for the first time the relevance of the dose-dependency of melatonin toward BW control and BAT thermogenic activation, which may have potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of obesity. To clinically apply the potential therapeutic of melatonin for obesity, we consider that the effective animal doses that should be extrapolated to obese individuals may be within the dose range of 1 to 10 mg/kg.

Melatonin is a natural bioactive compound, whose intake by obese diabetic Zucker (ZDF) rats improves this pathology. Hypomagnesaemia has also been observed in diabetes, and magnesium (Mg) is known to play an essential role in carbohydrate metabolism. In this study we have determined the effect of melatonin intake on Mg concentrations in white adipose tissues and organs in ZDF rats. This study reveals for the first time that melatonin intake increases Mg concentrations in subcutaneous lumbar, visceral, omentum, and gonadal adipose tissue and in the pancreas. These findings may be related to an improvement in the homeostatic regulation of adipocytokines produced by white adipose tissues, and to a reduction in plasmatic oxidative stress, which would lead to a decrease in insulin resistance and improvement in glucose homeostasis. These results open up the beneficial use of melatonin for the development of functional foods to ameliorate glucose homeostasis in obesity-associated diabetes.

Leishmaniasis remains one of the major neglected tropical diseases. The epidemiological profile of the disease comprises a wide range of hosts, including dogs and cats. Despite several studies about feline Leishmaniosis, the role of cats in disease epidemiology and its clinical impact is still debated. The present study raises awareness about the impact of leishmaniasis in cats from an endemic region in of Northwestern Italy (Liguria). A total number of 250 serum and 282 blood samples were collected from cats, then assessed for Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) serologically using western blot (WB) and molecularly using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We also tested the association of Leishmania infection with some infectious agents like haemotropic Mycoplasma, Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) together with the hematobiochemical status of the examined animals. Interestingly, all tested animals were asymptomatic and out of 250 examined serum samples, 33 (13.20%) samples (confidence interval (CI) 95% 9.56–17.96%) were positive at WB for L. infantum, whereas of the 282 blood samples, 80 (28.36%) returned a positive PCR (CI 95% 23.43–33.89%). Furthermore, there was a statistical association between PCR positivity for L. infantum and some hematological parameters besides FIV infection as well as a direct significant correlation between Mycoplasma infection and WB positivity. Taken together, the present findings report high prevalence of L. infantum among cats, which reinforces the significance of such positive asymptomatic animals and confirms the very low humoral response in this species. In addition, the laboratory values provide evidence that infection by the parasite is linked to alteration of some hematological parameters and is correlated to some infectious agents. These data are of interest and suggest future research for accurate diagnosis of such zoonosis.

Developing novel drugs/targets remains a major effort toward controlling obesity-related type 2 diabetes (diabesity). Melatonin controls obesity and improves glucose homeostasis in rodents, mainly via the thermogenic effects of increasing the amount of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and increases in mitochondrial mass, amount of UCP1 protein, and thermogenic capacity. Importantly, mitochondria are widely known as a therapeutic target of melatonin; however, direct evidence of melatonin on the function of mitochondria from BAT and the mechanistic pathways underlying these effects remains lacking. This study investigated the effects of melatonin on mitochondrial functions in BAT of Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, which are considered a model of obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). At five weeks of age, Zücker lean (ZL) and ZDF rats were subdivided into two groups, consisting of control and treated with oral melatonin for six weeks. Mitochondria were isolated from BAT of animals from both groups, using subcellular fractionation techniques, followed by measurement of several mitochondrial parameters, including respiratory control ratio (RCR), phosphorylation coefficient (ADP/O ratio), ATP production, level of mitochondrial nitrites, superoxide dismutase activity, and alteration in the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Interestingly, melatonin increased RCR in mitochondria from brown fat of both ZL and ZDF rats through the reduction of the proton leak component of respiration (state 4). In addition, melatonin improved the ADP/O ratio in obese rats and augmented ATP production in lean rats. Further, melatonin reduced mitochondrial nitrosative and oxidative status by decreasing nitrite levels and increasing superoxide dismutase activity in both groups, as well as inhibited mPTP in mitochondria isolated from brown fat. Taken together, the present data revealed that chronic oral administration of melatonin improved mitochondrial respiration in brown adipocytes, while decreasing oxidative and nitrosative stress and susceptibility of adipocytes to apoptosis in ZDF rats, suggesting a beneficial use in the treatment of diabesity. Further research regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of melatonin on diabesity is warranted.

Melatonin improves metabolic alterations associated with obesity and its diabetes (diabesity). We intend to determine whether this improvement is exerted by changing Zn and/or Cu tissue levels in liver, muscle, pancreas, and brain, and in internal (perirenal, perigonadal, and omentum) and subcutaneous lumbar white adipose tissues (IWAT and SWAT, respectively). Male Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and lean littermates (ZL) were orally supplemented either with melatonin (10 mg/kg body weight/day) or vehicle for 6 weeks. Zn and Cu concentrations were not significantly influenced by diabesity in the analyzed tissues (p > 0.05), with the exception of Zn in liver. In skeletal muscle Zn and Cu, and in perirenal WAT, only Zn levels increased significantly with melatonin supplementation in ZDF rats (p < 0.05). This cytoplasmic Zn enhancement would be probably associated with the upregulation of several Zn influx membrane transporters (Zips) and could explain the amelioration in the glycaemia and insulinaemia by upregulating the Akt and downregulating the inhibitor PTP1B, in obese and diabetic conditions. Enhanced Zn and Cu levels in muscle cells could be related to the reported antioxidant melatonin activity exerted by increasing the Zn, Cu-SOD, and extracellular Cu-SOD activity. In conclusion, melatonin, by increasing the muscle levels of Zn and Cu, joined with our previously reported findings improves glycaemia, insulinaemia, and oxidative stress in this diabesity animal model.

Ca and Mg levels were determined in five spices according to marketing system (in bulk or commercialized in glass or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers) and correlated with microbial growth of commonly sporulated (Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus) and non-sporulated (Listeria monocytogenes, psychrophilic and mesophilic bacteria, and yeasts and molds) food-borne pathogens present in them, when they were previously added to the microbial culture media. The basil had the highest mean Ca and Mg level and showed the highest microbial growth in the food-borne pathogenic microorganisms studied (p < 0.001). For Ca, the lowest levels were measured in cloves (p < 0.001), which had the lowest capacity for microbial contamination. Ca and Mg contents in spices correlated linear and positively (p < 0.05). Ca concentrations weakly and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with microbial counts for almost all studied microorganisms, and Mg levels for B. cereus, C. perfringens, and mesophilic bacteria (p < 0.05), possibly acting as a growing factor for some sporulated and non-sporulated foodborne pathogens. These relationships are especially significant when PET vs. glass was used as a packaging material for spices.

Obesity and diabetes are linked to an increased prevalence of kidney disease. Endoplasmic reticulum stress has recently gained growing importance in the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes-related kidney disease. Melatonin, is an important anti-obesogenic natural bioactive compound. Previously, our research group showed that the renoprotective effect of melatonin administration was associated with restoring mitochondrial fission/fusion balance and function in a rat model of diabesity-induced kidney injury. This study was carried out to further investigate whether melatonin could suppress renal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and the downstream unfolded protein response activation under obese and diabetic conditions. Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and lean littermates (ZL) were orally supplemented either with melatonin (10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day) (M–ZDF and M–ZL) or vehicle (C–ZDF and C–ZL) for 17 weeks. Western blot analysis of ER stress-related markers and renal morphology were assessed. Compared to C–ZL rats, higher ER stress response associated with impaired renal morphology was observed in C–ZDF rats. Melatonin supplementation alleviated renal ER stress response in ZDF rats, by decreasing glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), phosphoinositol-requiring enzyme1α (IRE1α), and ATF6 levels but had no effect on phospho–protein kinase RNA–like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) level. In addition, melatonin supplementation also restrained the ER stress-mediated apoptotic pathway, as indicated by decreased pro-apoptotic proteins phospho–c–jun amino terminal kinase (JNK), Bax, and cleaved caspase-3, as well as by upregulation of B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 protein. These improvements were associated with renal structural recovery. Taken together, our findings revealed that melatonin play a renoprotective role, at least in part, by suppressing ER stress and related pro-apoptotic IRE1α/JNK signaling pathway.

Zn, Cu, and Fe concentrations were measured in dehydrated herbs (thyme, rosemary, cloves, oregano, and basil) marketed in bulk or packaged in glass or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Microbial counts of Listeria monocytogenes and other five foodborne pathogens were also checked when herbs were previously added to the growing media. The highest mean concentrations were found in basil for Zn and Cu, and in thyme and basil for Fe; the lowest ones for these minerals were in cloves (p < 0.05). Basil had significantly higher microbial counts in five of the six foodborne pathogens studied (p < 0.05). Cloves have the best hygienic quality as there is no microbial growth of L. monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and Bacillus cereus; they therefore could be used as a natural preservative in food. Aromatic herbs marketed in bulk showed a significantly higher microbial count (p < 0.05). Zn, Cu, and Fe concentrations were positively correlated with microbial growth for L. monocytogenes, C. perfringens, B. cereus, and psychrophilic microorganisms (p < 0.05), so they could act as a growing factor for the foodborne pathogens.

Abstract Background Maternal overweight, obesity, and gestational diabetes (GD) have been negatively associated with offspring development. Further knowledge regarding metabolic and nutritional alterations in these mother and their offspring are warranted. Methods In an observational cohort study we included 331 pregnant women from Granada, Spain. The mothers were categorized into four groups according to BMI and their GD status; overweight (n:56), obese (n:64), GD (n:79), and healthy normal weight controls (n:132). We assessed maternal growth and nutritional biomarkers at 24 weeks (n = 269), 34 weeks (n = 310) and at delivery (n = 310) and the perinatal characteristics including cord blood biomarkers. Results Obese and GD mothers had significantly lower weight gain during pregnancy and infant birth weight, waist circumference, and placental weight were higher in the obese group, including a significantly increased prevalence of macrosomia. Except for differences in markers of glucose metabolism (glucose, HbA1c, insulin and uric acid) we found at some measures that overweight and/or obese mothers had lower levels of transferrin saturation, hemoglobin, Vitamin B12 and folate and higher levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ferritin, and cortisol. GD mothers had similar differences in hemoglobin and C-reactive protein but higher levels of folate. The latter was seen also in cord blood. Conclusions We identified several metabolic alterations in overweight, obese and GD mothers compared to controls. Together with the observed differences in infant anthropometrics, these may be important biomarkers in future research regarding the programming of health and disease in children. Trial registration The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ( NCT01634464 ).

Cryptosporidiosis has been proposed to be one of the major causes of diarrhoeal disease in humans worldwide that possesses zoonotic concern. Thereby, this study investigated the potential effects of s-Methylcysteine (SMC) on the parasite in vivo followed by the measurement of cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and an investigation of the major histopathological changes. Sixty male Swiss albino mice weighing 20–25 g were allocated equally into five groups and orally administered saline only (control), SMC only (SMC50) (50 mg/kg b.w.), and 104Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts per mouse via an esophageal tube (C + ve untreated). The fourth and fifth groups (C + SMC25, C + SMC50) administrated 104C. parvum oocysts combined with SMC25 (low dose) and 50 (high dose) mg/kg b.w., respectively. At days 7 and 14 post-infection (PI), the feces was collected from each group in order to count C. parvum oocysts. After two weeks of treatment, the animals were euthanized and the serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Next, the intestinal, spleen, and liver sections were dissected for histopathological examination. The results revealed lower oocyst numbers in the C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups compared to the infected untreated group. Moreover, higher doses of SMC treatment significantly reduced the enteritis induced by C. parvum in a dose-dependent manner. The hepatic lesions were also mitigated as demonstrated in C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups unlike the infected group via lowering the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes and increasing albumin and globulin serum levels. SMC administration also reduced cytokines production (SAP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) mediated by Cryptosporidium infection in contrast to the infected untreated group. There were marked lymphoid depletion and amyloidosis observed in the infected untreated group, while the treated groups showed obvious increase in the lymphoid elements. Moreover, the scoring of intestinal parasites, hepatic, and splenic lesions in the SMC-treated groups exhibited significantly lower pathological lesions in different organs in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the infected untreated group. Our results also revealed a significant change in the malondialdehyde content with an elevation of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the intestines collected from C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 mice relative to the untreated group. Taken together, our results indicated that SMC could be a promising effective compound for treating and declining C. parvum infestation via restoring structural alterations in different tissues, enhancing antioxidant enzymes, and suppressing the cytokines liberation.

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) showed a potent effect in preventing obesity and improving metabolicoutcomes in several animal models of obesity. However, there is, as of yet, scarce evidence concerning its effectiveness against obesogenic challenges that more accurately mimic human Western diets, such as the cafeteria diet. Moreover, the mechanism for its efficacy is poorly understood. White adipose browning has been linked to body weight loss. Herein, we tested whether TRF has the potential to induce browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) and to attenuate obesity and associated dyslipidemia in a cafeteria-diet-induced obesity model. Male Wistar rats were fed normal laboratory chow (NC) or cafeteria diet (CAF) for 16 weeks and were subdivided into two groups that were subjected to either ad libitum (ad lib, A) or TRF (R) for 8 h per day. Rats under the TRF regimen had a lower body weight gain and adiposity than the diet-matchedad lib rats, despite equivalent levels of food intake and locomotor activity. In addition, TRF improved the deranged lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c)) and atherogenic indices (atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), coronary risk index (CRI) in CAF-fed rats. Remarkably, TRF resulted in decreased size of adipocytes and induced emergence of multilocular brown-like adipocytes in iWAT of NC- and CAF-fed rats. Protein expression of browning markers, such as uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), were also up-regulated in the iWAToftime-restricted NC- or CAF-fed rats. These findings suggest that a TRF regimen is an effective strategy to improve CAF diet-induced obesity, probably via a mechanismthe involving WAT browning process.

Objective: To determine the effect of topical gentamycin application at the urethral stent to the stent’s colony-forming-unit (CFU) in hypospadias patients. Material & methods: This study is a double blind prospective randomized controlled study, conducted from November 2016 - August 2017 in Urology Department Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung. We include patients with distal until penoscrotal hypospadias who underwent urethroplasty for the first time. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: Group A were patients performed urethroplasty with nasogastric tube (NGT) urethral stents only. Group B were patients performed urethroplasty with NGT urethral stents that were coated with topical gentamycin. Both group were operated by a single surgeon using either Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) or Onlay Preputial Flap technique. Both group used supra pubic urinary diversion. Both group were given the same preoperative and postoperative intravenous antibiotics and given same dressing. At post operative day 7, the stents were removed and swabbed for bacterial culture and resistance test and colony-forming-unit (CFU) counts. Demographic data is described and, among others were analyzed statistically. Other adverse events and complications were also documented. Results: There were 25 hypospadias patients who were performed urethroplasty (12 patients in Group A and 13 patients in Group B). The median age in group A was 7 ± 2.995 (years old) and the mean age in group B was 6 ± 3.178 (years old). In group A, 1 patient (8.3%) were distal shaft type, 1 patient (8.3%) were middle shaft type, 8 patients (66.7%) were penoscrotal type, 1 patient (8.3%) were proximal shaft type, and 1 patient (8.3%) were subcoronal type. In group B, 3 patients (23.1.%) were distal shaft type, 3 patients (23.1%) were middle shaft type, 5 patients (38.5%) were penoscrotal type, and 2 patients (15.7%) were proximal shaft type. In group A, 6 patients (50%) using TIP, 6 patients (50%) using onlay preputial flap. In group B, 5 patients (38.5%) using TIP, 8 patients (61.5%) using onlay preputial flap. In Group A, Staphylococus haemoliticus was the most common bacterial found in urethral stent swabbed culture (50%), followed by Pseudomonas aeroginosa (16.7%), Acinetobacter baumannii (8.3%), Enterococcus faecalis (8.3%), Morganella morgagnii (8.3%) and sterile cultures (8.3%). In Group B, 38.5% were sterile urethral stents culture, followed by Staphylococus haemoliticus (30.8%), Enterobacter cloacae (7.7%), Staphylococus warneri (7.7%), Staphylococus epidermidis (7.7%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (7.7%). The most sensitive antibiotics in both group were Amikacin, Gentamycin, Meropenem, Cotrimoxazole, and Cefepime. In group A, 11 patients (91.7%) had >100.000 CFU counts, and 1 patient (8.3%) with no colony found. In Group B, 2 patients (15.4 %) had >100.000 CFU counts, 6 patients (46.2%) had

Introduction HIV affects over 38 million people worldwide, affecting the immune system and leading to symptoms like fever, lymphadenopathy, and sore throat. High viral loads can lead to opportunistic infections and tumors. The life expectancy of HIV patients has increased due to high-efficiency combination anti-retroviral therapy. Urothelial carcinoma, a malignant development, damages the urinary canal lining. The connection between HIV and urinary cancers is unclear, the aims of this study to report a case of urethral urothelial Carcinoma in HIV patient who underwent total urethrectomy and perineal urethrostomy. Case presentation A 34-year-old male patient with a papilliferous lump on the glans penis for over six months was admitted to the hospital. Preoperative screening revealed HIV and a urethral mass was found. A partial urethrectomy was performed, revealing high grade papillary urothelial Carcinoma. Five months after surgery, the patient developed a recurrent lump, requiring a total urethrectomy, TUR (transurethral resection) of the mass in the prostatic urethra, and perineal urethrostomy. Conclusion Primary carcinoma of the urethra in HIV patient is an extremely rare case. To date, there is no consensus on the primary urethral carcinoma therapy. The treatment of primary urethral carcinoma is tailored specifically to the patient based on the location, histology, and stage of the carcinoma.

According to reports, there are 1.9–3.6 incidences of IUD migration and uterine perforation for every 1000 IUD insertions. It is important to note that bladder perforation caused by a misplaced IUD is uncommon and is thought to happen most frequently during insertion. Here, we describe a patient who presented with symptoms related to the malposition of IUD inside the bladder. It is feasible to draw the conclusion that the cystoscopy technique should be taken into consideration as a suitable therapy option for such injuries in this organ. When a problem cannot be effectively treated by cystoscopy alone, laparotomy should be considered.

According to reports, there are 1.9–3.6 incidences of IUD migration and uterine perforation for every 1000 IUD insertions. It is important to note that bladder perforation caused by a misplaced IUD is uncommon and is thought to happen most frequently during insertion. Here, we describe a patient who presented with symptoms related to the migration of IUD to the bladder. It is feasible to draw the conclusion that the cystoscopy technique should be taken into consideration as a suitable therapy option for such injuries in this organ. When a problem cannot be effectively treated by cystoscopy alone, laparotomy should be considered.