Biology of Nicotiana glutinosa L., a newly recorded species from an archaeological excavation site in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: During a field survey of urban flora in Alexandria city in 2019-2022, an interesting species belonging to the Solanaceae was collected from a newly archaeological excavation site and identified as Nicotiana glutinosa L. Many visits were made to the herbaria of Egypt to confirm the species records, but no single record was found. Reviewing the available literature revealed that this tropical American taxon was never recorded in the flora of Egypt. AIMS: The present study was focused on N. glutinosa growth structure and plant macro- and micromorphology. METHODS: Ten sampling sites were covered for N. glutinosa size structure. Plant samples were examined for stem anatomy, leaf, seed, and pollen morphology. RESULTS: The species size structure reveals that the individual size index ranges from 1.33 to 150 cm, while its density ranges from 4 to 273 individuals /100 m-2. N. glutinosa has successfully established itself in one of the archaeological sites in Egypt, showing a "healthy" population with a high degree of size inequality, characterized by a relative majority of the juvenile individuals. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of Alexandria University (ALEX) Faculty of Science, another specimen is processed to make herbarium specimens at the Herbarium of the Botanic Garden (Heneidy et al. collection, deposition number. 5502). CONCLUSIONS: From our observations, N. glutinosa seems to have invasive potential, as it shows characteristics shared by most invasive species that are thought to help in their successful establishment in new habitats. This article emphasizes the importance of monitoring and regularly reporting the threats of alien invasive species to avoid any possible negative impacts on indigenous biodiversity in the future.

Eco-friendly Fluorescent Sensor for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Zn2+ and Fe3+ Ions: Applications in Human Hair Samples.

A new eco-friendly sensor, 3-((6-((4-chlorobenzylidene)amino)pyridin-2-yl)imino)indolin-2-one (CBAPI) was synthesized and well characterized. The CBAPI sensor was employed for detecting Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions. It exhibited a low limit of detection at pH 6.0, with values of 2.90, for Zn2+ and 3.59 nmol L-1 for Fe3+ ions. The sensor demonstrated high selectivity over other interfering cations. Additionally, the high binding constants reflect the great affinity of sensor towards Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions. To further validate its quantification ability for Zn2+ ions, the synthesized CBAPI sensor was used to determine Zn levels in human hair samples, and the results were confirmed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The AGREE metric tool was used to assess the method's environmental impact and practical applicability. These positive outcomes indicated that the new method for detecting Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions is environmentally friendly and safe for humans. The developed CBAPI sensor represents a potential development in metal ion detection, combining sensitivity, selectivity, and rapidity.

Effect on physiological parameters and semen quality upon oral administration of fresh onion juice to V-line rabbit buck during severe heat stress.

Severe heat stress is recognized as a factor that severely influences the semen quality and antioxidant status of rabbits. In this context, fresh onion juice (FOJ) may be a safe and useful option to improve reproductive performance. This research was designed to evaluate the anti-stress effects of FOJ on physiological and semen parameters in heat-stressed bucks. Thirty-six V-line rabbit bucks were randomly distributed into three groups. The bucks received FOJ orally at different doses [0 (water), 1.5, and 3 ml/kg live body weight] every 2 days over a period of 2 months, with 3 weeks as an adaptation period. FOJ treatments significantly improved semen characteristics, such as libido, mass and individual sperm motility, semen concentration, sperm viability, and acrosome reaction with increased initial seminal fructose, via the oral administration of 1.5 and 3 mL FOJ/kg body weight, compared with the findings in control bucks. Seminal plasma antioxidant status was significantly enhanced by FOJ treatments. It was concluded that the oral administration of FOJ under severe heat stress can improve bucks' semen characteristics and sex hormone concentrations except for testosterone, and it is considered a good strategy for improving the heat resistance of rabbit bucks, possibly due to its antioxidant activity.

Enhancing semen quality, antioxidant status and sex hormones of V-line rabbit bucks fed on supplemented diets with dried moringa leaves.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of dried moringa leaves (DML) on semen quality, immunoglobulin measurements, blood metabolic analysis, antioxidant status and sex hormones of V-line rabbit bucks. Twenty-four mature rabbit bucks of 7-8 months-old of proven fertility with an average weight (2.8 ± 0.4 kg) were classified into four treatments (basal diet with 0, 750, 1500 and 3000 mg DML/kg diet) and 6 bucks per treatment were used. Seminal plasma cholesterol (p = 0.013) and triglycerides (p = 0.0001) of all moringa supplemented rabbits were higher than the control. Moringa leaves enhanced (p < 0.05) serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide oxidase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase in seminal plasma of moringa rabbits were higher (p < 0.05) than the control. Serum total lipid (p = 0.002), cholesterol (p = 0.008), triglycerides (p = 0.019) and blood urea (p < 0.05) were lower in DML rabbits. Moringa leaves improved total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.0001), glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.0001) and superoxide oxidase (p = 0.037) in rabbits versus control. Rabbits consuming DML had higher (p < 0.05) immunoglobulin IgG and IgM than control. Results suggest that DML improved rabbits' antioxidant, and immunological status, semen quality, and sex hormones, but DML (750 mg/kg diet) is recommended because it was more effective than the other two high doses.

The protective effect of aqueous orange peel extract against severe heat stress on reproductive efficiency, milk yield, and antioxidant status of female rabbits.

Heat stress in rabbits negatively affects their reproductive ability and milk yield. Aqueous orange peel extract (AOPE) is high in potential natural antioxidants that help avoid free radical damage and is a good source of phytochemicals. Based on these benefits, it was hypothesized that oral administration of AOPE could overcome the negative impacts of severe heat stress on reproductive and lactation performance, physiological parameters, and antioxidant status. To determine the protective effect of AOPE, 36 female rabbits (six-months-old, average body weight of 2.67 ± 0.03 kg) were given 1.50 mL water (control), and 2.50 or 5.00 mL AOPE every two days for four months. Oral AOPE administration significantly reduced the respiration rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) during pregnancy and lactation. The reproductive performance (litter size) and productive performance (litter weight and litter weight gain) were significantly increased by AOPE treatment, compared with the control. The highest milk yield was recorded in 5.00 mL AOPE treatment (5.00 mL). AOPE treatments significantly increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and AOPE treatment (5.00 mL) lowered serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) of heat-stressed rabbits. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was not affected by AOPE treatment. The addition of AOPE improved reproductive performance, physiological parameters, and antioxidant status, but did not have a beneficial effect on conception rate of female rabbits under severe heat stress.

Impacts of polyphenols on laying hens' productivity and egg quality: A review.

There has been a rapid increase in the world's output of main poultry products (meat and eggs). This reflects customer desire for these high-quality and safe products and the comparatively low price. Recently, natural feed additives, plants and products have been increasingly popular in the poultry and livestock industries to maintain and improve their health and production. Polyphenols are a type of micronutrient that is plentiful in our diet. They are phytochemicals that have health benefits, notably cardiovascular, cognitive function, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antistress, anti-tumour, anti-pathogen, detoxification, growth-promoting and immunomodulating activities. On the other hand, excessive polyphenol levels have an unclear and sometimes negative impact on gastrointestinal tract health, nutrient digestion, digestive enzyme activity, vitamin, mineral absorption, laying hens performance and egg quality. As a result, this review illuminated polyphenols' various sources, classifications, biological activities, potential usage restrictions and effects on poultry, layer productivity and egg external and internal quality.

Oxidative stress markers, immune-regulating cytokines, and the pathological evaluation of sheep co-infected with Oestrus ovis and Coenuruscerebralis.

This study aimed to evaluate the immune response using the immune-regulating cytokines as (IL-1ß; MHC-I and MHC-II) associated with co-infected sheep Oestrusovis and Coenurus cerebralis as well as oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde "MDA" and nitric oxide "NO"). So; sheep samples from different regions in Egypt showed different neurological signs, were examined for detection of the cause of the nervous manifestations. Moreover, the O. ovis and C. cerebralis cysts were collected and identified using scanning electron microscopy. The brain tissues were evaluated for different immunological genes such as MHC-I, MHC-II, and Interleukin-1ß activity using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) techniques, where the infected sheep showed higher MHC-I gene expression (10-fold), higher MHC-II gene expression (peaked at 25-fold), and higher IL-1ß gene expression (14-fold) than the control group. The MDA level was significantly increased. Also, stress marker (nitric oxide) levels were significantly higher in infectedsheep than in negative control one. During gross pathology, migrating larvae of O. ovis and C. cerebralis were noticed In such areas, hemorrhages and patches of clotted blood were noticed. cysts with prominent protoscolices were also observed and were attached to the caudal region near the cerebellum.

Evaluation of the cytokines response in buffaloes focused on its milk as a newly emerging indicator tracing for toxocariasis.

This study aimed to evaluate the immune responses and oxidative stress provoked by Toxocara vitulorum infection in buffaloes with special reference to milk parameters as an emerging tool. The use of the milk tool was reported for the first time in tracing T. vitulorum infection in Egyptian buffaloes. Intestine, milk, serum, and liver samples were gathered from flocks in Cairo and Giza districts to evaluate buffalo immune responses provoked by T. vitulorum. The compositional items and somatic cells of milk were monitored. The intestine and milk were evaluated for interleukin IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction protocol and the analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative stress marker. The mean percentages for the total solids, fats, proteins, lactose, salts, pH, and somatic cell count/ml in positive samples were 11.23 ± 0.37, 5.1 ± 0.17, 4.44 ± 0.14, 3.9 ± 0.14, 0.81 ± 0.02, 6.8 ± 0.22, and 4.23 × 106± 1.41 × 105 cells/ml, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the mean values of compositional items except for the total protein %, salts %, and pH. For T. vitulorum-contaminated samples, the milk IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA (nmol/ml) were 7 ± 0.23, 18 ± 0.6, 17 ± 0.56, and 3.7 ± 0.12, respectively (which were less than the values for intestinal cytokines). There is a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between positive and negative samples in the intestinal, milk cytokines, and MDA. This study is an initial investigation of the utilization of intestine and milk cytokines in the evaluation of buffalo toxocariasis.

Primary retrograde urinary drainage using image and endoscopy guidance via urostomies.

AIM: To report the technical success of image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage as a primary catheter placement method performed by interventional radiology (IR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients (15 attempted drain placements) with ureteric obstruction following radical cystectomy and urostomy creation were included. The patients were referred to IR for urinary drainage. All patients underwent primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage. RESULTS: Primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage was successful in 13/15 (86.6%) attempts. The proposed technique had a limited complication rate omitting the percutaneous nephrostomy access step. CONCLUSION: Primary image and endoscopy guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage should be considered before percutaneous nephrostomy in all patients with a urostomy.

Effect of environmental factors on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Aquaculture is the practice of developing aquatic animals and plants under artificial environmental conditions, either in a controlled or semi-controlled environment. Due to high animal protein demand, it is one of the world's growing food production industries. It plays a vital role in contributing to food security and lowering the unemployment rate of the world's growing population. This review article aims to scope sight on the environmental factors that affect the growth and economic production process of Nile tilapia. Many of these factors are listed and analyzed in this review, such as stocking densities; various feed frequencies and feeding rates; water quality; water temperature; dissolved oxygen concentration; water pH degree; ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3) concentration; feeding regimes; feed cost; and tank culturing system of Nile tilapia. These factors can significantly alter body weight, composition, survival, behavior, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feeding efficiency, and the health and reproduction of Oreochromis niloticus. Furthermore, feeding, growth, disease risks, and survival rates are all affected by water quality parameters. In general, higher growth performance of O. niloticus in aquaculture can be obtained by keeping the optimum quantity of feed with proper feeding rate and frequency, maintaining a good proportion of stocking density, and regularly evaluating water quality. This review article highlights-in details-the impact of various environmental factors on growth performance criteria of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Heat stress in poultry with particular reference to the role of probiotics in its amelioration: An updated review.

Global climate change is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, and the consequences of global warming are expected to worsen. Many heat waves have recently hit various parts of the world, causing major losses in livestock, particularly in the poultry sector, resulting in massive mortalities and catastrophic economic losses. Therefore, the current review sheds light on the effects of heat stress on the poultry industry, and discusses the factors relevant to these harmful effects on behavior, bone development, blood chemistry and physiological changes, pathogenesis, and immune responses. Potential methods to ameliorate the heat stress response in birds, with particular reference to the role of probiotics in controlling such problems, is further discussed.

Suppression of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on tomato plants using the nematode trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora Fresenius.

AIM: The aims of the study were to isolate and characterize the nematode trapping fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora, to investigate the suppressive and predacious activities of the fungus against Meloidogyne incognita and to study the potentiality of A. oligospora in controlling root-knot caused by M. incognita on tomato plants. METHODS AND RESULTS: Arthrobotrys oligospora (MRDS 300) was isolated from sandy soil samples collected from Al-Beheira, Egypt. In vitro experiments revealed a high efficiency of the fungus in capturing and suppressing M. incognita second juveniles (J2 ). Microscopic observations showed that the fungus develops adhesive traps consisting of loops of hyphae. Moreover, an in vitro experiment showed that the culture filtrate of A. oligospora had a high toxic effect on the nematode. Pot experiments carried out in two seasons (2018-2019) showed that A. oligospora significantly suppressed root knot on tomato plants caused by M. incognita. The number of females, galls and nematodes in different developing stages were reduced significantly. The treatment with A. oligospora had a prominent effect on enhancing plant growth. CONCLUSION: Arthrobotrys oligospora had significant suppressive and predacious effects against root-knot nematode, M. incognita. The fungus developed different forms of trapping devices in addition to secreting toxic metabolites to M. incognita. The fungus had a plant-growth promoting effect. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Arthrobotrys oligospora (MRDS 300) is a potential biological control agent that can be utilized in controlling the root-knot diseases caused by M. incognita.

Replacement Versus Same-Site Salvage Using Hickman Catheter for Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation Patients: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Children undergoing bone marrow transplant need a double-lumen Hickman line. Therefore, changing Port-a-Cath ports to double-lumen Hickman catheter is mandatory. Several methods were described for changing Port-a-Cath ports either through the same-site or a new placement access site. The advantage of one method over the other is still debatable. We conducted this study to compare the safety and effectiveness of replacement versus salvage techniques to change ports to the Hickman lines before bone marrow transplants in pediatric patients. METHODS: We included 85 pediatric patients who underwent stem cell transplants. Their age ranged from 0.2 to 15 years. According to the Hickman reinsertion technique, we classified the patients into 2 groups; the Replacement group (n = 47) and the Same-site salvage group (n = 38). We compared the data before and after Hickman insertion between both groups. Study outcomes were the catheter duration, its complications, and mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 4.7 ± 3.9 years, and 65.9% were males. There was no difference in the baseline data between both groups. During Port-a- Cath first insertion; 16.5% of patients suffered complications, with 10.6% had conversion to cut down, 1.2% had a hematoma, and 4.7% had multiple site insertion. We did not report differences between groups in the complications of the first port insertion. The Hickman duration was longer in the replacement group (4 (Q1-Q2: 2-6) vs. 1 (0.5-3) months, P = 0.005). Increased age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.31, P = 0.001) and male gender (OR: 1.19, P = 0.046) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular same-site salvage technique could help preserve vascular access during the tunnel catheter exchange for noninfectious reasons. We recommend the use of the same-site salvage technique in pediatric transplant patients.

The influences of Tylosine and licorice dietary supplementation in terms of the productive performance, serum parameters, egg yolk lipid profile, antioxidant and immunity status of laying Japanese quail under heat stress condition.

By reducing feed consumption, animals suffering from heat stress prefer to reduce their heat output. Heat exposure has also contributed to major adverse effects on the productive and reproductive performance of quails. Therefore, this research was intended to estimate the preventive function of licorice as a safe feed additive against the negative effects caused by heat stress conditions on laying quail productivity. A total number of 180 Japanese quail birds (120 females and 60 males), nine-weeks old were divided into five groups. Each group contained 36 birds in four replicates (nine birds) with completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were a basal diet without supplementation as control (T1), basal diet + 100 mg Tylosine kg-1 diet (T2), (T3), (T4) and (T5) fed basal diet + 250, 500 and 1000 mg licorice kg-1 diet, in respect. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with different feed additives had no significant effects on egg-laying rate, egg number, average egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio compared with control. Also, different treatments showed no significant variations on serum IgG, total protein, globulin, albumin, creatinine, ALT and TAC and caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvement in IgM, AST, ALP, uric acid and MDA concentrations as compared to the control. Results indicated that total serum lipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL concentrations were significantly decreased due to different feed additives. However, HDL concentrations and HDL/LDL ratios were markedly increased by the other treatments than the control group. In addition, yolk total lipids were significantly (P ≤ 0.001) decreased with increasing licorice root powder's dietary levels compared with the control group. Also, a significant (P ≤ 0.01) reduction in egg yolk cholesterol level was observed in the group fed with 500 mg licorice compared to other treatments. In conclusion, fortified laying quail diets with licorice powder could be a useful strategy to alleviate adverse effects induced by heat stress as alternative to antibiotics on laying Japanese quail.

The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae live cells and Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract on the lactational performance of dairy cows.

Eighty multiparous lactating Holstein cows (635 ± 33 kg) were used to study the effect of feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Aspergillus oryzae on lactational performance for 14 weeks. Cows were assigned in a completely randomized experimental design, with repeated measures into four treatments, and were fed a basal diet of concentrates and forage at a ratio of 592:408, respectively. The treatments were: (1) the basal diet with no additive (Control treatment); (2) the basal diet supplemented with 3.5 g of live S. cerevisiae/cow daily (SC treatment); (3) the basal diet supplemented with 3.5 g A. oryzae fermentation extract/cow daily (AO treatment); and (4) the basal diet supplemented with 3.5 g of live S. cerevisiae + 3.5 g A. oryzae fermentation extract/cow daily (AOSC treatment). The AO and AOSC treatments increased (p < .05) feed intake and daily milk production, with a low milk fat content for the AO treatment. Feeding SC treatment decreased (p = .002) serum glucose concentration, while the AOSC treatment increased serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase concentration. It is concluded that S. cerevisiae supplementation did not enhance milk production; however, A. oryzae fermentation extract improved feed intake and milk production.

Identifying demographic, social and clinical predictors of biologic therapy effectiveness in psoriasis: a multicentre longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Biologic therapies have revolutionized the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, for reasons largely unknown, many patients do not respond or lose response to these drugs. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate demographic, social and clinical factors that could be used to predict effectiveness and stratify response to biologic therapies in psoriasis. METHODS: Using a multicentre, observational, prospective pharmacovigilance study (BADBIR), we identified biologic-naive patients starting biologics with outcome data at 6 (n = 3079) and 12 (n = 3110) months. Associations between 31 putative predictors and outcomes were investigated in univariate and multivariable regression analyses. Potential stratifiers of treatment response were investigated with statistical interactions. RESULTS: Eight factors associated with reduced odds of achieving ≥ 90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) at 6 months were identified (described as odds ratio and 95% confidence interval): demographic (female sex, 0·78, 0·66-0·93); social (unemployment, 0·67, 0·45-0·99); unemployment due to ill health (0·62, 0·48-0·82); ex- and current smoking (0·81, 0·66-0·99 and 0·79, 0·63-0·99, respectively); clinical factors (high weight, 0·99, 0·99-0·99); psoriasis of the palms and/or soles (0·75, 0·61-0·91); and presence of small plaques only compared with small and large plaques (0·78, 0·62-0·96). White ethnicity (1·48, 1·12-1·97) and higher baseline PASI (1·04, 1·03-1·04) were associated with increased odds of achieving PASI 90. The findings were largely consistent at 12 months. There was little evidence for predictors of differential treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis phenotype and potentially modifiable factors are associated with poor outcomes with biologics, underscoring the need for lifestyle management. Effect sizes suggest that these factors alone cannot inform treatment selection.

Association of ficolin-2 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in Egyptian children and adolescents: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric-onset SLE (pSLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. Recently, the ficolin-2 (FCN2) gene has emerged as a potential candidate gene for susceptibility to SLE. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the FCN2 gene polymorphisms at positions -986 (G/A), -602 (G/A), -4 (A/G) and SNP C/T (rs3124954) located in intron 1, with susceptibility to pSLE in Egyptian children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a multicenter study of 280 patients diagnosed with pSLE, and 280 well-matched healthy controls. The FCN2 promoter polymorphisms at -986 G/A (rs3124952), -602 G/A (rs3124953), -4 A/G (rs17514136) and SNP C/T (rs3124954) located in intron 1 were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction, while serum ficolin-2 levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The frequencies of the FCN2 GG genotype and G allele at -986 and -602 positions were significantly more represented in patients with pSLE than in controls (p < 0.001). Conversely, the FCN2 AA genotype and A allele at position -4 were more common in patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients carrying the FCN2 GG genotype in -986 position were more likely to develop lupus nephritis (odds ratio: 2.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.4-4.78); p = 0.006). The FCN2 AA genotype at position -4 was also identified as a possible risk factor for lupus nephritis (odds ratio: 3.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.25-7.84); p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The FCN2 promoter polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility to pSLE in Egyptian children and adolescents. Moreover, the FCN2 GG genotype at position -986 and AA genotype at position -4 were associated with low serum ficolin-2 levels and may constitute risk factors for lupus nephritis in pSLE.

Depthprofile distribution of Cs and its toxicity for canola plants grown on arid rainfed soils as affected by increasing K-inputs.

Radioactive cesium (Cs) is more likely to be trans-located via rainfall into surrounding environments. Upon Cs-contaminated water reaching soil, Cs is retained on soil components, mainly organic matter and clay fraction. This study aims are i) comparing the relative ability of five arid soils, differing in their textural and chemical properties, to accumulate Cs when subjected to Cs-artificially contaminated rain droplets and ii) testing whether K fertilizer can decrease the uptake of Cs and its translocation within plants or not. A lab experiment was then conducted to simulate artificial rain droplets contaminated with 1000 becquerel (Bq) of 134Cs L-1 precipitated on soil columns each of 10.5 cm inner diameter at a rate of 1.15 mL cm-2 over a period of 2-months. At least 89% of 134Cs accumulated within the uppermost 5-cm layer of these soils. Another greenhouse experiment was set to test the hypothesis which indicates that Cs uptake increases unexpectedly by supplying plants with K-fertilizers. In this experiment, canola (Brassica napus L.) seeds were cultivated into three K-deficient soils (Typic Haplotorrent, Typic Haplocalcid, and Typic Torripsamment) which were contaminated with 100 mg Cs kg-1 soil (stable-Cs was used instead of radioactive-Cs to designate its behavior on the long run). Canola plants were fertilized with 0, 80 and 120 mg K2SO4 kg-1 soil. Results carried on Typic Haplotorrent soil confirmed the aforementioned assumption as K-addition increased Cd-uptake up to 40.1%. Contradictory results were achieved in the other two soils where Cs-uptake decreased by 21.5 and 15.3% in Typic Haplocalcid and Typic Torripsamment soils, respectively due to the application of the aforementioned dose of K. In the K non-amended soils, Cs shoot-root translocation factor was >1; yet, it was <1 in response to K addition, regardless of its application rate.

Feasibility of using natural mineral ores for removing Cs and Sr from contaminated water.

Proper and economical treatments of wastewater are among the important and potential solutions to increase the water budget. Although mineral ores are barriers of potentially toxic metal contaminants; however to what extent, can these ores stand successfully for decontaminating waters polluted with Cs or Sr is the question of the current study. Therefore a trial was carried out on some of these ores i.e. kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite, to investigate their effects as decontaminants for waters polluted with either 50 µg Cs L-1 or 50 µg Sr L-1. Results showed that sorption of Cs and Sr increased with decreasing the ratio of the applied sorbents to the quantities of contaminated waters. Such a finding was more obvious when the rate of the sorbent: water was only 1 g L-1. The highest sorption was attained by montmorillonite followed by kaolinite, then Illite. Thus, montmorillonite was selected to complete the sorption studies at a rate of 1 g L-1. Sorption of both Cs and Sr and consequently their removal efficiencies increased with increasing the pH of the sorbents-contaminated waters suspensions up to 7 beyond which significant reductions occurred. Also, increasing the temperature of the suspension resulted in significant increases in the removal efficiencies of the investigated sorbents. Only 120 min were enough to attain the highest removal efficiency. Moreover, Ca-salts could successfully substitute sorbed Cs and Sr on surfaces of the montmorillonite used previously for decontamination of these elements from waters. Accordingly, this mineral ore can be reused successively for further decontamination processes.

Pluripotent stem cells in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Neuropsychiatric disorders place an enormous medical burden on patients across all social and economic ranks. The current understanding of the molecular and cellular causes of neuropsychiatric disease remains limited, which leads to a lack of targeted therapies. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers a novel platform for modeling the genetic contribution to mental disorders and yields access to patient-specific cells for drug discovery and personalized medicine. Here, we review recent progress in using iPSC technology to model and potentially treat neuropsychiatric disorders by focusing on the most prevalent conditions in psychiatry, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.