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Alaa U AlRuwaisan,1 Mashael R Al-Anazi,2 Mohammed I Shafeai,3 Fuad H Rudiny,3 Ali M Motaen,3 Saad M Bin Dajem,4 Hani Alothaid,5 Kareem Morsy,4,6 Saad Alkahtani,1 Ahmed A Al-Qahtani2,7 1Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Infection and Immunity, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Sabya General Hospital, Sabya, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia; 6Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; 7Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ahmed A Al-Qahtani Email aqahtani@kfshrc.edu.saIntroduction: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, reported to be involved in the initial immune responses against malaria. Genetic variations in the host are an important factor that influences the etiology of malaria at several disease levels. Polymorphisms within the IL-18 gene are associated with susceptibility and clinical outcome of several diseases.Methods: We genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-18 of patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum with varying extent of parasitemia and different age groups.Results: SNPs rs5744292 (OR = 70.446; 95% CI = 4.318– 1149.323; p< 0.0001) and rs544354 (OR = 1.498; 95% CI = 1.088– 2.063; p=0.013) were found to be significantly associated with parasitemia in P. falciparum-infected patients when compared with healthy control subjects. SNP rs5744292 (OR = 7.597; 95% CI=1.028– 56.156; p=0.019) was associated with increased parasite density in infected patients. SNPs rs544354 (OR 0.407; 95% CI=0.204– 0.812; p = 0.009) and rs360714 (OR of 0.256; 95% CI=0.119– 0.554; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with parasite density in an age-dependent manner, with the risk alleles present more frequently among the younger (1– 9 years) patients. Several haplotypes were found to have a significant association with parasitemia. In-vitro expression analysis using luciferase reporter assay showed that SNPs rs1946518 and rs187238 in the IL-18 gene promoter region and rs360728 and rs5744292 in the 3ʹ-untranslated region of the IL-18 gene were associated with enhanced transcriptional activity.Conclusion: Our results suggest that polymorphisms within the IL-18 gene are associated with the susceptibility to P. falciparum infection and related parasitemia among groups with different parasite density and across various age groups.Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, IL-18 gene, SNPs

Parapharyngodon (Oxyurida) is a lizard gastrointestinal nematode parasite with a life cycle including lizards as main hosts. However, some species are known to parasitize anurans. In the present study, P. japonicus isolated from the large intestine of the Egyptian changeable lizard, Agama mutabilis was described and illustrated. Forty five specimens of these animals were collected from south Sinai desert, Egypt during the period from May to September 2017. After necropsy, the body was opened by a longitudinal incision from vent to throat, and the gastrointestinal tract was removed. The esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines were examined separately for helminthes. The recovered nematodes were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Thirty six specimens (80.0 %) were found to be naturally infected. The parasite was robust with prominent cuticular transverse annulations. Mouth surrounded by three bilobed lips, each with tiny labial papillae. Three pairs of caudal papillae were observed in male worms; 1 pair precloacal, 1 pair sublateral in cloacal opening line, 1 pair in proximal region of caudal appendage on its narrowed point. The posterior extremity beard dorsally directed caudal appendages. Females were with a conical posterior end terminated at a terminal spike. Ovaries reached esophageal isthmus but not wrapped around corpus. The parasite recorded was compared morphologically and morphometrically with the most similar species, it was found that it was most similar to P. japonicus with new host and locality records.

Clove plant (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the Myrtaceae family. It's a common flavor in food and the traditional medicine. The study's objective was to ascertain whether the clove bud aqueous extract (CAE) and CAE + nanosilver have any biological effects on immune cells and HT-29 colon cancer cell line. Nanosilver was produced through green synthesis approach using CAE. Produced nanosilver was characterized via electron microscope (scanning, SEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. CAE and CAE + nanosilver were examined for their active biomolecules using FTIR analysis, p53 contents using real-time PCR, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest power on HT-29 cancer cell line via flow cytometerty and immunomodulatory potential utilizing MTT assay. Results cleared that a spherical nanosilver with a diameter range of 53 nm was formed by CAE. There were several active biomolecules in CAE and CAE + nanosilver. CAE and CAE + nanosilver increased the p53 protein expression and apoptotic cell number in HT-29 colon cancer cells. CAE and CAE + nanosilver could arrest HT-29 cells at the phase G2/M. CAE and CAE + nanosilver stimulated quiescent and PHA-pre-treated splenic cells at higher concentrations, and CAE suppressed quiescent splenic cell when diluted. In conclusion, the safe edible Syzygium aromaticum plant can be utilized to make anti-tumor agent, essentially for colon tumor. As Syzygium aromaticum plant could stimulate immune cells, it can be used as immune-stimulatory agent that can help fight tumor and tumor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Monogenea is a class of ectoparasitic flatworms on the skin, gills, or fins of fish. Microcotylidae is a family of polyopisthocotylean monogeneans parasitising only marine fishes. This work describes and taxonomically determines a microcotylid polyopisthocotylean monogenean in an important fish in Saudi aquaculture.

Introduction: There is still lack of morphological and phylogenetic information on the pathogenic nematode of the camel Haemonchus longistipes. In the present study, this parasite was isolated in Saudi Arabia and described.

Mohamed A Mekky,1 Hani I Sayed,2 Mohamed O Abdelmalek,1 Medhat A Saleh,3 Osman A Osman,1 Heba A Osman,4 Khairy H Morsy,5 Helal F Hetta6,7 1Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt; 2Center for Management of Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of Health, Assiut, Egypt; 3Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; 4Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, South Valley University Hospital, Qena, Egypt; 5Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Sohag University Hospital, Sohag, Egypt; 6Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; 7Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA Background: Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI) is characterized by the detection of HCV-RNA in non-serum reservoirs, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and/or hepatocytes with undetectable HCV-RNA or antibodies in the serum. In this study, we tried to evaluate the prevalence and possible predictors of OCI in patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) post sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV) therapy.Patients and methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was designed to enroll 1,280 HCV-infected patients who received SOF (400 mg) plus DCV (60 mg) once daily ± ribavirin regimen for 12 weeks and achieved SVR 12 weeks post treatment. They were randomly recruited from three dedicated Egyptian centers for management of HCV. Real-time PCR was performed to detect HCV-RNA in serum and PBMCs and to evaluate the different risk factors pertaining to the existence of OCI.Results: HCV-RNA was detected in PBMCs of 50 (3.9%) of them. All OCI cases exhibited significant fibrosis score and raised pre-treatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Logistic regression analysis comparing OCI with non-OCI revealed that high pre-treatment viral load, raised ALT, advanced fibrosis score, prolonged prothrombin time, low albumin, Child B score, antiviral experienced patients, and raised bilirubin are the most significant predictor for the possibility of OCI presence with Odds Ratio as 7.03, 5.13, 4.4, 2.68, 2.52, 1.9, 1.5, and 1.2, respectively.Conclusion: In spite of its remote possibility, OCI post SOF/DCV therapy may be present in some cases, and this may entail a re-auditing for the definition of SVR by dual testing in both serum and PBMCs. Keywords: Occult, hepatitis C, Direct acting, Sofosbuvir

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug widely employed in the treatment of various cancers, known for its potent antineoplastic properties but often associated with dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, limiting its clinical use. This review explores the complex molecular details that determine the heart-protective effectiveness of carvedilol in relation to cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. The harmful effects of DOX on heart cells could include oxidative stress, DNA damage, iron imbalance, disruption of autophagy, calcium imbalance, apoptosis, dysregulation of topoisomerase 2-beta, arrhythmogenicity, and inflammatory responses. This review carefully reveals how carvedilol serves as a strong protective mechanism, strategically reducing each aspect of cardiac damage caused by DOX. Carvedilol's antioxidant capabilities involve neutralizing free radicals and adjusting crucial antioxidant enzymes. It skillfully manages iron balance, controls autophagy, and restores the calcium balance essential for cellular stability. Moreover, the anti-apoptotic effects of carvedilol are outlined through the adjustment of Bcl-2 family proteins and activation of the Akt signaling pathway. The medication also controls topoisomerase 2-beta and reduces the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, together offering a thorough defense against cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. These findings not only provide detailed understanding into the molecular mechanisms that coordinate heart protection by carvedilol but also offer considerable potential for the creation of targeted treatment strategies intended to relieve cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Liver inflammatory diseases are marked by serious complications. Notably, nicardipine (NCD) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, but its benefits in liver inflammation have not been studied yet. However, the therapeutic efficacy of NCD is limited by its short half-life and low bioavailability. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of NCD-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) to improve its pharmacokinetic profile and hepatic accumulation. Four formulations of NCD-ChNPs were synthesized and characterized. The optimal formulation (NP2) exhibited a mean particle diameter of 172.6 ± 1.94 nm, a surface charge of +25.66 ± 0.93 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 88.86 ± 1.17 %. NP2 showed good physical stability as a lyophilized powder over three months. It displayed pH-sensitive release characteristics, releasing 77.15 ± 5.09 % of NCD at pH 6 (mimicking the inflammatory microenvironment) and 52.15 ± 3.65 % at pH 7.4, indicating targeted release in inflamed liver tissues. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies revealed that NCD-ChNPs significantly prolonged NCD circulation time and enhanced its concentration in liver tissues compared to plain NCD. Additionally, the study investigated the protective effects of NCD-ChNPs in thioacetamide-induced liver injury in rats by modulating the NFκB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling axis. NCD-ChNPs effectively inhibited NFκB activation, reduced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and subsequent release of IL-1β, which correlated with improved hepatic function and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings highlight the potential of NCD-ChNPs as a promising nanomedicine strategy for the treatment of liver inflammatory diseases, warranting further investigation into their clinical applications, particularly in hypertensive patients with liver inflammatory conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Electronic and structural properties of calcium clusters with a varying size range of 2-20 atoms are studied using a two-step scheme within the GW and density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The GGA overestimates the binding energies, optimized geometries, electron affinities, and ionization potentials reported in the benchmark. The ground-state structure geometry and binding energy were obtained from the DFT for the ground-state structure of each cluster. The binding energy of the neutral clusters of the calcium series follows an increasing trend, except for a few stable even and odd clusters. The electronic properties of the calcium cluster were studied with an all-electron FHI-aims code. In the G 0 W 0 calculation, the magic cluster Ca 10 has relatively high ionization potential and low electron affinity. The obtained ionization potentials from the G 0 W 0 @ PBE calculation showed that the larger cluster has less variation, whereas the electron affinities of the series have an increasing trend. The ionization potentials from the G 0 W 0 benchmark for the calcium cluster series have not yet been described in the literature., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024, Bakhsh et al.)

The change in composition and pressure, both of which lead to new desired properties by altering the structure, is particularly important for improving device performance. Given this, we focused here on the mechanical, elastic, and optoelectronic characteristics of the Cd 0.75 Zn 0.25 Se alloy using density functional theory at various pressures from 0 GPa to 20 GPa. It is found that the bulk modulus of the material rises with increasing pressure and exhibits mechanical stability as well as cubic symmetry. In addition, the increased pressure leads to a rise in the direct bandgap energy of the material from 2.03 eV to 2.48 eV. The absorption coefficient of the alloy also increases as the pressure increases, where the effective range of absorption covers the broad spectrum of light in the visible range from orange to cyan. This is due to the electronic transitions caused by the altered pressure. The optical parameters, including optical conductivity, extinction coefficient, reflection, and refractive index, are also analyzed under the influence of pressure. Based on this research, effective applications of the Cd substituted Zn-chalcogenides (CdZnSe) alloys in the fields of optoelectronics and photovoltaics are outlined, especially concerning fabricating solar cells, photonic devices, and pressure sensors for space technology., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Iqbal, Javeed, Bakhsh, Arellano-Ramírez, Khalid, Morsy, Shati and Choi.)

The optoelectronic and structural characteristics of the Zn 1-x Cr x Se (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) semiconductor are reported by employing density functional theory (DFT) within the mBJ potential. The findings revealed that the lattice constant decreases with increasing Cr concentration, although the bulk modulus exhibits the opposite trend. ZnSe is a direct bandgap material; however, a change from direct to indirect electronic bandgap has been seen with Cr presence. This transition is caused by structural alterations by Cr and defects forming, which results in novel optical features, including electronic transitions. The electronic bandgap decreases from 2.769 to 0.216 eV, allowing phonons to participate and improving optical absorption. A higher concentration of Cr boosts infrared absorption and these Cr-based ZnSe (ZnCrSe) semiconductors also cover a wider spectrum in the visible range from red to blue light. Important optical parameters such as reflectance, optical conductivity, optical bandgap, extinction coefficient, refractive index, magnetization factor, and energy loss function are discussed, providing a theoretical understanding of the diverse applications of ZnCrSe semiconductors in photonic and optoelectronic devices., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study evaluated if salidroside (SAL) alleviates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by downregulating miR-21. Rats ( n  = 8/group) were treated for 12 weeks as normal diet (control/ND), ND + agmoir negative control (NC) (150 µg/kg), ND + SAL (300 mg/kg), HFD, HFD + SAL, HFD + compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) (200 ng/kg), HFD + SAL + NXT629 (a PPAR-α antagonist) (30 mg/kg), and HFD + SAL + miR-21 agomir (150 µg/kg). SAL improved glucose and insulin tolerance and preserved livers in HFD-fed rats. In ND and HFD-fed rats, SAL reduced levels of serum and hepatic lipids and the hepatic expression of SREBP1, SREBP2, fatty acid (FA) synthase, and HMGCOAR. It also activated hepatic Nrf2 and increased hepatic/muscular activity of AMPK and levels of PPARα. All effects afforded by SAL were prevented by CC, NXT629, and miR-21 agmoir. In conclusion, activation of AMPK and upregulation of PPARα mediate the anti-steatotic effect of SAL.

The structural and electronic properties of zinc clusters (Zn n ) for a size range of n = 2-15 are studied using density functional theory. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed to search the structure and to determine the ground-state structure of the neutral Zn clusters. The structural motifs are optimized using the density functional theory approach to ensure that the structures are fully relaxed. Results are compared with the literature to validate the accuracy of the prediction method. The binding energy per cluster is obtained and compared with the reported literature to study the stability of these structures. We further assess the electronic properties, including the ionization potential, using the all-electron FHI-aims code employing G 0 W 0 calculations, and the G 0 W 0 Г 0 (1) correction for a few smaller clusters, which provides a better estimation of the ionization potential compared to other methods., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024, Bakhsh et al.)

The current investigation was focused on describing the gross and scanning electron features of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) tongue, with new insights into its papillary adaptation to the Egyptian environment. The elongated tongue had a rostral free and the caudal fixed. The ventral apical surface is classified into the smaller rostral papillary region on the tip and the larger non-papillary region by the U-line of filiform papillae. Functionally, there are two papillary types: mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform in addition to the longitudinal row of large conical papilla on the lateral of the body) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). Filiform papillae were densely distributed on the dorsal surface of the apex and body, and on the lateral apical border and lateral surface of the body and root, in addition to the ventral surface of the tip. This filiform papillary system gives a raspy appearance to the dorsal surface. The conical and lentiform papillae were limited to the torus linguae. Circumvallate papillae are surrounded by an annular groove and slightly vallum. The lingual root was devoid of any papillae. Lingual papillary subtypes are filiform papillae (elongated and triangular), conical papillae (elongated and oval) and fungiform papillae (round and ovoid). The investigated Nubian goat may have developed a specialized papillary system due to regional differences in the distribution, structure and subtypes of the system, allowing it to adapt to the dried grasses and leaves of trees and bushes that are available in Upper Egypt's dry, hot climate., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The increase in global energy consumption and the related ecological problems have generated a constant demand for alternative energy sources superior to traditional ones. This is why unlimited photon-energy harnessing is important. A notable focus to address this concern is on advancing and producing cost-effective low-loss solar cells. For efficient light energy capture and conversion, we fabricated a ZnPC:PC70BM-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and estimated its performance using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D). We evaluated the output parameters of the ZnPC:PC70BM-based DSSC with different photoactive layer thicknesses, series and shunt resistances, and back-metal work function. Our analyses show that moderate thickness, minimum series resistance, high shunt resistance, and high metal-work function are favorable for better device performance due to low recombination losses, electrical losses, and better transport of charge carriers. In addition, in-depth research for clarifying the impact of factors, such as thickness variation, defect density, and doping density of charge transport layers, has been conducted. The best efficiency value found was 10.30% after tweaking the parameters. It also provides a realistic strategy for efficiently utilizing DSSC cells by altering features that are highly dependent on DSSC performance and output., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The unique consequence of green synthesis is that the mediator plant is able to release chemicals that are efficacious as reducing as well as stabilizing agents. In this work, the fruit pulp and leaf essences of Cassia fistula have been used to manufacture silver nanoparticles through the green synthesis technique. The sculpturing of nanoparticles was accomplished by utilizing the reduction phenomenon that ensued due to the reaction between plant essences and the precursor solution. These biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were examined, where we used scanning electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques as means to analyze the structure, optical properties, and crystalline behavior, respectively. The absorption spectra for fruit and leaf extracts obtained from the UV-vis analyses peaked at 401 and 397 nm, and these peaks imply the appearance of optical energy gaps of 2.12 and 2.58 eV, accompanying spherical shapes of particles with diameters in the ranges of 12-20 and 50-80 nm, respectively. These silver nanoparticles together with the adopted green technique have a vast array of applications, specifically in the biomedical realm. In particular, they are being used to treat several diseases and are manifested as strong anti-tumor agents to medicate MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines in order to minimize the cell growth rate depending on their concentrations., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

This study reports the synthesis of ferric vanadate (FeVO 4 ) via a facile hydrothermal method, focusing on demonstrating its exceptional electrochemical (EC) properties on detecting low-density ascorbic acid (AA). The phase purity, crystallinity, structure, morphology, and chemical compositional properties were characterized by employing X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. EC impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques were also adopted in order to assess the EC response of a FeVO 4 -modified glassy carbon electrode for sensing AA at room temperature. The AA concentration range adopted in this experiment is 0.1-0.3 mM at a working electric potential of -0.13 V. The result showed functional excellence of this material for the EC determination of AA with good stability and reproducibility, promising its potentiality in connection with relevant sensing applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

This investigation was led to depict the structural and functional adaptations of the oral cavity of herbivorous Egyptian tortoises using scanning electron and light microscopes. The SEM showed that the triangular papillary tongue possessed three conical papillary subtypes: the rectangular conical on the tip, the round conical on the rest of the dorsal lingual surface and the elongated conical on the caudal portion of the lingual wing. The presence of the serrated lips with their valves compensated for the absence of the teeth. The rostral part had a vomeronasal opening while the middle part had the choana, but the caudal part had numerous openings of the salivary glands. There are three palatine folds: a single median palatine fold, two peripheral palatine folds and the choanal fold. The current histological results show the keratinized dorsal lingual surface, in which the keratinized layer extended to cover the papillae. Two types of lingual glands, according to their position, are papillary superficial and deep lingual glands. Papillary or superficial glands open in the interpapillary spaces via narrow openings, while the deep glands are surrounded by well-developed muscles and open via wide openings on the dorsal lingual surface. An entoglossal cartilaginous structure of hyaline cartilage was found in the mid- and hindtongue, with numerous chondrocytes lodged within the lacunae. Our results conclude that the oral cavity of the herbivorous Egyptian tortoise was adapted to the dietary and vigorous demands of the Egyptian fauna., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The current study aims to illustrate the gross and scanning electron microscopic characterizations and ultrastructural adaptation of the lingual papillary system of Egyptian Ossimi sheep to Egyptian ecological conditions. The tongue had three regions: the apex (with a slightly bifurcated tip), the body (subdivided into rostral and caudal parts) and the root (subdivided into rostral papillary and caudal non-papillary parts). Torus linguae had two parts: the triangular rostral part (the caudal part of the body) and the quadrilateral wide part (the rostral part of the root). The lingual papillary system had mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) types. Filiform papillae were heavily scattered on the dorsal surface of the apex, the rostral part of the body and the ventral surface of the papillary region of the tip. Filiform papillae had five subtypes (ventral and dorsal processed, triangular, leaf-like and triangular-processed papillae), while the conical papillae had three subtypes: two lingual (small, large) and one paralingual (elongated pointed), and the fungiform had two subtypes: the high-density ovoid (on the ventral surface of the tip) and round papillae (on the dorsal surface) that possessed a high number of taste pores, not previously described. They ranged from 5 to 10 for ovoid and 25 to 25 for round papillae. Each circumvallate papilla had an ovoid bulb (with 2-5 taste pores) encircled by an annular groove and two pads (i.e. not described previously). The papillary system's regional divergence was specialized for their harsh and semi-harsh diet., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The present work was designed to investigate the microscopic structure of the oesophagus in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) using histochemical staining, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and stereological procedures. Four adult males were included in our study. Serial sections of the entire length of the oesophagus were stained with aldehyde fuchsin, alcian blue (pH 2.5), Periodic acid Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome. Then, the total volume of the oesophagus, and the total volume of its different layers, were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The oesophageal epithelium was a non-keratinized stratified squamous type. Muscularis mucosa was present as a thick layer between lamina propria and submucosa and its thickness was increased toward the stomach. Tunica submucosa was a loose connective tissue containing an oesophageal gland with PAS-positive and AB-positive reactions throughout the submucosa and become denser toward the stomach. The tunica muscularis consisted of two distinct striated muscle layers, and its thickness was decreased toward the stomach. On SEM images, the cervical and thoracic oesophagus showed shallow folding, while the abdominal part had deeper folds. The present findings indicate that the histological properties of the oesophagus in southern white-breasted hedgehogs have slight similarities with rodents and considering its epithelium, submucosal glands and tunica muscularis more resemble with dog oesophagus. The obtained results may be quite helpful to improve the current knowledge of the histophysiology of the hedgehog gastrointestinal tract as a member of eulipotyplan mammals and as a pet for biologists and veterinarians., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Chloroxine (5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline) is a molecule utilized in some shampoos for the therapy of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and dandruff. In this study, we investigated the inhibition effects of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate compounds on the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA Reductase) and urease enzymes. We have obtained results for the HMG-CoA Reductase and urease enzymes at the micromolar level. In our study, inhibition result of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and Methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate on HMG-CoA reductase showed lower values 2.28 ± 0.78 and 33.25 ± 5.04 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, inhibition result of 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate on urease showed lower values 6.18 ± 1.38 and 8.51 ± 1.35 µg/ml, respectively. Molecular docking calculations were made for their biological activities were compared. In the present work, the structures of the related compounds (1 and 2) were drawn using Gaussian 09 software and done geometry optimization at DFT/B3LYP/6-31G* basis set with aforementioned program. Cytotoxicity potential of these compounds against human lung cancer demonstrated that these compounds had good cytotoxic effects. Both compounds significantly decreased lung cell viability from low doses. In addition, 100 µM dose of all compounds caused significant reductions in lung cell viability. In general, we can say that of the two tested compounds, 5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline and methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate have cytotoxic effects in all cell types, and this effect is particularly strong in lung cells. Activities were performed at concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 70, and 100 µl and we achieved good results. Lung cell viability (%) value was better at 100 µl concentration and IC 50 of them were 54.28 and 48.05 µM., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

A prevalent bacterial intestinal infection with severe economic damage is salmonellosis. Our study was carried out to diagnose Salmonella from chickens and calves, to determine its resistance to antimicrobials' phenotypic and genotypic characterization of integrons and β lactamase genes in the multidrug resistance of different Salmonella serotypes, and to detect the genetic relationship between Salmonella isolates collected from different origins using an ERIC PCR. In total, 200 samples from diseased chicken and diarrheic calves were obtained from 50 various farms from Kafr El-sheikh, Egypt. Salmonella poultry isolates were characterized as S. Typhimurium (3/8), S. Enteritidis (3/8), and S. Kentucky (2/8), but Salmonella isolates from cattle were S. Enteritidis (1/2) and S. Kentucky (1/2). When antibiotic susceptibility testing was completed on all of the isolates, it showed that there was multidrug resistance present (MDR). A PCR was applied for identifying the accompanying class 1 integrons and ESBLs from MDR Salmonella isolates (two isolates of S. Kentucky were divided as one from calf and one from poultry). Our results detected blaTEM and class 1 integron , but were negative for bla IMP , bla VIM , and bla SHV. An ERIC PCR was conducted for understanding the clonal relation between various β-lactamase-producing MDR Salmonella isolates. The same four previously mentioned isolates were also tested. The two isolates of S. Enteritidis isolated from poultry and calves had 100% similarity despite indicating that there were interactions between broilers and calves living on the same farm that caused infection from the same Salmonella strains, while the other two isolates of S. Kentucky showed only 33% serovarities., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The present investigation was prepared to give a complete ultrastructural characterization of the pecten oculi of the diurnal European wild Quail to describe their adaptation habits to the Northern Egyptian coast. Our work declares the first endeavor is the elemental analysis using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) to show the migration effect on their eye. The intra-ocular quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with craniocaudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The pecten oculi consist of three parts: the basal, body, and apical. The basal part originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The coiled surface refers to numerous capillary vessels. The smooth head of each pleat was kidney-like, strongly attached to a bridge. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. The thick basal part of each pleat had numerous thick longitudinal microfolds that refer to the numerous blood capillaries attached to the retina as supporting roots. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half), while oxygen represents about one-third. In the meantime, the lowest element is the phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate. Finally, the pecten oculi are thought to be a reflection of the avian lifestyle and ecological adaptations. HIGHLIGHTS: Our work is the first description of the elemental analysis using SEM-EDX to show the migration effect on their eye. The quadrilateral trapezoid black pigmented plicated type pecten oculi were observed on the postero-inferior wall of the eyeball with cranio-caudal and posterio-anterior directions along the fetal fissure. The basal part of the pecten oculi originated behind the optic nerve, forming the slightly elevated border, while the apical part was directed toward the ciliary body. There are 10-11 pleats with interpleat space. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. There are numerous melanosomes and little hyalocytes on the pecteneal pleat's outer surfaces. SEM/EDX elemental analysis revealed that carbon is the highest element (half percent), while oxygen represents about one-third of the element's percent meanwhile, the lowest element is phosphate at the apical part, while the lowest element in the rest is the sulfate., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The current study shows the first attempts to clarify the gross, ultrastructure, and histological properties of the pecten oculi of the diurnal, visually active glossy ibis, as well as scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) image analysis (Plegadis falcinellus). The pecten oculi was found on the eyeball's posteroinferior wall, adjacent to the optic nerve in both the craniocaudal and posterio-anterior directions. The plicated quadrilateral black pigmented pecten oculi consisted of a base, 10-12 pleats, and an apex. The base was joined by an elevated ridge and derived from the non-vascular retina, while the apex was not a fused part and was found neighboring the gelatinous vitreous body. The limited interpleat spaces were somewhat wider at the base of the pecten oculi. The outer surface of each highly vascular pecten pleat revealed a tortious coiled formation due to the existence of a considerable number of capillary vessels. The outer pleat surfaces had a vitreopecteneal limiting membrane that segregated the pecten pleats from the vitreous body. The high SEM magnification revealed that there are considerable plentiful hyalocyte cells on the outer surface of the pleats. The SEM-EDX analysis of the elementary formatting of the pecten oculi (at apex, middle, and base) clarified that the carbon represents the highest and a half percent. Furthermore, oxygen represents one-third of all elemental composition in the three regions, while the lowest percentage is calcium. Finally, the pecten oculi characterizations of this migratory bird on the Northern Egyptian shore were associated with their adaptive dietary strategies., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In this study, Fe 2 O 3 powder was synthesized using the co-precipitation method from scrap iron, which was then treated with varying concentrations of copper. Afterwards, the modified Fe 2 O 3 was reinforced in the PVC matrix by using the solution-casting method to synthesize PVC composite films, which were subjected to a UV-visible spectrophotometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, an X-ray diffractometer, and a thermal gravimetric analyzer to evaluate the optical, chemical, structural, and thermal properties. FTIR analysis reveals the formation of the composite through vibrational bands pertaining to both components present, whereas no significant changes in the XRD patterns of PVC were observed after the doping of modified iron oxide, which reveals the compatibility of fillers with the PVC matrix. The optical properties of the copper-doped iron oxide-PVC composites, including absorbance, refractive index, urbach energy, and optical as well as electrical conductivity are measured, and show an increase in optical activity when compared to the pure PVC compound. Moreover, the increased thermal stability of the synthesized composite was also observed and compared with conventional compounds, which, in accordance with all the other mentioned properties, makes the copper-dopped iron oxide-PVC composite an effective material for electronic, photonic, and optical device applications.

This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of kaempferol against cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 ) -induced nephropathy in rats. It also investigated if activation of Nrf2 is a common mechanism of action. Adult male rats ((150 ± 15 g) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/each) as a control (1% DMSO, orally), control + kaempferol (200 mg/kg, orally), CdCl 2 (50 mg/l in drinking water), and CdCl 2  + kaempferol (200 mg/kg)-treated rats. All treatments were conducted for 8 weeks. Kaempferol significantly attenuated CdCl 2 -induced weight loss, reduction in kidney weights, and the injury in the glomeruli, proximal tubules, and distal tubules in the treated rats. It also significantly lowered serum levels of urea and creatinine, increased urine output and urinary creatinine levels and clearance but reduced urinary levels of albumin urinary albumin exertion (UAER), and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in these rats. In parallel, kaempferol downregulated renal levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and unregulated those of Bcl2. In the kidney tissues of the control animals and CdCl 2 rats, kaempferol significantly attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and significantly boosted levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Also, and in both groups, kaempferol suppressed the nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, downregulated Keap1, and stimulated the nuclear activation and protein levels of Nrf2. In conclusion, kaempferol is a potential therapeutic drug to prevent CdCl 2 -induced nephropathy due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects mediated by suppressing NF- NF-κB p65 and transactivating Nrf2., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The optoelectronic properties of the ternary Cd 0.25 Zn 0.75 Se alloy are reported under the influence of a high pressure ranging from 0 to 25 GPa, within a modified Becke-Jhonson potential using density functional theory. This alloy has a cubic symmetry, is mechanically stable, and its bulk modulus rises with pressure. It is observed to be a direct bandgap material with a bandgap energy that increases from 2.37 to 3.11 eV with rise in pressure. Pressure changes the optical and electronic properties, causing the absorption coefficient to rise and absorb visible green-to-violet light. The static dielectric constant, along with the static index of refraction, both increase under the influence of pressure. Optical constants, including dielectric constant, optical conductivity, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and reflection, are also investigated and discussed. This DFT forecast explores important research directions for the usage of the CdZnSe semiconductor alloys in the manufacturing of space photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices operating at different pressures., (© 2022. The Author(s).)