Effect of Petroleum Produced Water on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Four Tree Species in Heglig, South Kordofan, Sudan

This study investigated the effect of irrigation with petroleum produced water (PPW), at phases of bioremediation in Heglig, on seed germination, seedling growth and survival of two indigenous species (Acacia seyal and Balanites aegyptiaca) and two exotics (Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Jatropha curcas). The treatments were PPW from lagoons (untreated), reed (Phragmites australis) beds and after reed beds (treated water), and from a well in Heglig (control). The water treatments were analyzed for dissolved oil, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, temperature and pH. Seeds from the four species were planted in polythene bags filled with clay soil and placed in Heglig nursery. Water treatments were assigned randomly to each species. Seed germination was monitored daily for three weeks. Seedling survival and shoot length were monitored for four months. Three sequential destructive harvests for seedlings were carried out to measure and calculate biomass parameters. The results showed significant differences among treatments in dissolved oil and total dissolved solids. However, seed germination percentage and rate, and seedling survival for each species were not affected by the treatments. A. seyal showed significant differences in some seedling growth parameters in harvests two and three, whereas the control treatment showed higher values than the other treatments. Balanites aegyptiaca showed significantly higher values for the control treatment in root parameters in harvests one, two and three; and higher values for root weight in harvest three. E. camaldulensis seedling growth parameters showed significant differences among the water treatments in few growth parameters in harvest two, where the control treatment showed higher values than the other treatments. J. curcas seedlings were not affected by the water treatments in the three harvests. The study concluded that seed germination and seedling survival (100%) of the tested species were not affected by PPW. However, some seedling growth parameters were affected, where the control gave bigger seedlings than the other PPW treatments from the phases of bioremediation. The indigenous species were more affected than the exotics and the effect was more pronounced with time

Protective effects of ascorbic acid and zinc against cadmium-induced histopathological, histochemical and cytogenetic changes in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and zinc (Zn) against cadmium (Cd) induced histopathological changes in tissues of liver, kidney, lung and testis of rats as well as chromosomal aberrations. For this purpose, 60 male albino rats were divided into six groups; each group contained 10 animals. The first group served as control and was given only distilled water. The second and third groups received distilled water supplemented with 2g ascorbic acid/l and 500mg Zn/l, respectively. The fourth group received daily oral dose containing 3 mg Cd/kg b.w (1/30 LD50). The fifth group received Cd+ascorbic acid (3 mg Cd/kg b.w. + 2g ascorbic acid/l), while the sixth group received Cd+Zn (3 mg Cd/kg b.w. + 500mg Zn /l). The treatment in all groups was lasted for 90 consecutive days. Rats exposed to cadmium showed severe histopathological changes in liver, kidney, lung and testicular tissues as well as chromosomal aberrations such as: break, ring, centromeric separation and polyploidy. Co-treatment with zinc partially improved the histopathological changes and chromosomal aberrations while co-treatment with vitamin C exhibited more protective role and markedly reduced tissues damage induced by Cd. Efeitos protetores de ácido ascórbico e zinco contra alterações histopatológicas,histoquímicas e citogenéticas induzidas por cádmio em ratosO presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o papel protetor do ácido ascórbico (vitaminaC) e zinco (Zn) contra as alterações histopatológicas induzidas por cádmio (Cd) em tecidos dofígado, pulmão, rim e testículo de ratos, bem como aberrações cromossômicas de medula óssea.Para este fim, 60 ratos albinos machos foram divididos em seis grupos, cada grupo continha 10animais. O primeiro grupo serviu como controle e recebeu apenas água destilada. Os segundo eterceiro grupos receberam 200 mg Vit. C/kg de peso corporal e 50 mg de Zn/kg de peso corporal,respectivamente. O quarto grupo recebeu uma dose oral diária que contém 3 mg de Cd/kg depeso corporal (1/30 LD50). O quinto grupo recebeu Cd + Vit. C (3 mg Cd/kg pc + 200 mg Vit. C/kgde peso corporal), enquanto que o sexto grupo recebeu Cd + Zn (3 mg Cd/kg pc + 50 mg de Zn/kg de peso corporal). O tratamento em todos os grupos durou 90 dias consecutivos. Os resultadosindicaram que os ratos expostos ao cádmio mostraram graves alterações histopatológicas emtecidos do fígado, pulmão, rim e dos testículos, bem como aumento significativo na frequênciade aberrações cromossômicas, tais como: quebra, anel, separação centromérica e poliploidia.Cotratamento com zinco melhorou parcialmente as alterações histopatológicas e diminuiu afrequência de aberrações cromossômicas, enquanto o cotratamento com vitamina C apresentoupapel mais protetor e marcadamente reduzido número de tecidos com danos induzidos por Cd

Understanding the reasons behind the low utilisation of thrombolysis in stroke

Background Thrombolysis remains the only approved therapy for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS); however, its utilisation is reported to be low. Aims This study aimed to determine the reasons for the low utilisation of thrombolysis in clinical practice. Method Five metropolitan hospitals comprising two tertiary referral centres and three district hospitals conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Researchers identified patients discharged with a principal diagnosis of AIS over a 12-month time period (July 2009-July 2010), and reviewed the medical record of systematically chosen samples. Results The research team reviewed a total of 521 records (48.8% females, mean age 74.4 ±14 years, age range 5-102 years) from the 1261 AIS patients. Sixty-nine per cent of AIS patients failed to meet eligibility criteria to receive thrombolysis because individuals arrived at the hospital later than 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms. The factors found to be positively associated with late arrival included confusion at onset, absence of a witness at onset and waiting for improvement of symptoms. However, factors negatively associated with late arrival encompassed facial droop, slurred speech and immediately calling an ambulance. Only 14.7% of the patients arriving within 4.5 hours received thrombolysis. The main reasons for exclusion included such factors as rapidly improving symptoms (28.2%), minor symptoms (17.2%), patient receiving therapeutic anticoagulation (6.7%) and severe stroke (5.5%). Conclusion A late patient presentation represents the most significant barrier to utilising thrombolysis in the acute stroke setting. Thrombolysis continues to be currently underutilised in potentially eligible patients, and additional research is needed to identify more precise criteria for selecting patients for thrombolysis

Detection of PgaABCD Proteins in Biofilm Producing Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolates

Acinetobacter baumannii is a common cause of nosocomial infections. This bacterium is able to survive in hostile environments (desiccation, antimicrobial therapies, nutrient unavailability) beside colonization biotic and abiotic surfaces and form biofilm in hospitals and long-term care institutions. Biofilm is a three-dimensional structure of a multicellular complex in which the cells are embedded in an Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) that was produced by the organism itself. Biofilm matrix contains proteins, ions, nucleic acids, and polysaccharide polymers. The main factor that leads to biofilm formation in A. baumannii is the creation of the exopolysaccharide poly-1,6-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), which is a virulence factor required for adhesion and aggregation by many Gram-negative bacteria. Many studies indicated that PNAG is an important factor to keep the integrity of A. baumannii biofilms in a more dynamic and stressful environment. A cluster of four genes (pgaA, pgaB, pgaC, and pgaD) are responsible for PNAG, which is encoded by pgaABCD locus. Therefore, the aim of this work was to detect proteins encoded by this locus using SDS-PAGE gel in A. baumannii isolates. Using PCR analysis to detect 16S rRNA concluded that all 24 isolates showed a positive amplification with 242bp. Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates showed high resistance percentage to ampicillin-sulbactam (AMS) and ceftazidime (CAZ) with 100% and 91% respectively. Furthermore, the isolates showed 83.3% for cefepime (FEP) and 70.8% for amikacin (AK), while the isolates showed a variable resistance percentage toward other antibiotics. By using Congo red method indicated that 66.7% were positive to produce biofilm and 33.3 were non-forming biofilm. Protein sequences alignment showed 99%, 99%, 100% and 99% identity for PgaA, PgaB, PgaC and PgaD respectively with protein GenBank database

Thoughts for Foods: Imaging Technology Opportunities for Monitoring and Measuring Food Quality

In recent decades, the quality and safety of fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats, milk, and their derivatives from processed foods have become a serious issue for consumers in developed as well as developing countries. Undoubtedly, the traditional methods of inspecting and ensuring quality that depends on the human factor, some mechanical and chemical methods, have proven beyond any doubt their inability to achieve food quality and safety, and thus a failure to achieve food security. With growing attention on human health, the standards of food safety and quality are continuously being improved through advanced technology applications that depend on artificial intelligence tools to monitor the quality and safety of food. One of the most important of these applications is imaging technology. A brief discussion in this chapter on the utilize of multiple imaging systems based on all different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum as a principal source of various imaging systems. As well as methods of analyzing and reading images to build intelligence and non-destructive systems for monitoring and measuring the quality of foods

Experimental and theoretical behaviour of reinforced concrete beams containing hybrid fibres

The use of fibres of different sizes are needed to improve the control of multi-level cracking of reinforced concrete (RC). There are several studies of the use of hybrid fibres for this purpose, however, there is limited work on the finite element modelling (FEM) of fibres in crack arresting of RC beams. In this study, fifteen RC beams containing silica fume, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polypropylene (PP), or hybrid fibres were experimentally tested and then finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted using ATENA 3D. The fibres were used up to 2.5% in the beams which were reinforced with and without shear reinforcement. All the beams were tested under four point bending with span to depth (a/d) ratio of 2.25. It was found that the PP, PVA fibres, and their hybrid in RC beams showed higher ductility in terms of multiple cracking before failure as compared with control beam without fibres. It was noticed also that PVA fibre showed a relatively greater flexural strength and recovery effect compared to PP fibre. Adding more than 1.5% PVA or hybrid fibres (1.5% PVA and 0.375% PP) without shear reinforcement contributed towards increasing shear capacity and ductility compared to the control beam containing shear reinforcement without fibres. A combination of small amount of hybrid fibres (0.75% PVA and 0.75% PP) and stirrups reinforcement resulted in a higher shear strength and higher ductility compared to other studied beams without shear reinforcement, which contain PVA, PP fibres up to 2.5% or hybrid fibres (1.5% PVA and 0.375% PP). A simple empirical equation based on the ACI-code 318-19 was used for predicting the shear behaviour of the studied beams taking in to consideration the effect of hybrid fibres for predicting the shear strength of the studied beams in a simple and accurate way. Based on the results of this investigation, it is recommended that a combination of hybrid fibres (0.75% PVA and 0.75% PP) and stirrups reinforcement (7.5 Ø 6 /m) should be used to achieve adequate shear behaviour of hybrid fibre reinforced concrete beams. The FEA results of all beams showed a good correlation with the experimental results in terms of the maximum load, load versus deflection and crack patterns

Vitamin D Receptor Gene (Fok-I) Polymorphisms in Type 1 Diabetic Children; Case Study in Zagazig University Hospitals

Background: Many meta-analyses studied the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and type 1 diabetes (T1DM) susceptibility. Objective: This study was designed to assess the role of VDR gene (FOK-I) polymorphisms in type 1 diabetic children from Zagazig University Hospitals in Egypt. Patients and Method: In this case-control study, the genotypes of VDR gene (FOK-I) polymorphisms were assessed in 180 type 1 diabetic children and 120 healthy matched age controls by PCR-RFLP analysis. Results: A high statistical difference between patient and control regarding VDR gene (FOK-I) polymorphisms, where 44% of the patient group had heterozygous genotype (AG) compared to 8.3% in the control group. AG genotype has almost a higher risk nine times odds ratio (OR) = 8.8 than AA genotype in diabetic patients. There was a significant increase in the G allele in the patient group. Moreover, a significant association between (FOK-I) polymorphisms and T1DM complications was also observed. Conclusion: (AG) genotype of VDR gene (FOK-I) polymorphisms could be a risk factor for T1DM complications. So, VDR gene (FOK-I) polymorphisms should be performed with other genetic studies for early prediction, detection and prevention of microvascular complications of T1DM that adversely affect health-related quality of life of Egyptian children and burden the primary care units

Isolation and In Silico Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease Potentialities of Two Rare 2-Phenoxychromone Derivatives from Artemisia spp.

Two rare 2-phenoxychromone derivatives, 6-demethoxy-4`-O-capillarsine (1) and tenuflorin C (2), were isolated from the areal parts of Artemisia commutata and A. glauca, respectively, for the first time. Being rare in nature, the inhibition potentialities of 1 and 2 against SARS-CoV-2 was investigated using multistage in silico techniques. At first, molecular similarity and fingerprint studies were conducted for 1 and 2 against co-crystallized ligands of eight different COVID-19 enzymes. The carried-out studies indicated the similarity of 1 and 2 with TTT, the co-crystallized ligand of COVID-19 Papain-Like Protease (PLP), (PDB ID: 3E9S). Therefore, molecular docking studies of 1 and 2 against the PLP were carried out and revealed correct binding inside the active site exhibiting binding energies of −18.86 and −18.37 Kcal/mol, respectively. Further, in silico ADMET in addition to toxicity evaluation of 1 and 2 against seven models indicated the general safety and the likeness of 1 and 2 to be drugs. Lastly, to authenticate the binding and to investigate the thermodynamic characters, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were conducted on 1 and PLP.Peer Reviewe

Jusanin, a New Flavonoid from Artemisia commutata with an In Silico Inhibitory Potential against the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

A new flavonoid, Jusanin, (1) has been isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia commutata. The chemical structure of Jusanin has been elucidated using 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-Ms spectroscopic methods to be 5,2′,4′-trihydroxy-6,7,5′-trimethoxyflavone. Being new in nature, the inhibition potential of 1 has been estimated against SARS-CoV-2 using different in silico techniques. Firstly, molecular similarity and fingerprint studies have been conducted for Jusanin against co-crystallized ligands of eight different SARS-CoV-2 essential proteins. The studies indicated the similarity between 1 and X77, the co-crystallized ligand SARS-CoV-2 main protease (PDB ID: 6W63). To confirm the obtained results, a DFT study was carried out and indicated the similarity of (total energy, HOMO, LUMO, gap energy, and dipole moment) between 1 and X77. Accordingly, molecular docking studies of 1 against the target enzyme have been achieved and showed that 1 bonded correctly in the protein’s active site with a binding energy of −19.54 Kcal/mol. Additionally, in silico ADMET in addition to the toxicity evaluation of Jusanin against seven models have been preceded and indicated the general safety and the likeness of Jusanin to be a drug. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation studies were applied to investigate the dynamic behavior of the Mpro-Jusanin complex and confirmed the correct binding at 100 ns. In addition to 1, three other metabolites have been isolated and identified to be сapillartemisin A (2), methyl-3-[S-hydroxyprenyl]-cumarate (3), and β-sitosterol (4).Peer Reviewe

Egyptian consensus on treat-to-target approach for osteoporosis: a clinical practice guideline from the Egyptian Academy of bone health and metabolic bone diseases

Background: This study was carried out to achieve an Egyptian expert consensus on a treat-to-target managementstrategy for osteoporosis using Delphi technique. A scientific committee identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in osteoporosis in Egypt. Delphi process was implemented (2 rounds) to establish a consensus on 15 clinical standards: (1) concept, (2) diagnosis, (3) case identification, (4) whom to treat, (5) who should treat?, (6) case stratification and intervention thresholds, (7) falls risk, (8) investigations, (9) treatment target, (10) management, (11) optimum treatment duration, (12) monitoring, (13) drug holiday, (14) osteoporosis in men, and (15) post-fracture care and fracture liaison service. Results: The surveys were sent to an expert panel (n = 25), of whom 24 participated in the two rounds. Respondents were drawn from different governorates and health centres across Egypt including the Ministry of Health. Most of the participants were rheumatologists (76%), followed by internists (8%), orthopaedic doctors (4%), rehabilitation doctors (4%), primary care (4%), and ortho-geriatrics (4%) physicians. Seventy-two recommendations, categorised into 15 sections, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 83.4 to 100%. Consensus was reached (i.e. ≥ 75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording of all 15 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee. An algorithm for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis has been suggested. Conclusion: A wide and representative panel of experts established a consensus regarding the management of osteoporosis in Egypt. The developed guidelines provide a comprehensive approach to the assessment and management of osteoporosis for all Egyptian healthcare professionals who are involved in its management