The Link Between Oxidative Stress Response and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) in Hepatic Tissue of Rats With Induced Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal organ growth, development and function. They regulate the basal metabolic rate of different types of cells, including hepatocytes. Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of thyroid disorders and disturbed tissue functions. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a cytokine with numerous immunological and metabolic activities. Several studies relate this cytokine to thyroid dysfunction and chronic liver diseases. This study aims to determine the relationship between the oxidative stress and the hepatic inflammatory cytokines TNF-α in rats with disturbed thyroid functions. Also, to investigate how this can affect normal hepatic tissues. Twenty-seven rats were divided into three groups: euthyroid group, hyperthyroid group; hyperthyroidism was induced by daily intraperitoneal injection of L-thyroxine and hypothyroid group; hypothyroidism was induced by administering propylthiouracil using oral gastric tube. At the end of the experiments, rats were fasted for 12 hours then blood samples were collected to measure the level of free T3, free T4, TSH, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant (TAC). Then animals were scarified by cervical decapitation, slices of livers were submitted to histopathological examination, the rest of liver tissues were extracted and homogenized for measurements of TNF-α. The data showed that serum MDA was significantly elevated while TAC levels were significantly decreased in both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups compared to their corresponding values in euthyroid group. TNF-α level was also significantly increased in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups compared to its level in euthyroid group. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed prominent lymphocytic infiltration with some aggregate formation in portal tract in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups. The lymphocytic infiltrate was more prominent in hypothyroid rats compared to the hyperthyroid rats. This study suggests that the oxidative stress and elevated level of TNF-α play an essential role in hepatic cell injury associated with thyroid dysfunction. A complex relationship exists between the thyroid gland and the liver in health and disease.Keywords: Thyroid dysfunction, oxidative stress, hepatic tissue, rats TNF-

Asymmetrical clipping optical filter bank multi-carrier modulation scheme

Filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC) is considered a promising alternative to the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme. It improves spectral efficiency by eliminating the need for cyclic prefix while attenuating interference due to the robustness of the out-of-band emission. In this work, we present a framework, and the performance evaluation of FBMC is a multi-carrier modulation scheme for the direct detection of optical communications. As the proposed model has higher spectral efficiency than the classical ACO-OFDM, as removing the guard interval enhances the spectral efficiency. Furthermore, the perfect rectangular pulse shaping and eliminating the out of band emission of the filter bank enhances the ACO-FBMC the BER performance of the ACO-OFDM. We propose a transceiver model for Asymmetrical Clipped Optical FBMC (ACO-FBMC) based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations, analyze inter-frame interference, and offer an iterative receptive method to eliminate it. Finally, we compared the bit error rate (BER) performance of the ACO-FBMC using different overlapping factors with the ACO-OFDM.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Plasma level of interleukin 37 in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia

Background: Interleukin (IL)-37, a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine previously known as interleukin-1 family member 7 before it was renamed, has a pivotal role in the suppression of immune responses. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-37 and its potential role in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Patients and Methods: The study was carried out in Zagazig University Hospital, Pediatric Department. The total sample size was 60 participants divided into 4 groups. They were 45 patients (15 patients with newly diagnosed ITP, 15 patients with complete remission after 1st line therapy and 15 patients with chronic ITP) and 15 age - sex matched healthy children as a control group.Results: Our study showed that the mean value of age among patients group was (6.89± 4.13) with female predominance than males (60%). The current work showed that regarding history of bleeding tendency it was present in 45 (100%). This study showed the bone marrow examination was done for 8 of our patients (17.8%) and revealed hypercellular megakaryopoiesis. In the current study there was no statistically significant difference between patients group and control group regarding hemoglobin (HB) and white blood cells (WBC). Our study showed that there was no statistically significant correlation between IL 37 level and platelets in patients group.Conclusion: Accumulating evidence suggests that serum level of IL 37 has a pivotal role in autoimmune diseases. In the present study, the expression of IL-37 in ITP patients was evaluated for the first time in Egypt, but no significant abnormal expression of IL-37 was identified in these patients. It was therefore concluded that serum level of IL 37 may not have a pivotal role in the development of ITP

HEAT TOLERANCE IN SOME BREAD WHEAT GENOTYPES UNDER TWO SOWING DATES

A 7x7 half diallel cross along with their parental wheat cultivars were evaluated under two sowing dates (19th Nov. and 17th Dec.).The results revealed that mean squares due to sowing dates, genotypes and genotypes x sowing dates interaction were significant for most of the studied traits. Delaying sowing date to Dec. reduced all studied characters compared to the normal sowing date except electrolyte leakage which increased by delaying sowing date. Heterosis over better parents showed that, the best hybrids under stress condition were Misr 2 X Giza 168 and Sids 1 X Giza 168   for grain yield / plant and some of other studied traits.  General and specific combining ability mean squares indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in the inheritance of the studied traits with few exceptions. However, the additive effect was more important than the non-additive effects in the inheritance of days to 50% heading, plant height, No. of spikes/ plant,No. of kernels / spike and 1000-kernel weight while, the non-additive effects were more important than the additive effects in the inheritance of electrolyte leakage and flag leaf area. The best general combiner parents for grain yield / plant and some of other studied traits were Gemmeiza 11 and Giza 168under stress condition. The best hybrids for SCA effects were Sakha 93 X Sids 1, Gemmeiza 11 X Giza 168, Misr 2 X Giza 168 and Sids 1 X Giza 168 under stress condition for grain yield / plant and some of other studied traits. The crosses Gemmeiza 11 X Giza 168   (HSI 0.36), Gemmeiza 7 X Giza 168   (HSI 0.58) and Sakha 93 X Giza 168   (HSI 0.60) have recorded the lowest values of heat susceptibility index (HSI), indicating their tolerance to heat stress (late sowing date)

Caspase-11 Mediates Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Extracellular Trap Formation During Acute Gouty Arthritis Through Alteration of Cofilin Phosphorylation

Gout is characterized by attacks of arthritis with hyperuricemia and monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced inflammation within joints. Innate immune responses are the primary drivers for tissue destruction and inflammation in gout. MSU crystals engage the Nlrp3 inflammasome, leading to the activation of caspase-1 and production of IL-1β and IL-18 within gout-affected joints, promoting the influx of neutrophils and monocytes. Here, we show that caspase-11−/− mice and their derived macrophages produce significantly reduced levels of gout-specific cytokines including IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, and KC, while others like IFNγ and IL-12p70 are not altered. IL-1β induces the expression of caspase-11 in an IL-1 receptor-dependent manner in macrophages contributing to the priming of macrophages during sterile inflammation. The absence of caspase-11 reduced the ability of macrophages and neutrophils to migrate in response to exogenously injected KC in vivo. Notably, in vitro, caspase-11−/− neutrophils displayed random migration in response to a KC gradient when compared to their WT counterparts. This phenotype was associated with altered cofilin phosphorylation. Unlike their wild-type counterparts, caspase-11−/− neutrophils also failed to produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) when treated with MSU. Together, this is the first report demonstrating that caspase-11 promotes neutrophil directional trafficking and function in an acute model of gout. Caspase-11 also governs the production of inflammasome-dependent and -independent cytokines from macrophages. Our results offer new, previously unrecognized functions for caspase-11 in macrophages and neutrophils that may apply to other neutrophil-mediated disease conditions besides gout

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Attitude of Syrian students toward GAD patients: An online cross-sectional study

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent condition and a significant cause of mental disability and poor quality of life. People with GAD have chronic worrying, restlessness, and discrimination from the general public; Little is known about the stigmatizing attitudes toward people with GAD among Syrian students. The questionnaires contained demographic data about age, gender, social status, personal stigma toward GAD scale, perceived stigma toward GAD scale, social distance with those with GAD, the participants' usual source of their knowledge about GAD, helpful interventions, and supporting information. A total of 1,370 replies were collected, but only 1,358 were used for analysis as 12 participants declined to complete the survey. About 44.1% of participants agreed that people with GAD could snap out of the problem, most of them being females (32.4% of the total population). Compared to medical students, more non-medical students (7.1% of the total population) believed that anxiety is a sign of personal weakness. This study demonstrated that Syrian college students showed a high level of stigmatizing and socially distancing attitudes toward people with GAD, particularly female and non-medical students

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P &lt; 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely