Resumo Nanopartículas são consideradas opções viáveis no tratamento do câncer. Este estudo foi conduzido para investigar o efeito de nanopartículas de magnetita (MNPs) e núcleo de folato de magnetita (MFCS) em culturas de células leucêmicas e de hepatocarcinoma, bem como seu efeito no modelo animal de leucemia mielocítica aguda (LMA). Através do atual estudo, nanopartículas foram sintetizadas, caracterizadas por várias técnicas, e suas propriedades foram estudadas para confirmar sua nanoestrutura. No estudo in vivo, as nanopartículas foram avaliadas para inspecionar sua atividade citotóxica contra células SNU-182 (carcinoma hepatocelular humano), K562 (leucemia humana) e THLE2 (fígado epitelial humano normal) por meio do teste MTT. A expressão das proteínas sinalizadoras apoptóticas Bcl-2 e Caspase-3 foram inspecionadas através do método RT-PCR. Um efeito citotóxico de MNPs e MFCS foi detectado em culturas de células anteriores. Além disso, a apoptose foi identificada por meio de regulação positiva significativa da Caspase-3, com regulação negativa de Bcl-2. No estudo in vitro, a AML foi induzida em ratos por N-metil-N-nitrosoureia seguida por tratamento oral com MNPS e MFCS. Índices bioquímicos como aspartato e alanina aminotransferases e atividades de lactato desidrogenase, ácido úrico, hemograma completo e Beta-2-microglubulina foram avaliados no soro. A imunofenotipagem para detecção de CD34 e CD38 foi realizada. Fígado, rim e medula óssea foram examinados microscopicamente. A metilação do promotor Bcl-2 e os níveis de mRNA foram examinados. Embora tanto os MNPs quanto os MFCS representem uma melhora nos parâmetros bioquímicos, o MFCS os aliviou em direção ao controle normal. A atividade anticâncer de MNPs e MFCS foi aprovada especialmente para AML. Sempre, a administração de MFCS foi mais eficaz do que MNPs. O presente trabalho é um dos poucos estudos que utilizou o MFCS como agente anticâncer.

Abstract Nanoparticles are considered viable options in the treatment of cancer. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetite folate core shell (MFCS) on leukemic and hepatocarcinoma cell cultures as well as their effect on the animal model of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). Through current study nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized by various techniques, and their properties were studied to confirm their nanostructure. Invivo study, nanoparticles were evaluated to inspect their cytotoxic activity against SNU-182 (human hepatocellular carcinoma), K562 (human leukemia), and THLE2 (human normal epithelial liver) cells via MTT test. Apoptotic signaling proteins Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 expression were inspected through RT-PCR method. A cytotoxic effect of MNPs and MFCS was detected in previous cell cultures. Moreover, the apoptosis was identified through significant up-regulation of caspase-3, with Bcl-2 down-regulation. Invitro study, AML was induced in rats by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea followed by oral treatment with MNPS and MFCS. Biochemical indices such as aspartate and alanine amino transferases, and lactate dehydrogenase activities, uric acid, complete blood count, and Beta -2-microglubulin were assessed in serum. Immunophenotyping for CD34 and CD38 detection was performed. Liver, kidney, and bone marrow were microscopically examined. Bcl-2 promoter methylation, and mRNA levels were examined. Although, both MNPs and MFCS depict amelioration in biochemical parameters, MFCS alleviated them toward normal control. Anticancer activity of MNPs and MFCS was approved especially for AML. Whenever, administration of MFCS was more effective than MNPs. The present work is one of few studies used MFCS as anticancer agent.

Resumo Os efeitos protetores antidiabéticos e hepatorrenais dos extratos etanólicos de Citrullus colocynthis e Momordica charantia foram investigados em ratos albinos machos diabéticos induzidos por estreptozotocina (STZ). Ratos diabéticos foram tratados com extrato misto de C. colocynthis, M. charantia ou C. colocynthis + M. charantia na dose de 250 mg/kg de peso corporal por via oral por dia durante 21 dias. O peso corporal médio de todos os grupos de ratos diabéticos no dia 1 de tratamento (dia 10 de diabetes) foi significativamente menor do que o grupo de ratos controle normal (P < 0,05). O nível de glicose no sangue de todos os grupos de ratos diabéticos no dia 1 de tratamento (dia 10 de diabetes) foi significativamente (P < 0,05) maior (> 200 mg/dl) do que o grupo de ratos controle normal (95,5 ± 2,7). Ao final do tratamento (dia 21), os ratos diabéticos tratados com extratos vegetais apresentaram aumento significativo (P < 0,05) no peso corporal e redução significativa (P < 0,05) na glicemia quando comparados aos animais controle diabéticos. Aumento significativo (< 0,05) foi observado nos níveis séricos de bilirrubina, alanina transaminase (ALT), aspartato transaminase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), ureia e creatinina do grupo controle diabético. Os níveis séricos desses parâmetros hepáticos e renais de ratos diabéticos tratados com extrato vegetal foram significativamente menores quando comparados ao grupo controle de ratos diabéticos (p < 0,05). Fotomicrografias de microseções de fígado e rim de ratos diabéticos tratados com esses extratos vegetais mostraram melhora nas histoarquiteturas hepatorrenais. Concluiu-se que os extratos metanólicos de C. colocynthis e M. charantia são antidiabéticos e hepatorrenais protetores em ratos machos diabéticos induzidos por STZ. O tratamento de ratos diabéticos com extrato misto de C. colocynthis + M. charantia é mais eficaz na melhora do diabetes e lesões hepatorrenais em ratos machos diabéticos induzidos por STZ.

Abstract The antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Momordica charantia ethanol extracts were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic male albino rats. Diabetic rats were treated with C. colocynthis, M. charantia or C. colocynthis + M. charantia mixed extract at a dose of 250 mg /kg body weight per oral per day for 21 days. The mean body weight of all the diabetic rat groups on day 1 of treatment (day 10 of diabetes) was significantly lower than the normal control rat group (P<0.05). The blood glucose level of all the diabetic rat groups on day 1 of treatment (day 10 of diabetes) was significantly (P<0.05) higher (> 200 mg/dl) than the normal control rat group (95.5 ± 2.7). At the end of treatment (day 21), the diabetic rats treated with plant extracts showed significant increase (P<0.05) in body weight and significant (P<0.05) reduction in blood glucose level when compared to diabetic control animals. Significant increase (< 0.05) was observed in the serum bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine levels of diabetic control rat group. The serum levels of these liver and kidney-related parameters of diabetic rats treated with plant extract were significantly lower when compared to diabetic control rat group (p < 0.05). Photomicrographs of liver and kidney microsections from diabetic rats treated with these plant extracts showed amelioration in the hepato-renal histoarchitectures. It was concluded that the C. colocynthis and M. charantia methanol extracts are antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective in STZ induced diabetic male rats. Treatment of the diabetic rats with C. colocynthis + M. charantia mixed extract is more effective in the amelioration of diabetes and hepato-renal injuries in STZ induced diabetic male rats.

Resumo Usando dados de inventário, este estudo avaliou a composição de espécies, volume de estoque crescente (GSV) e carbono de biomassa (BMC) das cinco principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões subtropicais e temperadas/subalpinas do Paquistão. Constatou-se que a densidade do caule variou entre 50 e 221 árvores ha-1, com média de 142 árvores ha-1 (13,68 milhões de árvores para toda a área florestal). Entre as espécies, Pinus wallichiana apresentou alta composição de espécies (27,80%), seguida de Picea smithiana (24,64%). O GSV foi encontrado na faixa de 67,81 a 425,94 m3 ha-1, com um valor total de 20,68 milhões de m3 para toda a região. Da mesma forma, o BMC variou de 27,04 a 169,86 mg ha-1, com valor médio de 86,80 mg ha-1. A quantidade total de carbono armazenado foi de 8,69 milhões de toneladas para um total de 95.842 ha de floresta manejada comercialmente. Além disso, a análise de correlação entre área basal (BA), GSV e BMC mostrou que BA é o melhor preditor de GSV e BMC. As descobertas fornecem insights para os formuladores de políticas e gestores florestais sobre o manejo florestal comercial sustentável, bem como o manejo florestal de carbono no recente gerenciamento global de carbono para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas.

Abstract Using inventory data, this study evaluates the species composition, growing stock volume (GSV), and biomass carbon (BMC) of the five major timber species in the sub-tropical, and temperate/sub-alpine regions of Pakistan. It was found that the stem density varies between 50 and 221 trees ha -1, with a mean of 142 trees ha-1 (13.68 million trees for entire forest area). Among the species, Pinus wallichiana showed a high species composition (27.80%) followed by Picea smithiana (24.64%). The GSV was found in the range of 67.81 to 425.94 m3 ha-1, with a total GSV value of 20.68 million m3 for the entire region. Similarly, The BMC ranged from 27.04 to 169.86 Mg ha-1, with a mean BMC value of 86.80 Mg ha-1. The total amount of stored carbon was found at 8.69 million tons for a total of 95842 ha of commercially managed forest. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the basal area (BA) and GSV and BMC showed that BA is the best predictor of GSV and BMC. The findings provide insights to the policy makers and forest managers regarding the sustainable commercial forest management as well as forest carbon management in the recent global carbon management for climate change mitigation.

Abstract Land snails are a destructive agricultural pest in economic crops, but the populations for that pest are highly influenced by temperature and humidity, therefore climatic changes affected their behavior, distribution and population dynamics, for these reasons researchers should follow up on the changes in their behavior, distribution, and population dynamics. In this study, a survey study was conducted to define land snail species existing at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, from January 2019 to March 2022 in horticultural, vegetable, and field crops and study the population dynamics for the dominant land snail species. Results showed that there are six species of land snails, these species were, Monacha cartusiana, Succinea putris, Eobania vermiculata, Theba pisana, Helicella vestalis, and Cochlicella acuta. The population dynamics of two prevalent land snail species (M. cartusiana and S. putris), were conducted during two successive growing seasons, the Egyptian clover harbored the highest number of M. cartusiana followed by wheat, while the onion was the lowest one during the study period. In the same trends, the land snail S. putris recorded the highest numbers during the growing season of the Egyptian clover crop. Finally, it is concluded that the land snail M. cartusiana considered the first grade of infestation existed everywhere at Sharkia Governorate, and the population density of the land snail is increase gradually after winter till reach the maximum density in spring.

Resumo Os caracóis terrestres são pragas agrícolas destrutivas em cultivos econômicos, todavia, as populações dessa praga são altamente influenciadas pela temperatura e umidade, portanto as mudanças climáticas afetam seu comportamento, distribuição e dinâmica populacional, e, por essas razões, os pesquisadores devem acompanhar as mudanças em seu comportamento, distribuição e dinâmica populacional. O presente trabalho foi realizado para definir as espécies de caracóis terrestres existentes na província de Sharkia, no Egito, de janeiro de 2019 a março de 2022 em culturas hortícolas, vegetais e de campo, e estudar a dinâmica populacional das espécies dominantes de caracóis terrestres. Os resultados mostraram que existem seis espécies de caracóis terrestres, essas espécies foram Monacha cartusiana, Succinea putris, Eobania vermiculata, Theba pisana, Helicella vestalis e Cochlicella acuta. A dinâmica populacional de duas espécies predominantes de caracóis terrestres (M. cartusiana e S. putris), foi conduzida durante duas safras sucessivas, o trevo egípcio abrigou o maior número de M. cartusiana seguido pelo trigo, enquanto a cebola foi o menor durante o período de estudo. Seguindo as mesmas tendências, o caracol terrestre S. putris registrou os números mais altos durante a estação de crescimento da cultura do trevo egípcio. Finalmente, conclui-se que o caracol terrestre M. cartusiana, considerado o primeiro grau de infestação, está presente em toda a província de Sharkia, e a densidade populacional do caracol terrestre aumenta gradualmente após o inverno até atingir a densidade máxima na primavera.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) contributes to significant levels of mortality and morbidity, particularly among children and women in Africa. Cassava is a major staple crop whose biofortification with beta-carotene can contribute to reducing the VAD prevalence in a cost-effective and sustainable approach. Developing high provitamin A content (pVAC) cassava varieties through the conventional approach is a laborious and slow process, partly due to the breeding bottlenecks caused by the biology of the crop. To complement the phenotypic screening for pVAC and increase selection efficiency as well as accuracy, we employed four Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) assays to predict the level of carotenoids in a cassava population developed from open-pollinated crosses. There was significant correlation (r = 0.88) between total carotenoid content (TCC) and root tissue colour score in the study population. Marker S1 24155522 at the phytoene synthase gene explained most of the phenotypic variation in TCC and root colour (R² = 0.37 and 0.55, respectively) among the genotypes evaluated in this study. The other markers did not individually account for much phenotypic variation in the trait in our study population. Three genotypes - namely UIC-17-679, UIC-17-1713, and UIC-17-2823 - had higher TCCs, ranging from 10.07 μg/g to 10.88 μg/g, than the national yellow check variety IITA-IBA-TMS070593 (9.20 μg/g). Marker PSY572/S124155522 is therefore recommended for routine use in marker-assisted selection for pVAC enhancement in African cassava germplasm. SIGNIFICANCE: We evaluated the performance of the SNP markers associated with provitamin A content in a cassava population and draw relevant conclusions that will foster the applications of these markers in different cassava improvement programmes with similar interests. Marker-assisted selection was sufficiently accurate for an early screening of individuals for carotenoid content, especially when thousands of genotypes are usually handled. This screening will reduce efficiently the challenges and burden attached to the use of sophisticated instruments for carotenoid quantification (e.g. HPLC and I-check) for the benefit of breeders and researchers in the field.

BACKGROUND: Noise is a known environmental stressor in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), as it may result in adverse effects on preterm neonates because of the unique vulnerability and physiological immaturity of their central nervous systems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate noise levels in public sector NICUs in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Methods. An analytical observational study design with purposive sampling of public sector hospitals was used. Noise was continuously measured with a sound level meter in a central location for 48 hours on 2 consecutive days (Sunday and Monday) in the four NICUs. A sample of noise sources, as well as their frequency of occurrence, was identified through direct observation and a frequency spectrum analysis using one-third octave bands. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: This study included one tertiary hospital and three regional hospitals in the eThekwini District. Mean noise levels exceeded international recommendations of an A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq) of 45 A-weighted decibel (dBA) and an A-weighted maximum sound level (LAmax) of 65 dBA in all four hospitals. The most frequently occurring sources of noise were staff conversations (30.9%, Hospital A), device alarms (21.0%, Hospital B) and closing metal pedal bins (20.0%, Hospital B). Mean LAeqs >45 BA were found in the mid and high frequencies (250 Hz - 6 300 Hz) in all hospitals, particularly during the afternoon. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasise the need for continuous noise monitoring, awareness and education among healthcare professionals in the NICU. Future research should expand on existing findings and focus on interventions for noise control in NICUs.

BACKGROUND: The pattern of HIV-associated eye disease has changed with ongoing advancements in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV-infected individuals now live longer, enabling us to observe the long-term effects of HIV and HAART on the eye. There are few recent studies on HIV-related ocular disease in sub-Saharan Africa OBJECTIVES: To describe the ocular manifestations of HIV in patients attending the Nthabiseng HIV clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 using convenience sampling of patients at the HIV clinic. The participants' clinical history was taken, their files were reviewed, and they underwent ocular examination. Correlation between eyes was managed by taking disease in one eye as the presence of disease in the participant. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the odds ratio (OR) of developing HIV-associated ocular diseases, and a p-value of <0.05 was used to define statistical significance RESULTS: There were 182 participants (139 females and 43 males), with a mean (standard deviation) age of 48.9 (10.6) years. The most common anterior segment diagnoses were conjunctival microangiopathy (34.6%), pinguecula (31.3%) and cataracts (30.2%), while the most common posterior segment finding was peripheral retinal scarring with features in keeping of previous cytomegalovirus retinitis (24.2%). Notably, only 1.1% of patients had HIV retinopathy. A CD4 count <200 cells/(iL showed an increased OR for cataracts (OR 4.24; p=0.003) and any anterior segment diagnoses (OR 10.05; p=0.029), while a CD4 count >200 cells/(iL showed an increased risk of conjunctival microangiopathy (OR 2.14; p=0.017 CONCLUSION: With the advent of HAART, ocular manifestations of HIV are changing and the incidence of severe ocular opportunistic infections and HIV retinopathy has decreased precipitously. Although this study has shown that patients with a CD4 count <200 cells/(µL are at increased risk of developing anterior ocular manifestations of HIV, including cataracts, these diseases are relatively innocuous or easily treatable. Routine ocular screening of HIV patients seems to be substantially less important now than it was in the pre-HAART era

Resumen: Las células se someten a autofagia para salvarse de lesiones, pero la autofagia progresiva puede provocar la muerte celular. Este estudio caracterizó y comparó el efecto de los extractos de uva (resveratrol) y tomate (licopeno) y su combinación en la modulación de miARN relacionado con la autofagia y su gen diana en la línea celular de carcinoma de células escamosas. Se realizó análisis de acoplamiento para extractos y genes seleccionados. Se utilizaron ensayos de metil tiazol tetrazolio para evaluar la citotoxicidad de los extractos y su combinación frente a las células HEp-2. qRT-PCR se utilizó para cuantificar los cambios en la expresión génica. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente. El miARN-20a se identificó como un efector potencial en el cáncer de laringe y el secuenciasoma-1 (SQSTM1) fue su gen diana. El análisis de acoplamiento mostró que el resveratrol interactuaba con miRNA-20a y mostraba menos afinidad hacia SQSTM1. Se predijeron enlaces de hidrógeno e interacciones hidrofóbicas. Por el contrario, el licopeno mostró menos afinidad hacia el miARN-20a que el resveratrol. El aumento de las dosis de resveratrol, licopeno y su combinación indujo una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje medio de viabilidad y los cambios medios en la expresión de miRNA- 20a y SQSTM1 en las células HEp-2 tratadas. La correlación de Pearson mostró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 (R=0,812, p≤0,001). Los extractos de uva y tomate y su combinación muestran una citotoxicidad prometedora contra las células HEp-2 de forma dependiente de la dosis y el tiempo. Ambos extractos reducen la expresión de miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 con la posterior inhibición de la autofagia y promoción de la apoptosis en células HEp-2.

Abstract: Cells undergo autophagy to save themselves from injury, but progressive autophagy can cause cell death. This study characterized and compared the effect of grape (resveratrol) and tomato (lycopene) extracts and their combination on modulating autophagy-related miRNA and its target gene in squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Docking analysis for extracts and selected genes was performed. Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium assays were used to assess the cytotoxicity of extracts and their combination toward HEp-2 cells. qRT-PCR was used to quantify changes in gene expression. Data were statistically analyzed. miRNA-20a was identified as a potential effector in laryngeal cancer, and sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) was its target gene. Docking analysis showed that resveratrol interacted with miRNA-20a and showed less affinity toward SQSTM1. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were predicted. In contrast, lycopene showed less affinity toward miRNA-20a than resveratrol. Increasing doses of resveratrol, lycopene, and their combination induced a statistically significant reduction in mean percent viability and mean fold changes of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 expression in treated HEp-2 cells. Pearson's correlation showed a statistically significant positive correlation between miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 (R=0.812, p≤0.001). Grape and tomato extracts and their combination display promising cytotoxicity against HEp-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Both extracts reduce the expression of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 with subsequent inhibition autophagy and promotion of apoptosis in HEp-2 cells.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to present a scoping review of the measurements of tongue strength available, particularly in adult patients, following partial glossectomy. The subsequent impact on functionality and quality of life were also explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used a scoping review and the study selection comprised two stages of screening: the review of the title and abstract followed by a full-text review. During the first stage of screening, the title and abstracts of all retrieved references were reviewed against the predetermined inclusion criteria. In the second stage of screening, all studies were reviewed at full-text level, utilising the Full-Text Screening Relevance measure. A total of 20 articles were reviewed as they met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The study found that subjective and quality-of-life measures may still be useful in measuring tongue strength in developing contexts as they closely approximate objective measures and are reliable as an interim measure. However, there is still a need for the development of other objective measures, should funding be available.

ABSTRACT Research on the use of anaerobic filters as an alternative material to gravel is fundamental, especially if they are low cost and highly efficient in the treatment of swine wastewater (SWW). This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of anaerobic filters filled with waste from the ceramic industry (WCI) as an alternative material to gravel in swine wastewater treatment. The experimental set-up consisted of three anaerobic polyvinyl chloride filters filled with WCI. A randomized block experimental design was used, with four treatments (evaluations of effects at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days) and three blocks, in a scheme of repeated measures over time. The univariate procedure was employed, and we sought to evaluate only the profile of the change in each response variable, between each evaluation time point. The anaerobic filter filled with WCI is a promising option in the treatment of swine effluents from small farms, presenting over 120 days of operation and average removals of 20%–50% of the color, 40%–70% of total solids, 45%– 75% of turbidity, 45%–55% of total nitrogen, and 33%–45% of total phosphorus.

RESUMO Pesquisas utilizando filtros anaeróbios com materiais alternativos à brita tornam-se fundamentais, principalmente se forem de baixo custo e possibilitem elevada eficiência no tratamento de águas residuárias de suinocultura (ARS). Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de filtros anaeróbios preenchidos com resíduos de indústrias de cerâmica (RICs) como materiais alternativos à brita, no tratamento A bancada experimental foi constituída de 3 filtros anaeróbios de policloreto de vinila (PVC), preenchidos com RICs. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos (avaliações dos efeitos aos 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias) e três blocos, em esquema de medidas repetidas no tempo, sendo adotado o procedimento univariado, buscando-se avaliar apenas o perfil das diferenças de cada uma das variáveis-resposta, entre cada uma das idades de avaliação. O filtro anaeróbio preenchido com resíduo de cerâmica apresenta-se como uma opção promissora no tratamento de efluentes de suinocultura de pequenas propriedades familiares, apresentando, ao longo de 120 dias de funcionamento, remoções médias de 20 a 50 % da cor, 40 a 70% de sólidos totais, 45 a 75% de turbidez, 45 a 55% de N-total e 33 a 45% de P-total.

Resumo O timerosal é um composto organomercurial, utilizado na preparação de imunoglobulina intramuscular, antivenenos, tintas de tatuagem, antígenos de teste cutâneo, produtos nasais, gotas oftálmicas e vacinas como conservante. Na maioria das espécies animais e nos humanos, o rim é um dos principais locais de deposição de compostos de mercúrio e órgãos-alvo de toxicidade. Assim, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a nefrotoxicidade induzida pelo timerosal em ratos machos. Vinte e quatro ratos albinos machos adultos foram categorizados em quatro grupos. O primeiro grupo era um grupo de controle. Ratos do Grupo II, Grupo III e Grupo IV receberam 0,5µg / kg, 10µg / kg e 50µg / kg de timerosal uma vez ao dia, respectivamente. A administração de timerosal diminuiu significativamente as atividades de catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutationa redutase (GR), glutationa (GSH) e conteúdo de proteína, enquanto aumentou as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) níveis dependentes da dose. Os níveis de nitrogênio ureico no sangue (BUN), creatinina, urobilinogênio, proteínas urinárias, molécula de lesão renal-1 (KIM-1) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) aumentaram substancialmente. Em contraste, a albumina urinária e a depuração da creatinina foram reduzidas de forma dependente da dose nos grupos tratados com timerosal. Os resultados demonstraram que o timerosal aumentou significativamente os indicadores de inflamação, incluindo fator nuclear kappaB (NF-κB), fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α), interleucina-1β (IL-1β), níveis de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e atividades da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), DNA e danos histopatológicos dependentes da dose. Portanto, os presentes achados verificaram que o timerosal exerceu nefrotoxicidade em ratos albinos machos.

Abstract Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound, which is used in the preparation of intramuscular immunoglobulin, antivenoms, tattoo inks, skin test antigens, nasal products, ophthalmic drops, and vaccines as a preservative. In most of animal species and humans, the kidney is one of the main sites for mercurial compounds deposition and target organs for toxicity. So, the current research was intended to assess the thimerosal induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were categorized into four groups. The first group was a control group. Rats of Group-II, Group-III, and Group-IV were administered with 0.5µg/kg, 10µg/kg, and 50µg/kg of thimerosal once a day, respectively. Thimerosal administration significantly decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and protein content while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels dose-dependently. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, urinary albumin and creatinine clearance was reduced dose-dependently in thimerosal treated groups. The results demonstrated that thimerosal significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities, DNA and histopathological damages dose-dependently. So, the present findings ascertained that thimerosal exerted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats.

Abstract Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis, feeds on insect pests in many agro-ecosystems. Thus, there is an urgent need to study the breeding chronology of cattle egret, in order to develop suitable protection programs for this beneficial bird to perform its role as abiological control agent in Egyptian agro-ecosystems. The study was conducted at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, from December 2018 to December 2020; in different habitats (irrigation canals, drainage canals, garbage collection areas and Abbasa ponds). The mean clutch size ranged from 2-5 eggs/nest with an incubation period ranging between 21-25 days. The mean percentage of hatching success was 90.21%, while the total number of mortality eggs was 47 and the total egg hatching was 433. Also the total number of nests located nearby tree trunks were 73, while nests located in the core of the tree were 47 nests, and nests located at the peripherals were 15 nests.

Resumo A garça-vaqueira (Bubulcus ibis) alimenta-se de insetos-praga em muitos agroecossistemas. Assim, há uma necessidade urgente de estudar a cronologia reprodutiva da garça bovina, a fim de desenvolver programas de proteção adequados para que esta ave benéfica desempenhe seu papel como agente de controle biológico nos agroecossistemas egípcios. O estudo foi conduzido na província de Sharkia, no Egito, de dezembro de 2018 a dezembro de 2020; em diferentes habitats (canais de irrigação, canais de drenagem, áreas de coleta de lixo e lagoas Abbasa). O tamanho médio da ninhada variou de 2-5 ovos/ninho com um período de incubação variando entre 21-25 dias. A porcentagem média de sucesso de eclosão foi de 90,21%, enquanto o número total de ovos de mortalidade foi de 47 e o total de ovos eclodidos foi de 433. O número total de ninhos localizados próximos aos troncos das árvores foi de 73, enquanto os ninhos localizados no núcleo da árvore foram 47 ninhos, e 15 ninhos localizados nas periferias.

The aim with this study was to examine how, from the teachers' and students' perspectives, the project-based learning approach was applied in science and technology lessons. The research was conducted through a case study with qualitative research methods. The data of the study were obtained from semi-structured interviews with 38 students and 11 science and technology teachers. This data were analysed by descriptive analysis which is a qualitative data analysis method. The results of this study show that the teachers described the project-based learning approach as an inapplicable approach in schools. Teachers advised a reduction of curriculum content and a reduction in class sizes. We understood that the other phases of the project processes that started with the selection of project topics at school were done with the help of the students' families at home. It also became clear that during the evaluation process, the teachers took the students' own efforts into consideration. We determined that most of the students who participated in the projects in the science and technology course were free to choose their project subjects. It also became clear that students preferred to do projects in the science and technology course. At the end of the research report, suggestions based on the results of the research are made.

Abstract Objectives: In the past decade, advances in immunological therapy have increased the survival of kidney recipients and their grafts. However, it has not achieved the desired level of improvement. This study aims to reveal the mortality among kidney recipients. Methods: Medical data of the patients, who had undergone kidney transplantation (KT) between November 2010 and December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult kidney recipients, who had died. Exclusion criteria were pediatric recipients, recipients of en bloc and dual KT, recipients with missing data, and recipients with a primary non-functioning graft. The recipients were grouped according to their donor type; Group 1 (from a living donor) and Group 2 (from a deceased donor). Subgroup analyses were done for mortality by time-period post-transplant and for infectious causes of mortality. Results: Of 314 recipients, 35 (11.14%) died. Twenty-nine recipients were included in the study (Group 1: 17 and Group 2: 12). The most common cause of mortality was infection (58.6%), and the second was cardiovascular disease (CVD) (24.1%). Sepsis developed in 29.4% of infection-related deaths, while COVID-19 constituted 23.5% of infection-related deaths. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of infectious and CVD are important to improve survival in kidney recipients.

Resumen Objetivos: En la última década, los avances en la terapia inmunológica han aumentado la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón y sus injertos. Sin embargo, no se pudo lograr el nivel de mejora deseado. Este estudio tiene como objetivo revelar la mortalidad entre los receptores de riñón. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente los datos médicos de los pacientes, que se habían sometido a un trasplante de riñón entre Noviembre de 2010 y Diciembre de 2020. Los criterios de inclusión fueron los receptores de riñón adultos, que habían fallecido. Los criterios de exclusión fueron los receptores pediátricos, los receptores de trasplantes de riñón dual y en bloque, los receptores con datos faltantes y los receptores con un injerto primario no funcionante. Los receptores se agruparon según su tipo de donante; Grupo 1 (de un donante vivo) y Grupo 2 (de un donante fallecido). Se realizaron análisis de subgrupos para la mortalidad por período de tiempo posterior al trasplante y para las causas infecciosas de mortalidad. Resultados: De 314 beneficiarios, 35 (11,14%) fallecieron. Se incluyeron 29 receptores en el estudio (Grupo 1:17; Grupo 2:12). La causa más común de mortalidad fue la infección (58,6%) y la segunda fue la enfermedad cardiovascular (24,1%). La sepsis se desarrolló en el 29,4% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección, mientras que el COVID-19 constituyó el 23,5% de las muertes relacionadas con la infección. Conclusión: El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos de enfermedades infecciosas y cardiovasculares es importante para mejorar la supervivencia de los receptores de riñón.

Resumo A presente investigação foi realizada para estimar o efeito protetor do extrato aquoso de Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) contra o dano hepático induzido por dieta rica em gordura (HFD) em camundongos. Os resultados do estudo in vitro mostraram que os AEC têm maiores capacidades antioxidantes nos ensaios DPPH e de eliminação de radicais hidroxila. De fato, muitos compostos fenólicos (ácido gálico, quercetina, naringenina, apigenina, kaempferol e rutina) foram identificados no AEC. Nos estudos em animais, durante 6 semanas, HFD promoveu estresse oxidativo com aumento do nível de malonaldeído (MDA), níveis de proteína carbonil (PCOs) e diminuição significativa das atividades de enzimas antioxidantes como superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase. Curiosamente, o tratamento com AEC (250 mg / kg de peso corporal) reduziu significativamente os efeitos dos distúrbios de HFD em alguns biomarcadores hepáticos plasmáticos (AST, ALT e ALP), além de biomarcadores inflamatórios de proteínas plasmáticas (reduções α2 e β1 / β2 e γ aumenta as globulinas). Pode-se sugerir que a suplementação de MECG apresenta alto potencial para extinguir os radicais livres e atenua o estresse oxidativo do fígado promovido pela dieta rica em gordura e distúrbios relacionados.

Abstract The current investigation was carried out to estimate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Cheatomorpha gracilis (AEC) against High fat Diet (HFD) induced liver damage in mice. The results of the in vitro study showed that AEC have higher antioxidant capacities in the DPPH and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays. Indeed, many phenolic compounds (gallic acid, quercetin, naringenin, apigenin, kaempferol and rutin) were identified in the AEC. In the animal studies, during 6 weeks, HFD promoted oxidative stress with a rise level of malonaldehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCOs) levels and a significant decrease of the antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, the treatment with AEC (250 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the effects of HFD disorders on some plasmatic liver biomarkers (AST, ALT and ALP) in addition to, plasmatic proteins inflammatory biomarkers (α2 and β1 decreases / β2 and γ globulins increases). It can be suggest that supplementation of MECG displays high potential to quench free radicals and attenuates high fat diet promoted liver oxidative stress and related disturbances.