An eco-friendly one-pot spectrofluorimetric approach for the facile determination of overactive bladder drug, tolterodine: Application to dosage forms and biological fluids.

Tolterodine tartrate (TTD) was the first antimuscarinic medication developed exclusively for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome and was approved by the FDA in 1998. As a result of the drug's extensive utilization within the local community following its authorization, there is a pressing need to develop and validate a spectrofluorometric method that is economically efficient, easily reproducible, environmentally sustainable, and possesses high sensitivity. The developed approach relies on enhancing the fluorescence intensity of TTD to reach a level 720 % higher than its initial value, achieved through the application of an aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution. A strong correlation was observed with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998 between the concentration of TTD and the fluorescence intensity within the range of 25.0-500.0 ng mL-1. This approach could be employed to quantify TTD in its pure form and to examine pharmaceutical tablets for the purposes of verifying uniform content. Additionally, it was utilized for the evaluation of TTD concentrations in spiked human plasma.

Determination of antihistaminic drugs alcaftadine and olopatadine hydrochloride via ion-pairing with eosin Y as a spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric probe: application to dosage forms.

Four sensitive and fast analytical approaches relied on ion pairing with eosin Y were built up and evaluated using spectroscopy for determination of Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride with high sensitivity and selectivity. Two spectrofluorimetric techniques were employed to observe the quenching effect of Alcaftadine or Olopatadine hydrochloride on the intrinsic fluorescence of eosin Y in a 0.1 M acetate buffer solution at pH 3.8 and 3.3 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. Those methods are considered the first spectrofluorimetric methods for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride assay. The fluorescence quenching effect was linear with concentration ranging from 150 to 2000 and 200 to 2000 ng mL-1 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. In the two spectrophotometric techniques, the absorbance of the produced ion-pair was monitored at 548 and 547 nm in aqueous buffered solution at pH 3.8 and 3.3 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentrations range of 0.8-8.0 and 1.0-10.0 µg mL-1. The four techniques were evaluated in accordance with ICH requirements and were effectively used to analyze dosage forms with a high percent recovery.

Development of a green synchronous spectrofluorimetric technique for simultaneous determination of Montelukast sodium and Bilastine in pharmaceutical formulations.

For the treatment of rhinitis and asthma, a combination of Montelukast sodium and Bilastine has just been approved. Based on the first derivative of synchronous fluorescence, the current work developed a green, highly accurate, sensitive, and selective spectroscopic approach for estimating Montelukast sodium and Bilastine in pharmaceutical dosage form without previous separation. The selected technique focuses on measuring the synchronized fluorescence of the studied medications at a fixed wavelength range (Δλ) = 110 nm, and using the amplitude of the first derivative's peak at 381 and 324 nm, for quantitative estimation of Montelukast sodium and Bilastine, respectively. The impacts of different factors on the referred drugs' synchronized fluorescence intensity were investigated and adjusted. The calibration plots for were found to be linear over concentration ranges of 50-2000 ng mL-1 for Montelukast sodium and 50-1000 ng mL-1 for Bilastine. Montelukast sodium and Bilastine have LODs of 16.5 and 10.9 ng mL-1, respectively. In addition, LOQs were: 49.9 and 33.0 ng mL-1, for both drugs, respectively. The developed method was successfully employed to quantify the two drugs in synthetic tablets mixture and in laboratory prepared mixtures containing varied Montelukast and Bilastine ratios. To compare the results with the published analytical approach, a variance ratio F-test and a student t-test were used, which revealed no significant differences.

Chitosan functionalized Mn3O4 nanoparticles counteracts ulcerative colitis in mice through modulation of cellular redox state.

Recent findings suggest a key role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Several studies have also highlighted the efficacy of citrate functionalized Mn3O4 nanoparticles as redox medicine against a number of ROS-mediated disorders. Here we show that synthesized nanoparticles consisting of chitosan functionalized tri-manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) can restore redox balance in a mouse model of UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Our in-vitro characterization of the developed nanoparticle confirms critical electronic transitions in the nanoparticle to be important for the redox buffering activity in the animal model. A careful administration of the developed nanoparticle not only reduces inflammatory markers in the animals, but also reduces the mortality rate from the induced disease. This study provides a proof of concept for the use of nanomaterial with synergistic anti-inflammatory and redox buffering capacity to prevent and treat ulcerative colitis.

Foreign body granuloma development after calcium hydroxylapatite injection for stress urinary incontinence: A literature review and case report.

Objectives: To present a case of foreign body granuloma (FBG) development after injection of calcium hydroxylapatite as a urethral bulking agent and to review all documented cases of this phenomenon in the literature. Methods: We analyzed a new case of calcium hydroxylapatite-induced FBG. We also conducted a literature review of the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases through March 2022. Reports were included if they contained stress urinary incontinence patients that developed an FBG after calcium hydroxylapatite injection. The cases were reviewed for presenting symptoms, patient demographics, granuloma details, and surgical treatment. Results: We screened 250 articles and included six articles between 2006 and 2015 in addition to the present case. The median age of the patients was 65.5 years (range 45-93), and all patients were female. The most common presenting symptoms and the proportion of patients affected were difficulty voiding (4/8), recurrent urinary incontinence (3/8), and dyspareunia (2/8). The median time between the first CaHA injection and discovery of the FBG was 5 months (range 1-50). The median longest dimension of the FBGs was 1.85 cm (range 1.0-3.0). The 8 masses observed were evenly distributed throughout the urethra, with 3 in the bladder neck, 2 in the midurethra, and 3 in the distal urethra. Surgical excision was the predominant management choice, with some variation in technique. Conclusions: Severe, persistent lower urinary tract symptoms after calcium hydroxylapatite injection may indicate an FBG, which has been successfully managed with surgical excision.

Ameliorative effect of sesame oil on experimentally induced polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-link between XBP-1/PPAR-1, regulatory proteins for lipogenesis/steroids.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a mixed endocrine/metabolic/reproductive disorder in women of reproductive age. Sesame oil (SO) contains sesame lignans & vitamin E with broad-spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigates the ameliorative effect of SO on experimentally induced PCOS and elucidates the possible molecular mechanisms with a deeper focus on the different signaling pathways involved. The study was carried out on 28 nonpregnant female Wister albino rats that were divided into four equal groups; Group I (control group) received oral 0.5% wt/vol carboxymethyl cellulose daily. Group II (SO group): orally administered SO (2 mL/kg body wt./day) for 21 days. Group III (PCOS group) received letrozole daily, 1 mg/kg, for 21 days. Group IV (PCOS + SO group): concomitantly administered letrozole and SO for 21 days. The serum hormonal and metabolic panel and the homogenate ATF-1, StAR, MAPK, PKA, and PI3K levels of the ovarian tissue were calorimetrically evaluated. However, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was evaluated by ovarian XBP1 and PPAR-γ messenger RNA expression level using the qRT-PCR technique. Ovarian COX-2 was detected immunohistochemically. The results suggest that SO-treated PCOS rats showed a significantly improved hormonal, metabolic panel, inflammatory, and ER stress status with concomitant decreases in ATF-1, StAR, MAPK, PKA, and PI3K in ovarian rats compared to the correspondent values in PCOS without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effects of SO against PCOS are triggered by ameliorating regulatory proteins of ER stress, lipogenesis, and steroidogenesis through the PI3K/PKA and MAPK/ERK2 signaling cascades. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common mixed endocrine-metabolic dysfunction among women within the reproductive period, with an estimated prevalence of 5%-26% worldwide. Doctors traditionally recommend metformin for PCOS patients. However, metformin is known to be associated with significant adverse effects and contraindications. This work aimed at shedding light on the ameliorative effect of sesame oil (SO), natural polyunsaturated fatty acids-rich oil, on the induced PCOS model. SO proved to have a marvelous effect on the metabolic and endocrine derangements in the PCOS rat model. We hoped to provide a valuable alternative treatment for PCOS patients to avoid the side effects of metformin and to help PCOS patients for whom metformin is contraindicated.

Non-invasive estimation of hemoglobin, bilirubin and oxygen saturation of neonates simultaneously using whole optical spectrum analysis at point of care.

The study was aimed to evaluate the performance of a newly developed spectroscopy-based non-invasive and noncontact device (SAMIRA) for the simultaneous measurement of hemoglobin, bilirubin and oxygen saturation as an alternative to the invasive biochemical method of blood sampling. The accuracy of the device was assessed in 4318 neonates having incidences of either anemia, jaundice, or hypoxia. Transcutaneous bilirubin, hemoglobin and blood saturation values were obtained by the newly developed instrument which was corroborated with the biochemical blood tests by expert clinicians. The instrument is trained using Artificial Neural Network Analysis to increase the acceptability of the data. The artificial intelligence incorporated within the instrument determines the disease condition of the neonate. The Pearson's correlation coefficient, r was found to be 0.987 for hemoglobin estimation and 0.988 for bilirubin and blood gas saturation respectively. The bias and the limits of agreement for the measurement of all the three parameters were within the clinically acceptance limit.

Potential of Ascorbic Acid Supplements to Ameliorate the Deleterious Effects of Hyperuricemia on Albino Wistar Rats' Hippocampus (Structural and Functional Study).

INTRODUCTION: Diet rich in purines may increase the serum level of uric acid causing hyperuricemia, contributing to learning and memory to impairments. Ascorbic acid has a potent antioxidant potential. The hippocampus is a pivotal component of human brains and other vertebrates that plays crucial roles in the consolidation of information and spatial memory. Our study was mainly designated to examine the potential palliative role of ascorbic acid supplements on harmful effects induced hyperuricemia on the hippocampus of albino Wistar rats. METHODS: Forty rats were subgrouped into the control group, ascorbate-only group, hyperuricemic group, and combined hyperuricemia and ascorbate group. RESULTS: Ascorbic acid has strongly preserved the histological architecture and maintained the normal hippocampal functions in the hyperuricemic group. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid could protect the hippocampus of albino Wistar rats against the hazardous impact of hyperuricemia.

Hesperidin Preserves Cognitive Functions and Hippocampus Histological Architecture in Albino Wistar Rats Subjected to Stress Through Enhancement of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor.

Hesperidin (HSD) is a natural compound with antioxidant potential. On the other hand, chronic stress had been linked to impaired cognitive functions as it affects many neurotransmitters and brain regions such as the hippocampus. The current study was conducted to examine the effect of HSD on learning and memory after chronic mild stress. Albino Wistar rats were subjected to chronic mild stress with HSD administered as supplements. HSD was found to decrease hippocampal amyloid beta and malondialdehyde levels, in addition, to preserve cognitive functions together with preserving hippocampus histological architecture. In conclusion, the present study sheds the light on the potential of HSD to ameliorate the deleterious effects of chronic mild stress on cognitive functions through brain-derived neurotrophic factor enhancement and reduction in Aß formation in addition to activation of the antioxidant pathway.

Molecular epidemiology of virulent E. coli among rural small scale dairy herds and shops: Efficacy of selected marine algal extracts and disinfectants.

Virulent pathotypes of E. coli seriously affect the livestock regarding the misuse of antibiotics. All 180 samples collected from cow's environment and dairy shops in Qena, Egypt were serologically and molecularly positive for coliforms. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) pathotypes were isolated from water and milk-related samples. STEC serogroups O26, O55, O111, O113, O145 were also recovered. The non-O157 STEC serotypes were recovered from human diarrheagenic patients contacting cattle or consuming contaminated water/milk products. BlaCTX-M and blaTEM genes were detected in 25.5% and 100%, respectively. Disinfectants and algal extracts, identified by GC-MS, were evaluated in vitro for antibacterial activities. TH4+® disinfectant and methanol extract of Turbinaria decurrens reduced E. coli at 13 log10 at 1.5% and 3 mg/ml concentrations, respectively. Ag-NPs/T. decurrens showed 8-9 log10 reduction at concentration of 1.6 × 105 NPs/ml. Examined water sources, milk and milk products were potential reservoirs for virulent antibiotic-resistant E.coli which may impose animal and public health threats.Abbreviations: APEC: Avian pathogenic E. coli; blaCTX-M: ß-lactamase inhibitors-Cefotaximase gene; blaTEM: ß-lactamase inhibitors-Temoneira gene; CFU: Colony-forming unit; DAEC: Diffusely adherent E. coli; DEC: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli; DEMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; eaeA: Intimin or E. coli attaching gene; EAEC: Enteroaggregative E. coli; EHEC: Enterohemorrhagic E. coli; EIEC: Enteroinvasive E. coli; EOSQC: Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control; EPEC: Enteropathogenic E. coli; ETEC: Enterotoxigenic E. coli; ExPEC: Extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli; GC-MS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique; hly: Hemolysin gene; STEC: Shiga like producing E. coli; stx1: Shiga-toxin 1 gene; ESBLs: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.

Maternal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Safety of Breastfeeding in Infants Born to Infected Mothers.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent epidemic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In pregnancy, SARS-Cov-2 infection creates additional alarm due to concerns regarding the potential for transmission from the mother to the baby during both the antenatal and postpartum times. In general, breastfeeding is seldom disallowed because of infection of the mother. However, there are few exceptions with regards to certain infectious organisms with established transmission evidence from mother to infant and the link of infection of a newborn with significant morbidity and mortality. It is confirmed that pregnant women can become infected with SARS-CoV-2, although the debate on the possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is still open. In this regard, the literature is still poor. On the contrary, the information on the safety of breastfeeding even during infections seems reassuring when the mother takes the necessary precautions. However, there are still answered questions regarding the precautions to be taken during breastfeeding by COVID-19 patients. This paper reviews the existing answers to these and many other questions. This review therefore presents a summary of the present-day understanding of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and discusses the answers around the maternal transmission of COVID-19 and the potential threat of breastfeeding to babies born to infected pregnant mothers. In conclusion, intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection is less likely to occur during pregnancy. Most studies suggest that COVID-19 is not transmitted through breast milk. Correspondingly, COVID-19-infected neonates might acquire the infection via the respiratory route because of the postnatal contact with the mother rather than during the prenatal period. International organizations encourage breastfeeding regardless of the COVID-19 status of the mother or child as long as proper hygienic and safety measures are adhered to so as to minimize the chance of infant infection by droplets and direct contact with the infected mother. Pasteurized donor human milk or infant formula as supplemental feeding can be quite beneficial in the case of mother-infant separation till breastfeeding is safe.

Potential of rosmarinic acid to ameliorate toxic effects of diethyl methoxy thio­phosphoryl thio­succinate on albino wistar rats' lung, mast cell infiltration inhibitory pathway.

Malathion (MA) is a widely used pesticide in agriculture. It can cause toxicity in different organs of the body. Rosmarinic acid (RO) is found in rosemary extract that can be absorbed through gastrointestinal tract mucosa with potent antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. The current study is designed to investigate the potential of RO to protect the lung after MA administration. Forty albino rats were allocated equally to four groups. C-group received corn oil. RO-group received RO orally. MA-group received MA. MA-RO-group received RO in addition to MA. After three weeks the lungs were dissected for histopathological and biochemical investigations. MA-group showed manifestations of severe inflammation with inflammatory cells infiltration in the lung. MA-RO-group showed limited inflammatory cell infiltration. C-group and RO-group appeared with weak anti-survivin immunoreactivity. MA-group showed strong positive immunoreactivity. The reactivity was weakly positive in MA-RO-group. MA-group showed a significant decrease in SP-D gene expression in comparison to the C-group, in addition, MA-RO-group showed a significant increase in SP-D expression. In conclusion, the current study approves that oral administration of MA causes lung injury as it has inflammatory effects, caused by oxidative stress and reports the potential of RO to protect lung tissue against toxic effects of MA through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic potential.

Potential effect of fish oil to preserve expression of cell cycle and tight junction regulating genes in colon after di-isononyl phthalate ingestion in albino Wistar rats.

Di-isononyl phthalate (DIP) is considered a high molecular-weight subtype of phthalates that are commonly used and could easily affect the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the main active components of fish oil (FO), and their anti-inflammatory potential was previously documented. The current study was designed to investigate the protective potential of fish oil against the impacts of DIP exposure on the colon of albino Wistar rats. Sixty albino Wistar rats were divided into Control group received corn oil for ten days. Di-isononyl phthalate treated group received DIP. Di-isononyl phthalate + fish oil treated group received both DIP and FO. FO was found to preserve the histological architecture, tight junction and cell cycle of the colon. In conclusion, the current study provided an evidence that FO has a protective potential against DIP further examinations to be done to fully understand the molecular basis of this potential as a step for further clinical applications.

SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin monotherapy alleviates renal oxidative stress in albino Wistar diabetic rats after myocardial infarction induction.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden insult of the kidney that happens within a short period of time, which is associated with poor prognosis in diabetic patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Subclinical AKI is a condition in which tubular damage biomarkers [Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1)] are positive even in the absence of elevated serum creatinine. Recent studies reported that SGLT-2 inhibitors could protect against subclinical AKI in diabetic patients by elevating the level of ß-Hydroxybutyric acid (ßOHB). This study aims to examine the reno-protective potential of empagliflozin (EMPA) against MI associated AKI in diabetic rats. Eighty Albino Wistar rats were divided into: (1) nondiabetic sham group (CS), (2) nondiabetic + myocardial infarction group (CM), (3) diabetic + myocardial infarction group (DM) and (4) diabetic + myocardial infarction + empagliflozin group (DME). At the end of the experiment, blood samples and kidneys were collected for biochemical analysis, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. After induction of myocardial infarction, there was a significant decrease in serum creatinine and NGAL levels in DME. After EMPA administration, mesangial matrix index and glomerular area were lowered in DME if compared to DM group. As a marker for tubular injury, we used anti-NGAL and anti-KIM-1 immunohistochemistry. Strong positive reaction was noticed in DM group if compared to DME group which showed weak positive reaction. Levels of renal mRNAs [NGAL; KIM-1; Nox-2,4; TLR-2,4; MyD88; TNF- α and IL-1 ß, 18] in DME group were reduced significantly compared to DM group. In conclusion, empagliflozin can protect against subclinical acute kidney injury in diabetic albino Wistar rats after myocardial infarction induction, which could improve the clinical outcome of SGLT-2 inhibitors in diabetic patients.

Potential of Amantadine to Ameliorate Glutamate-Induced Pyramidal Cells Toxicity in Juvenile Rat' Brain Cortex.

Glutamate (Gt) neurotoxicity contributes to a wide spectrum of neurological conditions. Loss of glutamate transporters leads to intracellular Gt accumulation. Amantadin (AMn) is a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist that can partially inhibit Gt transporters and influence protein phosphatase 2A subunit B (PP-2A-B) activity. Herein, we investigate the potential of AMn administered in the early life stages to reverse the Gt-induced changes in the cerebral cortex in the rat model. We report that AMn can reverse Gt-induced structural changes in the brain cortex and increase PP-2A activity. Additionally, PP-2A-B activity in the AMn + Gt-treated group was comparable to controls. Moreover, administration of AMn leads to a decrease of apoptotic index in the Gt-treated individuals. We suggest that severe histopathological changes observed in Gt group could be attributed to the decreased PP-2A expression causing an imbalance between phosphatase and protein kinase activities and leading to a strong positive TUNEL reaction. We provide a short summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the role of PP-2A-B in the Gt-induced neurotoxicity and AMn treatment and discuss the potential of amantadine as a potential therapeutic agent.

Protective Role of 4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone on Prostatic Cells Hyperplasia of Rats and Human, 5α-reductase Inhibition Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Prostate gland is an exocrine gland that could be affected by various pathological conditions. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-dependent medical condition caused by increased activity of 5α-reductase enzyme (5α-R). Medical treatment by finasteride is considered during treatment, but it has unavoidable side effects. Hence, there is an increasing need to use natural ingredients for BPH treatment. Gingerol oil (ginger extract) is transferred by heating into zingerone. Recent studies reported the effect of zingerone on prostate cancer cells. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present research is to investigate the protective effect of zingerone against BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male Albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group, prostatic hyperplasia group treated with saline, and prostatic hyperplasia group treated with zingerone (PH-Z-G). At day 28, all rats were sacrificed, epididymis and prostate samples were collected for histopathological examination and Western blotting for androgen receptors (ARs) proteins and steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 (SRD5A1). Human RWPE-1 prostatic cell line was assessed for viability and cycle after treated with zingerone 500 µg/day for 10 days. RESULTS: PH-S group showed significant (P < 0.05) thickening of connective tissue septa associated with narrowing of acinar lumen. PH-Z group showed regain of the normal histological feature. SRD5A1 and AR expression was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in PH-Z group in comparison with PH-S group. Cell line proliferation was significantly reduced after application of zingerone with G2/M cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that natural herbal zingerone decreased the prostatic tissue levels of (5α reductase and AR) in rat BPH model, which could be a promising herbal medicine for BPH treatment. Further human clinical trials are required.

Embolic Showering from Non-Bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis and Adenocarcinoma of the Lung.

BACKGROUND: Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a paraneoplastic phenomenon with sterile vegetations. It is associated with adenocarcinoma and can shower emboli, which can be the presenting symptom. CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old woman with adenocarcinoma of the lung presented with chest pain, left hand weakness, and ataxia due to repeated embolic showering from NBTE to the central nervous system (CNS) and spleen. CONCLUSION: NBTE is a rare condition that should be on the differential diagnosis in patients with culture-negative endocarditis and a history of adenocarcinoma. LEARNING POINTS: Differentiating non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) from infective endocarditis can be a diagnostic challenge due to slow growing organisms; laboratory findings that suggest NBTE include the lack of leucocytosis, normal C-reactive protein, negative blood culture sets, and positive antiphospholipid antibodies.Serial transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) should be performed if suspicion of valvular vegetations is high despite the initial TEE showing no vegetations.The mainstay treatment of NBTE is anticoagulation and addressing the underlying condition.

Egg Yolk IgY: A Novel Trend of Feed Additives to Limit Drugs and to Improve Poultry Meat Quality.

Drugs that are commonly used in poultry farms can potentially cause a detrimental effect on meat consumers as a result of chemical residues. Therefore, seeking a natural alternative is crucial for the health of the consumers. The egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is a promising natural replacement for antibiotics in the broilers' diet. There is a scarce focus on the influence of probiotics and IgY on the quality and the nutritive values of broiler meat and whether it can efficiently displace the anti-microbial power of antibiotics. Herein we used 40 Ross chicks (1.2 ± 0.43 days old) and separated them into four groups with variant feed additives (basal diet "control," probiotic, IgY, and probiotic + IgY). Our findings showed that the combination of probiotic and IgY supplementation enhanced the carcass quality traits and decreased the pH values that could retard spoilage due to bacteria and improve shelf life and meat quality. The same group also achieved a significant reduction in thiobarbituric acid value, indicating an improvement of meat quality. Moreover, color, shear force, water holding capacity, and cooking loss were most acceptable in broiler meat supplemented with IgY, which confirmed the highest carcass quality. Notably, the weight gain in the combination group has been greatly increased. Also, the protein percentage was the highest (22.26 ± 0.29, P < 0.001) in this combined supplementation group, which revealed the highest nutritive values. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli could not be detected in the meat of the probiotics group and/or in the combined treatment group. Interestingly, the IgY group showed an evidence of the killing power (log colony-forming units per milliliter) of S. aureus and Listeria monocytogenes at 1,500 µg/ml. Our findings, in vitro as well as in vivo, revealed that the combination group had antimicrobial bioactivity and enhanced the chickens' immunity. Therefore, IgY, a novel trend of feed additives, can be used to limit drugs. Additionally, the mortality percentage recorded was zero in all groups that received feed supplementation, while the combination group reached the best financial advantages. We concluded that feeding IgY powder with probiotic is a frontier to improve the productivity, immunity, and meat quality of broilers.

Coexistence of diverse heavy metal pollution magnitudes: Health risk assessment of affected cattle and human population in some rural regions, Qena, Egypt.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the mean concentrations of heavy metals including aluminum (Al), arsenic, nickel (Ni), mercury, lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) and to assess the health hazards due to the exposure of cattle/human population to a distinct or the mixture of heavy metals through various sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 samples including water sources, animal feed, and raw cows' milk from rural regions in Qena, Egypt, were examined using the inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP; iCAP 6200). RESULTS: The data highlighted heavy metal pollution with variable concentrations among most of the investigated regions. All concentrations of Al, Ni, and Cd detected in the feeding stuff showed a strong correlation to their respective levels in milk rather than those detected in water (R 2= 0.072 vs. 0.039, 0.13 vs. 0.10, and 0.46 vs. 0.014, respectively) (p < 0.05). Anisocytosis and poikilocytosis with a tendency to rouleaux formation were evident, and basophilic stippling was a pathognomic indicator for heavy metal toxicity, especially Pb. Leukopenia and macrocytic anemia were shown in 50% and 65% of examined cattle, respectively. The target hazard quotients values were more than one (>1) for all heavy metals from water intake for both children and adults and Al and Cd in milk for children, and the hazard index values were indicated higher for noncarcinogenic health hazards. The target cancer risk values predispose people in the surveyed villages to higher cancerous risks due to exposures to the mixture of heavy metal through the consumption of water and milk. CONCLUSION: The bioaccumulation and transmission of heavy metal mixtures from water sources and feeding material have detrimental influences on milk pollution and cattle health which seem to be a serious issue affecting public health in those rural communities.

The Hemodynamic Response of the Vertebral Artery to 3 Time Durations of the Static Stretching Exercise in the End Position of Contralateral Cervical Rotation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of 3 different time durations of sustained end-range cervical rotation during static stretching exercises on the hemodynamics of the vertebral artery. METHODS: This observational study used Doppler ultrasonography to measure the average vertebral artery hemodynamics at the sustained end-range cervical rotation after 3 time durations of static stretching exercise: 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds. The sustained end-range cervical rotation was applied to 30 asymptomatic male participants. RESULTS: The peak systolic velocity 35.2 ± 6.9 cm/s and the end systolic velocity 12.7 ± 1.6 cm/s reduced significantly, while resistive index 0.74 ± 0.03 increased after 60 seconds of sustained end-range contralateral cervical rotation by 39.1%, 32.4%, and 8.8%, respectively, compared with the neutral position. There were no significant differences found between peak systolic velocity and resistive index after a stretching duration of 60 and 30 seconds. Similarly, there were no notable changes in end systolic velocity when comparing 10 seconds with 30 seconds. CONCLUSION: The static stretching exercise using sustained end-range cervical rotation for 60 seconds induced marked changes in the hemodynamics of the vertebral artery.