Abstract Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmented skin disorder. It has a genetic and autoimmune background. Human beta defensin-1(HBD-1) plus its gene polymorphism were linked to some autoimmune disorders. Objectives: To elucidate the possible role of HBD-1 in the pathogenesis of non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) through evaluation of HBD-1 serum levels and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in patients having NSV, in addition, to correlating the results with the extent of vitiligo in those patients. Methods: A current case-control study included 50 patients having NSV and 50 controls. The authors used Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score to assess vitiligo severity and laboratory investigations to assess serum HBD-1 level using ELISA and defensin-beta1 (DEFB1) SNP using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: There were significantly lower HBD-1 serum levels in NSV cases than in controls (p < 0.001). There was a significant predominance of GG DEFB1 genotype and G allele in NSV patients in comparison to controls (p < 0.001). The levels of serum HBD-1 and DEFB1 genotypes were not associated or correlated significantly with any of the personal and clinical parameters of vitiligo patients. Study limitations: The small sample size. Conclusions: DEFB1 gene polymorphism (GG genotype and G allele) may modulate vitiligo risk and contribute to vitiligo development in Egyptian populations. Decreased circulating HBD-1 levels might have an active role in vitiligo etiopathogenesis that could be mediated through its possible anti-inflammatory effects.

Abstract The present experiment was conducted to determine the effect chemical fertilization rates and foliar application of plant growth regulators PGRs (Kinetin or Napthaleneacetic Acid (NAA) and their interactions on growth, flowering, chemical composition of Ervatamia coronaria plants. The plants were fertilized monthly with NPK at the rate of 2, 4 and 6 g pot-1, in addition to the control plants. Plants received the fertilization treatments were sprayed monthly with either Kinetin or NAA at 50, 100 ppm for each one, while the control plants sprayed with tap water. As general, the results indicated that within each level of fertilizer treatments, treating plants with different concentrations of PGRs (Kinetin or NAA) resulted in significant increase in tested vegetative growth (in terms of plant height, number of branches plant-1, leaf area, number of leaves plant-1, stem diameter, root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems and roots), flowering parameters (Viz number of flowers/ plant, fresh and dry weights of flowers), chlorophylls content, total carbohydrates, N, P , K%, total indoles and total phenols, gibberellins, auxins and cytokinins compared to control, with superiority of NAA particularly the highest concentrations (100 ppm) . Under the same level of PGRs raising the fertilization rate caused a gradual and significant increase in all tested parameters compared to control. Based on the results, it can be recommended that for the highest quality growth and flowering parameters of Ervatamia coronaria, the plants could be sprayed with NAA at 100 ppm combined with 6 g pot-1 NPK.

Resumo O presente experimento foi conduzido para determinar o efeito das taxas de fertilização química e aplicação foliar de reguladores de crescimento de plantas PGRs (Cinetina ou Ácido Naftalenoacético (ANA) e suas interações no crescimento, floração, composição química de plantas de Ervatamia coronaria. as plantas foram fertilizadas mensalmente com NPK na dose de 2, 4 e 6 g/vaso, além das plantas controle. As plantas que receberam os tratamentos de fertilização foram pulverizadas mensalmente com cinetina ou ANA a 50, 100 ppm para cada uma, enquanto as plantas controle foram pulverizadas com água da torneira . Em geral, os resultados indicaram que, dentro de cada nível de tratamentos de fertilizantes, o tratamento de plantas com diferentes concentrações de PGRs (cinetina ou ANA) resultou em aumento significativo no crescimento vegetativo testado (em termos de altura da planta, número de ramos planta-1, área foliar , número de folhas planta-1, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, pesos frescos e secos de folhas, caules e raízes), parâmetros de floração (Viz número de flores planta-1, massa fresca e seca de flores), teor de clorofilas, carboidratos totais, N, P, K%, indóis totais e fenóis totais, giberelinas, auxinas e citocininas em relação ao controle, com superioridade de ANA principalmente nas concentrações mais altas (100 ppm). Sob o mesmo nível de PGRs o aumento da taxa de adubação causou um aumento gradual e significativo em todos os parâmetros testados em relação ao controle. Com base nos resultados, pode-se recomendar que, para os parâmetros de crescimento e floração da E. coronaria de maior qualidade, as plantas podem ser pulverizadas com ANA a 100 ppm combinado com 6 g/vaso de NPK.

SUMMARY: Paracetamol (known as acetaminophen, or APAP) poisoning causes acute liver damage that can lead to organ failure and death. We sought to determine that APAP overdose can augment tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/ nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB)/induced nitic oxide synthase (iNOS) axis-mediated hepatotoxicity in rats, and the anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compounds, quercetin (QUR) plus resveratrol (RES) can ameliorate these parameters. Therefore, we induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats using APAP overdose (2 g/kg, orally) and the protective group of rats were treated with 50 mg/kg QUR plus 30 mg/kg RES for one week before APAP ingestion. Animals were killed at day 8. APAP poisoning caused the induction of hepatic tissue levels of TNF-α, NF-kB, and iNOS, which were significantly (p<0.05) decreased by QUR+RES. QUR+RES, also inhibited liver injury biomarkers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Additionally, a link between liver injury and TNF-α /NF-kB / iNOS axis mediated hepatotoxicity was observed. Thus, the presented data backing the conclusion that intoxication by paracetamol increases TNF-α / NF-kB / iNOS axis -mediated hepatotoxicity, and is protected by a combination of quercetin and resveratrol.

RESUMEN: El envenenamiento por paracetamol (conocido como acetaminofeno o APAP) causa daño hepático agudo que puede provocar una insuficiencia orgánica y la muerte. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar si la sobredosis de APAP puede aumentar la hepatotoxicidad mediada por el eje del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α)/factor nuclear kappa B (NF-kB)/óxido nítico sintasa inducida (iNOS) en ratas, y si el polifenólico antiinflamatorio compuesto por quercetina (QUR) más resveratrol (RES) pueden mejorar estos parámetros. Por lo tanto, inducimos hepatotoxicidad aguda en ratas usando una sobredosis de APAP (2 g/kg, por vía oral). El grupo protector de ratas se trató con 50 mg/ kg de QUR más 30 mg/kg de RES durante una semana antes de la ingestión de APAP. Los animales se sacrificaron el día 8. El envenenamiento con APAP en el tejido hepático provocó la inducción de niveles de TNF-α, NF-kB e iNOS, que se redujeron significativamente (p<0,05) con QUR+RES. QUR+RES, también inhibió los biomarcadores de daño hepático, la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y el aspartato aminotransferasa (AST). Además, se observó una relación entre la lesión hepática y la hepatotoxicidad mediada por el eje TNF-α /NF-kB/iNOS. Por lo tanto, los datos presentados respaldan la conclusión de que la intoxicación por paracetamol aumenta la hepatotoxicidad mediada por el eje TNF-α /NF-kB / iNOS, y está protegida por una combinación de quercetina y resveratrol.

Resumo Os membros da ordem Trypanorhyncha são cestoides parasitos, frequentemente encontrados infectando os músculos de várias espécies de peixes marinhos, afetando a saúde dos peixes e resultando na rejeição por parte dos consumidores. Setenta e cinco espécimes de peixe marinho foram capturados, recentemente, nos locais de desembarque em barcos na costa de Alexandria, ao longo do Mar Mediterrâneo no Egito, incluindo dois Carangídeos, o maior "amberjack" Seriola dumerili e o "gulley jack" Pseudocarans dentex; dois Serranídeos, a garoupa Haifa Epinephelus haifensis e a garoupa mosqueada Mycteroperca rubra. Quarenta e cinco peixes foram infectados e a infecção foi registada como blastocistos embutidos na carne do peixe. Os blastocistos foram isolados e rompidos e os pleurocistos gerados foram descritos morfologicamente, nos quais, quatro espécies diferentes foram recuperadas: Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, Callitetrarhynchus speciosus, Protogrillotia zerbiae, e Grillotia brayi. A posição taxonômica destes parasitos foi justificada pelo alinhamento de sequências múltiplas e foi construída uma árvore filogenética após a análise de máxima probabilidade das sequências de rRNA dos anos 18 dos vermes recuperados. Os números de adesão MN625168, MN625169, MN611431 e MN611432 foram respectivamente atribuídos aos parasitos recuperados. Os resultados obtidos a partir das análises moleculares confirmaram os registos morfológicos dos parasitos recuperados. Uma vez que se encontram metacestodes na musculatura de espécimes de peixe infectados, é necessário remover estas áreas na comercialização de peixe.

Abstract Members of the order Trypanorhyncha are cestode parasites that are frequently found infecting the muscles of several marine fish species, affecting fish health and resulting in consumers’ rejection. Seventy–five specimens of marine fish were freshly caught from boat landing sites at the Alexandria coast along the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, including two Carangids, the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili and the gulley jack Pseudocarans dentex; two Serranids, the Haifa grouper Epinephelus haifensis and the mottled grouper Mycteroperca rubra. Forty-five fish were infected; the infection was recorded as blastocysts embedded in fish flesh. Blastocysts were isolated and ruptured; the generated plerocerci were described morphologically, where, four different species were recovered; Callitetrarhynchus gracilis, Callitetrarhynchus speciosus, Protogrillotia zerbiae, and Grillotia brayi. The taxonomic position of these parasites was justified by multiple-sequence alignment and a phylogenetic tree was constructed following maximum likelihood analysis of the 18s rRNA sequences of the recovered worms. The accession numbers MN625168, MN625169, MN611431and MN611432 were respectively assigned to the recovered parasites. The results obtained from the molecular analyses confirmed the morphological records of the recovered parasites. Since metacestodes are found in the musculature of infected fish specimens, it is necessary to remove these areas in the commercialization of fish.

Resumo Um experimento em vaso foi realizado para avaliar a influência do substrato e dos tratamentos combinados de NPK com benziladenina ou ácido giberélico no crescimento, constituintes químicos e estrutura anatômica de Dracaena marginata ‘Bicolor’. As plantas foram cultivadas em dois meios de cultivo; turfa-musgo, turfa-musgo + areia (1:1, v v-1), recebeu fertilizantes NPK mensais (2 e 4 g vaso-1) combinados com benziladenina (BA) a 100 e 150 ppm ou ácido giberélico (GA3) a 150 e 250 ppm, enquanto as plantas controle não receberam tratamentos. De modo geral, os resultados indicaram que turfa-musgo foi superior a turfa-musgo + areia média no aumento da maioria dos parâmetros de crescimento vegetativo em termos de altura da planta, número de folhas/planta, área foliar, comprimento da raiz, bem como fresco e seco pesos de folhas, caules e raízes/planta, além de alguns macroelementos representados em % de N, P, K, Ca e Mg nas folhas e caules. Enquanto as plantas cultivadas em turfa + areia possuíam conteúdos significativamente maiores de clorofilas totais, carboidratos totais, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn e B do que aquelas cultivadas apenas em turfa. As plantas que receberam NPK combinado com BA ou GA3 resultaram em aumentos significativos na maioria do conteúdo morfológico e químico sobre as plantas de controle e foi notável que GA3 foi mais eficaz do que BA quando combinados com NPK. Pode-se concluir que para a mais alta qualidade, crescimento em quantidade e produção econômica de Dracaena marginata ‘Bicolor’, as plantas poderiam ser cultivadas em meio de turfa e abastecidas mensalmente com fertilizante NPK a 2 g planta-1 junto com pulverização foliar de GA3 a 250 ppm.

Abstract A pot experiments was carried out to evaluate the influence of growing media and combined treatments of NPK with either benzyladenine or gibberellic acid on growth, chemical constituents and anatomical structure of Dracaena marginata ‘Bicolor’. The plants were grown in two growing media; peat-moss, peat-moss+ sand (1:1, v v-1), received monthly NPK fertilizers (2 and 4 g pot-1) combined with either of benzyl adenine (BA) at 100 and 150 ppm or gibberellic acid (GA3) at 150 and 250 ppm, while the control plants received no treatments. As general, the results indicated that, peat- moss was superior to peat-moss+ sand medium on increasing most of vegetative growth parameters in terms of plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf area, root length, as well as fresh and dry weights of leaves, stems and roots/plant, besides some macro elements represented in N, P, K, Ca and Mg% in both leaves and stems. While plants grown in peat-moss+ sand possessed significantly higher contents of total chlorophylls, total carbohydrates, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B than those grown in peat- moss alone. Plants received combined NPK with either BA or GA3 resulted in significant increases in most of morphological and chemicals content over the control plants and it was outstanding that, GA3 was more effective than BA when they were combined with NPK. It can be concluded that for the highest quality, quantity growth and economic production of Dracaena marginata ‘Bicolor’, the plants could be grown in a medium of peat-moss and supplied monthly with NPK fertilizer at 2 g plant-1 along with foliar sprayed with 250 ppm GA3.

SUMMARY: Chronic hepatotoxicity is a debilitating and frequently life-threatening disease resulting in progressive liver failure. The toxic chemical, thioacetamide (TAA) is used to evaluate hepatoprotective agents, and the polyphenolic compound, resveratrol was proposed as a novel treatment for diseases with hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cell signaling pathway. This analysis sought to investigate the potential protective effect of resveratrol against liver injury induced by TAA via the inhibition of hepatic mTOR. Model group rats received several injections of TAA (200 mg/kg; twice a week for 8 weeks) before being sacrificed at week 10 and the protective group was pretreated with resveratrol (20 mg/kg) daily for two weeks prior to TAA injections and continued receiving both agents until the end of the experiment. Harvested liver tissues were examined using light microscopy and liver homogenates were assayed for biomarkers of inflammation and assessed the levels of mTOR protein in all animal groups. In addition, blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of liver injury enzyme. TAA substantially damaged the hepatic tissue of the model group such as infiltration of inflammatory cells, vacuolated cytoplasm, dark pyknotic nuclei, and dilated congested blood vessel that were effectively protected by resveratrol. Resveratrol also significantly (p<0.05) inhibited TAA-induced mTOR, high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in harvested liver homogenates and blood samples. Thus, we conclude that resveratrol effectively protects against TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, possibly due to the inhibition of mTOR and inflammation.

RESUMEN: La hepatotoxicidad crónica es una enfermedad debilitante y potencialmente mortal que produce insuficiencia hepática progresiva. La toxicidad del químico de la tioacetamida (TAA) se utiliza para evaluar los agentes hepatoprotectores y el compuesto polifenólico, resveratrol, se propuso como un nuevo tratamiento para enfermedades con hiperactivación de la vía de señalización celular mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin). Aquí buscamos investigar el posible efecto protector del resveratrol contra la lesión hepática inducida por TAA a través de la inhibición de la vía de señalización mTOR en hepatocitos. Las ratas del grupo modelo recibieron varias inyecciones de TAA (200 mg / kg; dos veces por semana durante 8 semanas) antes de ser sacrificadas en la semana 10 y el grupo protector se trató previamente con resveratrol (20 mg / kg) diariamente durante dos semanas antes de las inyecciones de TAA y continuó recibiendo ambos agentes hasta el final del experimento. Se examinaron los tejidos hepáticos recolectados usando microscopía óptica y se analizaron los homogeneizados hepáticos para detectar biomarcadores de inflamación y se evaluaron los niveles de proteína mTOR en todos los grupos de animales. Además, se analizaron muestras de sangre para detectar biomarcadores de la enzima de lesión hepática. TAA dañó sustancialmente el tejido hepático del grupo modelo, con infiltración de células inflamatorias, citoplasma vacuolado, núcleos picnóticos oscuros y vasos sanguíneos congestionados dilatados que estaban efectivamente protegidos por el resveratrol. El resveratrol también inhibió significativamente (p <0.05) mTOR, proteína C-reactiva (hs-CRP), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), interleucina-6 (IL-6), alanina aminotransferasa (ALT ) y aspartato aminotransferasa (AST) en las muestras de sangre y de hígados recolectados. En conclusión, el resveratrol protege eficazmente contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por TAA en ratas, posiblemente debido a la inhibición de mTOR y de la inflamación.

SUMMARY: During development, bony changes in the palate are reflected in the palatal rugae. Therefore, we hypothesized that the palatal dimensions (PD) influence the shape and number of palatal rugae (PR). The objectives were to record the palatal rugae characteristics (PRC) and palatal dimensions (intercanine distance (ICD), intermolar distance (IMD), palatal height (PH) and palatal area (PA) in Classes I, II and III malocclusion patients and investigate their interrelationship, and statistically examine the possibility of predicting PRC with the PD. Four hundred eighty-one pre-orthodontic study casts of healthy patients with normal palate anatomy were grouped as Classes I, II and III and scanned using 3D cast scanner. The PRC, ICD, IMD, PH, and PA were recorded digitally using 3D enabled software. The data was statistically analyzed. A strong statistically significant difference was observed between PA and number of straight and wavy rugae. ICD and the number of straight rugae were also related. A weak correlation exists between malocclusion classes and PA. The remaining rugae characteristics did not exhibit any relation with palatal dimensions. PA is positively related to the number of straight rugae and negatively related to the number of wavy rugae. Bigger palates have more straight rugae and less number of wavy rugae. A weak correlation between PA and Angle’s class I malocclusion exists. We also propose that PA has a developmental association with the number and shape of PR.

RESUMEN: Durante el desarrollo, los cambios óseos en el paladar se reflejan en las rugas palatinas. Por lo tanto, planteamos la hipótesis de que las dimensiones palatinas influyen en la forma y el número de las rugas palatinas. Los objetivos fueron registrar las características de las rugas palatinas y las dimensiones palatales (distancia intercanina, distancia intermolar, altura palatina y área palatina) en pacientes con maloclusión de clases I, II y III e investigar su interrelación, y examinar estadísticamente la posibilidad de predecir las características de las rugas palatinas con las dimensiones palatinas. Cuatrocientos ochenta y un estudios pre-ortodónticos de pacientes sanos con anatomía normal del paladar se agruparon como Clases I, II y III y se escanearon con un escáner de emisión 3D. La distancia intercanina, distancia inter molar, altura palatina y área palatina se registraron digitalmente utilizando el software 3D. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la altura palatina y el número de rugas rectas y onduladas. Se registró también la distancia intercanina y el número de rugas rectas. Existe una correlación débil entre las clases de maloclusión y la altura palatina. Las características restantes de las rugas palatinas no mostraron ninguna relación con las dimensiones palatinas. El área palatina está relacionada positivamente con el número de rugas rectas y negativamente relacionada con el número de rugas onduladas. Los paladares más grandes tienen más rugas rectas y menor cantidad de rugas onduladas. Existe una correlación débil entre el área palatina y la clase I de maloclusión de Angle. También proponemos que el área palatina tiene una asociación de desarrollo con el número y la forma de rugas palatinas.

Resumo Objetivo Nosso estudo visou determinar quais espécies de fitoplâncton, como alimento natural, podem ser ingeridas e digeridas pela tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L.). Métodos Durante o estudo, coletamos e analisamos o fitoplâncton nos intestinos de tilápia do Nilo cultivadas em três viveiros de peixes no sul do Egito, durante o período de outubro de 2012 a setembro. 2013. Indivíduos de tilápias foram colocados em aquários contendo água filtrada para detectar espécies de fitoplâncton não digeridas nas fezes. Resultados A maioria do fitoplâncton encontrado no intestino de tilápia do Nilo foi cianobactérias (36-50%) e clorofíceas (27-38%). Outros grupos, como Diatomáceas, Euglenophyta e Dinophyta, também foram encontrados em menores quantidades (<19%). As espécies fitoplanctônicas mais importantes e dominantes encontradas no intestino de tilápia foram as cianobactérias potencialmente tóxicas, Anabaena, Anabaenopsis, Cylindrospermopsis, Microcystis e Planktothrix. Apenas as diatomáceas foram registradas nas fezes, indicando a capacidade da tilápia de digerir todo o fitoplâncton, exceto espécies deste grupo. Conclusão Os dados deste estudo podem ser úteis para a biomanipulação de proliferação de fitoplâncton em ambientes aquicolas eutróficos.

Abstract Aim This study was carried out to determine which phytoplankton species, as a natural food, can be ingested and digested by Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.). Methods During this study, phytoplankton in the gut contents of Nile tilapia collected from three fishponds in southern Egypt were investigated during the period Oct. 2012-Sep. 2013. Samples of tilapia fish were grown in aquarium containing filtered pond water to detect undigested phytoplankton species in the feces. Results The majority of the phytoplankton found in the gut of Nile tilapia was Cyanobacteria (36-50%) and Chlorophyta (27-38%). Other groups such Diatoms, Euglenophyta and Dinophyta were also found but with lower percentages (<19%). The most important and dominant phytoplankton species found in Tilapia gut were the potentially toxic cyanobacteria, Anabaena, Anabaenopsis, Cylindrospermopsis, Microcystis and Planktothrix. Only diatoms were recorded in the feces, indicating the ability of Tilapia to digest all phytoplankton except diatoms. Conclusions The data of this study could be useful for biomanipulation of nuisance phytoplankton blooms in eutrophic aquacultures.

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to compare both the efficacy and safety profile of the WHO-recommended, dual therapy (doxycycline–rifampin) to a quinolone-based, triple therapy (doxycycline–rifampin–levofloxacin) for treating acute/subacute brucellosis. Patients and methods We studied 107 consecutive, naïve patients with acute/subacute brucellosis admitted to Assiut University Hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to receive the dual therapy of doxycycline–rifampin (group-A) or to receive the triple therapy of doxycycline–rifampin–levofloxacin (group-B). Acute/subacute brucellosis was diagnosed based on the presence of: (1) contact with animals or fresh animal products, (2) suggestive clinical manifestations of less than one-year duration, and (3) positive antibody titer (1:160) by standard tube agglutination test. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding their demographic data. Fever was the most frequent manifestation (96.3%). Epigastric pain was the most frequent adverse effect of treatment (12.1%). Group-A patients had a significantly higher relapse rate compared to group-B patients (22.6% versus 9.3%, p-value = 0.01). The rate of treatment adverse effects was higher among group-B patients, although not reaching statistical significance (20.4% versus 11.3%, p-value = 0.059). Conclusions Adding levofloxacin to the dual therapy for acute/subacute brucellosis (doxycycline–rifampin) may increase its efficacy in terms of lowering the relapse rate of the disease. Further, larger scale studies are needed before considering modifying the standard, dual therapy for brucellosis.