Abstract Background Sowing dates and weed management practices could alter several phenological phases of direct seeded rice. However, limited is known about the impacts of these aspects on phenology, thermal efficiencies, and agro-meteorological indices of direct seeded rice. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of sowing dates and weed management strategies on phenology, thermal efficiencies, and agro-meteorological indices of direct seeded rice. Methods Two sowing dates [10th May (early) and 3rd June (late)] and six weed management strategies [i.e., weedy-check, 4-time mechanical weeding (weed-free), bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor as pre-emergence, oxyfluorfen as pre-emergence, bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor as pre-emergence + 2,4-D as post-emergence, and oxyfluorfen as pre-emergence + 2,4-D as post-emergence] were included in the study. Results Early sowing took more days to reach various phenological phases, accumulated higher heat units, and recorded significantly higher thermal efficiencies, and yield than late sowing. Mechanical weeding took more time to complete different developmental stages, hence, accumulated higher heat units and recorded significantly higher thermal-use efficiencies and yield followed by application of bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor as pre-emergence + 2,4-D as post-emergence. Conclusion Earlier sowing with 4 mechanical weedings or successive pre-emergence application of bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor followed by post-emergence application of 2,4-D is recommended for better phenological development and yield of direct seeded rice. rice However phenology agrometeorological agro meteorological 10th th early (early rd (late) i.e., ie i e [i.e. weedycheck, weedycheck weedy check, check weedy-check 4time weedfree, weedfree free , (weed-free) preemergence, preemergence pre emergence, emergence 2,4D 24D D 2,4 2 postemergence, postemergence post stages hence thermaluse use postemergence. emergence. (late i.e. [i.e (weed-free 4D 24 2, i.e

Abstract Background: Many adjuvants are added to prolong the effects of spinal analgesia. We investigated the postoperative analgesic efficacy of the addition of midazolam or fentanyl to intrathe-cal levobupivacaine in women undergoing cesarean delivery. Methods: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 40). Group M received 10 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine plus 2 mg of midazolam. Group F received 10 mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine plus 25 μg of fentanyl. Assessments included motor and sensory block, APGAR score, time to first request for analgesia, postoperative pain score, total consumption of rescue analgesics, and adverse effects. Results: Sensory blockade was prolonged in Group M compared with Group F (215.58 ± 27.94 vs. 199.43 ± 19.77 min; p = 0.004), with no differences in other characteristics of the spinal block in intraoperative hemodynamics or APGAR score. The mean time to first request for rescue analgesia was longer in Group M (351.45 ± 11.05 min) than in Group F (268.83 ± 10.35 min; p = 0.000). The median total consumption of rescue analgesics in the first 24 hours postoperatively was 30 mg in Group M vs. 60 mg in Group F (p = 0.003). The median Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were lower in Group Ethan in Group F from the 8th to the 12th hour postoperatively, with no differences between the groups at other time points. The incidence of adverse effects was higher in Group F than in Group M. Conclusion: Intrathecal midazolam (2 mg) was superior to intrathecal fentanyl (25 μg) in increasing the duration of the sensory blockade and postoperative analgesia with lower postoperative pain scores and decreasing the incidence of adverse effects. Background intrathe cal delivery Methods n 40. 40 . 40) 1 05 0 5 0.5 score Results 215.58 21558 215 58 (215.5 2794 27 94 27.9 vs 19943 199 43 199.4 1977 19 77 19.7 min 0.004, 0004 0.004 , 004 0.004) 351.45 35145 351 45 (351.4 1105 11 11.0 268.83 26883 268 83 (268.8 1035 35 10.3 0.000. 0000 0.000 000 0.000) 3 6 0.003. 0003 0.003 003 0.003) VAS (VAS th points Conclusion ( 4 0. 215.5 2155 21 (215. 279 9 27. 1994 199. 197 7 19. 0.00 00 351.4 3514 (351. 110 11. 268.8 2688 26 8 (268. 103 10. 215. (215 0.0 351. (351 268. (268 (21 (35 (26 (3

Abstract This work investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of lemongrass extract and its effects on rat hepatotoxicity. The lemongrass extract (LGE) contains bioactive components such as phenolic acids, flavonoid components, vitamin C, fibers, and tannins. The LGE had high phenolic content (397 mg/100g) and flavonoids (164 mg/100g), influencing its antioxidant activity of 91.25%. Additionally, it inhibited 81% of breast cancer, also, inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria and Candida at a concentration of 20-40 µg/mL. Additionally, it inhibited SARS-Cov-2 by 75%; however, increasing the activity of Cas-3. Quercetin-3-rhamnoside was the main phenolic compound in the HPLC profile; the phenolic compounds may be attributable to the beneficial effects of LGE. In this study, the CCl4-challenged rats delivered two levels of LGE (100 and 300 mg/kg BW). LGE reduced ALT, AST, creatinine and urea by 50 and 37%, respectively. Generally, LGE mitigated the oxidative stress induced by CCl4, which is evident in the histology of liver and kidney tissues, where significant improvement, with no cytoplasmic degradation in undamaged liver hepatocytes, improved kidney performance and shape. It can be concluded that polyphenolic-rich LGE can mitigate the oxidative stress induced by CCl4 and other parameters while enhancing kidney and liver performance. hepatotoxicity (LGE acids C fibers tannins 397 (39 mg/100g mg100g mgg mg 100g g 164 (16 mg/100g, , 9125 91 25 91.25% Additionally 81 cancer also 2040 20 40 20-4 µgmL µg mL µg/mL SARSCov2 SARSCov SARS Cov 2 SARS-Cov- 75% 75 however Cas3. Cas3 Cas 3. 3 Cas-3 Quercetin3rhamnoside Quercetinrhamnoside Quercetin rhamnoside profile study CCl4challenged CClchallenged challenged CCl 100 (10 30 mgkg kg BW. BW . BW) ALT AST 5 37 37% respectively Generally tissues improvement hepatocytes shape polyphenolicrich polyphenolic rich 39 (3 16 (1 912 9 91.25 8 204 4 20- SARS-Cov 7 Cas- 10 ( 1 91.2 91.

RESUMEN Este estudio analiza los cambios verticales y laterales de las facies al igual que las características petrográficas en una sección de un afloramiento en la formación Shendi del Cretácico Superior, en el área de Musawwarat Naga (Sudán), con el objetivo de interpretar el ambiente deposicional, la procedencia y la configuración tectónica que prevaleció durante la deposición de los sedimentos. Los estudios de campo revelan la presencia de ocho litofacies sedimentarias diferentes. La predominante es la facies de piedra arenisca de cama cruzada (St), que representa el 75 % de la sucesión total. Se reconocieron cuatro elementos arquitectónicos: lechos de arena (SB); relleno de canales (CH), barras y lechos de gravas (GB), y sedimentos finos de aluviales (OF). Además, la media de las direcciones de paleocorrientes fue de 285.3°, lo que sugiere que el área de la fuente está ubicada en el sudeste. La mayoría de las areniscas se clasificaron como cuarzoarenitas con arenitas sublíticas subordinadas. Diagramas ternarios de cuarzo-feldespato-fragmentos líticos (QFL) revelaron que la configuración tectónica está predominantemente en el interior del cratón. Puede sugerirse que los sedimentos provienen del sudeste y están asociados con un ambiente deposicional trenzado, proximal y fluvial. Los resultados de este estudio proveen datos analógicos que podrían ser útiles en la exploración de hidrocarburos. Especificamente, pueden mejorar el conocimiento y predicción de los estilos deposicionales fluvial proximales en los depósitos de la subsuperficie de la cuenca de Shendi-Atbara y cuencas de características similares en Sudán y África.

ABSTRACT This study examines both vertical and lateral facies changes as well as petrographic characteristics of the outcropping section of the Upper Cretaceous Shendi Formation in the Musawwarat-Naga area with a view of interpreting the depositional environment, provenance, and tectonic setting that prevailed during the deposition of the sediments. Field studies revealed the presence of eight different sedimentary lithofacies. The predominant is the trough cross-bedded sandstone facies (St), representing 75% of the total succession. Four architectural elements were recognized: sandy bedforms (SB), channel fill (CH), gravelly bars and bedforms (GB), and overbank fines (OF). Moreover, the mean value of paleocurrent directions was 285.3°, suggesting a southeasterly located source area. The majority of the sandstones were classified as quartz arenites with subordinate sublithic-arenites. Ternary plots of quartz-felds-par-lithic fragments (QFL) revealed that the tectonic setting is predominantly within the interior craton. It can be suggested that the sediments were sourced from the southeast region and associated with a braided, proximal, fluvial depositional environment. The results of this study provide outcrop analog data that might be useful in exploring hydrocarbons. Specifically, it can enhance the understanding and prediction of the proximal fluvial depositional styles in the subsurface deposits in the Shendi-Atbara Basin and similar rift basins in Sudan and Africa.

ABSTRACT Background The relative rarity of synchronous para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis (SPM) and metachronous PALN recurrence (MPR) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients leads to a limited number of studies on patient management, and no treatment guidelines have been established to date. Objective To assess the prognostic, predictive roles, and long-term outcomes of different management strategies for isolated MPR and SPM in CRC patients to establish the best one. Materials and Methods We included 35 CRC patients with isolated MPR and 25 patients with isolated SPM who underwent curative R0 resection. We performed PALN dissection (PALND) in 15 cases in MPR group and in 10 cases in the SPM group; all remaining patients in both groups underwent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) without further surgical intervention. During the study period of about 5 years, we compared the patients who underwent PALND and those who underwent CRT. Results The overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly longer in patients who underwent PALND (p = 0.049 and 0.036 respectively).

Abstract Background There are many surgical approaches which described extent of resection of the colon for adequate surgicalmanagement of splenic flexure cancer, but up till now there is no established surgical procedure, this is because the presence of double lymphatic drainage of themesenteric vessels. Segmental resection of the colon for the management of splenic flexure cancer was a recently accepted surgical procedure. Objective In the present study, we aimed to compare three surgical management techniques to clarify the best management approach of Egyptian patients with splenic flexure cancer regarding operative, clinical, and oncological outcomes: segmental resection, and extended left or right hemicolectomy,. Materials and Methods In the present study, we included 90 patients with splenic flexure cancer. Cases were divided into 3 groups. Each group included 30 patients in order to compare three surgical techniques: segmental resection, extended left hemicolectomy, and extended right hemicolectomy. Results We have found no statistically significant differences between the three included groups regarding operative findings, postoperative complications, local recurrence, distant recurrence, disease progression, recurrence-free survival rate, progression-free survival rate, and overall survival rate. The operative time was longer, and the number of lymph nodes was higher in the extended right hemicolectomy group (p<0.001). Conclusion We have shown that segmental resection of the splenic flexure is surgically and clinically suitable for the adequate management of operable cases of carcinoma of the splenic flexure.

Abstract Two polyurethane foam-based sorbents (PUF) were synthesized by imprinting and grafting techniques and examined for selective separation and preconcentration of caffeine (CAF) in some pharmaceutical products and in black tea. Molecularly imprinted PUF was synthesized based on hydrogen-bonding interactions between CAF and alizarin yellow G (AYG) and subsequent polymerization into PUF. The static experiments indicated optimum sorption conditions at pH=6.5 and 5.5 for imprinted PUF (AY-IPUF) and grafted PUF (AY-GPUF), respectively. In the online experiments, the suitable preconcentration time was found to be 40 and 20s for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively, at a flow rate of 1.75 mL.min-1. Desorption of CAF has been affected by passing 500 μL of 0.05, 0.01 mol.L−1 HCl eluent onto (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The online methods have provided satisfactory enrichment factors of 8.4 and 10.5 for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The time consumed for preconcentartion, elution and determination steps was 1.48 and 1.05 min, thus, the throughput was 42 and 57 h-1, for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The developed sorbents were studied for the determination of CAF in pharmaceutical samples which will be helpful to minimize caffeinism. Finally, in silico bioactivity, ADMET and drug-likeness predictive computational studies of caffeine were also carried out.

BACKGROUND: Identifying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine acceptance and associated factors among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Middle East and North Africa region is important to meet the need for broad-scale vaccination against COVID-19 OBJECTIVES: To investigate the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate and factors among PLHIV in the Middle East and North Africa region METHOD: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among PLHIV currently living in Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia between March 2021 and August 2021 RESULTS: Of the 540 respondents, 19.3% reported already being vaccinated against COVID-19 (n = 104), 32.0% responded 'definitely yes' (n = 173), and 13.3% responded 'probably yes' (n = 72) for intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, with an overall COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate of 64.6% among PLHIV in the region. The most significant predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance included feeling less worried about COVID-19 transmission post-vaccination (221.0% higher odds), and believing the disease is vaccine-preventable (160.0% higher odds). Reported barriers to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance include concerns about vaccine effectiveness and belief that HIV medications protect against COVID-19 transmission, living in a rural area and reporting less-frequent engagement with HIV care. Nine out of 10 participants reported that the chances of them getting COVID-19 vaccine would increase if given adequate information and if their doctor recommended it CONCLUSION: Findings of the study can help researchers, health officials, and other health system actors understand the predictors and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance reported by PLHIV. This understanding could inform the future planning of interventions tailored to PLHIV

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to elucidate the optimum protocol timing of thermal manipulation (TM) during embryogenesis, which underline genetic improvement of muscle thermotolerance acquisition. For the present study, 1,440 fertile eggs were divided randomly and equally into control (37.8 °C with 56% relative humidity) and four thermally manipulated groups (TM1, TM2, TM3, and TM4) subjected to 39 °C for 18 h with 65% relative humidity daily during different embryonic periods. Then, at day 35 post-hatch, all groups were subjected to thermal challenge at 43 °C for 6 h to identify the level of thermotolerance acquisition differences between them. Hsp70 mRNA expression was evaluated by using a relative quantitatively RT-qPCR. Single nucleotide polymorphisms sequence of the Hsp70 gene was evaluated by Sanger's sequencing method. Pectoral and thigh muscles samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect Hsp70. Among TM conditions that were investigated, TM1 (39 °C for 18 h during embryonic days (ED) 7–11) induced a significant improvement in thermotolerance parameters (body temperature and T3 levels) during thermal challenge combined with an increase in the levels of Hsp70 mRNA and its protein with a high stability of nucleotide sequences in both pectoral and thigh muscles. The partial DNA sequence of Hsp70 gene in TM1 was reported, and nucleotide sequences were deposited in NCBI GenBank database with the accession numbers (MK852579) and (MK852580). Thigh muscle thermotolerance acquisition was higher than pectoral muscle during thermal challenge at 43 °C for 6 h. Thus, TM during ED7–11 may improve thermotolerance acquisition without adversely affecting performance.

SUMMARY: A scientific determination of fertilization ability of the sperm can be made by motility, viability and morphological examinations that are called as potential fertility criteria. Some previous studies documented only the total morphological defect rates without including the morphologic subjects. As it is recorded in many studies, the success of IUI, ICSI and IVF depends mainly on the quality of the collected semen. 1) Determine and classify the common morphological defects and rates of sperms. 2) Analyze the effect of age on the sperm abnormalities and to assess the impact of environment on changing normal sperm characteristics. 3) Determine the common types of semen abnormalities (Asthenoterato-zoospermia, Asthenozoospermia, Azoopyospermia, Azoospermia, Hypospermia, Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, Oligoasthenozoopyospermia, Oligoasthenozoospermia and Teratozoospermia). 4) Determine the range of teratozoospermic index (TZI) and sperm deformity index (SDI). A prospective case series study for 566 men of infertile couples who were requesting semen analysis was applied to those came to the ULTRALAB laboratory center main campus and ULTRALAB branch of the Sudan Assisted Reproduction Center (SARC), Khartoum, Sudan. Data collection was done for 20 months from April 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2011. analysis of semen samples was done using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). 1) The study demonstrates that there are differences in normality and abnormality of sperm morphology parameters of sperm between Sudanese population and other studies including WHO standards. 2) SDI and TZI were higher in overall semen as well as in abnormal semen samples. 3) Common semen abnormalities were oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. There are differences in sperm morphology of both normal and abnormal parameters between Sudanese population and other studies including WHO standards.

RESUMEN: Se realizó una determinación científica de la capacidad de fertilización de los espermatozoides mediante motilidad, viabilidad y exámenes morfológicos denominados criterios de fertilidad potencial. Algunos estudios previos documentan solamente el total de las tasas de defectos morfológicos sin incluir a los sujetos morfológicos. Como se registra en muchos estudios, el éxito de IUI, ICSI y FIV depende principalmente de la calidad del semen recolectado. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: 1) Determinar y clasificar los defectos morfológicos comunes y las tasas de espermatozoides; 2) Analizar el efecto de la edad en las anomalías de los espermatozoides y evaluar el impacto del medio ambiente en el cambio de las características normales de los espermatozoides; 3) Determinar los tipos comunes de anomalías en el semen (astenoterato-zoospermia, astenozoospermia, azoopiepermia, azoospermia, hipospermia, oligoastenoteratozoospermia, oligoastenozoopermia, oligoastenozoospermia y teratozoospermia); 4) Determinar el rango del índice teratozoospérmico (TZI) y el índice de deformidad del esperma (IDE). Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de series de casos en 566 hombres, de parejas infértiles, que solicitaban análisis de semen en laboratorios ULTRALAB y la sucursal de ULTRALAB del Centro de Reproducción Asistida de Sudán (SARC), Jartum, Sudán. La recolección de datos se realizó durante 20 meses, desde el 1 de abril de 2010 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2011. El análisis de las muestras de semen se realizó mediante el análisis de semen asistido por computadora (CASA). Existen diferencias en la normalidad y anormalidad de los parámetros de la morfología de los espermatozoides entre la población sudanesa y otros estudios, incluidas las normas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los parámetros SDI y TZI fueron más altos en el semen general, así como en muestras de semen anormales. Las anomalías comunes del semen fueron oligoastenatoatoospermia, astenoteratozoospermia y astenozoospermia. Existen diferencias en la morfología de los espermatozoides de los parámetros normales y anormales entre la población sudanesa y otros estudios que incluyen las normas de la Organización Mundial de la Salud.

ABSTRACT Fifty-seven multiparous Awassi ewes in the breeding season were used to compare the effects of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) reuse on hormone profiles, reproductive performance, and economic production. Ewes were randomly allotted to one of three CIDR treatments: new (control), once-used, and twice-used; treatment lasted 12 days. Blood samples were collected from all groups at the time of CIDR insertion, three and six days following insertion, at withdrawal time, and at insemination. Serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured. Timed insemination was performed 48 h post CIDR withdrawal in all groups. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography at day 23 post insemination. No significant differences were detected among groups in pregnancy rate/ewes in heat, twinning rate, fecundity, abortion rate, and prolificacy. However, estrus detection rate was significantly higher in control (100%) than in other groups. The P4 concentration was significantly higher in control than in other groups during treatment period; at insemination, P4 concentration was significantly higher in control than in other groups; at insemination time, E2 concentration was significantly higher in control than in the other groups; and the net profit was higher in once-used than in other groups. One-time reuse of CIDR for the long term (12 days) can synchronize estrus in ewes efficiently with higher net profit than the new or twice-used CIDR.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar os níveis de chumbo no sangue (NCSs) em crianças em idade escolar em duas áreas do Egito para entender a atual exposição à poluição por chumbo e seus fatores de risco, para melhorar as políticas de prevenção. Indivíduos e método: Este foi um estudo transversal em crianças (400) entre 6-12 anos recrutadas de duas áreas no Egito (industrial e urbana). Os NCSs foram medidos por um método de absorção atômica. Foram obtidos questionários detalhados sobre as fontes de exposição ao chumbo e o histórico de desempenho escolar e quaisquer alterações comportamentais. Resultados: O NCS na área urbana do Egito (Dokki) foi de 5,45 ± 3,90 µg/dL, ao passo que na área industrial (Helwan) foi de 10,37 ± 7,94 µg/dL, com uma diferença significativa entre ambas as áreas (p < 0,05). Na área de Dokki, 20% do grupo estudado apresentaram NCSs ≥10 µg/dL, ao passo que na área de Helwan foi 42%. Foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre as crianças com comportamento anormal e aquelas com palidez com NCS ≥ 10 µg/dL, em comparação com aquelas com NCS < 10 µg/dL (p < 0,05). Aquelas que moram na área de Helwan, aquelas com hábitos de saúde ruins e aquelas que moram em moradias com maior exposição estiveram significativamente em alto risco de apresentar NCS ≥ 10 µg/dL. Conclusão: O chumbo ainda é um problema de saúde pública no Egito. Altos NCSs foram significativamente associados a hábitos de saúde ruins e moradia com maior exposição, bem como comportamento anormal e palidez.

Abstract Objective: To investigate blood lead levels in schoolchildren in two areas of Egypt to understand the current lead pollution exposure and its risk factors, aiming to improve prevention politicies. Subjects and method: This was a cross-sectional study in children (n = 400) aged 6-12 years recruited from two areas in Egypt (industrial and urban). Blood lead levels were measured using an atomic absorption method. Detailed questionnaires on sources of lead exposure and history of school performance and any behavioral changes were obtained. Results: The mean blood lead level in the urban area of Egypt (Dokki) was 5.45 ± 3.90 µg/dL, while that in the industrial area (Helwan) was 10.37 ± 7.94 µg/dL, with a statistically significant difference between both areas (p < 0.05). In Dokki, 20% of the studied group had blood lead levels ≥ 10 µg/dL, versus 42% of those in Helwan. A significant association was found between children with abnormal behavior and those with pallor with blood lead level ≥ 10 µg/dL, when compared with those with blood lead level < 10 µg/dL (p < 0.05). Those living in Helwan area, those with bad health habits, and those living in housing with increased exposure were at a statistically significantly higher risk of having blood lead level ≥ 10 µg/dL. Conclusion: Lead remains a public health problem in Egypt. High blood lead levels were significantly associated with bad health habits and housing with increased exposure, as well as abnormal behavior and pallor.

3-Methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone condensed with some selected aldehydes to give the corresponding Schiff bases. Cyclizing the obtained Schiff base derivatives with thioglycolic acid afforded the respective thiazolylideneaminothiazolidenones. Condensation of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone with ethyl cyanoacetate yielded a mixture of the bishydrazine and the cyanoacetohydrazide derivatives. Meanwhile, its condensation with ethyl acetoacetate produced a mixture of the monoketone and the β-diketone derivatives. Besides, the reaction of the starting hydrazone with malononitrile afforded a mixture of the cyanomethylylidene and cyanomethyl hydrazone derivatives beside the bishydrazine derivative. Elementary and spectroscopic measurements were in good accord with the structures postulated for the new compounds. The antitumor activities of certain selected new compounds were screened, in vitro, against a panel of four (liver, HepG2; breast, MCF-7; lung, A549; and colon; HCT116) human solid tumor cell lines. The cells that showed better activity were HepG2 and MCF-7. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) was also discussed.

Physiological studies were conducted to determine the optimum cultural conditions for maximal carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) formation by Aspergillus terreus DSM 826. Shaking condition at 150 rpm is favorable for the production of CMCase from rice straw and sugar cane bagasse. The highest enzyme yield was obtained at the third day of incubation at 30ºC for both cases; however CMCase formation occurred at a broad range of pH values, with maximal formation of A. terreus DSM 826 CMCase at pH 4.5 and 5.0 when rice straw and sugar cane bagasse were used as sole carbon source, respectively. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was found to be a good inducer for CMCase formation in both agricultural wastes with CMC concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 % (w/v) in case of rice straw and sugar cane bagasse, respectively. High level of enzyme formation was obtained with the addition of ammonium chloride as nitrogen source in both cases and at a concentration of 0.4 % (v/v Tween-80) as an addition to medium containing rice straw. However this addition did not influence the production of CMCase in case of using sugar cane bagasse as carbon source.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the contraceptive effectiveness of condoms versus oral contraceptive pills and estimate the reproductive consequences of a major shift from pill to condom use. METHODS: Secondary analysis was performed on nationally representative cross-sectional surveys of women in 16 developing countries. FINDINGS: In the 16 countries, the median per cent of married couples currently using condoms was 2%, compared with 13% for the pill. Condom users reported a higher 12-month failure and higher method-related discontinuation rates than pill users (9% and 44% vs 6% and 30%, respectively). Condom users were more likely to report subsequent abortion following failure (21% vs 14%), and also more likely to switch rapidly to another method (76% vs 58%). The reproductive consequences, in terms of abortion and unwanted births, of a hypothetical reversal of the relative prevalence of condom and pill were estimated to be minor. The main reason for this unexpected result is that the majority of abortions and unwanted births arise from non-use of any contraceptive method. CONCLUSION: A massive shift from the more effective oral contraceptive pills to the less effective condom would not jeopardize policy goals of reducing abortions and unwanted births. However, such a shift would potentially have an added benefit of preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, especially in countries with generalized HIV epidemics.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia del preservativo en comparación con los anticonceptivos orales y estimar las consecuencias reproductivas de una sustitución masiva de la píldora por el preservativo. MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un análisis secundario sobre encuestas transversales nacionalmente representativas de mujeres en 16 países en desarrollo. RESULTADOS: En los 16 países estudiados, el porcentaje mediano de parejas casadas que usaban a la sazón el preservativo era del 2%, frente a un 13% para la píldora. Las usuarias de preservativos refirieron mayores índices de fracaso en 12 meses y mayores tasas de interrupción relacionadas con el método que las usuarias de la píldora (9% y 44%, frente a 6% y 30%, respectivamente). Entre las usuarias de preservativos se dio con más frecuencia el recurso al aborto en caso de fracaso del método (21% frente a 14%), así como la decisión de cambiar rápidamente de método (76% frente a 58%). Se estimó que las consecuencias reproductivas, en términos de abortos y nacimientos no deseados, de una hipotética inversión de la prevalencia relativa del preservativo y la píldora serían escasas. La razón principal de este resultado inesperado es que la mayoría de los abortos y los nacimientos no deseados se deben a que no se ha utilizado ningún método anticonceptivo. CONCLUSIÓN: Un desplazamiento masivo de la píldora anticonceptiva oral, más eficaz, al condón, menos eficaz, no pondría en peligro las metas de política de reducir los abortos y los nacimientos no deseados. Sin embargo, dicho cambio puede conllevar como beneficio añadido la prevención de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), especialmente en los países con epidemia generalizada de VIH.

OBJECTIF: Evaluer l'efficacité contraceptive du préservatif par rapport à la pilule et déterminer les conséquences qu'aurait sur le plan génésique l'abandon généralisé de la pilule au profit du préservatif. MÉTHODES: On a procédé à l'analyse secondaire d'enquêtes transversales nationalement représentatives faites parmi des femmes de 16 pays en développement. RÉSULTATS: Dans les 16 pays, le pourcentage médian de couples mariés qui utilisent le préservatif était de 2 %, contre 13 % pour la pilule. Les couples utilisant le préservatif ont signalé un taux d'échec plus élevé sur 12 mois et un taux d'arrêt de la méthode plus élevé que ceux qui utilisaient la pilule (9 % et 44 % contre 6 % et 30 %, respectivement). Chez les couples qui utilisaient le préservatif, la probabilité d'un avortement après un échec contraceptif était plus forte (21 % contre 14 %), de même que la probabilité du passage rapide à une autre méthode (76 % contre 58 %). Dans l'hypothèse d'un inversement de la prévalence relative du préservatif et de la pilule, les conséquences sur le plan génésique, qu'il s'agisse d'avortements ou de grossesses non désirées, ont été jugées mineures. Ce résultat inattendu s'explique essentiellement par le fait que la majorité des avortements et des grossesses non désirées résulte de la non-utilisation d'une méthode contraceptive, quelle qu'elle soit. CONCLUSION: L'abandon généralisé de la pilule contraceptive, très efficace, au profit du préservatif, qui l'est moins, ne compromettrait pas les buts fixés en matière de réduction des avortements et des grossesses non désirées. Cependant, une telle évolution pourrait avoir pour avantage supplémentaire de prévenir les cas d'infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH), particulièrement dans les pays où l'infection à VIH a pris des proportions épidémiques.