Metallothionein induction reduces caspase-3 activity and TNFα levels with preservation of cognitive function and intact hippocampal neurons in carmustine-treated rats

Hippocampal integrity is essential for cognitive functions. On the other hand, induction of metallothionein (MT) by ZnSO4 and its role in neuroprotection has been documented. The present study aimed to explore the effect of MT induction on carmustine (BCNU)-induced hippocampal cognitive dysfunction in rats. A total of 60 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (15/group): The control group injected with single doses of normal saline (i.c.v) followed 24 h later by BCNU solvent (i.v). The second group administered ZnSO4 (0.1 µmol/10 µl normal saline, i.c.v, once) then BCNU solvent (i.v) after 24 h. Third group received BCNU (20 mg/kg, i.v, once) 24 h after injection with normal saline (i.c.v). Fourth group received a single dose of ZnSO4 (0.1 µmol/10 µl normal saline, i.c.v) then BCNU (20 mg/kg, i.v, once) after 24 h. The obtained data revealed that BCNU administration resulted in deterioration of learning and short-term memory (STM), as measured by using radial arm water maze, accompanied with decreased hippocampal glutathione reductase (GR) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Also, BCNU administration increased serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), hippocampal MT and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents as well as caspase-3 activity in addition to histological alterations. ZnSO4 pretreatment counteracted BCNU-induced inhibition of GR and depletion of GSH and resulted in significant reduction in the levels of MDA and TNFα as well as the activity of caspase-3. The histological features were improved in hippocampus of rats treated with ZnSO4 + BCNU compared to only BCNU-treated animals. In conclusion, MT induction halts BCNU-induced hippocampal toxicity as it prevented GR inhibition and GSH depletion and counteracted the increased levels of TNFα, MDA and caspase-3 activity with subsequent preservation of cognition

Reflection and Transmission of an Incident Progressive Wave by Obstacles in Homogeneous Shallow Water

The influence of a suspended fixed obstacle on an incident progressive wave inside an ideal homogeneous shallow water is studied in two dimensions. The fluid occupies an infinite channel of a constant depth, and a fixed obstacle of a small horizontal extent is partially submerged without contact with the bottom of the channel. An asymptotic double series expansion for the solution is used. The procedure enables us to calculate analytic expressions for the local perturbations up to the second order. The results of the first-order approximation indicate that no reflections exist. The second-order approximation of the solution is found to be the superposition of a progressive wave and local perturbations. For approximations of order higher than two, a secular term which increases monotonically with time and distance appears in the expressions for the progressive wave. This unacceptable result is due to a certain aspects in the mathematical procedure used. For this reason, the procedure is modified by using a suitable transformation of variables which reduces the determination of the transmitted wave to the solution of the KdV equation. As an illustration, the special case of the incident uniform flow is considered and the stream lines of the resulting flow are drawn

Effect of Shape, Orientation and Aging of a Plastic Greenhouse Cover on the Degradation Rate of the Optical Properties in Arid Climates

In arid climates, the optical properties of plastic-covered greenhouses deteriorate very quickly. To examine the effect of greenhouse shape and orientation on the degradation rate of cover optical properties, four greenhouse prototypes were constructed in two shapes (duo-pitched roof and tunnel), covered with a 200  m thick low-density polyethylene film. Two types were oriented in the North–South direction, the other two in the East–West direction, and all were exposed for one year to an arid climate. Samples were taken from the different surfaces of each cover for testing. The total transmittance (Ts) and reflectance (Rs) of the samples were measured and averaged to obtain the whole cover properties (T and R). Measurements were carried out periodically every 30 days for the four prototypes. The degradation behavior of the optical properties of each cover surface (Ts, Rs) and the whole cover (T, R) was investigated for the four film covers during the exposure time. Results show that the degradation rate of Ts depends on the surface location and the cover orientation. Among the different surfaces of the four prototype covers, the maximum difference in the Ts value between the E and N surfaces for the tunnel cover oriented in the N–S direction was 15.5%. Although the variation of the Ts value among the different cover surfaces was found, the time dependences of the whole cover transmittance (T) for the four covers tested were almost similar. Accordingly, the shape and orientation of the small size greenhouses did not significantly affect the degradation rate of the cover optical properties. In the four covers tested, the reduction in the global solar radiation transmittance (T) was 27–31% after one-year exposure compared to the new film. Nonlinear correlation was developed to predict the degradation rate of the cover transmittance as a function of the accumulated solar irradiance

Pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways which compromise sperm motility and survival may be altered by L-carnitine

The testis is an immunologically privileged organ. Sertoli cells can form a blood-testis barrier and protect sperm cells from self-immune system attacks. Spermatogenesis may be inhibited by severe illness, bacterial infections and chronic inflammatory diseases but the mechanism(s) is poorly understood. Our objective is to help in understanding such mechanism(s) to develop protective agents against temporary or permanent testicular dysfunction. Lipopolysaccaride (LPS) is used as a model of animal sepsis while L-carnitine (LCR) is used as a protective agent. A total of 60 male Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups (15/group). The control group received Saline; the 2nd group was given LCR (500 mg/kg i.p, once). The third group was treated with LPS (5 mg/kg i.p once) and the fourth group received LCR then LPS after three hours. From each group, five rats were used for histopathological examination. Biochemical parameters were assessed in the remaining ten rats. At the end of the experiment, animals were lightly anaesthetized with ether where blood samples were collected and testes were dissected on ice. Sperm count and motility were evaluated from cauda epididymis in each animal. Also, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring testicular contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-HDG, the DNA adduct for oxidative damage) in testicular DNA. The pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) in addition to lactate dehydrogenase (LDHx) isoenzyme-x activity as an indicator for normal spermatozoal metabolism were assessed in testicular homogenate. Serum interlukin (IL)-2 level was also assessed as a marker for T-helper cell function. The obtained data revealed that LPS induced marked reductions in sperm's count and motility, obstruction in seminiferous tubules, hypospermia and dilated congested blood vessels in testicular sections concomitant with decreased testicular GSH content and LDHx activity. Moreover, the testicular levels of MDA, 8-HDG (in testicular DNA) and NO as well as serum IL-2 level were increased. Administration of LCR before LPS returned both sperm count and motility to normal levels. Also, contents of testicular GSH, MDA, 8-HDG and NO returned back to the corresponding control values. In addition, serum IL-2 level as well as histological abnormalities were markedly improved in LCR + LPS-treated rats. In conclusion, LPS increased proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the testis leading to a marked testicular dysfunction. L-carnitine administration ameliorates these effects by antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory mechanisms suggesting a protective role against male infertility in severely infected or septic patients

Covering Materials Incorporating Radiation-Preventing Techniques to Meet Greenhouse Cooling Challenges in Arid Regions: A Review

Cooling greenhouses is essential to provide a suitable environment for plant growth in arid regions characterized by brackish water resources. However, using conventional cooling methods are facing many challenges. Filtering out near infra-red radiation (NIR) at the greenhouse cover can significantly reduce the heating load and can solve the overheating problem of the greenhouse air. This paper is to review (i) the problems of using conventional cooling methods and (ii) the advantages of greenhouse covers that incorporate NIR reflectors. This survey focuses on how the cover type affects the transmittance of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the reflectance or absorptance of NIR and the greenhouse air temperature. NIR-reflecting plastic films seem to be the most suitable, low cost and simple cover for greenhouses under arid conditions. Therefore, this review discusses how various additives should be incorporated in plastic film to increase its mechanical properties, durability and ability to stand up to extremely harsh weather. Presently, NIR-reflecting covers are able to reduce greenhouse air temperature by no more than 5°C. This reduction is not enough in regions where the ambient temperature may exceed 45°C in summer. There is a need to develop improved NIR-reflecting plastic film covers

The cientificWorldJOURNAL Review Article Covering Materials Incorporating Radiation-Preventing Techniques to Meet Greenhouse Cooling Challenges in Arid Regions: A Review

Cooling greenhouses is essential to provide a suitable environment for plant growth in arid regions characterized by brackish water resources. However, using conventional cooling methods are facing many challenges. Filtering out near infra-red radiation (NIR) at the greenhouse cover can significantly reduce the heating load and can solve the overheating problem of the greenhouse air. This paper is to review (i) the problems of using conventional cooling methods and (ii) the advantages of greenhouse covers that incorporate NIR reflectors. This survey focuses on how the cover type affects the transmittance of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the reflectance or absorptance of NIR and the greenhouse air temperature. NIR-reflecting plastic films seem to be the most suitable, low cost and simple cover for greenhouses under arid conditions. Therefore, this review discusses how various additives should be incorporated in plastic film to increase its mechanical properties, durability and ability to stand up to extremely harsh weather. Presently, NIR-reflecting covers are able to reduce greenhouse air temperature by no more than 5 • C. This reduction is not enough in regions where the ambient temperature may exceed 45 • C in summer. There is a need to develop improved NIR-reflecting plastic film covers

Unlocking Tourism’s Potential: Pricing Strategies for the Post-COVID Renaissance

In response to the challenges faced by tourism managers in devising effective pricing strategies to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to make a valuable contribution to the existing literature on tourism management and marketing. Specifically, we investigate the pricing strategies that tourists are most likely to prefer in the aftermath of the pandemic. To achieve this, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample size of experienced tourists in Egypt. Our findings reveal that tourists exhibit a strong inclination towards hedonic and bundling pricing strategies. This suggests that tourism managers should prioritize the incorporation of these strategies into their post-pandemic business plans. However, it is crucial for managers to carefully consider tourists’ behavioral responses to dynamic and pay-what-you-want pricing strategies, as these are influenced by various constraints that necessitate careful attention. Furthermore, our study highlights potential negative consequences associated with the implementation of the dual-pricing strategy following the pandemic. This strategy has the potential to compromise tourists’ intentions to utilize certain services, thereby leading to unfavorable behavioral outcomes for tourism destinations. The implications of this study are of practical significance for tourism managers seeking to design more effective pricing strategies to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the post-pandemic recovery period. By understanding tourists’ preferences and considering the potential drawbacks associated with certain pricing strategies, managers can make informed decisions that promote the sustainable and successful revival of the tourism industry. Moreover, our study employed the checkpoints method, which allowed us to identify respondents’ priorities for the pricing strategies during the crisis, further enhancing the validity and reliability of our findings. © 2023 by the authors.Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University; Kazan Federal University; King Faisal University, KFU: 3117, EGY-0026/20This study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Deanship of Scientific Research Ethical Committee (Grant No. 3117), King Faisal University.All authors thank the Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia (Grant No. 3117), through its KFU Research Summer initiative. The researchers are supported by a full Ph.D. scholarship under the joint executive program between the Arab Republic of Egypt and Saint Petersburg State University for the second author (M.I.S), number EGY-0026/20 and Kazan Federal University for the third author (M.Y.H.), number Egy.6572/19

Longevity-Related Gene Transcriptomic Signature in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (grade IV astrocytoma) has been assumed to be the most fatal type of glioma with low survival and high recurrence rates, even after prompt surgical removal and aggressive courses of treatment. Transcriptional reprogramming to stem cell-like state could explain some of the deregulated molecular signatures in GBM disease. The present study aimed to quantify the expression profiling of longevity-related transcriptional factors SOX2, OCT3/4, and NANOG to evaluate their diagnostic and performance values in high-grade gliomas. Forty-four specimens were obtained from glioblastoma patients (10 females and 34 males). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for relative gene expression quantification. In silico network analysis was executed. NANOG and OCT3/4 mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated while that of SOX2 was upregulated in cancer compared to noncancer tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high diagnostic performance of NANOG and OCT3/4 than SOX2. However, the aberrant expressions of the genes studied were not associated with the prognostic variables in the current population. In conclusion, the current study highlighted the aberrant expression of certain longevity-associated transcription factors in glioblastoma multiforme which may direct the attention towards new strategies in the treatment of such lethal disease

First report of mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from turkeys in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background and Aim: Colistin is used to treat avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), a microorganism that affects turkey meat production in the Gaza Strip and worldwide. However, the recent emergence of plasmid-borne mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes in pathogenic E. coli strains is a serious antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenge for both human and animal health. In December 2018, colistin was banned as a veterinary antimicrobial in the Gaza Strip. This study aimed to detect and track the prevalence of colistin-resistant APEC isolated from turkey flocks in the Gaza Strip. Materials and Methods: This study investigated 239 APEC isolates from turkey flocks in the Gaza Strip between October 2018 and December 2021 (at 6-month intervals). The colistin-resistant APEC strains were detected using the broth microdilution method. The mcr-1 gene was identified using a polymerase chain reaction. Results: The overall colistin resistance among the isolated APECs was 32.2% during the study period. The average resistance in the first interval was 37.5%, which significantly decreased to 9.3% in the last interval. Among the 77 phenotypically resistant isolates, 32.4% were positive for mcr-1. The average abundance of mcr-1 in the first interval was 66.6%, which decreased to 25% in the last interval. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the presence of the mcr-1 gene among the APEC isolates from turkeys in the Gaza Strip. Banned veterinary use of colistin significantly decreased the percentage of resistant APEC isolates from turkeys in Gaza Strip. Further studies are needed to investigate other colistin resistance genes and track the emergence of AMR

Overview on Blood Transfusion-Transmitted Diseases

As it is important for the Blood transfusion to be extremely safe, some measures have to be taken long safeguarded the blood supply from the major transfusion transmissible diseases (TTIs).  The risk of transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) rises with the number of donors exposed, and the effects of TTI are frequently more severe in immune compromised people. TTIs (hepatitis B virus [HBV], HIV, and hepatitis C virus [HCV]) are examples of typical transfusion-transmitted infectious agents. As a result of the gradual application of nucleic acid-amplification technology (NAT) screening for HIV, HCV, and HBV, the residual risk of infected window-period donations has been minimized. Nonetheless, infections emerge far more frequently than is commonly acknowledged, needing ongoing surveillance and individual assessment of transfusion-associated risk. Although there is a constant need to monitor present dangers owing to established TTI, the ongoing issues in blood safety are mostly related to surveillance for developing agents, as well as the creation of quick reaction systems when such agents are detected