Dihydrotestosterone and 17-Estradiol Enhancement of in vitro Osteogenic Differentiation of Castrated Male Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (rBMMSCs).

Background: In vitro impact of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 17-estradiol (E2) in osteogenic differentiation of castrated rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMMSC) still need to be clarified. Materials and Methods: The viability, proliferation and density of cultured rBMMSC isolated from sham operated (Sham) and castrated (Cast) male rats were evaluated. rBMMSC were cultured with osteogenic differentiating medium (ODM) in the presence of DHT (5,10 nM) and E2 (10,100 nM). Osteogenesis was evaluated by alizarin red staining and measurement of calcium deposition and bone alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) activity. Results: Population doubling (PD) of rBMMSC isolated from Cast rats was significantly lower (P<0.05) compared to that isolated from Sham rats. rBMMSC from Cast rats showed low scattered calcified nodule after culturing in ODM and did not cause a significant increase in calcium deposition and B-ALP activity compared to rBMMSCs from Sham rats. Exposure of rBMMSC isolated from Cast rats to DHT (5 nM) or E2 (10 nM) in ODM showed medium scattered calcified nodules with significantly higher (P<0.05) calcium deposition and B-ALP activity. Moreover, exposure of rBMMSC to DHT (10 nM) or E2 (100 nM) showed high scattered calcified nodules with higher (P<0.01) calcium deposition and B-ALP activity Conclusion: These results indicated that the presence of testes might participate in controlling the in vitro proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity of rBMMSCs. DHT and E2 can enhance the osteogenic capacity of rBMMSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Based on these observations, optimum usage of DHT and E2 can overcome the limitations of MSCs and advance the therapeutic bone regeneration potential in the future.

Immunological and histopathological changes in sheep affected with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and treated immunotherapeutically.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recently, it has been recorded unexpected percentage of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in sheep. Despite the improvement in surgical treatment, the outcome of animals remains limited by metastatic relapse. Although antibodies for cancer treatment have been practiced for many decades, the use of this methodology in animals is deficient. This study aimed to establish cSCC therapy by tumor cell protein antibody (Ab1) or secondary antibody (Ab2) raised by two series of immunization in the same strain of rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 Ossimi sheep were used (14 sheep suffered from cSCC and 5 were apparently healthy). Each animal from control healthy group (n=5) and control cSCC (n=4) group was treated with a course of eight injections of normal globulins. Animals in the third (n=5) and the last (n=5) groups received a course of eight injections of Ab1and Ab2, respectively. Each tumor was measured before and after treatment. The eight injections were applied at 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th week and the remaining three injections were at 1 week interval. Tissue specimens and blood samples were taken for histological and immunological studies. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that injection of Ab1 might prevent the bad prognostic picture of polymorph infiltration without any criteria of regression % of tumor. Treatment with Ab2 showed regression of tumor size ranged between minimum of 8.99% and maximum of 78.12%, however, the measurements in most cases reached the maximum regression after the past two injections. In additions, infiltration of lymphocytes to tumor site, normalization of leukocytes picture and also increase of antibody titer were observed. CONCLUSION: This profile might confirm that Ab2 could act as an antigen and encourage us to use it as a tumor vaccine. Extensive studies are needed to isolate the idiotypic portion of Ab1 for raising Ab2 as an anti-idiotypic antibody to be used as tumor vaccine. The question of how lymphocyte traffic to the tumor site as a result of Ab2 injection needs further investigation.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty--triple procedure: a useful clinical application of the pre-Descemet's layer (Dua's layer).

PURPOSE: To describe a technique which exploits the transparency and toughness of the pre-Descemets layer (Dua's layer) to safely perform deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and phacoemulsification at the same time. METHODS: Three DALK procedures combined with phacoemulsification were performed by the same surgeon using the big-bubble (BB) technique at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Cairo, Egypt. In two cases a type-1 BB, baring Dua's layer, was achieved and in one case a type-2 BB, baring the Descemet's membrane (DM), was achieved. The surgeries were video recorded and photo slit-lamp images were taken in the follow-up visits. RESULTS: DALK with phacoemulsification and lens implant was carried out in both patients where a type-1 BB was achieved. At a follow up of 18 months (first case) and 6 months (second case), the best corrected vision was 6/12 for each. In the case where a type-2 BB was achieved, the DM ruptured during injection of viscoelastic prior to capsulorhexis. The procedure was converted to a penetrating keratoplasty without phacoemulsification. CONCLUSION: When a type-1 BB is achieved simultaneous DALK and phacoemulsification can be safely accomplished. Dua's layer allows a clear view for performing phacoemulsification with the added benefit of its toughness, which can maintain a stable anterior chamber for cataract surgery. This should not be attempted when a type-2 BB is achieved.

Removal of metal ions from wastewater using EB irradiation in combination with HA/TiO2/UV treatment.

The electron beam (EB) irradiation technology was applied for removal of Cu(2+), Sr(2+), and Co(2+) ions from wastewater. The aim of this study is to achieve an efficient treatment process of wastewater using EB and introducing a combination of humic acid (HA) as a natural organic polymer and ultraviolet irradiation of a TiO2 (TiO2/UV), as a suspended catalyst in the treatment of wastewater solutions (TiO2/UV+HA). The experimental results showed that the percentage removal of Cu(2+), Sr(2+), and Co(2+)ions was 41%, 87% and 75% respectively, at 125 kGy. In the presence of TiO2 photocatalyst and exposure of the investigated wastewater to ultraviolet rays before irradiation by the EB the percentage removal of Cu(2+) ions became 51%, while the percentage removal of both Sr(2+) and Co(2+) ions was slightly improved; was 87% and 75%, respectively at the same EB dose. On the other hand, by introducing the combination of TiO2/UV+HA, only an irradiation dose of about 50kGy led to removal of Cu(2+), Sr(2+), and Co(2+) completely from the wastewater. Mechanisms of interactions between HA and Cu(2+), Co(2+) and Sr(2+) metal ions were suggested and discussed.

Two oleananes from Ammannia auriculata Willd.

Two new compounds: 3-ß,15-α,23,28-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-3-O-arabinopyaranoside and 3-ß,23,28-trihydroxy-olean-12-en-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside were isolated from the aerial parts of Ammania auriculata along with the known compounds kaempferol, ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß- D-glucoside, 2-α,3-ß,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-arabinofuranoside, kaempferol-3-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside and ellagic acid. Structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data (NMR, UV, MS and IR spectra). The antioxidant activities of the total extract, the fractions CH(2)Cl(2), EtOAc and the remaining aqueous together with the compounds 1, 6 and 9 were comparable with that of the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid.

Modeling the long-term leaching behavior of (137)Cs, (60)Co, and (152,154)Eu radionuclides from cement-clay matrices.

Leaching characteristics of some radionuclides that are commonly encountered in radioactive waste streams from immobilized waste matrices in different cement-clay grouts have been assessed to investigate the influence of the clay additives on the leaching behavior of the solid waste matrices. The International Atomic Energy's Agency (IAEA) standard leach method has been employed to study the leach pattern of (137)Cs, (60)Co, and (152,154)Eu radionuclides immobilized in ordinary Portland cement (OPC), OPC-bentonite, and OPC-red clay grouts. The examination of the leaching data revealed that adding clays to OPC reduces the leach pattern as OPC-bentonite

Modeling batch kinetics and thermodynamics of zinc and cadmium ions removal from waste solutions using synthetic zeolite A.

The sorptive removal of zinc and cadmium ions from aqueous solutions using synthetic zeolite A was investigated. Experiments were carried out as a function of solute concentration and temperature (298-333 K). Several kinetic models were used to test the experimental rate data and to examine the controlling mechanism of the sorption process. Various parameters such as effective diffusion coefficient, activation energy and entropy of activation were evaluated. Equilibrium sorption data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models. Of the model tested, both Freundlich and D-R isotherm expressions were found to give better fit to the experimental equilibrium data compared to Langmuir model. The mean free energy is in all cases in the range corresponding to the ion exchange type of sorption. The results indicated that synthetic zeolite A can be used as an efficient ion exchange material for the removal of zinc and cadmium ions from industrial and radioactive wastewaters.

Anti-sperm antibodies and seminal characteristics after testicular biopsy or epididymal aspiration in dogs.

A study was performed to determine if performing testicular biopsies or epididymal aspirates in dogs would induce sperm-bound anti-sperm antibodies (ASA), affect long-term sperm production or semen quality. Semen was collected from 8 mature dogs 3 times a week before and after hemicastration and then 3 times a week after testicular biopsy (n=3 and 1 control) or epididymal aspiration (n=3 and 1 control). Detection of anti-sperm IgG (ASA) on sperm cells was performed by flow cytometry analysis using a flow cytometer. Two dogs with testicular biopsies became positive for ASA 16 d after testicular biopsy and remained positive for 7 and 9 d, respectively. One dog that had an epididymal aspirate became positive 13 d after epididymal aspiration and remained positive for 35 d. One dog became positive 21 d after hemicastration and remained positive for 28 d. Sperm output declined significantly in 7 of 8 dogs after hemicastration. A control epididymal aspirate treatment dog had decreased sperm output, and a testicular biopsy treatment dog had increased sperm output. None of the dogs with ASA had significant changes in sperm output after treatment. Sperm motility declined significantly in 3 dogs after hemicastration. An epididymal aspiration treatment dog had a decrease in sperm motility, a control epididymal aspirate treatment dog and a control testicular biopsy treatment dog each had increases in sperm motility. None of the dogs with ASA had significant changes in motility. The percentage of normal spermatozoa significantly decreased in 3 dogs and significantly increased in 1 dog after hemicastration. Two dogs that had testicular biopsies and 1 dog that had an epididymal aspiration had decreases in percent normal sperm. Two of 3 dogs with decreases in percent normal sperm after treatment had ASA, but 2 dogs with ASA had no change in motility. Hemicastration, epididymal aspiration, and testicular biopsy can induce ASA production within 2 wk of the procedure, but ASA are transient and do not have a predictably negative effect on total sperm output or motility. Testicular biopsy and epididymal aspiration are safe diagnostic procedures, but further work investigating post-treatment fertility must be done before final conclusions can be made.

Toxic effect of dieldrin on gonadotrophin levels (FSH and LH) in serum of mature female albino rats.

Occurrence of hormonal disorders in 32 mature female albino rats fed on a 2 ppm of dieldrin for 3 weeks prompted a study into the effect of the insecticide on hormonal and histopathological changes in rat. FSH levels were significantly decreased in the 1st and 2nd weeks of the experiment, before they returned nearly to normal in the 3rd week. But LH levels, however, were significantly decreased only in the 1st week and slightly increased in the 2nd and 3rd weeks. Histopathological changes revealed severe haemorrhagic spots in the submucosal areas of the uterine wall, in addition to lymphocytic infiltration in the Graafian follicles due to direct effect of dieldrin on the genital tract of the rats.

Detection of steroid hormone (estrogen) residues in imported red meat.

28 immature female albino mice were utilized to clarify, if hormonal agents used in the production of meat for human consumption, such as estrogen, remained in higher quantity in meat cut from carcasses of animals which had received hormones for finishing, and if those residues were harmful to the human consumer. The animals were subdivided into 4 equal groups. Group A for control were fed a normal ration. Each mouse in Group B received one daily intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 micrograms of oestradiol propionate. Group C were fed a daily normal ration of 5 g per animal mixed with imported minced meat. Group D were fed as Group C, but local minced meat was used. Sera were collected after one week. There were significant increases in both FSH and LH in Group B. A slight rise in both FSH and LH in Groups C and D. Group A exhibited lower levels of both FSH and LH. The number of Graafian follicles was significantly higher in Group B. Body weight (b.w.) of Group B increased faster than in other groups. Groups C and D were very close to each other in b.w., indicating that imported meat and our local meat were free of any estrogenic residues.

Detection of steroid hormone (estrogen) residues in imported red meat.

28 immature female albino mice were utilized to clarify if there was a sufficient amount of the hormonal agent used in the production of meat for human consumption, such as estrogen, can remain in meat cut from carcasses of animals administered hormones during finishing to have deletorious effects on human ingestors. The animals were divided into 4 equal groups, group A: control, fed on normal ration, group B: each mouse were injected with 0.2 microgram of estradiol propionate i. p. daily, group C: were fed on normal ration mixed with imported minced meat, 5 g/mouse/day, group D: were fed as in group C, but we used local minced meat. Sera were collected after one week. There were significant increase in both FSH and LH in group B, slight rise in both FSH and LH in groups C and D but group A have the lower level of both FSH and LH. The number of Graafian follicle were significantly higher in group B, also the body weight of group B, were rapidly increased more than other groups. Both of groups C and D nearly inclose to each other, in body weight, indicating that imported meat were free from any estrogenic residues in comparison to our local meat.

Plant proteins in milk replacers for rearing buffalo calves. I. Effect of replacing half of the milk proteins by plant proteins on the preweaning performance of buffalo calves.

In an experiment, 12 female and 8 male buffalo calves aged 3 to 4 weeks with an average of 65.2 kg live body weight were divided into 4 equal groups. Group 1 received dried skim milk plus non-milk fat. In groups 2, 3, and 4, 50% of the milk protein were replaced by American soybean flour, Egyptian soya meal, or corn glutine. Scouring occurred in all groups during the first three weeks. Death losses occurred in group 2 (2 calves) and 4 (1 calf). During the first three experimental weeks the calves consumed on average 828, 868, 847, 696 g dry matter (DM) as liquids. The average daily gain (ADG) was 229, 215, 252, 48 g/d, respectively. The energy consumption reached 4.1, 4.6, 3.8, 16.6 TDN/kg ADG. During the second period, the calves consumed 1.57, 1.45, 1.55, 1.65 kg DM as liquid and solid feedstuff. Up to a live body weight of 90 kg they had a daily increase of 695, 611, 593, 600 g. The energy used amounted to 1.98, 2.08, 2.28, 2.40 TDN/kg ADG. The apparent digestibility of the crude protein was 95, 92, 91, 92% during the first period and 81, 77, 76, 73% during the second period.

Plant protein in milk replacers for rearing buffalo calves. II. Effect of replacing 75% of the milk proteins by plant proteins on the preweaning performance of buffalo calves.

In an experiment, 9 female and 6 male buffalo calves at the age of 3 to 4 weeks were divided into 3 groups. The animals were given milk replacers in which 75% of the dried skim milk protein had been replaced by American soybean flour (ASP), Egyptian soya meal (ESP), or corn glutine (GP). Scouring occurred in all groups during the first 3 weeks of the experiment, continuing up to the fourth week in groups ESP and GP. In groups ESP and GP one calf each died. During the first 3 weeks of the experiment, the calves consumed on average 747, 631, 787 g dry matter (DM) as liquids. They achieved live weight gains of 314, 83, -286 g/d, with significant differences between the groups. The digestibility of the crude protein was 73, 74, 70%. During the second period--up to 70 or 62.5 kg live body weight--only groups ASP and ESP were investigated. The calves consumed 1.64 or 1.66 kg DM/d as liquid and dry feedstuff. The average daily weight gain was 3.87 or 3.50 TDN/kg ADG. During this period, the crude protein was digested by 76 or 73%.