Combination use of human menstrual blood stem cell- derived exosomes and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, synergistically promote recovery after spinal cord injury in rats.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is one of the catastrophic events in the nervous system that leads to the loss of sensory and motor function of the spinal cord at the site of injury. Considering that several factors such as apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress play a role in the spread of damage caused by trauma, therefore, the treatment should also be based on multifactorial approaches. Currently, we investigated the effects of human menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs)-derived exosomes in combination with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the recovery of TSCI in rats. Ninety male mature Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were planned into five equal groups, including; control group, TSCI group, Exo group (underwent TSCI and received MenSCs -derived exosomes), HBOT group (underwent TSCI and received HBOT), and Exo+HBOT group (underwent TSCI and received MenSCs -derived exosomes plus HBOT). After the behavioral evaluation, tissue samples were obtained for stereological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular assessments. Our results showed that the numerical density of neurons, the concentrations of antioxidative biomarkers (CAT, GSH, and SOD), and neurological function scores were significantly greater in the treatments group than in the TSCI group, and these changes were more obvious in the Exo+HBOT ones (P<0.05). This is while the numerical densities of apoptotic cells and glial cells, the levels of an oxidative factor (MDA) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) were considerably decreased in the treatment groups, specially the Exo+HBOT group, compared to the TSCI group (P<0.05). We conclude that the co-administration of exosomes derived from MenSCs and HBOT has more neuroprotective effects in animals with TSCI.

Prevalence of depression in postmyocardial infarction patients in a tertiary care center in Riyadh.

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and depression is a growing concern, as both conditions lead to disability. Although depression is more prevalent in CAD patients than in the general population and has been associated with adverse cardiac outcomes, the underlying mechanisms linking depression and CAD are not yet fully understood. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression in postmyocardial infarction (MI) patients as baseline data in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh. The study population included male and female patients who had survived MI from January 2022 to June 2022. A sample size of 323 patients was initially planned, but only 249 patients could be included on account of exclusions. The patients underwent screening for depression using Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and those who were positive on screening were further assessed using the PHQ-9 according to DSM-5 criteria. Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and previous cardiac interventions were collected from medical records. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 57.15 years, and majority (76.6%) were males. The prevalence of previously diagnosed depression was 9.2%, and 5.2% of patients reported using antidepressant medication. According to the PHQ-9 scores, 33.33% had depression, 9% had moderate depression, and 2.4% had severe depression. There were significant associations between the severity of depression and previous CAD (P < 0.05), previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery (P < 0.05), and heart failure (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high prevalence of depression in post-MI patients at King Saud Medical City. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive management of depression in this population to improve outcomes. Further research into the underlying mechanisms linking depression and CAD to develop effective interventions is required.

Oncogenic Potential of Replication Factor C Subunit 4: Correlations with Tumor Progression and Assessment of Potential Inhibitors.

Replication Factor C Subunit 4 (RFC4), an oncogene implicated in many human cancers, has yet to be extensively studied in many cancer types to determine its expression patterns and tumor tissue function. Various bioinformatics tools were used to analyze RFC4 as a potential oncogene and therapeutic target across many cancers. We first examined RFC4 expression levels in several human tumor types to determine relationships with tumor grade, stage, metastasis, and patient survival. We also examined RFC4's genetic changes, epigenetic methylation, and effect on tumor microenvironment (TME) immune cell infiltration. We also analyzed RFC4's connections with immunological checkpoints to identify potential molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Our findings show that RFC4 is upregulated in several tumor types and associated with poor prognoses in many human cancers. This study shows that RFC4 significantly affects the tumor immunological microenvironment, specifically immune cell populations. Finally, we screened for RFC4-inhibiting pharmacological compounds with anti-cancer potential. This study fully elucidates RFC4's carcinogenic activities, emphasizing its potential as a prognostic biomarker and a target for anti-cancer therapy.

Retraction: Vesicourachal Diverticulum: A Rare Cause of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20118.].

Unraveling Extremely Damaging IRAK4 Variants and Their Potential Implications for IRAK4 Inhibitor Efficacy.

Interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) possesses a crucial function in the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, and the dysfunction of this molecule could lead to various infectious and immune-related diseases in addition to cancers. IRAK4 genetic variants have been linked to various types of diseases. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to recognize the missense variants with the most damaging impacts on IRAK4 with the employment of diverse bioinformatics tools to study single-nucleotide polymorphisms' effects on function, stability, secondary structures, and 3D structure. The residues' location on the protein domain and their conservation status were investigated as well. Moreover, docking tools along with structural biology were engaged in analyzing the SNPs' effects on one of the developed IRAK4 inhibitors. By analyzing IRAK4 gene SNPs, the analysis distinguished ten variants as the most detrimental missense variants. All variants were situated in highly conserved positions on an important protein domain. L318S and L318F mutations were linked to changes in IRAK4 secondary structures. Eight SNPs were revealed to have a decreasing effect on the stability of IRAK4 via both I-Mutant 2.0 and Mu-Pro tools, while Mu-Pro tool identified a decreasing effect for the G198E SNP. In addition, detrimental effects on the 3D structure of IRAK4 were also discovered for the selected variants. Molecular modeling studies highlighted the detrimental impact of these identified SNP mutant residues on the druggability of the IRAK4 ATP-binding site towards the known target inhibitor, HG-12-6, as compared to the native protein. The loss of important ligand residue-wise contacts, altered protein global flexibility, increased steric clashes, and even electronic penalties at the ligand-binding site interfaces were all suggested to be associated with SNP models for hampering the HG-12-6 affinity towards IRAK4 target protein. This given model lays the foundation for the better prediction of various disorders relevant to IRAK4 malfunction and sheds light on the impact of deleterious IRAK4 variants on IRAK4 inhibitor efficacy.

Human MCTS1-dependent translation of JAK2 is essential for IFN-γ immunity to mycobacteria.

Human inherited disorders of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) immunity underlie severe mycobacterial diseases. We report X-linked recessive MCTS1 deficiency in men with mycobacterial disease from kindreds of different ancestries (from China, Finland, Iran, and Saudi Arabia). Complete deficiency of this translation re-initiation factor impairs the translation of a subset of proteins, including the kinase JAK2 in all cell types tested, including T lymphocytes and phagocytes. JAK2 expression is sufficiently low to impair cellular responses to interleukin-23 (IL-23) and partially IL-12, but not other JAK2-dependent cytokines. Defective responses to IL-23 preferentially impair the production of IFN-γ by innate-like adaptive mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT) and γδ T lymphocytes upon mycobacterial challenge. Surprisingly, the lack of MCTS1-dependent translation re-initiation and ribosome recycling seems to be otherwise physiologically redundant in these patients. These findings suggest that X-linked recessive human MCTS1 deficiency underlies isolated mycobacterial disease by impairing JAK2 translation in innate-like adaptive T lymphocytes, thereby impairing the IL-23-dependent induction of IFN-γ.

Histomorphological, Histochemical and Ultrastructural Studies on the Healthy Liver of Yemen Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in Southern Saudi Arabia / Estudios Histomorfológicos, Histoquímicos y Ultraestructurales en el Hígado Sano del Camaleón Velado de Yemen (Chamaeleo calyptratus) en el Sur de Arabia Saudita

SUMMARY: The livers of reptiles are being studied as a model for the link between the environment and hepatic tissue. There have been few investigations on the histology of reptile livers, and very few or no studies have examined the histology of liver of veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). This paper describes the histomorphological, histochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the liver of veiled chameleons in southern Saudi Arabia. Seven Chamaeleo calyptratus were captured in the summer season in Abha City, Aseer region, southern Saudi Arabia. Chamaeleon liver samples were processed for histomorphology, histochemistry and ultrastructure analyses. Morphologically liver of Chamaeleo calyptratus was observed as a large dark brown organ with lighter speckles, which represent melanin deposits. It located at the ventral part of abdominal cavity forward of the stomach. Its dimensions approximately were 3.7 x 2 cm. The liver was a bilobed organ divided into two lobes, right and left lobes. The right one was bigger than the others. The gallbladder was well developed and had an elongated shape, situated between the two lobes and contained the bile for the digestion. Microscopically, the liver was found to be covered by a thick layer of connective tissue, which formed the hepatic capsule. Hepatic parenchyma probably appeared in cross sections as hepatic glandular-like alveoli "acini" or follicular structures with various diameters, each acinus contains approximately four to six hepatocytes, surrounded by sinusoidal capillaries filled with abundant melanomacrophages, which are absent in birds and mammals. Melanomacrophages are common in the hepatic parenchyma's perisinusoidal areas, particularly near portal spaces. Hepatocytes are polyhedral or pyramidal with and mostly contained large, rounded nuclei mostly peripherally located, with prominent dark oval nucleoli. Some of nuclei are eccentric or central position. The cytoplasm appeared spongy or vacuolated and more eosinophilic when stained by hematoxylin-eosin and strongly reactive to PAS staining technique, indicating abundant glycogen content. The reticular fibers that surround hepatocytes, blood arteries, and sinusoids supported the hepatic parenchyma. The blood sinusoids are seen interspersed among hepatocytes of varying sizes. The sinusoidal lumen was bordered by flattened endothelial cells and includes elliptical nucleated erythrocytes and liver macrophages as phagocytes, which are also known as Kupffer cells. Branches of the portal vein, hepatic artery, small bile duct, and lymph vessels were detected in the hepatic portal area "tract" or triad which made up of connective. Hematopoietic tissue was observed in subcapsular region and portal triads. Ultrastructurally, the hepatocyte appeared polyhedric containing a single large rounded basal or eccentric vesicular nucleus with prominent nucleolus. Extensive network of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) often arranged in an array parallel to the nuclear membrane with many mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus were described. The cytoplasm contained glycogen granules, vesicles or vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm especially at the apical region were reported. The bile canaliculi and the hepatic "Kupffer" cells were also discussed. This is the first study on the histological characterization of the healthy liver of Yemen veiled chameleon in southern Saudi Arabia. The findings reported here should be used as a reference to compare with the pathological abnormalities of the liver in this animal.

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Impact of viral co-infection on clinical outcomes and mortality of COVID-19 patients: a study from Saudi Arabia.

Background: In COVID-19 patients undetected co-infections may have severe clinical implications associated with prolonged hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of viral coinfections on the outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a large tertiary Saudi Arabian Hospital. Methods: A total of 178 adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 who were hospitalized at the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region (AFHSR), Saudi Arabia, from March 1st to June 30th 2022, were enrolled. Real-time PCR for the detection of viral co­infections was carried out. Cases (SARS-CoV-2 with viral coinfections) and control (SARS-CoV-2 mono-infection) groups were compared. Results: 12/178 (7%) of enrolled COVID-19 patients had viral coinfections. 82/178 (46%) of patients were males. 58% of patients had comorbidities. During the study period, 4/12 (33%) and 21/166 (13%) cases and control patients died, p=0.047, respectively. Duration of hospitalization was the only significant independent factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 coinfections, OR 1.140, 95% CI 1.020-1.274, p=0.021. Conclusions: The findings of this study from a large tertiary Saudi Arabian Center revealed a prevalence of 7% for SARS-CoV-2 viral coinfections. SARS-CoV-2 coinfected patients had a significantly prolonged duration of hospitalization and higher mortality than those with SARS-CoV-2 alone. Future studies are needed.

A detailed insight of the tumor targeting using nanocarrier drug delivery system.

Human struggle against the deadly disease conditions is continued since ages. The contribution of science and technology in fighting against these diseases cannot be ignored exclusively due to the invention of novel procedure and products, extending their size ranges from micro to nano. Recently nanotechnology has been gaining more consideration for its ability to diagnose and treat different cancers. Different nanoparticles have been used to evade the issues related with conservative anticancer delivery systems, including their nonspecificity, adverse effects and burst release. These nanocarriers including, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), liposomes, nano lipid carriers (NLCs), nano micelles, nanocomposites, polymeric and magnetic nanocarriers, have brought revolutions in antitumor drug delivery. Nanocarriers improved the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs with better accumulation at the specific site with sustained release, improved bioavailability and apoptosis of the cancer cells while bypassing the normal cells. In this review, the cancer targeting techniques and surface modification on nanoparticles are discussed briefly with possible challenges and opportunities. It can be concluded that understanding the role of nanomedicine in tumor treatment is significant, and therefore, the modern progressions in this arena is essential to be considered for a prosperous today and an affluent future of tumor patients.

Computational analysis and in vitro evaluation of TMF 104, for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer efficacies.

Benzylidene chromanones are small molecules, structurally similar to active phytochemicals. Herein, we report one novel benzylidene chromanone, TMF 104, for its bio-efficacies. Its computational docking for Vanin-1, antioxidant, free radical scavenging capacities, antimicrobial effects, and anticancer efficacy were analyzed. TMF 104 predicated strong binging to Vanin-1 protein with a docking energy of -8.1 kcal/mol. The compound dose-dependently exhibited free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activities when tested in vitro. The compound also had remarkable activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 1.5, 2.0, 12.5, and 13.5 µg/ml, respectively. The compound was also effective against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa albeit at higher concentrations. TMF 104 dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7, NCI H460, and Caki-1 cells with respective GI50 values of 24.51, 21.95, and 32.95 µg/ml, whereas the compound was toxic to normal Vero cells at much higher concentration of 264.70 µg/ml. The compound also aided in apoptosis and increased the sub G0 /G1 phase of the cell cycle in all three cancer cells tested. Our study identified a novel, potent benzylidene analogue with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, which drives further attention for further research.

Potential role for vitamin D vs. intermittent fasting in controlling aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-3 expression in HFD-induced urinary bladder alterations in rats.

Background: High-fat diet-induced obesity is linked to suppression of aquaporins (AQPs) expression in different tissues. Both vitamin D and intermittent fasting were identified to enhance AQPs expression. In the urinary bladder, AQP-1 and AQP-3 mRNA transcripts were identified. Vitamin D has an impact on a variety of genes that encode proteins that control cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. Aim: To assess potential benefits of vitamin D and intermittent fasting (IF) and to explore alterations to the urinary bladder triggered by high-fat diet (HFD) in a rat model of obesity. Methods: Each of the 4 groups contained six adult male albino rats; control: a standard rodent chew for 12 weeks, HFD: HFD and fructose were administered orally via gastric gavage for 12 weeks, and vitamin D: HFD and fructose were administered orally for 8 weeks, then 4 weeks of intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D (5 microns/Kg/2 days) and IF group: Received intraperitoneal injections of vitamin D (5 microns/Kg/2 days) for 4 weeks after consumption of HFD and fructose orally for 8 weeks. The serum lipid profile was conducted at end of the experiment. In the bladder homogenates, the levels of oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on recently collected bladder samples. AQP-1 and AQP-3 immunohistochemistry was done. Results: When compared to the HFD group, the vitamin D and IF groups both demonstrated a substantial improvement in histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular markers. Conclusion: In all examined parameters, IF exceeded vitamin D as a preventive factor for the urinary bladder deterioration.

Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the Mixed Hypercholesterolemic Populations with Respect to Gender, Age, and Obesity in Asir, Saudi Arabia.

This record study aimed to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) profiles regarding sex, age, and obesity for the riskier factor of cardiovascular diseases in a general population in Saudi Arabia. Laboratory and anthropometric measurements were performed on non-specific participants with variant ages and BMI in either sex. Serobiochemical changes were measured for metabolic profiles, i.e., A1C/FSG, TC, TGC, HDLC/LDLC, Vit.D, TSH/T4, Hb, and Cr. The study was applied in a Polyclinic, Abha, Saudi Arabia in 2020 G. The general population showed variable incidences of MetS profiles, such as 69.4% diabetes, 85.5% hypothyroidism, and 92.2% obesity. Hypothyroidism showed a higher incidence in women rather than in men, but men were more dyslipidemic, with higher TGC and LDLC but low HDLC, compared to women. Men <40 Y. showed diabetes and hypothyroidism, but elders were dyslipidemic. Women <40 Y. showed anemia and hypovitaminosis-D but were suffering from hypothyroidism at all ages. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypovitaminosis-D, and dyslipidemia were the main MetS components in both overweight and obese participants, and an incidence of more than 50% in each profile was recorded. Diabetes with hypertension was characteristic of obese participants rather than those overweight. About 66.1% of the mixed-hypercholesterolemic cases were diabetic, but 18.9% of the mixed-diabetic participants were hypercholesterolemic. Castelli's risk factors, CRI-I and CRI-II, and atherogenic indices, AIP and AC, were measured for evaluating the cardiac risk in different populations based on the AUC-ROC and cut-off values. Insulin-resistance marker (TyG) was also measured, showing considerable cut-off values for diabetic susceptibility in the lipidemic participants with higher TGC and TC rather than HDLC or LDLC. In conclusion, MetS showed higher susceptibility to sex and age with increased incidence in women rather than men. However, the cardiac risk was more susceptible to men of higher TGC and low HDLC than women. Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was more prominent in both elders (≥40 Y.) than younger ages of either sex. Anemia and deficiency of Vit. D was characteristic of young women (<40 Y.). Hypothyroidism affects young men <40 Y. but was recorded in women of all ages. Both dyslipidemia and diabetes could trigger CVD, showing higher cardiac risk in mixed-hypercholesterolemic men rather than women. Our study strongly suggests that the consumption of unhealthy junk food, tobacco smoking, lack of exercise, and physical inactivity could be conclusive evidence of MetS in the Saudi population.

Spinal Gunshot Wound With an Air Rifle: A Case Report.

Spinal gunshot injuries are one of the most serious injuries that can cause morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a nine-year-old boy, referred to our emergency department from another hospital, with lower limb weakness after being shot by an air gun in his back. After extensive investigation, it appeared that a foreign body representing the bullet was found in his spinal canal; the patient was taken to the operating room for surgical decompression and removal of foreign bodies. After that, the patient started to show partial improvement in his neurological deficits and is to be continued on physiotherapy.

Methotrexate-Induced Alteration of Renal Aquaporins 1 and 2, Oxidative Stress and Tubular Apoptosis Can Be Attenuated by Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a potent anti-cancer drug, commonly associated with nephrotoxicity via the induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis with alteration of renal water channel proteins, namely aquaporins (AQPs). Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) have shown cytoprotective effects through their anti-oxidant and antiapoptotic activities. The present study aims for the first time to explore the role of LC-PUFA against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into the following groups: saline control, LC-PUFA control, MTX, MTX + LC-PUFA (150 mg/kg), or MTX + LC-PUFA (300 mg/kg). Then, H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining for the anti-apoptosis marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), the apoptosis marker BCL2-Associated X Protein (BAX), the proinflammatory marker Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), AQPs 1 and 2 were performed in kidney sections with an assessment of renal oxidative stress. The MTX caused a renal histopathological alteration, upregulated renal BAX and NF-kB, downregulated Bcl-2 and AQP1, altered the distribution of AQP2, and caused oxidative stress. The LC-PUFA attenuated the pathological changes and decreased renal BAX and NF-kB, increased BCL-2 and AQP1, restored the normal distribution of AQP2, and decreased the oxidative stress. Therefore, LC-PUFA is a good adjuvant to MTX to prevent its adverse effects on kidneys through its antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effect and its role in the restoration of the expression of AQPs 1 and 2.

Genetic association of IL2RA, IL17RA, IL23R, and IL31RA single nucleotide polymorphisms with alopecia areata.

The signalling of cytokine receptors plays a crucial role in regulating tolerance and immunity. Impaired immunological processes result in autoimmune inflammation that target the hair follicles, causing many hair disorders, mainly alopecia areata (AA). Therefore, polymorphisms in cytokine receptor genes are suggested to have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of AA, a disease with a multifactorial basis and uncertain etiology. In the present study, 152 AA patients of the Jordanian population were investigated for their genetic susceptibility to develop AA compared to 150 control subjects. Genomic DNA extraction and genotyping had conducted for IL17RA (rs879575, rs2229151, and rs4819554), IL2RA (rs3118470), IL23R (rs10889677), and IL31RA (rs161704) using the Sequenom MassARRAY® system. The allele frequency of IL17RA rs879575 is significantly higher in patients, while no statistical differences were found for IL2RA, IL23R, and IL31RA SNPs. Also, the recessive model of IL31RA rs161704 showing that AA genotype is significantly associated with AA development. To date, there is no published data regarding the association between AA and the selected genetic variants in our population. However, this study's findings assert that SNPs of IL17RA and IL31RA are linked to AA susceptibility in Jordanian patients.

Intermittent Short-Duration Re-oxygenation Attenuates Cardiac Changes in Response to Hypoxia: Histological, Ultrastructural and Oxidant/Antioxidant Parameters.

Context: Intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation attenuates cardiac changes in response to hypoxia. Objective: To see if intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation may protect the heart muscle from hypoxia damage. Materials and Methods: Eighteen albino rats were used to carry out the study. Rats divided into: (normoxia); rats exposed to room air as a control, second (hypoxic) group; rats subjected to a pressure of 405 mmHg in a hypobaric chamber to simulate hypoxia at 5,000 m, and third (intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation); rats exposed to room air three times per day. Experiments were all 14 days long. Results: Hypoxia enhanced the oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde while lowering the antioxidant superoxide dismutase . The levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the myocardium were elevated in hypoxic hearts. The hypoxic rats' cardiac myofibrils showed disarray of muscle fibres, vacuolation of the sarcoplasm, pyknosis of the nucleus, and expansion of intercellular gaps on histological examination. In addition, cardiomyocytes showed degenerative defects in ventricular myocardial cells on ultrastructural analysis. Myofibril thinning and degenerative mitochondrial changes affected intercalated discs with fascia adherent, desmosomes, and gap junction. Intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation improve cardiac histological, ultrastructural and oxidant/antioxidant parameters changes during hypoxia. Conclusion: Hypoxia showed a substantial impact on myocardial architecture, as well as increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intermittent short-duration re-oxygenation significantly decreases hypoxia-induced cardiac changes.

ٍSome biologically active microorganisms have the potential to suppress mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens, Diptera: Culicidae).

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoan species of the genus Plasmodium. It is widespread and becoming a challenge in several African countries in the tropical and subtropical regions. In 2010, a report was published showing that over 1.2 million death cases were occurred globally due to malaria in just one year. The transmission of the disease from one person to another occurs via the bite of the Anopheles female. It is known that Plasmodium ovale, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. falciparum, and P. knowlesi are the highly infective malaria species. The problem of this disease is the absence of any effective medical treatment or vaccine, making the mosquito control is the only feasible way for disease prevention. Pesticides are currently the most widely used method for mosquito control, despite its well-known negative effects, including health hazards on human, the increasing insecticidal resistance, and the negative impact on the environment and beneficial organisms. Biological control (also called: biocontrol) of insects has been a promising method to overcome the negative effects of using chemical insecticides, as it depends on just using the natural enemies of pests to either minimize their populations or eradicate them. This article provides an overview of the recent and effective biological means to control malaria, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, larvivorous fish, toxorhynchites larva and nematodes. In addition, the importance, advantages, and disadvantages of the biocontrol methods will be discussed in comparison with the traditionally used chemical methods of malaria control with special reference to nanotechnology as a novel method for insects' control.

The Impact of Curcumin on Growth Performance, Growth-Related Gene Expression, Oxidative Stress, and Immunological Biomarkers in Broiler Chickens at Different Stocking Densities.

Curcumin's antioxidant properties reduce free radicals and may improve broiler growth. Therefore, the influence of stocking density (SD) and administration of curcumin in the diet on broiler performance was explored to clarify the impact of HSD and curcumin on the performance of growth, behavioural patterns, haematological, oxidant/antioxidant parameters, immunity markers, and the growth-related genes expression in broiler chickens. A total of 200 broiler chickens (Cobb 500, 2-weeks old) were allotted into 4 groups; SD (moderate and high) and curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg diet)-supplemented HSD, respectively. Behavioural observations were performed. After a 28-day experimental period, tissue and blood samples were collected for analysis. Expressions of mRNA for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone receptor (GHR), myostatin (MSTN), and leptin in liver tissues were examined. HSD birds exhibited lower growth performance measurements, haematological parameters, circulating 3,5,3-triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels, antioxidant activities (GSH-Px, catalase, superoxide dismutase), immunoglobulins (A, G, M), and hepatic GHR and IGF-1 expression values. However, HSD birds even had an increment of serum corticosterone, malondialdehyde, pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-a, IL-2, IL-6) levels, hepatic leptin and MSTN expression. Moreover, HSD decreased drinking, feeding, crouching, body care, and increased standing and walking behaviour. The addition of curcumin, particularly at a 200 mg/kg diet, alleviated the effect of HSD through amending growth-related gene expression in the chickens. In conclusion, curcumin can enhance birds' growth performance, behavioural patterns, and immunity by reducing oxidative stress and up-regulating the growth-related gene expressions of broilers under stressful conditions due to a high stocking density.

Mesoporous Nano-Sized BiFeVOx.y Phases for Removal of Organic Dyes from Wastewaters by Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation.

With an increasing demand for industrial dyes in our daily lives, water conditions have become worse. Recently, the removal of such environmentally hazardous pollutants from wastewaters through photocatalytic degradation has been drawing increased attention. Three mesoporous nanophases of BiFeVOx.y as (Bi2FeIIIV1-yO5.5-y) visible light photocatalysts were synthesized in this study using ethylene glycol-citrate sol-gel synthesis combined with microwave- assisted calcination. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (UV-Vis/DRS) were used to characterize the BiFeVOx.y photocatalysts. The visible light-induced photocatalytic activities of the BiFeVOx.y phases were evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution at pH ~10.0. The results of this study show that the combination of doping strategy with the utilization of advanced synthesis methods plays an important role in improving the structure and surface properties of BiFeVOx.y phases, and thereby enhancing their adsorption and photocatalytic efficiencies. The synthesized mesoporous tetragonal γ-BiFeVOx.y nanophase has been proven to be a potential visible-light photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes.