Establishment a protocol for total RNA isolation from buffalo fresh and frozen semen for molecular applications.

To date, there is no an established protocol for total RNA isolation in Egyptian buffalo spermatozoa. The present study aimed (I) to establish a defined protocol for total RNA isolation from fresh and frozen spermatozoa, (II) to evaluate RNA quality and quantity from different extraction methods and studying gene expression. Warm and standard room temperature modified QIAzol Lysis Reagents were used for total RNA extraction. The quality and quantity of extracted RNA were checked, and subsequently qRT-PCR was performed using androgen receptor-like and three reference gene primers (GAPDH, ACTB and 18S). The warm modified QIAzol Lysis Reagents resulted higher yield of good quality RNA from fresh (569.54 ± 18.83 ng/µl) and frozen spermatozoa (110.59 ± 4.43 ng/µl), compared to standard room temperature modified QIAzol (421.26 ± 7.18 ng/µl) and (29.07 ± 5.25 ng/µl), for fresh and frozen semen samples respectively. The 260/280 ratio was 1.90 and 1.89 for fresh and frozen isolated semen by warm method respectively. The integrity of RNA was good and appeared as a sharp band on 2% agarose gel. The most stable reference gene was 18S. Reliable extraction method of high quality RNA yield could be a step forward for understanding mechanisms of spermatogenesis for improving male fertility.

Short communication - Comparative study on peste des petits ruminants seroconversion level in sheep in Sudan.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is endemic to Sudan. It is considered as a priority disease in the list of transboundary animal diseases (TADs). The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the detection of PPR antibodies by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) in naturally infected or vaccinated sheep. Sera were collected from 3,186 sheep from flocks located in six states of Sudan and additionally 100 sheep were vaccinated with a PPR homologous vaccine (produced locally) in a quarantine station. The percentages of PPR antibody-positive sera from the field varied between 72% and 100%, according to state. All sheep vaccinated in the quarantine station were PPR-seropositive. This study shows, first, that the percentages of PPR-seropositive animals were all very high, whether naturally infected or vaccinated. It also shows the reliability of the cELISA test used in this study.

La peste des petits ruminants (PPR) est présente au Soudan à l'état endémique. Elle est considérée comme une maladie prioritaire parmi celles de la liste des maladies animales transfrontalières (TAD). Les auteurs présentent une étude visant à évaluer la fiabilité d'une épreuve immuno-enzymatique de compétition (cELISA) pour la détection d'anticorps dirigés contre le virus de la PPR chez des ovins infectés naturellement ou vaccinés. Des échantillons sériques ont été prélevés sur 3 186 ovins provenant de troupeaux de six provinces du Soudan ; en outre, 100 ovins ont été vaccinés contre le virus de la PPR dans une station de quarantaine en utilisant un vaccin homologue (produit localement). Le pourcentage de sérums de terrain dans lesquels des anticorps dirigés contre le virus de la PPR ont été détectés variait de 72 % à 100 % suivant les provinces. Tous les ovins vaccinés dans la station de quarantaine ont donné un résultat positif au test sérologique. Cette étude a révélé un pourcentage très élevé d'animaux possédant des anticorps contre la PPR, tant chez les animaux infectés naturellement que chez les animaux vaccinés. Elle a également démontré la fiabilité de l'épreuve cELISA utilisée dans l'étude.

La peste de los pequeños rumiantes (PPR), endémica en el Sudán, tiene consideración de enfermedad prioritaria en la lista de enfermedades animales transfronterizas. Los autores describen un estudio encaminado a evaluar la fiabilidad del ensayo enzimoinmunoanálisis de competición (ELISAc) como método de detección de anticuerpos contra el virus de la PPR en ovejas vacunadas o infectadas por vía natural. En primer lugar, se obtuvieron muestras de suero de 3.186 ejemplares de rebaños ovinos situados en seis estados sudaneses y se administró a otras 100 ovejas una vacuna anti-PPR homóloga (de producción local) en un centro de cuarentena. Después se determinó el porcentaje de sueros positivos (con anticuerpos) de entre las muestras obtenidas sobre el terreno, que oscilaba entre un 72% y un 100%, según el estado. Todas las ovejas vacunadas en el centro de cuarentena fueron seropositivas. El estudio mostró, en primer lugar, que los porcentajes de animales seropositivos eran siempre muy altos, ya se tratara de ovejas vacunadas o de animales infectados por vía natural. Asimismo, puso de manifiesto la fiabilidad de la técnica de ELISAc empleada en el estudio.

Synthesis of recyclable carbon/lignin biocomposite sorbent for in-situ uptake of BTX contaminants from wastewater.

In this work, both palm-date pits and pulping black liquor industrial wastes were recycled as low-cost starting materials for the production of three series of granule activated carbon (gAC)/Kraft lignin (KL) (gAC/KLx, x = 33, 50 and 67%) biocomposites using a one-pot solid-state method. The gAC/KLx biocomposites with defined characteristics were examined towards batch adsorption of BTX (Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene) in multi-solute salty wastewaters. Optimization of adsorption performances under different experimental conditions were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Adsorption modeling versus contact time (0-12 h) and BTX concentrations (150-2250 mg/L) were examined using non-linear forms of nine kinetic and five isotherm equations to best understand gAC/KL0.5 suitability for BTX sorption/recovery processing. Accordingly, the gAC/KLx at KL blended ratio of 50% was found to be the topmost to achieve the highest BTX capacity even at broad ranges of water salinity (0-100 g/L) and pH (3-9) values. The adsorption mechanism found to best described by physico-sorption (E ≈ 0.12-1.38 kJ/mol) via the hydrophobic interaction and diffusion mechanisms. In respect to gAC/KL0.5 affinities, the sorption capacity followed the descending sequence of X ≥ T > B. Particularly, the maximum theoretical BTX capacity using the best fitted Langmuir-Freundlich model (L-FM) for gAC/KL0.5 was found to be slightly higher than obtained by gAC (363.9 and 360.1 mg/g, respectively), along with higher initial sorption (h) rate (≈742.47 mg/g.h) than of gAC (≈559.85 mg/g.h) and KL (≈22.22 mg/g.h). Batch BTX sorption/recovery processes and estimated cost suggested the effective utilization of gAC/KL0.5 as a promising in-expensive sorbent (0.31 ±â€¯0.05 US$/kg) for commercial decontamination of petroleum hazardous (BTX) pollutants from wastewaters up to five reuse cycles.

Fabrication and Characterization of Microcellular Polyurethane Sisal Biocomposites.

In this study, microcellular polyurethane (PU)-natural fiber (NF) biocomposites were fabricated. Polyurethanes based on castor oil and PMDI were synthesized with varying volume ratios of sisal fiber. The effect of natural fiber treatment using water and alkaline solution (1.5% NaOH) and load effect were investigated. Biocomposites were mechanically and physically investigated using tensile, viscoelasticity, and water absorption tests. The interfacial adhesion between PU and sisal fiber was studied using SEM. Short NF loads (3%) showed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the PU-sisal composite such as modulus of elasticity, yield and tensile strength up to 133%, 14.35 % and 36.7% respectively. Viscoelastic measurements showed that the composites exhibit an elastic trend as the real compliance (J') values were higher than those of the imaginary compliance (J''). Increasing NF loads resulted in a decrease of J'. Applying variable temperatures (120-80 °C) caused an increase in the stiffness at different frequencies.

A Model to Identify Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The severe depletion of muscle mass at the third lumbar vertebral level (sarcopenia) is a marker of malnutrition and is independently associated with mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Instead of monitoring sarcopenia by cross-sectional imaging, we investigated whether ultrasound-based measurements of peripheral muscle mass, measures of muscle function, along with nutritional factors, are associated with severe loss of muscle mass. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of 159 outpatients with cirrhosis (56% male; mean age, 58 ± 10 years; mean model for end-stage liver disease score, 10 ± 3; 60% Child-Pugh class A) evaluated at the Cirrhosis Care Clinic at the University of Alberta Hospital from March 2011 through September 2012. Lumbar skeletal muscle indices were determined by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. We collected clinical data and data on patients' body composition, nutrition, and thigh muscle thickness (using ultrasound analysis). We also measured mid-arm muscle circumference, mid-arm circumference, hand grip, body mass index, and serum level of albumin; patients were evaluated using the subjective global assessment scale. Findings from these analyses were compared with those from cross-sectional imaging, for each sex, using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Based on cross-sectional imaging analysis, 43% of patients had sarcopenia (57% of men and 25% of women). Results from the subjective global assessment, serum level of albumin, and most nutritional factors were significantly associated with sarcopenia. We used multivariate analysis to develop a model to identify patients with sarcopenia, and developed a nomogram based on body mass index and thigh muscle thickness for patients of each sex. Our model identified men with sarcopenia with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.78 and women with sarcopenia with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.89. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective study of patients with cirrhosis, we found that the combination of body mass index and thigh muscle thickness (measured by ultrasound) can identify male and female patients with sarcopenia almost as well as cross-sectional imaging (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.78 and 0.89, respectively). These factors might be used in screening and routine nutritional monitoring of patients with cirrhosis.

Sarcocystis chloropusae (protozoa: Sarcocystidae) n. sp. from the common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) from Egypt.

A new name Sarcocystis chloropusae is proposed for a parasite previously found in two of 25 common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) from Brolos Lake, Egypt. Sarcocysts were microscopic, up to 650 µm long, the cyst wall was up to 4.5 µm thick, and contained villar protrusions that were up to 4 µm long and up to 2 µm wide. The villar protrusions were crowded, contained vesicles but lacked microtubules. The ground substance layer was smooth. The bradyzoites were up to 12 µm long and up to 2 µm wide. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the (ITS-1) supported the conclusion that the Sarcocystis in G. chloropus is a distinct species.

Molecular signalling of a novel curcumin derivative versus Tadalafil in erectile dysfunction.

The efficacy of a novel curcumin derivative (NCD) versus tadalafil in erectile signalling was assessed. Ten control male rats and 50 diabetic male rats were used and divided into the following: diabetic (DM), curcumin (CURC), NCD, tadalafil and NCD combined with tadalafil rat groups. Cavernous tissue gene expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Nrf2, NF-B and p38, enzyme activities of heme oxygenase (HO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cGMP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed. Results showed that 12 weeks after induction of diabetes, erectile dysfunction (ED) was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP/MAP, a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzyme activities, a significant decrease in HO-1 gene and a significant increase in NF-Ò ß, p38 genes. Administration of all therapeutic interventions led to a significant increase in ICP/MAP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in HO-1, and Nrf2 gene expression, and a significant decrease in NF-Ò ß, p38 gene expression. NCD or its combination with tadalafil showed significant superiority and more prolonged duration of action. In conclusion, a tendency was observed that CURC and NCD have high efficacy and more prolonged duration of action in enhancing erectile function.

Validation of the five-variable Model for End-stage Liver Disease (5vMELD) for prediction of mortality on the liver transplant waiting list.

BACKGROUND: Modifications to the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) have been proposed to improve prioritization of liver transplant (LT) candidates. Using a U.S. database, we derived a revised MELD including sodium and albumin [5-variable MELD (5vMELD)] that improved prediction of waiting list mortality. Our objectives were to confirm the association between hypoalbuminaemia and mortality and to externally validate 5vMELD in Canadian LT candidates. METHODS: Among adults registered on the LT waiting list at the University of Alberta (01/2000-10/2009), Cox regression determined the association between albumin and 1-year waiting list mortality. The discrimination of MELD, MELDNa and 5vMELD for predicting 1-year mortality were compared using c-statistics. RESULTS: Among 677 patients, 17% died and 51% underwent LT within 1 year of listing. Median serum albumin was 3.1 g/dl (IQR 2.6-3.6) and 70% of patients were hypoalbuminaemic (albumin <3.5 g/dl). One-year mortality in patients with normal serum albumin and hypoalbuminaemia were 14% and 29% respectively (P = 0.004). For patients with serum albumin between 2.0 and 4.0 g/dl, an approximately linear, inverse relationship was observed between albumin and 1-year mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.45; 95% CI 1.03-2.03; P = 0.03]. For this outcome, the c-statistic of 5vMELD (0.778) was superior to those of MELD (0.754) and MELDNa (0.765) (both P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminaemia is an independent predictor of mortality on the LT waiting list. Compared with MELD and MELDNa, 5vMELD improves prediction of mortality suggesting that modification of these scores to include serum albumin should be considered as a means of prioritizing LT candidates.

New record of Philometra species from the marine edible fish Terapon jarbua collected from the Sindh, Arabian Sea, Pakistan.

Diseases in fish due to helminth parasites, especially Philometra species, are the primary worry in aquaculture. Philometra are responsible for health problem in fishes they directly affect fish growth and population parameters. A comprehensive survey was conducted involving the examination of the marine fish species Terapon jarbua, gathered from the coastal waters of Sindh, Pakistan In this research different Philometra species from marine fish Terapon jarbua during 2021 and 2022. Philometra nematodes, belonging to the family Philometridae, are common parasitic organisms inhabiting both marine and freshwater environments. Their prevalence, particularly when existing in high numbers within host organisms, can lead to severe and potentially lethal consequences. Employing light microscopy techniques, diverse species of Philometra were identified, including Philometra teraponi, P. jarbuai, P. arabiai, P. karachii, and P. awarii, localized primarily within the ovaries of the host fish. A total of 140 fish samples were examined and 76 were infected. The intensity of infected fish was 54.28%. The identification process encompassed meticulous analysis of crucial parameters, such as body size, esophagus length, positioning of the nerve ring, dimensions of the ventriculus, and ligament size. Intriguingly, the parasites were found in varying contexts; while some were free within the ovaries, others were embedded within tissues, inducing severe muscular dystrophy. This research presents novel findings of Philometra nematodes in the marine waters of Pakistan, extending their host and geographical distribution records. Future studies are needed to better evaluate and describe the dynamics and the epidemiology of Philometra infection in wild and cultured fish species.

B-cell depletion with rituximab in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis refractory to ursodeoxycholic acid.

OBJECTIVES: Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that selectively depletes B cells, has shown promise in autoantibody-associated, immune-mediated disorders. As ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is not successful in all patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), additional treatment options are necessary. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of rituximab in patients with PBC refractory to UDCA. METHODS: Fourteen PBC patients refractory to UDCA received two rituximab infusions (1,000 mg) 2 weeks apart. The primary efficacy outcome was normalization and/or 25% improvement in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration at 6 months. RESULTS: The median age was 53 years, and 92% were female and antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) positive. The median UDCA dosage was 15.3 mg/kg/day (interquartile range 14.5-17.8). Although rituximab was well tolerated, one patient withdrew due to an asthma exacerbation during the first infusion. Effective B-cell depletion was observed in the remaining 13 patients, including three that developed human anti-chimeric antibodies. ALP normalization and/or ≥ 25% improvement was observed in three patients (23%) at 6, 12, and 18 months. Significant reductions in median ALP (from 259 U/l at baseline to 213 U/l at 6 months; median decrease 16%), and serum IgM and AMA levels were observed at 6 months. Although fatigue was stable, pruritus improved in 60% of patients at 12 months (vs. 8% with worsening pruritus). CONCLUSIONS: Selective B-cell depletion with rituximab was safe and associated with a significant decrease in autoantibody production, but had limited biochemical efficacy in PBC patients with an incomplete response to UDCA.

Survival after hepatic resection: impact of surgeon training on long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND: Mortality for liver resection has remarkably improved owing to multiple factors. We sought to determine the impact of the various types of fellowship training on patient survival after liver resection. METHODS: Patients who underwent hepatic resection between 1995 and 2004 in either the Calgary or Capital health regions (Edmonton) of Alberta, Canada, were identified using ICD-9 and -10 codes. Primary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and patient survival according to surgeon volume and training type (surgical oncology v. hepatobiliary v. others). RESULTS: A total of 1033 patients underwent hepatic resection. Surgeon volume was not predictive of either in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-1.20) or patient survival (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.82-1.51). Nonsignificance was also demonstrated for a surgeon's type of fellowship training. CONCLUSION: The various modes of fellowship training do not appear to influence inhospital mortality or patient survival after hepatic resection.

CONTEXTE: Le taux de mortalité dans les cas de résection du foie a diminué considérablement à cause de multiples facteurs. Nous avons cherché à déterminer l'effet des divers types de formation au niveau du fellowship sur la survie des patients après une résection du foie. MÉTHODES: Les patients qui ont subi une résection hépatique entre 1995 et 2004 dans les régions sanitaires de Calgary ou de la Capitale (Edmonton) de l'Alberta, au Canada, ont été identifiés au moyen des codes CIM-9 et 10. La mortalité à l'hôpital et la survie des patients selon le volume de patients traités par le chirurgien et le type de la formation (oncologie chirurgicale c. hépatobiliaire c. autres) ont constitué les principales mesures de résultats. RÉSULTANTS: Au total, 1033 patients ont subi une résection hépatique. Le volume de patients traités par le chirurgien n'était pas un prédicteur de mortalité à l'hôpital (rapport de cotes rajusté, 0,63, intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % 0,32­1,20) ni de survie du patient (rapport de risque non rajusté, 1,11, IC à 95 % 0,82­1,51). On a aussi démontré la non importance de la formation au niveau du fellowship selon le type de chirurgien. CONCLUSIONS: Les divers modes de formation au niveau du fellowship ne semblent pas avoir d'effet sur la mortalité à l'hôpital ou la survie des patients après une résection hépatique.

Polymeric Solar Cell with 19.69% Efficiency Based on Poly(o-phenylene diamine)/TiO2 Composites.

Conducting poly orthophenylene diamine polymer (PoPDA) was synthesized via the oxidative polymerization route. A poly(o-phenylene diamine) (PoPDA)/titanium dioxide nanoparticle mono nanocomposite [PoPDA/TiO2]MNC was synthesized using the sol-gel method. The physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique was successfully used to deposit the mono nanocomposite thin film with good adhesion and film thickness ≅ 100 ± 3 nm. The structural and morphological properties of the [PoPDA/TiO2]MNC thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The measured optical properties of the [PoPDA/TiO2]MNC thin films such as reflectance (R) in the UV-Vis-NIR spectrum, absorbance (Abs), and transmittance (T) were employed to probe the optical characteristics at room temperatures. As well as the calculations of TD-DFT (time-dependent density functional theory), optimization through the TD-DFTD/Mol3 and Cambridge Serial Total Energy Bundle (TD-DFT/CASTEP) was employed to study the geometrical characteristics. The dispersion of the refractive index was examined by the single oscillator Wemple-DiDomenico (WD) model. Moreover, the single oscillator energy (Eo), and the dispersion energy (Ed) were estimated. The obtained results show that thin films based on [PoPDA/TiO2]MNC can be utilized as a decent candidate material for solar cells and optoelectronic devices. The efficiency of the considered composites reached 19.69%.

Circulating microRNAs as novel biomarkers for measuring the potency of ginger extract against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rat renal tissues: molecular and histopathological study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore underlying molecular variations in the expression of miRNAs in kidney tissues of ginger-treated and non-treated cyclophosphamide (CP)-intoxicated rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:   A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each: Group I (control: received normal food and water), Group II (received ginger at a dose of 300 mg/kg), Group III (received CP 75 mg/kg, i.p.), and Group IV (received the same dose of CP and ginger extract).  Rats received a single injection of 75 mg/kg CP on days 3, 4, 5, 19, 20, and 21. In CP-intoxicated rats, the treatment with ginger extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg was received by oral gavage starting seven days before CP and continuing throughout the duration of the experiment for four weeks. Molecular variations in the expression of miRNAs, apoptotic genes, histological kidney damage, and abnormal kidney function in control, ginger, and CP-intoxicated rats were identified by using real-time RT-PCR Analysis, immunohistochemical, and colorimetric assays. In addition, HPLC analysis and liquid chromatography spectrophotometry analysis using Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, and Β-Carotene-linoleic acid reagents were applied respectively for in-vitro screening of phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity for ginger extract. RESULTS: The kidney tissues of CP-intoxicated rats displayed an increase in lipid peroxidation marker malonaldehyde (MDA), DNA damage, and fibrosis markers like hyaluronic acid (HA) and hydroxyproline Hypx) with a decrease in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). In addition, molecular expressions of mRNA fibrotic genes such as collagen, type 1, alpha 1 (COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Molecular expressions of levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2) mRNA gene were down-regulated, and the expression of mRNA apoptotic; BCL2 associated X gene (Bax), caspase-3, Bax/BCl-2 ratio genes were significantly up-regulated respectively. Moreover, cellular oxidative genes, erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were down-regulated, respectively. The miR-155-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-21-5p significantly increased while the miR-193b-3p, miR-455-3p, and miR-342-3p significantly decreased. Ginger also increased the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BCl-2 genes in the kidneys of rats induced with CP. In addition, active phytoconstituents, particularly 6]]-shogaol and 6]]-gingerol, were significantly identified in ginger extract using HPLC analysis. Antioxidant activity of these active metabolites were shown to be higher against in vitro free radicals (DPPH and Β-Carotene-linoleic acid), suggesting the potential antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of ginger against CP-toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ginger in rats induced with CP resulted in significant improvement in the expression of certain molecular miRNAs. The kidney tissues of these rats showed a marked decrease in the expression of miR-155-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-21-5p, while the levels of miR-193b-3p, miR-455-3p, and miR-342-3p were observed to increase significantly. In conclusion, ginger can protect rats from CP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Recoverability of renal functions after relief of partial ureteric obstruction of solitary kidney: impact of ferulic acid.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? It is known that the kidney damage continues even after release of ureteric obstruction. This study found that giving ferulic acid, antioxidant, after release of ureteric obstruction enhanced the recovery of kidney functions in solitary kidney. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of ferulic acid (FA) on the recovery of renal function and renal damage after relief of partial ureteric obstruction (PUO) of a solitary kidney. METHODS: Male mongrel dogs (n = 32) were classified into three groups: sham (eight), control (12) and study (12). A right nephrectomy was carried out and dogs in the study and control groups were subjected to 4 weeks of PUO. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance (CrCl) and renographic clearance (RC) were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of obstruction and 8 weeks after relief of obstruction. Markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde [MDA]), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH), and immunostaining of markers of apoptosis (caspase 3 and Bcl2), cell proliferation (Ki67) and interstitial fibrosis in the kidney were evaluated at the end of experiment. RESULTS: Ferulic acid enhanced the recovery of serum creatinine, CrCl and RC by an extra 22%, 26% and 33.7%, respectively, of the basal values at 8 weeks, after relief of 4 weeks' obstruction. In addition, FA caused a significant decrease in MDA and a significant increase in GSH and SOD. Ferulic acid also significantly reduced the interstitial fibrosis, and caspase 3 expression, and significantly increased the expression of Bcl2 and Ki67 in kidney tissues at 8 weeks after relief of the obstruction. CONCLUSION: Ferulic acid enhances the recoverability of renal function and minimizes the renal damage through reduction of oxidative stress, tubular apoptosis and the interstitial fibrosis in the solitary kidney after relief of PUO.

Systemic and renal haemodynamic changes in renal schemia/reperfusion injury: impact of erythropoietin.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on systemic and renal hemodynamics in a rat model of renal ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We used 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats distributed among the following 3 groups (10 rats per group): (i) the sham-operated group, (ii) the control group (I/R injury only), and (iii) the EPO-treated group (I/R injury with 1500 U EPO·(kg body mass)⁻¹ on day 0, and 500 U·kg⁻¹ on days 2 and 4 after ischemia). Renal function, arterial blood pressure (ABP), renal plasma flow (RPF), renal blood flow (RBF), and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were measured on days 1, 2, and 7 after ischemia. The expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and histopathology of kidney were evaluated on day 7. The contractility of aortic strips was recorded from the different groups. The results show that renal function and histopathology were significantly improved after treatment with EPO. Compared with the control group, the EPO-treated group showed a significant increase in RPF, RBF, haematocrite, ABP, eNOS expression, and a decrease in RVR (p < 0.05).The response of aortic strips to the relaxant effect of acetylcholine was improved in the EPO-treated group. In conclusion, treatment with EPO improves renal function and renal haemodynamics in renal I/R injury, and causes significant rise of ABP and haematocrite value.

Myocardial and metabolic dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats: impact of ghrelin.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is commonly associated with metabolic and cardiac dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ghrelin on metabolic and cardiac dysfunctions in a type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model. For this, 48 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into 4 groups: Group I, fed normal chow, served as normal control group; Groups II-IV, were fed a high-fat diet for 2 weeks followed by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg body mass) to create a model of T2DM; Group II, were not treated; Group III, were treated with the vehicle (saline); Group IV, were treated with ghrelin (40 µg/kg body mass) twice daily for 10 days. The untreated diabetic rats showed a significant increase in serum fasting blood glucose, insulin homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total serum cholesterol (TC), and body mass, with a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05). Hearts isolated from diabetic rats showed a significant increase in myocardial fat content, a significant decrease in GLUT4, and an increase in acyl-CoA oxidase enzyme mRNA (p < 0.05). Ghrelin administration for 10 days caused a significant improvement in lipid profile, HOMA index, and body mass, and significantly corrected the myocardial mass, significantly reduced the fat content of the myocardium, significantly increased GLUT4, and decreased acyl CoA oxidase mRNA (p < 0.05). Thus, ghrelin improves both the metabolic functions and the disturbed energy metabolism in the cardiac muscle of obese diabetic rats.

Hospital performance reports based on severity adjusted mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis depend on the method of risk adjustment .

BACKGROUND: Hospital outcome report cards are used to judge provider performance, including for liver transplantation. We aimed to determine the impact of the choice of risk adjustment method on hospital rankings based on mortality rates in cirrhotic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We identified 68,426 cirrhotic patients hospitalized in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Four risk adjustment methods (the Charlson/Deyo and Elixhauser algorithms, Disease Staging, and All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups) were used in logistic regression models for mortality. Observed to expected (O/E) death rates were calculated for each method and hospital. Statistical outliers with higher or lower than expected mortality were identified and rankings compared across methods. RESULTS: Unadjusted mortality rates for the 553 hospitals ranged from 1.4 to 30% (overall, 10.6%). For 163 hospitals (29.5%), observed mortality differed significantly from expected when judged by one or more, but not all four, risk adjustment methods (25.9% higher than expected mortality and 3.6% lower than expected mortality). Only 28% of poor performers and 10% of superior performers were consistently ranked as such by all methods. Agreement between methods as to whether hospitals were flagged as outliers was moderate (kappa 0.51-0.59), except the Charlson/Deyo and Elixhauser algorithms which demonstrated excellent agreement (kappa 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital performance reports for patients with cirrhosis require sensitivity to the method of risk adjustment. Depending upon the method, up to 30% of hospitals may be flagged as outliers by one, but not all methods. These discrepancies could have important implications for centers erroneously labeled as high mortality outliers.

Electrochemical regeneration of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions in a gas sparged parallel plate reactor.

In this study anodic oxidation of Cr2(SO4)3 was carried out in an air-sparged divided parallel plate cell. Variables studied were current density, Cr2(SO4)3 concentration, and superficial air velocity. The rate constant of Cr2(SO4)3 oxidation was found to increase with increasing current density and Cr2(SO4)3 concentration. The effect of air sparging was found to depend on Cr2(SO4)3 concentrations, at high Cr2(SO4)3 concentration (> 0.1 M) air sparging does not affect the rate constant of the reaction denoting that the reaction is charge transfer controlled. As Cr2(SO4)3 concentration decreases below 0.1 M the reaction becomes under mixed diffusion and chemical control and the rate constant increases with increasing air superficial velocity, the lower Cr2(SO4)3 concentration the higher the contribution of diffusion to the reaction rate. The current efficiency of the process ranged from 20 to 85% depending on current density and Cr2(SO4)3 concentration. Electrical energy consumption which ranged from 1.8 to 14.4 kW h/kg of Cr6+ was found to increase with increasing current density and decreases with increasing Cr2(SO4)3 concentration. Air sparging was found to decrease electrical energy consumption in the case of dilute solutions << 0.1 M Cr2(SO4)3.

High Thermoelectric Power Generation by SWCNT/PPy Core Shell Nanocomposites.

Polypyrrole (PPy) is a conducting polymer with attractive thermoelectric (TE) properties. It is simple to fabricate and modify its morphology for enhanced electrical conductivity. However, such improvement is still limited to considerably enhancing TE performance. In this case, a single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT), which has ultrathin diameters and exhibits semi-metallic electrical conductivity, might be a proper candidate to be combined with PPy as a core shell one-dimensional (1D) nanocomposite for higher TE power generation. In this work, core shell nanocomposites based on SWCNT/PPy were fabricated. Various amounts of pyrrole (Py), which are monomer sources for PPy, were coated on SWCNT, along with methyl orange (MO) as a surfactant and ferric chloride as an initiator. The optimum value of Py for maximum TE performance was determined. The results showed that the SWCNT acted as a core template to direct the self-assembly of PPy and also to further enhance TE performance. The TE power factor, PF, and figure of merit, zT, values of the pure PPy were initially recorded as ~1 µW/mK2 and 0.0011, respectively. These values were greatly increased to 360 µW/mK2 and 0.09 for the optimized core shell nanocomposite sample. The TE power generation characteristics of the fabricated single-leg module of the optimized sample were also investigated and confirmed these findings. This enhancement was attributed to the uniform coating and good interaction between PPy polymer chains and walls of the SWCNT through π-π stacking. The significant enhancement in the TE performance of SWCNT/PPy nanocomposite is found to be superior compared to those reported in similar composites, which indicates that this nanocomposite is a suitable and scalable TE material for TE power generation.

Effects of replacement of dietary fish oil with plant oil on growth performance and fatty acid composition of spinefoot rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus.

A 95-day feeding study was carried out to evaluate the impact of complete replacement of fish oil by plant oils in the growth performance, feed consumption fatty acid and body composition of juvenile rabbitfish, Siganus rivulatus. There were four treatments i.e., A (fish oil diet), (linseed oil diet), C (soybean meal oil diet) and D (sunflower oil diet). The experimental trial was conducted in twelve 1.5-m3 fiber glass tanks (n=3). Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles had an average initial weight of 0.948 g ± 0.124 g and they were stocked at 50 fish per tank. Fish fed diet A showed significantly better growth rate, final body weight, and total body weight than fish fed on the other diets. Moreover, the best FCR was observed for diet A followed by diet C and diets B and D had the worst FCR. Fish body composition for crude protein, dry matter, ashes and gross energy at the end of the trial had not differed between the treatments. The highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was found in fish fed diet A followed in decreasing order by diets D, B, and C. Fish oil is a better dietary lipid source for Spinefoot rabbitfish juveniles, Siganus rivulatus, than plant oils. Among plant oils, soybean oil was better than linseed oil and sunflower oil as the main dietary fat source.