Potential Role of the Tie2/ Angiopoietin System in Hepatitis C Virus- Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: The Tie2/Ang pathway was found to be involved in forming tumor blood vessels in various tumors. The goal of this study was to evaluate the value of Tie2/Ang pathway as a novel biomarkers for the early detection of chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). And the possibility of their future application in HCC treatment.

Environmentally Friendly Nanoporous Polymeric Gels for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment.

Environmentally friendly nanoporous gels are tailor-designed and employed in the adsorption of toxic organic pollutants in wastewater. To ensure the maximum adsorption of the contaminant molecules by the gels, molecular modeling techniques were used to evaluate the binding affinity between the toxic organic contaminants such as methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) and various biopolymers. To generate nanopores in the matrix of the polymeric gels, salt crystals were used as porogen.

Optimizing broiler performance, carcass traits, and health: evaluating thyme and/or garlic powders as natural growth promoters in antibiotic-free diets.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of thyme powder (TP), garlic powder (GP), and their combination as natural alternatives to antibiotics on broiler growth performance, blood indices, and carcass characteristics. A completely randomized design was used, with four experimental groups consisting of 264 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (45.27±0.

The efficacy of Artichoke leaf extract conjugated with organic zinc nanoparticles on growth, carcass traits and blood biochemical parameters of broilers.

This study aimed to discover how using nano artichoke leaf extract Stabilized with zinc Nanoparticles (ZnO-Nano-ALPE) as an alternative to antibiotics and an antioxidant in broiler feed affected their growth, meat quality, and blood. In a completely randomized design experiment, 210 1-day-old chicks (Arbor Acres) were assigned to three trial groups. Each group was subdivided into seven replicates, each with ten unsexed chicks.

Peripapillary Vascular Density Differentiates Glaucomatous Cupping From Physiological Cupping Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Prcis: In glaucoma, peripapillary vascular density was reduced compared to normal eyes, with or without physiological cupping.

Purpose: To assess the ability of radial peripapillary capillaries vessel density (RPC VD) to distinguish between physiological and glaucomatous cupping using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Patients And Methods: An observational study was conducted at Ain Shams University, involving 98 eyes from 98 patients, divided into three groups.

Women's empowerment and current contraceptive use in Pakistan: informed by theory of gender and power.

Introduction: It is evident from the stagnant modern contraceptive rate and the growing population of Pakistan that the family planning (FP) programs in Pakistan have failed to deliver successfully. The study examines the association of domains of women's empowerment, following the Theory of Gender and Power, with the current use of contraceptive methods and how intimate partner violence (IPV) can moderate such associations in Pakistan.

Methods: Married women of reproductive age from the Pakistan DHS (2017-18) were included in the analysis ( = 14,502).

Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Oropharyngeal Floor of Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus, Linnaeus, 1758) Focusing on the Numerical and Regional Distribution of the Taste Buds.

The architecture of the avian oropharynx corresponds to the feeding pattern. The present study aims to provide data on morphology, morphometry, and spatial distribution of taste buds in the oropharyngeal floor of the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) using gross anatomy, morphometric, and scanning electron microscopy. The lower beak tip and tomia revealed the presence of variably-sized dermal papillae.

Unique insights into morphological characterization and functional adaptation of the scaly shank skin in aquatic and terrestrial birds.

The avian skin is a vital barrier against external effects and undergoes modification to adapt to the different ecosystems. The current study focused on the comprehensive study of the scaly shank skin of aquatic birds, Egyptian Balady Duck (EBD) as well as terrestrial birds, Broad Breasted White Turkey (BBWT) via gross anatomy, histology, and scanning electron microscopy with ED-XRF analysis. The shank skin color was yellow to black in EBD and creamy-white in BBWT.

Dawn-to-dusk intermittent fasting is associated with overexpression of autophagy genes: A prospective study on overweight and obese cohort.

Aim And Background: A growing body of evidence supports the impact of intermittent fasting (IF) on longevity and healthy aging via the modulation of autophagy genes. The activation of the catabolic autophagic machinery (LAMP2, LC3B, ATG5, and ATG4D) has protective effects against degenerative aging and chronic diseases. This research examined the changes in the expression of the aforementioned genes upon the observance of dawn-to-dusk IF among metabolically healthy participants with overweight and obesity.

Spatiotemporal Ultrastructural, Histological, and Morphometric Changes in the Buccal Cavity of Grass Carp () During Fingerling, Yearling, and Adult Stages.

Grass carp () is a Cyprinid fish of aquacultural and research importance. The buccal cavity represents the gateway of the digestive tract. The present study investigated the adaptational changes involving various components of the buccal cavity of fingerling (three months posthatching, mph), yearling (12 mph), and adult (48 mph) using scanning electron microscopy, histology, and morphometry.

Descriptive embryological insights of the colorectum of quail embryos with concern to its functional morphology.

Background: Quail is an interesting emerging bird species gaining attention in developmental embryology research due to its small size, quick lifespan, and fast growth rate. These characteristics make quail an ideal model for examining the development of the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, the embryonic development of the colorectum was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of its functions in digestion, absorption, and immunity.

Efficacy, safety, and impact on procedural outcomes of local anesthesia in endoscopic submucosal dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has revolutionized the treatment of early stage gastrointestinal cancers. However, ESD can be associated with increased postprocedural pain and higher complication rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of local anesthesia.

Changes in haptoglobin genotype-based gene expressions upon the observance of dawn-to-dusk intermittent fasting: a prospective cohort study on overweight and obese individuals.

Introduction: Intermittent fasting (IF) has been reported to be involved in ameliorating oxidative stress and lessening the systemic-low grade inflammation that predisposes to chronic diseases. Gene polymorphism is currently a main determining factor for the metabolic responses to different dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Methods: The current study was designed to explore the effect of observing four-week, dawn to dusk IF by participants with obesity on gene expression of the anti-inflammatory , oxidative stress, and bioenergetics enzymes (, , and ), as well as metabolic and cellular regulatory genes ( and ).

The assessment of pentraxin 3: a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in lower respiratory tract infections in children.

Background: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an acute-phase reactant that is elevated in the plasma during inflammatory responses. We aimed to evaluate the utility of PTX3 as a clinical marker in children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and the association between PTX3 and LRTIs severity.

Methods: We included 60 patients admitted to Fayoum University Hospital with LRTIs fulfilling the WHO criteria for diagnosing LRTIs.

Ovarian Insufficiency in Adolescent Females with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia: Pituitary versus Ovarian Iron Overload.

Introduction: Females with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) display menstrual irregularities and subfertility at certain points in their lives, even if well-chelated, representing a significant physical and psychological burden. Little is known about the effects of pituitary and ovarian iron contents on ovarian reserve and function. Hence, this study aimed to assess ovarian reserve and pituitary-gonadal axis function in adolescent females with TDT and correlate them with pituitary and ovarian volume, pituitary iron load, and serum ferritin.

Characteristics of Hepatobiliary Fascioliasis and the Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Management: A Single Center Experience.

Background: Hepatobiliary fascioliasis has two phases, each requiring specific management approaches. Triclabendazole has been widely effective in treating the two phases of clinical fascioliasis and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the biliary phase. We aimed to characterize presentations of hepatobiliary fascioliasis and highlight the role of ERCP in management.

Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) oil as feed additive on broiler performance, carcass, liver and kidney functions, antioxidant, lipid profile, and immunity.

The current study evaluated the effects of parsley essential oil on broiler growth performance, carcass features, liver and kidney functions, immunity and antioxidant activity, and lipid profile. A total of 160 unsexed 7-day broiler chicks (Cobb500) were distributed into five groups; each group contained five replicates with eight birds each. The treatments were (1) basal diet (no additive, T1), (2) basal diet + 0.

Effects of oregano and/or rosemary extracts on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, cecal bacteria, tight junction proteins, and antioxidants-related genes in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

The study examined the impact of adding oregano extract and/or rosemary to broiler diets to counteract the growth inhibition caused by heat stress (HS). It also investigated the effects on the activity of digestive enzymes, microbiological composition, and the expression of antioxidant and tight junction-related proteins. Three hundred- and fifty-day-old male broilers, were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups, with each group comprising 5 replicates, and each replicate containing 10 chicks in a cage.

Hybrid Zinc Phthalocyanine/PVDF-HFP System for Reducing Biofouling in Water Desalination: DFT Theoretical and MolDock Investigations.

Fouling and biofouling remain significant challenges in seawater desalination plants. One practical approach to address these issues is to develop anti-biofouling membranes. Therefore, novel hybrid zinc phthalocyanine/polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (Zn(4-PPOx)Pc/PVDF-HFP) membranes were prepared by electrospinning to evaluate their properties against biofouling.

Novel High-Performance Functionalized and Grafted Bio-Based Chitosan Adsorbents for the Efficient and Selective Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water.

Novel functionalized and/or grafted crosslinked chitosan adsorbents were synthesized and used to remove several toxic heavy metal ions such as nickel, lead, chromium, and cadmium ions from contaminated water. The chitosan biopolymer was functionalized by maleic anhydride (CS_MA) acting also as a crosslinking agent. Glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan (CS_GA) grafted with poly(methyl methacrylate) (CS_MMA) was also synthesized.

Impact of in ovo feeding of grape pomace extract on the growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune response of hatched broilers.

Delivering natural antioxidants via in ovo feeding holds promise for enhancing the antioxidant status and performance of chickens. Therefore, The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of in ovo feeding during early embryonic development using grape pomace extract as a natural antioxidant on hatchability, productive performance, immune response, and antioxidant status in broilers. A total of 900 fertile broiler eggs from the Arbor Acres strain were utilized.