Potential impacts of climate change on renewable energy in Egypt.

The need for renewable energy sources is recently necessitated by attaining sustainability and climate change mitigation. Accordingly, the use of renewable energy sources has been growing rapidly during the last two decades. Yet, the potentials of renewable energy sources are generally influenced by several climatic factors that either determine the source of energy such as wind speed in the case of wind power or affect the performance of system such as the reduction in solar PV power production due to temperature increase. This highlights the need for assessing climate change impacts on renewable energy sources in the future to ensure their reliability and sustainability.This paper is intended to assess impacts of climate change on wind and solar potential energy in Egypt by the year 2065 under RCP 8.5 scenario. For this purpose, a GIS-based methodology of three main steps was applied. The results revealed that solar energy potential in Egypt is expected to be relatively less vulnerable to climate change compared to wind energy. In this respect, it was found that while wind energy potential was estimated to range ± 12%. By the year 2065 under RCP 8.5 scenario, PV module power is expected to decrease by about 1.3% on average. Such assessment can assist in developing more sustainable and flexible renewable energy policy in Egypt.

Enhancing speaker identification through reverberation modeling and cancelable techniques using ANNs.

This paper introduces a method aiming at enhancing the efficacy of speaker identification systems within challenging acoustic environments characterized by noise and reverberation. The methodology encompasses the utilization of diverse feature extraction techniques, including Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) and discrete transforms, such as Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), Discrete Sine Transform (DST), and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Additionally, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) serves as the classifier for this method. Reverberation is modeled using varying-length comb filters, and its impact on pitch frequency estimation is explored via the Auto Correlation Function (ACF). This paper also contributes to the field of cancelable speaker identification in both open and reverberation environments. The proposed method depends on comb filtering at the feature level, deliberately distorting MFCCs. This distortion, incorporated within a cancelable framework, serves to obscure speaker identities, rendering the system resilient to potential intruders. Three systems are presented in this work; a reverberation-affected speaker identification system, a system depending on cancelable features through comb filtering, and a novel cancelable speaker identification system within reverbration environments. The findings revealed that, in both scenarios with and without reverberation effects, the DWT-based features exhibited superior performance within the speaker identification system. Conversely, within the cancelable speaker identification system, the DCT-based features represent the top-performing choice.

Ba3(PO4)2 Photocatalyst for Efficient Photocatalytic Application.

Barium phosphate (Ba3(PO4)2) is a class of material that has attracted significant attention thanks to its chemical stability and versatility. However, the use of Ba3(PO4)2 as a photocatalyst is scarcely reported, and its use as a photocatalyst has yet to be reported. Herein, Ba3(PO4)2 nanoflakes synthesis is optimized using sol-gel and hydrothermal methods. The as-prepared Ba3(PO4)2 powders are investigated using physicochemical characterizations, including XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, DRS, J-t, LSV, Mott-Schottky, and EIS. In addition, DFT calculations are performed to investigate the band structure. The oxidation capability of the photocatalysts is investigated depending on the synthesis method using rhodamine B (RhB) as a pollutant model. Both Ba3(PO4)2 samples prepared by the sol-gel and hydrothermal methods display high RhB photodegradation of 79% and 68%, respectively. The Ba3(PO4)2 obtained using the sol-gel process exhibits much higher stability under light excitation after four regeneration cycles. The photocatalytic oxidation mechanism is proposed based on the active species trapping experiments where O2 •‒ is the most reactive species. The finding shows the promising potential of Ba3(PO4)2 photocatalysts and opens the door for further investigation and application in various photocatalytic applications.

Effect of prior cesarean delivery on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the impact of previous delivery mode on pregnancy outcomes in patients with secondary infertility after frozen-thawed embryo transfer. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 140 patients experiencing secondary infertility. Of these, 70 patients had a previous cesarean delivery (CD), while the remaining 70 patients had a previous normal vaginal delivery (NVD). The primary outcome was the implantation rate. The secondary outcomes included rates of clinical pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy. RESULTS: The comparison of all fertility outcomes between the two groups revealed no statistically significant differences. The implantation rate was 40.4% in the CD group and 41.7% in the NVD group (p=0.842). The clinical pregnancy rate was 50% in the CD group and 49.3% in the NVD group (p=0.932), while the chemical pregnancy rate was 14.6% in the CD group and 19% in the NVD group (p=0.591). The miscarriage rates in the CD and NVD groups were 20% and 17.6%, respectively (p=0.803). One case of tubal ectopic pregnancy occurred in the NVD group (1.4%). CONCLUSION: The mode of prior delivery did not significantly impact pregnancy outcomes following frozen-thawed embryo transfer.

Comparison between P-POSSUM and NELA risk score for patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in Egyptian patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Portsmouth-Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (P-POSSUM) is one of the scores that is used most frequently for determining the likelihood of mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) presents a novel and validated score. Therefore, we aimed to compare the performance of the NELA and P-POSSUM mortality risk scores in predicting 30-day and 90-day mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. METHODS: Between August 2020 and October 2022, this cohort study was undertaken at Menoufia University Hospital. We compared the P-POSSUM, preoperative NELA, and postoperative NELA scores in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. All variables needed to calculate the used scores were collected. The outcomes included the death rates at 30 and 90 days. By calculating the area under the curve (AUC) for every mortality instrument, the discrimination of the various methods was evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Data from 670 patients were included. The observed risk of 30-day and 90-day mortality was 10.3% (69/670) and 13.13% (88/670), respectively. Concerning 30-day mortality, the AUC was 0.774 for the preoperative NELA score, 0.763 for the preoperative P-POSSUM score, and 0.780 for the postoperative NELA score. Regarding 90-day mortality, the AUCs for the preoperative NELA score, preoperative P-POSSUM score, and postoperative NELA score were 0.649 (0.581-0.717), 0.782 (0.737-0.828), and 0.663 (0.608-0.718), respectively. There was noticeable difference in the three models' capacity for discrimination, according to pairwise comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of 30-day and 90-day death across the entire population was underestimated by the NELA and P-POSSUM scores. There was discernible difference in predictive performance between the two scores.

Photosensitization of TiO2 microspheres by novel Quinazoline-derivative as visible-light-harvesting antenna for enhanced Rhodamine B photodegradation.

Water pollution is one of the global threats severely affecting our planet and human health. Organic textile dyes are one of the common organic water pollutants that are presentient to degradation by traditional physical methods. Semiconductor-assisted photocatalysis is considered a green, efficient, and sustainable technology for wastewater treatment. To maximize the efficient utilization of solar radiation, it is of pivotal significance to explore novel organic molecules to be employed as efficient dye sensitizers for wide-bandgap semiconductors to extend their performance to the Visible-light region. Hence, in this work, we are proposing the design and synthesis of novel structures of QAD molecule as a dye photosensitizer with extended visible light absorptivity due to the extended π-π/n-π conjugations, to promote the performance of TiO2 nanoparticles to the visible-light region and enhance the charge separation. The physicochemical characterizations confirmed the successful synthesis of QAD, TiO2, and QAD/TiO2 samples with the proposed structures. The anchoring of QAD molecules on the surface of TiO2 caused a substantial improvement in the optical characteristics of TiO2 as well as overcoming its common drawbacks by decreasing its bandgap energy to 2.6 eV, a remarkable reduction of PL intensity indicating reducing the e-h recombination and enhancing the charge separation, and creation of efficient visible light-harvesting antenna in the range of 400-600 nm. Besides, the QAD/TiO2 sample achieved a 3-fold enhancement in the observed rate constant of the photodegradation of Rhodamine B dye compared to the bare TiO2. The parameters affecting the photodegradation process were optimized and the sample displayed outstanding stability after 4 consecutive cycles. Finally, the effect of the scavengers was investigated and [Formula: see text] was proposed to be the most reactive species and the mechanism of the enhancement was suggested based on the electron injection from the QAD's HOMO level to the TiO2's CB. Finally, this work opens the door for various studies for the investigation of the proposed structures or similar structures in various photocatalytic/biomedical applications.

The Interplay between Dysregulated Metabolism and Epigenetics in Cancer.

Cellular metabolism (or energetics) and epigenetics are tightly coupled cellular processes. It is arguable that of all the described cancer hallmarks, dysregulated cellular energetics and epigenetics are the most tightly coregulated. Cellular metabolic states regulate and drive epigenetic changes while also being capable of influencing, if not driving, epigenetic reprogramming. Conversely, epigenetic changes can drive altered and compensatory metabolic states. Cancer cells meticulously modify and control each of these two linked cellular processes in order to maintain their tumorigenic potential and capacity. This review aims to explore the interplay between these two processes and discuss how each affects the other, driving and enhancing tumorigenic states in certain contexts.

The use of chitosan-based composites for environmental remediation: A review.

The presence of hazardous pollutants in water sources as a result of industrial activities is a major environmental challenge that impedes the availability of safe drinking water. Adsorptive and photocatalytic degradative removal of various pollutants in wastewater have been recognized as cost-effective and energy-efficient strategies. In addition to its biological activity, chitosan and its derivatives are considered as promising materials for the removal of various pollutants. The abundance of hydroxyl and amino groups in the chitosan macromolecular structure results in a variety of concurrent pollutant's adsorption mechanisms. Furthermore, adding chitosan to photocatalysts increases the mass transfer while decreasing both the band gap energy and the amount of intermediates produced during photocatalytic processes, improving the overall photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, we have reviewed the current design and preparation of chitosan and its composites, as well as their applications for the removal of various pollutants by adsorption and photocatalysis processes. Effects of operating variables such as the pH, catalyst mass, contact time, light wavelength, initial pollutant's concentration, and catalyst recyclability, are discussed. Various kinetic and isotherm models are presented to elucidate the rates, and mechanisms of pollutant's removal, onto chitosan-based composites, and several case studies are presented. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of chitosan-based composites has been discussed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the applications of chitosan-based composites in wastewater treatment and put forward new insights for the development of highly effective chitosan-based adsorbents and photocatalysts. Finally, the main challenges and future directions in the field are discussed.

Operative versus non-operative management for perforated peptic ulcer disease.

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) treatment guidelines are still up for discussion. Due to the morbidity and mortality linked to each, the use of both operative and non-operative management, including conservative and endoscopic treatment, is still debatable. A standardized protocol has been used to write a best evidence topic. The discussion focused on whether operative management for PPU is preferable to non-operational management or vice versa. MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and the Web of Science were the databases used to conduct an electronic search of the pertinent literature. We found 56 articles, out of these only 5 studies were found to be appropriate to answer the question. The outcome assessed was failure of management. The best evidence showed that both operative and non-operative management can be used with similar outcomes depending on the patient selection for each category.

A scoring system for predicting malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: a multicenter EUROPEAN validation.

PURPOSE: A preoperative estimate of the risk of malignancy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) is important. The present study carries out an external validation of the Shin score in a European multicenter cohort. METHODS: An observational multicenter European study from 2010 to 2015. All consecutive patients undergoing surgery for IPMN at 35 hospitals with histological-confirmed IPMN were included. RESULTS: A total of 567 patients were included. The score was significantly associated with the presence of malignancy (p < 0.001). In all, 64% of the patients with benign IPMN had a Shin score < 3 and 57% of those with a diagnosis of malignancy had a score ≥ 3. The relative risk (RR) with a Shin score of 3 was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.07-1.77), with a sensitivity of 57.1% and specificity of 64.4%. CONCLUSION: Patients with a Shin score ≤ 1 should undergo surveillance, while patients with a score ≥ 4 should undergo surgery. Treatment of patients with Shin scores of 2 or 3 should be individualized because these scores cannot accurately predict malignancy of IPMNs. This score should not be the only criterion and should be applied in accordance with agreed clinical guidelines.

Rumen Parameters, Nutrients Digestibility and Milk Production of Lactating Boer Goats Fed Diets Containing Clay Minerals.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The inclusion of clay minerals in dairy nutrition is getting attention owing to their proven beneficial effects. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of three different clay minerals (bentonite, zeolite and humic acid) on the performance of lactating Boer goats. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Twenty lactating Boer goats (having an average body weight ~42.7 kg) were divided into four groups (5 animals each) by using a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was fed with one of four dietary treatments: Control group with basal ration R1: Consisting of concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and clover hay (50:50%, C:R) on a dry matter (DM) basis, R2: Basal ration plus 1% bentonite, R3: Basal ration plus 1.25% zeolite and R4: Basal ration plus 0.5% humic acid. <b>Results:</b> The results revealed that bentonite and humic acid increased (p<0.05) the nutrient digestibility and nutritive values compared to zeolite and control groups. Ruminal ammonia and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) contents increased (p<0.05) with supplementation of bentonite. No effect of clays supplementation was observed on plasma total protein, urea and creatinine, however, it increased (p<0.05) the albumin concentration and albumin/globulin ratios compared to the control while decreasing the plasma globulin contents. Supplementation of humic acid increased (p<0.05) the AST concentrations. Bentonite supplementation recorded the highest milk yield (p<0.05) and composition, while the zeolite group had the lowest values. <b>Conclusion:</b> The present study indicated that the inclusion of clay minerals particularly bentonite (at 1%) can positively affect the performance of lactating Boer goats.

Effect of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants on Growth, Digestibility and Carcass in New Zealand White Rabbits.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Herbs, spices and botanicals have been demonstrated to improve animal performance and increase nutritional availability. So, the present study aimed to determine the effect of adding each of rosemary leaves, thyme leaves, black cumin seeds and fenugreek seeds at a level of 0.5% to the diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass traits of growing New Zealand white rabbits. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Sixty growing New Zealand white rabbits, 425-gram average body weight, kept from 4-11 weeks of age, divided into 5 groups to examine 4 experimental herbs (rosemary, thyme, black cumin and fenugreek) compared with the control group. Growth performance, nutrients digestibility and carcass traits were measured. <b>Results:</b> A significant improvement in feed conversion ratio and a significant increase in both final body weight, body weight gain in rabbit groups fed the 4 tested feed additives diets compared to the control group was shown. Otherwise, rabbit groups fed these diets recorded a significantly higher value of nutrient digestibility, Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Crude Fiber (CF), Ether Extract (EE) and Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE), than the control group. Giblets (%) was significantly higher in rabbits group fed the control diet than other experimental rabbit groups while the opposite trend was noticed with dressing percent. In addition, rabbit groups fed the different feed additives diets achieved better economic efficiency than the control group. <b>Conclusion:</b> Data of the present study cleared that rosemary, thyme, black cumin and fenugreek had an appositive effect on the performance of growing New Zealand rabbits and higher economic efficiency.

Predictors and effectiveness of different biopsy techniques in spotting invasion in the clinically diagnosed breast ductal carcinoma in situ / Factores predictivos y efectividad de diferentes técnicas de biopsia en la detección de focos infiltrantes en carcinomas in situ diagnosticados clínicamente

Objectives: To study the management of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and detect the predictors of recurrence and of missing an invasive component in the preoperative biopsy, aiming at guiding tailored treatment of these cases.Materials and methods: A total of 123 cases of DCIS, pure/with invasion, were retrieved from the database of a tertiary cancer hospital in the period from February 2007 to February 2018. Clinical, radiologic & pathologic characteristics and its impact on the surgical management were analyzed.Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.5±12.4 years. The commonest presentation was a palpable mass in 82.9% of the cases. Conservative breast surgery was successfully performed in 15 cases and mastectomy in 108 cases. Recurrence was reported in 11 cases. The underestimation rate in core needle biopsy was 48.9% missing invasive component within diagnosed malignant lesions and 19.6% missing the diagnosis of malignancy. On the other hand, overtreatment was noted as regard surgical procedure and adjuvant therapies.Conclusions: Mastectomy still the most common surgical treatment of DCIS and unfortunately sentinel lymph node biopsy is still underused. Underestimation of invasive component can occur in at least 1/4 of the patients, complexing the treatment plan. Overtreatment with axillary surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy needs governance. (AU)

Objetivos: Estudiar el manejo de pacientes con carcinoma ductal in situ (CDIS) y detectar los predictores de recaída y de ausencia de un componente invasivo en la biopsia preoperatoria, con el objetivo de orientar el tratamiento a medida de estos casos.Materiales y métodos: Se recuperó un total de 123 casos de CDIS, puro/con invasión de la base de datos de un hospital de cáncer terciario en el período de febrero de 2007 a febrero de 2018. Se analizaron las características clínicas, radiológicas y patológicas, así como su impacto en el manejo quirúrgico.Resultados: La edad media fue de 50,5 ± 12,4 años. La presentación más común fue masa palpable en el 82,9% de los casos. Se realizó cirugía de mama conservadora con éxito en 15 casos y mastectomía en 108 casos. Se informó de recaída en 11 casos. La tasa de subestimación en la biopsia con aguja fue de 48,9% sin componente invasivo en lesiones malignas diagnosticadas y 19,6% sin diagnóstico de malignidad. Por otra parte, se observó un exceso de tratamiento con relación al procedimiento quirúrgico y las terapias adyuvantes.Conclusiones: La mastectomía sigue siendo el tratamiento quirúrgico más común del CDIS y desafortunadamente no se utiliza aún la biopsia de ganglio linfático centinela. La subestimación del componente invasivo puede ocurrir en al menos el 25% de los pacientes, complejizando el plan de tratamiento. Debe gestionarse el sobretratamiento con cirugía axilar, quimioterapia o radioterapia. (AU)

Production of Zinc and Copper as Nanoparticles by Green Synthesis Using Pseudomonas fluorescens.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Nanoparticles with a little size to an enormous surface (1-100 nm) have expected clinical, mechanical and agricultural applications. This study aimed to produce nano Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and nano Copper Oxide (CuO) particles by green synthesis. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Two strains of <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> i.e., PSI and PSII, both cell culture supernatants and cell pellets from the two strains were examined separately in CuSO₄ or ZnSO₄ solutions. The supernatants from both strains produced color changes in both solutions referring to the formation of nano CuO or ZnO particles. The solutions were examined for nano-particle characteristics using UV-spectroscopy, particle size and morphology were tested using a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy. <b>Results:</b> UV-Vis absorption spectrum of solutions at a wavelength range 200-800 nm exhibits a distinct absorption peak in the region of 238-331 and at 303-366 nm for CuO or ZnO NPs, respectively. Absorption bands and the characteristic Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectra confirm the existence of CuO and ZnO NPs. SEM analysis micrographs indicated that CuO NPs were formed as spherical particles, while the exact shape of ZnO NPs could be identified as oval aggregates. <b>Conclusion:</b> Changes of color occurred in both solutions of two strains referring to the formation of nano CuO or ZnO particles.

A modified CUT&RUN protocol and analysis pipeline to identify transcription factor binding sites in human cell lines.

CUT&RUN is a recently developed in situ chromatin profiling technique that enables high-resolution chromatin mapping and probing. Herein, we describe our adapted CUT&RUN protocol for transcription factors (TFs). Our protocol outlines all necessary steps for TF profiling including the procedure to obtain proteinA-Mnase, while also outlining the bioinformatic pipeline steps required to process, analyze, and identify novel binding sites and sequences. Due to the small number of cells required, this method will allow the elucidation of cell context-dependent functions of many TFs. For details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Kong et al. (2021).

Evaluation of Corneal Epithelial Thickness and Dry Eye Disease Tests in Thalassemic Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To assess dry eye disease (DED) in thalassemic adolescents by evaluating corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and various dry eye clinical tests and correlate them to tissue iron overload. METHODS: The study included 120 Beta-thalassemia patients (11 to 18 years) and 120 matched controls. CET maps were captured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. OSDI questionnaire was completed. Dry eye tests included Schirmer test, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and ocular surface staining (OSS) with fluorescein and lissamine green. We recorded serum ferritin level, and liver iron concentration (LIC) measured by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Superior and inferior CET was thinner, while map standard deviation (MSD) was higher in thalassemics compared to controls (all P <0.001 ). Thalassemic group also showed higher OSDI scores (P <0.001), shorter TBUT (P <0.001 ), and higher OSS grades (P <0.001 ). Both superior and inferior CET was correlated positively with TBUT, and negatively with OSS (all P < 0.001). Serum ferritin and LIC showed negative correlations with CET (superior and inferior, both P< 0.001), positive correlations with MSD, P< 0.001, as well as with TBUT (P< 0.001), OSS (P< 0.001), and OSDI scores (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Thalassemic adolescents had thinner CET with higher thickness' variability, shorter TBUT and more marked OSS than controls. Correlation of higher serum ferritin and hepatic iron overload with irregular epithelial thinning and more affected dry eye tests results supports our hypothesis that high tissue iron levels could play a pivotal role in DED pathogenesis in thalassemic patients.

Amelioration of Levetiracetam-Induced Behavioral Side Effects by Pyridoxine. A Randomized Double Blind Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Levetiracetam is a relatively new-generation antiseizure drug approved for the treatment of focal and generalized seizures. Despite its favorable side effect profile and minimal drug-drug interactions, neuropsychiatric side effects are reported in up to 13% of children. A few case series have suggested that supplementation of pyridoxine may mitigate these side effects, but controlled trials are lacking. To address this issue, a randomized interventional study was carried out in a pediatric tertiary hospital to qualify and quantify the potential beneficial effect of pyridoxine in attenuating the neuropsychiatric side effects of levetiracetam in children. METHODS: A total of 105 children with epilepsy who were taking levetiracetam (as a monotherapy or an adjunct) who showed behavioral symptoms coinciding with the start of levetiracetam, were included. Patients randomly and blindly received either a therapeutic (pyridoxine group, 46 of 105, 44%) or a homeopathic dose of pyridoxine (placebo, 59 of 105, 56%). A 30-item behavioral checklist was used to qualify and quantify the behavioral side effects at baseline and at different time points following initiation of treatment. RESULTS: Both placebo and pyridoxine groups experienced a statistical reduction in behavioral scores when compared with baseline. Our study indicated that although there was a placebo effect, the improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms was more prominent in children who received therapeutic doses of pyridoxine. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide clinicians with pertinent evidence-based information that suggests that a trial of pyridoxine in patients who experience behavioral side effects due to the use of levetiracetam may avoid unnecessary change of antiseizure medications.

Polymorphisms of the receptor for advanced glycation end products as vasculopathy predictor in sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: The genetic variants of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene have been associated with vascular disease risk. The objective of this work was to explore the association of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of RAGE gene (374T/A, 429T/C, and G82S) with vascular complications in SCD. METHODS: The study was conducted on 40 children with SCD and 40 healthy children served as controls. All participants were genotyped for the three studied RAGE polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Regarding 374T/A polymorphism, the frequency of TA, TT genotypes and T allele were higher in patients (p < 0.001). T allele was associated with higher incidence of sickling crisis and stroke (p < 0.05). In the subgroup analyses of 429T/C polymorphism, an association between C allele and SCD vascular complications was observed (p < 0.05). Concerning the frequency of G82S genotypes of RAGE, GG variant was detected in 39 (97.5%) of the patients, as compared with 40 (100%) of controls (p = 0.3). A regression analysis proved that HbS%, serum ferritin, and the -374T and 429C alleles were significant independent predictors of frequent sickling episodes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The C allele of -429T/C and T allele of 374T/A RAGE polymorphisms may be considered as predictors for vascular dysfunction in SCD. IMPACT: The C allele of -429T/C and T allele of 374T/A RAGE polymorphisms may be considered as predictors for vascular dysfunction in SCD patients. To our knowledge, our study is the first exploring the association of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms of RAGE gene (374T/A, 429T/C, and G82S) with vascular complications in SCD. Early identification of patients carrying these genetic variants might be of great importance not only to identify subjects at risk of vasculopathy but also to direct them to RAGE-targeted treatments.

Role of Caraway, Fennel and Melissa Addition on Productive Performance of Lactating Frisian Cows.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of aromatic and herbal plants as a feed additive became a new trend in feeding dairy cows to enhance animal productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding some herbal and aromatic plants (Melissa, Fennel and Caraway) at 0.7% of total DM of rations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three herbal plants were evaluated in this study (melissa, fennel and caraway) by using thirteen Holstein Friesian cows. Cows were in 3rd and 5th lactation seasons were used as one experimental group by swing over design in lactation experiment (control then T1 then T2 then T3 then control). Nutrients digestibility, milk production, milk composition and blood constituents were determined. RESULTS: Data indicated that nutrients digestibility and nutritive value were improved with herbal plants addition, especially with caraway treatment which recorded significantly (p>0.05) the highest values. In the same trend, Actual milk yield, 4% FCM and fat content were significantly (p>0.05) increased when cows fed rations supplemented with fennel and caraway. The addition of melissa decreased the concentration of Total Saturated Fatty Acids (TSFA) in the milk. Normal ranges for blood parameters with no negative impact on animal health were observed with experimental rations. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that caraway addition at 0.7% of the total dry matter of dairy rations, has a great potential to improve animal productivity and enhance the quality of milk fatty acids profile.

Effect of Tomato Pomace, Citrus and Beet Pulp on Productive Performance and Milk Quality of Egyptian Buffaloes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Using agro-industrial waste in animal diet became a new strategy in the animal feeding system to decrease the cost of nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the effects of usage tomato pomace, citrus and beet pulp in dried form in diets on the performance of lactating buffaloes and milk quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen milking Egyptian buffaloes at the second and third seasons of lactation were divided into five groups (3 animals in each) to fed on five experimental rations. The experimental rations were: R1(control group) fed on Concentrate Feed Mixture (CFM1) contains 20% wheat bran+roughage, R2: CFM2 replacement wheat bran 10% Dried Tomato Pomace (DTP) and 10% Citrus Pulp Dried (CPD)+roughages, R3: fed CFM2 with 15 g fibrolytic enzyme/head/day+roughages, R4: Fed CFM3 replacement wheat bran 10% DTP and 10% Dried Beet Pulp (DBP)+roughages and R5: CFM3 with 15 g fibrolytic enzyme/head/day+roughages. RESULTS: Tested by-products observed different effects of nutrients digestibility and nutritive values comparing with control ration. There was no significant difference in fat corrected milk and milk fat among treatments. Polyunsaturated fatty acids especially C18:2c and C18:3n3 were recorded highly significant values with ration four. Rations 4 and 5 led to increased blood albumin, total protein. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that tomato pomace, citrus and beet pulp could be used as alternative sources to replace wheat bran in buffalo's rations without adverse effects on milk yield with positive effects on milk quality and fatty acids profile.