A B S T R A C T
Excessive iron accumulation is highly toxic to various tissues. Acetylated whey peptides (AWP) obtained from bovine milk have a powerful iron chelating and immunomodulation effect. This study was performed on iron overload (IO)-induced rats’ spleen model and announced that AWP can act as a potent prophylactic, natural, affordable, oral and safe iron chelator and can be used as an alternative to the current synthetic drugs. Moreover,
it can alleviate oxidative stress and downregulate the proinflammatory markers. The results showed that AWP significantly decreased serum iron, splenic ferritin, oxidative stress markers (ROS, iNOS, and HO-1), and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, and NF-κB). Histopathological examination declared that AWP reduced splenic iron deposition and improved histopathological changes in iron-overloaded rats. Immunohistochemical examination showed a significant decrease in macrophage markers (CD68 and CD163) expressions. The efficacy of AWP was compared to that of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and both of them showed no significant difference.

Background

The Japanese quail is considered one of the most significant species in the poultry industry. However, the high male-to-female ratio results in the aggressive behavior of males. Dietary strategies that improve the properties of semen could reduce the number of males required to maintain optimal fertility and reduce aggressive behavior. Therefore, this study aims to provide insight into the possible improving efm fect of ginger roots on the reproductive aspects of Japanese male quails.

Results

To achieve this objective, powder of Ginger roots was administrated to 2 groups of quails (10, and 15 g/Kg feed) from 7 days until 70 days of age. Some males were reared singly in cages (n = 40 for each group) to assess sperm quality and other males (n = 32 for each group) were raised with females to assess fertility and sperm-egg penetration. Additionally, biochemical tests and histological examination were also performed. When compared to the control group, dietary inclusion of Ginger at a dose of 15 g caused more improvement in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability and sperm-egg penetration. Whereas, the motility and fertility percentages of sperms were equipotent in both doses. Dose-dependent increases were found in the cloacal gland area and volume, as well as foam production and weight. Both doses resulted in a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol along with an elevation cin plasma testosterone and lipid peroxides. The comparison between all groups concerning nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity revealed the absence of significant difference. Morphologically, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the height of germinal epithelium significantly increased especially in the higher dose of Ginger.

Conclusions

Ginger roots especially at a dose of 15 gm/kg feed was effective in improving male reproductive performance. These findings are of utmost importance in encouraging the addition of Ginger roots in ration formulation in male quails.

Background:

Having good exposure to the mitral apparatus during mitral valve replacement is a vital decision every cardiac surgeon must take. This study was conducted to compare the Simple Transseptal approach and the conventional Left Atrial approach for mitral valve procedures, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the simple transseptal approach during open-heart mitral valve procedures, as the conventional left atrial approach may not provide optimal exposure, especially in unfavorable anatomical and operative situations.

Methods:

This is a retrospective chart review cohort study. It has been conducted on 140 patients who were diagnosed with heart diseases that required mitral valve replacement. Surgeries were performed in Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Assiut University Hospital over the period from January 2016 to June 2021 by one surgeon. Mitral procedure was done through median sternotomy incision under general anesthesia on cardiopulmonary bypass machine with cold antegrade cardioplegia. Demographic data, preoperative diagnosis, intraoperative findings, hospital stay, complications, and mortality were documented and revised.

Results:

one hundred and forty patients were enrolled in this study with a median age of 39 years, and no significant differences as regards the baseline demographic data as age, sex, and BMI. 68 patients underwent mitral valve replacement through the simple transseptal approach and 72 patients through the conventional left atrial approach. Both studied groups had insignificant differences as regards bypass time, re-operation rate, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and mortality.

Conclusion:

Simple transseptal approach through the midpoint of fossa ovalis could be a safe and even favorable alternative to the traditional left atriotomy approach in certain difficult operative situations during mitral valve replacement surgery.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease presented by erythematic lesions. It is an incurable disease; however, topical treatment attempts to stop the uncontrolled proliferation of skin cells. Quercetin (Qc) is a natural compound plentiful in several natural plant species and plays a vital role in treating psoriasis; however, it has poor aqueous solubility and penetrability. Consequently, our work aims to enhance Qc's dissolution and anti-psoriatic activity. In this work, Qc was isolated from Psidium guajava leaves, and spanlastics were prepared using the ethanol injection method. The % encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of Qc ranged from 76.40 ± 1.42 to 98.29 ± 0.2,4, and the Particle size (P.size) varied between 414.66 ± 1.94 to 748.33 ± 5.19 nm. In vitro release studies of Qc from spanlastic preparations were significantly higher than those from free drug dispersion. Selected Qc spanlastics formulation was included in Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) 3.5% gel for biological application. Clinical improvement after eight weeks of treatment was powerfully distinguished. By the end of 8 weeks of treatment, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score decreased from 5.19 ± 1.14 at baseline to 2.26 ± 1.1. Qc is famous for its apoptotic-inducing activity, livin is one of the Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), and its function is mediated through the inhibition of caspase activation. Quantitative real-time polymer chain reaction (qrt- PCR) declared that the expression of livin (p = 0.002) was lowered while that of caspase-9 (P < 0.001) was elevated in comparison to those before treatment with QC spanlastics; thus, Qc spanlastics are promising easily prepared formulation for the treatment of psoriasis.