PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) PLANTS TO POLYAMINES UNDER LEAD STRESS

Objective: The distribution, growth, development and productivity of wheat plants are greatly affected by various abiotic stresses such as lead (Pb) stress which become one of the most abundant toxic metal in the earth crust. Under the three applied polyamine (PAs) applications, the efficiency of wheat plants to tolerate Pb2+ stress in terms of growth and yield characteristics was noticed to varying degrees. Methods: The current study focused on the impact of 2.0 mM lead (Pb2+) on growth and performance of wheat plants before and after PAs applications. The sterilized seeds were soaked for 8 h at room temperature, either in distilled water (as a control), 0.25 mM spermine (Spm), 0.50 mM spermidine (Spd), or in 1.0 mM putrescine (Put). Results: Point out that, better growth and yield characteristics, chlorophyll “a” (Chl-a), chlorophyll “b” (Chl-b), soluble sugars, indoles, and enzymatic antioxidants (i.e., peroxidase (POX), catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbate oxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and glutathione reductase) and the enzyme α-amylase contents were obtained with seed soaking in 0.25 mM Spm, 0.50 mM Spd, or 1.0 mM Put than those generated with seed soaking in water under 2.0 mM Pb2+ stress. In contrast, the concentration of endogenous Pb2+ was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Among all tested PAs, 1.0 mM Put showed the best results and thus is recommended, as seed soaking, for wheat to grow well under Pb2+ stress

Melatonin abrogates liver, ovarian, and uterine toxicities induced by tamoxifen in a breast cancer mouse model

Melatonin is known for its efficacy in breast cancer treatment. However, the safety profile of melatonin, particularly its effect on liver, uterus and ovaries is largely unknown. Here, we explored the safety profile of melatonin using virgin female mice of the Swiss albino strain. Further, we investigated whether melatonin can overcome liver, ovaries and uterine toxicities which are induced by tamoxifen using N,N-dimethylbenzylamine (DMBA) induced breast cancer mouse model? Treatment of tamoxifen after breast cancer induction in mice resulted in reduction of breast masses but severe pathological abnormalities like liver steatosis, hyper ovulation, ovarian cysts, uterine glands dilatations and endometriosis were observed in treated animals. Whereas, melatonin when used in combination with tamoxifen helped to reduce the mouse mammary tumor volume and significantly decreases liver enzymes, steroid hormones and oxidative stress. Melatonin also reverted the liver, ovarian and uterus toxicity induced by tamoxifen. The results have demonstrated that tamoxifen when used as combination therapy with melatonin serve as an effective anti-breast cancer molecule with minimum liver, ovarian and uterus toxicities

Melatonin abrogates liver, ovarian, and uterine toxicities induced by tamoxifen in a breast cancer mouse model

33-43Melatonin is known for its efficacy in breast cancer treatment. However, the safety profile of melatonin, particularly its effect on liver, uterus and ovaries is largely unknown. Here, we explored the safety profile of melatonin using virgin female mice of the Swiss albino strain. Further, we investigated whether melatonin can overcome liver, ovaries and uterine toxicities which are induced by tamoxifen using N,N-dimethylbenzylamine (DMBA) induced breast cancer mouse model? Treatment of tamoxifen after breast cancer induction in mice resulted in reduction of breast masses but severe pathological abnormalities like liver steatosis, hyper ovulation, ovarian cysts, uterine glands dilatations and endometriosis were observed in treated animals. Whereas, melatonin when used in combination with tamoxifen helped to reduce the mouse mammary tumor volume and significantly decreases liver enzymes, steroid hormones and oxidative stress. Melatonin also reverted the liver, ovarian and uterus toxicity induced by tamoxifen. The results have demonstrated that tamoxifen when used as combination therapy with melatonin serve as an effective anti-breast cancer molecule with minimum liver, ovarian and uterus toxicities

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

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

Improved Salinity Tolerance by Potassium Humate Fertilizer in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Cv. “Bronco”) Plants

The objective of this study is to assess the ameliorative impact of potassium humate (KH; 0, 100, and 200 kg per feddan) as soil amendments on the growth traits, green and dry yields characteristics, leaf photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf contents of nutrients of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. “Bronco”) plants grown under saline soil conditions. To perform the study aim, two field trials were conducted at the Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University during the 2016 and 2017 summer seasons. The obtained results showed that, Na+ content was significantly declined, while the all other tested parameters such as growth characteristics (i.e., shoot length, number of leaves per plant, area of leaves per plant, and shoot fresh and dry weights), yield characteristics of green pods and dry seeds (i.e., average pod weight, number of pods per plant, pods weight per plant, dry seed weight per plant and 100-seed weight), leaf photosynthetic pigments (i.e., total chlorophylls, total carotenoids) contents and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (i.e., Fv/Fm and PI), leaf contents of N, P, K+, and Ca2+, and the ratios of K+/Na+, Ca2+/Na+ and K++Ca2+/Na+ were significantly increased by the all KH treatments compared to the controls (without KH). The two KH treatments conferred, approximately, the same results. Therefore, results of this study recommend using KH at 100 kg per feddan to optimize the common bean performance in saline soils

Improved Salinity Tolerance by Potassium Humate Fertilizer in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Cv. “Bronco”) Plants

The objective of this study is to assess the ameliorative impact of potassium humate (KH; 0, 100, and 200 kg per feddan) as soil amendments on the growth traits, green and dry yields characteristics, leaf photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf contents of nutrients of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. “Bronco”) plants grown under saline soil conditions. To perform the study aim, two field trials were conducted at the Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University during the 2016 and 2017 summer seasons. The obtained results showed that, Na+ content was significantly declined, while the all other tested parameters such as growth characteristics (i.e., shoot length, number of leaves per plant, area of leaves per plant, and shoot fresh and dry weights), yield characteristics of green pods and dry seeds (i.e., average pod weight, number of pods per plant, pods weight per plant, dry seed weight per plant and 100-seed weight), leaf photosynthetic pigments (i.e., total chlorophylls, total carotenoids) contents and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (i.e., Fv/Fm and PI), leaf contents of N, P, K+, and Ca2+, and the ratios of K+/Na+, Ca2+/Na+ and K++Ca2+/Na+ were significantly increased by the all KH treatments compared to the controls (without KH). The two KH treatments conferred, approximately, the same results. Therefore, results of this study recommend using KH at 100 kg per feddan to optimize the common bean performance in saline soils

Integrated Application of K and Zn as an Avenue to Promote Sugar Beet Yield, Industrial Sugar Quality, and K-Use Efficiency in a Salty Semi-Arid Agro-Ecosystem

Salinity combined with a deficiency of potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) negatively affect sugar beet yield and quality. A two-year (2017/18–2018/19) field trial was undertaken to investigate the mediating role of soil-applied K [120 (K120) and 180 (K180) kg ha−1] and foliar-applied Zn [0 (Zn0), 150 (Zn150), and 300 (Zn300) ppm] in alleviating salt-stress (8.60 dS m−1) based on sugar beet morpho-physiological responses, sugar yield and quality, and K-use efficiency in the BTS 301 and Kawemira cultivars. Application of K180 × Zn300 was more effective and resulted in 23.39 and 37.78% higher root yield (RY) and pure sugar yield (PSY), respectively, compared to control (K120 × Zn0). It also enhanced sucrose, pure sugar (PS), and purity but decreased impurities (α-amino N, K, and Na), alkalinity index, and sugar loss. However, the K120 × Zn300 recorded higher K-use efficiency. PSY correlated positively (r = 0.776 **, 0.629 **, 0.602 **, 0.549 **, and 0.513 **) with RY, root fresh weight (RFW), top yield, PS, and root diameter, respectively. The stepwise and path-coefficient analysis demonstrated that RY, PS, and RFW were the most influential PSY-affected attributes. Integration of K180 + Zn300 can correct K and Zn deficiencies in the soil and mitigate salt-stress effects via improving sugar beet growth, yield and quality, and K-use efficiency

Rebalance the Nutritional Status and the Productivity of High CaCO3-Stressed Sweet Potato Plants by Foliar Nourishment with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Ascorbic Acid

The use of nano-fertilizers and antioxidants for specific crops to minimize the negative effect of abiotic stresses is imperative. Two field experiments were fulfilled during two summer seasons (2019 and 2020) to study the response of sweet potato (Beauregard cv.) plants grown in calcareous soil (CaCO3 = 10.8–11.3%) to foliar nourishment with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and ascorbic acid (ASA) applied individually or in a mixture. Both ZnONPs and ASA were applied in three doses: 0, 1000, or 1500 mg L−1 for ZnONPs, and 0, 250 and 500 mg L−1 for ASA. The highest values of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) contents were recorded in both seasons, while those of phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) were recorded in the 2020 season with ZnONPs applied at 1500 mg L−1. Furthermore, in both seasons, the maximum values of nutrient contents, excluding Mn content, were obtained with ASA applied at 500 mg L−1. However, applying both ZnONPs and ASA in a mixture bypassed each applied alone, with the highest overall nutrient contents being recorded, with few exceptions, with the highest dose of the mixture. The trend of the tuber root nutrient contents was correlated with the corresponding values in the leaves. Maximum tuber root yield was obtained with foliar feeding with 1000 mg ZnONP and 250 mg ASA L−1 in both seasons. The resulting data recommend the use of foliar nourishment with fertilizer nanoparticles and antioxidants to enable stressed plants to collect appropriate nutrient contents from the defective soils

Alleviation of Water-Deficit Stress on Seed Germination of Barley and Fenugreek in a Sandy Soil Using Superabsorbent Polymer

Water deficit is one of the major limiting factors of seed crop germination and productivity. Consequently, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are among several technologies that enhance water use efficiency, leading to worthy seed germination. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effect of three rates of SAPs (0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0% w/w) on the seedling emergence of barley and fenugreek sown in a sandy soil using three replicates in a randomized complete block design. Outdoor pot experiments were conducted in Aswan Province, Egypt. The differences in the final germination percentages (FGPs) were not significant for both seeds, while the application of SAPs enhanced the seedling germination index (GI) with significant differences for both crop seeds. The application of SAP at 0.5% gave the highest GI for barley (2.47 day−1) and fenugreek (2.66 day−1) seeds. The sigmoidal function effectively described the cumulative germination percentage rates for both seeds as a function of time under the SAP levels with R2 greater than 0.992. The maximum rates were 69.4 and 64.6 day−1 for barley and fenugreek seeds at SAP 0.5%, respectively. The corresponding rates for 0.0% SAP were 11 and 12 day−1. The water germination efficiencies (WGE) were 27.76 and 30.04 cm−1 for 0.0% and 0.5% SAP for barley, while they were 23.07 and 29.9 cm−1 for fenugreek. Accordingly, SAPs could represent a promising solution for increasing moisture conservation for seed germination in a sand soil. For strategic management, barley is recommended for growth over fenugreek in a semidried soil