Oxidative stress, gene expression and histopathology of cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) naturally co-infected with Ergasilus sieboldi and Vibrio alginolyticus.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic and bacterial co-infections have been associated with increasing fish mortalities and severe economic losses in aquaculture through the past three decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress, histopathology, and immune gene expression profile of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) co-infected with Ergasilus sieboldi and Vibrio alginolyticus. RESULTS: Vibrio alginolyticus and Ergasilus sieboldi were identified using 16 S rRNA and 28 S rRNA sequencing, respectively. The collagenase virulence gene was found in all Vibrio alginolyticus isolates, and the multiple antimicrobial resistance index ranged from 0.286 to 0.857. Oxidant-antioxidant parameters in the gills, skin, and muscles of naturally infected fish revealed increased lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in catalase and glutathione antioxidant activities. Moreover, naturally co-infected gilthead sea bream exhibited substantial up-regulation of il-1ß, tnf-α, and cyp1a1. Ergasilus sieboldi encircled gill lamellae with its second antennae, exhibited severe gill architectural deformation with extensive eosinophilic granular cell infiltration. Vibrio alginolyticus infection caused skin and muscle necrosis in gilthead sea bream. CONCLUSION: This study described some details about the gill, skin and muscle tissue defense mechanisms of gilthead sea bream against Ergasilus sieboldi and Vibrio alginolyticus co-infections. The prevalence of co-infections was 100%, and no resistant fish were detected. These co-infections imbalance the health status of the fish by hampering the oxidant-antioxidant mechanisms and proinflammatory/inflammatory immune genes to a more detrimental side. Our results suggest that simultaneous screening for bacterial and parasitic pathogens should be considered.

Beta-lactam Resistance Profile among Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates from Alexandria, Egypt.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major drug-resistant human pathogen accountable for a wide range of infections. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic features of ß-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates from Alexandria, Egypt. A total of 50 nonduplicated clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae were obtained from various specimens. They were identified biochemically and by biotyping using mass spectrometry. For molecular characterization, plasmid profile analysis was performed. Screening for extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs), carbapenemases and AmpC production was carried out phenotypically and genotypically. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between phenotype, genotype and resistance patterns among the studied isolates. The dendrogram demonstrated 38 distinct plasmid profiles among 62% of our isolates. According to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, 90% of isolates were multi/extensive-drug resistant. Nineteen out of 50 (38%) were resistant to cefoxitin, while only 10 (20%) were resistant to imipenem. All isolates were susceptible to colistin. Phenotypically, ESBL producers (78%) were the most common, followed by carbapenemase producers (24%). Genotypically, the most common ESBL gene was blaSHV (90%), followed by blaCTX-Mu (74%), while the most common carbapenemase genes were blaNDM (56%) and blaOXA-48 (54%). No blaKPC or blaIMP were detected. Plasmid-mediated AmpC resistance was confirmed in only two out of 19 cefoxitin-resistant isolates. Both the blaNDM and blaOXA.48 genes were significantly positive correlated (rho = 0.56, p = 0.004). Absence of blaKPC among carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae isolates in Alexandria, Egypt. AmpC production is not the main factor behind the resistance to cefoxitin among our isolates.

L-Carnitine alleviates hepatic and renal mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic progression induced by letrozole in female rats through modulation of Nrf-2, Cyt c and CASP-3 signaling.

Letrozole (LTZ) is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor that is commonly used in breast cancer therapy. It has several side effects that might lead to the drug's cessation and data of LTZ's potential adverse effects on the hepatorenal microenvironment was conflicting. In addition, searching for therapeutic interventions that could modulate its adverse effects will be very beneficial. So, this study aims to determine the impact of LTZ on the hepatorenal microenvironment in cyclic female rats with a proposed regulatory role of L-Carnitine (LC) supplementation giving molecular insights into its possible mechanism of action. LTZ (1 mg/kg using 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose as a vehicle for 21 consecutive days orally) to assess its impact on hepatorenal microenvironment. After treatment with LC (100 mg/kg orally) for 14 days, hepatorenal redox state (lipid peroxides (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase enzyme (CAT)), as well as relative gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), cytochrome-c (Cyt c) and caspase-3 (CASP-3) were evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining of CASP-3 in both liver and kidney were done. LTZ altered hepatic and renal functions. Relative gene expression of hepatorenal Nrf-2, Cyt c and CASP-3 as well as redox state revealed significant deterioration. Also, the liver and kidney tissues showed several micromorphological changes and intense reaction to CASP-3 upon immunohistochemical staining. It can be concluded that LC alleviates LTZ induced hepatorenal oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic progression through modulation of Nrf-2, Cyt c, and CASP-3 signaling in female rats.

Telepresence Robot System for People with Speech or Mobility Disabilities.

Due to an increase in the number of disabled people around the world, inclusive solutions are becoming a priority. People with disabilities may encounter many problems and may not be able to easily participate in various activities due to physical barriers, which may sometimes cause them to be frustrated and embarrassed. Recently, the emerging telepresence robot technology has been proposed to enable people with disabilities to increase their presence by incorporating information and communications technology (ICT) into robotics platforms. Therefore, in this paper we conduct a comprehensive analysis using comparative and elicitation studies to understand the current state of mobile telepresence robot systems and to identify the gaps that must be filled. This paper further contributes to the literature by proposing a novel telepresence robot system that adapts text-to-speech (TTS) and ICT technologies with robotics for its use as an assistant. To the authors' knowledge, the proposed system is the first MRP system that supports speech impairment and introduces emotion components into its communication function. It includes an operator site (mobile) and a remote site (robot) to allow users to control the robot from a distance and communicate with others in remote locations. It allows the user to physically interact with people and show certain emotions through the robot in remote locations, or it can accompany them to speak on their behalf. It can provide agency for both remote and in-class users through emoji-based communication and audio-video streaming with recording functionality. As shown at the end of this paper, the system was tested with 30 people, some of whom had mobility or speech disabilities, showing that the user acceptance score was above 95% and that people with disabilities liked to interact with other people using the proposed system. The users appreciated having the ability to control the robot from a distance and praised the capability to show their emotions through the robot emoji motions and to control the audio-video streaming. From this study, we conclude that the proposed telepresence system could be an asset to people with speech and mobility disabilities and could help them feel physically present in various places.

Syntheses of Gymnothespirolignans B and C and Non-natural Isomer 9-Epi-gymnothespirolignan B.

Syntheses of polycyclic spiro lignans gymnothespirolignans B and C as well as the unnatural isomer 9-epi-gymnothespirolignan B were accomplished using (R)-Roche ester and an appropriately substituted fluorenone. Key features of the convergent syntheses include coupling of the fluorenone and an iodo-alkene intermediate derived from (R)-Roche ester in the presence of the Lewis acid TiCl(OiPr)3, C9-O bond formation via an SN2 reaction with retention of stereochemistry, and diastereoselective hydrogenations of a common alkene intermediate guided by accessibility or positioning by the C8-methoxy.

Comparative Study of ESBL Production Among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates from Pre- and Post-menopausal Women in Egypt.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is regarded one of the most frequent bacterial infections in women. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), as well as the degree of antimicrobial resistance among premenopausal (n = 44) and postmenopausal (n = 49) women suffering from uncomplicated UTI. Urinary samples (n = 93) collected from women with UTI were tested for their antimicrobial sensitivity and assessed for ESBL production by both phenotypic and genotypic methods. Phenotypically, the presence of ESBL was observed in 64 isolates, while polymerase chain reaction detected ESBL-encoding genes in 57 isolates. The CTX-M gene was the most predominant (51.6%), followed by TEM (46.2%), and the SHV gene (17.2%). Surprisingly, all ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Egypt showing significant correlation between ESBL production, multidrug resistance and menopausal state in women. The results demonstrate alarming signal for the dissemination of ESBL genes among uropathogenic E. coli that are MDR in Egypt.

8-, 9-, and 11-Aryloxy Dimeric Aporphines and Their Pharmacological Activities.

Aporphines, a major group of aporphinoid alkaloids, exhibit interesting and diverse pharmacological activities. A set of dimeric aporphines with an aryloxy group at C8, C9, and C11 have been isolated from six genera and shown to elicit various biological activities such as antitumor, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antiplatelet aggregation, antifibrotic, immunosuppressive, and vasorelaxant properties. In this review, the nomenclature, chemical structures, botanical sources, pharmacological activities, and synthetic approaches of this set of dimeric alkaloids are presented.

Multidrug Resistance in Integron Bearing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from Alexandria University Hospitals, Egypt.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is by far one of the most common Enterobacteriaceae associated with hospital-acquired infections. The dissemination of multi drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is causing difficulty to treat infections worldwide. Of additional concern, multi drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae acquires and transfers antibiotic resistance genes among other bacterial isolates. Integrons have the main role in the acquisition as well as dissemination of resistance genes. Accordingly we aimed to investigate the frequency of resistance genes sul1, sul2, tetA, tetB and aac (3) IIa, class one (int1 gene) and class two integrons(int2 gene) in Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates from four major hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt using Polymerase Chain Reaction. In addition we aimed to evaluate the association between multidrug resistance and presence of integrons in hospital-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae in our hospitals. To the best of our knowledge, there is little information about integrons and acquisition of multiple antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt. In this study 76 isolates were resistant to sulphamethoxazole /trimethoprim. Of these 38 isolates (50%) harbored both genes sul1 and sul2 genes. 42 isolates out of the 60 (70%) isolates that showed resistance to tetracycline were tetA or tetB positive. The prevalence of int1 gene among all isolates tested was 90%, while only one isolate harbored the int2 gene (1%). Our results were indicative of the high prevalence of multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae as well as integrons that were found to play an essential role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in our hospitals.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of certain CDK2 inhibitors based on pyrazole and pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine scaffold with apoptotic activity.

Different series of novel pyrazole and pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidine derivatives (2a-g), (3a-c), (7a-d) and (10a-e) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit CDK2/cyclin A2 enzyme in vitro. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized compounds was screened against four different human cancer cell lines. The CDK2/cyclin A2 enzyme inhibitory activity revealed that compounds (2d) and (2 g) are among the most active with inhibitory activity values of 60% and 40%, respectively, while compounds (7d) and (10b) exhibited the highest activity among the newly synthesized derivatives against four tumor cell lines (HepG2, MCF-7, A549 and Caco2) with IC50 values 24.24, 14.12, 30.03 and 29.27 µM and 17.12, 10.05, 29.95 and 25.24 µM, respectively. Flow cytometry cell cycle assay was carried for compounds (7d) and (10b) to investigate their apoptotic activity. The obtained results revealed that they induced cell-cycle arrest in the G0-G1phase and reinforced apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Molecular modeling studies have been carried out to gain further understanding the binding mode of the target compounds together with field alignment to define the similar field properties.

OUTCOMES OF PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REFRACTORY AQUEOUS MISDIRECTION SYNDROME.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and complications of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and adjunct surgeries for aqueous misdirection refractory to medical therapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive eyes with refractory aqueous misdirection at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital between 2002 and 2010. Patients underwent two-port and three-port pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with adjunct procedures including pars plana lensectomy combined with posterior capsulectomy, hyaloido-zonulo-iridectomy, and synechiolysis. Main outcome measures included anatomical success, functional success, and factors associated with the outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-nine eyes were evaluated over a mean follow-up period of 17.6 ± 3.8 months (3-156 months). Anatomical success was achieved in 62 eyes (90%) and functional success in 54 eyes (78%) that underwent PPV as a primary surgery. The factors associated with the altering misdirected aqueous flow and reducing intraocular pressure significantly associated with a two-line improvement of best-corrected visual acuity included surgical treatment within 4 weeks of presentation (P = 0.004) and preoperative intraocular pressure (P = 0.001). The success of two-port PPV and standard three-port PPV was similar (P = 0.7). The intraoperative and postoperative complications included retinal detachment in two eyes and endophthalmitis in one eye. CONCLUSION: The PPV was effective for managing aqueous misdirection refractory to medical therapy. Two-port or three-port PPV did not change the success rate but early surgery improved both anatomical and functional outcomes.

Exploring q-Bernstein-Bézier surfaces in Minkowski space: Analysis, modeling, and applications.

In this paper, we examine q-Bernstein-Bézier surfaces in Minkowski space-[Formula: see text] with q as the shape parameter. These surfaces, a generalization of Bézier surfaces, have applications in mathematics, computer-aided geometric design, and computer graphics for the surface formation and modeling. We analyze the timelike and spacelike cases of q-Bernstein-Bézier surfaces using known boundary control points. The mean curvature and Gaussian curvature of these q-Bernstein-Bézier surfaces are computed by finding the respective fundamental coefficients. We also investigate the shape operator dependency for timelike and spacelike q-Bernstein-Bézier surfaces in Minkowski space-[Formula: see text], and provide biquadratic and bicubic q-Bernstein-Bézier surfaces as illustrative examples for different values of the shape controlling parameter q.

A novel parC mutation potentiating fluoroquinolone resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli clinical isolates.

INTRODUCTION: Resistance to fluoroquinolones is mainly due to point mutations that gave rise to amino acid substitutions in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of either gyrA or parC genes, which may be augmented by plasmid mediated resistance. Accordingly, the main aim of the study was to investigate the mutations in gyrA and parC genes as well as the qnrA and qnrB genes acquisition. METHODOLOGY: 193 Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates were collected, identified and MICs for ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin were determined. Polymerase Chain Reaction to investigate qnrA, qnrB, gyrA and parC genes followed by DNA sequencing analysis to identify mutations in gyrA and parC genes. RESULTS: The most prominent mutation in gyrA gene was ser83leu, followed by asp87asn, and lys154arg. Regarding parC mutations, ser80ile was the most detected. Other mutations val141ala and glu84ala were also noted. In addition to a substitution mutation at codon 157 of leucine to tyrosin. To the best of our knowledge this mutation was not previously reported. qnrB was the most detected gene, as 64.7% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 57.1% Escherichia coli were positive. qnrA gene was detected in 11% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 4% of Escherichia coli isolates tested. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the indiscriminate use of fluoroquinolones resulted in the increase of development of resistance either through mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of either gyrA or parC genes augmented by plasmid mediated resistance. The irrational use of new fluoroquinolones such as moxifloxacin has created selective pressure for the appearance of new mutation.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of parasitic copepoda; Ergasilus sieboldi isolated from cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) in Egypt, associated with analysis of oxidative stress biomarkers.

Parasitic copepods are common damaging ectoparasites of cultured marine fish that induce high mortalities in fish farms. The present study aimed to identify the cause of mass mortalities of cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) as one of the highly valuable cultured marine fish species in Egypt. Parasitological examination demonstrated Ergasilus sieboldin (E. sieboldi) adult females of (1.3 ± 0.01 mm, n = 55) mean body length and (0.53 ± 0.04 mm) body width, lodged in the gill filaments of the forty examined fish with a pair of strong clawed antennae. The detected parasite has six segmented antennules and consists of cephalosome followed by four divided thoracic segments that narrow posteriorly, five pairs of swimming legs, genital segment, abdominal segments followed by furcal rami with unequal caudal setae and two egg sacs at the end of the body. The collected E. sieboldi were confirmed by molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on 28S rDNA sequencing. The obtained sequence in this study was registered in the GenBank with (OM812074) accession number as a first sequence of E. sieboldi from Egypt. Oxidative stress biomarkers in the gills of the parasitized fish were evaluated to describe the host defense mechanisms against E. sieboldi infestation. The current study demonstrated decreasing in reduced glutathione (GSH) content and activity of the anti-oxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), as well as elevation in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) due to exposure to oxidative damage that might have a role in the tissue damage and dysfunction.

Antioxidants Application Enhances Regeneration and Conversion of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Somatic Embryos.

Many embryogenic systems have been designed to generate somatic embryos (SEs) with the morphology, biochemistry, and vigor uniformity of zygotic embryos (ZEs). During the current investigation, several antioxidants were added to the maturation media of the developing somatic embryos of date palm. Explant material was a friable embryogenic callus that was placed in maturation media containing ABA at 0.5 mg L-1, 5 g L-1 polyethylene glycol, and 10 g L-1 phytagel. Furthermore, α-tocopherol or reduced glutathione (GSH) were used separately at (25 and 50 mg L-1). These treatments were compared to a widely used date palm combination of reduced ascorbic acid (ASC) and citric acid at 150 and 100 mg L-1, respectively, and to the medium free from any antioxidants. The relative growth percentage of embryogenic callus (EC), globularization degree, differentiation%, and SEs number were significantly increased with GSH (50 mg L-1). Additionally, the latter treatment significantly enhanced the conversion% of SEs and the number of secondary somatic embryos (SSEs). ASC and citric acid treatment increased leaf length, while α-tochopherol (50 mg L-1) elevated the number of leaves plantlet-1. GSH at 50 mg L-1 catalyzed the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in EC and enhanced the accumulation of proteins in SEs.

Indications and Safety of High Flow Nasal Cannula in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Retrospective Single Center Experience in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a new device for respiratory support. Its use continues to increase in pediatrics as its system is easily set up and well tolerated by patients. We aimed in this study to explore indications and safety of HFNC use and predictors of HFNC failure. METHODS: Hospital records of 92 children with acute respiratory distress admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Abha Maternity and Children Hospital from January 2018 until March 2020 and received HFNC therapy were studied. A data collection sheet was used that included patients' age, gender, the indication of HFNC, associated chronic diseases, previous admission to PICU, vital signs (initially, 8 hours and 48 hours after using HFNC), outcome after using HFNC, and reasons for HFNC failure. RESULTS: After receiving HFNC, children's respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation improved significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p < 0.001, respectively). Regarding laboratory findings, pH and serum bicarbonate improved significantly (p < 0.001 for both), while PaCO2 improved but not significantly. The failure rate of HFNC was 23.0%. HFNC failure rates were significantly higher among children with chronic diseases than those with no chronic disease (33.3% and 14.9%, respectively, p = 0.038) and among children with the air-leak syndrome (p < 0.001). After 48 hours of HFNC use, children who experienced HFNC failure had significantly higher respiratory and heart rates (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), lower diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.011), and higher PaCO2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: After HFNC use, significant improvements occur in all clinical parameters and laboratory values of children with respiratory distress, but about one-fourth of cases may experience HFNC failure. Predictors for HFNC failure include underlying chronic disease, low diastolic blood pressure, high respiratory rate, high heart rate, high initial PaCO2.

Potential Co-prevalence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinant qepA and 16S rRNA Methylase rmtB among E.coli Clinical Isolates from Alexandria- Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Fluoroquinolone-resistant Gram-negative pathogens have been increasingly reported from most regions of the world over the last decade. A new plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone efflux pump gene (qepA) is known to be associated with the 16S rRNA methylase gene (rmtB) that confers resistance to aminoglycosides. AIM: To investigate the potential co-prevalence of qepA and rmtB genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) clinical isolates collected from Egyptian medical facilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 225 non-duplicate E. coli isolates were collected between 2008 and 2009 from two hospitals in Alexandria. Isolates were initially tested for their antibiotic susceptibility by disc diffusion method. Isolates exhibited quinolone and aminoglycosides co-resistance profile were screened for the presence of qepA and rmtB genes. The effect of efflux pump inhibitor, phenylarginine-beta-naphthylamide (PAßN) on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and gentamicin against these strains was tested and log activity index was calculated. Using checkerboard titration method, the combinations of gentamicin with ciprofloxacin against the strains harboring qepA and rmtB genes were tested and the fractional inhibitory concentrations (FIC) were calculated. RESULTS: Forty-five E. coli isolates exhibited quinolone and aminoglycosides co-resistance profile. Of them, two E. coli isolates were positive for qepA, and three harbored rmtB genes. No association between both genes was detected. The calculated log activity index revealed a reduction in MIC of the fluoroquinolones with PAßN but not of gentamicin. FIC calculated here for gentamicin/ciprofloxacin combinations reflected either antagonism or indifference against the strains harboring qepA and rmtB genes. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: qepA as well as rmtB genes-carrying E. coli strains could become a greater nosocomial infection problem with appropriate foci of selective pressure. Therefore, public health support for active surveillance for plasmid mediated fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides resistance determinants among clinical E. coli isolates should be encouraged. In addition, the effect of efflux pumps needs to be considered in the design of future antibiotics as their synergistic role may pave the way to novel combination therapies that could be used against these strains.

Synthesis of the Tetracyclic Framework of Polycyclic Spiro Lignan Natural Products.

Polycyclic spiro lignans are a new family of lignan natural products recently isolated from Gymnotheca involucrata. The first synthesis of two model substrates of this rare family of natural products was achieved in six steps. An efficient strategy that features Suzuki coupling and Friedel-Crafts acylation was employed to construct the ABC tricyclic fluorene framework. Subsequently, Grignard reaction followed by acid-mediated cyclization furnished the spiro cyclic ether ring D.

Pulmonary deregulation of expression of miR-155 and two of its putative target genes; PROS1 and TP53INP1 associated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) administration in rat.

Background: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been considered as an ideal candidate in various biomedical applications due to their ease of tailoring into different size, shape, and decorations with different functionalities. The current study was conducted to investigate the epigenetic alteration in the lung in response to AuNPs administration regarding microRNA-155 (miR-155) gene which can be involved in AuNP-induced lung pathogenesis. Methods: Thirty-two Wister rats were divided into two equal groups, control group and AuNPs treated group which received a single intravenous (IV) injection of plain spherical AuNPs (0.015 mg/kg body wt) with an average diameter size of 25±3 nm. Lung samples were collected from both the control and injected groups at one day, one week, one month and two months post-injection. The alteration of relative expression of miR-155 gene and two of its putative target genes; tumor protein 53 inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1) and protein S (PROS1) was investigated by real time PCR and protein S (PS) expression was analyzed by Western blotting technique. Results: The obtained results revealed that AuNPs administration significantly increases the expression level of miR-155 and reduce relative mRNA expression of TP53INP1 and PROS1 genes at one day post-injection. In contrast, a significant down-regulation of miR-155 level of expression concurrent with up-regulation of expression level of TP53INP1 and PROS1 genes were shown at one week, one month and two months post-injection. PS levels were mirrored to their PROS1 mRNA levels except for two month post-injection time point. Conclusions: These findings indicate epigenetic modulation in the lung in response to AuNPs administration regarding the miR-155 gene which can be involved in AuNP-induced lung pathogenesis.

Pilot study of classic galactosemia: Neurodevelopmental impact and other complications urge neonatal screening in Egypt.

Classic galactosemia is caused by deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT). It causes serious morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Screening for galactosemia is not included in Egyptian neonatal screening program. The study aimed to define clinical presentation and complications of galactosemia at Pediatric Hepatology Clinic, Cairo University, Egypt. Thus, the clinical presentation, course and outcome of 37 children with documented galactosemia was studied. Jaundice was the main presentation (67.6%). Other presentations included; convulsions (29.7%), motor retardation (24.3%), mental retardation (5.4%), microcephaly (5.4%), failure to thrive (16.2%), hepatomegaly (62.2%), splenomegaly (35.1%), vomiting (16.2%), diarrhea (8.1%), liver cell failure (10.8%), renal tubular acidosis (5.4%), cataract (5.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (2.7%), self-mutilation (2.7%), combined immune deficiency (2.7%) and kernicterus (2.7%). There was no correlation of residual enzyme activity to severity, clinical presentation, liver function tests, liver biopsy findings or outcome apart from highly significant correlation with repeated chest infections (P = 0.001). Duration to diagnosis and exposure to galactose in diet correlated with liver pathology severity i.e. hepatocyte necrosis (P = 0.003) and cytoskeleton damage (P = 0.003), but not to outcome. Galactosemia should be suspected in any child with liver, neurologic disease and/or immunodeficiency. Its complications are potentially preventable. Early detection is mandatory to prevent serious morbidity and mortality. Initiation of neonatal screening for galactosemia in Egypt is recommended.

Biosorption of alpacide blue from aqueous solution by lignocellulosic biomass: Luffa cylindrica fibers.

The aim of the present work is to develop an effective and inexpensive pollutant-removal technology using lignocellulosic fibers: Luffa cylindrica, for the biosorption of an anionic dye: alpacide blue. The influence of some experimental parameters such as pH, temperature, initial concentration of the polluted solution, and mass of the sorbent L. cylindrica on the biosorption of alpacide blue by L. cylindrica fibers has been investigated. Optimal parameters for maximum quantity of biosorption dye were achieved after 2 h of treatment in a batch system using an initial dye concentration of 20 mg/L, a mass of 1 g of L. cylindrica fibers, and pH 2. In these conditions, the quantity of dye retained is 2 mg/g and the retention rate is 78 %. Finally, a mathematical modeling of kinetics and isotherms has been used for mathematical modeling; the model of pseudo-second order is more appropriate to describe this phenomenon of biosorption. Concerning biosorption isotherms, the Freundlich model is the most appropriate for a biosorption of alpacide blue dye by L. cylindrica fibers.