Egyptian EFL Writers’ and Instructors’ Perceptions of Peer Written Feedback

The principal aim of this study is to compare between peer feedback (PF) and teacher feedback (TF) as perceived by adult Egyptian L2 writers. That aim is pursued to seal a gap in the literature, which is the inadequacy of that line of research in Egypt, and particularly targeting adult L2 writers. Earlier researchers have urged other researchers to conduct more research in different countries and in different instructional settings. Consequently, the study is guided by four research questions enquiring about general perceptions of PF versus TF, how PF and TF prioritise feedback on writing features, the perceptions of PF and TF uptake, and differences in gender perception of PF and TF. Adopting a mixed method, the sample included: 81 questionnaire participants, seven interviewees, and 16 writing samples. The data analysis reveals a considerable awareness of the importance of PF, but TF is on the lead slightly. The data shows that peers prioritise almost the same writing features as teachers; however, there is a large gap in the instances of highlighting the errors in those features. Moreover, L2 writers in Egypt perceive the PF and TF uptake in roughly the same way. Finally, the investigation of gender differences yields no significant differences quantitatively, but the interviewed sample indicates that male participants see differences in accepting PF. Results imply that PF practices ought to be encouraged in adult L2 education in Egypt. Teachers need to train learners to provide effective feedback, especially in large classes, to promote more interaction, and create communities of learning among learners

In vitro propagation of two triploid hybrids of watermelon through adventitious shoot organogenesis and shoot tip culture

In vitro propagation protocol for two triploid hybrids of watermelon using cotyledon explants and shoot tips was achieved. Five benzyladenine (BA) concentrations were tested using cotyledon and shoot tip explants. Cotyledon explants and shoot tips from 6 and 15-20 days aseptically germinated were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) containing test concentration of benzyladenine (2.22, 4.44, 10, 24.61 and 44.4 μM). Adventitious hoot organogenesis was initiated in all induction media and the differences among BA concentration were significant. MS medium containing 4.44, 10 and 24.61 μM BA showed the highest percentage of explants with shoots. The stimulation of axillary-bud development from excised shoot tips by a high cytokinin (BA) was observed. Axillary shoots were obtained from shoot tips of triploid watermelon and the multiplication rate ranged from 2 to 5.6 plants dependence on benzyladenine concentration and genotype. Obtained data showed that variation in regeneration rate was demonstrated. Shoots were excised and elongated in MS medium without hormones. The elongated shoots were rooted in MS medium containing 0.1 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Rooted plants were successfully acclimatized and gradually hardened-off to green-house conditions and subsequently established in soil with a survival rate of 80%

Genetische und ernährungsbedingte Einflüsse auf die Qualität von Spargel (Asparagus officinalis L.)

Asparagus is a vegetable of high nutritional and economic relevance. The main objective of the present research work was to investigate the influence of genotype, cultivation region and sulfur and nitrogen supply on quality parameters of white asparagus spears. Crop performance trials were carried out in 2001 with 15 cultivars at Burgwedel and with 5 cultivars at Wiemersdorf in order to study the effect of genotype on quality parameters of spears. In 2000 an extended field survey was conducted in the regions of Braunschweig and Erfurt to study the influence of the cultivation region on spear quality. In field trials at different locations in Germany, the response of four asparagus cultivars to sulfur supply was investigated. Under greenhouse conditions, Mitscherlich pot and large pot experiments were carried out to study the influence of N and S supply on growth, yield and chemical composition of asparagus. The main results of the investigations can be summarized as follows: 1. Asparagus cultivars grown in Burgwedel showed significant differences in glutathione, S, Ca, nitrate, sulfate, Mn, Fe and Cu content. The cultivar Eposs had the highest glutathione content with 20.5 µmol g-1. 2. Asparagus cultivars showed no significant differences in the protein content among both sites. 3. Asparagus cultivars grown in Burgwedel had higher S and sulfate content than those grown in Wiemersdorf. 4. Regional differences in the composition of asparagus spears were significant between the Erfurt and Braunschweig region for Ca, Mg and sulfate. 5. S fertilization had a significant positive influence on the S and sulfate content of spears. 6. S supply significantly increased spear yield in the second harvest season but N supply had no significant effect on spear yield and ascorbic acid content. 7. S supply significantly increased glutathione content only in the second season and ascorbic acid content of spears in both seasons.Spargel ist ein Gemüse von hoher Ernährungs- und ökonomischen Bedeutung. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, den Einfluss von Genotyp, Anbauregion sowie Schwefel- und Stickstoffzufuhr auf Qualitätsparameter des Spargels zu untersuchen. Sortenleistungstests wurden in 2001 mit 15 Sorten am Versuchsstandort Burgwedel und mit 5 Sorten am Versuchsstandort Wiemersdorf durchgeführt, um den Einfluss des Genotypus auf Qualitätsparameter der Stangen zu ermitteln. In 2000 wurde eine umfangreiche Felderhebung in den Regionen Braunschweig und Erfurt durchgeführt, um den Einfluss der Anbauregion auf Qualitätsparameter des Spargels zu untersuchen. In den Feldversuchen an unterschiedlichen Standorten in Deutschland, wurde der Einfluss von Schwefel-Düngung auf Stangen-Qualitätsparameter von vier Spargelsorten untersucht. Im Gewächshaus wurden Topf- und Großgefäßversuche durchgeführt, um den Einfluss der N- und S-Zufuhr auf Wachstum, Ertrag und chemischen Zusammensetzung des Spargels zu untersuchen. Die Hauptergebnisse der Untersuchungen können wie folgt zusammengefasst werden: 1. Die in Burgwedel angebauten Spargelsorten zeigten signifikante Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Gehalt an Glutathion, S, Ca, Nitrat, Sulfat, Mn, Fe und Cu. Die Sorte Eposs hatte mit 20,5 µmol g-1 den höchsten Glutathion-Gehalt. 2. Spargelsorten beider Standorte zeigten keine signifikanten Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Proteingehalte. 3. Die in Burgwedel angebauten Spargelsorten hatten höhere S- und Sulfat- Gehalte als die in Wiemersdorf angebauten Sorten. 4. Hinsichtlich der Ca, Mg und Sulfat-Gehalte gab es regionale unterschiede in der Zusammensetzung der Spargelstangen zwischen der Erfurter und Braunschweiger Region. 5. S-Düngung hatte einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die S- und Sulfat-Gehalte der Stangen. 6. Mit der S-Zufuhr stieg der Stangenertrag je Pflanze in der zweiten Erntesaison. Die N-Zufuhr hatte keinen signifikanten Einfluss auf Stangenertrag und Ascorbinsäure-Gehalt. 7. Die S-Zufuhr führte zu einer signifikanten Steigerung der Ascorbinsäure-Gehalte der Spargelstangen in beiden Erntesaison und Glutathion-Gehalt in der zweiten Erntesaison

Thrombophilia gene mutations in relation to recurrent miscarriage

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss is multifactorial involving clinical and biological risk factors. Evidence addressed the association of inherited thrombophilia with recurrent pregnancy loss and other serious pregnancy complications. However, the relation between thrombophilia associated gene mutations and adverse obstetric outcome is controversial and data in the literature are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of thrombophilia associated gene mutations (factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene G20210A and methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase MTHFR C677T) in relation to recurrent miscarriage.Methods: Case control study conducted on 200 women recruited from Elshatby Maternity Hospital clinics. The cases group included 100 women with history of three or more unexplained consecutive pregnancy losses, while 100 healthy age matched women with no history of recurrent miscarriages served as controls. Blood samples were collected from all women enrolled in the study for DNA extraction and genotype analysis. Factor V, prothrombin and MTHFR gene mutations were assayed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-hybridization.Results: The prevalence of Factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene G20210A mutations did not differ significantly between cases and controls. However, MTHFR C667T mutations and the total prevalence of the three gene mutations were significantly increased in the patients group compared to controls (p=0.001, p=0.003 respectively). The prevalence of combined thrombophilia of Factor V Leiden and MTHFR C677T was significantly increased in the patients group compared to controls (p=0.032). Regarding homozygosity of each of the gene mutations, no homozygosity was detected in controls and heterozygotes were significantly increased in the patients group compared to homozygotes.Conclusions: MTHFR mutations and the total prevalence of the three gene mutations were significantly increased in the patients group compared to controls. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of combined thrombophilia (Factor V Leiden and MTHFR C677T) in the patients group compared to controls without involvement of prothrombin gene

Cupiennin 1a exhibits a remarkably broad, non-stereospecific cytolytic activity on bacteria, protozoan parasites, insects, and human cancer cells

Cupiennin 1a, a cytolytic peptide isolated from the venom of the spider Cupiennius salei, exhibits broad membranolytic activity towards bacteria, trypanosomes, and plasmodia, as well as human blood and cancer cells. In analysing the cytolytic activity of synthesised all-d- and all-l-cupiennin 1a towards pro- and eukaryotic cells, a stereospecific mode of membrane destruction could be excluded. The importance of negatively charged sialic acids on the outer leaflet of erythrocytes for the binding and haemolytic activity of l-cupiennin 1a was demonstrated. Reducing the overall negative charges of erythrocytes by partially removing their sialic acids or by protecting them with tri- or pentalysine results in reduced haemolytic activity of the peptid

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR] as a promising prognostic marker in critically Ill septic patients

Background: NLR is advantageous in regard to simplicity, low cost, and availability compared to many other previously proposed biomarkers, which makes it promising for diagnostic clinicians. Several studies have reported that the NLR is useful in various clinical situations.Objective: To determine whether NLR obtained from complete blood count (CBC) and with simple calculation can be used to predict mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock in the ICU in comparison with intensive care unit (ICU) severity scores.Patients and methods: This prospective trial was carried out on 84 ICU cases with severe sepsis, who were admitted to Specialized Medical Hospital ICUs from June 2020 to June 2021.Results: There was statistically significantly higher systolic blood pressure (mmHg), mean arterial pressure, rate pressure product *10^3, EF, INR, RBS, PH, HCO3, L *10^3, platelet count, CRP on admission, ABACHEII score, SOFA score on admission, duration of hospital stay (days), and a statistically significantly lower age (years), diastolic blood pressure (mmHg), heart rate, respiratory rate (RR), GCS, serum creatinine (mg/dl), serum albumin, serum bilirubin, Na, K, total leucocytic count *10^3, N *10^3, in group B NLR >10 vs. group A NLR≤ 10.Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a cheap and rapidly available predictor of sepsis and has shown a significant correlation with other relatively expensive and non-rapidly existing markers of inflammation and sepsis with comparable efficacy with ICU severity scores [SOFA and APACHE II]

Expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in childhood medulloblastoma

Medulloblastomas (MB) are the most common malignant brain tumors in childhood. Alkylator-based drugs are effective agents in the treatment of patients with MB. In several tumors, including malignant glioma, elevated O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression levels or lack of MGMT promoter methylation have been found to be associated with resistance to alkylating chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide (TMZ). In this study, we examined the MGMT status of MB and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) cells and two large sets of primary MB. In sevenMB/PNET cell lines investigated, MGMT promoter methylation was detected only in D425 human MB cells as assayed by the qualitative methylation-specific PCR and the more quantitative pyrosequencing assay. In D425 human MB cells, MGMT mRNA and protein expression was clearly lower when compared with the MGMT expression in the other MB/PNET cell lines. In MB/PNET cells, sensitivity towards TMZ and 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) correlated with MGMT methylation and MGMT mRNA expression. Pyrosequencing in 67 primary MB samples revealed a mean percentage of MGMT methylation of 3.7-92% (mean: 13.25%, median: 10.67%). Percentage of MGMT methylation and MGMT mRNA expression as determined by quantitative RT-PCR correlated inversely (n=46; Pearson correlation r 2=0.14, P=0.01). We then analyzed MGMT mRNA expression in a second set of 47 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary MB samples from clinically well-documented patients treated within the prospective randomized multicenter trial HIT'91. No association was found between MGMT mRNA expression and progression-free or overall survival. Therefore, it is not currently recommended to use MGMT mRNA expression analysis to determine who should receive alkylating agents and who should no

Phytochemical characterization and utilization of dried red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) peel extract in maintaining the quality of Nile Tilapia fish fillet

Phytochemicals derived from agro-industrial waste materials could be employed as functional food additives and natural antioxidants to replace their synthetic counterparts, which are increasingly being rejected. The current study aims to assess total phenolic compound (TPC), flavonoids, betalain contents, and antiradical scavenging using DPPH and IC50% of dried red beetroot peel (DRBP) extract at different concentrations of 50, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mg/100 mL t. In addition, a characterization of phenols and flavonoids was conducted using HPLC. The second part of this study aims to utilize aqueous DRBP extract in preserving Nile Talipia fish fillet at two concentrations of 80 and 100 mg/100 mL water, compared with 200 ppm of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and control at 5 °C for 10 days. The DRBP aqueous extract was found to have a high concentration of TPC (832 mg/100 g), flavonoids (234 mg/100 g) and betalains (535 mg/100 g) compounds, resulting in a potential antioxidant activity. The IC50% for the extract was detected at 80 mg/100 mL extract. DRBP aqueous extract showed an excellent preservative effect on the fish fillet. Fish fillet samples treated with DRBP extract at a concentration of 100 mg/100 mL were superior in reducing TBA (thiobarbituric acid) increase compared with other treatments at the end of cold storage. Overall, the study showed that red beetroot extracts can act as a natural preservative agent due to their significant antioxidant activity, providing healthy and safe food to consumers

Selenium and Nano-Selenium Biofortification for Human Health

Selenium is an essential micronutrient required for the health of humans and lower plants, but its importance for higher plants is still being investigated. The biological functions of Se related to human health revolve around its presence in 25 known selenoproteins (e.g., selenocysteine or the 21st amino acid). Humans may receive their required Se through plant uptake of soil Se, foods enriched in Se, or Se dietary supplements. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) have been applied to biofortified foods and feeds. Due to low toxicity and high e ciency, Se-NPs are used in applications such as cancer therapy and nano-medicines. Selenium and nano-selenium may be able to support and enhance the productivity of cultivated plants and animals under stressful conditions because they are antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic agents, with antioxidant capacity and immune-modulatory efficacy. Thus, nano-selenium could be inserted in the feeds of fish and livestock to improvise stress resilience and productivity. This review offers new insights in Se and Se-NPs biofortification for edible plants and farm animals under stressful environments. Further, extensive research on Se-NPs is required to identify possible adverse effects on humans and their cytotoxicity.Peer Reviewe

Republication: Targeting PI3KC2β Impairs Proliferation and Survival in Acute Leukemia, Brain Tumours and Neuroendocrine Tumours

BACKGROUND Eight human catalytic phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) isoforms exist which are subdivided into three classes. While class I isoforms have been well-studied in cancer, little is known about the functions of class II PI3Ks. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression pattern and functions of the class II PI3KC2β isoform were investigated in a panel of tumour samples and cell lines. RESULTS Overexpression of PI3KC2β was found in subsets of tumours and cell lines from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), medulloblastoma (MB), neuroblastoma (NB), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Specific pharmacological inhibitors of PI3KC2β or RNA interference impaired proliferation of a panel of human cancer cell lines and primary cultures. Inhibition of PI3KC2β also induced apoptosis and sensitised the cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSION Together, these data show that PI3KC2β contributes to proliferation and survival in AML, brain tumours and neuroendocrine tumours, and may represent a novel target in these malignancies