An innovative approach to control fish-borne zoonotic metacercarial infections in aquaculture by utilizing nanoparticles.

Fish-borne zoonotic trematodes (FBZTs) pose significant health risks and economic challenges worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of encysted metacercariae (EMCs) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from two Egyptian governorates and evaluated the antiparasitic efficacy of chitosan, silver, and selenium nanoparticles against these parasites. A cross-sectional analysis of 453 O. niloticus specimens revealed an overall EMC prevalence of 40.8%, with infection rates of 34.11% in Giza and 49.5% in Dakahlia. Clinostomid and Prohemistomid metacercariae were the most common, with mixed infections observed. Transmission electron microscopy characterized the synthesized nanoparticles, showing average diameters of 9.6-18.7 nm for chitosan, 13.2-19.8 nm for selenium, and 11.7-15.1 nm for silver nanoparticles. In vitro antiparasitic assays demonstrated varying efficacies among the nanoparticles. Against Clinostomum spp. metacercariae, chitosan nanoparticles showed the highest potency, achieving LC50 at 66 µg/ml after 30 min and LC90 at 100 µg/ml after 120 min. For Prohemistomum vivax EMCs, chitosan nanoparticles exhibited superior efficacy, achieving LC50 at 8 µg/ml after 1 h and LC90 at 16 µg/ml after 2 h. Silver and selenium nanoparticles showed lower efficacy for both parasite species. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant ultrastructural damage to the parasite tegument following nanoparticle exposure, including disappearance of transverse ridges, integument shrinkage, and formation of blebs. This study provided valuable insights into the prevalence of FBZTs in Egyptian Nile tilapia and demonstrated the potential of nanoparticles, particularly chitosan, as effective antiparasitic agents. These findings pave the way for developing novel, targeted strategies to control fish-borne zoonotic trematodes, potentially reducing their impact on public health and aquaculture economies.

Evaluation of Praziquantel effectiveness in treating Nile tilapia clinostomid infections and its relationships to fish health and water quality : By.

This study aimed to conduct a multidisciplinary investigation integrating detailed morphology, molecular characterization, water parameters, histopathology alteration, and the trials of treatment of Clinostomum spp. In this study, 300 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from the farmed and wild Nile River at Al Bahr Al Aazam, Giza Governorate to assess Clinostomid infection prevalence. Fish and water samples were collected from private fish farms, and water drains at Dakahlia, and Giza, Egypt. Analysis of the water revealed inadequate water quality, particularly in the fish farms. Snails and piscivorous birds were abundant at fish collection sites. The recovered Clinostomid MCs morphological characteristics and COI gene sequence analysis identified them as Clinostomum complanatum, C. phalacrocoracis, and Euclinostomum heterostomum. Clinostomid MCs disturbed the fish's hematological and biochemical blood parameters. Bath treatment of parasitized fish with praziquantel (2 mg/L for 24 h) revealed a significant reduction in the number of vital MCs vs. infected fish (non-treated). Praziquantel (PZQ) is an effective and safe therapy for controlling Clinostomid infections affecting farmed Nile tilapia. The current findings indicate a link between poor environmental conditions and Clinostomum infections in tilapia. The study highlights the impacts of Clinostomid MCs on fish health and recommends bath treatment with PZQ as an efficient control method for these dangerous parasites to protect human and fish health.

Evaluation of daily supplementation of fertitonex on different semen parameters in idiopathic male infertility: a randomized double blind placebo controlled cross over study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of fertitonex containing L-carnitine L-tartrate together with other micronutrients on different semen parameters in idiopathic male infertility as well as male reproductive hormones. METHODS: 100 randomized infertile patients were recruited from July 2023 to February 2024. They were randomized into two groups. Group (A) received fertitonex twice daily for the first 3 months. Group (B) received placebo twice daily for the first 3 months. Crossover was done after 1 month wash-out period for additional 3 months. RESULTS: Group (A) who started fertitonex first showed significant improvement in sperms concentration and motility and progressive motility as well as significant reduction in abnormal forms after 3 months from beginning the study (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Interestingly, these improvements continued for additional 3 months after placebo intake (p < 0.001, p 0.005, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Group (B) who started placebo first showed significant improvement in sperms concentration and motility and progressive motility as well as significant reduction in abnormal forms after 6 months from beginning the study (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). LH level was significantly higher among group (A) compared to group (B) at baseline and 3 months and 6 months (p value 0.02, 0.032. 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSION: We finally concluded that fertitonex is an effective, tolerable and safe drug that can be used for treating idiopathic male infertility.

Investigating dynamics, etiology, pathology, and therapeutic interventions of Caligus clemensi and Vibrio alginolyticus co-infection in farmed marine fish.

This study investigated a disease outbreak characterized by caligid copepod infestations and subsequent secondary bacterial infections in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) cultivated at a private facility in the Deeba Triangle region of Egypt. Moribund fish displayed brown spots on the skin, tongue, and gills, along with lethargy and excess mucus. The fish suffered severe infections, exhibiting external hemorrhages, ulcers, and ascites. The fish had pale, enlarged livers with hemorrhaging. Comprehensive parasitological, bacteriological, molecular, immunity and histopathological analyses were conducted to identify the etiological agents and pathological changes. Caligid copepod infestation was observed in wet mounts from the buccal and branchial cavities of all examined fish, and the caligids were identified as Caligus clemensi through COI gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Vibrio alginolyticus was confirmed as a secondary bacterial infection through biochemical tests, recA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance to ß-lactams, aminoglycosides, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in V. alginolyticus isolates. Upregulation of the inflammatory marker IL-1ß in gill and skin tissues indicated a robust cell-mediated immune response against the pathogens. Histopathological examination revealed severe tissue damage, hyperplasia, hemorrhage, and congestion in the gills, along with hepatocellular degeneration and steatosis in the liver, providing initial insights into this outbreak. A comprehensive therapeutic regimen was implemented, comprising prolonged hydrogen peroxide immersion baths, followed by the application of the nature-identical plant-based compound Lice-less and probiotic Sanolife Pro-W supplementation. This integrated approach effectively eliminated C. clemensi infestations, controlled secondary bacterial infections, and restored fish health, reducing morbidity and mortality rates to minimal levels.

Selective degradation of mutant FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 requires BIM-dependent depletion of heat shock proteins.

Internal tandem duplications in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3-ITD) are common mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that induce proteasomal degradation of mutated FLT3 emerge as innovative pharmacological approach. Molecular mechanisms that control targeted proteolysis beyond the ubiquitin-proteasome-system are undefined and PROTACs are the only known type of FLT3 degraders. We report that the von-Hippel-Lindau ubiquitin-ligase based FLT3 PROTAC MA49 (melotinib-49) and the FLT3 hydrophobic tagging molecule MA50 (halotinib-50) reduce endoplasmic reticulum-associated, oncogenic FLT3-ITD but spare FLT3. Nanomolar doses of MA49 and MA50 induce apoptosis of human leukemic cell lines and primary AML blasts with FLT3-ITD (p < 0.05-0.0001), but not of primary hematopoietic stem cells and differentiated immune cells, FLT3 wild-type cells, retinal cells, and c-KIT-dependent cells. In vivo activity of MA49 against FLT3-ITD-positive leukemia cells is verified in a Danio rerio model. The degrader-induced loss of FLT3-ITD involves the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein BIM and a previously unidentified degrader-induced depletion of protein-folding chaperones. The expression levels of HSP90 and HSP110 correlate with reduced AML patient survival (p < 0.1) and HSP90, HSP110, and BIM are linked to the expression of FLT3 in primary AML cells (p < 0.01). HSP90 suppresses degrader-induced FLT3-ITD elimination and thereby establishes a mechanistically defined feed-back circuit.

Dasyrhynchus giganteus plerocercoids encysting in the musculature of Indian halibut (Psettodes erumei): seasonal prevalence, morpho-molecular characterization, and histopathological alterations.

This study investigated the prevalence, morphology, molecular identification, and histopathological effects of larval tapeworms (plerocercoids) infecting the skeletal muscles of the Indian halibut (Psettodes erumei) collected from the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf. Numerous oval or round blastocysts, measuring 13-26 mm, were found embedded within the muscular tissues of the Indian halibut, rendering the fish unsuitable for human consumption. Morphological and molecular analyses identified the plerocercoids as Dasyrhynchus giganteus (family Dasyrhynchidae), with an overall prevalence of 15.4%. The seasonal prevalence was the highest in summer (14.6%), followed by spring (10.6%), winter (4.4%), and autumn (3.5%). Infection rates increased with fish size. Histopathological examination revealed fibrous connective tissue capsules surrounding the larvae, causing muscular atrophy and degenerative changes, with few inflammatory eosinophilic cells. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA gene sequences confirmed the specimens as D. giganteus, clustered closely with other sequences of D. giganteus with 100% bootstrap values. This study provided valuable insights into the parasitic infection dynamics, seasonal variation, molecular identification, and histopathological effects, highlighting the importance of monitoring fish for food safety and public health implications.

Renal bleeding: imaging and interventions in patients with tumors.

In patients with cancer, spontaneous renal bleeding can stem from a range of underlying factors, necessitating precise diagnostic tools for effective patient management. Benign and malignant renal tumors are among the primary culprits, with angiomyolipomas and renal cell carcinomas being the most common among them. Vascular anomalies, infections, ureteral obstructions, and coagulation disorders can also contribute to renal-related bleeding. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, particularly ultrasound and computed tomography (CT), play pivotal roles in the initial detection of renal bleeding. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT are preferred for follow-up evaluations and aid in detecting underlying enhancing masses. IV contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide additional information for active bleeding detection and differentiation. This review article explores specific disorders associated with or resembling spontaneous acute renal bleeding in patients with renal tumors; it focuses on the significance of advanced imaging techniques in accurately identifying and characterizing renal bleeding in these individuals. It also provides insights into the clinical presentations, imaging findings, and treatment options for various causes of renal bleeding, aiming to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and management of the issue.

Effects of dietary fermented Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (Hilyses) supplementation on growth, hematology, immunity, antioxidants, and intestinal health in Nile tilapia.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with the product Hilyses on growth performance, feed utilization, nutrient composition, hematological parameters, serum biochemistry, immune function, antioxidant status, and digestive enzyme activity in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, initial body weight 4.24 ± 0.01 g). The fish were fed diets supplemented with Hilyses at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, or 3 g/kg for a period of 8 weeks. The results showed that supplementation with Hilyses at levels up to 2 g/kg diet significantly improved final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio, apparent protein utilization, and energy utilization compared to the control diet without Hilyses. Carcass crude protein content and moisture were significantly higher in Hilyses-fed groups, while crude lipid content decreased at the 3 g/kg supplementation level. Hilyses supplementation enhanced various hematological parameters, including increased red blood cell count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume. Serum biochemistry and immune function markers like total protein, albumin, complement component C3, IgM, and IgG were significantly elevated in the 2 and 3 g/kg Hilyses groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase) were enhanced, and lipid peroxidation was reduced, in the 2 g/kg Hilyses group. Digestive enzyme activities, particularly protease and lipase, were also improved with Hilyses supplementation. Histological examination showed reduced lipid deposition in the liver and increased branching of intestinal villi at the 2 g/kg Hilyses level. Overall, these results indicated that dietary Hilyses supplementation at 2 g/kg diet optimizes growth, feed utilization, nutrient composition, hematology, immunity, antioxidant status, and digestive function in juvenile Nile tilapia.

Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-Guided Cryoablation for Solitary-Biopsy-Proven Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Tertiary Cancer Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose is to evaluate the long-term oncologic efficacy and survival rates of MRI-guided cryoablation for patients with biopsy-proven cT1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our renal ablation database between January 2007 and June 2021 and only included patients with solitary-biopsy-proven cT1a RCC (≤4 cm) who underwent MRI-guided cryoablation. We excluded patients with genetic syndromes, bilateral RCC, recurrent RCC or benign lesions, those without pathologically proven RCC lesions and patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation or CT-guided cryoablation. For each patient, we collected the following: age, sex, lesion size, right- or left-sided, pathology, ablation zone tumor recurrence, development of new tumor in the kidney other than ablation zone, development of metastatic disease, patient alive or not, date and cause of death. We used the Kaplan and Meier product limit estimator to estimate the survival outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (median age 70 years) met our inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine MRI-guided cryoablation procedures were performed for twenty-nine tumor lesions with a median size of 2.2 cm. A Clavien-Dindo grade III complication developed in one patient (3.4%). Clear cell RCC was the most reported histology (n = 19). The median follow up was 4.5 years. No tumor recurrence or metastatic disease developed in any of the patients. Two patients developed new renal lesions separate from the ablation zone. The 5- and 10-year OS were 72% and 55.6%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year DFS were 90.5% and the 5-year and 10-year LRFS, MFS and CSS were all 100%. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-guided cryoablation is a safe treatment with a low complication rate. Long-term follow-up data revealed long-standing oncologic control.

Immunological and molecular evaluation of zoonotic metacercarial infection in freshwater fish: A cross-sectional analysis.

Improperly cooked fish, carrying active metacercariae (MCs), can pose a significant risk for transmitting fish-borne zoonotic trematodes (FBZTs) to human consumers. This study aimed to enhance our understanding of FBZTs by conducting a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis involving various fish species, such as Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and red-belly tilapia (Tilapia zillii). These fish specimens were collected from distinct Egyptian governorates, specifically Giza, Kafr al-Shaykh, and Fayoum. The recovered flukes from experimentally infected domestic pigeons were identified as Prohemistomum vivax, Haplorchis pumilio, and Pygidiopsis genata based on morphological features. Furthermore, the identity of the retrieved adult flukes was confirmed using three species-specific primers for PCR amplification and sequencing analysis of the ITS rDNA region and have been deposited in GenBank with the following accession numbers: P. vivax (OR291421.1 and OR291422.1), P. genata (OP099561.1), and H. pumilio (OM439581.1-OP090510.1). Quantitative real-time PCR targeting the immunological genes Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1Β) was employed to compare the cellular immune response between infected with EMCs and uninfected O. niloticus. The results indicated a significant increase in TNF- and IL-1Β levels in FBZTs-infected vs un-infected fishes. Importantly, the presence of adult flukes and EMCs led to substantial histological alterations in both experimentally infected pigeons and naturally infected fish tissues. These changes included the necrosis of fish muscle bundles and a pronounced inflammatory reaction with muscular necrosis in the digestive tracts of experimentally infected pigeons.

Ablative margin quantification using deformable versus rigid image registration in colorectal liver metastasis thermal ablation: a retrospective single-center study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation of minimal ablative margin (MAM) quantification using biomechanical deformable (DIR) versus intensity-based rigid image registration (RIR) with local outcomes following colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) thermal ablation. METHODS: This retrospective single-institution study included consecutive patients undergoing thermal ablation between May 2016 and October 2021. Patients who did not have intraprocedural pre- and post-ablation contrast-enhanced CT images for MAM quantification or follow-up period less than 1 year without residual tumor or local tumor progression (LTP) were excluded. DIR and RIR methods were used to quantify the MAM. The registration accuracy was compared using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to test MAM in predicting local tumor outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (mean age 57; 44 men) with 139 tumors (mean diameter 1.5 cm ± 0.8 (SD)) were included. During a median follow-up of 29.4 months, there was one residual unablated tumor and the LTP rate was 17% (24/138). The ranges of DSC were 0.96-0.98 and 0.67-0.98 for DIR and RIR, respectively (p < 0.001). When using DIR, 27 (19%) tumors were partially or totally registered outside the liver, compared to 46 (33%) with RIR. Using DIR versus RIR, the corresponding median MAM was 4.7 mm versus 4.0 mm, respectively (p = 0.5). The AUC in predicting residual tumor and 1-year LTP for DIR versus RIR was 0.89 versus 0.72, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ablative margin quantified on intra-procedural CT imaging using DIR method outperformed RIR for predicting local outcomes of CLM thermal ablation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The study supports the role of biomechanical deformable image registration as the preferred image registration method over rigid image registration for quantifying minimal ablative margins using intraprocedural contrast-enhanced CT images. KEY POINTS: • Accurate and reproducible image registration is a prerequisite for clinical application of image-based ablation confirmation methods. • When compared to intensity-based rigid image registration, biomechanical deformable image registration for minimal ablative margin quantification was more accurate for liver registration using intraprocedural contrast-enhanced CT images. • Biomechanical deformable image registration outperformed intensity-based rigid image registration for predicting local tumor outcomes following colorectal liver metastasis thermal ablation.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided renal biopsy shows high safety and diagnostic yield: a tertiary cancer center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the technical success and outcomes of renal biopsies performed under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a closed-bore, 1.5-Tesla MRI unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional biopsy database and included 150 consecutive MRI-guided biopsies for renal masses between November 2007 and March 2020. We recorded age, sex, BMI, tumor characteristics, RENAL nephrometry score, MRI scan sequence, biopsy technique, complications, diagnostic yield, pathologic outcome, and follow-up imaging. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between different parameters and the development of complications. McNemar's test was used to assess the association between paired diagnostic yield measurements for fine-needle aspiration and core samples. RESULTS: A total of 150 biopsies for 150 lesions were performed in 150 patients. The median tumor size was 2.7 cm. The median BMI was 28.3. The lesions were solid, partially necrotic/cystic, and predominantly cystic in 137, eight, and five patients, respectively. Image guidance using fat saturation steady-state free precession sequence was recorded in 95% of the biopsy procedures. Samples were obtained using both fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and cores in 99 patients (66%), cores only in 40 (26%), and FNA only in three (2%). Tissue sampling was diagnostic in 144 (96%) lesions. No major complication developed following any of the biopsy procedures. The median follow-up imaging duration was 8 years and none of the patients developed biopsy-related long-term complication or tumor seeding. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-guided renal biopsy is safe and effective, with high diagnostic yield and no major complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Image-guided renal biopsy is safe and effective, and should be included in the management algorithm of patients with renal masses. Core biopsy is recommended. KEY POINTS: • MRI-guided biopsy is a safe and effective technique for sampling of renal lesions. • MRI-guided biopsy has high diagnostic yield with no major complications. • Percutaneous image-guided biopsy plays a key role in the management of patients with renal masses.

A multidisciplinary study on Clinostomum infections in Nile tilapia: micro-morphology, oxidative stress, immunology, and histopathology.

Yellow grub disease, caused by Clinostomum metacercaria, is an endemic zoonotic infection in freshwater fish, responsible for Halzoun syndrome transmitted through the consumption of raw infected fish. This study aimed to conduct a multidisciplinary investigation integrating detailed morphology, oxidative stress, immunology, and histopathology alteration to advance our understanding of Clinostomum infection. In this annual study, 400 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from the Nile River at Al Bahr Al Aazam, Giza Governorate to assess Clinostomum infection prevalence. Of the examined fish, 160 individuals (40.0%) harboured larval Clinostomum infections. Clinostomum metacercariae were observed in various anatomical locations, with 135 fish (33.8%) in buccal cavities, 21 fish (5.25%) in gill chambers, and 4 fish (1.0%) on the skin. Infection intensity ranged from 2 to 12 cysts per fish, averaging 5 cysts, notably with skin infections characterized by a single cyst in each fish. Macroscopic encysted metacercariae were collected from buccal cavities, gills, and skin. Micro-morphology revealed distinct features in C. complanatum, including an elliptical oral sucker with collar-like rings and large sensory papilla-like structures, contrasting with the absence of these features in C. phalacrocoracis. Oxidative stress, assessed through malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide levels, revealed an elevation in MDA to 35.13 ± 6 nmol/g and nitric oxide to 25.80 ± 3.12 µmol/g in infected fish. In infected fish, MHC-I gene expression increased approximately 13-fold, MHC-II peaked at 19-fold, and IL-1ß significantly upregulated by 17-fold, compared to control levels. Histopathology detailed associated lesions, such as cyst encapsulation and eosinophilic infiltration. Clinstomiasis and its impacts on fish hosts offer crucial insights to control this emerging fish-borne zoonotic disease, threatening wildlife, aquaculture, and human health.

Bidirectional glenn surgery without palliative pulmonary artery banding in univentricular heart with unrestricted pulmonary flow. Retrospective multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: Although pulmonary artery banding (PAB) has been generally acknowledged as an initial palliative treatment for patients having single ventricle (SV) physiology and unrestrictive pulmonary blood flow (UPBF), it may result in unfavorable outcomes. Performing bidirectional Glenn (BDG) surgery without initial PAB in some selected cases may avoid the complications associated with PAB and reduce the number of operative procedures for these patients. This research aimed to assess the outcome of BDG surgery performed directly without doing initial PAB in patients with SV-UPBF. METHODS: This Multicenter retrospective cohort includes all patients with SV-UPBF who had BDG surgery. Patients were separated into two groups. Patients in Group 1 included patients who survived till they received BDG (20 Patients) after initial PAB (28 patients), whereas patients in Group 2 got direct BDG surgery without first performing PAB (16 patients). Cardiac catheterization was done for all patients before BDG surgery. Patients with indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi) ≥ 5 WU.m2 at baseline or > 3 WU.m2 after vasoreactivity testing were excluded. RESULTS: Compared with patients who had direct BDG surgery, PAB patients had a higher cumulative mortality rate (32% vs. 0%, P = 0.016), with eight deaths after PAB and one mortality after BDG. There were no statistically significant differences between the patient groups who underwent BDG surgery regarding pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary artery pressure, postoperative usage of sildenafil or nitric oxide, intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay after BDG surgery. However, the cumulative durations in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital were more prolonged in patients with BDG after PAB (P = 0.003, P = 0.001respectively). CONCLUSION: Direct BDG surgery without the first PAB is related to improved survival and shorter hospital stays in some selected SV-UPBF patients.

Sustainable biomimetic solar distillation with edge crystallization for passive salt collection and zero brine discharge.

The urgency of addressing water scarcity and exponential population rise has necessitated the use of sustainable desalination for clean water production, while conventional thermal desalination processes consume fossil fuel with brine rejection. As a promising solution to sustainable solar thermal distillation, we report a scalable mangrove-mimicked device for direct solar vapor generation and passive salt collection without brine discharge. Capillarity-driven salty water supply and continuous vapor generation are ensured by anti-corrosion porous wicking stem and multi-layer leaves, which are made of low-cost superhydrophilic nanostructured titanium meshes. Precipitated salt at the leaf edge forms porous patch during daytime evaporation and get peeled by gravity during night when saline water rewets the leaves, and these salt patches can enhance vaporization by 1.6 times as indicated by our findings. The proposed solar vapor generator achieves a stable photothermal efficiency around 94% under one sun when treating synthetic seawater with a salinity of 3.5 wt.%. Under outdoor conditions, it can produce 2.2 L m-2 of freshwater per day from real seawater, which is sufficient for individual drinking needs. This kind of biomimetic solar distillation devices have demonstrated great capability in clean water production and passive salt collection to tackle global water and environmental challenges.

First report of Kudoa species (Myxozoa, Multivalvulida) infection in purple-spotted Bigeye (Priacanthus tayenus) from the Saudi Arabian Gulf.

The purple-spotted bigeye, Priacanthus tayenus, is a marine benthic fish native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia. This study identified a myxozoan parasite infecting wild P. tayenus from the Saudi Arabian Gulf. These parasites produced spherical to ovoid-shaped, white plasmodia enclosed within pseudocysts in the fish musculature. The annual infection rate was 5.1%, with the highest prevalence in summer (7.6%), followed by spring (6%), and autumn (2.5%), while no infections were observed in winter. The number of plasmodia per fish ranged from 100 to 150 (135.1 ± 16.2). Their dimensions were 4-4.7 mm (4.3 ± 0.3 mm) in length and 4.5-7 mm (6 ± 1.1 mm) in width. Milky-colored exudates within the plasmodia contained mature spores measuring 8-9 µm (8.6 ± 0.4 µm) x 6-7.5 µm (6.9 ± 0.5 µm). The polar capsules of the spores exhibited dimensions of 2-5 µm (3.5 ± 0.5 µm) x 2.5-4.5 µm (3 ± 0.45 µm). Both morphological and genetic analyses confirmed these plasmodia as a novel Kudoa species. Histopathological examination revealed atrophy in the surrounding muscles without an inflammatory response. This study documents the first occurrence of a novel Kudoa sp. in P. tayenus at the Jubail landing site in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for further surveillance and investigations to elucidate its pathogenesis and implications for wild fish stocks.

Effect of spinal cord stimulation on quality of life and opioid consumption in patients with failed back surgery syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a constellation of conditions occurring after spine surgeries, characterized by the presence of persistent or recurring low back pain that has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Neuromodulation in the form of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is considered an indispensable treatment modality in the management of certain chronic pain conditions and it is showing good results for improvement in pain scores and functional capacity of the FBSS patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the change in pain scores, quality of life, and opioid medication intake as an outcome of neuromodulation procedures performed on patients diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome, and to detect the post-procedure complications. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at two university hospitals in Egypt and the U.S.A. during the period from September 2019 to August 2021 for patients who underwent spinal cord stimulation procedures for FBSS with follow-up period of at least 1 year. Patients who are 18 years old or older diagnosed with FBSS for more than 6 months and treated with spinal cord stimulation with successful trials during this time frame were included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in this study who had successful SCS trials and underwent permanent implantation of SCS devices with post-procedure follow-up period of 12 months. Patients showed a median pain numerical rating scale (NRS) of 7/10 at baseline with a median NRS of 4/10 through the follow-up period. Basic mobility and daily activity scores assessed by activity measure of post-acute care (AM-PAC) showed significant improvement from the mean of 16.87 ± 2.74 at baseline to a mean of 19.97 ± 2.93 through follow-up. In addition, there was a reduction in opioid medication usage. Post-procedure complications was of low percentage with the most detected were battery dysfunction in 7 patients and pocket pain in 6 patients. Reoperation was needed in 13 patients with 4 needed just revision and 9 patients required a complete removal of the device. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord stimulation is an effective modality of treatment for cases of failed back surgery syndrome with a statistically significant reduction in pain scores and a significant improvement in quality of life. Also, it achieves a recognizable reduction in opioid analgesic medications, with a reliable safety profile as detected with the recorded post-procedure complications. However, randomized controlled trials with more patients and long-term follow-up are highly recommended.

Design and synthesis of bioreductive prodrugs of class I histone deacetylase inhibitors and their biological evaluation in virally transfected acute myeloid leukemia cells.

Although histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors show promise in treating various types of hematologic malignancies, they have some limitations, including poor pharmacokinetics and off-target side effects. Prodrug design has shown promise as an approach to improve pharmacokinetic properties and to improve target tissue specificity. In this work, several bioreductive prodrugs for class I HDACs were designed based on known selective HDAC inhibitors. The zinc-binding group of the HDAC inhibitors was masked with various nitroarylmethyl residues to make them substrates of nitroreductase (NTR). The developed prodrugs showed weak HDAC inhibitory activity compared to their parent inhibitors. The prodrugs were tested against wild-type and NTR-transfected THP1 cells. Cellular assays showed that both 2-nitroimidazole-based prodrugs 5 and 6 were best activated by the NTR and exhibited potent activity against NTR-THP1 cells. Compound 6 showed the highest cellular activity (GI50 = 77 nM) and exhibited moderate selectivity. Moreover, activation of prodrug 6 by NTR was confirmed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, which showed the release of the parent inhibitor after incubation with Escherichia coli NTR. Thus, compound 6 can be considered a novel prodrug selective for class I HDACs, which could be used as a good starting point for increasing selectivity and for further optimization.

Effectiveness of Thermal Ablation for Renal Cell Carcinoma after Prior Partial Nephrectomy.

Background: Repeat partial nephrectomy (PN) for tumors recurring in the ipsilateral kidney is associated with surgical complexity and a higher rate of complications. Objective: To evaluate the local oncologic efficacy of thermal ablation (TA) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the ipsilateral kidney following PN. Design setting participation: We included patients who underwent ablation for renal tumors in the ipsilateral kidney after PN between January 2005 and December 2019. Demographics, tumor size, procedural details, complications, pathology, local oncologic outcomes, and survival outcomes are described. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The procedural, pathologic, and oncologic outcomes are described. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results and limitations: A total of 66 patients (46 male and 20 female) with a median age of 62 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 52-69) met our inclusion criteria. In these patients, 74 TA procedures were performed for 86 lesions (median tumor size 1.9 cm, IQR 1.6-2.5). Radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation accounted for 60 (81%) and 14 (19%) procedures, respectively. Three patients (3.7%) had Clavien-Dindo grade III complications. Of 65 lesion biopsies, 62 (95.5%) were diagnostic. The most common subtype was clear cell RCC (n = 37). The median imaging follow-up duration was 60 mo (IQR 43-88). Recurrence in the ablation zone occurred for four lesions (4.6%) at a median of 6.9 mo (IQR 6.4-10.7). The rates of overall, recurrence-free, and disease-free survival were 93.1%, 94.4%, and 65.6% at 5 yr, and 71.6%, 94.4%, and 60.1% at 10 yr, respectively. Limitations include the retrospective design and the lack of a control group. Conclusions: TA is effective for the treatment of RCC in the ipsilateral kidney following PN. Patient summary: Heat treatment to remove tumor tissue is an effective option for small kidney masses recurring after partial kidney removal for cancer. Long-term follow-up data revealed that this treatment resulted in low recurrence and complication rates.

The role of marine pollution on the emergence of fish bacterial diseases.

Marine pollution and bacterial disease outbreaks are two closely related dilemmas that impact marine fish production from fisheries and mariculture. Oil, heavy metals, agrochemicals, sewage, medical wastes, plastics, algal blooms, atmospheric pollutants, mariculture-related pollutants, as well as thermal and noise pollution are the most threatening marine pollutants. The release of these pollutants into the marine aquatic environment leads to significant ecological degradation and a range of non-infectious disorders in fish. Marine pollutants trigger numerous fish bacterial diseases by increasing microbial multiplication in the aquatic environment and suppressing fish immune defense mechanisms. The greater part of these microorganisms is naturally occurring in the aquatic environment. Most disease outbreaks are caused by opportunistic bacterial agents that attack stressed fish. Some infections are more serious and occur in the absence of environmental stressors. Gram-negative bacteria are the most frequent causes of these epizootics, while gram-positive bacterial agents rank second on the critical pathogens list. Vibrio spp., Photobacterium damselae subsp. Piscicida, Tenacibaculum maritimum, Edwardsiella spp., Streptococcus spp., Renibacterium salmoninarum, Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas spp., and Mycobacterium spp. Are the most dangerous pathogens that attack fish in polluted marine aquatic environments. Effective management strategies and stringent regulations are required to prevent or mitigate the impacts of marine pollutants on aquatic animal health. This review will increase stakeholder awareness about marine pollutants and their impacts on aquatic animal health. It will support competent authorities in developing effective management strategies to mitigate marine pollution, promote the sustainability of commercial marine fisheries, and protect aquatic animal health.