Evaluations of Ovarian and Luteal Blood Flow Waveform Patterns in Buffalos Subjected to OvSynch Protocol in Cold and Hot Seasons

This current study aimed to determine ovarian and luteal blood flow waveform patterns in buffalos synchronized using OvSynch protocol in cold and hot seasons. Six cyclic buffalo cows aged 6±0.5 years old, having a weight of 400 ± 50 kg, were scanned daily along three successive estrous cycles transrectally by Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate the normal ovarian hemodynamic during the normal spontaneous ovulation and before the start of experiments. Buffaloes were synchronized with gonadotropin[GnRH] –prostaglandin[P] –gonadotropin (GPG) protocol in which animals received 10μg of GnRH on day ??, 0.250μg of PGF2α on day 7, and another dose of 10μg of GnRH was administered 48h after the PGF2α injection. Blood sampling and ovarian ultrasound examinations (color and spectral Doppler modes) were conducted on the day of the estrous and luteal phases. Results revealed that peak systolic velocity waveform (PSV) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in the cold season compared to the hot season. The Luteal blood flow after the end of OvSynch protocol on days (5,7,9, and 11) was significantly increased in the cold season than that in the hot one. The serum levels of estradiol (E2) and nitric oxide (NO) after the second GnRH injection in the OvSynch protocol were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in the cold season as compared to the hot one. Moreover, the progesterone (P4) levels had risen in OvSynch-treated buffaloes on days 5,7,9, and 11 of the cycle in the cold season compared to the hot one. Conclusion: In the cold season, ovarian hemodynamics was significantly improved compared to the hot one; this may influence the reproductive efficiency of buffaloes. Further studies were needed to prove it

EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCES FOR THE PROMISING HERAPEUTIC ROLE OF VITIS VINIFERA SEED EXTRACT AGAINST NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS

Objective: The present study was planned to investigate the possible therapeutic effect of methanolic extract of Vitis vinifera seeds on high fat diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in forty adult female Wistar rats.Methods: The animals were divided into four groups, (G1)was served as healthy control group and the other three groups received high fat diet for 32 weeks for induction of NASH were assigned as follow: (G2) in which the animals bearing NASH were left untreated, (G3) in which the animals bearing NASH were treated with Vitis vinifera seed extract in a dose of 0.28g/kg b. wt (GSH) and (G4) in which the animals bearing NASH were treated with Vitis vinifera seed extract in a dose of 0.14g/kg b. wt (GSL).Results: The results revealed significant increase in serum ALT activity, plasma glucose, insulin levels, serum resist in, NF-κB, TNF-α, HGF levels, hepatic TNF-α and HGF gene expression levels. While, serum albumin, adiponectin levels and hepatic adiponectin gene expression level were decreased significantly in NASH group. Conversely, treatment of NASH groups with GSH or GSL resulted in significant decrease in serum ALT activity, plasma glucose, insulin levels, serum resist in, NF-κB, TNF-α, HGF levels, hepatic TNF-α and HGF gene expression levels. However, serum albumin, adiponectin levels and hepatic adiponectin gene expression level were increased significantly as a consequence of treatment with GSH or GSL.Conclusions: The efficacy of Vitis vinifera extract against NASH might be attributed to its strong hepatoprotective potential and powerful anti-inflammatory activity in addition to its potent role in ameliorating insulin resistance indices.Â

Comparative studies on the efficacy of lincomycin and bacitracin for the control of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

Background: The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of lincomycin and/or bacitracin for control of experimentally-induced Clostridium perfringens (CP) infection in broiler chickens.Methods: A total of 100 one-day-old Cobb-mixed chicks were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E, each of 20 bird). At the 15th day of age, all birds (except group A) were inoculated orally with CP broth culture (109 CFU/mL). Two days later, drugs were orally administered once daily for five consecutive days as follow; Group A and B were left untreated. Group C, D, and E were treated with lincomycin (0.5 g/l), bacitracin (100 mg/l), lincomycin and bacitracin, respectively. The efficacy of used drugs was estimated based on clinical symptoms, body weight, weight gain, feed conversion rate. Hematobiochemical changes were also determined.Results: Necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens induced a significant decrease in body weight, weight gain, erythrocytic count, hemoglobin content, PCV %, serum proteins, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Additionally, a marked decrease in serum lipids was obtained. Furthermore, a significant increase in feed conversion rate, leukocytic count, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, serum total globulin, γ globulin and malondialdehyde coupled with a marked increase in β and α globulins were determined. Medication of infected broilers with lincomycin and/or bacitracin improved clinical signs and reduced mortality rate to 8, 6 and 2%, respectively, as well as restored the performance and hematobiochemical alterations.Conclusions: a combination of lincomycin and bacitracin was of considerable value for the control of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens

Adverse effects of energy drink on rat pancreas and the therapeutic role of each of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Nigella Sativa oil

Background: Energy drinks have been observed to threaten public health leading to many medical problems. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have broad prospects in tissue regeneration. Nigella Sativa (NS) possess great therapeutic properties for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Materials and methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into: control group and treated group. The treated group was further subdivided into: energy drink subgroup 2a, BMSCs-injected subgroup 2b, NS-injected subgroup 2c. Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical assessment was performed. Results: Administration of energy drink revealed that it adversely affected the pancreatic cytoarchitecture. BMSCs and NS have been similarly observed to significantly ameliorate the histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical changes induced by energy drink. Conclusions: The extent of pancreatic regeneration, exerted by each of BMSCs and NS oil, is nearly similar but the effect of BMSCs is more superior; however, NS could be privileged to BMSCs as a line of treatment being easily accessible and of lower cost

In vitro differentiation of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells into functioning hepatocytes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated by gradient density centrifugation from umbilical cord blood. Spindle-shaped adherent cells were permitted to grow to 70% confluence in primary culture media which was reached by day 12. Induction of differentiation started by culturing cells with differentiation medium containing FGF-4 and HGF. Under hepatogenic conditions few cuboidal cells appeared in culture on day 7. From day 21 to day 28, most of cells became small and round. The control negative cells cultured in serum free media showed fibroblast-like morphology. Urea production and protein secretion by the differentiated hepatocyte-like cells were detected on day 21 and increased on day 28. Protein was significantly increased in comparison with control by day 28. The cells became positive for AFP at day 7 and positive cells could still be detected at days 21 and 28. The cells in the control group were stained negative for AFP. The cells expressed albumin gene at the 14th day that became markedly increased at the 28th day of culture with HGF and FGF-4. No albumin expression was observed in the 7th day sample and the control. This study demonstrated that UCB-derived MSCs had the ability to differentiate into functioning hepatocyte-like cells starting from the 7th day after culturing under hepatogenic conditions and became well functioning at days 21 and 28. These data indicated that UCB-derived MSCs can be a promising source of cell therapy for intractable liver diseases.Keywords: Umbilical cord blood; Mesenchymal stem cells; Culture; Hepatocytes; HGF; FGF-

Brain-based Learning Principles in the Science Curricula Content of the Basic Education Stage in the Sultanate of Oman: An Analytical Study

The study aimed to identify the level of including the principles of brain-based learning in the content of Oman science curricula for grades (5-8). The study followed the analytical method. The analyses included two units of the science curriculum for each grade from grades 5 to 8 in government schools for the academic year 2020/2021. The total number of units was 16 including the student’s book and the activity book for the first and second semesters. An analysis card was designed for the content of science curricula. Experts in the field verified the validity of the instrument. The reliability was obtained using inter-rater and test-retest methods. The results showed that the twelve principles of brain-based learning were included in the content of Omani science curricula for grades 5 to 8 with varying proportions. The results also indicated statistically significant differences in including the standards of the principles of brain-based learning among the grade levels. The percentage of including these standards in each grade was different from the other grades. The rate of including principles increased with the progression of the school level. There is consistency and continuity in including the standards of the principles of brain-based learning across grades at the school level covered by the current study. The study recommended taking advantage of the list of indicators of brain-based learning principles when developing the books of basic education 2. Keywords: brain-based learning principles, science curricula, grades (8-5(, Oman, Analytical Study

Perspectives of Science Teachers in Sultanate of Oman for Grades five to eight about the Effectiveness of the application of “Google Classroom Platform” in Providing Students with Self-Learning and Problem-Solving Skills

ملخص: هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى رصد تصوّرات معلمي العلوم، للصفوف من الخامس إلى الثامن، لفاعلية تطبيق منصة جوجل كلاس روم (Google Classroom)، في اكتساب الطلبة مهارات التعلّم الذاتي وحلّ المشكلات. اشتملت عينة الدراسة على (104) معلماً، و(293) معلمة، في ثماني محافظات تعليمية في سلطنة عُمان، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة، تبنّت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي، من خلال بناء مقياسٍ مجزء إلى محورين رئيسين، هما: مهارات التعلّم الذاتي، ومهارات حلّ المشكلات، وبإجمالي (23) عبارة للمقياس كاملاً، وذلك بالاستعانة بالأدب التربوي والدراسات السابقة ذات الصلة بموضوع الدراسة. تأكّد الباحثون من صدق المقياس وثباته. أظهرت نتائج الدراسة فاعلية تطبيق منصة جوجل كلاس روم (Google Classroom) في اكتساب الطلبة مهارات التعلّم الذاتي وحلّ المشكلات، وفقًا لتصوّرات معلمي العلوم، وبمتوسط حسابي مرتفع للمقياس ككل. أوصت الدراسة بضرورة دمج التعلّم الإلكتروني في التعليم؛ لتعزيز العمل التعاوني والجماعي، وتوظيف منصة جوجل كلاس روم (Google Classroom) في تعليم العلوم، والمقررات الدراسية الأخرى.Abstract: The current study's main aim was to monitor science teachers' perceptions for grades five to eight about the effectiveness of the Google Classroom application in equipping students with self-learning and problem-solving skills. The sample of this study consisted of (104) male-teacher and (293) female teachers from eight educational governorates in the Sultanate of Oman. To achieve the objectives of this study, the study used the descriptive methodology by developing a questionnaire. This questionnaire was established based on educational literature and previous studies. It was divided into two domains: self-learning and problem-solving skills, including (23) items. The reliability and the validity of the questionnaire were verified. The result revealed the effectiveness of the Google classroom platform in equipping students with self-learning and problem-solving skills according to the science teachers' perceptions with a high arithmetic average for the questionnaire. The study recommended the necessity of integrating e-learning into education to enhance collaborative and collective work and employing the Google classroom platform application in science education and other academic courses.&nbsp

Cytotoxic effects of Smp24 and Smp43 scorpion venom antimicrobial peptides on tumour and non-tumour cell lines

Smp24 and Smp43 are novel cationic AMPs identified from the venom of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, having potent activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Here we describe cytotoxicity of these peptides towards three non-tumour cell lines (CD34+ (hematopoietic stem progenitor from cord blood), HRECs (human renal epithelial cells) and HACAT (human skin keratinocytes) and two acute leukaemia cell lines (myeloid (KG1a) and lymphoid (CCRF-CEM) leukaemia cell lines) using a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques. Smp24 and Smp43 (4–256 µg/mL) decreased the cell viability (as measured by intracellular ATP) of all cells tested, although keratinocytes were markedly less sensitive. Cell membrane leakage as evidenced by the release of lactate dehydrogenase was evident throughout and was confirmed by scanning electron microscope studies

Building the Sixth-Grade Students of Mnemonics in Science according to the Imagery Style

ملخص: هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى الكشف عن تأثير أنماط التصور الذهني (التخطيطي/الصوري) لدى طالبات الصف السادس الأساسي في بنائهن معينات الذاكرة في مادة العلوم، وذلك بتطبيق منهج البحث النوعي؛ ولتحقيق هذا الهدف طُبقت المقابلات المعمقة شبه المقننة، كما طُبق مقياس التصور الذهني قبليًا لتصنيف الطالبات حسب نمط التصور الذهني. فاختيرت عينة مكونة من (12) طالبة بالطريقة القصدية في محافظة مسقط في العام الدراسي 2019/2020، وكانت هذه العينة ضمن ثلاث مجموعات دراسية وهي: مجموعة استخدام معينات الذاكرة والتي دُرست باستخدام إستراتيجيات لمعينات الذاكرة، ومجموعة بناء معينات الذاكرة وهي التي قامت فيها الطالبات ببناء معينات الذاكرة، والمجموعة الضابطة والتي دُرست بالطريقة السائدة. أجريت المقابلات بعد المعالجة، فأظهرت نتائج تحليل المقابلات تميز طالبات مجموعة استخدام معينات الذاكرة بتنوع إستراتيجيات معينات الذاكرة التي قامت ببنائها، وتميزت مجموعة بناء معينات الذاكرة بالسلاسة في بناء المعينات، واتباع منهجية معينة عند بناء معينات الذاكرة، كذلك ظهر اختلاف في بناء معينات الذاكرة بين الطالبات حسب نمط التصور الذهني؛ فتميزت الطالبات ذوات نمط التصور الذهني الصوري بتوظيف الصور والتفصيل في الاستجابات، في حين اختفت الرسومات لدى غالبية طالبات نمط التصور الذهني التخطيطي، وإن وجدت فتكون خالية من التفاصيل. أوصت الدراسة باعتماد إستراتيجيات معينات الذاكرة كإستراتيجيات تدريس مع تخصيص جزء من وقت الحصة الدراسية لإكساب الطلبة هذه الإستراتيجيات وتشجيعهم على بناء معينات خاصة بهم.Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the effect of the imagery style (schematic / pictorial) among the sixth grade students in their building mnemonics in science. A qualitative research method was used and semi-structured in-depth interviews were applied. The imagery style scale was also applied to classify the students according to the types of imagery styles. A sample of 12 students was selected purposefully in Muscat Governorate in the academic year 2019/2020. The sample of the study was within three study groups: the first group was the mnemonics usage group. The second group was the mnemonics-building group and the third group was the control group which was taught in the conventional teaching method. The interviews were conducted after the treatment with the study sample. The results of the interview analysis showed that the students of the mnemonics usage group were characterized by the variety of strategies for mnemonics that they built. In constructing, the mnemonics building group was characterized by smoothness in mnemonics and following a particular methodology when constructing mnemonics. There was also a difference in the building of mnemonics among the students according to the types of imagery style. The students with the pictorial imagery style were distinguished by the use of images and expanding the responses. While the drawings of the majority of the students of the schematic imagery style disappeared, and if they existed, then they are devoid of details. The study recommended the adoption of mnemonics as teaching strategies. As well as allocating part of the class time to provide students with these strategies and encourage them to build their own mnemonics

In vitro anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibition efficiency of plant extracts from Sinai-Egypt

Ten plant extracts were prepared and tested in in vitro assays against COX-2, COX-1 and acetylcholinesterase with evaluation of their antioxidant properties. The tested extracts exhibited varied anti COX-2 effect and they were superior to celecoxibe (inhibition percentage was 42.67% at 50 µg/mL), reference drug. Lavandula coronopifolia and Scrophularia Libanotica extracts were the efficient inhibitors (100% and 91% at 50 µg/mL respectively). Launaeaspinosa and Pulicaria undulata were the powerful AChE inhibitor (IC50 values were 16.69 and 29.06 µg/mL, respectively) followed with L. coronopifolia and S.libanotica extracts (IC50 values were 61.89 and 49.83 µg/mL, respectively) and they were efficient in scavenging superoxide radicals and metal ions, nitric oxide formation inhibition, as well as, lipid peroxide production suppression. L. coronopifolia and S. Libanotica extracts can be introduced as natural cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors without affecting cyclooxygenase-1 whereas L. spinosa and P. undulata extracts were potent suppressor for AChE with robust antioxidant properties which suggest the possibility of using the four extracts, L. coronopifolia, S. libanotica, L. spinosa and P. undulata as natural agent in treating neurodegenerative disorder