Effect of moringa seed extract in chlorpyrifos-induced cerebral and ocular toxicity in mice.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most commonly used organophosphosphate-based (OP) insecticides. Its wide use has led to higher morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. Moringa seed extracts (MSE) have shown neuroprotective activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial features. The literature lacks data investigating the role of MSE against CPF-induced cerebral and ocular toxicity in mice. Therefore, we aim to investigate this concern. A total of 40 mature male Wistar Albino mice were randomly distributed to five groups. Initially, they underwent a one-week adaptation period, followed by a one-week treatment regimen. The groups included a control group that received saline, MSE 100 mg/kg, CPF 12 mg/kg, CPF-MSE 50 mg/kg, and CPF-MSE 100 mg/kg. After the treatment phase, analyses were conducted on serum, ocular, and cerebral tissues. MSE100 and CPF-MSE100 normalized the pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and AChE serum levels. CPF-MSE50 significantly enhanced these serum levels compared to CPF; however, it showed higher levels compared to the control. Moreover, the tissue analysis showed a significant decrease in oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO)) and an increase in antioxidant markers (glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the treated groups compared to CPF. Importantly, the significance of these effects was found to be dose-dependent, particularly evident in the CPF-MSE100 group. We conclude that MSE has a promising therapeutic effect in the cerebral and ocular tissues of CPF-intoxicated mice, providing a potential solution for OP public health issues.

Modulatory effects of dietary prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) peel on high salinity tolerance, growth rate, immunity and antioxidant capacity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study evaluated the effects of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) peel (PPP) on salinity tolerance, growth, feed utilization, digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). PPP was incorporated into four iso-nitrogenous (280 g kg-1 protein) and iso-energetic (18.62 MJ kg-1) diets at 0 (PPP0), 1 (PPP1), 2 (PPP2), and 4 (PPP4) g kg-1. Fish (9.69 ± 0.2 g) (mean ± SD) were fed the diets for 75 days. Following the feeding experiment, fish were exposed to a salinity challenge (25‰) for 24 h. Fish survival was not affected by the dietary PPP inclusion either before or after the salinity challenge. Fish fed the PPP-supplemented diets showed lower aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cortisol, and glucose levels compared to PPP0, with the lowest values being observed in PPP1. Fish fed dietary PPP had higher growth rates and feed utilization than PPP0. Quadratic regression analysis revealed that the best weight gain was obtained at 2.13 g PPP kg-1 diet. The highest activities of protease and lipase enzymes were recorded in PPP1, while the best value of amylase was recorded in PPP2, and all PPP values were higher than PPP0. Similarly, PPP1 showed higher activities of lysozyme, alternative complement, phagocytic cells, respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and lower activity of malondialdehyde than in PPP0. Further increases in PPP levels above 2 g kg-1 diet led to significant retardation in the immune and antioxidant parameters. Thus, the inclusion of PPP at about 1 to or 2 g kg-1 diet can improve stress tolerance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity in Nile tilapia.

Automated Identification of Dental Implants: A New, Fast and Accurate Artificial Intelligence System.

INTRODUCTION: Prosthetic complications that occur to some implant prosthetics may require removal of the prosthesis for replacement or repair. Therefore, the presence of a technique to identify the type of dental implant is mandatory to provide the suitable components. Hence, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the accuracy of YOLOv8 object detection algorithm in automatic identification of the type of dental implant from digital periapical radiographs. METHODS: YOLOv8m-seg object detection algorithm was used to build a model to automatically identify the type of dental implant. A set of 2573 digital periapical radiographs for six distinct dental implants manufacturers were used to train the model. The outcomes were evaluated using precision, recall, F1 score and mAP. RESULTS: The overall accuracy of the YOLOv8m-seg model in terms of precision, recall, F1 score and mAP revealed values of 0.919, 0.98, 0.95 and 0.972 respectively. The average detection speed of the images was 1.3 seconds. The model was able to detect and identify multiple implants simultaneously on the same image. CONCLUSIONS: YOLOv8m-seg object detection algorithm is promising in identification of dental implants from periapical radiographs with high detection accuracy (97.2%), fast detection results and multi-implant detection from the same image. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This AI system can accurately identify the type of osseointegrated dental implants enabling dentists to provide the appropriate prosthetic components even if different implant systems are used within the same patient. This can save tremendous amounts of time, effort and cost for both the dentist and the patient.

Influences of high vs. low-intensity exercises on muscle strength, function, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients with sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of high vs. low-intensity exercise training on muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients with sarcopenia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 82 subjects were randomized into 2 groups: high intensity (HIG, n=42), which received high-intensity resistance training, and low intensity (LIG, n=40), which conducted low-intensity aerobic activities. Exercises were performed for 30 min, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. A handheld dynamometer, pinch press, and 1 min sit-to-stand (STS) test were used to assess muscle strength. Modified physical performance test and sarcopenia Quality of Life questionnaire (SAR-QoL) were used to assess function and quality of life, respectively. Measures were collected before and at the end of the treatment program. RESULTS: Participants were similar at baseline. The within-group comparisons demonstrated statistically significant improvement in both HIG and LIG groups in all outcome measures (p<0.001). Between groups, comparisons revealed statistically significant better achievements with high effect size in Modified Physical Performance Test (MMPT) (p<0.001, d=1.28), handgrip (p<0.001, d=3.6), STS (p<0.001, d=2.38), and SAR-QoL (p<0.001, d=3.24) in favor of the HIG. On the other hand, pinch press strength was equally improved in both groups (p=0.09, d=0.36). CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity exercise is better than low-intensity exercises in post-COVID-19 patients with sarcopenia secondary to chronic kidney disease regarding muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life.

The role of antifreeze genes in the tolerance of cold stress in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

BACKGROUND: Tilapia is one of the most essential farmed fishes in the world. It is a tropical and subtropical freshwater fish well adapted to warm water but sensitive to cold weather. Extreme cold weather could cause severe stress and mass mortalities in tilapia. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of cold stress on the up-regulation of antifreeze protein (AFP) genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two treatment groups of fish were investigated (5 replicates of 15 fish for each group in fibreglass tanks/70 L each): 1) a control group; the fish were acclimated to lab conditions for two weeks and the water temperature was maintained at 25 °C during the whole experimental period with feeding on a commercial diet (30% crude protein). 2) Cold stress group; the same conditions as the control group except for the temperature. Initially, the temperature was decreased by one degree every 12 h. The fish started showing death symptoms when the water temperature reached 6-8 °C. In this stage the tissue (muscle) samples were taken from both groups. The immune response of fish exposed to cold stress was detected and characterized using Differential Display-PCR (DD-PCR). RESULTS: The results indicated that nine different up-regulation genes were detected in the cold-stressed fish compared to the control group. These genes are Integrin-alpha-2 (ITGA-2), Gap junction gamma-1 protein-like (GJC1), WD repeat-containing protein 59 isoform X2 (WDRP59), NUAK family SNF1-like kinase, G-protein coupled receptor-176 (GPR-176), Actin cytoskeleton-regulatory complex protein pan1-like (PAN-1), Whirlin protein (WHRN), Suppressor of tumorigenicity 7 protein isoform X2 (ST7P) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 1-like isoform X2 (ABCA1). The antifreeze gene type-II amplification using a specific PCR product of 600 bp, followed by cloning and sequencing analysis revealed that the identified gene is antifreeze type-II, with similarity ranging from 70 to 95%. The in-vitro transcribed gene induced an antifreeze protein with a molecular size of 22 kDa. The antifreeze gene, ITGA-2 and the WD repeat protein belong to the lectin family (sugar-protein). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, under cold stress, Nile tilapia express many defence genes, an antifreeze gene consisting of one open reading frame of approximately 0.6 kbp.

Metal-amino acid complexes (Zn, Se, Cu, Fe, and Mn) enhance immune response, antioxidant capacity, liver function enzymes, and expression of cytokine genes in Nile Tilapia reared under field conditions.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we investigated the effects of partial or total replacement of dietary inorganic trace materials (ITM) with metal-amino acid complexes (MAACs) on immune response, antioxidant capacity, cytokine genes expression, and overall health status of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared in in-pond hapas (mesh cages) under field conditions. METHODS: All-male Nile Tilapia with an average initial weight of about 90 g fish-1 were stocked into the hapas, in quadruplicates, at a density of 60 fish per hapa (30 fish m-3 ). The fish in each hapa were acclimatized to culture conditions and test diets for 1 week. Water quality parameters, including temperature (°C), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg L-1 ), and total ammonia (mg L-1 ), were monitored regularly. The MAACs were formulated to contain the same mineral concentrations found in the inorganic premix. Metal-amino acid complexes replaced the ITM premix at 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% levels (Table 1). The diets were fed to caged Nile Tilapia twice a day, for 80 days, at a daily rate of 3% of their body weights. The fish were weighed every 10 days, and the daily rations were readjusted. At harvest, fish in each hapa were collected, counted, and weighed collectively. Five fish from each hapa were rapidly anesthetized, and used for chemical and physiological analyses, including antioxidant and immune response analyses, liver function analysis, and gene expression. RESULT: The activities of lysozyme, respiratory burst (%), alternative complement (ACH50), phagocytic cells, phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and liver function enzymes were all improved with increasing supplemental MAACs up to the 50% substitution level. The expression of cytokine genes, including interferon, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, serum alkaline phosphatase, the integrated microbial genomes, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, and transforming growth factor genes, was significantly upregulated in fish fed on MAAC-supplemented diets compared with the control group. The 50% MAAC level produced the highest upregulation of these genes, whereas gene expression decreased with increasing dietary MAAC levels to 75% and 100%. The quadratic regression analysis indicated that about 60-65% MAAC is required for maximum promotion of immunological and oxidative stress responses, gene expression, and overall health status of Nile Tilapia reared in in-pond hapas under field conditions. CONCLUSION: Replacement of the ITM premix with a MAAC premix enhanced the immune and antioxidant responses of Nile Tilapia.

In vitro and in vivo studies of a newly synthesized copper-cetyl tri-methyl ammonium bromide combined with gallium oxide nanoparticles complex as an antitumor agent against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most leading causes of death worldwide. Previous studies reported that gallium alone and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) have antineoplastic activities; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the activity of copper-cetyl tri-methyl ammonium bromide with gallium oxide nanoparticles (Cu-CTAB+GaO-NPs) against HCC by using in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods: In vitro study was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of Cu-CTAB+GaO-NPs and GaO-NPs on HepG-2 cell line using crystal violet dye assay. In vivo study was done on diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) induced HCC Wister rats. Rats were randomly divided into eight groups; control, Cu-CTAB, GaO-NPs, Cu-CTAB+GaONPs, DEN, DEN+Cu-CTAB, DEN+GaO-NPs and DEN+Cu-CTAB+GaO-NPs. Histopathological examination of liver and biochemical parameters such as liver function markers, oxidative stress-antioxidants markers, tumor makers, apoptosis makers were studied. Results: Results obtained from in vitro study revealed that Cu-CTAB+GaO-NPs and GaO-NPs affect the cell viability of HepG-2 cancer cell with IC50 0.2 µg/ml and 360 µg/ml, respectively. Cu-CTAB+GaO-NPs exerted an antiproliferative effect in experimental rat models of HCC, as demonstrated both histologically, since it facilitated the tissue recovery of the damaged liver, and biochemically as showed by the reduction of liver function markers (ALT & AST), oxidative stress markers (MDA) and tumor makers (AFP,TGF-ß1,α-L-Fucosidase); while antioxidants markers (SOD), apoptosis markers (caspase-3 mRNA) and araginase activity were elevated in DEN+Cu-CTAB, DEN+GaO-NPs and DEN+Cu-CTAB+GaO-NPs groups when compared to DEN group. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that both Cu-CTAB alone and/or combined with GaO-NPs exerted cytotoxic effects against DEN-induced HCC, which would in turn, speculate a possible therapeutic role of the novel Cu-CTAB+GaO-NPs compound.

Wheat ergot fungus-derived and modified drug for inhibition of intracranial aneurysm rupture due to dysfunction of TLR-4 receptor in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a form of dementia that strikes elderly people more frequently than it does younger people. The cognitive skills and memory of Alzheimer's sufferers continue to deteriorate over time. Recent studies have shown that patients with AD have greater amounts of inflammatory markers in their bodies, which suggests that inflammation occurs early on in the progression of the disease. There is a possibility that Aß oligomers and fibrils can be recognised by TLRs, in addition to the microglial receptors CD14, CD36, and CD47. When Aß binds to either CD36 or TLR4, it sets off a chain reaction of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines that ultimately results in neurodegeneration. Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease have both been recently related to TLR4. The activation of TLR4 has been connected to a variety of clinical difficulties that are associated with diabetes, in addition to the internal environment of the body and the microenvironment of the brain. TLR4 inhibitors have been shown in clinical investigations to not only lessen the likelihood of getting sick but also to increase the average longevity. RESULT: In this work we used molecular docking and molecular dynamics modelling to investigate the effectiveness of FDA-approved antidiabetic plant derived drugs in combating the TLR4 receptor. Molecular docking experiments were used to make a prediction regarding the most important interactions involving 2-Bromoergocryptine Mesylate. With a binding affinity of -8.26 kcal/mol, it stood out from the other candidates as the one with the greatest potential. To verify the interaction pattern that takes place between 2-Bromoergocryptine Mesylate and the TLR4 receptor, a molecular dynamic simulation was run at a time scale of 150 nanoseconds. Because of this, 2-Bromoergocryptine Mesylate was able to make substantial contact with the active site, which led to increased structural stability during the process of the complex's dynamic development. CONCLUSION: As a result of this, the results of our research may be relevant for future research into the efficacy of 2-bromoergocryptine mesylate as a potential lead treatment for TLR4 receptors in intracranial aneurysm rupture in AD.

Female Urgency, Trial of Urodynamics as Routine Evaluation (FUTURE study): a superiority randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of invasive urodynamic investigations in management of women with refractory overactive bladder symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is a symptom complex affecting 12-14% of the UK adult female population. Symptoms include urinary urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, increased daytime urinary frequency and nocturia. OAB has a negative impact on women's social, physical, and psychological wellbeing. Initial treatment includes lifestyle modifications, bladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises and pharmacological therapy. However, these measures are unsuccessful in 25-40% of women (refractory OAB). Before considering invasive treatments, such as Botulinum toxin injection or sacral neuromodulation, most guidelines recommend urodynamics to confirm diagnosis of detrusor overactivity (DO). However, urodynamics may fail to show evidence of DO in up to 45% of cases, hence the need to evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. FUTURE (Female Urgency, Trial of Urodynamics as Routine Evaluation) aims to test the hypothesis that, in women with refractory OAB, urodynamics and comprehensive clinical assessment is associated with superior patient-reported outcomes following treatment and is more cost-effective, compared to comprehensive clinical assessment only. METHODS: FUTURE is a pragmatic, multi-centre, superiority randomised controlled trial. Women aged ≥ 18 years with refractory OAB or urgency predominant mixed urinary incontinence, and who have failed/not tolerated conservative and medical treatment, are considered for trial entry. We aim to recruit 1096 women from approximately 60 secondary/tertiary care hospitals across the UK. All consenting women will complete questionnaires at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 15 months post-randomisation. The primary outcome is participant-reported success at 15 months post-randomisation measured using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement. The primary economic outcome is incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained at 15 months. The secondary outcomes include adverse events, impact on other urinary symptoms and health-related quality of life. Qualitative interviews with participants and clinicians and a health economic evaluation will also be conducted. The statistical analysis of the primary outcome will be by intention-to-treat. Results will be presented as estimates and 95% CIs. DISCUSSION: The FUTURE study will inform patients, clinicians and policy makers whether routine urodynamics improves treatment outcomes in women with refractory OAB and whether it is cost-effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN63268739 . Registered on 14 September 2017.

In Vitro Propagation and Acclimatization of Banana Plants: Antioxidant Enzymes, Chemical Assessments and Genetic Stability of Regenerates as a Response to Copper Sulphate.

Developing a successful protocol for banana in vitro culture is a guarantee for the mass propagation of pathogen-free, high-quality, true-to-type planting materials with low production costs. The current work aimed to investigate the influence of increasing copper levels in an MS medium on endophytic bacterial contamination; shoot multiplication; rooting and the acclimatization of in vitro cultured banana; minerals and chlorophyll content; antioxidant enzymes activity; electrolyte leakage; and the genetic stability of banana regenerants. Four different concentrations of copper sulphate (0.025 as a control, and 30, 60, and 120 mg L-1) were examined. The growth of the endophytic bacteria was inhibited at 60 mg L-1 of copper sulphate which recorded zero contamination, without a significant difference at 120 mg L-1. However, 0.025 mg L-1 of copper sulphate was optimal for the maximum shoot number and shoot length (10 shoots and 6 cm, respectively) without significant differences at 30 mg L-1. The root length of banana plantlets was significantly enhanced at 30 mg L-1 of copper sulphate but without significant differences to the control, regarding the number of roots (9.92 cm and 3.80 roots, respectively). In vitro plants were acclimatized successfully at 30 mg L-1 of copper sulphate with 100% survival. The uptake of minerals, antioxidant enzyme activity and electrolyte leakage was improved because of the copper sulphate, but the chlorophyll level decreased. RAPD profiling showed polymorphism in only one plant treated with 60 mg L-1 of copper sulphate, with an average of 1.8%. The genome template stability percentage was almost 100% for all treated plants.

Effects of different levels of dietary lipids on growth performance, liver histology and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study evaluated the effects of different levels of dietary lipids on the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (7.33 ± 0.12 g fish-1). Four isonitrogenous (275 g kg-1 crude protein), isocaloric (18.5 MJ kg-1) diets containing a mixture of fish oil and corn oil (1:1 ratio) at different levels (70, 85, 110 and 130 g kg-1) were prepared and fed to Nile tilapia reared at a fixed water temperature 25 ± 1 °C for two months. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to a cold challenge. The best growth rates and feed utilization were achieved at 70 and 85 g kg-1 dietary lipid, whereas the lowest results were recorded at higher lipid levels (110 and 130 g kg-1). The ability of Nile tilapia to survive the acute cold stress was significantly improved as the lipid level increased from 70 to 110 g kg-1 and decreased with further increase in lipid levels. During the cold stress, saturated fatty acids (SFA) significantly decreased, while unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) tended to increase. Thus, this study demonstrates, to a certain level, that high dietary lipid levels have a positive effect on the cold tolerance of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Acrylamide-induced peripheral neuropathy: manifestations, mechanisms, and potential treatment modalities.

Acrylamide is a chemical monomer; its polymer compounds are used in the manufacture of plastic, papers, adhesive tapes, dyes, and food packaging. Lately, scientists found that cooking (mainly roasting, baking, and frying) yields acrylamide. In addition to fried/baked potatoes, coffee and bakery products still contain substantial amounts of acrylamide. Acrylamide has toxic effects on different body systems include genitourinary, reproductive, nervous system, along with being a carcinogenic substance. The neurotoxicity of acrylamide includes central and peripheral neuropathy. In humans, the clinical manifestations include sensory or motor peripheral neuropathy, drowsiness, or cerebellar ataxia. Likewise, it presents with skeletal muscle weakness, hindlimb dysfunction, ataxia, and weight loss in animals. The suggested mechanisms for acrylamide neurotoxicity include direct inhibition of neurotransmission, cellular changes, inhibition of key cellular enzymes, and bonding of kinesin-based fast axonal transport. Moreover, it is suggested that acrylamide's molecular effect on SNARE core kinetics is carried out through the adduction of NSF and/or SNARE proteins. Lately, scientists showed disruption of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) cell signaling pathways in human differentiating neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, exposed to acrylamide. Different treatment modalities have been revealed to shield against or hasten recovery from acrylamide-induced neuropathy in preclinical studies, including phytochemical, biological, and vitamin-based compounds. Still, additional studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and to identify the best treatment modality.

Growth Promotion and Immune Stimulation in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, Fingerlings Following Dietary Administration of a Novel Marine Probiotic, Psychrobacter maritimus S.

A 50-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a novel marine psychrotrophic bacterium, Psychrobacter maritimus S, on growth performance and immune responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Triplicate groups of Nile tilapia (10 fish each) were fed for 50 days with three different diets: T0 (without probiotic, negative control), T0.5 (supplemented with 3.3 × 108 CFU g-1P. maritimus S), and T1 (supplemented with 6.6 × 108 CFU g-1P. maritimus S). The test diets were fed to fish at a daily rate of 3% of their live weights, three times per day. On the 50th day, fish were weighed and blood samples were collected to determine the main nonspecific humoral and cellular immune responses and digestive enzymes (protease, amylase, and lipase). Fish performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value) was also calculated. Growth rates and digestive enzyme activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary P. maritimus S up to 0.5%, and leveled off with further increase in bacterial concentrations. Phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, alternative complement hemolysis, and hematological parameters were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing P. maritimus S concentration to 0.5%, followed by a slight decrease (P > 0.05) at 1% level. The expression of interleukin-4 and interleukin-12 genes was significantly upregulated, while heat shock protein gene was downregulated, with dietary supplementation of P. maritimus S up to 0.5% level. These results suggest that 0.5% of dietary Psychrobacter maritimus S supplementation could be considered as a novel probiont for optimum growth performance and immune response of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Dietary lipid sources affect cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid sources on growth performance, fatty acids composition and cold tolerance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (7.00 ±â€¯0.50 g/fish). The fish were fed four isonitrogenous (28% crude protein), isocaloric (500 kcal/100 g) diets containing four lipid sources; fish oil (FO), corn oil (CO), coconut oil (COCO) or fish oil/ corn oil mixture (1:1 ratio) (oil mix). The diets were offered to the fish at a daily rate of 3% of their body weights (BW), twice a day for two months. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to decreasing water temperature from 25 °C until the appearance of death symptoms. The results revealed that FO-based diets (FO and oil mix) produced the best growth rates and feed efficiency, followed by corn oil diet, while COCO resulted in the lowest performance. Fish fed on CO and oil mix showed higher body unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and lower lethal temperature than those fed on FO- or COCO-based diets. These results indicate that cold shock can modify the lipid metabolism in Nile tilapia by lowering total body saturated fatty acids and raising n-6 and n-3 UFA. This finding suggests that the inclusion of high levels of plant oils in Nile tilapia feeds can enhance their cold tolerance.

Long-term outcomes of transobturator tapes in women with stress urinary incontinence: E-TOT randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term patient-reported outcomes and adverse events following surgery using transobturator tension-free vaginal tape (TO-TVT). DESIGN: Postal follow-up of the E-TOT randomised controlled trial (RCT). SETTING: A tertiary urogynaecology centre in the UK; all procedures took place in 2005-2007. POPULATION: A total of 341 women were randomised to receive either 'inside-out' TVT-O (Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) or 'outside-in' TOT-ARIS (Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, MN, USA) procedure. METHODS: Long-term follow-up (median 9 years) using validated symptom severity and quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using spss 22.0 and GraphPad statistics 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was patient-reported success rate, defined as 'very much/much improved' on the Patient's Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. Secondary outcomes included impact on women's QoL and sexual function, adverse events, and re-operations for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). RESULTS: The adjusted response rate was 67.8% and the median follow-up period was 9.2 years. The overall patient-reported success rate was 71.6%, with a further 14% reporting 'improvement', and there was no significant difference between inside-out and outside-in groups (P = 0.76; odds ratio, OR 0.8676; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.4744-1.5865). The success rate showed a significant reduction compared with 1-year results (71.6 versus 80%; P = 0.004), but a clinically insignificant reduction when compared with the 3-year results (71.6 versus 73.1%). A total of 7.96% underwent further continence surgery, the tape extrusion/erosion rate was 4.5%, and groin pain/discomfort was reported in 4.32%, with only 1.4% requiring treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest and longest follow-up randomised trial of TO-TVT. TO-TVT is associated with 71.6% patient-reported success rate, 4% groin pain/discomfort, and 8% continence re-operation rate at a median of 9 years follow-up. The success rate is almost stable after 3 years. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The success rate for TO-TVT is 71% at 9 years, and is almost stable after 3 years; 8% required repeat surgery.

Evaluation of marine psychrophile, Psychrobacter namhaensis SO89, as a probiotic in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets.

Marine environment represents a promising source of new, unconventional bioactive compounds with health-promoting abilities, which can be used as food supplements. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of marine Psychrobacter namhaensis SO89 on growth performance and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). P. namhaensis were isolated from marine environments and phylogenetically identified by 16S rRNA gene sequences. The bacterial isolate was incorporated in Nile tilapia diets (30% crude protein) at three concentrations (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0%; w/w) (designated as T0, T0.5 and T1, respectively), which were equivalent to 0.0, 2.8 × 107 and 5.6 × 107 CFU g-1 diet, respectively. The diets were fed to Nile tilapia fingerlings (4.58 ± 0.14 g average weight) at a daily rate of 3% of their live body weights (BW), 3 times a day for 50 days. The best growth rates and feed utilization efficiency were obtained at 0.5% P. namhaensis SO89 concentration. Hematocrit (Ht%), hemoglobin (Hb%), erythrocytes (RBC) and total leukocyte (WBCs) values were significantly higher in P. namhaensis SO89- fed groups than in the control group. Similarly, immunoglobulin M (IgM), alternative complement hemolysis (ACH50), phagocytic and lysozyme activities significantly increased following dietary P. namhaensis SO89 supplementation at 0.5% concentration compared to the control group. The expression of IL-4 and IL-12 genes was also significantly up-regulated in P. namhaensis SO89-treated groups up to 0.5% concentration. Increasing bacterial concentration to 1% resulted in a significant decrease in fish performance and immune response. The present results suggest that marine psychrotolerant (Psychrobacter namhaensis) can be considered as a novel feed additive in Nile tilapia feeds.

Effect of Potential Probiotic Lactococcus lactis Subsp. lactis on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota, Digestive Enzyme Activities, and Disease Resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis on the growth, intestinal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei. Diets containing four different concentrations of L. lactis (0 [basal diet], 106, 107, and 108 CFU g-1) were fed to white shrimps L. vannamei (average weight 5.89 ± 0.36 g) for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, shrimps were immersed in Caspian Seawater (10.8 ppt) contaminated with 106 CFU ml-1 pathogenic V. anguillarum for 2 h. Results revealed that growth rate, survival, and body protein level were increased with dietary supplementation of L. lactis. The activities of digestive enzymes (cellulose, lipase, amylase, and protease) were significantly higher in the groups fed with diets containing 107 or 108 CFU g-1 L. lactis than those in the control. The Lactobacillus and Bacillus counts were higher (P < 0.05) in the intestine of shrimps fed with L. lactis-supplemented diets. In addition, higher level of L. lactis supplementation decreased the Vibrio counts. Moreover, L. vannamei fed diet supplemented with 108 CFU g-1 of L. lactis exhibited significantly the highest hematocyte count and post-challenge survival rate (79.2 %). Collectively, these results suggest that dietary supplementation of L. lactis subsp. lactis at 108 CFU g-1 can promote growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and disease resistance of L. vannamei.

Antifungal agents use in a French administrative region.

BACKGROUND: The increased use of new costly antifungal agents has led to a considerable increase in pharmaceutical expenditure. In December 2011, the Lorraine Regional Health Agency commissioned the Antibiolor network to evaluate costly antifungal agent stewardship using as reference regional, French, and international recommendations. METHODS: We performed a regional retrospective multicenter study. The criteria for evaluation were the appropriateness of the indication for treatment, the choice of the agent or of a combination, compliance with dose and treatment duration, and the absence of any alternative. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen prescriptions were analyzed, in 7 intensive care units, 4 hematology units, and 1 infectious diseases unit. The indication for costly antifungal treatment was appropriate in 110 cases (96.5%), the choice of the antifungal agent in 102 cases (93%), the dose in 98 cases (89%), treatment duration in 102 cases (93%), and an alternative antifungal treatment was possible in 10 cases (9%). Eighty-two prescriptions (74.5%) complied with the marketing authorization, 19 (17%) were related to a protocol for temporary use, and 9 (8%) were considered as inappropriate. CONCLUSION: Our results show a high rate of appropriate prescriptions. The easily accessible and regularly updated local recommendations probably resulted in the standardization and optimization of costly antifungal agent prescriptions.

Results of prosthetic mesh repair in the emergency management of the acutely incarcerated and/or strangulated groin hernias: a 10-year study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to present a 10-year experience with the use of prosthetic mesh repair in the management of the acutely incarcerated and/or strangulated groin hernias. METHODS: Patients with acutely incarcerated and/or strangulated groin hernias were treated by emergency repair of the hernia using a Prolene mesh. The presence of non-viable intestine necessitating resection-anastomosis of the bowel was not considered a contraindication to the use of mesh. RESULTS: The present study included 234 patients. Their age ranged from 16 to 85 years with a mean of 55.9 ± 17.7 years. The hernia was indirect inguinal in 201 patients (85.9%), direct inguinal in 5 patients 5 (2.1%), hernia of canal of nuck in 13 patients (5.6%) and femoral in 15 patients (6.4%). Thirty patients (12.8%) had recurrent hernias. Resection-anastomosis of non-viable small intestine was performed in 32 patients (13.7%). There were 5 perioperative mortalities (2.1%). Complications were encountered in 41 patients (17.5%) and included wound infection in 14 patients (6%), scrotal hematoma in 9 patients (3.8%), chest infection in 8 patients (3.4%), deep vein thrombosis in 2 patients (0.9%), transient deterioration of liver function in 11 patients (4.7%) and mesh infection in 1 patient (0.5%). Follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 120 months with a mean of 62.5 ± 35.3 months. Two recurrences (0.9%) were encountered throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prosthetic mesh repair in the emergency management of the acutely incarcerated and/or strangulated groin hernias is safe. The presence of non-viable intestine cannot be regarded as a contraindication for prosthetic repair.