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Mancozeb (MC), carbendazim (CBZ), and hymexazol (HML) are widely used fungicides in agricultural and veterinary fields worldwide. Our goal is to compare the pulmonary toxicity induced by oral gavage of these pesticides in rats. Thirty-five rats were used and divided into 7 groups as follows: (1) control negative, (2, 3) 125 and 250 mg/kg. bwt MC, respectively, (4, 5) 125, 250 mg/kg. bwt CBZ, respectively, (6, 7) 75, 150 mg/kg. bwt HML, respectively. All treatments were given to rats daily via oral routes for 14 days. All of these fungicides dose-dependently increased MDA levels and decreased GSH content in lung tissue homogenates. The oral intake of these fungicides could upregulate the mRNA levels of IL1β, TNFα, and NF-κB genes and exhibit strong iNOS and Cox-2 protein expressions along with severe histopathological alterations within the pulmonary tissues. The highest pulmonary toxicity was recorded in the HML groups, followed by the MC and CBZ groups. The oral intake of these fungicides dose-dependently induced pulmonary toxicity via oxidative stress, which is associated with triggering the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Background There are no studies investigating the role of midkine (MK) in vascular calcification (VC) or vascular disease associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study assessed serum MK level and investigated its relationship with carotid atherosclerosis and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in non-dialysis CKD. Methods The study comprised 80 controls and 185 adult patients with CKD at stages 3–5 who were free of cardiovascular diseases. Acute renal failure, chronic hemodialysis, severe liver disease, inflammatory states, anticoagulation therapy and cancer were excluded. The patients were classified based on presence of CAC score into severe and mild to moderate CAC groups. They were also divided into atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic groups based on carotid atherosclerosis. CBC, kidney function tests, lipid profile, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and phosphorus were assessed. Serum levels of MK, tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were quantitatively tested using ELISA. Cardiac CT scan was done to calculate CAC score. Carotid ultrasonography was used to evaluate carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and identify plaques. Results All CKD categories, including CKD-3, CKD-4, and CKD-5, showed higher rates of carotid plaques ( p  = 0.007, p  < 0.001, and p  < 0.001, respectively), higher levels of MK ( p  < 0.001 for each), and higher CAC scores ( p  < 0.001 for each) as CKD worsened. Compared to mild to moderate CAC patients, severe CAC patients showed increased CIMT ( p  < 0.001) and raised serum levels of MK ( p  < 0.001), TNF-α ( p  = 0.001), IL-6 ( p  = 0.002), hs-CRP ( p  = 0.003), iPTH ( p  = 0.02), phosphorus ( p  < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Multivariate linear regression revealed that CAC was reliably predicted by MK ( p  = 0.008) and serum creatinine ( p  = 0.001). Carotid atherosclerotic patients had higher serum levels of MK, TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, iPTH, phosphorus, TC, total triglycerides and LDL-C ( p  < 0.001 for each). Multivariate logistic regression showed that serum MK ( p  = 0.001), serum creatinine ( p  = 0.005), age ( p  < 0.001), iPTH ( p  = 0.007), and IL-6 ( p  = 0.024) were significant predictors of carotid atherosclerosis. Conclusions As CKD worsened, MK levels, carotid atherosclerosis and CAC increased. Serum MK was a reliable biomarker for asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis and CAC in non-dialysis CKD, allowing prompt early diagnosis to avert cardiovascular morbidity and death in the future. Trial registration The trial number was 1138 and its registration was approved by the hospital’s Research Ethics Committee in 4/2024.

Sodium butyrate and tributyrin are known to enhance broiler chicken performance. In this study, 1,000 Arbor Acres broiler chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments (250 birds each; six replicates of 40–42 birds): a control basal diet (CON), or the same diet supplemented with either 500 g/ton tributyrin (40%) + copper + essential oils (TB-500), 300 g/ton di- and tri-butyrin (60%) (TB-300), or 500 g/ton coated sodium butyrate (40%) (SB-500). Weekly growth parameters were recorded, and on Day 35, carcass traits, serum biochemistry, immunity, gene expression ( mTOR, TLR4, NBN ), intestinal morphology, caecal microbiota, and litter hygiene were assessed. TB-300 improved body weight (+ 4.6%, P  = 0.014), FCR (− 5.2%, P  = 0.032), and European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) (+ 14.9%, P  = 0.006). SB-500 significantly reduced litter Clostridia ( P  < 0.0001) and aerobic bacteria ( P  = 0.026) counts, while all butyrate treatments lowered caecal aerobic bacterial levels ( P  = 0.041). TB-300 and SB-500 enhanced duodenal villi height ( P  < 0.0001) and crypt-villus ratio ( P  < 0.001); TB-500 had the deepest duodenal crypts ( P  = 0.003). Jejunal and ileal morphology improved with most of the supplements, particularly TB-500 ( P  < 0.0001; P  = 0.050). All butyrate treatments increased serum total proteins ( P  = 0.015) and digestive enzymes (lipase, P  < 0.0001; protease, P  = 0.001). TB-300 and SB-500 significantly lowered serum lipids ( P  = 0.024), urea ( P  = 0.018), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ( P  = 0.027), while enhancing mTOR and NBN gene expression ( P  < 0.0001). TLR4 expression was upregulated in all butyrate-treated groups ( P  < 0.0001). Each form of butyrate supplementation exerts distinct beneficial effects on growth, gut health, and physiological performance in broiler chickens.

Background Globally, there are regional and time-based variations in the prevalence, etiology, and prognosis of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). Prognosis of RPGN is poor, with a higher risk of death and end stage renal disease (ESRD) even with immunosuppressive medications. In the Middle East and North Africa, the studies on this disease are very limited. Therefore, we determined the predictors of outcome of RPGN. Methods We retrospectively assessed 101 adult patients over age of 18, diagnosed with RPGN based on renal biopsy illustrating crescents in ≥ 50% of the glomeruli. Patients who had crescents in their renal biopsies that were < 50% and those who refused to consent to a renal biopsy were excluded. We categorized the patients into 3 groups based on immunohistochemistry; type I, type II and type III. Then, depending on renal loss, we divided them into ESRD and non-ESRD groups. The clinical history and physical examination were retrieved. Additionally, 24-hour urine protein, urine analysis, renal function tests, serum albumin, complete blood count, antinuclear antibodies, anti-double stranded DNA antibodies, ANCA antibodies and serum complement levels were checked. Each patient underwent a kidney biopsy for immunohistochemistry and light microscopy. The percentage of crescentic glomeruli, number of sclerosed glomeruli, tertiary lymphoid organ (TLO), neutrophil infiltration, endocapillary or mesangial hypercellularity, interstitial fibrosis with tubular atrophy (IFTA) were analyzed. Primary outcomes (remission, ESRD and mortality) and secondary outcomes were assessed. Results Type II was the most frequent cause of RPGN (47.5%), followed by type III (32.7%) and type I (19.8%). 32 patients (31.7%) died during follow up, whereas 60 patients (59.4%) developed ESRD. In 41 patients (40.6%), remission occurred. Oliguria, serum creatinine, and need for HD at presentation were significantly increased in ESRD group compared to non-ESRD group ( P  < 0.001 for each). Mesangial proliferation, IFTA, TLO formation, sclerotic glomeruli and fibrous crescents were also significantly increased in ESRD group in comparison to non-ESRD group ( P  < 0.001 for each). Glomerulosclerosis ( P  = 0.036), and IFTA ( P  = 0.008) were predictors of ESRD. Infections ( P  = 0.02), respiratory failure ( P  < 0.001), and heart failure ( P  = 0.004) were mortality risk factors. Conclusion Type II RPGN was the most common. Infection was the most frequent secondary outcome. Oliguria, glomerulosclerosis, the requirement for hemodialysis at presentation, IFTA and TLO formation were predictors of ESRD. Respiratory failure, heart failure and infections were significant predictors of mortality.

Objectives: Leptin and adiponectin are adipose-derived immune modulators (adipokines) that may contribute to SLE pathology and symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of serum adiponectin and leptin with clinical manifestations and disease activity in SLE patients. Methods: This is a case control study, where 70 SLE patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled from the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department of Beni-Suef University Hospital from June 2020 till April 2022. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborative clinics/America Collage of Rheumatology damage index were used to assess disease severity. Laboratory parameters including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum concentrations of antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double stranded DNA, complement 3 and 4, lipids, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured and compared between SLE and control groups. Serum adiponectin and leptin were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results: Compared to healthy controls, SLE patients exhibited significantly greater serum leptin (21.1 vs 3.9 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and adiponectin (18.1 vs 4.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), and both values were positively correlated with SLEDAI scores (p = 0.048 and 0.042). Higher serum leptin was significantly associated with lupus nephritis (LN) (p = 0.048) as well as greater body mass index (p = 0.010), ESR (p = 0.002), serum CRP (p = 0.003), total cholesterol (p = 0.013), and uric acid (p = 0.002), while higher adiponectin was significantly associated with LN (p = 0.046). Conclusion: Serum leptin and adiponectin levels are associated with the clinical and pathological manifestations of SLE, suggesting direct involvement in disease progression and utility as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Background Sodium butyrate (SB) is a short-chain fatty acid and a safe antibiotic alternative. During 35 days, this study compared the impact of coated SB (Butirex C4) and lincomycin (Lincomix) on broiler growth, gut health, and litter hygiene in 1200 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks that were randomly assigned into 5-dietary groups with 5-replications each. Groups divided as follows: T1: Basal diet (control), T2: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds), T3: Basal diet with 100 g/ton lincomycin, T4: Basal diet with buffered SB (0.5 kg/ton starter feed, 0.25 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin, and T5: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin. Birds were housed in a semi-closed deep litter house, where feed and water were available ad libitum. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Results Combined dietary supplementation with SB and lincomycin (T4 and T5) significantly enhanced body weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratio, and profitability index. Also, carcasses in T4 and T5 exhibited the highest dressing, breast, thigh, and liver yields. T5 revealed the best blood biochemical indices, while T3 showed significantly elevated liver and kidney function indices. T4 and T5 exhibited the highest expression levels of IGF-1 and TLR4 genes, the greatest villi length of the intestinal mucosa, and the lowest levels of litter moisture and nitrogen. Clostridia perfringens type A alpha-toxin gene was confirmed in birds’ caeca, with the lowest clostridial counts defined in T4. Conclusions Replacing half the dose of lincomycin (50 g/ton) with 0.5 or 1 kg/ton coated SB as a dietary supplement mixture showed the most efficient privileges concerning birds’ performance and health.

Background Studies on renal vein thrombosis have been conducted as case reports or case series. The renal outcomes and mortality risk of renal vein thrombosis have not been fully established. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and predictors of renal outcomes and mortality in patients with renal vein thrombosis in a large multicenter cohort. Methods We retrospectively assessed 182 patients with renal vein thrombosis diagnosed between January 2011 and May 2023 using either Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography venography. The main outcomes analyzed were all-cause mortality, and worsening kidney function. Results We evaluated 182 patients comprising 76 males (41.8%) and 106 females (58.2%). Nephrotic syndrome was the most common cause (51.6%) followed by malignancy (33%) and post-trauma or surgery (11%). Kidney function worsened in 126 patients (69.2%). Acute kidney injury (AKI) was identified in 72 patients (39.6%), whereas 54 patients (29.7%) developed chronic kidney disease (CKD). Multivariate logistic regression showed that declining kidney function was reliably predicted by nephrotic syndrome (Odds ratio (OR): 6.41, P  = 0.004), serum albumin (OR: 0.31, P  = 0.003), and diabetes mellitus (OR: 14.04, P  < 0.001). Eighty-two patients (45.1%) died while being monitored. Sepsis accounted for the majority of deaths (25.3%). Bilateral renal vein thrombosis (Hazard Ratio (HR): 5.61, P  < 0.001), malignancy (HR: 6.15, P  = 0.004), serum albumin (HR: 0.12, P  < 0.001), hemoglobin (Hb) level (HR: 0.102, P  < 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (HR: 2.42, P  = 0.007) were all reliable predictors of all-cause mortality using multivariate Cox regression. Conclusion Renal vein thrombosis is associated with a higher risk of mortality and worsening kidney function. It is essential to promptly identify high risk patients and start early treatment to prevent unfavorable outcomes. Graphical abstract

Due to significant changes in Cairo’s streets today, young children may face difficulties finding opportunities to be safe and active. They can encounter low independent mobility, limiting their access to places in their neighborhoods, and can have poor access to their schools. This study aims to examine governmental primary school children’s access to schools in their neighborhoods after street modifications in Heliopolis, Cairo, seeking to evaluate the potential risks to child pedestrians. This will subsequently aid in developing a methodology for consistently and fairly evaluating hazards along the route to schools. A survey of six governmental primary schools in Heliopolis, Cairo, was conducted through interviews with children and their parents. Furthermore, a behavioral map of the local neighborhood was completed by children (7–12 years old) of six primary schools from the areas surrounding their schools in which the modifications took place. The results indicate that the most common ways of travelling to school, according to the questionnaire, are either by public transportation (30%) or by a small van/private bus (42%). More than half of the children expressed their wish to walk or cycle to school. The result also found that 69% of the children expressed anxiety about crossing streets. In conclusion, for some children, opportunities to be active in the local neighborhood may be limited due to the new modifications to the streets, resulting in limited independent mobility. To promote a sense of neighborhood safety and increase access to neighborhood public spaces, it is important to work with urban planners and local governments.

Background Histamine (HIS) has a substantial impact on the development of numerous allergic disorders including asthma. Antihistamines mostly target histamine receptor-1 alone, so it is not entirely effective in the treatment of allergic diseases. In the current investigation, we examine the growing evidence for novel therapeutic strategies that aim to treat histamine-mediated cardiopulmonary toxicity with the phenolic-rich fraction of green tea (PRFGT). Results Our findings demonstrated that weekly ingestion of HIS to rats induced oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in both lung and heart homogenates. The histopathological examination demonstrated extensive interstitial pneumonia with progressive alveolar and bronchial damage in HIS receiving groups. Heart sections showed severe myocardial necrosis and hemorrhage. All lesions were confirmed by the immunohistochemical staining that demonstrated strong caspase-3, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein expressions along with upregulation of the pulmonary m-RNA expression of TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) genes and cardiac levels of many apoptotic genes. Otherwise, the pretreatment of rats with PRFGT had the ability to alleviate all the aforementioned toxicological parameters and return the microscopic picture of both lung and heart sections to normal histology. Conclusions We concluded that PRFGT’s powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties can reduce cardiopulmonary toxicity caused by HIS. We recommended daily intake of green tea as a beverage or adding it to foods containing elevated levels of HIS to prevent its possible toxicity.