Explore the vast range of titles available.

Osteoporosis is a worldwide disease characterized by reduction of bone mass, thus the aim of this study is to suppress glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis in female rats by the action of rosemary and thyme. The present study was carried out on thirty female rats. The rats were divided into six groups (five rats each). The first group was fed on a basal diet and represents the negative control, while the other five groups were injected subcutaneously with betamethasone at a dose of 4 mg/ kg BW three times a week. One group of them represents the positive control. The other four groups were fed on a basal diet containing 5% and 7.5% of rosemary and thyme for a period of eight weeks. The positive control group showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in serum vitamin D3, Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), levels and Estradiol (E2), Ca and P in femur bone with a substantial reduction in bone mineral density (BMD), and a significant increase in serum malondialdihyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)compared with control group . On the other hand, all osteoporosis groups administrated with different levels at 5% and 7.5% of rosemary and thyme had a significant decrease in serum MDA,CRP,IL-6 and ALP and a significant increase at (P < 0.05) in serum Vit D3, Ca, P ,E2 ,Ca, P in bone and BMD, compared with the positive control group. Conclusion rosemary and thyme herbs demonstrated bone protection in female rats against glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis. Rosemary and thyme had a potent protective effect due to its content of essential oils.

Hypercholesterolemia is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, thus, this current study held to explore the positive effects of kumquat and Limon (peel and whole) adiposity and biochemical parameters in rats with hypercholesterolemia, as well as assessed the sensory properties of baked cookies containing 5% doses of kumquat and lemon(both peel and whole) . Thirty male albino rats were administered a basal diet as (control negative -ve) group of 5 rats each ; group (2) administered on hypercholesterolemic diet and the remaining groups(3th, 4th, 5th, 6th) administered diet containing 5% kumquat and5% lemon (both peel and whole) with hypercholesterolemic diet for four weeks. Serum cholesterol and triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, HDL/ LDL ,Moreover, ALT, AST, creatinine and uric acid were significantly decreased in groups supplemented with kumquat and Limon (peel and whole) at 5% . Therefore, kumquat and Limon may consist of a valid strategy of phenolic compound which can be used in controlling hypercholesterolemia and its harmful consequences and enhance renal function in hypercholesterolemic rats. Also, sensory evaluation results revealed that cookies prepared with kumquat and Limon (peel and whole) at 5% were accepted by panelists with different ratings.

Nowadays, dealing with the growing chemical and energy demands is important without compromising the environment. So, this work studies photocatalytic glycerol conversion (as biomass derivativ feedstock) into value-added products using an eco-friendly synthesized catalyst. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were prepared from available/cheap precursors like glucose via the hydrothermal method and used as a support for TiO 2 . TiO 2 /GQDs were characterized via different analytical techniques, revealing very small particle sizes of ~ 3–6 nm with a large surface area of ~ 253 m 2 /g and a band gap of ~ 2.6 eV. The prepared photocatalyst shows good efficiency during photocatalytic glycerol conversion to dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Different reaction conditions were tested: reaction time, catalyst amount, presence of oxidant (H 2 O 2 ), and biphasic media (aqueous/organic phases). Comparing a monophasic (H 2 O) photoreactor with a biphasic reactor containing 90% organic phase (ethyl acetate) and 10% aqueous phase (H 2 O and/or H 2 O 2 ) indicates that the presence of H 2 O 2 increases glycerol conversion and liquid selectivity to reach 57% and 91%, respectively after 120 min. However, it still suffers a low DHA/GA ratio (2.7). On the other hand, using a biphasic reactor in the presence of an H 2 O 2 oxidant increases the DHA/GA ratio to ~ 6.6, which was not reached in previous research. The formation of H 2 O/H 2 O 2 as micro-reactors dispersed in the ethyl acetate phase increased the average light intensity effect of the glycerol/photocatalyst system in the micro-reactors. Unlike previous work, this work presents a facile way to prepare eco-friendly/cheap (noble metal free) photocatalysts for glycerol conversion to ultrapure DHA using a biphasic photoreactor.

Brivanib is a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinases, which are both involved in mechanisms of liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that inhibition of VEGFR and FGFR by brivanib would inhibit liver fibrosis. We therefore examined the effect of brivanib on liver fibrosis in three mouse models of fibrosis. In vivo, we induced liver fibrosis by bile duct ligation (BDL), chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and chronic thioacetamide (TAA) administration. Liver fibrosis was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting. In vitro, we used LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to assess the effect of brivanib on stellate cell proliferation and activation. After in vivo induction with BDL, CCl4, and TAA, mice treated with brivanib showed reduced liver fibrosis and decreased expression of collagen Iα1 and α-smooth muscle actin in the liver. In vitro, brivanib decreased proliferation of HSCs induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), VEGF, and FGF. Brivanib also decreased stellate cell viability and inhibited PDGFBB-induced phosphorylation of its cognate receptor. Brivanib reduces liver fibrosis in three different animal models and decreases human hepatic stellate cell activation. Brivanib may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treatment of liver fibrosis and prevention of liver cancer.

Guava is a nutritious fruit that has perishable behavior during storage. We aimed to determine the influences of some edible coatings (namely, cactus pear stem (10%), moringa (10%), and henna leaf (3%) extracts incorporated with gum Arabic (10%)), on the guava fruits’ properties when stored under ambient and refrigeration temperatures for 7, 14, and 21 days. The results revealed that the coating with gum Arabic (10%) only, or combined with the natural plant extracts, exhibited a significant reduction in weight loss, decay, and rot ratio. Meanwhile, there were notable increases in marketability. Moreover, among all tested treatments, the application of gum Arabic (10%) + moringa extract (10%) was the superior treatment for most studied parameters, and exhibited for the highest values for maintaining firmness, total soluble solids, total sugars, and total antioxidant activity. Overall, it was suggested that coating guava with 10% gum Arabic combined with other plant extracts could maintain the postharvest storage quality of the cold-storage guava.

The angiogenesis process is an essential issue in tissue engineering. Zinc oxide nanorods are biocompatible metals capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that respond to induced angiogenesis through various mechanisms; however, released Zn (II) ions suppress the angiogenesis process. In this study, we fabricated green ZnO nanorods using albumin eggshell as a bio-template and investigate its angiogenic potential through chorioallantoic membrane assay and excision wound healing assay. This study demonstrated that angiogenesis and wound healing processes depend on pro-angiogenic factors as VEGF expression due to ZnO nanorods' exiting. Angiogenesis induced via zinc oxide nanorods may develop sophisticated materials to apply in the wound healing field.

In recent years, strategic plans for poultry production have emphasized quantitative traits, particularly body weight and carcass traits (meat yield), in response to overpopulation challenges. Candidate genes such as adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R), and calpain 1 (CAPN1) have played vital roles in this context due to their associations with muscle growth and body composition. This study aims to investigate the influence of polymorphisms and gene expressions of the aforementioned genes on body weight (BW), growth rate (GR), breast weight (BrW), and thigh weight (TW) across four distinct chicken breeds: Fayoumi, Matrouh, Mamourah, and Leghorn. The use of PCR-SSCP analysis revealed genetic polymorphisms through the identification of various patterns (genotypes) within the three examined genes. The ADSL, MC4R, and CAPN1 genes exhibited five, three, and two different genotypes, respectively. These polymorphisms displayed promising connections with enhancing economically significant production traits, particularly BW, BrW and TW. Furthermore, gene expression analyses were conducted on breast and thigh tissues obtained from the chicken breeds at 60 days of age, where ADSL and MC4R exhibited a noteworthy up-regulation in Fayoumi and Matrouh breeds, and down-regulation in Mamourah and Leghorn. In contrast, CAPN1 expression decreased across most breeds with a slight increase noted in Fayoumi breed. In conclusion, this investigation underscores the substantial impact of ADSL, MC4R, and CAPN1 genes on economically important production traits within Egyptian domestic chicken breeds. Consequently, these genes emerge as significant molecular markers, holding potential utility in avian selection and breeding programs aimed at enhancing productive performance.

Background Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been identified as a systemic inflammatory disorder complicating Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children. Three different definition criteria have been proposed including clinical and laboratory features. MIS-C has variable presentation, severity and outcome. This study aimed to describe the clinic-laboratory and imaging features of MIS-C among Egyptian pediatric patients, as well as the treatment and outcome. Patients and methods This was a retrospective observational study that included 142 MIS-C patients who were admitted at Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University during the period from June 8, 2020, to January 26, 2022. Diagnosis of MIS-C followed CDC criteria. The medical records of the patients were reviewed for age, gender, initial presentation, interval time since COVID-19 infection or contact with COVID-19 patient, course of the disease, blood picture, acute phase reactants, kidney and liver function tests, imaging studies mainly echocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, therapeutic lines and outcome). Results The median age varied from 4.5 years (4th wave) to 9 years (2nd wave). PCR positivity declined from 61% (1st wave) to 0% (4th wave), with lower IgG and higher IgM levels in the 1st wave (p < 0.001). Fever was universal (100%), Gastrointestinal symptoms were more common in the 1st wave (p = 0.005), whereas respiratory and neurological symptoms rose in later waves (p < 0.05). Lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia varied across waves (p < 0.01), with elevated inflammatory markers consistent throughout. Cardiac involvement, particularly coronary abnormalities, was highest in the 1st wave (p = 0.005). Treatment included IVIG and steroids, with increased use of pulse steroids and anti-IL1 therapy in later waves (p = 0.001). Hospital stays shortened from 10 days (2nd wave) to 3.5 days (4th wave), and mortality was highest in the 1st wave (9.4%). Conclusion: MIS-C cases in our center showed a consistent 2–7 weeks lag after COVID-19 peaks, with variable clinical and treatment trends. Improved outcomes over time, including shorter hospital stays and lower mortality.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a growing health problem, but little is known about its early disease stages, its effects on biological processes or the transition to clinical T2D. To understand the earliest stages of T2D better, we obtained samples from 106 healthy individuals and individuals with prediabetes over approximately four years and performed deep profiling of transcriptomes, metabolomes, cytokines, and proteomes, as well as changes in the microbiome. This rich longitudinal data set revealed many insights: first, healthy profiles are distinct among individuals while displaying diverse patterns of intra- and/or inter-personal variability. Second, extensive host and microbial changes occur during respiratory viral infections and immunization, and immunization triggers potentially protective responses that are distinct from responses to respiratory viral infections. Moreover, during respiratory viral infections, insulin-resistant participants respond differently than insulin-sensitive participants. Third, global co-association analyses among the thousands of profiled molecules reveal specific host–microbe interactions that differ between insulin-resistant and insulin-sensitive individuals. Last, we identified early personal molecular signatures in one individual that preceded the onset of T2D, including the inflammation markers interleukin-1 receptor agonist (IL-1RA) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) paired with xenobiotic-induced immune signalling. Our study reveals insights into pathways and responses that differ between glucose-dysregulated and healthy individuals during health and disease and provides an open-access data resource to enable further research into healthy, prediabetic and T2D states. Deep profiling of transcriptomes, metabolomes, cytokines, and proteomes, alongside changes in the microbiome, in samples from individuals with and without prediabetes reveal insights into inter-individual variability and associations between changes in the microbiome and other factors.

Background: Carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), are at the forefront of the list of causative agents of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The treatment options for such infections are limited, and various antimicrobial combinations have been suggested as alternatives in clinical practice. New antibiotics, such as ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam and cefiderocol, have shown advantages in both in vitro and clinical studies. Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro effect of meropenem-ciprofloxacin and meropenem-colistin combinations on carbapenem- resistant (CR) K. pneumoniae VAP isolates and to determine their susceptibility to new antibiotics. Methods: Seventy-three K. pneumoniae isolates from 176 endotracheal samples from VAP cases were studied. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum [beta] lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase production were done. CR K. pneumoniae isolates were tested for the five predominant carbapenemase genes ([bla.sub.KPC], [bla.sub.OXA-48], [bla.sub.NDM], [bla.sub.VIM], and [bla.sub.IMP]). In vitro evaluation of meropenem-ciprofloxacin and meropenem-colistin combinations was done by MIC test strips. Susceptibility to new antibiotics was tested by disk diffusion method. Results: Sixty-three (86.3%) of the isolates were ESBL producers and 52 (71.2%) were carbapenem resistant. BlaNDM was the most prevalent carbapenemase gene (50%), followed by [bla.sub.OXA-48], (36.5%) then [bla.sub.KPC] in (11.5%). BlaVIM and [bla.sub.IMP] were not detected. Meropenem-ciprofloxacin combination showed indifferent effect on all isolates, while meropenem-colistin combination showed 25% synergism, 15.4% addition and 59.6% indifference. All (100%) CR K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to ceftolozane/tazobactam and 79% were resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam, while 96% were sensitive to cefiderocol. Conclusion: A high rate of carbapenem resistance exists among VAP K. pneumoniae isolates. Meropenem-colistin combination and cefiderocol appear to be potential treatment options for infections caused by CR K. pneumoniae. Resistance to the tested new [beta]-lactam /[beta]-lactamase inhibitors was high, signifying a major threat. Keywords: ventilator-associated pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem resistant, carbapenemases, combination, new antibiotics