Cardiac dysfunction and their determinants in patients treated for breast cancer and lymphoma: A cardio-oncology center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer and cardiovascular diseases both have adverse effects on each other. We aim in the current study to investigate cardiac dysfunction including its prevalence, and associated factors in patients treated for breast cancer and lymphoma in a unique cardiac oncology center. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study included 180 patients with cancer breast and lymphoma who presented and were treated at our oncology center from January 2019 to February 2022. RESULT: Out of 180 consecutive patients, 155 patients (86 %) were diagnosed with cancer breast and 25 patients (14 %) were diagnosed with lymphoma. Patients with lymphoma were older age, less obese, and showed more prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.026, 0.05, and 0.04 respectively). They also showed more post-therapy left ventricular (LV) dilatation and lower values of global longitudinal strain (GLS); however, they did not develop more LV dysfunction compared to cancer breast patients. Moreover, lymphoma patients showed poor in-hospital outcomes (P = 0.04, 0.001, and 0.015 for infection, pericardial effusion, and mortality respectively). Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) was observed in 41 patients (23 %) of our population. The independent predictors of CTRCD in the current study were DM, low body mass index (BMI), and the use of trastuzumab. CONCLUSIONS: Some patients treated for breast cancer and lymphoma develop LV dysfunction. Lymphoma patients showed more subclinical LV dysfunction and poor in-hospital outcomes compared to patients with cancer breast. DM, low body mass index (BMI), and the use of trastuzumab were the independent predictors of cardiac dysfunction among our patients.

Effect of a self-care program among women with urinary incontinence: A quasi-experimental study.

Urinary incontinence is a multifactorial health problem that significantly affects women's quality of life. This quasi-experimental pre/post-test study aimed to evaluate the effect of a self-care program on women suffering from urinary incontinence. The study was conducted at the urodynamic unit within Ain Shams Maternity University Hospital, with a purposive sample of 100 women diagnosed with urinary incontinence, with no medical or surgical conditions, and who were not pregnant. A structured interview questionnaire and women's self-care practices checklists were used as study tools. The results showed that 72.0% of the study group and 68.0% of the control group were housewives. Significantly improved self-care practices and bladder retraining were observed in the study group compared to the control group post-intervention and during follow-up (p<0.001). Furthermore, the study group demonstrated a reduction in the severity of urinary incontinence and improved health practices, whereas the control group did not exhibit significant changes. These findings emphasize the significance of self-care programs in managing urinary incontinence and enhancing women's quality of life.

The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Hemodialysis Patients in Oman: A National Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: HCV infection in hemodialysis units is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The risk of HCV infection among dialysis patients is higher compared to the general population due to high potential blood exposures in hemodialysis settings. This study aims to assess the national HCV seroprevalence in selected dialysis units and to determine the risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January to 31 March 2021. A total of 734 patients from 11 hemodialysis centers in Oman were included. Samples were tested simultaneously for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. HCV genotyping was determined in all viremic patients. Demographic and hemodialysis center related data were gathered and their association with the positive HCV serology were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of 800 patients selected from 11 dialysis units for the study, 734 patients (91.8%) were included. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients was 5.6%. (41/734). HCV RNA was detected in 31.7% (13/41) of seropositive hemodialysis patients. The most common genotype was subtype 1a, followed by subtype 3. Variables associated with high HCV prevalence were family history of HCV and duration of dialysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of infection within hemodialysis patients in Oman has significantly decreased but remained higher than the general population. Continuous monitoring and follow-up, including periodic serosurvey and linkage to care and treatment are recommended. Additionally, practice audits are recommended for identifying gaps and ensuring sustainability of best practices and further improvement.

Impact of green antioxidants on decreasing the aflatoxins percentage in peanut oil seed (Arachis hypogaea L.) during storage.

The present study conducted an experimental investigation to impede the degradation of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds and enhance their quality while being stored. The efficacy of eco-friendly chemicals such as ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid in seed preservation was evaluated over a period of six months. After a period of six months of storage in a greenhouse, an examination was conducted on peanut seeds that had undergone treatment. Rhizoctonia was observed after Cephalothorax, whereas Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium were the prevailing fungi throughout the storage period. The optimal outcomes were obtained from the conversion of acetic acid to propionic acid. The study observed a decline in seed oil, protein, carbohydrates, germination percentage, energy, index, length, vigour index, dead and rotten seeds, rotted seedlings, and surviving healthy seedlings, with an increase in storage duration ranging from zero to six months. The application of 100% propionic acid to peanut seeds throughout the storage duration resulted in decreased occurrences of deceased seeds, decaying seeds, and deteriorated seedlings. Peanut seeds that underwent treatment with green chemical agents of moderate and high intensity were found to be free of aflatoxin B1. The highest levels of chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, and total phenols were observed in seeds stored in greenhouses and treated with 100% propionic acid and acetic acid extract. The application of propionic acid 100%, acetic acid 100%, salicylic acid 4 g/l and ascorbic acid 4 g/l proved to be the most effective treatments for peanut seeds, exhibiting the lowest total aflatoxin level of 0.40. The correlation coefficient between shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight was found to be 0.99, whereas the correlation coefficient between root dry weight and shoot length was 0.67. The seed chemical analysis, seedling characteristics, and germination characteristics were subjected to clustering analysis, resulting in the formation of two distinct groups. The first group consisted of germination percentage and energy levels across all time points (0-6 months), while the second group consisted of the remaining characteristics. The findings of this research propose the utilisation of 100% propionic acid as a viable method for preserving peanut seeds and preventing their deterioration during storage. The application of 100% acetic acid has been found to be effective in enhancing the quality of seeds and minimising losses.

Development and evaluating the biopotency of ready to eat liver meat balls in fighting anaemia and vitamin A deficiency, improving selected nutritional biochemical indicators and promoting the cognitive function among mildly anaemic Egyptian children aged 3-9 years.

OBJECTIVE: Ready to eat fried liver meat balls (LMB) were developed to fight anaemia and vitamin A deficiency and promote cognitive function. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial consisting of two arms: control group with no supplement and LMB group receiving LMB supplement three times a week for 90 d. Criteria of evaluations included dietary assessment, anthropometric measurements, laboratory investigations and cognitive function by Wechsler test. SETTING: Kinder Garten and primary school in Urban Giza. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty boys and girls aging 3-9 years. RESULTS: The LMB supplement contributed to significant increases in the intakes of high bioavailable Fe and vitamin A in the diets of all children. Initial overall prevalence of mild and moderate anaemia was 43 %, which disappeared completely from all children aging < 72 months and from 88 % of children ≥ 72 months after the 90 d dietary intervention with the LMB. Faecal systemic immune globulin A, urinary hydroxyproline index and urinary iodine excretion increased significantly (P < 0·05) only after the dietary intervention with the LMB supplement for 90 d. The standard scores of verbal and non-verbal cognitive function tests (Δ day 90-day 0) increased significantly (P < 0·05) among the LMB group compared with the respective changes observed among the control group. The increase in height-for-age Z score and blood Hb were good predictors for improvement in cognitive function. CONCLUSION: LMB supplement is effective sustainable nutritious biotherapeutic food in fighting hidden hunger and promoting the cognitive function.

Impact of Silica Ions and Nano Silica on Growth and Productivity of Pea Plants under Salinity Stress.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) and nano-silicon (NSi) on growth, yield, ions content, and antioxidant defense systems, including transcript levels of enzyme-encoding genes in Pisum sativum plants grown under salinity stress. Both Si and NSi were applied at the 3 mM level and NaCl was applied at 4 concentrations (100, 150, 200 and 250 mM). Vegetative growth, including plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weights, and yield attributes were determined. Gene expression of antioxidant enzymes was analyzed, and their activities were determined. The results showed that salinity had deleterious effects on plant growth and yield. Salt-stressed plant leaves exhibited a greater activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), but a lower activity of catalase (CAT) when compared to the control. Na+ ions accumulated in roots and shoots of salinized plants. The application of Si and NSi significantly enhanced vegetative growth and relative water content (RWC), and caused significant increases in plant height, fresh and dry weight, total yield, and antioxidant defense systems. Si and NSi enhanced K+ content in roots and shoots under salinity treatment and decreased Na+ content in the studied tissues. It was concluded that the application of NSi was beneficial in improving the salt tolerance of Pisum sativum plants more than Si alone.

Antibacterial, Antioxidant Activities, GC-Mass Characterization, and Cyto/Genotoxicity Effect of Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Latex of Cynanchum acutum L.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is receiving more attention these days since it is simple to use and prepare, uses fewer harsh chemicals and chemical reactions, and is environmentally benign. A novel strategy aims to recycle poisonous plant chemicals and use them as natural stabilizing capping agents for nanoparticles. In this investigation, silver nanoparticles loaded with latex from Cynanchum acutum L. (Cy-AgNPs) were examined using a transmission electron microscope, FT-IR spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Additionally, using Vicia faba as a model test plant, the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects of crude latex and various concentrations of Cy-AgNPs were studied. The majority of the particles were spherical in shape. The highest antioxidant activity using DPPH was illustrated for CAgNPs (25 mg/L) (70.26 ± 1.32%) and decreased with increased concentrations of Cy-AGNPs. Antibacterial activity for all treatments was determined showing that the highest antibacterial activity was for Cy-AgNPs (50 mg/L) with inhibition zone 24 ± 0.014 mm against Bacillus subtilis, 19 ± 0.12 mm against Escherichia coli, and 23 ± 0.015 against Staphylococcus aureus. For phytochemical analysis, the highest levels of secondary metabolites from phenolic content, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, were found in Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L). Vicia faba treated with Cy-AgNPs- (25 mg/L) displayed the highest mitotic index (MI%) value of 9.08% compared to other Cy-AgNP concentrations (50-100 mg/L) and C. acutum crude latex concentrations (3%). To detect cytotoxicity, a variety of chromosomal abnormalities were used, including micronuclei at interphase, disturbed at metaphase and anaphase, chromosomal stickiness, bridges, and laggards. The concentration of Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) had the lowest level of chromosomal aberrations, with a value of 23.41% versus 20.81% for the control. Proteins from seeds treated with V. faba produced sixteen bands on SDS-PAGE, comprising ten monomorphic bands and six polymorphic bands, for a total percentage of polymorphism of 37.5%. Eight ISSR primers were employed to generate a total of 79 bands, 56 of which were polymorphic and 23 of which were common. Primer ISSR 14 has the highest level of polymorphism (92.86%), according to the data. Using biochemical SDS-PAGE and ISSR molecular markers, Cy-AgNPs (25 mg/L) showed the highest percentage of genomic template stability (GTS%), with values of 80% and 51.28%, respectively. The findings of this work suggest employing CyAgNPs (25 mg/L) in pharmaceutical purposes due to its highest content of bioactive compounds and lowest concentration of chromosomal abnormalities.

Waste-Derived NPK Nanofertilizer Enhances Growth and Productivity of Capsicum annuum L.

Waste generation is a global issue that necessitates effective management for both human and animal health as well as environment. There are several ways to reduce waste, but recycling appears to be the best choice. By recycling, not only will the problem of pollution be resolved, but valuable compounds could be generated to be used as nutrients for plants. In this study, eco-friendly methods were established to produce α- and ß-chitosan (CS) (as a source of nitrogen) with different degrees of deacetylation from shrimp shells and squid pin waste, phosphorous through degreasing and calcination of bovine bone and potassium from evaporation of banana peels Kolakhar. The waste bulk products were physically characterized and dry-milled into nano-powders. Different concentrations of the produced nano-NPK fertilizer (10%, 25%, 50% and 100%) were foliar-applied to Capsicum annum L. cv. Cordoba plants and compared to commercial chemical fertilizer and untreated control plants. The obtained results revealed that the nano-composite NPK with 25% concentration significantly promoted growth, yield and harvest of C. annuum as compared with the control and chemical fertilizer-treated plants. This study demonstrated that the use of an eco-friendly preparation of waste NPK composites, with a low concentration, could be applied as foliar fertilizer over chemical fertilizer to enhance the growth and productivity of Capsicum.

Cytogenetical studies on achene colour polymorphism of Picris asplenoides L. and Urospermum picroides L. (Asteraceae) in Egypt.

Achene morphs of Picris asplenoides L. and Urospermum picroides L. were investigated in order to gain insight into its genetic variation based on the evidence obtained from karyotype analysis, electrophoretic pattern of achene proteins as well as nucleic acid analysis. In Picris asplenoides L., three achene morphs were observed from every inflorescence as follows: violet, brown and white, these morphs differ in their color. In the inflorescence of Urospermum picroides L., three achene morphs were differ also in their color were observed as follows: white, brown and black. All achene morphs of Picris asplenoides and Urospermum picroides were diploid, with ten chromosomes observed in somatic cells. Karyotype studies showed that the achene morphs of Picris asplenoides and Urospermum picroides have different karyotype formulae. However, the chromosome type nearly submetacentric (-) and nearly metacentric were common in all karyotype formulae of all different achene morphs of Picris asplenoides and Urospermum picroides. Not only the dissimilarity was found in the morphology of chromosomes but also in the Mean Chromosome Length (MCL) and Diploid Chromosome Length (DCL). Types and proportions of abnormalities for different achene morphs of Picris asplenoides and Urospermum picroides observed at mitotic division were analysed. The electrophoretic analysis of Picris asplenoides revealed the presence of fourteen bands of molecular weight ranging from 145.00 to 20.00 kD. The band with molecular weight 20.00 kD was restricted to brown achene from and can be used as molecular marker to distinguish brown achene form from violet achene form. The electrophoretic analysis of Urospermum picroides reveals the presence of nine bands of molecular weight ranging from 95.00 to 22.00 kD. The band with molecular weight 22.25 kD was restricted to white achene from and can be used as molecular marker to distinguish white achene form other achene forms. The nuclear DNA content for Picris asplenoides were 0.0295 and 0.0183 microg g(-1) fresh weight for violet and brown achene, respectively, while RNA content were 25.347 and 35.069 microg g(-1) fresh weight for violet and brown achene, respectively. The nuclear DNA content for Urospermum picroides were 0.093, 0.115 and 0.145 microg g(-1) fresh weight for brown, black and white achene, respectively while RNA content were 10.417, 17.361 and 21.528 microg g(-1) fresh weight for black, white and brown achene, respectively.