Assessment of vitamin status; A, E and D in Egyptian neonates with IUGR: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) may present with fatal complications and permanent serious consequences. Vitamin status may influence fetal development. In this study we assessed vitamin A, E and D concentrations in umbilical cord blood in newborns with IUGR. METHODS: Maternal data were obtained. Neonatal assessment included; age of gestation calculated from last menstrual period, Ultrasound (U/S), new Ballard, Apgar scores and anthropometric measurements including; Head circumference, length and weight. WHO growth percentile curves were used. Vitamin A, E and D in cord blood samples were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ELISA consecutively. RESULTS: A total of 86 full term newborns were enrolled in this study, 42 (48.8%) with IUGR with gestational age (33.59 ± 1.20) week by U/S and 44 (51.2%) appropriate for gestational age neonates with gestational age (38.70 ± 1.50). Ballard and Apgar scores (p < 0.05) and Z scores for weight, length and head circumference (p < 0.001) at birth were significantly lower in neonates with Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) than appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. The levels of Vitamin A, E and D were significantly lower in the IUGR group than the AGA (p < 0.05) for all. Significant positive correlations of weight with vitamin A, and E cord blood levels were found (p < 0.05), while length was significantly positively correlated only with vitamin A (p < 0.05). Head circumference showed significant positive correlations with the three vitamins (p < 0.05) for all. CONCLUSION: Neonates with IUGR had significantly lower levels of Vitamin A, E and D than AGA neonates. Significant positive correlations of weight with vitamin A, and E cord blood levels was detected, while neonatal length was associated only with vitamin A level. The present study highlights the significance of nutritional policies for inhibiting deficiency of these vitamins during pregnancy and childhood.

Factors Defining Human Adipose Stem/Stromal Cell Immunomodulation in Vitro.

Human adipose tissue-derived stem/stromal cells (hASCs) are adult multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells with immunomodulatory capacities. Here, we present up-to-date knowledge on the impact of different experimental and donor-related factors on hASC immunoregulatory functions in vitro. The experimental determinants include the immunological status of hASCs relative to target immune cells, contact vs. contactless interaction, and oxygen tension. Factors such as the ratio of hASCs to immune cells, the cellular context, the immune cell activation status, and coculture duration are also discussed. Conditioning of hASCs with different approaches before interaction with immune cells, hASC culture in xenogenic or xenofree culture medium, hASC culture in two-dimension vs. three-dimension with biomaterials, and the hASC passage number are among the experimental parameters that greatly may impact the hASC immunosuppressive potential in vitro, thus, they are also considered. Moreover, the influence of donor-related characteristics such as age, sex, and health status on hASC immunomodulation in vitro is reviewed. By analysis of the literature studies, most of the indicated determinants have been investigated in broad non-standardized ranges, so the results are not univocal. Clear conclusions cannot be drawn for the fine-tuned scenarios of many important factors to set a standard hASC immunopotency assay. Such variability needs to be carefully considered in further standardized research. Importantly, field experts' opinions may help to make it clearer.

Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number as a Biomarker of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). In its early stages, it results in inflammation, demyelination, and axonal loss. Egypt has the highest rates in the Middle East region. The pathogenicity of MS involves mitochondrial function. Damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can produce variation in the copy number (CN) and decline in mitochondrial function. Our goal was to determine the potential of mtDNA-CN as a biomarker of MS and the progression of the disease. The study included 25 patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and 25 age and sex matched apparently healthy control. Two peripheral blood samples were collected from each patient, one during the remission phase and the other during the phase of relapse. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to assess CN of mitochondrial DNA. There was a statistically significant decline in the number of mtDNA copies during the remission phase as compared to controls (p < 0.01), yet no difference was seen between mtDNA-CN in relapsing subjects versus controls. Moreover, the copy number of mtDNA during the relapse phase was significantly higher than the remission phase suggesting the ability of mtDNA to differentiate between remission and relapse phases (p < 0.05). Our study observed that mtDNA-CN at a cut off (0.75), can differentiate between RRMS patients in the remission phase and controls with a sensitivity of 56%, specificity 84%, positive predictive value (PPV) 65.6% and negative predictive value (NPV) 77.8%, and at a cut off (1), mtDNA-CN can differentiate between remission and relapse MS patients with a sensitivity 72%, specificity 56%, PPV 62.1% and NPV 66.7%. In conclusion, mtDNA-CN can be proposed as a biomarker of MS.

Body Mass Index as a Major Prognostic Contributing Factor in COVID-19: A Multicentral Egyptian Study.

Background: Extreme body mass index (BMI) is an influential pathophysiological risk factor for serious illnesses following lower respiratory tract infection. The purpose of the current study was to examine how the BMI of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients affects their prognosis. Methods: Two hundred patients with COVID-19 admitted to Al-Azhar, Qena, Aswan, and Sohag University hospitals in Egypt were included and categorized into four groups according to their BMI. The diagnosis was made according to a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) positive result for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in swabs from upper respiratory tract. A detailed history, clinical examination, and outcomes (disease severity and complications, hospital stay, ICU admission, mortality) were recorded for all patients. SPSS version 24 software was used for data analysis. Results: Average age of participants (19-90 years old), 92 (46%) males and 108 females (54%). ICU admission was significantly higher among underweight patients (75%) and obese patients (78.6%). The majority of underweight (62.5%) and obese (57.1%) patients had critical disease. Invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) is frequently used in underweight (50%) and obese patients (42.9%) patients. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cardiac, neurological, and hematological complications, and incidence of myalgia and bed sores were most frequent among obese and overweight patients. Acute kidney injury was significantly higher among underweight patients (37.5%) and obese patients (28.6%) than among other classes (p=0.004). Frequency of endocrine complications was significantly higher in underweight patients than that in other classes (p=0.01). The majority of underweight (75%) and obese patients (50%) deteriorated and died, whereas the majority of normal-weight patients (90.3%) and overweight patients (75.8%) improved and were discharged (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Body mass index is a major contributing factor to the outcome of patients with COVID-19, and patients with extreme of body mass index were associated with the worst prognosis.

Influence of type 2 diabetes and obesity on adipose mesenchymal stem/stromal cell immunoregulation.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), associated with obesity, represents a state of metabolic inflammation and oxidative stress leading to insulin resistance and progressive insulin deficiency. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are adult mesenchymal stem/stromal cells identified within the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue. These cells can regulate the immune system and possess anti-inflammatory properties. ASCs are a potential therapeutic modality for inflammatory diseases including T2D. Patient-derived (autologous) rather than allogeneic ASCs may be a relatively safer approach in clinical perspectives, to avoid occasional anti-donor immune responses. However, patient characteristics such as body mass index (BMI), inflammatory status, and disease duration and severity may limit the therapeutic utility of ASCs. The current review presents human ASC (hASC) immunoregulatory mechanisms with special emphasis on those related to T lymphocytes, hASC implications in T2D treatment, and the impact of T2D and obesity on hASC immunoregulatory potential. hASCs can modulate the proliferation, activation, and functions of diverse innate and adaptive immune cells via direct cell-to-cell contact and secretion of paracrine mediators and extracellular vesicles. Preclinical studies recommend the therapeutic potential of hASCs to improve inflammation and metabolic indices in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced T2D disease model. Discordant data have been reported to unravel intact or detrimentally affected immunomodulatory functions of ASCs, isolated from patients with obesity and/or T2D patients, in vitro and in vivo. Numerous preconditioning strategies have been introduced to potentiate hASC immunomodulation; they are also discussed here as possible options to potentiate the immunoregulatory functions of hASCs isolated from patients with obesity and T2D.

Genetic profile of MIF single nucleotide polymorphism (rs755622 G>C) in hepatocellular carcinoma among Egyptian patients.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the role of MIF gene polymorphism rs755622 G>C in occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among a cohort of Egyptian patients. Material and methods: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients with HCC after chronic viral hepatitis and 50 healthy volunteers, recruited between July 2021 and January 2022. All patients with HCC were evaluated for severity of liver disease using a Child-Pugh score, and TNM and BCLC scoring systems. MIF 173 G>C (rs755622) single nucleotide polymorphism was performed for all participants by polymerase chain reaction using restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (RFLP-PCR). Results: Overall results showed significantly higher frequencies of GG (wild homozygous genotype) and mutant heterozygous genotype GC and G allele (OR = 6.303, 95% CI: 3.374-11.775) among patients with HCC compared to the control group (p = 0.001) for all. Also, significantly higher frequency of genotype GG was detected among patients with advanced Child scores (B and C) (p = 0.039) and TNM stages (III and IV) (p = 0.013). There was significantly higher frequency of the G allele among patients with multiple hepatic focal lesions compared to those with a single focal lesion (p = 0.01). Conclusions: An obvious role of MIF (rs755622) gene polymorphism could have an important role in susceptibility and progression of HCC among patients with chronic viral hepatitis induced liver cirrhosis.

Immunomodulatory Functions of Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Derived From Donors With Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity on CD4 T Cells.

For adipose stromal/stem cell (ASCs)-based immunomodulatory therapies, it is important to study how donor characteristics, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), influence ASCs efficacy. Here, ASCs were obtained from 2 groups, donors with T2D and obesity (dASCs) or nondiabetic donors with normal-weight (ndASCs), and then cultured with anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated allogeneic CD4 T cells. ASCs were studied for the expression of the immunomodulators CD54, CD274, and indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO) in inflammatory conditions. CD4 T cells cultured alone or in cocultures were assessed to evaluate proliferation, activation marker surface expression, apoptosis, the regulatory T cells (Tregs; CD4+ CD25high FOXP3+) frequency, and intracellular cytokine expression using flow cytometry. Modulation of T-cell subset cytokines was explored via ELISA. In inflammatory conditions, the expression of CD54, CD274, and IDO was significantly upregulated in ASCs, with no significant differences between ndASCs and dASCs. dASCs retained the potential to significantly suppress CD4 T-cell proliferation, with a slightly weaker inhibitory effect than ndASCs, which was associated with significantly reduced abilities to decrease IL-2 production and increase IL-8 levels in cocultures. Such attenuated potentials were significantly correlated with increasing body mass index. dASCs and ndASCs comparably reduced CD4 T-cell viability, HLA-DR expression, and interferon-gamma production and conversely increased CD69 expression, the Tregs percentage, and IL-17A production. Considerable amounts of the immunomodulators prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and IL-6 were detected in the conditioned medium of cocultures. These findings suggest that ASCs obtained from donors with T2D and obesity are receptive to the inflammatory environment and able to modulate CD4 T cells accordingly.

Peripheral Mononuclear Cells Surface Markers Evaluation in Different Stages of Hepatocellular Carcinoma; in a Trial for Early and Accurate Diagnosis in Patients with Post-Hepatitis Liver Cirrhosis and Unremarkable Raised AFP.

Introduction: HCC is frequently diagnosed late, when only palliative treatment is available. So, we try to use different immunological markers to identify early HCC in patients with unremarkable raised AFP. Methods: This study was conducted on 112 participants divided into two equal groups: Group I, 56 patients with liver cirrhosis and different stages of HCC; Group II, 56 patients with liver cirrhosis. The diagnosis of HCC was based on AASLD guidelines. TNM and BCLC classification systems are used for staging of HCC. Results: A significant reduction in the median percentage of lymphocyte subset (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+) and NK cell percentage (CD56+) has been detected in HCC patients (all P < 0.001). In the HCC group the median monocyte subpopulations CD14+ CD16- Classical, CD14++ CD16+ Intermediate, and CD14-+ CD16++ Non-Classical were 11.7, 4.0, and 3.5, respectively, with marked reduction compared with liver cirrhosis group (all P < 0.001). Patients with advanced stages (BCLC C and D) were more likely to have significantly higher median CD33+ than patients with early stages (BCLC A and B) (P = 0.05); also, the median levels of HLA DR+ lymphocytes % in the HCC case group were 21.8 in patients with advanced disease (BCLC C and D) and 13.1 in patients with early stages of the disease (P = 0.04). Patients with late stage (TNM III) were more likely to have significantly higher median CD14+ CD16- Classical monocyte subset, CD36+ HLA DR+, and CD36+ CD16- than patients with early stages (TNM I and II). Conclusion: Patients with HCC with unremarkable raised AFP showed marked reduction in lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and all monocyte subpopulations. In addition, patients with advanced HCC showed increased CD33+ and HLA DR+ lymphocytes %, CD14+ CD16- Classical monocyte subset, CD36+ HLA DR+, and CD36+ CD16- compared with patients with early stages of HCC.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling and Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antidiabetic, and Antiobesity Activities of the Non-Polar Fractions of Salvia hispanica L. Aerial Parts.

Salvia hispanica L. is an annual herbaceous plant commonly known as "Chia". It has been recommended for therapeutic use because of its use as an excellent source of fatty acids, protein, dietary fibers, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. A literature survey concerning phytochemical and biological investigations of chia extracts revealed less attention towards the non-polar extracts of S. hispanica L. aerial parts, which motivates us to investigate their phytochemical constituents and biological potentials. The phytochemical investigation of the non-polar fractions of S. hispanica L. aerial parts resulted in the tentative identification of 42 compounds using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis with the isolation of ß-sitosterol (1), betulinic acid (2), oleanolic acid (3), and ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (4). GLC-MS analysis of the seeds' oil showed a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid, with a percentage of 35.64% of the total fatty acid content in the seed oil. The biological results revealed that the dichloromethane fraction showed promising DPPH radical-scavenging activity (IC50 = 14.73 µg/mL), antidiabetic activity with significant inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme (IC50 673.25 µg/mL), and anti-inflammatory activity using in vitro histamine release assay (IC50 61.8 µg/mL). Furthermore, the dichloromethane fraction revealed moderate cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell line (A-549), human prostate carcinoma (PC-3), and colon carcinoma (HCT-116) with IC50s 35.9 ± 2.1 µg/mL, 42.4 ± 2.3 µg/mL, and 47.5 ± 1.3 µg/mL, respectively, and antiobesity activity with IC50 59.3 µg/mL, using pancreatic lipase inhibitory assay. In conclusion, this study's findings not only shed light on the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of the non-polar fractions of chia but also should be taken as a basis for the future in vivo and clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of chia and its extracts. Further study should be focused towards the isolation of the active principles of the dichloromethane fraction and studying their efficacy, exact mechanism(s), and safety, which could benefit the pharmaceutical industry and folk medicine practitioners who use this plant to cure diseases.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among General and Technical Secondary School Students in Egypt.

(1) Background: Children spend a lot of time within schools. The school setting generally has many ergonomic hazards and reinforced behavior patterns which put children at greater risk of environmental hazards than adults during their critical developmental stages. (2) Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and detect spinal deformities amongst general and technical secondary school students. (3) Methods: A total of 418 students from the second grade of secondary school in Shaquira governorate, Egypt participated in this cross-sectional study. Each student in the study was screened via Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and had their upper limb posture measured via RULA (Rapid Upper Limb assessment), and the deviation in their thoracic curve was measured using a scoliometer. (4) Results: There was a prevalence of MSDs amongst students as there were 69.7% of general school students and 83.8% of the technical school students suffering from MSDs with a statistically significant difference between both technical and general school students in RULA score and musculoskeletal complaints, whereas there were non-statistical differences in the scoliometer scale in both general and technical education students. (5) Conclusions: Musculoskeletal problems are prevalent among Egyptian secondary school students, with higher prevalence between technical school students. Therefore, preventive measures and strategies are recommended to overcome the future complications of these musculoskeletal disorders.

A Comparative Study of Pectin Green Extraction Methods from Apple Waste: Characterization and Functional Properties.

Traditional methods of pectin extraction led to drop quality, yield, functional properties, and excessive time. The objective of our research is to produce high-quality pectin from apple pomace as food processing by-product. Four nonconventional methods of extraction (microwave, ultrasound, citric acid, and organic acid mixture (citric acid, ascorbic acid, and acetic acid)) were compared to conventional extraction of pectin in terms of yields, thermal behavior, functional groups, antioxidant activity, and functional properties. Citric acid extraction method gave the highest yield (22%) compared to other methods. The extraction of pectin by organic acid mixture maximized the galacturonic acid index to 87.58%;. Also, it was changed from structural into: compacted, multilaminated, and flaky surface compared to the other samples (more porous and hollow opening structural) as well as increased stability of pectin particles in colloids as a result of increasing the charge on particles to -59.42, beside its higher thermal stability of pectin behaviors, which reflected on improving all functional properties compared to the other methods. On the other side, microwave-extracted pectin had the highest antioxidant activity (3-4 times) compared to other extraction methods. In conclusion, extraction using organic acids, microwave, and ultrasonic led to improve the pectin quality and could be used in high-temperature food products, like bakery products.

Cellulose Nanofibers/Pectin/Pomegranate Extract Nanocomposite as Antibacterial and Antioxidant Films and Coating for Paper.

Bio-based polymer composites find increasing research and industrial interest in different areas of our life. In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) isolated from sugar beet pulp and nanoemulsion prepared from sugar beet pectin and pomegranate extract (PGE) were used for making films and used as coating with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities for paper. For Pectin/PGE nanoemulsion preparation, different ratios of PGE were mixed with pectin using ultrasonic treatment; the antibacterial properties were evaluated to choose the formula with the adequate antibacterial activity. The antioxidant activity of the nanoemulsion with the highest antimicrobial activity was also evaluated. The nanoemulsion with the optimum antibacterial activity was mixed with different ratios of CNFs. Mechanical, greaseproof, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of the CNFs/Pectin/PGE films were evaluated. Finally, the CNFs/Pectin/PGE formulation with the highest antibacterial activity was tested as a coating material for paper. Mechanical, greaseproof, and air porosity properties, as well as water vapor permeability and migration of the coated layer from paper sheets in different media were evaluated. The results showed promising applicability of the CNFs/Pectin/PGE as films and coating material with antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as good stability for packaging aqueous, fatty, and acidic food products.

Antitoxic Effects of Curcumin against Obesity-Induced Multi-Organs' Biochemical and Histopathological Abnormalities in an Animal Model.

Background: Obesity is a significant public health problem that is characterized by an increase in oxidative stress and enhanced inflammatory responses associated with immune cell invasion of adipose tissues. This study assessed several biochemical abnormalities, apoptosis, oxidative stress status, and associated histological changes in the liver, duodenum, and heart brought on by high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. It also assessed the mechanistic benefits of curcumin in reversing these inflammatory, metabolic, and histological impairments. Methods: Rats were assigned into three groups each including ten rats: the control group (CD), the high-fat diet group (HFD), and the high-fat diet + curcumin (HFDC) group. Serum glucose, insulin, and triglycerides (TAGs) were observed. In addition, apoptosis (indicated by hepatic DNA fragmentation) and oxidative stress status (indicated by hepatic MPO, GSH, and SOD) were assessed. Histopathological examinations included the GIT (liver and duodenum) and heart in addition to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays of the adipose tissue genetic expressions for inflammatory signaling pathways (TLR4, IL-6, and TNF-α). Results: The overall findings showed that the HFD group exhibited significantly higher levels of glucose, TAGs, and insulin than the control group (P < 0.01). The histological abnormalities of the studied organs in the HFD group were paralleled by these biochemical abnormalities, which were strongly associated with increased apoptosis, increased oxidative stress, and increased expression of the inflammatory signaling markers. There were significant improvements in the HFDC group in terms of biochemical, inflammatory, and histological investigations. Conclusions: This study's findings concluded that obesity is significantly associated with biochemical and microscopic alterations in many organs. Curcumin exerted potent antitoxic, antioxidant, tissue-protective, and antiobesity effects. Curcumin is recommended to be added to various dietary regimens to prevent or delay the organs' dysfunction among obese people.

Ex Vivo Mouse Aortic Ring Angiogenesis Assay.

The ex vivo aortic ring assay is one of the most widely used protocols to study sprouting angiogenesis. It is a highly adaptable method that can be utilized to investigate the effects of different growth factors, small-molecule drugs, and genetic modifications on vascular sprouting in a physiologically relevant setting. In this chapter we describe a simple and optimized protocol for investigating vascular sprouting in the mouse aortic ring model. The protocol describes the harvesting and embedding of the aortic rings in a collagen matrix, treatment of the rings with agents of interest, and the visualization and quantification of the vascular sprouts.

Synthesis and characterization of berberine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for the protection of urethane-induced lung cancer.

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of malignant tumors of the respiratory system and has the highest rates of incidence and mortality of malignant tumors. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize berberine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (BBR-COSNPs) and to evaluate their protective effects against urethane-induced lung cancer. Forty male albino mice were divided into four groups, with the first serving as a negative control and the other three groups were injected intraperitoneally with urethane (1 mg/kg b.w) each other day for 1 week then group 2 was served as a positive control, however, groups 3 and 4 were treated orally with a daily dose of BBR or BBR-COSNPs (75 mg/kg b.w) for 10 consecutive weeks. Blood and lung tissue samples are collected for laboratory assay. The BBR-COSNPs were spherical, with an average particle size of 45.56 nm and zeta potential of 39.82 1.82 mV. The in vivo data demonstrated that mice given urethane alone had a significant increase in MDA, NO, NF-κB level, HIF1-α, and COX-2-positive expression in the lung tissue and serum VEGFR2, ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine accompanied with a significant decrease in GSH, SOD, caspase 9 in the lung tissue and serum BAX. Co-treatment with BBR-COSNPs suppressed lung cancer growth and promoted apoptosis by modulating serum BAX and lung caspase 9 gene expressions. In addition, BBR-COSNPs inhibited tumor angiogenesis by reduction in levels of serum VEGFR2 and lung HIF 1 gene expression. It is possible to conclude that BBR-COSNPs can be used in oral administration formulations for lunganticancer therapy.

Stable flow-induced expression of KLK10 inhibits endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow (d-flow), while regions exposed to stable flow (s-flow) are protected. The proatherogenic and atheroprotective effects of d-flow and s-flow are mediated in part by the global changes in endothelial cell (EC) gene expression, which regulates endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Previously, we identified kallikrein-related peptidase 10 (Klk10, a secreted serine protease) as a flow-sensitive gene in mouse arterial ECs, but its role in endothelial biology and atherosclerosis was unknown. Here, we show that KLK10 is upregulated under s-flow conditions and downregulated under d-flow conditions using in vivo mouse models and in vitro studies with cultured ECs. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and scATAC sequencing (scATACseq) study using the partial carotid ligation mouse model showed flow-regulated Klk10 expression at the epigenomic and transcription levels. Functionally, KLK10 protected against d-flow-induced permeability dysfunction and inflammation in human artery ECs, as determined by NFκB activation, expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and intracellular adhesion molecule 1, and monocyte adhesion. Furthermore, treatment of mice in vivo with rKLK10 decreased arterial endothelial inflammation in d-flow regions. Additionally, rKLK10 injection or ultrasound-mediated transfection of Klk10-expressing plasmids inhibited atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- mice. Moreover, KLK10 expression was significantly reduced in human coronary arteries with advanced atherosclerotic plaques compared to those with less severe plaques. KLK10 is a flow-sensitive endothelial protein that serves as an anti-inflammatory, barrier-protective, and anti-atherogenic factor.

Predicting the habitat suitability of Schistosoma intermediate host Bulinus truncatus, its predatory aquatic insect Odonata nymph, and the associated aquatic plant Ceratophyllum demersum using MaxEnt.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in tropical and subtropical areas. Its prevalence is associated with the distribution of freshwater snails, which are their intermediate hosts. Thus, control of freshwater snails is the solution to reduce the transmission of this disease. This will be achieved by understanding the relationship between the snails and their habitats including natural enemies and associated aquatic plants as well as the factors affecting their distribution. In this study, Maximum Entropy model (MaxEnt) was used for mapping and predicting the possible geographic distribution of Bulinus truncatus snail (the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium), Odonata nymph (predatory aquatic insect), and Ceratophyllum demersum (the associated aquatic plant) in Egypt based on topographic and climatic factors. The models of the investigated species were evaluated using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve. The results showed that the potential risk areas were along the banks of the Nile River and its irrigation canals. In addition, the MaxEnt models revealed some similarities in the distribution pattern of the vector, the predator, and the aquatic plant. It is obvious that the predictive distribution range of B. truncatus was affected by altitude, precipitation seasonality, isothermality, and mean temperature of warmest quarter. The presence of B. truncatus decreases with the increase of altitude and precipitation seasonality values. It could be concluded that the MaxEnt model could help introducing a predictive risk map for Schistosoma haematobium prevalence and performing better management strategies for schistosomiasis.

High-throughput sensor microtiter plate of new terbium complexes for the determination of anthracene in seawater.

A new fluorescent sensing microtiter plate (MTP) was developed for high sensitivity monitoring of anthracene in seawater samples. For this purpose, two ternary complexes of Tb(III) ions with dibenzoylmethane and neocuproine [Tb(DBM)2(MePhen)] or with dibenzoylmethane and bathocuproine [Tb(DBM)2(PhMePhen)] were synthesized. Elemental analysis, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, infrared and ultraviolet-visible emission, and thermal analysis were conducted on the Tb(III) complexes. The limits of detection (DL) were 0.14 and 1.05 µmol L-1 for [Tb(DBM)2(MePhen)] and [Tb(DBM)2(PhMePhen)], respectively. [Tb(DBM)2(PhMePhen)] MTP is embedded in a membrane made of cellulose acetate. The first high-throughput anthracene sensor MTP, based on [Tb(DBM)2(PhMePhen)] sensor showed a linear range, from 0.2 to 20 µmol L-1. [Tb(DBM)2(PhMePhen)] MTP was validated for accurate and precise monitoring of anthracene using gas chromatography. The selectivity of the [Tb(DBM)2(PhMePhen)] MTP toward anthracene was examined. The data indicated that [Tb(DBM)2(PhMePhen)] MTP is suitable for rapid and direct detection of anthracene.

The impact of music therapy on anxiety and pregnancy rate among infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of music therapy on anxiety and pregnancy rates among infertile women undergoing to perform assisted reproductive technologies (ART).Methods: Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI web of science, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared music therapy (intervention group) to no music intervention (control group). Our primary outcomes were anxiety score using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tool and pain score utilizing the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Our secondary outcomes were the overall satisfaction score and clinical pregnancy rate. We extracted the available data from included studies and pooled them in a meta-analysis model using RevMan software. The overall quality of evidence was assessed through GRADEpro GDT software.Results: Seven RCTs with a total number of 793 patients were included in our study. Music therapy significantly reduced the anxiety score compared to control group (MD= -3.09, 95% CI [-5.57, -0.61], p = 0.01). Moreover, pain score was significantly improved after music treatment (MD= -2.93, 95% CI [-3.86, -2.00], p > 0.001). A significant improvement in the overall satisfaction score was found among music therapy group (MD= 1.51, 95% CI [0.40, 2.61], p = 0.008). Although more women in music therapy group experienced an increase in the clinical pregnancy rate in comparison with control group, the result was not statistically significant (RR= 1.08, 95% CI [0.94, 1.26], p = 0.28). The GRADEpro GDT tool showed a moderate quality of evidence for the evaluated outcomes.Conclusions: There is evidence of moderate quality that music therapy improves anxiety, pain, and satisfaction scores among infertile women undergoing ART. Moreover, it increases the clinical pregnancy rate but without statistical significance. More trials with a larger sample size are needed to investigate the influence of music therapy on the clinical outcomes of ART.

Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis: Possible Correlations with TNF-α, Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor, and 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Status.

Osteoarthritis (OA) etiology and pathogenesis not yet fully understood. We studied the role of vitamin D receptor single-nucleotide polymorphisms (VDR-SNPs), vitamin D3, serum and synovial macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the development and progression of knee OA (KOA). This study included 205 Egyptian subjects (105 patients with KOA and 100 unrelated, healthy matched subjects selected as controls). The patient group was divided into three groups according to KOA severity (mild, moderate, and severe), with 35 patients in each group. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used for the ApaI and TaqI SNPs. Vitamin D, serum and synovial TNF-α, and MIF assays were performed using ELISA kits. There were significantly lower serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol with significant increasing TNF-α and MIF levels in relation to disease severity among the cases (all: p˂0.05).Wild homozygous and heterozygous mutant genotypes (GG+GT) and G allele of ApaI demonstrated risk for KOA development, with odds ratio OR = 6.313 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.074-19.210) and OR = 1.532 (95%CI 1.013-2.317), respectively. Homozygous mutant CC genotype and C allele of TaqI could be considered a risk factor associated with KOA development, with OR = 2.667 (95%CI 1.270-5.601) and OR = 0.737 (95%CI 0.496-1.095), respectively. VDR-SNPs, vitamin D3, TNF-α, and MIF could play an essential role in the pathogenesis and progression of KOA with mechanistic associations.