THE ROLE OF LINGO-1 AND MYELIN BASIC PROTEIN MRNAS IN CENTRAL REMYELINATION IN ETHIDIUM BROMIDE-INDUCED DEMYELINATION IN RATS

Objective: The study aimed to assess the possible role of quercetin, pioglitazone, metformin, and dapagliflozin in the enhancement of remyelination process after ethidium bromide (EB)-induced demyelination. Methods: The study was conducted on 60 male Wister rats (250–300 g), randomly divided into sham-operated group and five demyelination groups (each of 10 rats) which subjected to intrapontine stereotaxic injection of EB (10 μl of 0.1% EB) to induce demyelination. Then, randomly subdivided into: EB control group: Rats were treated with normal saline, quercetin-treated group (50 mg/kg/day), pioglitazone-treated group (10 mg/kg/day), metformin-treated group (500 mg/kg/day), and dapagliflozin-treated group (10 mg/kg/day). Behavioral tests (beam balance, foot fault, rotarod, and inverted screen) were conducted for all groups as well as biochemical analysis of LINGO-1 and myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNAs and histological examination of pontine tissues. Results: The EB control group showed deterioration of motor performance on behavioral tests. Degenerative changes were observed in pontine tissue on histological examination together with upregulation of LINGO-1 protein and downregulation of MBP level. While the treated groups after EB demyelination showed significant improvement in motor performance and decreased degenerated neurons in histological examination with upregulation of MBP level and downregulation of LINGO-1 protein level. Conclusion: Quercetin, metformin, dapagliflozin, and pioglitazone showed neuroprotective effect and enhancement of remyelination process

Effect of levothyroxine plus liothyronine combination therapy on hypothyroid patients quality of life

BackgroundLiothyronine combination with Levothyroxine(T4-T3) has been tried to improve the quality of life among hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine immunotherapy and normal thyroxine stimulating hormone levels. However, the efficacy of such a combination is unknown. The current review aimed to assess the effects of T4-T3 combination therapy on quality of life.AimsThe current review aimed to compare levothyroxine mono-therapy versus T4-T3 combination therapy on quality of life among hypothyroid patients.Methods The Pub Med and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched for relevant articles. Articles published in the English language from the first available article up to March 2020 were approached. The terms hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, and liothyronine were used. Out of hundred and eight articles retrieved, only six fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results In majority of randomized control trials (4 out of 6 RCTs), T4/T3combination therapy fail to show superiority over the standard levothyroxine mono-therapy.ConclusionLevothyroxine remain the standard of care in hypothyroid patient

Influence of blended powders on properties of ultra-high strength fibre reinforced self compacting concrete subjected to elevated temperatures

Ultra-High Strength Fibre Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (UHSFRSCC) is in great demand for use in construction projects around the globe. Unless fillers are utilized in this concrete, its production will come at an excessive environmental cost due to the high Carbon footprint of Portland cement. A gap in the published literature was identified, where quaternary mixes, containing Portland cement with three fillers, incorporating fibres, and achieving ultra high strength, were not cited. In this study ternary and quaternary mixes were designed and produced, satisfying the European Guidelines for SCC, with compressive strengths exceeding 115 MPa. Some mixes had compressive strengths between 125 – 150 MPa, which were not previously reported in the literature. The mixes contained Silica Fume (SF), Metakaolin (MK), Limestone powder (LS) as partial Portland cement replacement and quartz powder (QP) as partial sand replacement. Basalt Fibres were added to reinforce the matrix. Compressive & tensile strength of the mixes along with UPV, sorptivity, absorption and SEM Micro-structure features were studied at ambient temperature and after the samples were exposed to either 200 or 300 oC; since the behavior of HSC at elevated temperature is always a cause for concern. The active and inert fillers exhibited a synergic behavior at all temperature conditions. The mix containing: 15% SF, 5% MK, 20% LS and 34% QP achieved the best performance. Compressive and splitting tensile strength improve by 10% and 17% while sorptivity and absorption decline by 40% and 29% respectively at ambient temperature. Residual compressive strength improved by 10% and 19% while, residual splitting tensile strength significantly increases by 21% and 28% after exposure to elevated temperatures 200°C and 300°C respectively. Meanwhile, residual sorptivity decreases by 39% and 38% after exposure to these elevated temperatures. Microstructure properties supported and agreed with the mechanical and permeation characteristics results. The results will contribute to the development of UHSFRSCC in hot weather countries

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 < 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

Impact of HIF1-α/TGF-β/Smad-2/Bax/Bcl2 pathways on cobalt chloride-induced cardiac and hepatorenal dysfunction

Background: Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) is a ferromagnetic ubiquitous trace element extensively dispersed in the environment. Nevertheless, it may merit human hazard. Aim: Excess cobalt can harm vital organs this paves the way to elucidate the toxic impact of CoCl2 on the liver, kidney and heart. Method: CoCl2 was injected in a dose of (60 mg/kg, S.C.) proceeded via Carnosine (200 mg/kg) and/or Arginine (200 mg/kg) treatment 1 month, 24 and 1 h, prior to CoCl2-intoxication. Results: CoCl2 significantly alleviated hemoglobin concentration and BCl2; meanwhile, protein expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), Mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad-2), AKT protein expression and Bax/Bcl2 ratio was noticeably elevated. Conclusion: The combination of the aforementioned antioxidants exerted a synergistic anti-apoptotic impact in all target tissues

Alterations in Biomarkers Associated with Sterility in Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) Induced by Gamma Irradiation

ABSTRACT Nowadays, radiation technology is widely used to produce changes in Biosystems. The goal of this work is to determine the variation induced male Pectinophora gossypiella in gamma-irradiated as pupae using 50Gy and 150Gy. Comparing elements composition and DNA (using RAPD-PCR) between substerile 50Gy and the sterile dose 150Gy in P. gossypiella showed variation between them. Potassium (K) was the most abundant elements in unirradiated and irradiated males followed by magnesium (Mg). The percentage of heavy metals as copper, zinc, and cadmium concurrent with K was directly proportional to the radiation dose. While the percentage of Mg, Phosphorous and calcium decreased as the radiation dose increased. The results also revealed that some extra bands appeared and others disappeared, as a result of irradiation. The appearance of extra bands may be due to the repair mechanism of the irradiation damaged DNA. The banding patterns obtained and the dendrograms drawn on the basis of presence and absence of bands revealed that 150Gy irradiated pupae are more different from the unirradiated pupae than the 50Gy irradiated pupae. It was concluded that the sterile male technique could be used as a benefit tool in controlling P. gossypiella

Caracterización de materiales y restauración de pinturas murales de las tumbas de El-Muzzawaka, Dakhla Oases, Egipto

The present study demonstrates scientific procedures applied to study mural paintings in two Graeco-Roman tombs of El-Muzzawaka, Dakhla Oases, Egypt. First, a series of analytical methods was applied to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of pigment and plaster samples collected from the studied tombs. The analyses were performed by means of digitalized optical microscopy (OM), polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy attached with X-ray microanalysis detector (SEM−EDS), X−ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT−IR). Analyses of the pigment samples revealed Egyptian blue, Egyptian green, green earth, black magnetite, and red/yellow ochres. The paintings were applied on a coarse plaster layer made of gypsum, anhydrite, calcite, and quartz. The preparation layer was made of two phases of calcium sulphate (gypsum and anhydrite). Further, the detection of an organic binder, of gum Arabic, confirms the application of tempera technique. The results showed that the bed rock samples contain variable amounts of quartz, anhydrite, montmorillonite, kaolinite, gypsum, and sodium chloride (halite). In situ observations showed several deterioration forms on the studied mural paintings. The destructive climatic condition of the region and the defects of the rock structure have contributed seriously in the deterioration process. Based on experimental tests, multi restoration procedures were applied in form of cleaning, reattaching paint flakes, applying injection grouts to detached layers, reconstruction of missing parts in the plaster, repair of wide-open cracks, and final protective consolidation of the painted surfaces. Further, recommendations to minimize any future damage were discussed.O presente estudo mostra os procedimentos científicos aplicados ao estudo de pinturas murais de duas tumbas greco-romanas de El-Muzzawaka, Dakhla Oásis, Egito. Numa primeira fase aplicaram-se diversos métodos analíticos para determinar a composição química e mineralógica de amostras de pigmento e gesso recolhidas das tumbas estudadas. As análises foram realizadas por meio de microscopia ótica (OM) digital, microscopia de luz polarizada (PLM), microscopia eletrónica de varrimento acoplada a detector de raios X (MEV - EDS), análise por difração de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR). As análises das amostras de pigmento revelaram azul egípcio, verde egípcio, terra verde, magnetita preta e ocres vermelho / amarelo. As pinturas foram aplicadas sobre uma camada de gesso grosso constituída por gesso, anidrite, calcite e quartzo. A camada de preparação é composta por duas fases de sulfato de cálcio (gesso e anidrite). Além disso, o recurso à técnica a têmpera é confirmada pela deteção de um aglutinante orgânico, a goma-arábica. Os resultados mostraram que as amostras de leito rochoso contêm quantidades variáveis ​​de quartzo, anidrite, montmorilonite, caulinite, gesso e cloreto de sódio (halite). As observações in situ mostraram várias formas de deterioração nas pinturas murais estudadas. A condição climática destrutiva da região e os defeitos da estrutura rochosa têm contribuído seriamente para o processo de deterioração. Com base em testes experimentais forma usados múltiplos procedimentos de restauro, designadamente limpeza, fixações, consolidação por injeção, reconstrução de partes do gesso em falta, reparação de fissuras abertas e consolidação protetora final das superfícies pintadas. Além disso, foram discutidas recomendações para minimizar quaisquer danos futuros.El presente estudio demuestra procedimientos científicos aplicados al estudio de pinturas murales en dos tumbas grecorromanas en El-Muzzawaka, Dakhla Oásis, Egipto. Primero, se aplicó una serie de métodos analíticos para determinar la composición química y mineralógica de las muestras de pigmento y yeso recolectadas de las tumbas estudiadas. Los análisis se realizaron mediante microscopía óptica digital (OM), microscopía de luz polarizada (PLM), microscopía electrónica de barrido acoplada a un detector de microanálisis de rayos X (SEM-EDS), análisis de difracción de rayos X (XRD) y infrarrojo por transformada de Fourier. espectroscopia (FT-IR). El análisis de las muestras de pigmento reveló azul egipcio, verde egipcio, tierra verde, magnetita negra y ocre rojo / amarillo. Las pinturas se aplicaron sobre una gruesa capa de yeso a base de yeso, anhidrita, calcita y cuarzo. La capa de preparación estaba compuesta por dos fases de sulfato de calcio (yeso y anhidrita). Además, la detección de un aglutinante orgánico, la goma arábiga, confirma la aplicación de la técnica de revenido. Los resultados mostraron que las muestras de lecho rocoso contienen cantidades variables de cuarzo, anhidrita, montmorillonita, caolinita, yeso y cloruro de sodio (halita). Las observaciones in situ mostraron varias formas de deterioro en las pinturas murales estudiadas. La condición climática destructiva de la región y los defectos en la estructura de la roca han contribuido seriamente al proceso de deterioro. Sobre la base de pruebas experimentales, se aplicaron múltiples procedimientos de restauración en forma de limpieza, reposición de escamas de pintura, aplicación de juntas en capas desprendidas, reconstrucción de partes faltantes en el yeso, reparación de grietas abiertas y consolidación protectora final de superficies pintadas. Además, se discutieron recomendaciones para minimizar cualquier daño futuro

Phenotypic and Physiological Evaluation of Two and Six Rows Barley under Different Environmental Conditions

In recent years, barley has attracted more interest as a food and feed source because of its high soluble dietary fiber and β-glucan content compared with other small grains. Twenty-five barley genotypes (20 imported genotypes and five check cultivars) were grown in three environments for two successive seasons: 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. The first environment was in El-Nubaria, Alexandria, Egypt during 2015/2016, while the second and third environments were in El-Bostan, Elbhera, Egypt during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with the three replicates. The primary objectives of the current study were to evaluate the performance of 20 imported barley genotypes under several environmental conditions. The imported materials were superior to the local commercial cultivars for several traits, including grain yield. Therefore, the superior genotypes will be further evaluated and used in barley breeding programs. Our future work will focus on creating several crosses among the selected superior genotypes to improve yield and other important traits, while applying marker-assisted selection

Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy: an advance or a gimmick!

Objective: Transvaginal Hydrolaparoscopy (TVHL) is the recent modification of a well known gynecological procedure culdoscopy used for exploration of the pelvic cavity that takes advantages of micro-endoscopic technology and uses aquafloatation for inspection of the tubo-ovarian structures. This is a case series to evaluate the feasibility, procedure performance and complications of Transvaginal Hydrolaparoscopy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the AinShamsUniversityMaternityHospital in Cairo. Twenty two women were included in the study being referred for diagnostic fertility investigation or for performing benign hysteroscopic surgery (e.g., myomectomy, septum resection) for infertility or recurrent miscarriage reasons. Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy was carried out in all participants under general naesthesia. Results: Entry into the peritoneal cavity was successful in 21 out of 22 (95.5%) cases. The mean duration of the TVHL procedure was 15.6 ±3.2 minutes with a time range from 12 to 19 minutes. The pelvic inspection was excellent in 10 (45.5%), satisfactory in 3(13.6%), unsatisfactory in 7 (31.8%), and failed in 2 (9.1%). In 3 women traditional laparoscopy was performed in the same setting. There were no difficulties in inspecting the posterior wall of the uterus and the uterine contour in all women with septate or bicornuate uterus (n=7) to guide the procedure of septum resection. TVHL detected pelvic pathological findings in 12 (54%) women (4 endometriosis, 3 polycystic ovaries, 2 peritubal adhesions, 3 hydrosalpinx). Tubal patency was tested by transcervical dye hydrotubation with methylene blue in 5 (22.7%) cases only (4 of them had normal patent both tubes, 1 case had bilateral tubal obstruction). Conclusion: Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy may allow limited detailed exploration of the tubo-ovarian structure in some infertile patients. The procedure can be combined with hysteroscopy and dye hydrotubation. Visualization is restricted to the posterior part of the uterus and can judge the uterine contour effectively. However, the whole pelvic inspection process is inferior to that achieved by conventional laparoscopy