Estimation of post-harvest losses of Manfalouty pomegranate fruits

Weight loss considered one of the main causes of quality loss in pomegranate fruits during chain marketing. Therefore, this study was conducted on Manfalouty pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in a private orchard in El Badary, Assiut Governorate, Egypt in 2017 and 2018 to define the various causes of losses during chain handing and estimate it. The fruits harvested at three periods early (September) mid (October) and late season (November). The total losses at harvest were 5.94%, 9.30% and 23.50% for early, mid and late season, respectively. The main cause of losses is due to cracked and infected pests. The total loss of fruits during chain marketing was highest in retail market in comparison with wholesale during early, mid and late season. The main causes of losses due to weight loss and shrinkage fruits. According to data dealing with storage pomegranate fruits at 5±1°C and relative humidity 85-90%, the highest fruit losses found in the third month and this losses due to fruit weight loss and internal chilling injury (brown discoloration) so the storage life of fruit should be two months. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.405122

Modeling of permanent magnet linear generator and state estimation based on sliding mode observer: A wave energy system application

summary:This paper synopsis a new solution for Permanent Magnets Linear Generator (PMLG) state estimation subject to bounded uncertainty. Therefore, a PMLG modeling method is presented based on an equivalent circuit, wherein a mathematical model of the generator adapted to wave energy conversion is established. Then, using the Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) optimization and a Lyapunov function, this system's Sliding Mode Observer (SMO) design method is developed. Consequently, the proposed observer can give a robust state estimation. At last, numerical examples with and without uncertainty are included to exemplify the effectiveness and applicability of the suggested approaches

Study of Treg FOXP3 in childhood bronchial asthma in relation to corticosteroid therapy

Background: T cells are considered the main cells responsible for production of suppressive cytokines, and play a key role in balancing the immune responses to maintain the peripheral tolerance against allergens. Objective: The present study investigates T regulatory (Treg) forkheadwinged helix protein 3 FOXP3 expression in childhood asthma and its relation to corticosteroid therapy. Methods: In this case control study, Treg FOXP3 was measured in blood of 60 children using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Two asthmatic groups were included, one on corticosteroid therapy (20 patients) and the other not on corticosteroid treatment (20 patients). They were compared to 20 healthy children as controls. Results: FOXP3 concentration was significantly elevated in asthmatic patients (90 ± 77.4) compared to healthy children (12.844 ± 10.6) (p= 0.000). FOXP3 was significantly more elevated in asthmatics on corticosteroids (161.158 ± 63.9) than steroid naive asthmatics (36.038 ± 23.4) (p=0.000). Levels of Treg FOXP3 in asthmatics with inhaled corticosteroids (mean 151.16 ± 53.79) were almost similar to FOXP3 in asthmatics with systemic corticosteroids (161.49±72.5) (p>0.05). FOXP3 levels did not differ with smoking, asthma severity or disease control and did not correlate with age, FEV1, blood lymphocytes percentage or eosinophils percentage. Conclusion: Asthmatics have increased expression of FOXP3, and corticosteroid therapy –whether oral or inhaled - enhances FOXP3 expression.Keywords: FOXP3, Treg, Corticosteroids, Bronchial asthma, Transcription factors, CytokinesEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012;10(1):39-43

Phytochemical investigation of Rhus tripartita and its activity against cyclooxygenases and acetylcholinesterase

Purpose: To investigate the inhibitory activity of crude methanol extract, fractions and two pure compounds from Rhus tripartita stem cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE); also, to evaluate their antioxidant properties in in-vitro assays.Methods: R. tripartita extract and fractions were examined as inhibitors of COX-1 and COX-2 and AChE. Their antioxidant properties were also evaluated using various antioxidant tests, including free radical scavenging, nitric oxide, and total antioxidant capacity.Results: Ethyl acetate fraction (RT2), aqueous fraction (RT4), subfraction RT2-II, and subfraction RT2-III had a potent inhibitory effect on AChE with low IC50 values. At the same time, a subfraction (RT2-III) was an effective COX-2 inhibitor (94.5 % at 10 μg/mL) followed by ethyl acetate fraction (RT2; 79.39 %), aqueous fraction (RT4; 70 %), total extract (RT; 66.18 %), subfraction RT2-III (64.08 %), compound 5 (epicatechin; 61.25 %), compound 2 (taxifolin; 55.63 %), subfraction RT2-II (46.85 %), and butanol fraction (RT3; 40.80%). RT2, RT4, RT2-II, RT2-III, and compound 2 each showed 100 % inhibition at 20 μg/mL.Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction (RT2), aqueous fraction (RT4) and subfractions RT2-II and RT2- III are effective natural inhibitors of AChE. Subfraction RT2-III is the best COX-2 inhibitor, followed by ethyl acetate fraction RT2 and aqueous fraction (RT4). These bioactive materials can be considered natural COX-2 and AChE inhibitorsKeywords: Cyclooxygenase, Anti-nflammatory, Acetylcholinesterase, Anacardiaceous, Taxifolin, Epicatechi

Biochemical and histological evidences for the antitumor potential of Teucrium Oliverianum and Rhazya stricta in chemically-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta are medicinal plants used in traditional and herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes, liver diseases and inflammatory conditions. The present study was planned to investigate the antitumor efficacy of Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta in chemically-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats.Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats weighing 170-200 g were divided into four groups; each group was comprised of ten rats: (1): Normal healthy animals served as negative control group, (2):  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group in which the rats were orally administered Nnitrosodiethylamine (dissolved in 0.9% normal saline), in a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt. five times a week for six weeks, (3): HCC group treated with Teucrium oliverianum extract in a dose of 600 mg/kg b.wt for two months and (4): HCC group treated with Rhazya stricta extract in a dose of 750 mg/kg b.wt for two months. Serum alanine  aminotransferase (ALT), asparatate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and  gammaglutamyl transferase (γ-GT) activities were estimated. Serum  carcinoembyronic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU), glypican-3 (GPC-3), golgi protein 73 (Gp-73) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were determined. Histopathological examination of liver tissue sections was also carried out.Results: The HCC group showed significant elevation in serum AST, ALT, ALP and γ-GT activities as well  as CEA, AFP, AFU, Gpc-3, Gp 73 and VEGF levels versus the negative control group. Photomicrograph of liver tissue sections of rats in HCC revealed hepatic parenchyma with foci of anaplastic hepatocellular carcinoma as well as other foci of cystic cholangio carcinoma associated with areas of telangictasis with haemorrhage as well as individual hepatocellular necrosis.Conclusion: Treatment of HCC groups with Teucrium oliverianum or Rhazya stricta extract experienced significant improvement in the measured biochemical parameters as well as in the structural  organization of the liver. In conclusion, the current study provided experimental evidences for the antitumor efficacy of Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta against hepatocellular carcinoma. Such effect could be attributed to hepatoprotective properties, antiproliferative activity and antiangiogenic potential.Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Teucrium oliverianum, Rhazya stricta, rat

Dietary knowledge assessment among the patients with type 2 diabetes in Madinah: A cross-sectional study [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Background There is a huge burden of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, and diabetes is one of the leading chronic nutrition-related diseases affecting more than 500 million people globally. Collecting information regarding the awareness of dietary and nutrition knowledge among diabetic patients is the first step to developing a disease prevention program. Thus, this study primarily aims at assessing the dietary awareness of diabetes patients attending the diabetic centre in Madinah governorate, Saudi Arabia. Methods The study was started in November 2020 and ended in October 2021. The study participants (315) were type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending a diabetic centre in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A self-prepared dietary knowledge questionnaire (DKQ) was used in this research. The variables include balanced diet, food type, food choice, carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Knowledge score was, and the total score was levelled/categorized into ‘good’, ‘average’, and ‘poor’. Data were analysed by SPSS v.26. Results The study results identified the current knowledge of T2DM patients about different dietary items. The knowledge score of 62.2% of participants showed an average level of dietary knowledge, which is statistically significant. When we separately evaluated their understanding of different dietary components, we found that T2DM patients had poor knowledge of carbohydrates (30.15%), fat, food choices (47.7%), and type (34.6%). However, they had acceptable knowledge of proteins (56.5%). Conclusion Our participants exhibited acceptable knowledge about proteins but poorer knowledge of other food groups. A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for excellent glycaemic control. Educating and arranging a health education program regarding dietary knowledge is recommended, specially designed for diabetic patients so that patients can opt for a healthier lifestyl

BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL EVIDENCES FOR THE ANTITUMOR POTENTIAL OF TEUCRIUM OLIVERIANUM AND RHAZYA STRICTA IN CHEMICALLY-INDUCED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Background: Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta are medicinal plants used in traditional and herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes, liver diseases and inflammatory conditions. The present study was planned to investigate the antitumor efficacy of Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta in chemically-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats weighing 170-200 g were divided into four groups; each group was comprised of ten rats: (1): Normal healthy animals served as negative control group, (2): Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group in which the rats were orally administered Nnitrosodiethylamine (dissolved in 0.9% normal saline), in a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt. five times a week for six weeks, (3): HCC group treated with Teucrium oliverianum extract in a dose of 600 mg/kg b.wt for two months and (4): HCC group treated with Rhazya stricta extract in a dose of 750 mg/kg b.wt for two months. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparatate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gammaglutamyl transferase (γ-GT) activities were estimated. Serum carcinoembyronic antigen (CEA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU), glypican-3 (GPC-3), golgi protein 73 (Gp-73) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were determined. Histopathological examination of liver tissue sections was also carried out. Results: The HCC group showed significant elevation in serum AST, ALT, ALP and γ-GT activities as well as CEA, AFP, AFU, Gpc-3, Gp 73 and VEGF levels versus the negative control group. Photomicrograph of liver tissue sections of rats in HCC revealed hepatic parenchyma with foci of anaplastic hepatocellular carcinoma as well as other foci of cystic cholangio carcinoma associated with areas of telangictasis with haemorrhage as well as individual hepatocellular necrosis. Conclusion: Treatment of HCC groups with Teucrium oliverianum or Rhazya stricta extract experienced significant improvement in the measured biochemical parameters as well as in the structural organization of the liver. In conclusion, the current study provided experimental evidences for the antitumor efficacy of Teucrium oliverianum and Rhazya stricta against hepatocellular carcinoma. Such effect could be attributed to hepatoprotective properties, antiproliferative activity and antiangiogenic potential

Association between Renal Stones Sonographic Findings and Demographic Data among Patients at Riyadh Hospitals, Saudi Arabia

Background: Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality to identify renal stones (RS) in patients with acute flank pain. This study aimed to evaluate the presence, location, and size of RS diagnosed by ultrasound in association with age, gender, and BMI among patients at Riyadh hospitals. Methods and Results: In this case-control study, a total of 250 records (130/52% for males and 120/48% for females) from 2018 to 2019 were reviewed from January to March 2020 at different hospitals in Riyadh. In this study, 150(60%) records of patients with RS and 100(40%) records of patients without RS were collected to evaluate the risk factor for RS formation in the central area of Saudi Arabia. A designed data collection sheet containing all variables (demographic and sonographic) of the study was used. Demographic data included gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). Sonographic data included RS presence (yes, no), RS location (right kidney [RK], left kidney [LK], both kidneys), and RS size (small [1cm]). The study found that RS were more common among males than females (P0.05) Conclusion: Among patients at Riyadh hospitals, females are less affected by RS than males. Gender is a significant risk factor for the development of RS. The effect of BMI is obvious on renal stone location and size

Poloxamer-based thermoresponsive ketorolac tromethamine in situ gel preparations : design, characterisation, toxicity and transcorneal permeation studies

This study was aimed at preparing, characterising and evaluating in situ gel formulations based on a blend of two hydrophilic polymers i.e. poloxamer 407 (P407) and poloxamer 188 (P188) for a sustained ocular delivery of ketorolac tromethamine (KT). Drug-polymer interaction studies were performed using {DSC} and FT-IR. The gelation temperature (Tsol-gel), gelation time, rheological behaviour, mucoadhesive characteristics of these gels, transcorneal permeation and ocular irritation as well as toxicity was investigated. {DSC} and FT-IR studies revealed that there may be electrostatic interactions between the drug and the polymers used. {P188} modified the Tsol/gel of {P407} bringing it close to eye temperature (35°C) compared with the formulation containing {P407} alone. Moreover, gels that comprised {P407} and {P188} exhibited a pseudoplastic behaviour at different concentrations. Furthermore, mucoadhesion study using mucin discs showed that in situ gel formulations have good mucoadhesive characteristics upon increasing the concentration of P407. When comparing formulations {PP11} and PP12, the work of adhesion decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 377.9 ± 7.79 mN.mm to 272.3 ± 6.11 mN.mm. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation experiments indicated that the in situ gels were able to prolong and control {KT} release as only 48 of the {KT} released within 12 h. In addition, the HET-CAM and {BCOP} tests confirmed the non-irritancy of {KT} loaded in situ gels, and HET-CAM test demonstrated the ability of ocular protection against strongly irritant substances. {MTT} assay on primary corneal epithelial cells revealed that in situ gel formulations loaded with {KT} showed reasonable and acceptable percent cell viability compared with control samples