Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) following radical cystectomy: is it worth implementing for all patients?

PURPOSE: To report the overall effect of ERAS protocol implementation in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and its impact on the length of hospital stay (LOS) and surgical outcomes considering their comorbid conditions. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including 296 patients (146 non-ERAS patients vs. 150 ERAS patients) undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion from 2010 to 2018. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) score eight was set as cut off value between low-risk and high-risk patients. The primary outcome was LOS. Secondary outcomes were time to bowel movements, tolerance of regular diet, the incidence of postoperative ileus, postoperative complications, and 30- and 90-day readmission rates. RESULTS: A higher comorbidity burden was identified in the ERAS group compared to non-ERAS patients (p = 0.04). Median (IQR) LOS for non-ERAS was group 8(4) and 8(5) for ERAS group (p = 0.07). ERAS group demonstrated shorter time to resume bowel movements as well as time to tolerance of regular diet (p = 0.007, p = 0.023, respectively). Low-risk patients managed by the ERAS protocol demonstrated a significantly shortened gastrointestinal (GIT) recovery time (p = 0.001) as well as a reduction of LOS (p = 0.04). No significant reduction of LOS was identified for patients with higher comorbidity when placed on the ERAS protocol (p = 0.65). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications or readmission rates between groups. CONCLUSION: ERAS protocol implementation following radical cystectomy showed significant improvements in GIT recovery, nevertheless, it did not result in a decrease in LOS or readmission rates. Low-risk patients appeared to derive more benefit from ERAS protocol implementation than high-risk patients.

The ameliorative effect of curcumin on hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 genes dysregulation and hepatorenal damage induced by fenitrothion oral intoxication in male rats.

This research aimed to assess curcumin (CUR) effects on fenitrothion (FNT), a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide, -induced hepatorenal damage. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were allocated at random to five equal groups orally administered distilled water containing 1% carboxyl methylcellulose, corn oil (1 mL/rat), CUR (100 mg/kg b.wt.), FNT (5 mg/kg b.wt.), or CUR + FNT. CUR and FNT were dosed three times a week for two months. At the end of this trial, blood and tissue samples (liver and kidney) were subjected to molecular, biochemical, and histopathological assessments. The results revealed that CUR significantly diminished the FNT-induced up-regulation of hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 transcriptional levels. Moreover, CUR significantly suppressed the increment of the serum levels of hepatic alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and kidney damage indicators (urea and creatinine) in FNT-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, in the hepatic and renal tissues, CUR remarkably restored the FNT-associated depletion of the antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). In addition, CUR notably reduced the FNT-induced increment in malondialdehyde content in the hepatic and renal tissues. Besides, the pathological aberrations in liver and kidney tissues resulting from FNT exposure were significantly abolished in FNT + CUR treated rats. Overall, CUR could be an effective ameliorative agent against negative pesticide impacts like FNT.

Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and related risk factors in school-age children in Egypt: an epidemiological study.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of mono-symptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and its risk factors among school-age children in our community. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included school-age children from two governorates in south of Egypt. A questionnaire was presented to randomly selected students. It consisted of 3 domains: Domain 1 included questions about MNE, domain 2 was about risk factors for MNE, and domain 3 was about management of MNE. RESULTS: The study included 4652 students (9 ± 2 years) from 12 primary schools (51 % males and 49 % females). Of 4652 students, 834 (18 %) had NE, with no significant difference between rural and urban areas (17.5 vs. 18.4 %, p = 0.4). Younger age categories showed higher prevalence of MNE than in older children. MNE caused moderate-to-severe bother for 44.5 and 87.8 % of students and parents, respectively. Urinary tract infection, pinworm infestation, constipation, and caffeine over-consumption significantly associated with MNE. Family history of MNE was positive in 84.7 %. Daytime incontinence coexisted in 16 % of cases. Children with ≥4 siblings and birth order ≥3 had more prevalent MNE. Deep sleepers and exposure to problems/violence correlated positively with occurrence of MNE. Father's level of education and work status, mother education, number of children per room, and socioeconomic status significantly associated with occurrence of MNE. There was no significant correlation between gender and prevalence of MNE. No treatment was used in 53.2 % of cases. CONCLUSION: In the Egyptian community, pinworm infestation, UTI, constipation, and overconsumption of caffeine-containing beverages are potential reversible risk factors for MNE in school-age children.

Isolation, Characterization and Bioactivities of an Extracellular Polysaccharide Produced from Streptomyces sp. MOE6.

A Streptomyces strain was isolated from soil and the sequence of 1471 nucleotides of its 16S rDNA showed 99% identity to Streptomyces sp. HV10. This newly isolated Streptomyces strain produced an extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) composed mainly of glucose and mannose in a ratio of 1:4.1, as was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), HPLC and ¹H-NMR. The antioxidant activities of the partially purified MOE6-EPS were determined by measuring the hydroxyl free radical scavenging activity and the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. In addition, the partially purified MOE6-EPS showed high ferrous ion (Fe2+) chelation activity which is another antioxidant activity. Interestingly, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays that were colorimetric assays for NAD(P)H-dependent cellular oxidoreductases and a proxy of the number of viable cells, showed that the partially purified MOE6-EPS inhibited the proliferation of the human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The scratch wound assay showed that MOE6-EPS reduced the migration of mouse breast cancer cells (4T1). This study reports the production of EPS from Streptomyces species with promising antioxidant, metal chelating and mammalian cell inhibitory activities.

Querectin Alleviates Zinc Oxide Nanoreprotoxicity in Male Albino Rats.

Zinc oxide nanopartciles (ZnONPs) involved in advanced technologies, and their wide-scale use in consumer market makes human beings more prone to the exposure to ZnONPs. The present study was undertaken to evaluate amelioration of ZnONP-induced toxicities with querectin in male albino rats. ZnONPs-treated rats showed a significant decrease in sperm cell count, sperm motility, live and normal sperms, as well as serum testosterone level. Severe histopathological damage with a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes activity and the GSH level were observed in the affected testis. Relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and a significant decrease in 3ß-HSD, 17ß-HSD, and Nr5A1 transcripts. Rats-administered querectin along with ZnONPs showed less toxic effects on all studied reproductive traits and mRNA transcripts. Our results suggest that querectin is beneficial for preventing or ameliorating ZnONP reproductive toxicities in males.

Lambda cyhalothrin toxicity induces alterations in lipogenic genes and inflammatory factors in rat liver.

The present study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) toxicity. Thirty-two mature male albino rats were randomly classified into four equal groups. The first group was orally administered normal saline, the second group was orally administered dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The third group was orally administered 1/100 LD50 (6.12 mg/kg b. wt) of a commercial formulation containing 2.5% LCT (i.e., a net dose LCT corresponding to 0.15 mg/kg b. wt). The fourth group was orally administered 1/100 LD50 (0.64 mg/kg b. wt) of a pure form of LCT. The results indicated that exposure to LCT is capable of inducing an up-regulation in the mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferative activated receptor α and γ (PPAR α and PPAR γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). Additionally, our study revealed a significant increase in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γGT as well as the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). A significant elevation in total lipids, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL-c and leptin with a corresponding significant decrease in HDL-c was also noted. Moreover, our results depicted that LCT treatment exhibits a significant increase in hepatic MDA levels concurrent with a significant decrease in GSH levels and the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx. An immunohistochemical investigation also revealed a strong up-regulation of hepatic FAS in the LCT treated groups. The histopathological findings were marked by evidence in support of periportal fatty changes and interstitial aggregation of round cells.

Pediatric retrograde intra-renal surgery for renal stones <2 cm in solitary kidney.

INTRODUCTION: Management of renal stones in children with a solitary kidney is a challenge. In the current study, the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in these children were determined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of children with renal stones who were treated at our institute between August 2011 and August 2014 were retrospectively assessed. Inclusion criteria were: Children with single renal stone <2 cm size, in a solitary kidney. A 7.5 Fr flexible ureteroscope (FURS) was introduced into the ureter over a hydrophilic guidewire under visual and fluoroscopic guidance - applying a back-loading technique. The stone was completely dusted using 200 µm laser fiber (0.2-0.8 joules power and 10-30 Hz frequency). At the end of the maneuver, a 5 Fr JJ stent was inserted into the ureter. The children were discharged home 24 h postoperative - provided that no complications were detected. RESULTS: Fourteen children (3 girls and 11 boys) with median age 9.5 years (range 6-12) were included. The mean stone burden was 12.2 ± 1.5 mm (range 9-20). Stones were successfully accessed in all of the cases by the FURS except for 2 cases in whom a JJ stent was inserted into the ureter and left in place for 2 weeks to achieve passive dilatation. All of the stones were dusted completely. The immediate postoperative stone-free rate (SFR) was 79%, and the final SFR was 100% after 3 weeks. No intraoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: RIRS for renal stone <2 cm in children with a solitary kidney is a single-session procedure with a high SFR, low complication rate, and is a minimally invasive, natural orifice technique.

Ameliorative effects of phycocyanin against gibberellic acid induced hepatotoxicity.

Gibberellic acid (GA3) was used extensively unaware in agriculture in spite of its dangerous effects on human health. The current study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effects of the co-administration of phycocyanin with GA3 induced oxidative stress and histopathological changes in the liver. Forty male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (control group) received normal saline for 6 weeks, Group II (GA3 treated group) received 3.85 mg/kg body weight GA3 once daily for 6 weeks, Group III (phycocyanin treated group) received Phycocyanin 200 mg/kg body weight/day for 6 weeks orally dissolved in distilled water and Group IV was treated with GA3 and phycocyanin at the same doses as groups 2 and 3. All treatments were given daily using intra-gastric intubation and continued for 6 weeks. Our results revealed significant downregulation of antioxidant enzyme activities and their mRNA levels (CAT, GPx and Cu-Zn, SOD) with marked elevation of liver enzymes and extensive fibrous connective tissue deposition with large biliary cells in hepatic tissue of GA3 treated rats, while treatment with phycocyanin improved the antioxidant defense system, liver enzymes and structural hepatocytes recovery in phycocyanin treated group with GA3. These data confirm the antioxidant potential of Phycocyanin and provide strong evidence to support the co-administration of Phycocyanin during using GA3.

Synthesis of androstanopyridine and pyrimidine compounds as novel activators of the tumor suppressor protein p53.

A series of androstane derivatives 2-16 were synthesized from 3ß-hydroxyandrostan-17-one derivatives (1a-e). Compounds (1a,b) were treated with ethyl cyanoacetate, cyanoacetamide, or malononitrile and gave the corresponding derivatives 2-7, respectively. Additionally, compounds (1a-e) were condensed with cyanothioacetamide, urea, or guanidine hydrochloride afforded the corresponding derivatives 8-12, which then by Moffat oxidation gave the oxidized derivatives 9, 11 and 13, respectively. Finally, compound (1) condensed with acetyl acetone or ethyl acetoacetate gave cyclohexene derivatives (14a-c) and (15a,b), respectively. Compound 15 was oxidized with a Moffat oxidizing agent and afforded the corresponding oxidized compound 16. The newly synthesized compounds activated the tumor suppressor p53 in cancer cells through inhibition of the p53-specific ubiquitin E3 ligase HDM2.

Turmeric Extract-loaded Selenium Nanoparticles Counter Doxorubicin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice via Repressing Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Cell Apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antitumor anthracycline used to treat a variety of malignancies; however, its clinical use is associated with noticeable hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the current study was designed to delineate if biosynthesized SeNPs with turmeric extract (Tur-SeNPs) could alleviate DOX-induced hepatic adverse effects. METHODS: Mice were orally post-treated with Tur extract, Tur-SeNPs, or N-acetyl cysteine after the intraperitoneal injection of DOX. RESULTS: Our findings have unveiled a remarkable liver attenuating effect in DOX-injected mice post-treated with Tur-SeNPs. High serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin induced by DOX were significantly decreased by Tur-SeNPs therapy. Furthermore, Tur-SeNPs counteracted DOX-caused hepatic oxidative stress, indicated by decreased MDA and NO levels along with elevated levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, and mRNA expression levels of Nrf-2. Noteworthily, decreased hepatic IL-1ß, TNF-α, and NF-κB p65 levels in addition to downregulated iNOS gene expression in Tur-SeNPs-treated mice have indicated their potent antiinflammatory impact. Post-treatment with Tur-SeNPs also mitigated the hepatic apoptosis evoked by DOX injection. A liver histological examination confirmed the biochemical and molecular findings. CONCLUSIONS: In brief, the outcomes have demonstrated Tur loaded with nanoselenium to successfully mitigate the liver damage induced by DOX via blocking oxidative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic signaling.

Evaluation of anti-cancer effects of carnosine and melittin-loaded niosomes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Background: We investigated the anti-cancer effect of carnosine-loaded niosomes (Car-NIO) and melittin-loaded niosomes (Mel-NIO) with olaparib in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Methods: The thin film method was used for preparing the niosomes and characterized in terms of morphology, size, and polydispersity index (PDI). We further evaluated the impact of these peptides on breast cancer cells viability, RT-qPCR assays, malondialdehyde (MDA) activity, and cell cycle progression, to determine if these are linked to carnosine and melittin's anti-proliferative properties. Results: Car-NIO and Mel-NIO in vitro study inhibited cancer cell viability. They have also upregulated the expression of protein 53 (P53), BCL2-Associated X Protein (Bax), caspase-9, caspase-3, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), and Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), while downregulated the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP 1), and MicroRNA-183 (miRNA-183). The MCF-7 cells were arrested at the G2/M phase in Car-NIO, on the other hand, the MDA-MB-231 cells were arrested at the S phase. While the Mel-NIO and olaparib arrested the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at the G0/1 phase. Conclusion: Our study successfully declared that Mel-NIO had more anti-cancer effects than Car-NIO in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Palliative Effect of Resveratrol against Nanosized Iron Oxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Steroidogenesis-Related Genes Dysregulation in Testicular Tissue of Adult Male Rats.

The nano-sized iron oxide (Fe2O3-NPs) is one of the most used engineered nanomaterials worldwide. This study investigated the efficacy of natural polyphenol resveratrol (RSV) (20 mg/kg b.wt, orally once daily) to alleviate the impaired sperm quality and testicular injury resulting from Fe2O3-NPs exposure (3.5 or 7 mg/kg b.wt, intraperitoneally once a week) for eight weeks. Spermiograms, sexual hormonal levels, oxidative stress indicators, and lipid peroxidation biomarker were assessed. Moreover, the steroidogenesis-related genes mRNA expressions were evaluated. The results showed that RSV substantially rescued Fe2O3-NPs-mediated sperm defects. Additionally, the Fe2O3-NPs-induced depressing effects on sperm motility and viability were markedly counteracted by RSV. Moreover, RSV significantly restored Fe2O3-NPs-induced depletion of testosterone, follicle-stimulated hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testicular antioxidant enzymes but reduced malondialdehyde content. Furthermore, the Fe2O3-NPs-induced downregulation of steroidogenesis-related genes (3 ß-HSD, 17 ß-HSD, and Nr5A1) was significantly counteracted in the testicular tissue of RSV-treated rats. These findings concluded that RSV could limit the Fe2O3-NPs-induced reduced sperm quality and testicular injury most likely via their antioxidant activity and steroidogenesis-related gene expression modulation.

Emotional responses and coping strategies of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the emotional responses and coping strategies of medical students during the lockdown and social distancing measures implemented during the coronavirus disease -19 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross­sectional study is based on data collected from undergraduate medical students at the College of Medicine, Alfaisal University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the fall semester of academic year 2020-2021. All the participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of 3 parts: demographic information, emotional response scale, and 14-item, adapted brief coping orientation to problems experienced inventory to determine the use of avoidant or approach coping strategies. Coping and emotional response scores were compared using t-test. Linear regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 261 students from all years were included. Overall scores were higher for avoidant coping strategies. The use of avoidant coping strategies was significantly higher in females (p=0.03) and in preclinical students (p<0.001). Preclinical students had a higher mean score for anger (p=0.002). Conversely, students in the clinical phase had higher scores for anxiety (p=0.005) and sadness (p=0.027). The regression analysis of emotional responses and coping strategies suggests that avoidant coping is a predictor of anger (p=0.003) and sadness (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Interventions to train medical students in the use of more productive and effective coping strategies may reduce negative emotional responses linked to the present COVID-19 pandemic and in the future.

Penile fracture: long-term results of surgical and conservative management.

BACKGROUND: Penile fracture usually results from direct trauma to the erected penis. We evaluate the outcomes of surgical and conservative treatment. METHODS: Between February 2000 and February 2007, 77 patients with mean age 29 ± 2.5 years (range, 20-57 years) with penile fracture were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 56 patients (group A) were treated with immediate surgical repair and 21 patients (group B) were treated conservatively as they refused surgical intervention. Data on erectile function and any penile sequel were obtained during follow-up using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire, local examination, and color Doppler ultrasonography reports. RESULTS: Only 69 patients were available for median follow-up period of 20.8 months (range, 17-30 months), 51 patients of the group A and 18 of the group B. Injury involved unilateral and bilateral corporeal rupture in 50 and 6 cases, respectively. Concomitant urethral injury was detected in three cases. During follow-up, 49 cases (96%) of the surgical group (A) and 9 cases (50%) of the conservative group (B) reported erection adequate for intercourse, with no voiding dysfunction and no penile curvature. However, the remaining nine patients (50%) from the conservative group (B) reported erectile dysfunction and penile deviation. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate surgical repair of the penile fracture gave good results and is superior to conservative treatment; however, we cannot distinguish false from true penile fracture accurately to determine on whom we can use the conservative treatment.

Autophagy Promotes the Survival of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Enhances Their Therapeutic Effects in Cisplatin-Induced Liver Injury via Modulating TGF-ß1/Smad and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathways.

Autophagy is a key metabolic process where cells can recycle its proteins and organelles to regenerate its own cellular building blocks. Chemotherapy is indispensable for cancer treatment but associated with various side-effects, including organ damage. Stem cell-based therapy is a promising approach for reducing chemotherapeutic side effects, however, one of its main culprits is the poor survival of transplanted stem cells in damaged tissues. Here, we aimed to test the effects of activating autophagy in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ADSCs) on the survival of ADSCs, and their therapeutic value in cisplatin-induced liver injury model. Autophagy was activated in ADSCs by rapamycin (50 nM/L) for two hours before transplantation and were compared to non-preconditioned ADSCs. Rapamycin preconditioning resulted in activated autophagy and improved survival of ADSCs achieved by increased autophagosomes, upregulated autophagy-specific LC3-II gene, decreased protein degradation/ubiquitination by downregulated p62 gene, downregulated mTOR gene, and finally, upregulated antiapoptotic BCL-2 gene. In addition, autophagic ADSCs transplantation in the cisplatin liver injury model, liver biochemical parameters (AST, ALT and albumin), lipid peroxidation (MDA), antioxidant profile (SOD and GPX) and histopathological picture were improved, approaching near-normal conditions. These promising autophagic ADSCs effects were achieved by modulation of components in TGF-ß1/Smad and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, besides reducing NF-κB gene expression (marker for inflammation), reducing TGF-ß1 levels (marker for fibrosis) and increasing SDF-1 levels (liver regeneration marker) in liver. Therefore, current results highlight the importance of autophagy in augmenting the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy in alleviating cisplatin-associated liver damage and opens the path for improved cell-based therapies, in general, and with chemotherapeutics, in particular.

Does tamsulosin increase stone clearance after shockwave lithotripsy of renal stones? A prospective, randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the selective alpha-blocker tamsulosin on stone clearance after shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) of renal stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was carried out in 166 patients who underwent SWL for renal stones between January and December 2007. Group 1 (n = 83) took tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily and diclofenac sodium injection (75 mg) on demand. Group 2 (n = 83) took only diclofenac sodium as needed. Patients were on this regimen for 4 weeks or until stone clearance and were followed up for a maximum of 3 months. They were evaluated for stone clearance, time to stone clearance, colic attacks, need for analgesics and any side-effects at 2 weeks, and 1, 2 and 3 months. RESULTS: In total, 136 patients (67 in group 1 and 69 in group 2) were available for evaluation. The demographic profile was comparable in both groups. Group 1 had a clearance rate of 73% (49/67) versus 55% (38/69) in group 2 (p = 0.008). Time to stone clearance was significantly different at 1, 2 and 3 months (p = 0.02, 0.01 and 0.008, respectively), but not significant at 2 weeks (p = 0.52). In group 2, higher number of patients had more frequent attacks of colic and used more analgesics than in group 1 (p = 003, 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Nine patients (13.4%) in group 1 had ejaculatory dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin significantly increases stone clearance after SWL of renal stones. It decreases the pain and amount of analgesics needed, with a low rate of side-effects.

Fluorescence enhancement of coumarin thiourea derivatives by Hg2+, Ag+, and silver nanoparticles.

Fluorescence enhancement by factors of 5-12 times 8-alkyl thiourido-7-ethoxy-4-methyl coumarin derivatives was observed upon complexation with Hg(2+), Ag(+), and Ag nanoparticles. The study reveals a chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism with the formation of 1:2 complexes in Hg(2+)/coumarin derivatives and 1:1 complexes in Ag(+)/coumarin derivatives. The activation parameters of the complexation processes were evaluated with energy of activation values in the case of Ag(+) being nearly twice those in the case of Hg(2+) complexation. Isokinetic studies indicate an enthalpy-controlled mechanism in the Hg(2+)/coumarin derivatives complex formation. No fluorescence enhancement was observed with Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), La(3+), and Ce(3+), making the present coumarin thiourea derivatives selective chemosensors of both Hg(2+) and Ag(+) ions with different complexation time scales between these two ions. Fluorescence enhancement of the studied coumarin thiourea derivatives using silver nanomaterials occurs almost instantaneously and can be induced by silver nanoparticles in the picomolar (pM) concentration ranges.

Morin ameliorates the testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress, and impact on blood-testis barrier induced by photo-extracellularly synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely produced for different industrial purposes. Recently, biogenic synthesis of AgNPs has emerged although the extent of effects from exposure, oral exposure in particular, to nanomaterials synthesized in such a manner remains elusive. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of a dose of 50 mg/Kg body weight AgNPs biosynthesized in baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) over a period of eight weeks on the reproductive performance and the possibility of a protective effect through co-administration of morin. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in four experimental groups (control, morin-treated group, AgNP-treated, and AgNP + morin co-treatment). AgNPs produced no significant alteration in daily food intake or body weight. Both the absolute and relative testicular weights were significantly reduced but not the epididymal weight. Also, serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, and liver enzymes were significantly elevated. Furthermore, AgNPs significantly downregulated the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This corresponds to lower motility and viability percent, reduced sperm concentration, and a higher abnormality ratio as well as a prominent alteration in the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and testicular histology and induction of testicular apoptosis and oxidative stress. The supplementation of morin evidently restored most of the reproductive characters to its physiological range. We can conclude that exposure to the biologically synthesized AgNPs for an extended period of time has proven to be a health risk that can be ameliorated via oral administration of some bioactive agents including morin.

Effects of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) oil on quail growth, carcass traits, blood components, meat quality, and intestinal microbiota.

To provide a safe growth promoter, the present study has investigated the effects of different levels of cold-pressed clove oil (CCPO) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood biochemistry, and intestinal microbial population of growing Japanese quails. A total of 300 quails (1-wk old) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups: control basal diet, basal diet +0.75 mL oil/kg diet, and basal diet +1.5 mL oil/kg diet. Quails fed with 1.5 mL clove oil/kg diet showed a 3.43% improvement in live body weight vs. control group. Similar trend was observed for daily body weight gain. Feed intake gradually increased (P < 0.01) with an increase in clove oil level. The best feed conversion rate was reported for the control group, followed by the group treated with 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet during the whole period (1 to 6 wk of age). Total globulin differed significantly in 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet group. Antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid profile, and reduced glutathione concentrations significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2΄-deoxyguanosine, and protein carbonyl levels significantly decreased in quails supplemented with 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet vs. control group. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, growth hormone, and thyroxine significantly increased in quails supplemented with 1.5 mL CCPO/kg diet vs. control group. The intestinal bacterial population, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella spp. in the ileal content were lower (P < 0.05) in groups treated with oil (1.5 mL/kg) vs. control group. Thus, dietary supplementation with antimicrobial CCPO (1.5 mL/kg diet) could enhance growth performance, improve health status, and reduce intestinal pathogens in Japanese quails.

Amelioration of titanium dioxide nanoparticle reprotoxicity by the antioxidants morin and rutin.

The present study aimed to examine the ameliorative effects of morin and rutin on the reproductive toxicity induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) in male rats. A total of seventy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups, each comprising ten rats. Nanoreprotoxicity was induced by treating rats with TiO2NPs at a dosage of 300 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. Morin (30 mg/kg body weight) and rutin (100 mg/kg body weight) were co-administered with or without TiO2NPs to rats either individually or combined. Only distilled water was administered to the control group. The results showed that TiO2NPs enhanced oxidative stress, indicated by reduced levels of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in testicular tissues, and increased levels of the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA). TiO2NPs significantly reduced the levels of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and LH), reduced sperm motility, viability, and sperm cell count, and increased sperm abnormalities, in addition to damaging the testicular histological architecture. TiO2NPs resulted in the downregulation of 17ß-HSD and the upregulation of proapoptotic gene (Bax) transcripts in the testicular tissues. Conversely, morin and/or rutin had a protective effect on testicular tissue. They effectively counteracted TiO2NP-induced oxidative damage and morphological injury in the testis by conserving the endogenous antioxidant mechanisms and scavenging free radicals. Thus, we suggest that morin and rutin could be used to alleviate the toxicity and oxidative damage associated with TiO2NP intake.