Morphological and immunohistochemical differentiation of neuronal and glial cells of the vascular and avascular regions of the donkey's paurangiotic retina.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular diseases pose a significant health concern for donkeys. However, studies examining the microanatomy and cell populations of the donkey retina are scarce. The current study aims to describe the vascular pattern of the donkey retina and document its cellular components. METHODS: The donkey retina specimens were obtained from different retinal regions and prepared for semithin sectioning and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The donkey has a paurangiotic retina in which retinal vessels are confined to a narrow area around the optic disc. Glial cells coexist with the blood vessels being very numerous in the vascular region and become scanty in the avascular ones. S-100 positive astrocytes could be observed in these avascular areas. Ganglion cells are organized in a single layer with the least population existing in the peripheral retina. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (AFGF) is immunoreactive in amacrine and ganglion cells. A subpopulation of amacrine cells reacted strongly to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and others reacted positively to S-100 protein. Ganglion cell nuclei exhibited a strong immunoreactivity to S-100 protein as well. Furthermore, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is used to identify Müller cells which extend their processes across the retina from the inner to the outer limiting membrane. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings provide novel insights into the normal retinal organization. The donkey retina shows the characteristic expression of immunohistochemical markers for the major cell types. In addition, the distribution of glial cells is comparable between the vascular and avascular regions.

Is motor-driven insertion of orthodontic miniscrews more advantageous than manual insertion? A micro-CT evaluation of bone miniscrew contact surface area and cortical microcracks in rabbits.

AIM: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the bone-miniscrew contact surface area (BMC) and the cortical bone microcracks (CM) resulting from manual (hand-driven) and automated (motor-driven) orthodontic miniscrew (OM) insertion methods. METHODS: Thirty-three OM were inserted in the femurs of nine New Zealand rabbits using manual (n = 16) and automated (n = 17) insertions. After euthanizing the rabbits, bone blocks, each including one OM, were sawed. Micro-CT scanning was performed, and data analysis included reconstruction, binarization and quantification of morphometric parameters of BMC and the number and length of CM. Means and standard deviations for complete BMC, complete BMC proportion, cortical BMC, cortical BMC proportion, and length and number of CM were calculated. Mixed model analysis was used to adjust for more than one sample/CM per animal. A paired t-test was used to compare the number of CM between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared to the automated insertion, manually inserted miniscrews had significantly lower complete BMC (7.54 ± 1.80 mm2 vs. 11.99 ± 3.64 mm2), cortical BMC (5.91 ± 1.48 mm2 vs. 8.48 ± 1.90 mm2) and cortical BMC proportion (79.44 ± 5.84% vs. 87.94 ± 3.66%). However, it was not statistically significant in complete BMC proportion (p = .052). The automated insertion also resulted in a significantly lower mean number of CM than the manual method (p = .012). However, the length of the cracks was shorter in the manual group but with no significant difference (p = 0.256). CONCLUSION: Motor-driven OM insertion results in superior BMC and reduction in the number of CM, which may lead to better miniscrew stability.

Experimental investigation and molecular simulations of quinone related compounds as COX/LOX inhibitors.

Quinone-containing compounds have risen as promising anti-inflammatory targets; however, very little research has been directed to investigate their potentials. Accordingly, the current study aimed to design and synthesize group of quinones bearing different substituents to investigate the effect of these functionalities on the anti-inflammatory activities of this important scaffold. The choice of these substituents was carefully done, varying from a directly attached heterocyclic ring to different aromatic moieties linked through a nitrogen spacer. Both in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the synthesized compounds were assessed relative to the positive standards: celecoxib and indomethacin. The in vitro enzymatic and transcription inhibitory actions of all the synthesized compounds were tested against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and the in vivo gene expression of Interleukin-1, interleukin 10, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were determined. The IC50 against COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes obtained by the immunoassay test revealed promising activities of sixteen compounds with selectivity indices higher than 100-fold COX-2 selectivity. Out of those, four compounds revealed selectivity indices comparable to celecoxib as a reference drug. Furthermore, all the tested compounds inhibited LOX with an IC50 in the range of 1.59-3.11 µM superior to that of the reference drug used; zileuton (IC50 = 3.50 µM). Consequently, these results highlight the promising LOX inhibitory activity of the tested compounds. The obtained in vivo paw edema results showed high inhibitory percentage for the compounds 9a, 9b, and 11a with the significant lower TNF-α relative mRNA expression for compounds 5a, 5d, 9a, 9b, 12d, and 12e. Finally, in silico docking of the most active compounds (5b, 5d, 9a, 9b) against COX2 enzymes presented an acceptable justification of the obtained in vitro inhibitory activities. As a conclusion, Compounds 5b, 5d, 9a, 9b, and 11b showed promising results and thus deserves further investigation.

Maternal supplementation of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite improves uteroplacental blood flow, placental growth and antioxidant capacity in goats.

This experiment was designed to investigate the impact of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite (CONC) supplementation on uteroplacental hemodynamics and ultrasonographic measurements as well as maternal oxidative status in midgestating goats. Twelve synchronized pregnant goats (85.58 ± 1.08 days of gestation; mean ± SD) were uniformly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group); the first group received daily oral supplementation of CONC (3 mg/kg body weight; nanocurcumin [NC] group) for 32 days, and the second group was offered physiological saline (control) following the NC group timeline. The goats of both groups were examined at 3-day intervals for middle uterine (MUA) and umbilical (UMA) arteries hemodynamics (pulsatility index [PI], resistive index [RI], systole/diastole [S/D] and blood flow rate [BFR]) and diameters, uteroplacental thickness (UPT), placentomes' diameter (PD) and echogenicity, steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol 17ß), oxidative biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA]), nitric oxide (NO) and blood cells DNA integrity. The UPT (p = 0.012) and PD (p = 0.021) values were higher in the NC group than in their counterparts' control group (D11-32). There were increases in diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012) and decreases (p = 0.021, p = 0.016 and p = 0.041 [MUA]; p = 0.015, p = 0.023 and p = 0.011 [UMA] respectively) in Doppler indices (PI, RI and S/D) of the MUA and UMA in the NC group compared to the control group (D14-32). On D20-32 (MUA) and D14-32 (UMA), the NC goats had higher BFR than the control group (p = 0.021, 0.018 respectively). The means of blood cells with fragmented DNA were lower (p = 0.022) in the NC group than in the control group on Days 8 and 21 postsupplementation. There were increases in CAT and NO (D20-32; p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively), and TAC (D17-32; p = 0.007) levels in the NC goats compared to the control ones. The NC group had lower (p = 0.029) concentrations of MDA than the control group on Day 20 postsupplementation onward. In conclusion, oral supplementation of CONC improved uteroplacental blood flow and the antioxidant capacity of midgestating goats.

Buccal caffeine strips for reversal of adverse symptoms of vasodilator stress.

BACKGROUND: Due to recurrent shortages of aminophylline, intravenous caffeine has emerged as a commonly used, safe and reliable method to treat adverse effects of vasodilator stress agents. We sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of buccal caffeine strips which are rapidly absorbed, inexpensive, readily available, and simplify caffeine administration. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing regadenoson stress SPECT MPI were assessed for the occurrence of symptoms during testing over an 11-week period at a single metropolitan hospital. Adverse symptoms, including their severity and duration, were recorded at the time of testing. Patient satisfaction was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the most satisfied). Patients received reversal with caffeine if symptoms were felt to be significant enough by the patient and physician performing the test. The treatment received alternated week to week between IV caffeine (60 mg) or 100 mg buccal caffeine strips. Caffeine was given at least 3 minutes after tracer injection. A rescue dose of IV caffeine was offered 10 minutes later if indicated. RESULTS: Of the 122 patients enrolled in the study, 70 (57%) were included during buccal caffeine weeks and 52 (43%) during IV caffeine weeks, and only 28 (24%) received reversal with a caffeine agent. Seven (6%) received IV caffeine and 21 (17%) received buccal caffeine. There was no significant difference in symptom duration between IV and buccal caffeine after treatment (152.8 vs 163.4 seconds, P = 0.87). There was no significant difference in initial and final symptom severity between groups. Only 2 patients in the buccal group required rescue IV caffeine for ongoing symptoms and emesis. None of the IV group required a rescue dose. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the groups (2.8 vs 3.2, P = 0.38). CONCLUSION: Buccal caffeine strips are a safe, well tolerated, and effective initial strategy to reverse adverse effects of vasodilator stress in the minority of patients who request it. Buccal caffeine alone or with IV rescue caffeine was highly effective in reversing adverse effects and was free of major adverse clinical events.

Anatomical, histological, and histochemical alterations in portio vaginalis uteri with an evaluation of the vaginal artery vascularity during the luteal and early pregnant stages in domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The portio-vaginalis uteri (PVU) and its mucus secretion have shown an essential role in conception. A significant endeavour to improve buffaloes' reproductive efficiency is the investigation of their basic reproductive pattern, which provides a reference for applications in breeding and pregnancy. The present study aimed to evaluate the anatomical and histological alterations in PVU regarding to the vaginal artery (VA) hemodynamic at luteal and early pregnant stages in buffalos. Egyptian live buffaloes (n = 16) and fresh genitals (n = 25) of mature buffalo were used. Different luteal and early pregnant stages were macroscopically identified with the shape and mucosal colouration with discharges of the PVU. Histological examination showed a significant difference in area % of alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff positive granules which considered an indication for presence of acidic and neutral mucins respectively in the epithelial cells of PVU mucosa which increased in pregnant stage than in other luteal stages. VA assessment demonstrated an increase in luminal diameter and thickness of tunica muscularis in pregnant stage than other stages (P < 0.05). Middle uterine (MUA) and VA arteries peak velocity point (PSV mm/sec) were elevated (P < 0.05) in pregnant stage, with a marked reduction in both resistance and pulsatility indices (RI and PI), and ratio of systolic /diastolic (S/D). Positive correlation was detected between VA. PSV and, MUA. PSV (r = 0.87), but a negative relation was detected with VA. S/D (r = -0.77), VA.PI (r = -0.89), VA. RI (r = -0.97), MUA. S/D (r = -0.94), MUA. PI (r = -0.85), and MUA. RI (r = -0.88). Doppler indices were negatively corrected with the VA. PSV (r = -0.68). It was concluded that there was a significant alterations in histological features of the cervical PVU at different physiological stages (luteal and early pregnant) in buffalos in relation to the MUA and VA hemodynamic pattern and that hypotheses can be established regarding the female cyclicity that affected by both arteries hemodynamics change.

Impacts of selenium nanoparticles and spirulina alga to alleviate the deleterious effects of heat stress on reproductive efficiency, oxidative capacity and immunity of doe rabbits.

Effects of dietary inclusion of spirulina platensis (SP) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) combination (SP-SeNPs) on the reproductive performance in vivo and in vitro, reproductive and metabolic hormones, hemato-bichemical parameters, oxidative stress, and immunity of heat-stressed doe rabbis were evaluated. All supplements significantly increased live litter size at birth and weaning, viability rate at birth, hemoglobin and red blood cells, and plasma T3, T4, insulin, total proteins and albumin compared with control. Plasma estradiol 17-ß (pre-mating), progesterone (mid-pregnancy), and prolactin (day -7 postpartum) were significantly increased only by SeNPs (0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/kg). All dietary supplements significantly reduced WBCs, cortisol, lipid profile, and improved liver and kidney functions. Immunoglobulins levels, antioxidants capacity were significantly increased, superoxide dismutase was increased by SeNPs (0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg), while malondialdehyde was reduced by 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 SeNPs mg/kg. Sexual receptivity, pregnancy rate, viability rate at weaning, ovulation rate, and embryo quality were significantly increased by increasing SeNPs above 0.1 mg, while embryo yield was increased by >0.2 mg SeNPs/kg. A combination of SP and SeNPs, could be potentially used as a strong antioxidant to enhance heat regulation and doe rabbit reproduction via improving reproductive and metabolic hormones, antioxidant status and immunological parameters.

Fault Detection and Classification of CIGS Thin-Film PV Modules Using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Scheme.

The use of artificial intelligence to automate PV module fault detection, diagnosis, and classification processes has gained interest for PV solar plants maintenance planning and reduction in expensive inspection and shutdown periods. The present article reports on the development of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for PV fault classification based on statistical and mathematical features extracted from outdoor infrared thermography (IRT) and I-V measurements of thin-film PV modules. The selection of the membership function is shown to be essential to obtain a high classifier performance. Principal components analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the dimensions to speed up the classification process. For each type of fault, effective features that are highly correlated to the PV module's operating power ratio are identified. Evaluation of the proposed methodology, based on datasets gathered from a typical PV plant, reveals that features extraction methods based on mathematical parameters and I-V measurements provide a 100% classification accuracy. On the other hand, features extraction based on statistical factors provides 83.33% accuracy. A novel technique is proposed for developing a correlation matrix between the PV operating power ratio and the effective features extracted online from infrared thermal images. This eliminates the need for offline I-V measurements to estimate the operating power ratio of PV modules.

Binary Hunter-Prey Optimization with Machine Learning-Based Cybersecurity Solution on Internet of Things Environment.

Internet of Things (IoT) enables day-to-day objects to connect with the Internet and transmit and receive data for meaningful purposes. Recently, IoT has resulted in many revolutions in all sectors. Nonetheless, security risks to IoT networks and devices are persistently disruptive due to the growth of Internet technology. Phishing becomes a common threat to Internet users, where the attacker aims to fraudulently extract confidential data of the system or user by using websites, fictitious emails, etc. Due to the dramatic growth in IoT devices, hackers target IoT gadgets, including smart cars, security cameras, and so on, and perpetrate phishing attacks to gain control over the vulnerable device for malicious purposes. These scams have been increasing and advancing over the last few years. To resolve these problems, this paper presents a binary Hunter-prey optimization with a machine learning-based phishing attack detection (BHPO-MLPAD) method in the IoT environment. The BHPO-MLPAD technique can find phishing attacks through feature selection and classification. In the presented BHPO-MLPAD technique, the BHPO algorithm primarily chooses an optimal subset of features. The cascaded forward neural network (CFNN) model is employed for phishing attack detection. To adjust the parameter values of the CFNN model, the variable step fruit fly optimization (VFFO) algorithm is utilized. The performance assessment of the BHPO-MLPAD method takes place on the benchmark dataset. The results inferred the betterment of the BHPO-MLPAD technique over compared approaches in different evaluation measures.

Highly Sensitive Self-Actuated Zinc Oxide Resonant Microcantilever Humidity Sensor.

A resonant microcantilever sensor is fabricated from a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film, which serves as both the structural and sensing layers. An open-air spatial atomic layer deposition technique is used to deposit the ZnO layer to achieve a ∼200 nm thickness, an order of magnitude lower than the thicknesses of conventional microcantilever sensors. The reduction in the number of layers, in the cantilever dimensions, and its overall lower mass lead to an ultrahigh sensitivity, demonstrated by detection of low humidity levels. A maximum sensitivity of 23649 ppm/% RH at 5.8% RH is observed, which is several orders of magnitude larger than those reported for other resonant humidity sensors. Furthermore, the ZnO cantilever sensor is self-actuated in air, an advantageous detection mode that enables simpler and lower-power-consumption sensors.

Evaluation of Facial Esthetics Following NAM Versus CAD/NAM in Infants With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to compare the facial esthetics following nasoalveolar molding (NAM) versus computer-aided design NAM (CAD/NAM) in patients with bilateral cleft lip/palate (CLP). DESIGN: The trial is a randomized comparative trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty infants with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized between NAM and CAD/NAM groups. The treatment steps described by Grayson were followed for the NAM group. In the CAD/NAM group, digitized maxillary models were made to create a series of modified virtual models, which were used to fabricate the molding plates using 3-dimensional printing technology. The nasal stents were then added to the intraoral plates following the Grayson method. The study lasted for 4 months. MAIN OUTCOMES: The assessment of the changes observed in the interlabial gap and nasolabial esthetics was done using standardized 2-dimensional photographs. The correlation between dental arch changes and extraoral facial esthetics was studied. RESULTS: Both modalities showed improvement in nasolabial esthetics before the lip surgery. No statistically significant difference was found between NAM and CAD/NAM groups in any of the assessed variables. CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions were effective in the management of infants with bilateral CLP.

Satisfaction and anxiety level during clinical training among nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Quality is a primary concern of health care agencies worldwide. A conducive clinical training environment is essential for nursing students to be capable of enhancing their learning experiences and achieving the desired training outcomes. AIM: This study aimed to examine the satisfaction and anxiety levels during clinical training among nursing students. TYPE OF STUDY: A descriptive -analytical cross-sectional study design was utilized. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University and Colleges of Applied Medical Sciences in Alnamas and Bisha, University of Bisha. Sampling method: A convenience sampling technique was used. SAMPLE SIZE: a sample of 1052 undergraduate nursing students. The data was gathered via a structured questionnaire including the socio-demographic characteristics and nursing students' satisfaction with the hospital and laboratory training. Additionally, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was adopted to measure the anxiety level. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied sample was 21.9 ± 1.83 years, and 56.9% are females. Moreover, 90.1% & 76.4% of the nursing students were satisfied with their hospital and laboratory training. Furthermore, 61.1% & 54.8% of the students had mild levels of anxiety regarding their hospital training and laboratory training, respectively. CONCLUSION: The undergraduate nursing students had a high level of satisfaction with their clinical training at the hospitals and laboratories. Moreover, they had mild anxiety related to hospital and laboratory clinical training. RECOMMENDATIONS: Developing clinical orientation and training programs and improvement strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the clinical training environment. The establishment of a modern, tastefully designed, and fully stocked skill lab for the college's student training should receive more attention. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Through the provision of ongoing education about different method of practice, nursing was intended to shape future professional nurses who master core competencies of the profession. Organizations may benefit from developing a comprehensive strategy to achieve an effective teaching program.

Echocardiographic Changes in Saudi Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the diabetic population. Given the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Saudi Arabia and the high prevalence of heart failure in the diabetic population, this study assesses the echocardiographic changes in Saudi patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) compared with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 80 patients with diabetes (45 males, age: 58.78 ± 10.2 years) were compared with 80 controls (45 males, age: 58.6 ± 10 years) who underwent an echocardiographic study in the King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: There were no significant differences between the patients with diabetes and controls in terms of aortic root diameter, left atrium diameter, posterior wall, interventricular wall thickness, left ventricular diameters and ejection fraction. However, diastolic dysfunction was statistically significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first case-control study in Saudi Arabia that assesses echocardiographic parameters in T2DM patients. DM is an independent risk factor for diastolic dysfunction regardless of its association with hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Ruthenium-Doping-Induced Amorphization of VS4 Nanostructures with a Rich Sulfur Vacancy for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in a Neutral Electrolyte Medium.

The generation of pure H2 from a neutral electrolyte solution represents a transformative route with low cost and environmentally friendly nature. However, the complex kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) via water electrolysis make its practical application to be difficult. Herein, we have reported Ru-doping-induced formation of VS4 nanostructures with a rich S vacancy for neutral HER in a 0.2 M phosphate buffer solution. The Ru-doped VS4 demands an overpotential value of 160 mV at 10 mA/cm2 current density with a lower catalyst loading of 0.1 mg/cm2, while pristine VS4 demands a 374 mV overpotential with the same mass loading. 60 hours of chronoamperometric study reveals the excellent stability of Ru-doped VS4 materials, which is the highest amount of time ever reported for neutral HER. The marginal degradation of a catalyst under a long-term stability study was confirmed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. The introduction of Ru to the VS4 lattice leads to a 4.35-fold increase in the turnover-frequency values compared to those of bare VS4 nanostructures. The higher HER activity of S-vacancy-enriched VS4 materials is thought to originate through effective water adsorption in S vacancy and Ru3+ sites followed by the dissociation of a H2O molecule, and S22- efficiently converts Had to H2. Also, post-HER characterization reveals that the transformation of some Ru3+ to Ru0 additionally favored the HER by providing a better H adsorption site under a static cathodic potential.

Side-of-Implantation Effect on Functional Asymmetry in the Auditory Cortex of Single-Sided Deaf Cochlear-Implant Users.

Cochlear implants (CIs) allow to restore the hearing function in profoundly deaf individuals. Due to the degradation of the stimulus by CI signal processing, implanted individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) have the specific challenge that the input highly differs between their ears. The present study compared normal-hearing (NH) listeners (N = 10) and left- and right-ear implanted SSD CI users (N = 10 left, N = 9 right), to evaluate cortical speech processing between CI- and NH-ears and to explore for side-of-implantation effects. The participants performed a two-deviant oddball task, separately with the left and the right ear. Auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to syllables were compared between proficient and non-proficient CI users, as well as between CI and NH ears. The effect of the side of implantation was analysed on the sensor and the source level. CI proficiency could be distinguished based on the ERP amplitudes of the N1 and the P3b. Moreover, syllable processing via the CI ear, when compared to the NH ear, resulted in attenuated and delayed ERPs. In addition, the left-ear implanted SSD CI users revealed an enhanced functional asymmetry in the auditory cortex than right-ear implanted SSD CI users, regardless of whether the syllables were perceived via the CI or the NH ear. Our findings reveal that speech-discrimination proficiency in SSD CI users can be assessed by N1 and P3b ERPs. The results contribute to a better understanding of the rehabilitation success in SSD CI users by showing that cortical speech processing in SSD CI users is affected by CI-related stimulus degradation and experience-related functional changes in the auditory cortex.

Structure-guided approach on the role of substitution on amide-linked bipyrazoles and its effect on their anti-inflammatory activity.

A structure-guided modelling approach using COX-2 as a template was used to investigate the effect of replacing the chloro atom located at the chlorophenyl ring of amide-linked bipyrazole moieties, aiming at attaining better anti-inflammatory effect with a good safety profile. Bromo, fluoro, nitro, and methyl groups were revealed to be ideal candidates. Consequently, new bipyrazole derivatives were synthesised. The in vitro inhibitory COX-1/COX-2 activity of the synthesised compounds exhibited promising selectivity. The fluoro and methyl derivatives were the most active candidates. The in vivo formalin-induced paw edoema model confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesised compounds. All the tested derivatives had a good ulcerogenic safety profile except for the methyl substituted compound. In silico molecular dynamics simulations of the fluoro and methyl poses complexed with COX-2 for 50 ns indicated stable binding to COX-2. Generally, our approach delivers a fruitful matrix for the development of further amide-linked bipyrazole anti-inflammatory candidates.

Morphological, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Studies of the Donkey's Eye with Special Reference to the AFGF and ACE Expression.

The donkey is mainly used as a working animal for riding and pack transport, as well as for dairy and meat production. Eye afflictions are common in donkeys, thus requiring a detailed study. A few studies had focused on the donkey's eye, and most of them had considered it, merely, a horse's eye. This study aimed to investigate the anatomy, histology, ultrastructure, and immunohistochemical features of the donkey's eye. The results were recorded and compared to those of horses in certain dimensions. Unlike horses, the donkey's eye is more circular in the contour of the cornea, has smaller lenticular thickness, and has longer anterior and vitreous chambers. Positive immunoreactivity to acidic fibroblast growth factor in the basal cell layers of the cornea was observed, indicating their role in cell differentiation and the renewal of the epithelium. Moreover, the corneal keratocytes expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme, which plays a role in corneal homeostasis and wound healing. Additionally, telocytes, hyalocytes, and other immune cells were observed within the iris and ciliary processes. Hence, this work is an updated detailed study of the morphology and ultrastructure of the donkey's eye and reveals some similarities and dissimilarities to the horse's eyes, which should be considered in clinical practice.

Efficacy and safety of monopolar versus bipolar radial head arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Radial head replacement is the main line of treating complex unstable elbow injuries. Radial head prostheses are either monopolar or bipolar. The difference between both designs in patients' clinical outcomes and postoperative complications is not yet clear. So, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of monopolar vs. bipolar implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus were searched to identify studies comparing monopolar and bipolar implants. Data on clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, revision, and removal rates were extracted. RESULTS: Nine studies met our inclusion criteria, with a total of 591 patients (365 monopolar and 226 bipolar). Both prostheses achieved similar ranges of motion; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score; and visual analog scale for pain. Incidence of postoperative complications was also similar between both designs. Revision and removal rates were 24%, 8% and 29%, 14% for monopolar and bipolar implants, respectively, but no statistically significant difference could be detected. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was found between monopolar and bipolar radial head prostheses in terms of efficacy and safety. Therefore, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine the superiority of one design over the other.

Evaluation of the Clinical Effectiveness of Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) Using Grayson Method Versus Computer-Aided Design NAM (CAD/NAM) in Infants With Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to compare between the clinical effectiveness of nasoalveolar molding (NAM) versus the computer-aided design NAM (CAD/NAM) in patients with bilateral clefts. DESIGN: The trial is a randomized comparative trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty infants with bilateral complete cleft lip and palate were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized between NAM and CAD/NAM groups. The treatment steps described by Grayson were followed for the NAM group. In the CAD/NAM group, digitized maxillary models were made to create series of modified virtual models which were used to fabricate the molding plates using 3-dimensional printing technology. The nasal stents were then added to the plates following Grayson method. The study lasted for 4 months. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was to evaluate the changes in the intersegment cleft gap. Secondary outcomes included the analysis of the maxillary arch in transverse, anteroposterior, and vertical dimensions as well as the premaxillary deviation and rotation. Chair side time was assessed for both methods. RESULTS: Both modalities decreased the intersegment cleft gap. The CAD/NAM plates caused more reduction in the total arch length by 1.99 mm (-3.79 to 0.19, P = .03) as compared to the NAM treatment. No differences were found between groups in the transverse and vertical maxillary arch changes. CONCLUSIONS: Both interventions were effective in narrowing the cleft gap. Similar maxillary changes were found in both groups. The CAD/NAM modality required less chair side time compared to the NAM treatment.

Heavy metals concentration, and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of the wild mint (Mentha longifolia L.) in the Egyptian watercourses.

In the present study, we assessed seasonal variation in the accumulation potential of wild mint (Mentha longifolia) to heavy metals as well as the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of mint in polluted and unpolluted watercourses. The results indicated that the wild mint showed seasonal fluctuations in accumulation potential for heavy metals proved by bioaccumulation factor (BF) and translocation factor (TF). The all measured heavy metals, except Pb were retained in the underground parts. Summer plants accumulated the highest concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr and Fe in their root, while the lowest concentration of Ni in their shoot. The bioaccumulation factor for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Co was greater than one, while the translocation factor of the investigated metals (except Pb) did not exceed one, indicating the potential of wild mint for phytostabilization of these metals in contaminated wetlands. The yield and composition of mint essential oil (MEO) were affected by harvesting season and heavy metals pollution. GC/MS showed that isomenthone, cis-piperitenone oxide, menthone and pulegone, were the main oil constituents. Mint essential oil show promising antioxidant activity by 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay under pollution stress. The maximum reducing power of MEO were obtained during autumn and summer seasons (polluted canals).In conclusion, summer is the ideal season for harvesting wild mint plants for the maximum plant biomass, oil yield, high radical scavenging activity of MEO and to monitor pollution in contaminated wetlands.