Phyto- and biochemical study on cape gooseberry (physalis peruviana L.) extract incorporated with metal nanoparticles against hepatic injury induced in rats.

The study aimed to investigate the role of metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) in improving the efficiency of Physalis peruviana (Cape gooseberry) juice, which is rich in numerous important therapeutic phytochemicals. Therefore, it was subsequently studied against chemically-induced toxicity in rats. The present study demonstrated that C. gooseberry juice was used for the biosynthesis of silver (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The ZnO-C. gooseberry nano-extract exhibited higher in vitro biological activities compared to the other extracts. It was also found to be safer when administered orally. Moreover, it demonstrated a greater ameliorative effect against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. It restored the integrity of the liver tissue by increasing levels of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the inflammatory markers significantly (p ≤ 0.05). The study found that the ZnO-C. gooseberry nano-extract demonstrated greater efficacy in combating CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity compared to the other extracts.

Toxic effect of chromium on nonspecific immune, bioaccumulation, and tissue structure of Urechis unicinctus.

The contamination of toxic heavy metals in aquatic environments has garnered significant global attention due to its detrimental effects on marine organisms and human health. Hexavalent chromium is a typical environmental and occupational heavy metal pollutant, identified as carcinogenic heavy metal. This study aimed to assess the impact of different Cr (VI) concentrations (0.05-2.5 mg/L) on Urechis unicinctus (U. unicinctus) by investigating bioaccumulation, antioxidant defense system, expression of resistance-related genes, and histological issues. A clear concentration-effect relationship was observed in the bioaccumulation of Cr (VI) in muscle tissues of U. unicinctus. Moreover, exposure to Cr (VI) can alter the activities of lysozyme (LSZ), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to enhance cellular defense mechanisms in U. unicinctus. Likewise, maintained the normal protein structure and functional stability by regulating protein folding. The heat shock cognitive protein (HSC70) gene showed an upward and then downward trend after Cr (VI) exposure. At 12 h, the HSC70 gene expression reached the maximum values of 4.75 and 4.61-fold in the 0.1 and 1.5 mg/L groups, respectively. The organism produced a large number of free radicals, and elevated level of metallothionein (MT) was used to scavenge free radicals and alleviate oxidative stress. Additionally, histopathological examination revealed disorganization in the midgut, atrophic changes in intestinal connective tissue, uneven distribution in respiratory tissues, and irregular shape with a significant reduction in epithelial cells within the gastric cavity. These findings can serve as a valuable reference for elucidating the toxicity mechanisms of heavy metals towards marine benthic organisms and enhancing water environment monitoring strategies.

Nonspecific immune, histology and accumulation of marine worm, Urechis unicinctus in response to bisphenol A (BPA).

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the environmental endocrine disruptors, due to its chemical stability it exists in abundant concentrations in water and soil consequently accumulating in the food chain and causing many endocrine-related health problems. So far, studies on the effects of BPA on marine invertebrates have focused on acute toxicity, endocrine regulation, reproduction, and development. However, fewer studies have been conducted on marine benthos. The current study aimed to detect the accumulation of BPA and its impact on tissue structure, antioxidant capacity, and immune indexes in marine worm, Urechis unicinctus. U. unicinctus, as a common marine benthic animal, were exposed to different concentrations of BPA. Blood cells and intestinal tract were taken for tissue structure inspection, and supernatant of the coelomic fluid was collected for oxidative and antioxidant biomarkers. Results showed that the accumulation of BPA in muscles of U. unicinctus tended to increase with exposure time. BPA induced a rise in H2O2 and MDA content, and altered the activities of CAT, T-SOD, GST, LSZ and ACP, weaken the immune system functions. Moreover, pathological observation showed that BPA caused severe histopathology in the respiratory intestine, stomach, and midgut. These results will be helpful to understand the response mechanism of U. unicinctus under BPA exposure and provide a reference for controlling the aquaculture conditions and marine water quality of U. unicinctus.

Integrative application of silicon and/or proline improves Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production and antioxidant defense system under salt stress condition.

Silicon (Si) and/or proline (Pro) are natural supplements that are considered to induce plants' stress tolerance against various abiotic stresses. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production is severely afflicted by salinity stress. Therefore, two field tests were conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Si and/or Pro (6mM) used as seed soaking (SS) and/or foliar spray (FS) on Sweet corn plant growth and yield, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidant defense systems grown in a saline (EC = 7.14dS m-1) soil. The Si and/or Pro significantly increased growth and yield, photosynthetic pigments, free proline, total soluble sugars (TSS), K+/Na+ratios, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), α-Tocopherol (α-TOC), Ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), enzymatic antioxidants activities and other anatomical features as compared to controls. In contrast, electrolytes, such as SS and/or FS under salt stress compared to controls (SS and FS using tap water) were significantly decreased. The best results were obtained when SS was combined with FS via Si or Pro. These alterations are brought about by the exogenous application of Si and/or Pro rendering these elements potentially useful in aiding sweet corn plants to acclimate successfully to saline soil.

Pectin Nanoparticle-Loaded Soft Coral Nephthea sp. Extract as In Situ Gel Enhances Chronic Wound Healing: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies.

This study shed light for the first time on the in vivo diabetic wound healing potential activity of natural marine soft coral polymeric nanoparticle in situ gel using an excision wound model. A Nephthea sp. methanol-methylene chloride extract loaded with pectin nanoparticles (LPNs) was created. For the preparation of in situ gel, ion-gelation techniques, the entrapment efficiency, the particle size, the polydispersity index, the zeta potential, the in-vitro drug release, and a transmission electron microscope were used and the best formula was selected. Using (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS), 27 secondary metabolites responsible for extract biological activity were identified. Isolation and identification of arachidic acid, oleic acid, nervonic acid, and bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) of Nephthea sp. was firstly reported here using NMR and mass spectral analyses. Moreover, LPN in situ gel has the best effects on regulating the proinflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) that were detected on days 7 and 15. The results were confirmed with an in vitro enzymatic inhibitory effect of the extract against glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), with IC50 values of 0.178 ± 0.009 and 0.258 ± 0.011 µg/mL, respectively. The molecular docking study showed a free binding energy of -9.6 kcal/mol for chabrolosteroid E, with the highest binding affinity for the enzyme (GSK-3), while isogosterone B had -7.8 kcal/mol for the enzyme (MMP-1). A pharmacokinetics study for chabrolohydroxybenzoquinone F and isogosterone B was performed, and it predicted the mode of action of wound healing activity.

Mitigation of Hepatotoxicity via Boosting Antioxidants and Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Carbendazim-Treated Rats Using Adiantum Capillus-Veneris L. Extract.

Exposure to food contaminants continues to be a substantial source of human health risks all over the world, particularly in developing countries. Carbendazim (CBZ) is a chemical fungicide used to control the spread of various fungi and other pathogens in the agriculture and veterinary sectors. The hazardous effects of CBZ on human health occur due to the accumulation of its residues in agricultural food products. In this study, the possible hepatoprotective effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (ACVL) extract were evaluated in CBZ-treated rats. A GC-MS analysis revealed that ACVL extract contained several bioactive hydrocarbon components and fatty acids, and that the components exerted hepatic protection by mitigating oxidative stress via upregulating antioxidant agents and neutralizing nitrogen and oxygen free radicals. Moreover, ACVL extracts relieved hepatic inflammation via decreasing NO, NF-κB, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6) in the liver of CBZ-treated rats, both at protein and mRNA levels. In addition, the protective effect of ACVL has appeared in the histopathological figures and function markers in the livers of CBZ-treated rats. According to the present results, ACVL extract can protect the hepatic tissue and restore its functions to a control level in CBZ-treated rats; this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

The impacts of COVID-19 and its policy response on access and utilization of maternal and child health services in Tanzania: A mixed methods study.

The SARS-Cov-2 virus (COVID-19) has had a global social and economic impact. Despite the growing evidence, its effects on access and delivery of maternal and child health services in low-income countries are still unclear. This cross-sectional case study was conducted in Mjini Magharibi, Chake Chake, and Ilala districts in Tanzania to help fill this gap. The study combined qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, providing an account of the evolution of the pandemic and the associated control measures in Tanzania. We drew from 34 in-depth interviews, 60 semi-structured interviews, and 14 focus group discussions with key informants, patients, and health providers, and complemented the findings with a review of pandemic reports and health facility records. We followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) to provide an account of the findings. Our account of the pandemic shows that there was at times an inconsistent policy response in Tanzania, with diverse control measures adopted at various stages of the epidemic. There was a perception that COVID-19 services were prioritized during the epidemic at the expense of regular ones. There were reports of reorganisation of health facilities, reallocation of staff, rescheduled antenatal and postnatal clinics, and reduced time for health education and child monitoring. Scarcity of essential commodities was reported, such as vaccines, equipment, and medical supplies. Such perceptions were in part supported by the routine utilization evidence in the three districts, showing a lower uptake of antenatal, postnatal, family planning, and immunization services, as well as fewer institutional deliveries. Our findings suggest that, although the policy response in Tanzania was erratic, it was rather fear of the pandemic itself and diversion of resources to control COVID-19, that may have contributed most to lower the utilization of mother and child services. For future emergencies, it will be crucial to ensure the policy response does not weaken the population's demand for services.

Development and implementation of an institutional enhanced recovery program data process.

Background: With increasing implementation of enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) in clinical practice, standardised data collection and reporting have become critical in addressing the heterogeneity of metrics used for reporting outcomes. Opportunities exist to leverage electronic health record (EHR) systems to collect, analyse, and disseminate ERP data. Objectives: (i) To consolidate relevant ERP variables into a singular data universe; (ii) To create an accessible and intuitive query tool for rapid data retrieval. Method: We reviewed nine established individual team databases to identify common variables to create one standard ERP data dictionary. To address data automation, we used a third-party business intelligence tool to map identified variables within the EHR system, consolidating variables into a single ERP universe. To determine efficacy, we compared times for four experienced research coordinators to use manual, five-universe, and ERP Universe processes to retrieve ERP data for 10 randomly selected surgery patients. Results: The total times to process data variables for all 10 patients for the manual, five universe, and ERP Universe processes were 510, 111, and 76 min, respectively. Shifting from the five-universe or manual process to the ERP Universe resulted in decreases in time of 32% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: The ERP Universe improves time spent collecting, analysing, and reporting ERP elements without increasing operational costs or interrupting workflow. Implications: Manual data abstraction places significant burden on resources. The creation of a singular instrument dedicated to ERP data abstraction greatly increases the efficiency in which clinicians and supporting staff can query adherence to an ERP protocol.

Chemical Composition of Tagetes patula Flowers Essential Oil and Hepato-Therapeutic Effect against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity (In-Vivo).

The liver is a crucial organ among body organs due to its wide functions, in particular, detoxification and metabolism. Exposure to detrimental chemicals or viral infections may provoke liver dysfunction and ultimately induce liver tissue damage. Finding natural substances for liver disease treatment to overcome the conventional treatments' side effects has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Our current work was conducted to investigate the hepato-therapeutic activities of essential oil (EO) isolated from Tagetes patula flowers. EO was extracted using the hydro-distillation (HD) technique and its chemical composition was identified by GC/MS. Then, the hepatic treatment potential of extracted EO was evaluated in vivo against CCL4 in rats. HD of T. patula flowers yielded highly chemical constituents of EO along with significant antioxidant potential. A coherent molecular network was fashioned via the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) to visualize the essential components and revealed that the sesquiterpene (E)-ß-caryophyllene was the most predominant volatile constituent which accounted for 24.1%. The treatment of CCL4 led to significant induced oxidative stress markers malonaldehyde, total protein, and non-protein sulfhydryl, as well as elevated serum aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. In addition, it disrupted the level of lipid profile. The post-treatment using T. patula EO succeeded in relieving all toxic effects of CCl4 and recuperating the histopathological signs induced by CCL4. Silymarin was used as a standard hepatoprotective agent. The obtained results demonstrated that the extracted EO exerted high protective activities against the toxicity of CCL4. Moreover, the T. patula flowers EO can be used as a natural remedy to relieve many contemporary liver diseases related to oxidative stress.

Genotoxicity and Trace Elements Contents Analysis in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Indicated the Levels of Aquatic Contamination at Three Egyptian Areas.

The toxic waste and pollutants of heavy metals continuously pollute freshwater aquatic reservoirs, which have severe implications on aquatic life and human health. The present work aims to evaluate trace elements (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) along with three sites, Mariout Lake, Abbassa, and River Nile Aswan in Egypt, using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as bioindicator. The quality assurance, health-risk assessment, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and micronucleus test were performed to investigate the effect of different trace elements on Hsp70 gene level and micronuclei formation. We observed the highest expression of Hsp70 protein band of 70 KD and stress-responsive Hsp70 gene in the liver followed by gills of Nile tilapia caught from Mariout and Abbassa, but the lowest expression was in Nile tilapia caught from Aswan. Obvious micronuclei were observed under the microscope in erythrocytes, and their number was gradually decreased in the following manner: Mariout > Abbassa > Aswan. Noticeably, Cu, Zn, and Mn contents were low. Still, Pb and Cd contents were higher than the toxicity level recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), The World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Commission (EC). These results showed that Hsp70's appearance at the two levels of mRNA and protein is an effective indicator for aquatic pollution besides the aberration at the chromosome level represented in the micronucleus test. Furthermore, these results showed that Nile tilapia of the Aswan region had comparatively low trace elements contamination and were suitable for consumption.

Vasoactive pharmacologic therapy in cardiogenic shock: a critical review.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is an acute complex condition leading to morbidity and mortality. Vasoactive medications, such as vasopressors and inotropes are considered the cornerstone of pharmacological treatment of CS to improve end-organ perfusion by increasing cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure (BP), thus preventing multiorgan failure. OBJECTIVE: A critical review was conducted to analyze the currently available randomized studies of vasoactive agents in CS to determine the indications of each agent and to critically appraise the methodological quality of the studies. METHODS: PubMed database search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vasoactive therapy in CS. After study selection, the internal validity of the selected studies was critically appraised using the three-item Jadad scale. RESULTS: Nine studies randomized 2388 patients with a mean age ranged between 62 and 69 years, were identified. Seven of studies investigated CS in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The studies evaluated the comparisons of norepinephrine (NE) vs. dopamine, epinephrine vs. NE, levosimendan vs. dobutamine, enoximone or placebo, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (NOSi) vs. placebo. The mean Jadad score of the nine studies was 3.33, with only three studies of a score of 5. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from the studies of vasoactive agents in CS carries uncertainties. The methodological quality between the studies is variable due to the inherent difficulties to conduct a study in CS. Vasopressors and inotropes continue to have a fundamental role given the lack of pharmacological alternatives.

Ephedra sinica mitigates hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation via suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in fipronil-treated rats.

Ephedra sinica (ES) is a promising medicinal plant with a wide range of pharmacological aspects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fipronil (FN) is a popularly used systemic insecticide in agriculture and veterinary applications. FN exposure can result in a variety of negative health consequences. The study aimed to explore the prophylactic effects of Ephedra sinica extract (ESE) against hepatotoxicity in FN-treated rats by following the TLR4/ MyD88/ NF-κB pathway. ESE was tested for polyphenolic and antioxidant activity. Forty rats were separated into four groups and given orally by FN (10 mg/kg B.W.) and/or ESE (150 mg/kg B.W.). Blood and tissue samples were collected at the end of the experiment and prepared for pathophysiological, gene expression, and pathological analysis. ESE showed strong antioxidant activity, as well as reduced levels of hepatic MDA and oxidative stress markers (H2O2, NO). Hepatic SOD and CAT activities were increased even further. Furthermore, in FN-treated rats, ESE improved liver functions (ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH) and recovered the lipid profile (Cho, TriG, HDL, and LDL). Moreover, by inhibiting TLR4/ MyD88/ NF-κB induction, ESE alleviated hepatic pathological changes and decreased FN-induced elevations of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß mRNA/protein levels. These findings suggested that ESE mitigated FN-induced hepatotoxicity via combating oxidative stress and relieving inflammation.

Oncologic Equipoise Between Robotic and Open Radical Cystectomy.

Purpose: Our objective was to establish the incidence of positive surgical margins, recurrence patterns, and recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in a large cohort of patients undergoing robotic (robot-assisted radical cystectomy [RARC]) and open radical cystectomy (ORC). Materials and Methods: We performed a large retrospective cohort study at a high-volume academic tertiary referral center. Patients were those who underwent RC for bladder cancer from 2005 to 2017. Patients were allocated to ORC or RARC by patient and surgeon choice. Propensity matching and a multivariable analysis were performed to determine factors predictive of RFS and OS after RC. All analyses were done with SAS 9.4. Results: The study included 1885 patients, 13.5% of whom underwent RARC. There was no difference in positive soft tissue surgical margins (2.4% in ORC and 1.2% in RARC). There were no differences in recurrence patterns, nor in the severity of pathology distribution between the two cohorts. Peritoneal carcinomatosis was seen in 1.1% of ORC and 0.8% in RARC. Shorter RFS was associated with younger age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.05, p < 0.001), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14-1.75, p = 0.002), higher pathologic stage (stage ≥T2 HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.91-3.16, p < 0.001), lymph node positivity at cystectomy (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.50-2.47, p < 0.001), and positive surgical margins (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.09-2.05, p = 0.01). RFS and OS did not differ by surgical approach (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.83-1.30), p = 0.75 and (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.67-1.19), p = 0.43, respectively. Conclusion: The data from this study support continued use of RARC as a safe oncologic procedure, with similar outcomes to ORC.

Immunohistochemical, histopathological, and biochemical studies of the NF-Ò¡B P65 marker in rat ovaries experimentally intoxicated by cadmium and the protective effect of the purslane plant extract.

The aim of this study is to describe the existence of the inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa light chain B lymphocyte protein (NF-Ò¡B P65) in the tissue as a response to cadmium (CdCl2) toxicity. Next is to describe the disappearance of the NF-Ò¡B P65 in response to the purslane plant treatment to explore its anti-inflammatory effect, also describing the histopathological and biochemical changes that occurred from CdCl2 toxicity and the purslane plant tissue protections. There are four experimental groups, 32 rats (n = 8) intraperitoneally injected with CdCl2 and orally administered with purslane plant extract (according to groups) for 30 days: group one (control), group two (purslane extract 2 g/kg bw), group three (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw), group four (CdCl2 3.5 mg/kg bw + purslane plant extract 2 g/kg bw). The biochemical findings showed that ovaries and brain tissue homogenates in group three showed malondialdehyde increase and reduction in catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and acetylcholine esterase. A reduction in serum LH, FSH, and estradiol were also recorded. These parameters became normal in group four. The histopathological findings exhibited that group three showed ovarian and cerebral hemorrhage and lung pneumonia. Tissues of group four were protected and no pathological lesions were detected. The immunohistochemical results showed that the inflammatory marker NF-Ò¡B P65 in group three was strongly detected in the spleen and moderately detected in the ovaries, brain, and lung but negatively detected in the tissues of group four. In conclusion, CdCl2 induced ovarian toxicity and the NF-Ò¡B P65 existence was increased. Purslane plant protected rats from CdCl2 toxicity and decrease NF-Ò¡B P65.

Zingiber officinale ethanolic extract attenuates oxidative stress, steroidogenic gene expression alterations, and testicular histopathology induced by sodium arsenite in male rats.

Arsenic (As) indelibly exists in the environment and may reach to a food chain. Flavors and herbs are recognized sources of natural antioxidants that play imperative against harmful chemical pollutants. Ginger is utilized around the world as a zesty condiment. This study assessed the ability of ginger extract (GE) as a protector to improve regenerative disabilities initiated by sodium arsenate in reproductive functions in male rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats weighted 240 ± 10 g were arbitrarily relegated into four experimental groups (n = 8): the control group; the GE-treated group received at 100 mg/kg BW; the As-treated group received sodium arsenite at 10 mg/kg BW; the fourth group received sodium arsenite additionally GE at mentioned doses for 4 weeks. Phytochemical results of GE revealed that GE had good antioxidative characteristics and high content of total flavonoid, tannins, alkaloids, and total phenolic components. Simultaneously, treatment of GE showed protection against oxidative stress induced by As and restoration of the serum cholesterol, testosterone, LH, and sperm parameter to normal levels. GE significantly improved the antioxidant activities (GSH, SOD, and CAT) as well as H2O2 and MDA in rats received concurrently the GE and As compared with control group. Moreover, the expression of genes controlling the cholesterol transportation and testosterone synthesis (SR-B1, StAR, CYP11A1, 3b-HSD, 17b-HSD, and CYP17a) as well as LHR showed a meaningful improvement in rats treated by GE plus As compared with their expression in the As-treated group. Besides, GE treatment exhibited significant recovered testis histopathological alterations, reduced the arsenic content in testes, and improved the sperm parameters.

Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn protects female reproductive system against carbendazim toxicity in rats: immunohistochemical, histopathological, and pathophysiological studies.

This experimental study is done to clarify the protective role of the Adiantum capillus-veneris linn plant extracts (ACVL) in Sprague-Dawley female rat reproductive organs that are intoxicated by carbendazim pesticide (CBZ). This aim is achieved by the immunohistochemical detection of the inflammatory marker NF-Ò¡B-P65. This aim is achieved by the immunohistochemical detection of the inflammatory marker NF-Ò¡B-P65 and also, description of the histopathological and pathophysiological changes. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (n = 8) and were daily treated orally for 4 weeks. The first group as a control, the second group was treated with ACVL plant extract 200 mg/kg b.w., the third group was treated with CBZ 25 mg/kg b.w., and the fourth group was treated with CBZ 25 mg + ACVL plant extract 200 mg/kg b.w. The pathophysiological results showed that in the third group, the ovarian tissue malondialdehyde content was elevated, but the fourth group exhibited it at a normal level. Reductions in the ovarian tissue content of glutathione, superoxide dismutase activity, 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and also serum FSH, LH, and estradiol hormones were observed in the third group, while, in the fourth group, all these items recorded normal level. The histopathological findings in the third group exhibited severe congestion and hemorrhage in the ovaries, oviducts, myometrium, gastric submucosa, splenic white pulps, and brain subarachnoid spaces. The fourth group showed protection from the congestion and hemorrhage, and no histopathological changes occurred. The immunohistochemical results in the third group revealed strong positive immunoreaction against the NF-Ò¡B-P65 antigen in the uterus and stomach. Ovaries, spleen, and brain showed moderate positive immunoreaction. The fourth group disclosed negative immunoreaction for the NF-Ò¡B-P65 antigen. In conclusion, CBZ toxicity induced histopathological changes in female rat reproductive organs. CBZ induced changes in the enzymatic activities measured in ovarian and brain tissue homogenates. CBZ causes an elevation in NF-Ò¡B P65 as an inflammatory marker, especially in the uterus and stomach. The ACVL plant extract acts as a protective factor to prevent the CBZ toxicity and also has an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing the synthesis of NF-Ò¡B-P65.

Utilizing time-driven activity-based costing to determine open radical cystectomy and ileal conduit surgical episode cost drivers.

OBJECTIVES: Patients undergoing radical cystectomy represent a particularly resource-intensive patient population. Time-driven activity based costing (TDABC) assigns time to events and then costs are based on the people involved in providing care for specific events. To determine the major cost drivers of radical cystectomy care we used a TDABC analysis for the cystectomy care pathway. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a random sample of 100 patients out of 717 eligible patients undergoing open radical cystectomy and ileal conduit for bladder cancer at our institution between 2012 and 2015. We defined the cycle of care as beginning at the preoperative clinic visit and ending with the 90-day postoperative clinic visit. TDABC was carried out with construction of detailed process maps. Capacity cost rates were calculated and the care cycle was divided into 3 phases: surgical, inpatient, and readmissions. Costs were normalized to the lowest cost driver within the cohort. RESULTS: The mean length of stay was 6.9 days. Total inpatient care was the main driver of cost for radical cystectomy making up 32% of the total costs. Inpatient costs were mainly driven by inpatient staff care (76%). Readmissions were responsible for 29% of costs. Surgery was 31% of the costs, with the majority derived from operating room staff costs (65%). CONCLUSION: The major driver of cost in a radical cystectomy pathway is the inpatient stay, closely followed by operating room costs. Surgical costs, inpatient care and readmissions all remain significant sources of expense for cystectomy and efforts to reduce cystectomy costs should be focused in these areas.

Bisphenol A-associated alterations in DNA and histone methylation affects semen quality in rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a well-known estrogenic endocrine disruptor, is ubiquitously present in the environment, possessing the potential to interfere with the reproductive endocrine system in male mammals. However, there are limited studies on the reproductive toxicity in male aquatic animals associated with epigenetic modifications. In order to evaluate the potential effects of BPA on reproduction and better understand the underlying mechanism, adult male rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) were exposed to 15 µg L-1 BPA over a period of 63 d. Results showed that BPA induced congestion of blood vessels and infiltration of inflammatory cells after 21 d exposure, and decreased sperm fertilization after 63 d exposure. The genome DNA methylation levels were significantly increased throughout the treatment, and a strong positive stain were found in the spermatocyte, spermatid and sperm. The H3K4me3 level in all types of germ cell were increased by 21 d exposure while decreased following 63 d exposure. The positive stain of H3K9me3 was decreased in sperms while increased in spermatids by 21 d exposure. In addition, the H3K9me3 level was significantly increased after 63 d exposure, and a strong positive stain were found in spermatocytes, spermatids, and sperms. Our result also revealed that the transcripts of DNA methyltransferase genes (dnmt1 and dnmt3-8) and histone methyltransferase genes (mll2-5, setdb1-2 and ezh2) were also markedly changed under BPA exposure for 21-63 d. These findings indicated that BPA had toxicity in male reproductive, and DNA/histone methylation might play a vital role in the regulation of BPA-triggered the decreased of sperm quality.

Radical Cystectomy and Perioperative Sexual Function: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related changes in sexual function (SF) negatively impact quality of life and intimate partner relationships. There is a lack of data regarding SF among patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC). AIM: To comparatively evaluate perioperative SF among patients who underwent RC. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 150 patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer and participating in an internal validation study at a single institution from 2016 to 2019 were eligible for analysis. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-Bladder Cancer Muscle Invasive (EORTC QLQ-BLM 30) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder were administered; those completing the SF subscale of the EORTC QLQ-BLM 30 were included in final analysis. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and generalized linear modeling. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was interest or engagement in sexual activity within 4 weeks of survey completion, whereas the secondary outcome was a mean score on the EORTC QLQ-BLM 30 SF subscale. RESULTS: Overall, 132 of 150 (88%) of patients were eligible, of whom 82% were male, and the median age was 68.5 years. 53% reported at least a little interest in sexual activity, and 40% endorsed sexual activity within the last 4 weeks. The mean SF subscale score was 61.5 ± 25.2. Women had significantly worse mean scores of 72.9 ± 27.1 versus 59.1 ± 24.2 for men (P = .02). On multivariate analysis, both age and female gender were independently associated with higher SF domain scores. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A substantial portion of patients who underwent RC endorse being sexually active or express interest in sexually activity in the perioperative period. Given the recent increase in attention given to SF outcomes and quality of life, this work supports further efforts to explore this area and develop novel interventions to improve outcomes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include rigorously collected, cross-sectional data using standardized methodology. Limitations include a relatively small sample size of female patients and unknown meaningful clinical difference. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial portion of patients report sexual interest and activity in the perioperative period; however, female gender is associated with worse SF domain scores. These findings support further inquiry into this topic. Westerman ME, Kokorovic A, Wang XS, et al. Radical Cystectomy and Perioperative Sexual Function: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. J Sex Med 2020;17:1995-2004.

Evaluation of the Biological Efficiency of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Croton tiglium L. Seeds Extract against Azoxymethane Induced Colon Cancer in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as the most common type of gastrointestinal cancers. Chemotherapy became limited due to the adverse side effects. Therefore, the most effective Croton tiglium extract was selected to be incorporated by silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) then evaluated against colon cancer induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats. METHODS: Different hematological and biochemical measurements were quantified in addition to markers of oxidative stress. Specific tumor and inflammatory markers were assayed. Colonic tissues were examined histopathologically in addition to immunohistochemistry (IHC). Native proteins and isoenzymes patterns were electrophoretically assayed beside expression of Tumor Protein P53 (TP53) and Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) genes in colonic tissues. RESULTS: It was found that AOM caused significant (P≤0.05) elevation in the hematological and biochemical measurements. C. tiglium nano-extract restored these measurements to normalcy. Tumor and inflammatory markers elevated significantly (P≤0.05) in sera of AOM induced colon cancer group in addition to increasing peroxidation products with decline in antioxidant enzymes activities in colon tissues. Nano-extract restored these measurements to normalcy in post-treated group. Histopathological study revealed that nano-extract minimized severity of inflammatory reactions in all nano-extract treated groups and prevented  anti-Keratin 20 antibody expression in post-treated group. The lowest similarity index (SI%) values were noticed with electrophoretic protein (SI=71.43%), lipid (SI=0.00%) and calcium (SI=75.00%) moieties of protein patterns, catalase (SI=85.71%), peroxidase (SI=85.71%), α-esterase (SI=50.00%) and ß-esterase (SI=50.00%) isoenzymes in colon cancer group. Furthermore, AOM altered the relative quantities of total native bands. The nano-extract prevented the alterations that occurred qualitatively in nano-extract post-treated group and quantitatively in all nano-extract treated groups. Levels of TP53 and APC gene expression increased in AOM injected group and nano-extract restored their levels to normalcy in the post-treated group. CONCLUSION: C. tiglium nano-extract exhibited ameliorative effect against the biochemical and molecular alterations induced by AOM in nano-extract post-treated group.