Comparison of Outcomes in Dual-Mobility Versus Fixed-Bearing Implants in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is often regarded as one of the most successful surgical techniques developed in the twenty-first century. However, it is associated with complications such as prosthetic instability, dislocations, or infections. Dual-mobility (DM) implants have been developed with the goal of reducing the incidence of dislocations by increasing the femoral head-neck ratio, maximising hip stability, and improving the range of motion (ROM) before impingement and dislocation. This systematic review aims to comprehensively compare the safety and efficacy of DM versus fixed-bearing (FB) implants in primary THA patients. A comprehensive search strategy of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases was executed to identify pertinent literature comparing DM and FB implants in THAs. Eligible studies underwent independent screening, and data were systematically extracted. The analysis employed pooled risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous variables, each accompanied by their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). Our systematic review and meta-analysis included nine studies encompassing 22,277 patients. The DM group had a significantly reduced incidence of dislocations compared to the FB group (RR 0.25, 95%CI [0.13, 0.47]; p-value <0.0001) and a significantly shorter length of stay (MD -9.92, 95%CI [-15.53, -4.32]; p-value = 0.0005). The FB group, however, had a significantly shorter operative time compared to the DM group (MD 10.41, 95%CI [7.64, 13.17]; p-value < 0.00001). We did not identify any significant statistical differences between the DM and FB groups regarding patient-reported outcome measures, the incidence of all-cause readmissions, the incidence of peri-prosthetic fractures, the incidence of infections, or the incidence of groyne pain.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Readability of Online Information Regarding Hip Osteoarthritis.

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related degenerative joint disease. There is a 25% risk of symptomatic hip OA in patients who live up to 85 years of age. It can impair a person's daily activities and increase their reliance on healthcare services. It is primarily managed with education, weight loss and exercise, supplemented with pharmacological interventions. Poor health literacy is associated with negative treatment outcomes and patient dissatisfaction. A literature search found there are no previously published studies examining the readability of online information about hip OA. Objectives To assess the readability of healthcare websites regarding hip OA. Methods The terms "hip pain", "hip osteoarthritis", "hip arthritis", and "hip OA" were searched on Google and Bing. Of 240 websites initially considered, 74 unique websites underwent evaluation using the WebFX online readability software (WebFX®, Harrisburg, USA). Readability was determined using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog Index (GFI), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), and Automated Readability Index (ARI). In line with recommended guidelines and previous studies, FRES >65 or a grade level score of sixth grade and under was considered acceptable. Results The average FRES was 56.74±8.18 (range 29.5-79.4). Only nine (12.16%) websites had a FRES score >65. The average FKGL score was 7.62±1.69 (range 4.2-12.9). Only seven (9.46%) websites were written at or below a sixth-grade level according to the FKGL score. The average GFI score was 9.20±2.09 (range 5.6-16.5). Only one (1.35%) website was written at or below a sixth-grade level according to the GFI score. The average SMOG score was 7.29±1.41 (range 5.4-12.0). Only eight (10.81%) websites were written at or below a sixth-grade level according to the SMOG score. The average CLI score was 13.86±1.75 (range 9.6-19.7). All 36 websites were written above a sixth-grade level according to the CLI score. The average ARI score was 6.91±2.06 (range 3.1-14.0). Twenty-eight (37.84%) websites were written at or below a sixth-grade level according to the ARI score. One-sample t-tests showed that FRES (p<0.001, CI -10.2 to -6.37), FKGL (p<0.001, CI 1.23 to 2.01), GFI (p<0.001, CI 2.72 to 3.69), SMOG (p<0.001, CI 0.97 to 1.62), CLI (p<0.001, CI 7.46 to 8.27), and ARI (p<0.001, CI 0.43 to 1.39) scores were significantly different from the accepted standard. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing of FRES scores (p=0.009) and CLI scores (p=0.009) showed a significant difference between categories. Post hoc testing showed a significant difference between academic and non-profit categories for FRES scores (p=0.010, CI -15.17 to -1.47) and CLI scores (p=0.008, CI 0.35 to 3.29). Conclusions Most websites regarding hip OA are written above recommended reading levels, hence exceeding the comprehension levels of the average patient. Readability of these resources must be improved to improve patient access to online healthcare information which can lead to improved patient understanding of their own condition and treatment outcomes.

Syndesmotic fixation in Weber B ankle fractures: A systematic review.

Weber Type B fractures often arise from external rotation with the foot supinated or pronated. Altered tibiofibular joint kinematics in Weber B fractures are responsible for syndesmotic damage seen in Weber B fractures. Weber B fractures are managed using open reduction and internal fixation if displaced. The syndesmosis is injured in up to 40% of cases resulting in an unstable injury with a syndesmotic diastasis. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current literature on syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures, assess the outcomes and complications of syndesmotic fixation and assess the necessity of syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures. A search was carried out on the EMBASE, PubMed and CINAHL databases and eight studies assessing the outcomes of syndesmotic fixations versus no syndesmotic fixation with 292 Weber B ankle fractures were included in this systematic review. Results showed significant heterogeneity so a narrative review was conducted. Results of these studies showed that functional, radiological, and quality-of-life outcomes and incidences of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with syndesmotic screws were similar to those of patients not managed with syndesmotic screws. Only one favoured syndesmotic fixation in all cases of diastasis. As such, syndesmotic fixation with screws may not be necessary in the management of Weber B fractures. Screws are also associated with breakage, loosening, local irritation and infections. Suture button devices and antiglide fixation techniques appear to be valid alternatives to syndesmotic screws. It was found that there was no need for routine hardware removal unless the hardware was causing significant side effects for the patient.

Silver and gold nanoparticles as a novel approach to fight Sarcoptic mange in rabbits.

Various kinds of pets have been known to contract the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei. Current acaricides are becoming less effective because of the resistance developed by the mite besides their adverse effects on the general activity and reproductive performance of domestic pets. For this reason, the present study aims to discover a novel and safe approach using silver and gold nanoparticles to fight Sarcoptic mange in rabbits as well as to explain their mechanism of action. 15 pet rabbits with clinical signs of Sarcoptic mange that were confirmed by the microscopic examination were used in our study. All rabbits used in this study were assessed positive for the presence of different developing stages of S. scabiei. Three groups of rabbits (n = 5) were used as follows: group (1) didn't receive any treatment, and group (2 and 3) was treated with either AgNPs or GNPs, respectively. Both nanoparticles were applied daily on the affected skin areas via a dressing and injected subcutaneously once a week for 2 weeks at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg bwt. Our results revealed that all rabbits were severely infested and took a mean score = 3. The skin lesions in rabbits that didn't receive any treatments progressed extensively and took a mean score = of 4. On the other hand, all nanoparticle-treated groups displayed marked improvement in the skin lesion and took an average score of 0-1. All NPs treated groups showed remarkable improvement in the microscopic pictures along with mild iNOS, TNF-α, and Cox-2 expression. Both nanoparticles could downregulate the m-RNA levels of IL-6 and IFγ and upregulate IL-10 and TGF-1ß genes to promote skin healing. Dressing rabbits with both NPs didn't affect either liver and kidney biomarkers or serum Ig levels indicating their safety. Our residual analysis detected AgNPs in the liver of rabbits but did not detect any residues of GNPs in such organs. We recommend using GNPs as an alternative acaricide to fight rabbit mange.

Pseudomonas putida infection induces immune-antioxidant, hepato-renal, ethological, and histopathological/immunohistochemical disruptions in Oreochromis niloticus: the palliative role of titanium dioxide nanogel.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas putida is a pathogenic bacterium that induces great losses in fishes, including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Currently, the application of nanomaterials in aquaculture practices has gained more success as it endows promising results in therapies compared to traditional protocols. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the current perspective is considered the first report to assess the anti-bacterial efficacy of titanium dioxide nanogel (TDNG) against Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) in Nile tilapia. METHODS: The fish (n = 200; average body weight: 47.50±1.32 g) were allocated into four random groups (control, TDNG, P. putida, and TDNG + P. putida), where 0.9 mg/L of TDNG was applied as bath treatment for ten days. RESULTS: Outcomes revealed that P. putida infection caused ethological alterations (surfacing, abnormal movement, and aggression) and depression of immune-antioxidant variables (complement 3, lysozyme activity, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione content). Additionally, a substantial elevation in hepatorenal biomarkers (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and creatinine) with clear histopathological changes and immuno-histochemical alterations (very weak BCL-2 and potent caspase-3 immuno-expressions) were seen. Surprisingly, treating P. putida-infected fish with TDNG improved these variables and obvious restoration of the tissue architectures. CONCLUSION: Overall, this report encompasses the key role of TDNG as an anti-bacterial agent for controlling P. putida infection and improving the health status of Nile tilapia.

First molecular identification and phylogenetic illustration of Sarcocystis species infection in Red Sea shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810).

BACKGROUND: members of the genus Sarcocystis are intracellular obligate protozoan parasites classified within the phylum Apicomplexa and have an obligate heteroxenous life cycle involving two hosts. A more comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and geographic range of different Sarcocystis species in marine ecosystems is needed globally and nationally. Hence, the objective of this study was to document the incidence of Sarcocystis infection in sharks within the aquarium ecosystem of Egypt and to identify the species through the characterization of the SSU rDNA gene. METHODS: All organs of the mako shark specimen underwent macroscopic screening to detect the existence of a Sarcocystis cyst. Ten cysts were collected from the intestine and processed separately to extract the genomic DNA. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was accomplished by amplifying a specific 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene fragment. Subsequently, the resulting amplicons were subjected to purification and sequencing processes. RESULTS: Macroscopic examination of the mako shark intestinal wall sample revealed the presence of Sarcocystis cysts of various sizes and shapes, and sequencing of the amplicons from Sarcocystis DNA revealed a 100% nucleotide identity with the sequence of Sarcocystis tenella recorded from sheep in Iran; The mako shark sequence has been deposited in the GeneBank with the accession number OQ721979. This study presents the first scientific evidence demonstrating the presence of the Sarcocystis parasite in sharks, thereby documenting this specific marine species as a novel intermediate host in the Sarcocystis life cycle. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first identification of Sarcocystis infection in sharks, and we anticipate it will be an essential study for future screenings and establishing effective management measures for this disease in aquatic ecosystems.

Percutaneous Ilioilial Fixator Versus Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw in Managing Unstable Sacral Fractures: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Unstable sacral fractures with pelvic fractures are challenging to both surgeons and patients, particularly in the immediate post-injury phase and later when definitive fixation is undertaken. Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment for unstable sacral fractures without spinopelvic dissociation. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using iliosacral screws for sacral fractures provide early stabilisation without the need for extensive surgical exposure, thereby mitigating major complications associated with open surgical procedures. A new technique for stabilising unstable sacral fractures is the minimally invasive ilioilial fixator, also called a transiliac internal fixator (TIIF), which has gained more attention for its ability to address challenges associated with sacroiliac screw fixation. The objective of this study is to compare the functional, radiological, and surgical outcomes between the percutaneous iliosacral screw and the ilioilial fixator. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with sacral fracture injuries sustained between August 2019 and November 2021 were included in this study, with 25 patients in Group A and 26 patients in Group B. Patient randomization was done using computer-generated randomization facilitated by Random Allocation Software (Mahmood Saghaei, Isfahan, Iran). All patients underwent the chosen intervention within 10 days of the trauma. Patients had follow-up at two weeks, six weeks, and 12 months post-treatment. The results of fixation were evaluated radiologically based on the Matta and Tornetta grading system and clinically using the Majeed pelvic scoring system. Complications were detected in both groups during follow-up visits. RESULTS: The study found no statistically significant differences between the two patient groups in terms of final clinical assessment (p=0.79), radiological assessment (p=0.78), or the need for another operation (p=1.0). Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to complication rates (p=0.63) or the time of union (p=0.14). No differences were noted in terms of intraoperative blood loss (p=0.93) or operative time (p=0.34) but for longer incision length in the ilioilial fixator group (p<0.001) and an increased risk of intraoperative radiation exposure in the iliosacral screw group (p<00.1). DISCUSSION: Although the iliosacral screw is considered a gold standard for unstable sacral fracture, a TIIF is a good alternative with a very satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION: Although the iliosacral screw still remains the gold standard for the management of sacral fractures, the ilioilial fixator emerges as a good alternative with comparable functional and radiological outcomes.

Mechanistic Approach on the Pulmonary Oxido-Inflammatory Stress Induced by Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles in Rats.

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CFN) are employed in data storage, imaging, medication administration, and catalysis due to their superparamagnetic characteristics. The widespread use of CFN led to significantly increased exposure to people and the environment to these nanoparticles. Until now, there is not any published paper describing the adverse effect of repeated oral intake of this nanoformulation on rats' lungs. So, the current research aims to elucidate the pulmonary toxicity prompted by different concentrations of CFN in rats as well as to explore the mechanistic way of such toxicity. We used 28 rats that were divided equally into 4 groups. The control group received normal saline, and the experimental groups received CFN at dosage levels 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg bwt. Our findings revealed that CFN enhanced dose-dependent oxidative stress manifested by raising in the MDA levels and declining in the GSH content. The histopathological examination revealed interstitial pulmonary inflammation along with bronchial and alveolar damage in both 0.5 and 5 mg CFN given groups. All these lesions were confirmed by the immunohistochemical staining that demonstrated strong iNOS and Cox-2 protein expression. There was also a significant upregulation of TNFα, Cox-2, and IL-1ß genes with downregulation of IL-10 and TGF-ß genes. Additionally, the group receiving 0.05 mg CFN did not exhibit any considerable toxicity in all measurable parameters. We concluded that the daily oral intake of either 0.5 or 5 mg CFN, but not 0.05 mg, could induce pulmonary toxicity via NPs and/or its leached components (cobalt and iron)-mediated oxido-inflammatory stress. Our findings may help to clarify the mechanisms of pulmonary toxicity generated by these nanoparticles through outlining the standards for risk assessment in rats as a human model.

Pathological assessment and tissue tropism of two different Egyptian infectious bronchitis strains.

Avian infectious bronchitis is one of the most common viral infections in chickens affecting all ages. The tropism of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains became broader and more variable posing major implications for the effective control of IBV infection. In this study, two IBV viruses representing classic and variant strains were inoculated intranasally into day-old SPF chicks (105 EID50/0.2 ml/bird). Clinical signs were observed for 15 days post-infection (DPI). Five chicks from each group were euthanized at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 DPI for histopathology and virus antigen detection by IHC and quantitative rRT-PCR. Results revealed that both classic and variant IBV strains induced mild clinical signs with no mortalities and fewer various histopathological lesions in infected SPF chickens. Although the viruses were detected by rRT-PCR up to 12 DPI, the affected tissues showed regeneration after 10 DPI with IHC revealing no IBV antigen. In summary, no differences were found in the behaviour of both IBV isolates in chickens. The broad tissue tropism for both IBV strains as indicated by viral antigen detection in various organs with no clinical or gross lesion suggest that the main cause of death in IBV infection under field conditions occurs as a result of complication with secondary infections rather single IBV infection. Due to positive immunostaining in the bursa, it is thought that IBV infection has immunosuppressive consequences, hence further study is required to validate this impact.

The phylogenetic position and analysis of Renicola and Apharyngostrigea species isolated from Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis).

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is one of the most well-known herons in Egypt. It is called the friend of the farmer because it benefits farmers and helps them get rid of insects and worms. It acts as a reservoir for many diseases. Few researchers have discussed the significance of parasitic diseases that affect this wild bird and may lead to mortalities among the population especially the importance of vital organs such as kidneys. Therefore, this study aimed to spotlight parasitic infection-affected herons in Egypt and consider the risks to this beneficial bird. During this study, 23 Bubulcus ibis were captured after their death from Abou Rewash Giza Governorate, Egypt, during the period from February to September (2022). Renicola species (spp.) and Apharyngostrigea spp. are two important digenean parasites that were recovered from the kidneys, and small intestine of the heron Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) with an infection rate of (17.2%) and (11.8%) respectively. Histopathological techniques were used to assess tissue alterations while light microscopy and molecular assays were used to assess the parasites. The parasites' morphological and morphometrical characteristics, as well as polymerase chain reaction and sequencing assays (mitochondrial sections), were investigated for the first time in Egypt. These parasites were given in-depth illustrations and drawings. The distinctive qualities of the two species were discussed. As the first record from Egypt, the nucleotide sequences discovered in this work have been uploaded into the GenBank database (accession numbers: OR021986 and OQ955829). Microscopically, the renal blood vessels had vasculitis, necrosis, and other degenerative alterations. Further research analyzing the health of various heron spp. and environmental deterioration can help to close information gaps about the interactions between parasites, their hosts, and environmental health.

Silver Nanoparticles Proved to Be Efficient Antivirals In Vitro against Three Highly Pathogenic Fish Viruses.

The efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was tested in vitro against three different fish viruses, causing significant economic damage in aquaculture. These viruses were the spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV), European catfish virus (ECV), and Ictalurid herpesvirus 2 (IcHV-2). The safe concentration of AgNPs that did not cause cytotoxic effects in EPC cells proved to be 25 ng/mL. This dose of AgNPs decreased significantly (5-330×) the viral load of all three viruses in three different types of treatments (virus pre-treatment, cell pre-treatment, and cell post-treatment with the AgNPs). In a higher concentration, the AgNPs proved to be efficient against ECV and IcHV-2 even in a delayed post-cell-treatment experiment (AgNP treatment was applied 24 h after the virus inoculation). These first in vitro results against three devastating fish viruses are encouraging to continue the study of the applicability of AgNPs in aquaculture in the future.

Molecular detection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa of different avian sources with pathogenicity testing and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a serious zoonotic pathogen threaten the poultry industry causing severe economic losses therefor, this study aimed to isolation, phenotypic, molecular identification of P. aeruginosa from different avian sources (chickens, turkey, pigeons, table eggs, and dead in shell chicken embryos), from different Egyptian governorates (Giza, Qalubia, Beheira, El-Minya, and Al-Sharqia) with applying of antibiotic sensitivity test on all P. aeruginosa isolates. Highly resistant isolates (n = 49) were subjected to molecular identification of P. aeruginosa with detection of resistant genes including carbapenemase-encoding genes blaKPC, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM. On the base of molecular results, a highly resistant P. aeruginosa strain was tested for its pathogenicity on day old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicks. Also, in vitro experiment was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against highly antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The overall isolation percentage was from all examined samples were 36.2% (571/1,576) representing 45.2% (532/1,176) from different birds' tissues and 39/400 (9.7%) from total egg samples. Some of isolated strains showed multidrug resistance (MDR) against kanamycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, neomycin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, cefotaxime clavulanic acid, lincomycin-spectinomycin, co-trimoxazole, cefoxitin, gentamycin, and doxycycline. These MDR strains were also molecularly positive for ESBL and carbapenemase-encoding genes. MDR strain showed high pathogenicity with histopathological alterations in different organs in challenged birds. Main histopathological lesions were necrosis of hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelium, and heart muscle bundles. The MDR strain showed in vitro sensitivity to Ag-NPs. In conclusion, MDR P. aeruginosa is a serious pathogen causing high morbidity, mortality, and pathological tissue alterations. Ag NPs revealed a promising in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity against MDR P. aeruginosa and further in vivo studies were recommended.

Pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy of two virulent infectious laryngotracheitis virus strains in Egypt.

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an economically crucial respiratory disease of poultry that affects the industry worldwide. Vaccination is the principal tool in the control of the disease outbreak. In an earlier study, we comprehensively characterized the circulating strains in Egypt and identified both CEO-like and recombinant strains are dominant. Herein, we investigated the pathogenicity of two virulent strains representing the CEO-like (Sharkia_2018) and recombinant strain (Qalubia_2018). Additionally, we evaluated the efficacy of different commercial vaccines (HVT-LT, CEO, and TCO) against the two isolates in terms of the histopathological lesion scores and the viral (gC) gene load. A total of 270 White Leghorn-specific pathogen-free male chicks were divided into nine groups of 30 birds, each housed in separate isolators. Birds were distributed as follows; one group was non-vaccinated, non-challenged, and served as a negative control. Two groups were non-vaccinated and infected with the two isolates of interest and served as a positive control to test the pathogenicity. Six groups were vaccinated and challenged; two groups were vaccinated with vector vaccine at one day old. The other four groups were vaccinated with either the CEO- or TCO- vaccine (two groups each) at four weeks of age. Three weeks after vaccination, birds were infected with the virulent ILTV isolates. The larynx, trachea, and harderian gland samples were taken at 1, 3, and 7 days post-infection for histopathological lesion score and molecular detection. Notably, The recombinant strain was more virulent and pathogenic than CEO-like ILTV strains. Moreover, the TCO vaccine was less immunogenic than the vector and CEO vaccines.

Therapeutic Intervention with Dietary Chitosan Nanoparticles Alleviates Fish Pathological and Molecular Systemic Inflammatory Responses against Infections.

Marine bio-sourced chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) are antimicrobial and immunomodulatory agents beneficial for fish medicine. Herein, dietary CSNP was investigated for the amelioration of the systemic inflammatory responses of an induced fish model. One hundred and forty-four rainbow trout were assigned to one pathogen-free and non-supplemented group (negative control), and three challenged groups: non-supplemented (positive control), CSNP-preventive, and CSNP-therapeutic. After a feeding experiment extended for 21 days, the organosomatic indices (OSI) and molecular aspects were assessed. After a challenge experiment extended for further 28 days, CSNP-therapeutic intervention was assessed on fish survival and systemic inflammatory responses on pathology, histo-morphology, and molecular aspects. With CSNP administration, OSI nonsignificantly decreased and the relative expression of targeted inflammatory-mediator genes was significantly increased. The CSNP-therapeutic fish showed an RPS of 80% as compared to the positive control group, and CSNP-therapeutic administration retained the highest gene expression augmentation up to 28 days after the challenge. Notably, the splenic reticulin fibers framework of the CSNP-therapeutic group retained the highest integrity among the groups during the infection. After recovery, reticulin fibers density in the CSNP-therapeutic samples was significantly higher than in the negative control group, which indicates high innate immunity. Thus, CSNP showed promising biotherapeutic features enhancing fish resistance against infections.

Silica nanoparticles are novel aqueous additive mitigating heavy metals toxicity and improving the health of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are among the non-toxic nanoparticles (NPs) that have magnetic capabilities. It is hypothesized that SiNPs may be able to reduce toxic effects exerted by a mixture of lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) in African catfish Clarias gariepinus. The in vitro magnetic potential of SiNPs to absorb Pb and Hg was tested. Fish (N = 240) were divided into four groups in triplicates for 30 days. The first group served as control and the second group (SiNPs) was exposed to 1/10 of 96 h LC50 of SiNPs (14.45 mg/L). The third group (HMM) was exposed to 1/10 of 96-h LC50 of a mixture of mercury chloride (HgCl2) and lead chloride (PbCl2) equal to 0.04 mg/ L and 23.1 mg/L. The fourth group (SiNPs+ HMM) was exposed to a suspension composed of SiNPs, HgCl2, and PbCl2 at the same concentrations as the third group. Results showed that fish exposed to heavy metals revealed the following consequences; a significant decrease in hematological, immunological (complement-3 and nitric oxide), and antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) indices, down-regulation of IL-1ß, IL-8, TGF-ß, NF-κß, HSP70, and Hepcidin genes, the highest mortality rate (48.33%), higher values of alkaline phosphatase, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, and branchial malondialdehyde, marked up-regulation of CC chemokine and CXC chemokines, and high HMs residues levels in muscles. Extensive pathology showed degeneration with diffuse vacuolation of hepatopancreatic cells and hemorrhage in the HMM group. Interestingly, the exposed group to SiNPs and HMM demonstrated a decline of HMs concentration in fish muscles and modulated the abovementioned parameters with the regeneration of histological alterations of liver and gills. Based on the study outcomes, we highlight the importance and the safety of SiNPs as a novel aqueous additive to alleviate HMs toxicity and recommend using SiNPs for enhancing fish performance for sustaining aquaculture without adverting safety of human health by their little accumulation in muscular tissue.

Dapagliflozin mitigates ovalbumin-prompted airway inflammatory-oxidative successions and associated bronchospasm in a rat model of allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that universally affects millions of people. Despite numerous well-defined medications, asthma is poorly managed. This study aims to clarify the potential therapeutic effect of Dapagliflozin (DAPA) against lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and associated bronchospasm in OVA-sensitized rat asthma model. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-five rats were allocated into (Control, Asthma, DEXA, DAPA, and DAPA+DEXA). All treatments were administered orally once a day for two weeks. The BALF levels of IL-17, TNFα, IL-1ß, and MCP-1 were determined to assess airway inflammation. For oxidative stress determination, BALF MDA levels and TAC were measured. The BALF S100A4 level and NO/sGC/cGMP pathway were detected. Lung histopathological findings and immunohistochemical investigation of eNOS and iNOS activities were recorded. RESULTS: DAPA significantly reduced (p < 0.001) airway inflammatory-oxidative markers (IL-17, TNFα, IL-1ß, MCP1, and MDA), but increased (p < 0.001) TAC, and mitigated bronchospasm by activating NO/sGC/cGMP and reducing S100A4 (p < 0.001). The biochemical and western blot studies were supported by histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations. CONCLUSIONS: DAPA presents a new prospective possibility for future asthma therapy due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and bronchodilator properties. DAPA has the property of reducing Dexamethasone (DEXA)-associated unfavorable effects during asthma treatment.

Silymarin constrains diacetyl-prompted oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in rats: involvements of Dyn/GDNF and MAPK signaling pathway.

Neuroinflammation, a major component of many CNS disorders, has been suggested to be associated with diacetyl (DA) exposure. DA is commonly used as a food flavoring additive and condiment. Lately, silymarin (Sily) has shown protective and therapeutic effects on neuronal inflammation. The study aimed to explore the role of Sily in protecting and/or treating DA-induced neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation was induced in rats by administering DA (25 mg/kg) orally. Results revealed that Sily (50 mg/kg) obviously maintained cognitive and behavioral functions, alleviated brain antioxidant status, and inhibited microglial activation. Sily enhanced IL-10, GDNF and Dyn levels, reduced IFN-γ, TNFα, and IL-1ß levels, and down-regulated the MAPK pathway. Immunohistochemical investigation of EGFR and GFAP declared that Sily could conserve neurons from inflammatory damage. However, with continuing DA exposure during Sily treatment, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation were less mitigated. These findings point to a novel mechanism involving the Dyn/GDNF and MAPK pathway through which Sily might prevent and treat DA-induced neuroinflammation.

Detection of Equid Alphaherpesvirus 1 from Arabian Horses with different clinical presentations between 2016-2019 in Egypt.

Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is an important virus causing pathological disorders in horses. This highly contagious pathogen causes persistent outbreaks of upper respiratory tract infection, ocular affections, abortion, and neurological disorders with high mortality in Arabian horses in Egypt. The quick and accurate diagnosis is important to broaden our understanding about EHV-1 in the field, and to implicate stronger preventive, and control measures. Sixty-six Arabian horses from Cairo and Giza governorates were sampled from respiratory, abortigenic and neurological outbreaks over a period of 4 years. EHV-1 was diagnosed in these cases by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody against EHV-1 glycoprotein B and molecular detection using gB, ORF33 specific real-time PCR. EHV-1 was detected in 25 cases, mostly from abortigenic outbreaks (14 abortions, 3 stillbirths, and two early neonatal deaths), in addition to 5 respiratory affections and single EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy. Molecular characterization revealed that the ORF33 sequences from this study were almost identical and closely related to the European EHV-1 strains. Furthermore, no difference in the amino acid sequences compared to previously published EHV-1 sequences from Egypt. The data in this study provides some insights about the prevalance of EHV-1 infection in Arabian horses, discusses EHV-1 diagnostic approaches, highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and the importance of pregnant mare vaccination, and adds to the previous knowledge about EHV-1 in Egypt which may help in better controlling EHV-1 infections in the future.

Lateral chest wall perforator flaps in partial breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) has been a standard procedure for the treatment of breast cancer instead of mastectomy whenever possible. Lateral chest wall perforator flaps are one of the volume replacement techniques that participate in increasing the rate of BCS especially in small- to moderate-sized breasts with good cosmetic outcome. In this study, we tried to evaluate the outcome of those flaps as an oncoplastic procedure instead of the conventional flaps. METHODS: This study included 26 patients who underwent partial mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using lateral chest wall perforator flaps in the period from October 2019 to November 2020. The operative time, techniques, and complications were recorded. The cosmetic outcome was assessed 3 months post-radiation therapy through a questionnaire and photographic assessment. RESULTS: Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP), lateral thoracic artery perforator (LTAP) and combined flaps were performed in 24, 1, and 1 patients, respectively. The mean operative time was 129.6 ± 13.2 min. The flap length ranged from 10 to 20 cm and its width from 5 to 9 cm. Overall patients' satisfaction was observed to be 88.5% as either excellent or good and the photographic assessment was 96.2% as either excellent or good. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral chest wall perforator flaps are reliable and safe option for partial breast reconstruction with an acceptable aesthetic outcome. In the era of oncoplastic breast surgery, they deserve to gain attention especially with the advantages of some modifications added to the classic technique.

Evaluation of the Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Against Experimentally Induced Necrotic Enteritis in Broiler Chickens.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium perfringens-associated necrotic enteritis (NE) is a serious problem affecting broiler production. A major global challenge is to reduce the use of antibiotics in poultry industry due to their negative impacts on public health. One alternative is to use nanoparticles (NPs) to overcome bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) showed strong antimicrobial activity. METHODS: A total of 120 Cobb broiler chicks (1-day old) were obtained for this study and were divided into 4 equal groups at age of 14 days (30 birds each); each group was subdivided into 3 equal replicates (10 birds each). The groups were designated as follows: G1, infected; G2, infected and treated with Ag NPs; G3, treated with Ag NPs; and G4, negative control. Birds were infected with 4×108 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL/bird C. perfringens type A for 2 successive days. In the treated groups, Ag NPs (mean diameter 15 nm; total dose 150 µg/bird) were administered via crop gavage. During the observation period (5 weeks), bird performance and immune organ indexes were recorded. Serum samples were collected for immunological evaluation, and tissue samples were collected for histopathology and estimation of Ag NPs residues. RESULTS: Treatment with Ag NPs reduced the colonization of C. perfringens in the intestine and ceca, decreased the severity of clinical signs and reduced mortalities in comparison with infected non-treated group. Ag NPs treatment alleviated pathological lesions in the intestine and liver, but their residues were found in the muscles. CONCLUSION: Ag NPs have a positive impact on gut health integrity while having no impact on immune organs. Ag NPs have some residues in muscles; therefore, further studies are needed on the concentration and size of Ag NPs, the route of administration, and withdrawal time to ensure the safety of chicken meat for human consumption.