Introduction of Purple and Deep Purple F1 Carrot Hybrids to Egypt Showed High Antioxidant Activity and High Content of Total Flavonoids and Phenols

For the improvement of carrot cultivation in Egypt and because of the deterioration of the local Egyptian purple carrots, two novel colored (Purple and Deep Purple) F1 carrot hybrids were introduced for the first time from Netherland to be evaluated and compared to the broadly cultivated yellow Japanese F1 hybrid (Kuruda) under the Middle Egypt sandy soil growing conditions. The horticultural evaluation showed that the two purple hybrids have elongated thick roots and good vegetative growth and gave a very high yield of roots in two successive winter seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. The Deep Purple hybrid exceeded the other two hybrids in almost all studied chemical and horticultural characteristics. It showed about three folds of leaves fresh weight/plant, two folds of both root fresh weight/plant and yield/m2 when compared with Purple and Kuruda hybrids. The chemical analyses declared that the Purple and Deep Purple hybrids have higher contents of all estimated components and the Deep Purple hybrid had the highest values of total flavonoids (about two folds), total phenols (about 5-6 folds), antioxidant activity percentage (7-8 times), and total soluble solids percentage (1.5-2 times) than that of the yellow F1 hybrid “Kuruda”. These newly introduced two Purple and Deep Purple F1 hybrids may be very promising in production and processing purposes of purple carrots and good materials in carrot breeding programs in Egypt

Evaluation of Artesunate and Praziquantel Combination Therapy in Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni

Background: Despite the global efforts to control schistosomiasis, still prevalence in endemic regions unchanged. The present study was conducted to investigate the possible role of artesunate (AS) and praziquantel (PZQ) combination in enhancing cure in pre-patent and patent Schistosoma mansoni infection, and study the role of apoptosis in evaluation of the drugs efficacy. Methods: Eighty laboratory-bred Swiss albino male mice were classified into four groups (20 mice each); control, PZQ treated (500 mg/kg), AS treated (400 mg/kg) and combined AS (400 mg/kg) + PZQ (500 mg/g) groups. Efficacy of the drugs was assessed by parasitological (egg count/gram stool, worm burden, tissue egg load, oogram pattern), histopathological (haematoxylin and eosin –for detection of type of hepatic granulomas, number & diameter) and immunohistochemical studies (P53 and Bcl-2 markers for determination of inflammatory cells and the degree of apoptosis). Results: Significant reduction was recorded in stool egg count, tissue egg count (liver and intestine), worm burden, granuloma number and size and changed oogram patterns in artesunate -praziquantel combined group followed by artesunate monotherapy group. There was a significant increase in the apoptotic proteins P53 and slight increase in anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 in the infected group compared to the control healthy group. A significant decrease and increase in P53 & Bcl-2 expressions respectively were observed in artesunate – praziquantel combined group compared to control infected group. Conclusion: artesunate-praziquantel combination is a potential upcoming chemotherapy for schistosomiasis mansoni. Both Bcl-2 and P53 are good markers assessing S. mansoni apoptosis, morbidity and chemotherapy efficacy

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Occurrence and Molecular Characterization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Marketable Milk and Soft Cheese: Effect of Curcumin and Ginger Nanoparticles on its Survival

This study was designed to record the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus with special reference to the methicillin resistance isolate as well as some virulence factors in milk and soft cheese and the antibacterial effect of curcumin and ginger nanoparticles. The samples were collected over a period of December 2021 to April 2022 from different locations in Assiut Government, Egypt. The samples were subjected to microbiology and molecular analysis. From 100 samples of marketable milk and soft cheese (50 for each one), the results showed that 78 samples (78%) positive for Staphylococcus aureus, moreover the percentages of mecA gene were (21.06%). Also, the isolated strains were carried enterotoxins gene (sea) and alpha hemolysis gene (hlɑ) with percentages of 3.51 and 2.43%, respectively. Moreover, the curcumin and ginger nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the ultra-sonication method and were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and TEM. With the assistance of the well diffusion method, curcumin and ginger NPs showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was obtained by the micro broth dilution method which indicated that the lowest concentrations inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus using curcumin and ginger NPs were 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, the results revealed that the curcumin NPs have antibacterial activity higher than that of ginger NPs against MRSA

Chemical, rheological, and sensorial properties of Baladi bread supplemented with buckwheat flour produced in Egypt

Abstract This research aimed to enhance the nutritional and sensory qualities of Balady bread by adding locally Egyptian buckwheat flours, Fagopyrum esculentum (FE) and Fagopyrum tataricum (FT), to Hard Wheat Flour (HWF) 82% extraction at three levels (10%, 20%, and 30%). The chemical composition, rheological properties, color, sensory evaluation and stalling of the balady bread were determined. The chemical composition of raw materials revealed that FE was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in protein and fat contents compared to HWF and FT. While FT was higher in fiber and ash contents. The findings show that a 30% replacement with FE or FT significantly enhances the bread's nutritional profile, notably increasing protein, fiber, ash, and moisture content. Rheological analysis revealed that FE and FT alter dough handling, with a notable improvement in dough stability and mixing tolerance at 30% FT. Sensory evaluation indicated acceptable qualities even at higher substitution levels, although 30% FE showed slight declines in certain attributes. Furthermore, bread supplemented with 30% FT demonstrated slower staling and potentially extended shelf life. These results highlight the potential of FE and FT as nutritional enhancers in bread formulations, with 30% FT emerging as the optimal replacement level for balancing nutritional benefits and sensory acceptance

Chemical, rheological, and sensory properties of wheat biscuits fortified with local buckwheat

The research featured two species of buckwheat: Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. and Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn. The authors used 10, 20, or 30% of buckwheat flour to substitute soft wheat flour in order to obtain biscuits with improved sensory and nutritional properties. The biscuits were tested for chemical composition, rheology, color, baking quality, sensory properties, and texture. The sample made of soft wheat flour and F. tataricum contained less protein and fat than the sample with F. esculentum. The samples with F. tataricum demonstrated greater amounts of fiber and ash while the samples made of soft wheat flour were rich in carbohydrates. The additional increment enhanced the arrival time, dough development time, dough stability, the mixing tolerance index, and weakening. Compared to the control, the samples with F. esculentum demonstrated lower peak, trough, breakdown, final, and setback viscosities. F. tataricum, on the contrary, increased the viscosity readings. The biscuits fortified with F. esculentum and F. tataricum contained more protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber the control. The control biscuits also exceeded the total carbohydrates. The experimental biscuits with F. esculentum and F. tataricum were darker in color than the control: the lightness (L*) and redness values (b*) decreased as the proportion of F. esculentum/F. tataricum rose. However, the experimental biscuits had a higher level of yellowness (a*). As the replacement levels rose, F. esculentum and F. tataricum reduced biscuit weight and volume. According to the research results, 30% F. esculentum and 20% F. tataricum proved able to yield nutritious biscuits with outstanding physical properties. Greater proportions of F. esculentum/F. tataricum resulted in poor sensory ratings for color, taste, flavour, texture, appearance, and overall acceptability

Relation of fibroblast growth factor-23 and cardiovascular calcification in end-stage kidney disease patients on regular hemodialysis

More than half of deaths in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are due to cardiovascular disease. Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) was found to be associated with mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients and correlates with peripheral calcification. Aortic calcification is associated with coronary artery calcification. Both aortic and peripheral vascular calcifications were associated with mortality in chronic kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the relation between intact FGF-23 and cardiovascular calcification in patients with ESKD who were maintained on regular HD. Sixty clinically stable ESKD patients on regular HD were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. They were evaluated by basal abdominal X-ray. They were divided into two groups: (Group A, n = 30), patients with abdominal aortic calcification who underwent multislice computerized tomography scan to measure coronary artery calcification score; and (Group B, n = 30), patients without abdominal aortic calcification. All of them were evaluated by lipid profile and dialysis adequacy parameters. Fifty percent of patients had vascular calcification. We found a significant positive correlation between age and intact FGF-23; significant positive correlations between age, body mass index, duration of HD, and abdominal aortic calcification score. FGF-23 of all patients was elevated and had significant positive correlation with aortic and coronary calcifications in addition to lipid profile, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and inflammatory markers. Plasma intact FGF-23 was elevated in nondiabetic ESKD patients, and vascular calcification was prevalent in such group of patients with many traditional and nontraditional risk factors. Possibly through its disturbing effects on minerals and parathyroid hormone, FGF-23 might indirectly affect vascular calcification. LVMI was higher in patients with vascular calcification and correlated positively with it

β-Oxo Anilides in Heterocyclic Synthesis: Novel Synthesis of Substituted Pyridazinones, Pyridine, Pyrimidines and Pyrazolotriazines A. M. Hussein et al

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