Modelling dynamics between free-living amoebae and bacteria.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) serve as hosts for a variety of endosymbionts, which are microorganisms that reside and multiply within the FLA. Some of these endosymbionts pose a pathogenic threat to humans, animals, or both. The symbiotic relationship with FLA not only offers these microorganisms protection but also enhances their survival outside their hosts and assists in their dispersal across diverse habitats, thereby escalating disease transmission. This review is intended to offer an exhaustive overview of the existing mathematical models that have been applied to understand the dynamics of FLA, especially concerning their interactions with bacteria. An extensive literature review was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases to identify mathematical models that describe the dynamics of interactions between FLA and bacteria, as published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The literature search revealed several FLA-bacteria model systems, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, and Legionella spp. Although the published mathematical models account for significant system dynamics such as predator-prey relationships and non-linear growth rates, they generally overlook spatial and temporal heterogeneity in environmental conditions, such as temperature, and population diversity. Future mathematical models will need to incorporate these factors to enhance our understanding of FLA-bacteria dynamics and to provide valuable insights for future risk assessment and disease control measures.

Machine learning based identification potential feature genes for prediction of drug efficacy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis animal model.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) results from complex liver conditions involving metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrogenic processes. Despite its burden, there has been a lack of any approved food-and-drug administration therapy up till now. PURPOSE: Utilizing machine learning (ML) algorithms, the study aims to identify reliable potential genes to accurately predict the treatment response in the NASH animal model using biochemical and molecular markers retrieved using bioinformatics techniques. METHODS: The NASH-induced rat models were administered various microbiome-targeted therapies and herbal drugs for 12 weeks, these drugs resulted in reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, liver inflammation, and histopathological changes. The ML model was trained and tested based on the Histopathological NASH score (HPS); while (0-4) HPS considered Improved NASH and (5-8) considered non-improved, confirmed through rats' liver histopathological examination, incorporates 34 features comprising 20 molecular markers (mRNAs-microRNAs-Long non-coding-RNAs) and 14 biochemical markers that are highly enriched in NASH pathogenesis. Six different ML models were used in the proposed model for the prediction of NASH improvement, with Gradient Boosting demonstrating the highest accuracy of 98% in predicting NASH drug response. FINDINGS: Following a gradual reduction in features, the outcomes demonstrated superior performance when employing the Random Forest classifier, yielding an accuracy of 98.4%. The principal selected molecular features included YAP1, LATS1, NF2, SRD5A3-AS1, FOXA2, TEAD2, miR-650, MMP14, ITGB1, and miR-6881-5P, while the biochemical markers comprised triglycerides (TG), ALT, ALP, total bilirubin (T. Bilirubin), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). CONCLUSION: This study introduced an ML model incorporating 16 noninvasive features, including molecular and biochemical signatures, which achieved high performance and accuracy in detecting NASH improvement. This model could potentially be used as diagnostic tools and to identify target therapies.

Echocardiographic diagnosis and clinical implications of wide-open tricuspid regurgitation for evaluating right ventricular dysfunction in the emergency department.

The tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) reflects the difference in pressure between the right ventricle and right atrium (ΔPRV-RA). Its estimation by echocardiography correlates well with that obtained using right-heart catheterization. An elevated TRPG is an important marker for identifying right ventricular dysfunction in both the acute and chronic settings. However, in the "wide-open" variant of TR, the TRPG counterintuitively falls. Failure to recognize this potential pitfall and underlying pathophysiology can cause underestimation of the severity of right ventricular dysfunction. This could lead to erroneous fluid tolerance assessments, and potentially harmful resuscitative and airway management strategies. In this manuscript, we illustrate the pathophysiology and potential pitfall of wide-open TR through a series of cases in which emergency physicians made the diagnosis using cardiac point-of-care ultrasound. To our knowledge, this clinical series is the first to demonstrate recognition of the paradoxically-low TRPG of wide-open TR, which guided appropriate management of critically ill patients in the emergency department.

Development of sensitive spectrofluorometric approach based on formation of pyrrolidone derivative for determination of linagliptin through condensation reaction with ninhydrin and phenylacetaldehyde: Application to content uniformity and real plasma.

The new drug linagliptin belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme inhibitors. Linagliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is taken orally either alone or in combination with other drugs. In this instance, a new, simple, and economical technique for analyzing linagliptin was developed by the effective use of a pyrrolidone derivative. The primary amine group of linagliptin permits its condensation with ninhydrin (0.14% w/v) to produce a fluorescent product in the presence of phenylacetaldehyde (0.02% v/v). All experimental parameters were carefully examined and adjusted in order to monitor the generation of the pyrrolidone derivative at excitation and emission wavelengths of 385 and 475 nm, respectively. The calibration graph was made by plotting the intensity of the fluorescence in relation to linagliptin concentration. A significant linearity was found for values ranging from 20 to 460 ng/mL. The process's validity has been verified by a thorough assessment of the instructions provided by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). The results indicate excellent uniformity with a reference method, showing that there is no substantial difference in precision and accuracy. The proposed approach was utilized for determining linagliptin in real rat plasma successfully owing to its high sensitivity. Additionally, the proposed approach was evaluated using the Eco-Scale evaluation tool and showed a high degree of eco-friendliness (86/100).

A Highly Sensitive Inclusion Complex Based Spectrofluorimetric Method for the Determination of Certain Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors: Greenness Assessment and Application to Different Biological Fluids.

This study introduces a remarkably simple, green, and highly sensitive inclusion complex based spectrofluorimetric method for analyzing two sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: empagliflozin (EGF) and dapagliflozin (DGF). The method utilizes beta-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) complexation to enhance the native fluorescence of EGF and DGF in aqueous solutions, resulting in 11.0-fold and 9.0-fold intensity increases, respectively. Fluorescence measurements were conducted at 301 nm emission following 230 nm excitation for both drugs. The method demonstrates excellent linearity (0.9994 for EGF and 0.9993 for DGF) over concentration ranges of 5.0-250.0 ng/mL and 10.0-300.0 ng/mL, with low detection limits of 1.05 and 1.38 ng/mL for EGF and DGF, respectively. The method's versatility was validated through successful application in pharmaceutical formulations, content uniformity testing, and biological fluids. This eco-friendly approach primarily uses water as a solvent and requires minimal reagents. The method's environmental impact was comprehensively evaluated using the analytical eco-scale, green analytical procedure index (GAPI), and analytical greenness metric (AGREE).

Unveiling the Chemical Composition, Bioactive Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Dried Egyptian Jew's Mallow Stems as a Promising Anticancer Agent.

Phytochemicals from waste materials generated by agricultural and industrial processes have become globally significant due to their accessibility and potential effectiveness with few side effects. These compounds have essential implications in both medicine and the economy. Therefore, a quantitative analysis of the phytochemical profile, sugar types, and water-soluble vitamins of dried Corchorus olitorius L."DJMS" extract (dried Jew's mallow stem) was carried out with HPLC. In addition, the chemical composition, TPC, chlorophyll a and b, beta-carotene, and antioxidant effect using DPPH were investigated. Furthermore, the anticancer activity of the DJMS was evaluated by SRB assay using Huh-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. In the quantitative study, DJMS extract showed a high antioxidant potential (67%) due to its content of bioactive compounds such as TPC (276.37 mg 100 g-1) and chlorophyll a and b (20.31, 12.02 mg 100 g-1, respectively), as well as some vitamins and minerals such as B-complex (B12; 146.8 mg 100 g-1 and vitamin C 6.49 mg 100 g-1) and selenium (<0.2 µg kg-1). Moreover, the main sugar types found were sucrose and stachyose, which recorded 9.23 and 6.25 mg 100 g-1, respectively. Identifying phenolic and flavonoids showed that the major components were ellagic acid (4905.26 µg kg-1), ferulic acid (3628.29 µg kg-1), chlorogenic acid (3757.08 µg kg-1), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (4314.48 µg kg-1), naringin (4296.94 µg kg-1) and apigenin-6-rhamnose-8 glucoside (3078.87 µg kg-1). The dried stem extract showed significant MDA-MB-231 inhibition activity and reached 80% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL of DJMS extract, related to the content of phytochemical components such as isoflavones like genistein (34.96 µg kg-1), which had a tremendous anticancer effect. Hence, the stem of Jew's mallow (which is edible and characterized by its viability and low production cost) possesses the capacity to serve as a pharmaceutical agent for combating cancer owing to its abundance of bioactive components.

Antimicrobial and therapeutic potentials of the blackberry extracts against Escherichia coli infection in male albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Blackberries have garnered attention recently due to their high concentration of bioactive components like anthocyanin and their health advantages. Therefore, this study aims to determine the bioactive profile, antioxidant and antibacterial effects of blackberry extracts (BBEs). Then, evaluate the protective effect of BBEs (20%, 30% and 40%) in a rat model of 2 mL of 4-8 × 106 Escherichia coli ATTC 25922 strain colony-forming unit mL-1 oral infection on the seventh day of the experiment. RESULTS: Rats were divided into six groups: G1: control (C-: normal or negative group), G2: (C+: infected or positive group), G3: infected-treated group by 20% BBE, G4: infected-treated group by 30% BBE, G5: infected-treated group by 40% of BBE and G6: infected-treated group by Gentamicin. The results showed that BBE had a high content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoid, anthocyanin contents, and different vitamins (vitamins A, E and C), reaching 450, 186, 58.83 mg 100 g-1, 2.68, 2.14 and 107.46 mg 100g-1 fresh weight, respectively, which showed great antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Therefore, liver enzymes, kidney function and lipid profiles were significantly higher in the infected group than in the control or infected-treated groups. Furthermore, BBE ameliorated inflammation of the intestine and hepatocyte damage compared to the infected control group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that consistent intake of BBE might alleviate hepatic inflammation and the gut microbiota in ways that could significantly impact human health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Serum lncRNAs, NBAT-1, and FOXCUT signature in hepatocellular carcinoma developed on top of chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a universal health problem responsible for 8.2% of all cancer deaths. Numerous risk factors were documented to be contributed to HCC development with viral hepatitis C ranking as the major predisposing factor in Egypt. The presence of a detectable amount of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the circulation is linked to the development and spread of tumors. LncRNAs NBAT-1 and FOXCUT expression levels were used as genetic markers for the detection of gastrointestinal tract cancers. We hypothesized that serum expression levels of NBAT-1 and FOXCUT are new biomarkers for HCC that are related to laboratory and pathological markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 165 hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC Egyptian patients, 180 HCV-infected noncancer patients, and 180 healthy controls, the serum expression levels of NBAT-1 and FOXCUT were measured by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: This study's results include that medians (inter-quartile range [IQRs]) of NBAT-1 in HCC and HCV patients were (1.9 [0.87-4.94], 10.01 [7.34-13.29] respectively) which exhibited significantly higher expression than controls, while the medians (IQRs) of FOXCUT in HCC and HCV patients were (0.15 [0.04-0.52], 6.42 [2.49-10.10], respectively) that exhibited significantly lower expression than controls regarding HCC patients but significantly higher expression than controls regarding HCV patients. In comparing serum fold changes of NBAT-1 and FOXCUT between HCC patients and HCV patients; we obtained significantly higher levels of target genes in HCV patients (p < 0.001) than in HCC patients. Also, a positive correlation was detected between NBAT-1 and FOXCUT in HCC group (r = 0.262, p = 0.001) and in HCV group (r = 0.937, p < 0.001). Higher serum NBAT-1 and FOXCUT were significantly associated with better clinical and laboratory data of the disease. Multivariate regression analysis showed that FOXCUT was an independent predictor for HCC among HCV patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study cited that NBAT-1 and FOXCUT could be considered new diagnostic serum biomarkers for HCC on top of HCV.

NiFe-based Prussian blue analogue nanopolygons hybridized with functionalized glyoxal polymer as a voltammetric platform for the determination of amisulpride in biological samples.

A novel voltammetric platform based on pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modification has been proposed, containing bimetallic (NiFe) Prussian blue analogue nanopolygons decorated with electro-polymerized glyoxal polymer nanocomposites (p-DPG NCs@NiFe PBA Ns/PGE). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and square wave voltammetry (SWV) were utilized to investigate the electrochemical performance of the proposed sensor. The analytical response of p-DPG NCs@NiFe PBA Ns/PGE was evaluated through the quantity of amisulpride (AMS), one of the most common antipsychotic drugs. Under the optimized experimental and instrumental conditions, the method showed linearity over the range from 0.5 to 15 × 10-8 mol L-1 with a good correlation coefficient (R = 0.9995) and a low detection limit (LOD) reached, 1.5 nmol L-1, with excellent relative standard deviation for human plasma and urine samples. The interference effect of some potentially interfering substances was negligible, and the sensing platform demonstrated an outstanding reproducibility, stability, and reusability. As a first trial, the proposed electrode aimed to shed light on the AMS oxidation mechanism, where the oxidation mechanism was monitored and elucidated using the FTIR technique. It was also found that the prepared p-DPG NCs@NiFe PBA Ns/PGE platform had promising applications for the simultaneous determination of AMS in the presence of some co-administered COVID-19 drugs, which could be attributed to the large active surface area, and high conductivity of bimetallic nanopolygons.

Evaluated gene expressions of Metallo beta lactamase genes GIM and , VIM, SPM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered as one of the human health care problems, P. aeruginosa's carbapenem resistance emerges by several different mechanisms, some of which include carbapenems genes. P. aeruginosa's carbapenem resistance is a significant health concern, So this study aims to evaluate MBL gene expressions. The study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, AL-Mahmoodia Hospital, over one year from January to December 2022. The samples were collected from patients with different clinical sources (Burn, Urine, Wound, Sputum, Ear, and Blood), from different ages while. Samples were collected from three hospitals in Baghdad including Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, AL-Mahmmodiya Hospital, and Child's Central Teaching Hospital. A study analyzed 55 P. aeruginosa strains from various clinical sources, the study utilizes the chemical characterization, VITEK 2 system, 16s rRNA, antibiogram sensitivity tests, antibiotic susceptibility using eight antibiotics, including Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Imipenem Meropenem, Piperacillin, Cefepim and Aztreonam. The test of bacterial susceptibility revealed that each isolate was highly resistant to piperacillin, which are 96.36%, and lower resistance to Ciprofloxacin, which are 32%. Phenotypic screening carbapenem resistance methods combined the disk synergy test and conventional PCR that were used to detect isolates by using 16 S rRNA. This proves that the bacteria is P. aeruginosa and computed by measuring gene expression of the target genes (GIM, VIM, SPM) by using the real-time PCR, which is employed for twenty-five isolates. The result indicates that the expression level of the VIM gene is highly regulated in carbapenem-resistance isolates compared to control isolates that is 1.00. While the expression level of gene GIM and SPM is downregulated in carbapenem-resistance isolates compared to control isolates that is 6. The carbapenem VIM and GIM, SPM (class B) genes are essential for resistance in P. aeruginosa induced by chromosomal changes that modify membrane permeability efflux pump overexpression for genes. As a result, many studies require for discovering new strategies to reduce the threat to public health through preventing the spread of these isolates via tight infections, control measures, and the reduction of the danger to public health.

In vitro and In silico assessment of antischistosomal activities of ethanolic extract of Cornulacamonacantha.

Schistosomiasis is the second most prevailing parasitic disease worldwide. Although praziquantel is considered an effective drug in the treatment against schistosomiasis to some extent, there is an emerging drug resistance that widely recorded. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective and safe anti-schistosomal drugs. In this study, Cornulaca monacantha (C. monacantha), a sub-saharan plant, was extracted using aqueous ethanol and characterized by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Major constituents of the extract are belonging to flavonoids, tannins and phenolic glycosides. Worms' viability and surface morphology of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) adult worms treated with the extract were assessed using in vitro viability assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and histological examination. The extract (80-350 µg/ml) reduced viability percentage of worms by 40-60% and caused degeneration of both oral and ventral suckers, tegumental, sub-tegumental and muscular damage. Molecular docking approach was utilized to assess the binding affinities of the extracted compounds with S. mansoni alpha-carbonic anhydrase (SmCA), an essential tegument protein. Pharmacokinetic analysis using SwissADME showed that 7 compounds have high drug similarity. This study confirms the in vitro schistomicidal activity of C. monacantha extract against S. mansoni adult worms and suggests potential SmCA inhibition.

Red cell distribution width as a prognostic marker for complications of community-acquired pneumonia in children: a comparison with Proadrenomedullin and Copeptin.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children; so, early identification of patients with CAP, who are at risk of complications or high mortality, is very critical to identify patients who need early admission to the intensive care unit. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To explore the prognostic value of Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), Proadrenomedullin and Copeptin in the prediction of complicated CAP in children. METHODS: 99 children were enrolled in the study, which was done at the Pediatric Department of Minia University Hospital. Measurement of serum Proadrenomedullin, Copeptin, and RDW was done to all participating children in the first 24 h of admission. Assessment of the severity of CAP was done using the Pediatric Respiratory Severity Score (PRESS). RESULTS: The values of RDW, Proadrenomedullin, and Copeptin were significantly higher in the complicated CAP group than in the uncomplicated one (P value < 0.01). There were significant positive correlations between RDW and Proadrenomedullin with PRESS (r 0.56 for both). For the prediction of complications, RDW at cutoff point > 17.4, has 77.7% of sensitivity and 98.6% of specificity, followed by Pro ADM at cutoff point > 5.1 nmol/L, of 74% of sensitivity and 90.2% of specificity. For the prediction of mortality, RDW at cutoff point > 17.4 has 81.25% of sensitivity and 89.16% of specificity. CONCLUSION: The RDW is a reliable predictor of poor outcomes in pediatric CAP.

Ultrasensitive green spectrofluorimetric approach for quantification of Hg(II) in environmental samples (water and fish samples) using cysteine@MnO2 dots.

Mercury (Hg2+ ) is a natural element present in foods such as fish, water and soil. Exposure to mercury leads to severe toxic effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. Here, a novel, green, and environmentally friendly fluorescent probe decorated with cysteine/MnO2 quantum dots (Cys@MnO2 QDs) was synthesized. This synthesis was carried out using a simple ultrasound technique with the aid of cysteine for fabricating Cys@MnO2 QDs to estimate Hg levels in fish and water samples. In this morphological study, Cys@MnO2 QDs were fully characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible and infrared spectroscopy. The fluorescence of the synthesized Cys@MnO2 QDs was significantly quenched by gradually increasing the Hg(II) concentration. The quenching mechanism based on the Hg-S bonds strengthened the utility of the Cys@MnO2 QDs as a novel luminescent nanoprobe. The estimation of Hg was linear in the concentration range 0.7-100.0 ng mL-1 with a limit of quantitation equal to 0.30 ng mL-1 . The Cys@MnO2 QDs are fluorescent probes with various benefits such as speed, ease of use, cost- effective, and being environmentally friendly; they are easily applied in food manufacturing and for public health improvement.

Hematological, biochemical, genotoxic, and histopathological changes induced by pyridaben.

The current work examined the genotoxic effects of pyridaben (PDB) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Twenty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups; the first group was used as a control group; the other three groups were exposed to 19, 28.5, and 57 mg/kg b.w PDB by oral gavage for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical parameters; femoral bone marrow was flushed for chromosomal aberrations (CA) assay and liver samples were used for the analysis of gene expression of IL-6 and Casp-3 as well as histopathological and immunhistochemical investigation for Casp-3. The results showed that PDB exposure lead to non-significant changes in hematological parameters in all PDB administrated groups while malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in 19 and 57 mg/kg PDB doses groups Also, gene expression of IL-6 and Casp-3 revealed a significant increase in 28.5 and 57 mg/kg PDB doses groups as compared with the control. However, there was no significant change in the percentage of CAs in bone marrow cells in all PDB-exposed groups. The histopathological and immunhistochemical examination showed focal areas of inflammatory cellular infiltration with fibrosis in 57 mg/kg b.w PDB dose group accompanied by the severe positive reaction of caspase3 in the liver.

Zinc(II) complexation strategy for ultra-sensitive fluorimetric estimation of molnupiravir: Applications and greenness evaluation.

The endemicity of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection proved to be transitional only. Spikes are forming again in 2023, and high expectations are returning for reinfections and viral mutations. Molnupiravir (MOL) has been approved as an oral antiviral drug for the treatment of the COVID-19 causative virion. Therefore, the development of an ultrasensitive, instantaneous, and cost-effective method for the quantification of MOL in real plasma samples and formulated dosage form are mandatory. The proposed approach is based on the synthesis of a MOL metal-chelation product. MOL as a ligand was chelated with 1.0 mM zinc(II) in an acetate buffer (pH 5.3). After illumination at 340 nm, the intensity of the MOL fluorescence measured at 386 nm was increased by about 10-fold. The linearity range was found to be from 60.0 to 800.0 ng mL-1 with limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 28.6 ng mL-1 . Two methods were utilized for measuring the greenness of the proposed method (Green Analytical Procedure Index [GAPI] and analytical greenness metric [AGREE] methods), with results equal to 0.8. The binding stoichiometry of MOL with the zinc(II) ion was found to be 2:1. All the experimental parameters were optimized and validated using International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) recommendations. Furthermore, the fluorescent probes were successfully utilized in real human plasma with high percentages of recovery (95.6%-97.1%) without any matrix interferences. The mechanism of fluorescent complex formation was confirmed using 1 H NMR in the presence and absence of Zn(II). The method was further utilized for testing content uniformity of MOL in its marketed capsule dosage forms.

The educational value of ward rounds as a learning and teaching opportunity for house officers, medical officers, and registrars in Sudanese hospitals: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Ward rounds are a cornerstone in the educational experience of junior doctors and an essential part of teaching patient care. Here, we aimed to assess the doctors' perception of ward rounds as an educational opportunity and to identify the obstacles faced in conducting a proper ward round in Sudanese hospitals. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the 15th to the 30th of January 2022 among house officers, medical officers, and registrars in about 50 teaching and referral hospitals in Sudan. House officers and medical officers were considered the learners, while specialist registrars were considered the teachers. Doctors' perceptions were assessed using an online questionnaire, with a 5-level Likert scale to answer questions. RESULTS: A total of 2,011 doctors participated in this study (882 house officers, 697 medical officers, and 432 registrars). The participants were aged 26.9 ± 3.2 years, and females constituted about 60% of the sample. An average of 3.1 ± 6.8 ward rounds were conducted per week in our hospitals, with 11.1 ± 20.3 h spent on ward rounds per week. Most doctors agreed that ward rounds are suitable for teaching patient management (91.3%) and diagnostic investigations (89.1%). Almost all the doctors agreed that being interested in teaching (95.1%) and communicating appropriately with the patients (94.7%) make a good teacher in ward rounds. Furthermore, nearly all the doctors agreed that being interested in learning (94.3%) and communicating appropriately with the teacher (94.5%) make a good student on ward rounds. About 92.8% of the doctors stated that the quality of ward rounds could be improved. The most frequently reported obstacles faced during ward rounds were the noise (70%) and lack of privacy (77%) in the ward environment. CONCLUSION: Ward rounds have a special value in teaching patient diagnosis and management. Being interested in teaching/learning and having good communication skills were the two major criteria that make a good teacher/learner. Unfortunately, ward rounds are faced with obstacles related to the ward environment. It is mandatory to ensure the quality of both ward rounds' teaching and environment to optimize the educational value and subsequently improve patient care practice.

Optimizing sowing window, cultivar choice, and plant density to boost maize yield under RCP8.5 climate scenario of CMIP5.

The impacts of climate change and possible adaptations to food security are a global concern and need greater focus in arid and semi-arid regions. It includes scenario of Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 5 (CMIP-RCP8.5). For this purpose, two DSSAT maize models (CSM-CERES and CSM-IXIM) were calibrated and tested with two different maize cultivars namely Single Cross 10 (SC10) and Three Way Cross 324 (TW24) using a dataset of three growing seasons in Nile Delta. SC10 is a long-growing cultivar that is resistant to abiotic stresses, whereas TW24 is short and sensitive to such harsh conditions. The calibrated models were then employed to predict maize yield in baseline (1981-2010) and under future time slices (2030s, 2050s, and 2080s) using three Global Climate Models (GCMs) under CMIP5-RCP8.5 scenario. In addition, the use of various adaptation options as shifting planting date, increasing sowing density, and genotypes was included in crop models. Simulation analysis showed that, averaged over three GCMs and two crop models, the yield of late maturity cultivar (SC10) decreased by 4.1, 17.2, and 55.9% for the three time slices of 2030s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively, compared to baseline yield (1981-2010). Such reduction increased with early maturity cultivar (TW24), recording 12.4, 40.6, and 71.3% for near (2030s), mid (2050s), and late century (2080s) respectively relative to baseline yield. The most suitable adaptation options included choosing a stress-resistant genotype, changing the planting date to plus or minus 30 days from baseline planting date, and raising the sowing density to 9 m-2 plants. These insights could minimize the potential reduction of climate change-induced yields by 39% by late century.

Rosuvastatin Induces Renal HO-1 Activity and Expression Levels as a Main Protective Mechanism against STZ-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy.

Background and Objectives: Nephroprotective effect of statins is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible hemin-like nephroprotective effect of rosuvastatin (RSV) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: DN was induced in rats via a single dose of 50 mg/kg STZ i.p., with or without RSV (10 mg/kg orally) for 30 days. To investigate hemin-like effect of RSV on renal heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), RSV was administered in the presence or absence of an inhibitor of HO-1; zinc protoporphyrin-XI (ZnPP), in a dose of 50 µmol/kg i.p. Results: Induction of diabetes with STZ caused, as expected, significant hyperglycemia, as well as deteriorated kidney function, lipid profile and histopathological architecture. The DN group also showed renal oxidative stress, indicated by decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione, with increased malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide. Renal expression of inflammatory marker TNF-α, and pro-apoptotic marker caspase 3, were also increased in the DN group. Administration of RSV in DN rats did not improve glucose level but succeeded in recovering kidney function and normal structure as well as improving the lipid profile. RSV also improved renal oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic statuses. Interestingly, the administration of RSV increased renal expression and activity of HO-1 compared to the untreated DN group. Co-administration of ZnPP blocked the effect of RSV on HO-1 and deteriorated all RSV favorable effects. Conclusions: RSV can protect against DN, at least in part, via increasing renal HO-1 expression and/or activity, which seems to be upstream to RSV antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

The role of sodium lauryl sulfate on formulation of directly compressed tablets containing simvastatin and aspirin: Effect on drugs dissolution and gastric mucosa.

According to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), both aspirin and statin are used in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Aspirin (ASA) is contraindicated if there is gastrointestinal bleeding because it will exaggerate the condition. In this study, the effect of surfactant; sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), in enhancing the in vitro dissolution of simvastatin (SIM) and ASA, as well as gastric irritation and upset, was studied. Oral tablets containing both ASA and SIM with and without the SLS were manufactured using the direct compression technique. The prepared tablets were characterized with respect to hardness, friability, uniformity of dosage units, in vitro disintegration, and dissolution. The effect of the addition of SLS in reducing the in vivo irritation and protection of gastric mucosa were also investigated. The results showed that the compressed tablets possessed sufficient hardness, acceptable friability, and are uniform with respect to disintegration, drugs contents, and tablet weight. The results showed that SIM alone exhibited a gastroprotective effect on the induced irritation. In addition, the incorporation of the SLS in the tablets containing SIM and ASA significantly enhanced the dissolution rates of both drugs and significantly decreased the gastric irritation and the ulcer index. The ulcer index of aspirin was decreased from 2.3 for tablets manufactured without SLS to 0.8 for tablets containing SLS. In a conclusion, the addition of pH modifier surfactant; SLS could enhance the dissolution rate of poorly soluble acidic drugs, reduce gastric upset and irritation without any effect on the main characters of the tablets. Moreover, the addition of SLS is very useful in improving the therapeutic activities and reducing the side effects of ASA and SIM for patients who require long-term administration of these drugs.

Amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa against Allovahlkampfia spelaea: A keratitis model.

Allovahlkampfia spelaea (A. spelaea) is a free-living amoeba, proved to cause Acanthamoeba-like keratitis with quite difficult treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the amoebicidal effect of Allium cepa (A. cepa) on A. spelaea trophozoites and cysts both in vitro and in vivo using Chinchilla rabbits as an experimental model of this type of keratitis. Chemical constituents of the aqueous extract of A. cepa were identified using Liquid Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). In vitro, A. cepa showed a significant inhibitory effect on trophozoites and cysts compared to the reference drug, chlorhexidine (CHX) as well as the non-treated control (P < 0.05) with statistically different effectiveness in terms of treatment durations and concentrations. No cytotoxic effect of A. cepa on corneal cell line was found even at high concentrations (32 mg/ml) using agar diffusion method. The in vivo results confirmed the efficacy of A. cepa where the extract enhanced keratitis healing with complete resolution of corneal ulcers in 80% of the infected animals by day 14 (post infection)pi compared to 70% recovery with CHX after 20 treatment days. The therapeutic effect was also approved at histological, immune-histochemical, and parasitological levels. Our findings support the potential use of A. cepa as an effective agent against A. spelaea keratitis.