The Effect of Neonicotinoids Exposure on Oreochromis niloticus Histopathological Alterations and Genotoxicity

This study aimed to examine the side effects of selected neonicotinoids (Acetamiprid, Aceta, and Imidacloprid, Imid) on Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. The acute toxicity, Probit method, revealed an LC₅₀ of 195.81 and 150.76 ppm for Aceta/96 h and Imid/72 h respectively. The fish were divided into three groups that were exposed, for 21 days (n?=?5/replicate), to 1/10 of the LC₅₀ of either neonicotinoids, however, the third was an unexposed control group. Results of erythrocytic micronucleus (MN), and nuclear abnormalities (NA) showed that Aceta and Imid exposure caused a significant (p?<?0.05) increase in MN by?~?2.2 and?~?10 folds, respectively relative to control. NAs occurred at the order of kidney-shaped?>?budding?>?binucleated in Aceta, however, budding?>?binucleated?>?kidney-shaped was noticed in the Imid group. Histopathological changes in gills, liver, and muscles were observed significantly in both exposed groups with more severity in the Imid group. Collectively, Aceta and Imid have potential genotoxicity and histopathological alterations in O. niloticus.

     

Efficiency of Soil Amendments for Copper Removal and Brassica Juncea (L.) Growth in Wastewater Irrigated Agricultural Soil

Wastewater irrigation is becoming a massive challenge for sustainable agriculture. Particularly, copper (Cu) presence in wastewater poses a great threat to the food chain quality. Thus, scientists need to address this issue by using chemical and organic soil amendments to restore the soil ecosystem. Therefore, this study aims to examine the efficacy of sulphur, compost, acidified animal manure and sesame straw biochar for Cu immobilization, adsorption and Brassica growth in wastewater irrigated soil. The current findings presented that all the soil amendments prominently improved brassica yield and significantly minimized the Cu uptake by Brassica shoots and roots in sesame straw biochar (SB) (64.2% and 50.2%), compost (CP) (48% and 32.5%), acidified manure (AM) (37% and 23.2%) and Sulphur (SP) (16% and 3.1%) respectively relative to untreated soil. In addition, Cu bioavailability was reduced by 51%, 34%, 16.6%, and 7.4% when SB, CP, AM, and SP were incorporated in wastewater irrigated polluted soil. The Cu adsorption isotherm results also revealed that SB treated soil has great potential to increase Cu adsorption capacity by 223 mg g^??1 over control 89 mg g^??1. Among all the treatments, SB and CP were considered suitable candidates for the restoration of Cu polluted alkaline nature soil.

     

An inventory-location optimization model for equitable influenza vaccine distribution in developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

The addition of other respiratory illnesses such as flu could cripple the healthcare system during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An annual seasonal influenza vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Fears of coronavirus have intensified the shortage of influenza shots in developing countries that hope to vaccinate many populations to reduce stress on their health services. We present an inventory-location mixed-integer linear programming model for equitable influenza vaccine distribution in developing countries during the pandemic. The proposed model utilizes an equitable objective function to distribute vaccines to critical healthcare providers and first responders, elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. We present a case study in a developing country to exhibit efficacy and demonstrate the optimization model’s applicability.     

Teaching Case Ciliated Renal Tubular Cells in Crescentic Glomerulonephritis

Numerous cilia were found in the proximal convoluted tubules from a case of crescentic glomerulonephritis. The cilia exhibited the 9 + 2 pattern of organization characteristic of motile cilia. Microvilli were scanty or absent in heavily ciliated cells. The significance of renal cilia is discussed.     

Optimization of uretero-intestinal anastomosis in urinary diversion: an experimental study in dogs

Summary A new antireflux uretero-ileal reimplantation technique suitable for use with bladder substitutes is presented. This procedure entails creation of a serouslined extramural tunnel. Following detubularization of the bowel segment, the adjacent flaps are approximated by continuous 4/0 non-absorbable sutures 1.5 cm from the cut edges. The ureters are laid in the trough thus fashioned. Button-holes are created in the bowel flaps and a mucosa-to-mucosa uretero-ileal anastomosis is carried out. The mucosal edges of the flaps are then approximated by one layer of continuous 4/0 (PGA) suture resulting in closure of this artificial tunnel. The feasibility and functional outcome of this technique were experimentally investigated in 8 dogs. Follow-up was carried out up to 30 weeks. Assessment by intravenous urography and ascending studies showed that the procedure is an efficient method of providing an unobstructed unidirectional flow of urine.     

A Simple Rheological Method for the in Vitro Assessment of Mucin-Polymer Bioadhesive Bond Strength

A simple viscometric method was used to quantify mucin-polymer bioadhesive bond strength. Viscosities of 15% (w/v) porcine gastric mucin dispersions in 0.1 N HC1 (pH 1) or 0.1 N acetate buffer (pH 5.5) were measured with a Brookfield viscometer in the absence (_m) or presence (_t) of selected neutral, anionic, and cationic polymers (0.1–2.5%, w/v). Viscosity components of bioadhesion (1%) were calculated from the equation, _t = _m + _p + _b, where _p is the viscosity of corresponding pure polymer solution as measured by an Ostwald viscometer. The forces of bioadhesion (F) were calculated from the equation, F = _b, where is the rate of shear/sec. _b's and F's for polyelectrolytes, e.g., polyacrylic acid, cationic gelatin, and chitosan were always higher in acetate buffer than in HC1. Validity of the technique and the effect of ionic charge, polymer conformation, and rate of shear on _b and F are discussed, as is a comparison of this method to other methods for evaluating bioadhesive materials.     

Immunotherapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and has a 5-year survival rate of ~20%. Immunotherapies have shown promising results leading to durable responses, however, they are only effective for a subset of patients. To determine the best therapeutic approach, a thorough and in-depth profiling of the tumour microenvironment (TME) is required. The TME is a complex network of cell types that form an interconnected network, promoting tumour cell initiation, growth and dissemination. The stroma, immune cells and endothelial cells that comprise the TME generate a plethora of cytotoxic or cytoprotective signalling pathways. In this review, we discuss immunotherapeutic targets in NSCLC tumours and how the TME may influence patients' response to immunotherapy.     

Anaemia during pregnancy in rural Kelantan

A retrospective study of anaemia in pregnancy in rural Kelantan was conducted. The study sample consist of 9,860 mothers who had antenatal care at one of the 102 rural health clinics selected and had delivered a live baby. Anaemia in pregnancy was determined by reviewing the antenatal records for the haemoglobin level recorded at the first and last antenatal visit. Estimation of haemoglobin was done either by photocalorimetric methods or the Sahli's method in these rural clinics. At the time of booking, 47.5% of the mothers were anaemic by WHO criteria (Hb < 11.0 g/dl), with 1.9% having less than 9.0 g/dl. Age of mother, parity and late gestational age at the first antenatal visit were associated with anaemia during pregnancy at the time of booking. However, practise of contraception by the mother did not show any association with anaemia in pregnancy. There were 594 mothers (6.0%) who delivered a baby weighing less than 2.5 kg. There was no association between the low birth weight of the child and the status of anaemia in the mother at the last antenatal visit.     

The effect of 1-year use of the CuT 380A and oral contraceptive pills on hemoglobin and ferritin levels

This is a longitudinal study of the effect of 1 year of use of Cu-T 380A intrauterine device (IUD) and oral hormonal contraceptives (OC) on the hemoglobin (Hb) content, serum ferritin, and percent iron saturation (serum iron/total iron binding capacity) of women with initial Hb level of 9-12 g/dL. It was carried out by the Egyptian Fertility Care Society in collaboration with seven University and Ministry of Health Teaching Hospitals. Women were followed-up at fixed intervals when laboratory tests conducted at admission were repeated. The use of Cu-T380A IUD produced a statistically significant drop in the Hb content and percent iron saturation levels after 12 months of use, as compared to the use of OC for the same period. The drop was greater with longer IUD use, initial high Hb levels, and among urban and semiurban residents. It is recommended that iron supplementation be part of the IUD services provided in family planning units in view of the high prevalence of anemia among women in the childbearing age in Egypt.     

The cross cultural context of obesity: an INCLEN multicentre collaborative study

Associations between obesity and cardiovascular disease have been documented in the Developed World and have been linked with levels of 'development' in Developing World countries. This study aimed to explore the sociocultural influences on attitudes towards obesity, physical activity and dietary change using a four level conceptual framework (from personal to societal influences). Focus group discussions were conducted in: India, Indonesia, Cameroon, Egypt and Australia. The results of these discussions were analysed to reveal emergent themes. The interpretation of the qualitative data emphasised the need to incorporate influences beyond the individual in efforts to reverse or prevent obesity related disease.