Reduced α-galactosidase A activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) mirrors distinct features of Fabry nephropathy phenotype.

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare genetic lysosomal storage disorder, resulting from partial or complete lack of alpha-galactosidase A (α-GAL) enzyme, leading to systemic accumulation of substrate glycosphingolipids with a broad range of tissue damage. Current in vivo models are laborious, expensive, and fail to adequately mirror the complex FD physiopathology. To address these issues, we developed an innovative FD model in zebrafish. Zebrafish GLA gene encoding α-GAL enzyme presents a high (>70%) homology with its human counterpart, and the corresponding protein has a similar tissue distribution, as evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, a similar enzymatic activity in different life stages could be demonstrated. By using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated a mutant zebrafish with decreased GLA gene expression, and decreased expression of the specific gene product in the kidney. Mutant animals showed higher plasma creatinine levels and proteinuria. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies documented an increased podocyte foot process width (FPW) in mutant, as compared to wild type zebrafish. This zebrafish model reliably mirrors distinct features of human FD and could be advantageously used for the identification of novel biomarkers and for an effective screening of innovative therapeutic approaches.

PTEN/PI3K/VEGF signaling pathway involved in the protective effect of xanthine oxidase inhibitor febuxostat against endometrial hyperplasia in rats.

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a medical condition that affects many females as it increases their uterine carcinogenic potential. EH results from entangling hormonal imbalance and inflammatory response. The study examined the role of a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, febuxostat, in a rat model of EH. Adult female Wistar albino rats were subjected to estradiol valerate (EV) 2 mg/kg for 10 days to induce EH. Another group was treated concomitantly with febuxostat 10 mg/kg for the same period. The uterine malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assessed by chemical methods. Gene expressions of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha were assessed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathology and immunohistochemical techniques were used for the detection of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The results revealed that EV administration induced complex EH with focal atypia and loss of PTEN expression by the histological examination. Uteri of the EV group showed a significant drop in GSH content and SOD activity and rise in the expressions of PI3K, Akt, VEGF, and IL-6. Febuxostat administration significantly improved the uterine GSH and SOD levels. It decreased the expressions of PI3K, Akt, VEGF, and IL-6. The endometrium showed a regression of the proliferative epithelium with the restoration of PTEN expression and the absence of the atypical features. In conclusion, febuxostat protected the endometrium against estrogen-induced EH and may be beneficial in the management along with the hormonal therapy.

Effect of biochars produced from solid organic municipal waste on soil quality parameters.

New value-added uses for solid municipal waste are needed for environmental and economic sustainability. Fortunately, value-added biochars can be produced from mixed solid waste, thereby addressing solid waste management issues, and enabling long-term carbon sequestration. We hypothesize that soil deficiencies can be remedied by the application of municipal waste-based biochars. Select municipal organic wastes (newspaper, cardboard, woodchips and landscaping residues) individually or in a 25% blend of all four waste streams were used as feedstocks of biochars. Three sets of pyrolysis temperatures (350, 500, and 750 °C) and 3 sets of pyrolysis residence time (2, 4 and 6 h) were used for biochar preparation. The biochar yield was in the range of 21-62% across all feedstocks and pyrolysis conditions. We observed variations in key biochar properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density and surface area depending on the feedstocks and production conditions. Biochar increased soil pH and improved its electrical conductivity, aggregate stability, water retention and micronutrient contents. Similarly, leachate from the soil amended with biochar showed increased pH and electrical conductivity. Some elements such as Ca and Mg decreased while NO3-N increased in the leachates of soils incubated with biochars. Overall, solid waste-based biochar produced significant improvements to soil fertility parameters indicating that solid municipal wastes hold promising potential as feedstocks for manufacturing value-added biochars with varied physicochemical characteristics, allowing them to not only serve the needs for solid waste management and greenhouse gas mitigation, but also as a resource for improving the quality of depleted soils.

Effect of intercropping Panicum maximum var. Ntchisi and Lablab purpureus on the growth, herbage yield and chemical composition of Panicum maximum var. Ntchisi at different harvesting times.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of intercropping Panicum maximum var. Ntchisi and Lablab purpureus on the growth, herbage yield and chemical composition of P. maximum var. Ntchisi at different harvesting times at the Teaching and Research farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in a randomized complete block design. Samples were collected at different harvesting times (8, 10, 12, 14 weeks after planting). The growth parameters which were plant height, leaf length, leaf number and tiller number measured showed that the intercropping of grass with legume were higher than in the sole plot of P. maximum var. Ntchisi. The plant yield was consistently higher (p < 0.05) in intercropped forages than in sole throughout the harvesting times. The crude protein contents of the forages were also higher for the intercropped across the treatments. The values of the fibre components were significantly different (p < 0.05) at different harvesting times and it was increasing as the harvesting time was increasing. From this study, considering the herbage yield and chemical composition of intecropping Panicum maximum var. Ntchisi and Lablab purpureus, they can be grazed by ruminant animals or harvested at 12 weeks after planting when the quality and quantity will support livestock productivity and can be conserved to be fed to ruminant animals during dry season when feed availability and quality are extremely low.

Application of value-focused thinking on the environmental selection of wall structures.

The decision of selecting building structures with respect to the environmental demand is an issue commonly addressed in environmental management. In this paper, the importance of considering the decision analysis technique value-focused thinking in the environmental selection of wall structures is investigated. In this context, a qualitative value model is developed in which the external and internal environmental factors are considered. The model is applied on a case study in which a decision should be made on three categories of exterior wall structures: wood, masonry and concrete. It is found that the wall structure made of wood is the most compatible option with respect to the external and internal environmental requirements of building structures.

Tonsilar toxoplasmosis.

One hundred cases were suffering from chronic tonsillitis, aged between 4-12 years, of both sexes (60 males and 40 females), from outpatient clinic of E.N.T. unit at Benha Faculty of Medicine. They were examined serologically by indirect haemagglutination--antibody technique (IHAT) for toxoplasmosis. After tonsillectomy, histopathological and electronmicroscopical studies were done. Ten percent of cases were positive serologically, among males (11.71%) and females (7.5%). The positivity rate was high among age group 10-12 years than others. Two cases showed histopathological and ultrastructural changes indicating toxoplasmosis.