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Cell plasticity theoretically extends to all possible cell types, but naturally decreases as cells differentiate, whereas injury-repair re-engages the developmental plasticity. Here we show that the lung alveolar type 2 (AT2)-specific transcription factor (TF), CEBPA, restricts AT2 cell plasticity in the mouse lung. AT2 cells undergo transcriptional and epigenetic maturation postnatally. Without CEBPA, both neonatal and mature AT2 cells reduce the AT2 program, but only the former reactivate the SOX9 progenitor program. Sendai virus infection bestows mature AT2 cells with neonatal plasticity where Cebpa mutant, but not wild type, AT2 cells express SOX9, as well as more readily proliferate and form KRT8/CLDN4+ transitional cells. CEBPA promotes the AT2 program by recruiting the lung lineage TF NKX2-1. The temporal change in CEBPA-dependent plasticity reflects AT2 cell developmental history. The ontogeny of AT2 cell plasticity and its transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms have implications in lung regeneration and cancer. Cell plasticity underlies development and regeneration. Here, the authors show that mouse lung alveolar type 2 cells undergo maturation postnatally and their plasticity is restricted by CEBPA and increases upon viral infection.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate brainstem functions in Parkinson’s disease (PD) through studying auditory brainstem evoked responses (ABRs), and ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP and cVEMP) and to explore their relation with motor symptoms, if any. Study design Fifteen individuals diagnosed as having idiopathic PD and 15 age-matched controls were included. The PD patients were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, and the Schwab and England Scale. The subscores of major symptom were calculated, such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and axial signs. During medication ‘on’ states, PD patients and controls underwent pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, tympanometry, ABR, oVEMP, and cVEMP. The test findings in PD patients were grouped into ipsilateral and contralateral results in relation to the clinically more affected motor side and were compared with the age-matched controls. Results PD patients showed abnormal ABR wave morphology, prolonged absolute latencies of ABR wave V, and I–V interpeak latencies. Absent responses were the evident abnormality seen in oVEMP. Prolonged latencies with reduced amplitudes were seen in cVEMP responses. The main motor features of PD (rigidity and bradykinesia) were correlated to the ABR and cVEMP responses contralateral to the clinically more affected side. Conclusion Dysfunction at different levels of the brainstem was confirmed in patients with PD. The impairment of ABRs and VEMP responses is related to characteristic clinical asymmetry of PD and its cardinal motor features. ABRs and VEMPs could be used as potential electrophysiological biomarkers for PD.

Background The study aimed to design a roadmap for an audiological test battery to be part of the standard assessment and monitoring of Gaucher disease (GD) patients. Methods A cross-sectional study involved 21 GD patients, including 14 with none-neuronopathic GD and 7 with neuronopathic GD. The study used a comprehensive audiological test battery to assess the auditory pathway from the external ear to the brainstem, including detailed history, otological exam, pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) with and without contralateral suppression, and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) evoked to both click and speech stimuli. Results Symptoms suggestive of central auditory dysfunction were reported in 66.67% of the study group. Audiological test findings showed abnormal scores mainly in central auditory pathways, including abnormal scores in complex ABR in 73.3%, abnormal medial olivocochlear suppression in 72.7%, abnormal latency rate function in ABR of 26.7% and abnormally prolonged ABR III-V interpeak latencies in 25%. On the other hand, pure tone audiometry revealed high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss in one patient with none-neuronopathic GD and 5 patients with mild to moderate conductive hearing loss related to abnormal tympanogram results (30% total). Failed TEOAEs were revealed in 2 patients only (16.7%). Conclusion Assessment of central auditory pathways should be incorporated into the audiological test battery for GD patients. This can serve as an indicator of subclinical neurological abnormalities and may be a useful addition to standard neurological monitoring in these patients.

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, posing a significant health risk, especially in poor, crowded settings. Existing treatments are facing challenges due to poor compliance and side effects, necessitating alternative therapies. Hydrogel formulations offer promise by enhancing drug release and bioavailability. This study tested a novel topical ivermectin (IVR) hydrogel for scabies, evaluating its effectiveness, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also assessed treatment outcomes of skin structure and its effect on animal behavior and locomotor activity. IVR hydrogel (1% w/v) was formulated and evaluated based on its physicochemical properties, in vitro release kinetics, and acaricidal activity using a contact bioassay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An in vivo bioassay was performed using experimentally infested rabbits treated topically with IVR hydrogel. Treatment efficacy was evaluated via histopathology, oxidative stress, inflammatory and immunological markers, and behavioral changes measured through open-field testing. The IVR gel, at a 100% concentration, achieved complete mite mortality in vitro within 10 minutes, accompanied by extensive cuticular damage. In vivo , treated rabbits exhibited marked clinical improvement, attaining a clinical score near zero (0.17) by day 21, alongside enhanced skin condition and reduced inflammation. The treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction in inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, P< 0.001) and oxidative stress (MDA, P< 0.001) without significant alterations in specific immunoglobulin levels (IgG and IgE). Histopathological analysis confirmed improvement of skin architecture, while behavioral assessments revealed no adverse effects on animal behavior. IVR hydrogel demonstrated significant, concentration-dependent acaricidal activity, biocompatibility, and effectiveness in reducing oxidative and inflammatory damage. Based on these findings, topical ivermectin hydrogel may offer a promising platform for further investigation as a treatment modality for scabies.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the outcome of hearing aid amplification in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) using speech P1 cortical auditory evoked potential (P1-CAEP). Study design Forty-five children were divided into three groups: the ANSD group ( n =15), the sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) group ( n =15), and the normal hearing group ( n =15). The ANSD group had a mean age of 48.2 (±29.4) months and included children with moderate-to-severe hearing loss, a history of bilateral hearing aid use for at least 6 months, and absence of comorbid disorders. The SNHL group was closely matched to the ANSD group. Verification of hearing aids was carried out twice with 6 months of interval and included evaluation of aided sound field and P1-CAEP, and evaluation using the Arabic version of the Infant Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS). The P1-CAEPs were elicited using the temporally modified synthetic ‘ba’ and ‘da’ syllables. Results In the initial evaluation, 80% of ANSD children showed P1 response to the ‘ba’ stimulus and 87% of children to the ‘da’ stimulus. Only one child from the SNHL group did not show P1-CAEP responses to the ‘da’ stimulus. The latency of P1 was prolonged in both groups compared with the normal hearing loss group. At 6-month evaluation, the P1-CAEP latencies improved equally in the ANSD and SNHL groups. Children with absent responses persisted to have absent responses. The mean IT-MAIS scores was initially 45.5 (±20) in the ANSD group and 79 (±9) in the SNHL group and increased after 6 months in both groups. The IT-MAIS scores negatively correlated with the P1-CAEP latency in the two evaluation sessions and positively correlated with the age of hearing aid fitting. Conclusion Around 50% of ANSD children demonstrated benefit from amplification. They showed evidence of normal central auditory maturation and progress in auditory skill development. Longitudinal P1 recording is recommended in the comprehensive audiological test battery in ANSD population using temporally modified speech stimuli.

A field experiment was conducted in the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad, aiming to study the effect of Lantana plant extract and aspirin in reducing the competition of weeds with the maize crop (Baghdad 1 cultivar). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used, arranged in a split-plot design. The main plots represented aspirin levels (0, 200, 400 and 600 mg L −1 ), while the subplots represented levels of Lantana plant extract concentrations (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), in addition to a weed-free treatment and a weedy treatment, as well as treatment with the herbicide Rimosulfuron. The results showed significant differences in the effects of spraying Lantana extract and aspirin on some yield characteristics of maize. The weed-free treatment gave the highest growth rate of the crop (3.861 g plant −1 ), the highest ear length (15.433 cm), the highest number of rows per ear (15.333 rows ear −1 ), the highest number of grain ear −1 (464.6 grain), the highest weight of 500 grain (162.58 g), and the highest yield efficiency (233.2 g m −2 ). Additionally, the weed treatment with Lantana extract (100% concentration) ranked second after the weed-free treatment, excelling in the characteristics of the number of rows, number of grain per row, and yield efficiency with averages of 14.567 rows ear −1 , 414.4 grain ear −1 , and 220.3 g m −2 , compared to the weedy treatment which gave the lowest averages for the three characteristics, amounting to 10.267 rows ear −1 , 176.0 grain ear −1 , and 171.6 g m 2 . The study also showed that spraying with aspirin reduced the competition of weeds with the maize crop, with the concentration of 200 mg L giving the highest average ear length (13.067 cm), and the concentration of 600 mg L −1 with the highest crop growth rate (3.364 g plant −1 ) and highest yield efficiency (216.6 g m −2 ).

Field trials were conducted on the premises of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences (Station A) for planting maize (Baghdad 3 cultivar) during the fall season of 2023. The objectives was to study the impact of irrigation intervals on weed growth and its impact on crop competition, as well as to identify the best concentration of the herbicides Rimsulfuron and Nicosulfuron used for weed control when optimizing water use. Three irrigation intervals were used: 5, 7, and 9 days between irrigations. The experiment was performed according Randomized complete block design and arranged as split plot with three replications. Irrigation treatments allocate to the main plot, while weed control treatments were placed in the subplots. Based on the results, the herbicide Rimsulfuron was the most effective control for Corchorus olitorius (Jewish root) and Cyperus rotundus (Walnutgrass), and produced the lowest weed production 1.67 plant m 2 and 0.11 plant m 2 , respectively and 82.97% and 94 43 %, the maximum percentage utilization. However, the herbicide nicosulfuron proved more effective in suppressing Cuscuta campestris (dodder) and Melilotus indicus (sweet clover), yielding the lowest weed density of 29.55 m 2 of plants and 1.67 m 2 of plant came and 82.97% and 94.43%, the highest control percentages. However, the herbicide Nicosulfuron proved to be the most effective in suppressing Cuscuta campestris (dodder) and Melilotus indicus (sweet clover), resulting in the lowest weed density of 29.55 plant m 2 and 1.67 plant m 2 , respectively. The 50% Rimosulfuron gave the highest control percentage of 43.19% and 85.30%, respectively. These outcomes did not differ appreciably from the control. obtained with nicosulfuron, which obtained 41.70% and 80.07%, respectively. The treatment with the recommended dose of nicosulfuron also with the lowest dry weight of 156.77 g and the lowest index of the weed of 3.30%, and the highest grain yield of 5.02 ton per hectare. The results also showed that the nine-day interval between irrigations led to the lowest weed density for Cuscuta campestris (dodder) and Corchorus olitorius (Jew’s mallow), and the lowest dry weight of weeds. Meanwhile, the seven-day interval resulted in the lowest weed density for Cyperus rotundus (nutgrass), and the five-day interval resulted in the lowest weed density for Melilotus indicus (sweet clover), along with the lowest weed index and highest grain yield.

Background Despite the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Egyptian population, it still seems that there is a significant lack of awareness regarding the disease. This study aimed to assess the Egyptian population's awareness of CRC regarding its risk factors, the screening procedures, and the appropriate responses to its diagnosis. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in Egypt between July 2022 and March 2023 and recruited a convenient sample of adults from seven governorates representing different geographic areas, and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds with the help of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) version 2.1. The modified Arabic questionnaire was validated through a pilot study including 30 patients. Then it was presented through a Google form before being shared via online methods and face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire provided both numerical and categorical data, which were analyzed accordingly. The Chi-square, the Fisher exact, and the Man-Whitney test were used to compare colorectal cancer poor and good knowledge groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict the factors that affected the awareness level of the study population. Results Nine hundred forty individuals participated in the survey. Their ages ranged from 18 to 86 years old, with an average of 37.38 ± 12.22 years. The mean Knowledge score was 14.29 ± 7.05 out of 37 with most of our participants (71%) having poor knowledge about CRC. Most of the participants (64.1%) chose colonoscopy as the best screening modality, followed by an abdominal CT (27.8%), and fecal occult blood (15.5%). The study revealed significant differences between participants with good and poor knowledge of colorectal cancer. (78.5%) of participants with good CRC knowledge lived in cities, (85.4%) attained university or higher educational level, and (87.2%) of them were nonsmokers ( p  < 0.05%). Conclusion In general, there was a lack of awareness about Colorectal cancer among the Egyptian population especially among rural and lower educational levels, and more health education campaigns are required to enhance CRC prevention efforts in Egypt.

Quantity and quality of dietary protein considered to be a nutritional problem and the search for inexpensive and quality protein foods considered as a vital mission to improve and enhance the nutritional quality of bread as it had been recognized as a stable food in Egypt., Hence this study aims to examine the effect of mixing defatted soy flour (DSF) and wheat flour on the breads' quality in addition to investigate the effects of these mixtures on growth and kidney function in young rats. Different flour mixtures of wheat and DSF were used in preparing of tested breads which were subjected to sensory evaluation. Thirty six young male albino rats 50-70 g were divided into six groups and fed the experimental diets for 4 weeks as follows: group (1) Control group fed on basal diet; group (2) fed on 100% protein from defatted soy flour (DSF 100%); group (3) fed on 100% protein from wheat flour (W 100%); group (4) fed on 90% protein from wheat flour and 10% DSF protein (W 90%+ DSF 10%); group (5) fed on 85% protein from wheat flour and 15% DSF protein (W 85%+ DSF 15%), and group (6) fed on 80% protein from wheat flour and 20% DSF protein (W 80%+ DSF 20%). Biological evaluation was undertaken by determination of body weight gain, Feed Efficiency Ratio (FER) and protein Efficiency Ratio (PER); and at the end of the experimental period blood was collected and serum total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, creatinine and serum urea was determined. Results indicated that wheat 100% bread had the highest score in overall quality and acceptability, followed by bread of wheat 90%+ DSF 10%, whereas the bread of wheat 80%+ DSF 20% had the lowest score value. And the biological and biochemical results showed that the addition of DSF to wheat flour enhanced the protein quantity and quality of bread as illustrated by increments of weight gain and FER values of groups fed on wheat and DSF mixtures, and by increasing of serum total protein in group fed mixtures of wheat and DSF; on the other hand serum urea was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased on mixture of wheat and SDF at 15 and 20% levels. The results of this study revealed that, the addition of 10 and 15% DSF to wheat bread have good acceptability and it can be used to enhance the quantity and quality of wheat bread protein.