Application of honeybee venom loaded nanoparticles for the treatment of chronic toxoplasmosis: parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies.

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic intracellular protozoon which may cause severe disease in the immunocompromised patients. Unfortunately, the majority of treatments on the market work against tachyzoites in the acute infection but can't affect tissue cysts in the chronic phase. So, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of bee venom (BV) loaded metal organic frameworks (MOFs) nanoparticles (NPs) for the treatment of chronic murine toxoplasmosis. Ninety laboratory Swiss Albino mice were divided into 9 groups (10 mice each); GI (negative control), GII (infected control), GIII-GXI (infected with Me49 strain of Toxoplasma and treated); GIII (MOFs-NPs), GIV and GV (BV alone and loaded on MOFs-NPs), GVI and GVII (spiramycin alone and loaded on MOFs-NPs), GVIII and GIX (ciprofloxacin alone and loaded on MOFs-NPs). Parasitological examination of brain cyst count, histopathological study of brain, retina, liver, and kidney tissue sections and immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of liver was performed. Counting of Toxoplasma brain cysts showed high statistically significant difference between the infected treated groups and GII. GV showed the least count of brain cysts; mean ± SD (281 ± 29.5). Histopathological examination revealed a marked ameliorative effect of BV administration when used alone or loaded MOFs-NPs. It significantly reduced tissue inflammation, degeneration, and fibrosis. IHC examination of liver sections revealed high density CD8+ infiltration in GII, low density CD8+ infiltration in GIII, GVI, GVII, GVIII, and GIX while GIV and GV showed intermediate density CD8+ infiltration. BV is a promising Apitherapy against chronic toxoplasmosis. This effect is markedly enhanced by MOFs-NPs.

Artemisia annua L. (Sweet wormwood) leaf extract attenuates high-fat diet-induced testicular dysfunctions and improves spermatogenesis in obese rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Artemisia annua L., known as "sweet wormwood," is widely used in Egyptian folk medicine. Egyptians implement the aerial parts in the treatment of respiratory, digestive and sexual dysfunctions. However, the mechanism by which Artemisia annua improves testicular function is still being discovered. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of the crude leaf extract of Artemisia annua (AAE) on a high-fat diet induced testicular dysfunction in rats and compare it with the antilipolytic drug Orlistat. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty adult rats were randomly classified and assigned to four groups. The first group typically consumed a balanced diet and served as a negative control (GP1). A high-fat diet-induced obesity was applied to the other three groups for 12 weeks. A positive control remained on HFD for another 8 weeks, which is GP2. Other groups were administered for 8 consecutive weeks either with Orlistat (50 mg/kg body weight) or AAE (100 mg/kg body weight), which have been defined as GP3 and GP4, respectively. Testosterone (TST), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined in the sera of all groups. In addition, the oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers such as protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-B (CK-MB) were determined. An immunohistochemical stain with the apoptotic marker caspase-3 and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were also investigated. RESULTS: In the testes of the obese group, the results showed hormonal imbalance, an increase in oxidative stress biomarkers and apoptosis. In the group treated with orlistat (GP3), noticeably more perturbations were noted. The obese rats that had been treated with AAE (GP4) showed a significantly reduced level of oxidative stress, hormonal balance restoration and reduced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The crude leaf extract of A. annua is a potential herbal therapeutic for the treatment of obesity-related testicular dysfunction and the restoration of hormonal imbalance in obese rats.

Improving Stability of Flaxseed Oil by Rice Bran Oil as Source of γ-Oryzanol.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Rice bran oil (RBO) and flaxseed oil (FSO) are vegetable oils that play an important role in human nutrition. RBO is very rich in γ-oryzanol, which is extracted from the inner husk and seed of the rice. γ-oryzanol is a mixture of natural antioxidant compounds in the RBO. Therefore, the current study aimed at the possibility of using rice bran oil (RBO) to improve the oxidative stability of virgin flaxseed oil (FSO) without synthetic antioxidants. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Rice bran oil (RBO) has been added into FSO at 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm compared with FSO containing 200 ppm BHT as synthetic antioxidants. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that the use of RBO leads to an increase in the ability to resist against oxidation and it increases with the increase in the amount of RBO addition in the FSO samples, which recorded 7.36, 8.50 and 10.15 hrs for FSRB1, FSRB2 and FSRB3, respectively, while FSBHT (FSO sample contain BHT) recorded 8.40 hrs. <b>Conclusion:</b> The research recommended the addition of RBO as a source of γ-oryzanol to various foods increases the oxidative stability, increases the nutritional and health value of the food.

Musa sp. Leaves Extract Ameliorates the Hepato-Renal Toxicities Induced by Cadmium in Mice.

Heavy metals intoxication causes several health problems that necessitate finding new protective and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Musa sp. leaves extract (MLE) on hepato-renal toxicities induced by cadmium (Cd) in male mice. The phytochemical screening, metal chelating activity (MCA), and the median lethal dose (LD50) of MLE were determined. Fifty CD-1 male mice were used and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with MLE (1000 to 5000 mg/kg b.wt) for MLE LD50 determination. Another 50 mice were used for evaluating the effect of MLE on Cd toxicity. Blood samples were collected for hematological, liver, and kidney functions assessments. Liver tissue homogenates were used for determination of oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological and molecular investigations. MLE showed potent in vitro antioxidant activities. The MCA and LD50 of the MLE were 75 µg/mL and 3000 mg/kg b.wt, respectively. MLE showed beneficial therapeutic activity against hepato-renal toxicities in Cd-intoxicated mice, evidenced by improving the hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations.

Chemical and Sensory Evaluation of Balady Bread Supplemented with Watermelon Rinds Flour and its Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effect in Male Albina Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Watermelon is a good source of minerals, vitamins and dietary fibers. It has been considered a health benefits effect due to the high amount of antioxidants and phytonutrients such as phenolics, flavonoids, phytosterols and other medicinal compounds which decrease the risk of cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer. This research was carried out to study the effect of wheat flour (WF) supplemented with different levels of watermelon rinds flour (WRF) on the chemical and organoleptic properties of balady bread. Furthermore, the effect of prepared bread on reducing blood lipids of hyperlipidemic rats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Wheat flour (WF) has been supplemented with different levels (5, 10, 15 and 20%) of watermelon rinds flour (WRF). The chemical and organoleptic properties of balady bread and the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of prepared bread on hyperlipidemic rats were evaluated. <b>Results:</b> The results indicated that incorporation of WRF in balady bread wheat flour increased the fibre, ash and minerals content of prepared bread. While carbohydrates content and energy value were decreased by increasing the WRF substitution levels. Organoleptic evaluation tests showed that up to 15% of WF could be replaced with WRF in balady bread and still more acceptable bread compared with control bread samples. In addition, rats fed on a hyperlipidemic diet containing balady bread fortified with WRF showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) and Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (V-LDL) level by increasing the amounts of simultaneous supplementation with WRF 5-15% in the formulated balady bread compared to control samples. <b>Conclusion:</b> The research recommended that the 15% replacement of WRF gave good quality properties and lead to reducing body weight and serum lipid profile of hyperlipidemic rats.

Ellagitannins and simple phenolics from the halophytic plant Tamarix nilotica.

Three new [nilotinins M8‒M10 (1‒3)] and two known [tamarixinin A (4) and gemin D (5)] ellagitannins and seven simple phenolics [gallic acid (6), methyl gallate (7), 3,4-di-O-methylgallic acid (8), ellagic acid (9), 3-O-methylellagic acid (10), methyl ferulate 3-O-sulphate (11), and 7,4'-di-O-methylkaempferol (12)] were isolated from the halophytic plant Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge (Tamaricaceae). Their structures were determined based on intensive spectroscopic studies and comparisons with reported data. Compounds 4, and 6-8 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) and anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania major. Compounds 4, 6 and 7 showed promising cytotoxic properties against A549 (IC50 29 ± 2.3, 10.5 ± 0.7, and 20.7 ± 1.9 µg/mL), while compounds 4 and 7 showed higher growth-inhibitory effects against L. major promastigotes (IC50 40.5 ± 2.7 and 38.4 ± 2.5 µg/mL), as compared with the standards doxorubicin (IC50 0.42 µg/mL) and miltefosine (IC50 9.43 µg/mL), respectively.

Antileishmanial and lung adenocarcinoma cell toxicity of Withania somnifera (Linn.) dunal root and fruit extracts.

This study aims to evaluate the anti-Leishmania major and the lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cytotoxicity of Withania somnifera root and fruit. The total extracts were obtained by homogenisation in aqueous MeOH, and the sub-extracts [n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (n-BuOH), and methanol (MeOH)] were obtained by flash chromatography. The activity evaluation showed that n-BuOH sub-extracts from root and fruit exhibited noticeable antileishmanial promastigote properties. The n-hexane and EtOAc sub-extracts from both organs, and the MeOH sub-extract from the fruit exerted mild to moderate effects on the promastigotes. In-vitro growth-inhibitory test results on axenic amastigote and cytotoxicity testing on macrophages (RAW264.7), the parasite-host at the amastigote stage, revealed that the activity was mainly concentrated in the root EtOAc and n-BuOH sub-extracts and to a lesser extent the fruit MeOH and EtOAc, and the root n-hexane sub-extracts. Only the roots' EtOAc and n-BuOH sub-extracts demonstrated low cytotoxicity on the A549 cell line.

Supplementation of different zinc sources to low-CP diets and its effect on performance, carcass traits, liver and kidney functions, immunological, and antioxidant parameters of quail chicks.

The present study was performed to evaluate the influence of low crude protein (CP) levels, zinc sources (organic as zinc methionine-Zn-Met and inorganic as zinc oxide-ZnO) and their interactions on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood components of growing Japanese quail. A total of 450 one-wk-old Japanese quail with the same body weights were randomly distributed into 9 groups of 50 birds. The 9-diet treatments comprised 3 levels of CP (20, 22, and 24%) and 3 Zn source (0 g of Zn/kg diet, 0.1 g ZnO/kg diet, and 0.1 g Zn-Met/kg diet). The results obtained from this study showed that there were no significant differences among the groups, except for differences in body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) at 3 to 5 - and 1 to 5 wk of age for quail supplemented with 24% and 20% CP. All the studied biochemical parameters were significantly influenced by different levels of CP and Zn, except urea and creatinine, which were affected by CP levels only. In conclusion, dietary protein level for growing Japanese quails could be reduced to 20% without negative effects on their performance, carcass traits, and blood metabolites.

Neurobehavioral, physiological and inflammatory impairments in response to bifenthrin intoxication in Oreochromis niloticus fish: Role of dietary supplementation with Petroselinum crispum essential oil.

This study was conceptualized in order to assess the 96-h LC50 of bifenthrin (BF) in O. niloticus and also to measure the biochemical, behavioral, and molecular responses of the fish suchronically exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of the insecticide. The role of Petroselinum crispum essential oil (PEO) supplementation in mitigating the resulted neurotoxic insult was also investigated. The acute toxicity study revealed that the 96-h LC50 of BF is 6.81 µg/L, and varying degrees of behavioral changes were recorded in a dose-dependent manner. The subchronic study revealed reduction of dissolved oxygen and increased ammonia in aquaria of BF-exposed fish. Clinical signs revealed high degree of discomfort and aggressiveness together with reductions in survival rate and body weight gain. The levels of monoamines in brain, and GABA and amino acids in serum were reduced, together with decreased activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and acetylcholine esterases (AchE). The activities of antioxidant enzymes were also diminshed in the brain while oxdative damage and DNA breaks were elevated. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in serum increased with overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain tissue. BF also upregulated the expression of brain-stress related genes HSP70, Caspase-3 and P53. Supplemention of PEO to BF markedly abrogated the toxic impacts of the insecticide, specially at the high level. These findings demonstrate neuroprotective, antioxidant, genoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptic effects of PEO in BF-intoxicated fish. Based on these mechanistic insights of PEO, we recommend its use as an invaluable supplement in the fish feed.

Cytotoxic polyhydroxy sterols from the Egyptian Red Sea soft coral Sarcophyton acutum.

The methanolic extract and its sub-extracts (viz, n-hexane, DCM, EtOAc and MeOH) of the soft coral Sarcophyton acutum were evaluated as anti-Leishmania major and as anticancer (against the HepG2, MCF-7, and A549 cell lines) using the MTT assay. Six polyhydroxy sterols (1-6) were isolated from the most active cytotoxic and anti-leishmanial EtOAc-soluble fraction. Their structures were established as two new polyhydroxy sterols, acutumosterols A (1) and B (2), and four known structural analogues (3-6) by intensive spectroscopic analyses, and by comparison with data of related compounds. Compound 4 exerted noticeable cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line (IC50 17.2 ± 1.5 µg/mL), while the other pure isolates showed weak to moderate cytotoxicity (24.8 ± 2.8-57.2 ± 5.2). The results were discussed in relation to the structural features of these closely related sterols.

Effect of low- or high-CP diet with cold-pressed oil supplementation on growth, immunity and antioxidant indices of growing quail.

This study was to investigate the effect of dietary protein levels and supplementation with two cold-pressed oils on the performance, immunity and antioxidant indices of growing Japanese quails. A 3 × 4 factorial experiment, using 3 dietary crude protein (CP) levels (22%, 24% and 26%) and 4 supplemental herbal oils levels: control without additives, 250 mg marjoram (Mar), 250 mg thyme (Thy) and 125 mg Mar + 125 mg Thy per kg diet. A total of 720 unsexed, 7-day-old quail chicks were randomly distributed into twelve treatment groups (4 replicates per group of 15 chicks in each). The live body weight (LBW) on 42 days and body weight gain (BWG) from 7 to 42 days were significantly improved (p < 0.01 and 0.05) in chicks fed 24% or 26% CP compared with those of the 22% CP group. The groups fed diets supplemented with Mar or in combination with Thy oil exhibited significantly better LBW, BWG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control at all periods except BWG from 21 to 42 days and FCR from 7 to 21 days were not significant. Feed intake was gradually decreased with increasing dietary CP level or adding herbal oils during the periods 21-42 and 7-42 days of age. Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, total lipids and malondialdehyde were decreased by cold-pressed oils supplementation, but the activity of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase was increased (p < 0.01) compared with the control. In conclusion, quails fed a diet containing 24% or 26% CP or diets supplemented with Mar or Thy oils or both exhibited improvement in the performance, lipid profile, immunity and antioxidant capacity without any detrimental impacts on the other studied parameters.

Cardioprotective effect of green tea extract and vitamin E on Cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice: Toxicological, histological and immunohistochemical studies.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CP) has been used in wide range for cancer treatment. Although nephrotoxicity of CP was the main complication, cardiotoxicity has been reported. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the protective role of green tea extract (GTE) and vitamin E (Vit-E) against CP-induced cardiotoxicity, and assesses their impact on CP antitumor efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight male albino Balb/c mice were randomly divided into six groups, 8 per/group (Gp) were included. Gp1 served as control; Gp2 and Gp3 received oral GTE (400 mg/kg) and Vit-E (100 mg/kg) for 30 consecutive days respectively. Gp4 had received CP (7 mg/kg i.p.) once on the 27th day; Gp5 had received GTE (400 mg/kg p.o.) for 30 days and CP (7 mg/kg i.p.) on the 27th day. Gp6 had received Vit-E (100 mg/kg p.o.) for 30 days and CP (7 mg/kg i.p.) on the 27th day. Blood and tissues samples were harvested for biochemical and histopathological investigations. To evaluate the effect of GTE and Vit-E on the antitumor efficacy of CP, 49 female albino mice were inoculated intraperitoneally by Ehrlich ascetic carcinoma -cells (2 × 106/mouse) then treated with none, corn oil, CP, CP/GTE, CP/Vit-E, GTE or Vit-E. RESULTS: CP injection significantly increased Troponin I, CPK, CK-MB, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels were significantly reduced with disruption of cardiac muscle fibers, loss of striations, absence of intercalated disc, and the nuclei are pyknotic. Treatment with GTE and Vit-E improve the biochemical and histological parameters. Treatment with CP alone led to eradication of the tumor cells from the tumor-bearing mice. However, co-administration of GTE or Vit-E orally with CP did not interfere with its therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION: Treatment with GTE and Vit-E significantly ameliorated the CP cardiotoxicity and improved the myocardial histopathological architecture. GTE and Vit-E may be combined with CP to alleviate cardiotoxicity in cancer chemotherapy without interfering with its antitumor activity.

Comparative effectiveness of Sumaq and Neem extract cream, Eniloconazole and glycerine iodine on dermatophytosis in Arabian horses: a randomized clinical trial.

Dermatophytosis is a contagious fungal disease among animal communities. The major concerns of dermatophytosis are cost of treatment, difficulty of control, and the public health consequences. The objective of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Sumaq and Neem extract cream with that of traditional treatments, eniloconazole and glycerine iodine, on dermatophytosis in Arabian horses. For this purpose, 37 Arabian horses with dermatophytosis had been used. Fungal isolation and identification for each horse were carried out by standard microbiological procedures. Sumaq (Rhus coriaria Linn.) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed extracts were selected based on in vitro effectiveness. Horses were randomly allocated into four groups. The first group (n = 8) was treated with glycerine iodine 10% daily for 7 days. The second group (n = 10) was treated using eniloconazole 10% emulsified concentrate four times with 2 days interval. The third group (n = 11) was treated with Neem seeds extract (20% cream) daily for 10 days, and the fourth group (n = 8) was treated with Sumaq extract (5% cream) daily for 10 days. Clinical and mycological evaluations were assessed at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-treatment. The Sumaq and eniloconazole were more effective on clinical index score after 7 days of treatment followed by Neem seed 20% cream. At 28 days post-treatment, a complete healing was obtained by Sumaq 5% cream and eniloconazole (median clinical sum score = zero) followed by Neem (median clinical sum score = 1.5). Moreover, Dermatophytes spp. was isolated only from two horses, one from Neem group and the other from glycerin iodine group. The present results indicate that Sumaq 5% and Neem seed extract are effective alternative treatment for dermatophytosis in Arabian horses.

Use of acetylsalicylic acid as an allostatic modulator in the diets of growing Japanese quails exposed to heat stress.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) supplementation on performance, carcasses and some blood metabolites of growing quails exposed to heat stress. Three hundred sixty mix sexed Japanese quail chicks at 2 wk of age with average initial body weight of 77.4 g were randomly allotted to six dietary groups in a 3 × 2 factorial design with three dietary ASA doses (0, 0.5 and 1 g ASA/kg diet) and two ambient temperatures (one normal at 23 ± 2 °C and other high at 33 ± 2 °C). Body weight, daily body weight gain and feed consumption reduced in quails exposed to heat stress (33 °C) during 2-4 wk of age, but not during 4-6 wk of age and during total period (2-6 wk of age). Growth rate and feed utilization were not influenced by ASA supplementation or interaction between ASA supplementation and house temperature at all ages (P > 0.05). All carcass parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by temperature or dietary ASA or their interactions except dressing percent was decreased (P = 0.025) by ASA. Plasma cholesterol and total lipid were affected by the interaction effect, which were elevated in birds exposed to high ambient temperature (P = 0.004 or 0.022) and ASA supplementation (P = 0.041 or P = 0.003). Glucose concentrations were also influenced by interaction effect, which increased due to ASA supplementation at normal temperature, but were not affected at high temperature. The effect of high ambient temperature or its interaction with ASA did not affect hepatic enzymes and thyroid hormones of growing quails. Diets supplemented with ASA (1000 mg/kg) decreased plasma contents of aspartate transaminase, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) compared with the control. It is concluded that applications of ASA in quail diets are not suitable in mitigating the disturbances induced by heat stress in the most studied parameters.

Yucca schidigera extract modulates the lead-induced oxidative damage, nephropathy and altered inflammatory response and glucose homeostasis in Japanese quails.

The present study was conducted to explore the toxic effects of lead (Pb) on the physiological responses of Japanese quails and to investigate the potential modulatory role of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) against these effects. 360 mature Japanese quails (at 2 months of age) were used and the experiment was lasted for 8 weeks. The birds were divided into six equal groups as follow: control (basal diet, BD), BD+Pb (100 mg/kg diet), BD+YSE (100 mg/kg diet), BD+YSE (200 mg/kg diet), BD+Pb (100 mg/kg diet) +YSE (100 mg/kg diet) and BD+ Pb (100 mg/kg diet) + YSE (200 mg/kg diet). Pb induced a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) level. While, increased protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in tissues of exposed birds. Pb increased level of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in serum. YSE significantly reduced the Pb -induced oxidative stress in co-treated groups especially at 200 mg/kg diet. YSE could modulate the Pb -induced decreased urea, creatinine and beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) levels. YSE200 was found to be better than the YSE100 in decreasing levels of inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, YSE significantly regulates glucose homeostasis in co-exposed quails. Pb residues were found to be significantly higher in kidney and pancreas tissues of Pb group compared to other groups. YES decreased the expression of metallothionein-1 in the renal and pancreatic tissues, while elevated insulin expression in the pancreatic cells by immunostaining in co-exposed groups. In conclusion, the present results conclusively demonstrate the potential modulatory effect of YSE against the Pb-induced toxic effects in different organs of Japanese quails.

Does saline enema during the first stage of labour reduce the incidence of Clostridium difficile colonization in neonates? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Maternal rectal enemas may reduce neonatal bacterial exposure during labour, which may reduce the risk of neonatal colonization with Clostridium difficile. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a saline enema during the first stage of labour in reducing neonatal colonization with C. difficile. METHODS: This study was conducted at Cairo University Hospital, Egypt from January 2016 to July 2016. Asymptomatic mothers with uncomplicated vaginal delivery and their neonates without diarrhoea were included. The study group underwent saline enema, and the control group had no intervention. Stool samples were collected from neonates one week after delivery. The primary outcome was the detection of C. difficile in stool culture and direct detection of C. difficile Toxin A and Toxin B by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FINDINGS: The two groups were comparable (P>0.05) in terms of age, gravidity, parity, body mass index and gestational age. C. difficile was detected in 13.54% and 37.63% of stool cultures from the enema group and the control group, respectively (P<0.001). Direct detection of Toxins A and B was positive in 22.92% of cases in the enema group and 53.76% of cases in the control group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a saline enema for the mother during the first stage of labour may be useful in reducing the risk of neonatal gut colonization by C. difficile.

Growth, hydrolases and ultrastructure of Fusarium oxysporum as affected by phenolic rich extracts from several xerophytic plants.

Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of rot and wilt diseases, is one of the most detrimental phytopathogens for the productivity of many economic crops. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potentiality of some xerophytic plants as eco-friendly approach for management of F. oxysporum. Phenolic rich extracts from five plants namely: Horwoodia dicksoniae, Citrullus colocynthis, Gypsophila capillaris, Pulicaria incisa and Rhanterium epapposum were examined in vitro. The different extracts showed high variability in their phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as total antioxidant capacity. A strong positive correlation existed between the antifungal activity of the tested extracts and their contents of both total phenolics and flavonoids (r values are 0.91 and 0.82, respectively). Extract of P. incisa was the most effective in reducing the mycelial growth (IC50=0.92mg/ml) and inhibiting the activities of CMCase, pectinase, amylase and protease by 36, 42, 58 and 55%, respectively. The high performance liquid chromatography analysis of P. incisa extract revealed the presence of eight phenolic acids along with five polyphenolic compounds. The flavonol, quercetin and its glycosides rutin and quercetrin were the most abundant followed by the phenolic acids, t-cinnamic, caffeic, ferulic and vanillic. P. incisa extract not only affects the growth and hydrolases of F. oxysporum but also induces ultrastructure changes in the mycelium, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the mechanisms underlying the antifungal activity of P. incisa.

Efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis leaves extract against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity.

Context Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is used to treat different cancer types, although it causes severe hepatotoxicity due to its oxidative stress effect. Rosmarinus officinalis, L. (Lamiaceae) has a therapeutic potential against hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant activity. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract of Rosmarinus officianalis leaves (MEROL) and its efficacy against CTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and methods The phytochemical analyses were assessed spectrophotometericaly. To assess the MEROL efficacy, 72 Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups. Group 1 was control, groups 2 and 3 included mice which were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 100 or 200 mg/kg of MEROL at days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16; group 4 was injected (i.p.) with CTX (200 mg/kg) at day 17, groups 5 and 6 were injected (i.p.) with MEROL as groups 3 and 4 followed by 200 mg/kg CTX at day 17, respectively. At day 22, six mice from each group were sacrificed and the others were sacrificed at day 37. Results MEROL has a high content of total phenolics, saponins, total antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The median lethal dose (LD50) value of MEROL was 4.125 g/kg b.w. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) value for DPPH radical scavenging was 55 µg/mL. Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg MEROL for 16 d ameliorated CTX-induced hepatotoxicity represented in lowering the levels of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lipid profile and minimizing the histological damage. Conclusions Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg b.w. MEROL mitigated CTX-induced hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant activity.

Potential risk factors associated with ill-thrift in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) raised at smallholder farms in Egypt.

Failure to grow (ill-thrift) in calves has a negative effect on animal production and health. The present study was carried out from November, 2009 to May, 2013 to investigate the risk factors of ill-thrift in buffalo calves. A total of 344 calves at 78 smallholder farms were selected randomly. A questionnaire was designed to include managemental, nutritional and disease risk factors. Serum selenium, copper, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were measured. Data were subjected to logistic regression analysis and results were expressed as p value, odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI). Fifty-five calves (15.9%) showed ill-thrift. On animal level, the final multivariate logistic regression model showed a significant association between ill-thrift and early weaning (p < 0.01; OR: 45.755; CI: 4.35-480.25), diarrhea (p < 0.05; OR: 41.315; CI: 1.710-998.0), indoor management (p < 0.05; OR: 63.56; CI: 2.701-14.96) and low serum phosphorus (p < 0.01; 292.0; CI: 5.256-16.23). On farm level, inadequate mineral supplementation (p < 0.001; OR: 18.62; CI: 3.89-88.9) and irregular use of anthelmintics (p < 0.05; OR: 7.95; CI: 1.53-41.23) were the potential factors. Clinically, ill-thrift calves were more likely to have alopecia (p < 0.01), recumbency (p < 0.01), emaciation (p < 0.001), hypothermia (p < 0.01), inappetance (p < 0.001), lacrimation (p < 0.001), hypomotile rumen (p < 0.001), and pale mucous membrane (p < 0.001). The results of the present study indicate that ill-thrift in buffalo calves could occur as a result of interaction between management errors and disease factors. Identification of the risk factors associated with ill-thrift may provide useful information, which assist to construct the suitable preventive measures.

In vitro antifungal activity of three geophytic plant extracts against three post-harvest pathogenic fungi.

Plant extracts appear to be one of the most effective alternative methods of plant diseases control which are less harmful to human beings and environment. In vitro antifungal activity of methanolic extracts of three promising wild geophytic plants against three post-harvest pathogenic fungi using radial growth technique was conducted. These extracts included the shoot system (S) and underground parts (R) of Asparagus stipularis, Cyperus capitatus and Stipagrostis lanata. The tested fungi were Alternaria solani, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer. The results exhibited that, all plant extracts had antifungal activity against the tested fungi. The antifungal activity greatly varied depending on plant parts and/or plant species. R. stolonifer was the most susceptible fungus to the tested plant extracts followed by A. niger and then A. solani. On the other hand, the most effective plant extracts against tested fungi were S. lanata (S) and A. stipularis (R). The most effective plant extracts against R. stolonifer were S. lanata (R) and C. capitatus (S). While, the extracts of A. stipularis (R) and S. lanata (S) were the most effective against A. niger. The extracts of C. capitatus (S) and S. lanata (S) exhibited the highest antifungal activity against A. solani. The results demonstrated that, the methanolic extracts of A. stipularis, C. capitatus and S. lanata had potential antifungal activity against A. solani, A. niger and R. stolonifer.