Microporous Zr-metal-organic frameworks based-nanocomposites for thermoelectric applications.

In the area of energy storage and conversion, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are receiving more and more attention. They combine organic nature with long-range order and low thermal conductivity, giving them qualities to be potentially attractive for thermoelectric applications. To make the framework electrically conductive so far, thermoelectricity in this class of materials requires infiltration by outside conductive guest molecules. In this study, an in-situ polymerization of conductive polyaniline inside the porous structure of MOF-801 was conducted to synthesize PANi@MOF-801 nanocomposites for thermoelectrical applications. The growth of polyaniline chains of different loadings inside the host MOF matrix generally enhanced bulk electrical conductivity by about 6 orders of magnitude, leading to Seebeck coefficient value of -141 µVK-1 and improved thermal stability. The unusual increase in electrical conductivity was attributed to the formation of highly oriented conductive PANi chains inside the MOF pores, besides host-guest physical interaction, while the Seebeck coefficient enhancement was because of the energy filtering effect of the developed structure. Modulating the composition of PANi@MOF-801 composites by varying the aniline: MOF-801 ratio in the synthesis bath from 2:1 and 1:1 to 1:2 leads to a change in the semiconductor properties from p-type semiconductor to n-type. Among the examined composites with n-type semiconducting properties exhibited the highest ZT value, 0.015, and lowest thermal conductivity, 0.24 Wm-1 K-1. The synthesized composites have better performance than those recently reported for a similar category of thermoelectric materials related to MOF-based composites.

Serological cross-sectional survey of equine infectious anemia in Saudi Arabia.

The equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) is one of the most serious equine diseases worldwide. There is scarce information on the epizootiology of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) in Saudi Arabia. Given the importance of the equine industry in Saudi Arabia, this cross- -sectional study aims to provide information about the prevalence of EIAV based on serological surveillance of the equine population in the country. A total of 4728 sera samples were collected (4523 horses and 205 donkeys) between December 2017 and November 2019. All samples were tested using commercially available EIAV ELISA. All tested samples showed negative results for EIAV antibodies with a 95% confidence interval. The results provided evidence that Saudi Arabia's equine populations (horses and donkeys) are currently free of EIAV. The results also suggest the need for continuous monitoring of EIAV and strict regulation when importing horses from other countries.

Green Synthesis of Silymarin-Chitosan Nanoparticles as a New Nano Formulation with Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Effects against Liver Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Silymarin (SIL) has long been utilized to treat a variety of liver illnesses, but due to its poor water solubility and low membrane permeability, it has a low oral bioavailability, limiting its therapeutic potential. AIM: Design and evaluate hepatic-targeted delivery of safe biocompatible formulated SIL-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SCNPs) to enhance SIL's anti-fibrotic effectiveness in rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS: The SCNPs and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by ionotropic gelation technique and are characterized by physicochemical parameters such as particle size, morphology, zeta potential, and in vitro release studies. The therapeutic efficacy of successfully formulated SCNPs and CNPs were subjected to in vivo evaluation studies. Rats were daily administered SIL, SCNPs, and CNPs orally for 30 days. RESULTS: The in vivo study revealed that the synthesized SCNPs demonstrated a significant antifibrotic therapeutic action against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats when compared to treated groups of SIL and CNPs. SCNP-treated rats had a healthy body weight, with normal values for liver weight and liver index, as well as significant improvements in liver functions, inflammatory indicators, antioxidant pathway activation, and lipid peroxidation reduction. The antifibrotic activities of SCNPs were mediated by suppressing the expression of the main fibrosis mediators TGFßR1, COL3A1, and TGFßR2 by boosting the hepatic expression of protective miRNAs; miR-22, miR-29c, and miR-219a, respectively. The anti-fibrotic effects of SCNPs were supported by histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) study. CONCLUSIONS: According to the above results, SCNPs might be the best suitable carrier to target liver cells in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Ciproxifan attenuates the memory impairment induced by lipopolysaccharide through modulation of cholinergic transmission in the mouse brain.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the protective effect of ciproxifan on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced memory impairment by altering the cholinergic system in a mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Groups of mice were given ciproxifan (1 or 3 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. Neurotoxicity was induced with four doses of LPS (250 µg/kg, i.p.) from day-22 to day-25 of drug treatment in three groups. Then, mice were subjected to behavioral assessments using tests [elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition (NOR), and Y-maze]. Also, brain tissues were collected for estimation of cholinergic transmission [acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels]. RESULTS: Ciproxifan could rescue the memory impairment caused by LPS by shortening the transfer latency in the EPM test, increasing the time spent to explore a novel object and increasing the Discrimination Index in the NOR test and increasing the number of entries to the novel arm and duration of time spent in the novel arm in the Y-maze test. Ciproxifan increased the levels of ACh by decreasing AChE activity in LPS-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Ciproxifan treatment can improve memory impairment in mice by increasing ACh levels and decreasing AChE levels.

Aspirin resistance among patients with new and recurrent ischemic heart disease episodes in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Aspirin resistance is described as the failure of aspirin to decrease the production of thromboxane A2 by platelets, which is the mechanism by which aspirin decreases platelet activation and aggregation. This study was performed to assess the prevalence of aspirin resistance among cardiovascular patients in al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study used a survey of patients with first and recurrent attacks of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and available data from blood samples processed using a VerifyNow® kit, which measures aspirin reaction units (ARUs). RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were included: 45 with their first IHD episodes and 74 with recurrent episodes. Of the surveyed patients, 40% with a first episode were younger than 50 years old, and 75.6% of them have been diagnosed with IHD during the previous 5 years. Of the patients with recurrent attacks, 45.9% were older than 60 years, and 54.1% of them have been diagnosed more than 5 years before. The group with first episodes of IHD had 133.2 ARUs, whereas the group with recurrent episodes had 168.5 ARUs (p=0.105). In the recurrent-episode group, 77% had diabetes; in the first-episode group, only 37.8% had diabetes (p≤0.001). Overall, 46.2% were overweight, 54.6% were nonsmokers, and 82.4% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The study participants in both the new and recurrent IHD groups showed no sign of aspirin resistance. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors increased the likelihood of episode recurrence.

Preparation and Characterization of Silymarin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles with Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Therapeutic Effects against Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats: Role of MicroRNAs as Molecular Targets.

BACKGROUND: The main obstacles of silymarin (SIL) application in liver diseases are its low bioavailability, elevated metabolism, rapid excretion in bile and urine, and inefficient intestinal resorption. The study aimed to synthesize and characterize silymarin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (SGNPs) formulation to improve SIL bioavailability and release for potentiating its antifibrotic action. METHODS: Both SGNPs and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared and characterized using standard characterization techniques. The improved formulation was assessed for in vitro drug release study and in vivo study on rats using CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis model. SIL, SGNPs, and GNPs were administered by oral gavage daily for 30 days. At the end of the study, rats underwent anesthesia and were sacrificed, serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were collected to measure the genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) expressions. Also, histopathological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations of hepatic tissues supported these results. RESULTS: The successful formation and conjugation of SGNPs were confirmed by measurements methods. The synthesized nanohybrid SGNPs showed significant antifibrotic therapeutic action against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats, and preserved normal body weight, liver weight, liver index values, retained normal hepatic functions, lowered inflammatory markers, declined lipid peroxidation, and activated the antioxidant pathway nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2). The antifibrotic activities of SGNPs mediated through enhancing the hepatic expression of the protective miRNAs; miR-22, miR-29c, and miR-219a which results in suppressed expression of the main fibrosis mediators; TGFßR1, COL3A1, and TGFßR2, respectively. The histopathology and IHC analysis confirmed the anti-fibrotic effects of SGNPs. CONCLUSIONS: The successful synthesis of SGNPs with sizes ranging from 16 up to 20 nm and entrapment efficiency and loading capacity 96% and 38.69%, respectively. In vivo studies revealed that the obtained nano-formulation of SIL boosted its anti-fibrotic effects.

Growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and microbial aspects of growing quail fed diets enriched with two different types of probiotics (Bacillus toyonensis and Bifidobacterium bifidum).

The present investigation aimed to explore the impact of dietary graded levels of 2 types of probiotic bacteria (Bacillus toyonensis [BT] and Bifidobacterium bifidum [BB]) on growth, carcass traits, meat quality, and bacteriology of growing Japanese quail reared under the cage system. One thousand three hundred sixty Japanese quail day-old chicks were randomly divided into 10 groups (8 replicates each). Birds were fed a basal diet (control, T1) and the basal diet plus 0.05, 0.075, 0.10, and 0.125% BT (T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively), 0.10% BB (T6), and the same previous doses of BT plus 0.05% BB (T7, T8, T9, and T10, respectively). Results showed a significant (P < 0.001) increase in final BW and weight gain because of probiotic supplementation (except T2 for weight gain). Both feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ during the overall experimental period (1-42 D of age) except feed intake that was reduced in T2 and increased in T5 and T9 groups. All carcass traits studied were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by probiotics, and the combination between BT and BB in group T8 increased all studied parameters as compared with the other treatment groups. The quail meat color of redness a∗ and L∗ values, thiobarbituric content, cooking loss, proteolysis, and total coliform were decreased (P < 0.001) by probiotic treatment. In general, supplementing BT, BB, or their combination to the basal diet delayed the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the diet and intestine. Using BT and BB as feed supplements enhanced growth performance and meat quality of quails as well as diminished pathogenic bacteria proliferation in their diet and intestine. As per our results, we can recommend the application of T5 and T8 to T10 levels for the best performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of growing quails.

Viral clearance ameliorates hematological and inflammatory markers among diabetic patients infected with hepatitis C genotype 4.

The achievement of virological response in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can improve the extrahepatic manifestations. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of HCV eradication after sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV) therapy on hematological and inflammatory biomarkers in type 2 diabetic patients infected with HCV genotype 4. Between October 2017 and August 2018, among 145 patients with HCV genotype 4, 30 patients were enrolled in the study based on the fact that they have type 2 diabetes. Enrolled HCV-diabetic patients were treated for 12 weeks with SOF/DCV regimen. Patients were screened by laboratory investigations before treatment (baseline values) and after HCV treatment (post-treatment values). Additionally, 30 healthy individuals were enrolled as a control group. Among the patient's cohort, the sustained virological response was achieved by 100% of the treated patients after 12 weeks of SOF/DCV therapy. Moreover, the levels of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), nitric oxide, interleukin-1ß, red cell distribution width, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume were improved significantly (P < 0.001) in treated patients after successful viral clearance compared to baseline values. In addition, virological clearance exhibited positive correlations with interleukin-1ß, nitric oxide, leukocytes count, red cell distribution width, and mean platelet volume. In conclusion, the data suggest the potential amelioration effect of HCV eradication after treatment with SOF/DCV regimen on the inflammatory status among HCV-diabetic patients which is reflected by the noticeable improvement of altered hematological indices and inflammatory biomarkers.

Free-standing interconnected carbon nanofiber electrodes: new structural designs for supercapacitor application.

This work aims to develop and characterize a new design of free-standing interconnected carbon nanofiber electrodes for supercapacitor application. The fibers are obtained via carbonization of three components of electrospun nanofiber mats based on a polyacrylonitrile polymer (as a carbon backbone precursor), polyvinylalcohol (as a sacrificial copolymer), and 0-1.0 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Carbonizing these ternary composites results in fibers with about twice as large in surface area and one order of magnitude higher in electrical conductivity than those obtained by the carbonization of neat polyacrylonitrile and/or binary polyacrylonitrile-0-1.0 wt% carbon nanotube mats. The carbonized polyacrylonitrile-polyvinylalcohol-0.3 wt% carbon nanotube mat reveals the highest surface area and electrical conductivity and best capacitive performance. It exhibits energy and power densities of 27.8 Wh kg-1 and 110.59 kW kg-1, respectively, and cyclic stability of 95% after 2000 charge-discharge cycles at a charging current of 1.0 Ag-1. The nanotubes' alignment along the fiber's axis, the formation of fiber-fiber interconnected morphology with more mesopore pollution, and changes in the graphitization degree and defect features of fiber crystallites are the reasons for the observed increase in the electrical conductivity, surface area, and capacitive performance of the carbon fibers. Therefore, the new design represents a potential free-standing carbon nanofiber electrode for future electrochemical double layer capacitor (EDLC) device fabrication.

3D hierarchical graphene/CNT with interfacial polymerized polyaniline nano-fibers.

In this work Polyaniline (PANI) fiber has been synthetized by the interfacial polymerization method. The thermal behavior of graphene - multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNs) composite material (C-Mix) blended with PANI fiber was investigated. Graphene was prepared by thermal reduction of the fabricated graphene oxide (GO) using modified Hummers' method. SEM measurement reveals that MWCNTs were well organized within 2D large surface area graphene nano-sheets to form 3D carbon-base hierarchical structure, and PANI was mixed as a binder polymer matrix. Structural measurements confirm the formation of wide area graphene sheets with crumples, wrinkles, and folds around the edges. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images agreed with the well distribution of CNTs within graphene nano-sheets. Also, the surface morphology of the synthesized composites has a spherical regular agglomeration of PANI granular structure on wide area graphene nano sheets with CNT embedded. The change in the existed phonon modes of the fabricated nano-composite was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, Seebeck coefficient changes from +132.4 µV/K to -10.3 µV/K after adding carbon-based materials which reflects the reverse of predominate carriers by doping PANI with carbon-based material. It has been noticed that there is an enhancement of thermal conductivity of the fabricated composite with respect to neat polymer. Hence, we propose that 3D carbon structure with PANI construct a stable N-Type thermoelectric material.

Role of thymoquinone and ebselen in the prevention of sodium arsenite-induced nephrotoxicity in female rats.

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and ebselen (Eb) on arsenic (As)-induced renal toxicity in female rats. Sodium arsenite was orally administrated at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days, either alone or 1 h before TQ (10 mg/kg) or Eb (5 mg/kg) administration. Renal tissue As concentration and oxidative stress markers, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitrite/nitrate, and glutathione (GSH) levels, were determined. In addition to the oxidative stress response, antioxidant enzyme activities including that of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were measured. Exposure to As elicited a significant increase in As concentration and significant modifications to the redox state of the kidney, as was evidenced by a significant elevation in LPO and nitrite/nitrate concentration, with a concomitant reduction in GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity. The oxidant/antioxidant imbalance observed in As toxicity was associated with a significant elevation in renal tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein, and caspase 3 levels, in addition to a significant decrease in Bcl-2 levels. Post-administration of TQ and Eb markedly prevented As-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and As accumulation in the renal tissue and reduced histological renal damage. These findings demonstrate that TQ, the main bioactive phytochemical constituent of Nigella sativa seed oil, and Eb, an organoselenium compound, could significantly inhibit As-induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation, and significantly attenuate the accumulation of As in renal tissues by facilitating As biomethylation and excretion.

Comparative and correlative assessments of cytokine, complement and antibody patterns in paediatric type 1 diabetes.

One of the most widespread and effective environmental factors is the infection with enteroviruses (EVs) which accelerate ß cell destruction in type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study represented a comparison between diabetic EV+ and EV- children as well as correlation analysis between autoantibodies, T1D markers, cytokines, complement activation products and anti-coxsackievirus (CV) immunoglobulin (Ig)G. EV RNA was detected in Egyptian children with T1D (26·2%) and healthy controls (0%). Detection of anti-CV IgG in T1D-EV+ resulted in 64% positivity. Within T1D-EV+ , previously diagnosed (PD) showed 74 versus 56% in newly diagnosed (ND) children. Comparisons between populations showed increased levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide (NO), glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulin and islet cell autoantibodies [glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), insulin autoantibodies (IAA) and islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA), respectively], interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL -10, IL -12, IL -17, C3d and sC5-9 in T1D-EV+ versus T1D-EV- . Conversely, both IL-20 and transforming growth factor (TGF-ß) decreased in T1D-EV+ versus EV- , while IL-4, -6 and -13 did not show any changes. Correlation analysis showed dependency of accelerated autoimmunity and ß cell destruction on increased IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17 versus decreased IL-4, -6 and -13. In conclusion, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-17 played an essential role in exacerbating EV+ -T1D, while C3d, sC5b -9, IL-10 and -20 displayed distinct patterns.

Cinnamaldehyde potentially attenuates gestational hyperglycemia in rats through modulation of PPARγ, proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

Cinnamon has a history of use for medicinal purposes and its major benefits have been linked to cinnamaldehyde. The present study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic action of cinnamaldehyde against fatty-sucrosed diet/streptozotocin (FSD/STZ)-rat model of gestational diabetes. Female albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I fed with normal diet (ND) while group II and III were fed with FSD for eight weeks (five weeks pre-gestational and three weeks gestational). Rats of group III were administered with a daily oral dose of 20mg/kg cinnamaldehyde one week before mating onward. At the 7th day of gestation, FSD-fed rats were injected intraperitoneally with STZ (25mg/kg b.wt.) to induce gestational diabetes. Pre-mating treatment of cinnamaldehyde controls hyperphagia and glucose intolerance during the gestational period than in diabetic rats. It also reduced levels of fructosamine, total cholesterols, triglycerides, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), while it significantly increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, adiponectin, liver glycogen, reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity at term pregnancy. In addition, cinnamaldehyde administration up-regulated the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferated activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and also ameliorated the number of viable fetuses, implantation loss sites, fetal glucose and insulin levels. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde has safe hypoglycemic action on gestational diabetes by potentiating insulin secretion and sensitivity through activating the antioxidant defense system, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines production, upregulating PPARγ gene expression and alleviating the reproductive performance.

Introduction and enzootic of A/H5N1 in Egypt: Virus evolution, pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy ten years on.

It is almost a decade since the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus (A/H5N1) of clade 2.2.1 was introduced to Egypt in 2005, most likely, via wild birds; marking the longest endemic status of influenza viruses in poultry outside Asia. The endemic A/H5N1 in Egypt still compromises the poultry industry, poses serious hazards to public health and threatens to become potentially pandemic. The control strategies adopted for A/H5N1 in Egyptian poultry using diverse vaccines in commercialized poultry neither eliminated the virus nor did they decrease its evolutionary rate. Several virus clades have evolved, a few of them disappeared and others prevailed. Disparate evolutionary traits in both birds and humans were manifested by accumulation of clade-specific mutations across viral genomes driven by a variety of selection pressures. Viruses in vaccinated poultry populations displayed higher mutation rates at the immunogenic epitopes, promoting viral escape and reducing vaccine efficiency. On the other hand, viruses isolated from humans displayed changes in the receptor binding domain, which increased the viral affinity to bind to human-type glycan receptors. Moreover, viral pathogenicity exhibited several patterns in different hosts. This review aims to provide an overview of the viral evolution, pathogenicity and vaccine efficacy of A/H5N1 in Egypt during the last ten years.

Radioprotection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-initiated colon cancer in rats using low-dose γ rays by modulating multidrug resistance-1, cytokeratin 20, and ß-catenin expression.

Ionizing radiation is a widely used therapy for solid tumors. However, high-dose ionizing radiation causes apoptosis, transforms normal cells into tumor cells, and impairs immune functions, leading to the defects in the removal of damaged or tumor cells. In contrast, low-dose radiation has been reported to exert various beneficial effects in cells. This experimental study investigated the effect of γ rays at low dose on the development of colorectal tumor in a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer. Colorectal tumor model was induced in Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of DMH (20 mg/kg) once a week for 15 weeks. Starting from zero day of DMH injection, a single low dose of whole-body γ irradiation of 0.5 Gy/week was applied to the rats. A significant reduction in lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, and elevation in the glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were observed after γ irradiation comparing with DMH group. Moreover, γ ray reduced the expressions of multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1), ß-catenin, and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) those increased in DMH-treated rats. However, survivin did not change with γ ray treatment. A histopathological examination of the DMH-injected rats revealed ulcerative colitis, dysplasia, anaplasia, and hyperchromasia. An improvement in the histopathological picture was seen in the colon of rats exposed to γ rays. In conclusion, the present results showed that low-dose γ ray significantly inhibited DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats by modulating CK20, MDR1, and ß-catenin expression but not survivin expression.

Early versus delayed cord clamping of term births in Shatby Maternity University Hospital / Pinzamiento precoz frente a pinzamiento tardío del cordón umbilical en nacimientos a término del Hospital Materno-Infantil de Shatby

Background. The optimal timing for cord clamping; early versus delayed in the third stage of labour, is a controversial subject. There are no formed practice guidelines. Objective. To compare the potential benefits and harms of early versus late clamping in term infants in Shatby Maternity Hospital. Methods. A randomized study was conducted on 100 primigravide full term single pregnancy admitted and delivered spontaneously at Shatby Maternity University Hospital. They were divided into two groups (each 50) where in the first group the umbilical cord was clamped immediately 'early cord clamping' (ECC) and where the 2nd group the umbilical cord was clamped after pulsation had been ceased” delayed cord clamping” (DCC) and then Apgar score, Hemoglobin level, random blood sugar, oxygen saturation and bilirubin after 72 h of labour of newborn were compared and analyzed. Results. There was no statistical significant difference between both groups as regards Apgar score, haemoglobin, Random blood sugar and bilirubin while, there was a statistical significant difference as regard O2 saturation. Conclusion. Delayed cord clamping is likely to result in better neonatal outcome (AU)

Antecedentes. El momento óptimo para el pinzamiento del cordón umbilical, precoz frente al tardío durante el expulsivo del parto, es un tema polémico. No existen unas directrices prácticas formales. Objetivo. Comparar los beneficios y daños potenciales del pinzamiento precoz frente al tardío en recién nacidos a término en el Hospital Materno-Infantil de Shatby. Métodos. Estudio aleatorizado de 100 embarazos únicos a término en primigrávidas que ingresaron y dieron a luz de manera espontánea en el Hospital Materno-Infantil de Shatby. Quedaron divididas en 2 grupos (de 50 integrantes cada uno) en los que se realizó un pinzamiento precoz del cordón umbilical en el primero y un pinzamiento tardío del cordón umbilical en el segundo. A las 72 h del parto se compararon y analizaron la puntuación de Apgar y los valores de hemoglobina, glucemia aleatoria, saturación de oxígeno y bilirrubina. Resultados. No se apreció una diferencia estadística significativa entre ambos grupos con respecto a la puntuación en el test de Apgar, ni tampoco en los valores de hemoglobina, glucemia aleatoria y bilirrubina, si bien existió una diferencia estadísticamente significativa con respecto a la saturación de O2. Conclusión. Un pinzamiento tardío del cordón umbilical podría derivar en un mejor resultado neonatal (AU)

Genetic diversity of donkey populations from the putative centers of domestication.

Donkey domestication drastically changed ancient transport systems in Africa and Asia, enabling overland circulation of people and goods and influencing the organization of early cities and pastoral societies. Genetic studies based on mtDNA have pointed to the African wild ass as the most probable ancestor of the domestic donkey, but questions regarding its center of origin remain unanswered. Endeavoring to pinpoint the geographical origin of domestic donkey, we assessed levels and patterns of genetic diversity at 15 microsatellite loci from eight populations, representing its three hypothesized centers of origin: northeast Africa, the Near East and the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, we compared the donkey genotypes with those from their wild relative, the African wild ass (Equus africanus somaliensis) to visualize patterns of differentiation among wild and domestic individuals. Obtained results revealed limited variation in levels of unbiased expected heterozygosity across populations in studied geographic regions (ranging from 0.637 in northeast Africa to 0.679 in the Near East). Both allelic richness (Ar) and private allelic richness presented considerably higher values in northeast Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula. By looking at variation at the country level, for each region, we were able to identify Sudan and Yemen as the countries possessing higher allelic richness and, cumulatively, Yemen also presented higher values for private allelic richness. Our results support previously proposed northeast Africa as a putative center of origin, but the high levels of unique diversity in Yemen opens the possibility of considering this region as yet another center of origin for this species.

Hepatic oxidative stress in Mongolian gerbils experimentally infected with Babesia divergens.

The present study aimed to investigate oxidative stress, DNA damage, and histopathological alterations in hepatic tissues of Mongolian gerbils experimentally infected with Babesia divergens. It was found that parasitaemia reached approximately 77% at day 5 post-infection. The liver became dark-brown and extremely friable, and hepatic sinusoids were dilated and contained macrophages and parasite-containing erythrocytes. Infection also induced inflammation and injury of the liver. This was illustrated by (1) an increase in inflammatory cellular infiltrations, (2) a decrease in total antioxidant capacity, as indicated by lowered glutathione and catalase levels, (3) increased production of nitric oxide-derived products (nitrite/nitrate) and malondialdehyde, and (4) increased lactic acid dehydrogenase activity and protein carbonyl content in the liver. Infection also interfered with the normal cell cycle of the hepatic tissue, as indicated by a significant increase in the percentage of liver cells at G0/G1 from approximately 86.2% to 97.5% and in S phases from 0.28% to 2.2%. Collectively, the present data suggest that B. divergens infection could induce cell-cycle alteration following oxidative stress and DNA damage in hepatic tissue. Further work is required to investigate the mechanism by which this hepatic tissue damage takes place.

Survey of skin disorders in newborns: clinical observation in an Egyptian medical centre nursery.

The frequency of neonatal skin disorders has not been well studied in Egypt. Our aim was to address patterns of dermatological changes in a sample of Egyptian newborns. In a descriptive prospective cohort study 600 newborns in Sohag University hospital nursery were dermatologically examined within the first 5 days of birth. Skin disorders were detected in 240 neonates (40.0%). Birthmarks were found in 100 neonates (16.7%), mainly melanocytic type (mongolian spots in 11.7% and congenital melanocytic naevi in 2.7%). Fungal skin infections, including oral moniliasis, fungal infection in the napkin area or candidal intertrigo, were detected in 13.3% and bacterial infections in 1.3% of neonates. Comparisons with other studies worldwide indicated a higher rate of fungal infections and lower rate of birthmarks in our study. Routine neonatal dermatological evaluation is recommended, especially in view of the high rate of fungal skin infections.