Positive Reaction Research Articles

Evaluation of the blended public health empowerment program-basic field epidemiology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic encouraged the shift toward technology-based learning globally, impacting education systems profoundly. In response to this emerging need, the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET) adapted its Public Health Empowerment Program-Basic Field Epidemiology (PHEP-BFE) to a Blended Learning Model. This study evaluates the Blended PHEP-BFE program in Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, focusing on participant reactions and learning outcomes.MethodsA descriptive evaluation was conducted, aligned with the first two levels of Kirkpatrick's model. Online questionnaires were administered to participants and facilitators through EMPHNET's Learning Management System (LMS). Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to assess program effectiveness, satisfaction, and challenges.ResultsA total of 138 PHEP-BFE participants (119 (86.2%) males and 19 (13.8%) females) from Iraq (n = 61), Egypt (n = 66), and Lebanon (n = 11) responded to the questionnaire. The majority of the participants (96.4%) reported that they were satisfied with PHEP-BFE. Notably, 77.5% of participants rated the blended learning program as very good or excellent, 18.1% rated it good, and 3.6% found it average, with a minimal 0.7% expressing dissatisfaction. The majority of participants agreed that the blended PHEP-BFE enhanced their capacity to conduct, review and monitor surveillance data (95.7%), perform descriptive data analysis (94.2%), effectively communicate information with agency staff and the local community (95.7%), write summaries of surveillance findings or outbreak investigations (95.7%), use MS Excel to enter, analyze, and display public health surveillance data (91.3%), prepare and administer an oral presentation for fieldwork (94.9%), and increase their knowledge of fundamental field epidemiology (94.9%). The participants responded positively to the program's content, training duration, learning platform, facilitators and mentors, and fieldwork.ConclusionThe study showcases the success of the blended PHEP-BFE in diverse contexts, emphasizing positive participant reactions and improved competencies. The evaluation underscores the program's success in advancing public health training in the EMR. Blended learning models prove promising for future FETP initiatives, contributing valuable insights to public health workforce development. Positive outcomes and identified challenges, provide a roadmap for continuous improvement.

Walk to recovery: an evaluation of adventure therapy in an early intervention for psychosis service

ABSTRACT Background It was considered useful to describe service-users’ and staff’s experience of Adventure Therapy (AT) in an Early Intervention for Psychosis (EIP) service, exploring the impact on personal wellbeing and feasibility of use. Method Focus groups were conducted with 14 participants, immediately following, and three months after a four day hiking trip. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Questionnaires were administered pre and post trip to describe service-users’ physical activity, recovery and personal goals. Results A majority of participants reported progress towards personal goals on the AT trip and improvements in confidence and connectedness. Questionnaire items did not show improvements in physical activity and recovery measures at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Four key themes emerged from the focus groups. The themes centred around the social experience of being in relation to others and a more personal emotional experience: (a) social connectedness, (b) challenging perceptions of self-capabilities, (c) positive reaction to new experiences and (d) motivation for more. Discussion AT was positively experienced by both staff and service-users. Key areas of benefit were recognised and considered for utilisation in services in different ways. Further studies are warranted exploring maintaining and supporting benefits gained following AT.

Walk to recovery: an evaluation of adventure therapy in an early intervention for psychosis service

ABSTRACT Background It was considered useful to describe service-users’ and staff’s experience of Adventure Therapy (AT) in an Early Intervention for Psychosis (EIP) service, exploring the impact on personal wellbeing and feasibility of use. Method Focus groups were conducted with 14 participants, immediately following, and three months after a four day hiking trip. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Questionnaires were administered pre and post trip to describe service-users’ physical activity, recovery and personal goals. Results A majority of participants reported progress towards personal goals on the AT trip and improvements in confidence and connectedness. Questionnaire items did not show improvements in physical activity and recovery measures at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Four key themes emerged from the focus groups. The themes centred around the social experience of being in relation to others and a more personal emotional experience: (a) social connectedness, (b) challenging perceptions of self-capabilities, (c) positive reaction to new experiences and (d) motivation for more. Discussion AT was positively experienced by both staff and service-users. Key areas of benefit were recognised and considered for utilisation in services in different ways. Further studies are warranted exploring maintaining and supporting benefits gained following AT.

Tuberculin Skin Test Reactivity among Health Care Workers in the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba South-east Nigeria

Background Tuberculosis is one of the infections targeted for eradication and is still under surveillance. Hospital workers in Nigeria take little or no precautions against tuberculosis while attending to patients. Objectives This research aimed to study the prevalence of the reactivity of positive Tuberculin Skin Tests among healthcare workers in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital. Methods Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from the participants. Two hundred and ten consented participants were recruited for this study, while 185 contributed till the end. The Tuberculin Skin Test was conducted following the standard operating procedures. The chi-square test was used to compare the variable at a significant level of P < 0.05. Of those who received a BGC vaccine < 3 years, 4.8% were excluded from the analyses. Results Mean ± SD of participants’ age was approximately 30 ± 8 years. Participants comprised 87 (47%) males and 98 (53%) females. The modal age group was 21-25 years. Most participants were clinical medical students, 93(50.3%), while doctors, 7 (3.8%), were second to least. The prevalence of positive reactivity to the Tuberculin Skin Test was 29.9%. There was no significant difference observed regarding sexes and positive reactivity. A significant difference was found in reactivity ≥ 10 mm between those who didn’t receive BCG and those who received BCG vaccine ≥ 10 years before the study. Conclusion Healthcare workers can be potential active TB patients and reservoirs. We recommend highly sensitive and specific periodic TB screening, prophylactic treatment, and re-vaccination of Health Care Workers in Nigeria.

Pediatric Gastrointestinal Outcomes During the Post-Acute Phase of COVID-19: Findings from RECOVER Initiative from 29 Hospitals in the US.

The profile of gastrointestinal (GI) outcomes that may affect children in post-acute and chronic phases of COVID-19 remains unclear. To investigate the risks of GI symptoms and disorders during the post-acute phase (28 days to 179 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection) and the chronic phase (180 days to 729 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection) in the pediatric population. We used a retrospective cohort design from March 2020 to Sept 2023. twenty-nine healthcare institutions. A total of 413,455 patients aged not above 18 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1,163,478 patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, including positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serology, or antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2, or diagnoses of COVID-19 and COVID-related conditions. Prespecified GI symptoms and disorders during two intervals: post-acute phase and chronic phase following the documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) was determined using a stratified Poisson regression model, with strata computed based on the propensity score. Our cohort comprised 1,576,933 patients, with females representing 48.0% of the sample. The analysis revealed that children with SARS-CoV-2 infection had an increased risk of developing at least one GI symptom or disorder in both the post-acute (8.64% vs. 6.85%; aRR 1.25, 95% CI 1.24-1.27) and chronic phases (12.60% vs. 9.47%; aRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.26-1.30) compared to uninfected peers. Specifically, the risk of abdominal pain was higher in COVID-19 positive patients during the post-acute phase (2.54% vs. 2.06%; aRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.11-1.17) and chronic phase (4.57% vs. 3.40%; aRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.22-1.27). In the post-acute phase or chronic phase of COVID-19, the risk of GI symptoms and disorders was increased for COVID-positive patients in the pediatric population. Question: Does COVID-19 increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and diseases during the post-acute phase in children and adolescents?Findings: Newly diagnosed GI symptoms and disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are seen more commonly in children and adolescents with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Meaning: Clinicians need to be mindful that after SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, lingering GI symptoms without a unifying diagnosis may be more common than among uninfected children.

Brain Metabolite Differences in Fetuses With Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common intrauterine infection and may be associated with unfavorable outcomes. While some CMV-infected fetuses may show gross or subtle brain abnormalities on MRI, their clinical significance may be unclear. Conversely, normal development cannot be guaranteed in CMV-infected fetuses with normal MRI. To assess brain metabolite differences in CMV-infected fetuses using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Retrospective. Out of a cohort of 149 cases, 44 with maternal CMV infection, amniocentesis results, and good-quality MRS were included. CMV-infected fetuses with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (N = 35) were divided based on MRI results as follows: typical brain abnormalities (gross findings, N = 8), exclusive white matter hyperintense signal (WMHS) on T2-weighted images (subtle findings, N = 7), and normal MRI (N = 20). Uninfected fetuses (negative PCR) with normal MRI were included as controls (N = 9). 3 T, T2-weighted half Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE), T2-weighted true fast imaging with steady-state free precession (TrueFISP), T1- and T2*-weighted fast low angle shot (FLASH), and 1H-MRS single-voxel point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequences. MRI findings were assessed by three radiologists, and metabolic ratios within the basal ganglia were calculated using LCModel. Analysis of covariance test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was used to compare metabolic ratios between groups while accounting for gestational age. A P-value <0.05 was deemed significant. MRS was successfully acquired in 63% of fetuses. Substantial agreement was observed between radiologists (Fleiss' kappa [k] = 0.8). Infected fetuses with gross MRI findings exhibited significantly reduced tNAA/tCr ratios (0.64 ± 0.08) compared with infected fetuses with subtle MRI findings (0.85 ± 0.19), infected fetuses with normal MRI (0.8 ± 0.14) and controls (0.81 ± 0.15). No other significant differences were detected (P ≥ 0.261). Reduced tNAA/tCr within the apparently normal brain tissue was detected in CMV-infected fetuses with gross brain abnormalities, suggesting extensive brain damage. In CMV-infected fetuses with isolated WMHS, no damage was detected by MRS. 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

TransMVAN: Multi-view Aggregation Network with Transformer for Pneumonia Diagnosis.

Automated and accurate classification of pneumonia plays a crucial role in improving the performance of computer-aided diagnosis systems for chest X-ray images. Nevertheless, it is a challenging task due to the difficulty of learning the complex structure information of lung abnormality from chest X-ray images. In this paper, we propose a multi-view aggregation network with Transformer (TransMVAN) for pneumonia classification in chest X-ray images. Specifically, we propose to incorporate the knowledge from glance and focus views to enrich the feature representation of lung abnormality. Moreover, to capture the complex relationships among different lung regions, we propose a bi-directional multi-scale vision Transformer (biMSVT), with which the informative messages between different lung regions are propagated through two directions. In addition, we also propose a gated multi-view aggregation (GMVA) to adaptively select the feature information from glance and focus views for further performance enhancement of pneumonia diagnosis. Our proposed method achieves AUCs of 0.9645 and 0.9550 for pneumonia classification on two different chest X-ray image datasets. In addition, it achieves an AUC of 0.9761 for evaluating positive and negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, our proposed method also attains an AUC of 0.9741 for classifying non-COVID-19 pneumonia, COVID-19 pneumonia, and normal cases. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method over other methods used for comparison in pneumonia diagnosis from chest X-ray images.

TransMVAN: Multi-view Aggregation Network with Transformer for Pneumonia Diagnosis.

Automated and accurate classification of pneumonia plays a crucial role in improving the performance of computer-aided diagnosis systems for chest X-ray images. Nevertheless, it is a challenging task due to the difficulty of learning the complex structure information of lung abnormality from chest X-ray images. In this paper, we propose a multi-view aggregation network with Transformer (TransMVAN) for pneumonia classification in chest X-ray images. Specifically, we propose to incorporate the knowledge from glance and focus views to enrich the feature representation of lung abnormality. Moreover, to capture the complex relationships among different lung regions, we propose a bi-directional multi-scale vision Transformer (biMSVT), with which the informative messages between different lung regions are propagated through two directions. In addition, we also propose a gated multi-view aggregation (GMVA) to adaptively select the feature information from glance and focus views for further performance enhancement of pneumonia diagnosis. Our proposed method achieves AUCs of 0.9645 and 0.9550 for pneumonia classification on two different chest X-ray image datasets. In addition, it achieves an AUC of 0.9761 for evaluating positive and negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, our proposed method also attains an AUC of 0.9741 for classifying non-COVID-19 pneumonia, COVID-19 pneumonia, and normal cases. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method over other methods used for comparison in pneumonia diagnosis from chest X-ray images.

Neurological manifestations of Varicella zoster infection: A case series

Introduction: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes infection of the central nervous system, which manifests as various neurological syndromes. In this case series, we discuss three different clinical presentations of VZV reactivation (herpes zoster). The main clinical feature of herpes zoster is a pruritic vesicular rash, present in a dermatomal distribution, which occurs after reactivation of the virus because of immunosuppression.Patients presentation: We report on three individual cases of complicated herpes zoster that resulted in various neurological pathologies. The patients described in this case series each received a lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid analysis, which showed a positive varicella zoster polymerase chain reaction test (VZV PCR).Management and outcome: All three patients received intravenous acyclovir as their core component of treatment. In addition to this, some received other adjunctive treatments, mainly corticosteroids. Two patients achieved disease resolution while one patient demised.Conclusion: The case series highlights the various ways in which VZV can affect the central nervous system (CNS) such as meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and arteritis.Contribution: This is a brief overview of the clinical manifestations of VZV affecting the CNS in patients presenting to a regional hospital within the Western Cape province in South Africa.

Prevalence Studies on Brucellosis in Buffalo Population in Nearby Region of Hyderabad, Telangana

Background: Brucellosis in India is highly endemic in many states and reported as the most prevalent disease in dairy cattle. Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by various Brucella species mainly affecting wide range of different species of animals like cattle, sheep, goat and pigs. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of brucellosis in suspected buffalo population showing reproductive disorders in selected dairy farms residing nearby region of Hyderabad, Telangana. Methods: Total number of 204 vaginal swab samples were collected aseptically from suspected buffaloes in nearby private dairy farms and were screened by employing various diagnostic methods. Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA), Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) and molecular identification through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were conducted. The sensitivity of tests was recorded considering PCR as gold standard method. Result: Screening of 204 vaginal swab samples and prevalence of brucellosis were recorded by ensuring the positive reactions and also depicting the sensitivity of various diagnostic tests namely ELISA, LFA and PCR accounting 92(45.1%), 87 (42.64%) and 113(55.4%) samples respectively. The specificity of both LFA and ELISA were recorded 100% when compared to PCR assay.

Prevalence Studies on Brucellosis in Buffalo Population in Nearby Region of Hyderabad, Telangana

Background: Brucellosis in India is highly endemic in many states and reported as the most prevalent disease in dairy cattle. Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by various Brucella species mainly affecting wide range of different species of animals like cattle, sheep, goat and pigs. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of brucellosis in suspected buffalo population showing reproductive disorders in selected dairy farms residing nearby region of Hyderabad, Telangana. Methods: Total number of 204 vaginal swab samples were collected aseptically from suspected buffaloes in nearby private dairy farms and were screened by employing various diagnostic methods. Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA), Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) and molecular identification through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were conducted. The sensitivity of tests was recorded considering PCR as gold standard method. Result: Screening of 204 vaginal swab samples and prevalence of brucellosis were recorded by ensuring the positive reactions and also depicting the sensitivity of various diagnostic tests namely ELISA, LFA and PCR accounting 92(45.1%), 87 (42.64%) and 113(55.4%) samples respectively. The specificity of both LFA and ELISA were recorded 100% when compared to PCR assay.

The Implementation of Caning Law in Aceh Province, Indonesia: An Overview of The Human Rights Perspectives

Initially, caning in Aceh was conducted openly in public areas, including the courtyard of the mosque. However, this approach provoked both positive and negative reactions. Many viewed public caning as a form of torture and raised concerns about its potential negative impact on children who witnessed the punishment. Subsequently, the Aceh government introduced Governor's Regulation No. 5/2018, which mandated the implementation of caning punishment within correctional institutions. Despite this move, the implementation of caning punishment, whether in public or correctional institutions, continues to be criticized as a violation of human rights. However, the Rome Statute of 1998 and Law No. 5 of 1998 on the Ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment stipulate that legally imposed punishments, including caning, do not constitute torture as long as they are in accordance with existing legislation.

The Implementation of Caning Law in Aceh Province, Indonesia: An Overview of The Human Rights Perspectives

Initially, caning in Aceh was conducted openly in public areas, including the courtyard of the mosque. However, this approach provoked both positive and negative reactions. Many viewed public caning as a form of torture and raised concerns about its potential negative impact on children who witnessed the punishment. Subsequently, the Aceh government introduced Governor's Regulation No. 5/2018, which mandated the implementation of caning punishment within correctional institutions. Despite this move, the implementation of caning punishment, whether in public or correctional institutions, continues to be criticized as a violation of human rights. However, the Rome Statute of 1998 and Law No. 5 of 1998 on the Ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment stipulate that legally imposed punishments, including caning, do not constitute torture as long as they are in accordance with existing legislation.

Study and transient neutronics analysis of a 10kWth space heat pipe reactor based on a new dual protection control scheme with control annulus and movable radial reflector

This paper mainly focusses on a new dual protection control scheme based on the control annulus and movable radial reflector for a 10kWth space heat pipe reactor. Through the radial reflector, reactive coarse adjustment can be achieved, while reactive fine adjustment can be achieved through B4C control annulus. Both control schemes allow for independent control. Firstly, the steady-state neutron analysis method is conducted to evaluate the critical safety performance of different core control schemes when the reactor falls into sand or water. The first control scheme uses a movable radial reflector, which can still enable the reactor to maintain a keff below 0.85 when the reactor is soaked into the sand or water. The second control scheme uses an independent B4C control annulus, which enables the reactor to maintain a keff below 0.95 when the reactor is soaked into the sand or water. Through the dual protection control scheme, it can ensure the critical safety for the reactor when the launch or drop accident occurs. Moreover, a transient neutronics analysis is conducted to evaluate the operating characteristics and transient neutronics performance for the reactor. The results showed that compared to the control scheme of Kilopower, when the positive reactivity is introduced, the transient neutron dynamics parameters of this dual protection control scheme are superior to that of Kilopower. And it showed that the dual protection control scheme provides an improved control design for the further design and optimization of control scheme for the space reactors.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay coupled with gold nanoparticles for colorimetric detection of Trichoderma spp. in Agaricus bisporus cultivation substrates

One of the significant challenges in organic cultivation of edible mushrooms is the control of invasive Trichoderma species that can hinder the mushroom production and lead to economic losses. Here, we present a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay coupled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for rapid colorimetric detection of Trichoderma spp. The specificity of LAMP primers designed on the tef1 gene was validated in silico and through gel-electrophoresis on Trichoderma harzianum and non-target soil-borne fungal and bacterial strains. LAMP amplification of genomic DNA templates was performed at 65 °C for only 30 min. The results were rapidly visualized in a microplate format within less than 5 min. The assay is based on salt-induced aggregation of AuNPs that is being prevented by the amplicons produced in case of positive LAMP reaction. As the solution color changes from red to violet upon nanoparticle aggregation can be observed with the naked eye, the developed LAMP-AuNPs assay can be easily operated to provide a simple initial screening for the rapid detection of Trichoderma in button mushroom cultivation substrate.

The Influence of Aerobic Exercise on Hippocampal Glial Cells and Inflammatory Factor Expression in the Aging Process of Rats

The objective is to analyze the impact of aerobic exercise on the activation of hippocampal glial cells and the expression of inflammatory factors in the aging process of rats. Methods: Thirty male SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) rats at 10 weeks of age were selected and divided into three groups: the sedentary group (A), the aging group (B), and the aging exercise group (C), with 10 rats in each group. The sedentary group (A) was raised for 6 weeks without exercise or aging intervention; the aging group (B) was continuously injected with D-galactose for 6 weeks without exercise intervention; the aging exercise group (C) was continuously injected with D-galactose for 6 weeks while simultaneously implementing exercise intervention, with 60 minutes of unassisted swimming per day, three times a week (swimming pool size 0.5m x 0.8m, water temperature 35±2°C). All groups were harvested at the end of 6 weeks. Compared with the sedentary group, the GFAP immunohistochemical staining in the hippocampal area of the brain was stronger in both the aging group and the aging exercise group, with more GFAP expression, darker positive reaction color, and higher average fluorescence intensity than the sedentary group; compared with the aging group, the aging exercise group had less GFAP expression, lighter positive reaction color, and lower average fluorescence intensity. All differences were significant (P&lt;0.05). In the comparison of GSH levels in the hippocampal tissue of rats, the aging group had the lowest levels, indicating a decrease in the activation level of glial cells in the hippocampus, while the aging exercise group had higher GSH levels than the aging group, proving that exercise intervention in the aging process can effectively improve the activation level of hippocampal glial cells in rats.

The Influence of Aerobic Exercise on Hippocampal Glial Cells and Inflammatory Factor Expression in the Aging Process of Rats

The objective is to analyze the impact of aerobic exercise on the activation of hippocampal glial cells and the expression of inflammatory factors in the aging process of rats. Methods: Thirty male SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) rats at 10 weeks of age were selected and divided into three groups: the sedentary group (A), the aging group (B), and the aging exercise group (C), with 10 rats in each group. The sedentary group (A) was raised for 6 weeks without exercise or aging intervention; the aging group (B) was continuously injected with D-galactose for 6 weeks without exercise intervention; the aging exercise group (C) was continuously injected with D-galactose for 6 weeks while simultaneously implementing exercise intervention, with 60 minutes of unassisted swimming per day, three times a week (swimming pool size 0.5m x 0.8m, water temperature 35±2°C). All groups were harvested at the end of 6 weeks. Compared with the sedentary group, the GFAP immunohistochemical staining in the hippocampal area of the brain was stronger in both the aging group and the aging exercise group, with more GFAP expression, darker positive reaction color, and higher average fluorescence intensity than the sedentary group; compared with the aging group, the aging exercise group had less GFAP expression, lighter positive reaction color, and lower average fluorescence intensity. All differences were significant (P&lt;0.05). In the comparison of GSH levels in the hippocampal tissue of rats, the aging group had the lowest levels, indicating a decrease in the activation level of glial cells in the hippocampus, while the aging exercise group had higher GSH levels than the aging group, proving that exercise intervention in the aging process can effectively improve the activation level of hippocampal glial cells in rats.

Lack of VEGFA/KDR Signaling in Conventional Renal Cell Carcinoma Explains the Low Efficacy of Target Therapy and Frequent Adverse Events

It is acknowledged that conventional renal cell carcinoma (cRCC), which makes up 85% of renal malignancies, is a highly vascular tumor. Humanized monoclonal antibodies were developed to inhibit tumor neo-angiogenesis, which is driven by VEGFA/KDR signaling. The results largely met our expectations, and in several cases, adverse events occurred. Our study aimed to analyze the expression of VEGFA and its receptor KDR by immunohistochemistry in tissue multi-array containing 811 cRCC and find a correlation between VEGFA/KDR signaling and new vessel formation. None of the 811 cRCC displayed VEGFA-positive immunostaining. However, each glomerulus in normal kidney showed VEGFA-positive endothelial cells. KDR expression in endothelial meshwork was found in only 9% of cRCC, whereas 2% of the cRCC displayed positive KDR reaction in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Our results disclose the involvement of VEGFA/KDR signaling in the neo-vascularization of cRCC and explain the frequent resistance to drugs targeting the VEGFA/KDR signaling and the high frequency of adverse events.

The Possible Protective Role of Resveratrol against Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Hepatic Tissue Injury in Adult Albino Rat

Abstract Background Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in industries and medications. This may elevate the probability of their existence in the environment, which may have harmful side effects on different body organs, especially on the liver. So it became mandatory to search for natural hepatoprotective elements such as Resveratrol. Aim of the Work The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the histological structure and biochemical markers of the liver of adult male albino rats and to evaluate the possible protective role of Resveratrol. Material and Methods 40 adult male albino rats aged 3-6 months, were divided randomly into four groups; Group I (Control group), which consisted of 10 male albino rats with free access to food (rat chew) and water; Group II (ZnO NPs group), which included 10 male albino rats, which received a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight ZnO NPs through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks; Group III (Resveratrol group) was composed of 10 male albino rats which received a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight Resveratrol through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks, and Group IV (ZnO NPs + Resveratrol group) included 10 male albino rats which were co-administered with a combination of ZnO NPs at a dose of 50mg/kg body weight and Resveratrol at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight dose through oral gavage daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). All the animals were sacrificed, and the liver was extracted and processed into paraffin blocks for light microscopic examination. A morphometric study and a statistical analysis were done. Results The present work demonstrated that liver sections obtained from adult male albino rats that received ZnO NPs showed disorganized hepatic architecture, severe affection of the hepatocytes, which had small darkly stained nuclei, and deep acidophilic cytoplasm. The hepatocytes sometimes showed extensive cytoplasmic vacuolations. Most hepatocytes had small apoptotic nuclei and were surrounded by clear halos. While some hepatocytes lost their cell boundaries and coalesced together. Central veins were dilated, distorted, and congested with areas of epithelial lining detachment. Most of the blood sinusoids appeared congested with marked inflammatory cell infiltration. The portal tracts showed vascular congestion, dilatation, and proliferation of the bile ducts. There was a marked increase in the collagen deposition around the portal tracts, central veins, and in-between hepatocytes. Marked depletion of glycogen content with sporadic positive PAS reactions within the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes was also noticed. Hepatocyte apoptosis was evident by a significant increase in caspase-3 expression compared to the control group. On the other hand, ZnO NP +Resveratrol group showed the restoration of normal hepatic lobules with few areas of subcapsular haemorrhage. Most hepatocytes appeared polygonal in shape, with acidophilic cytoplasm and central rounded vesicular nuclei. While few hepatocytes appeared degenerated with dark stained pyknotic nuclei and cytoplasm showed hydropic degeneration. Most of the blood sinusoids returned to their normal sizes with flattened endothelial cells. However, sometimes they were congested, dilated, and contained Kupffer cells. Some central veins appeared congested. The portal tract also returned to its normal size with a marked decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and showed apparent minimal collagen fiber deposition. Another finding in the present work was that Resveratrol restored the glycogen content of the hepatocytes which were depleted in ZnO NPs group. This was marked by a strong PAS positive reaction in the cytoplasm of most hepatocytes, with few hepatocytes with weak PAS reaction. Resveratrol co-treatment with ZnO NPs significantly reduced the degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes. This was evident in our study by the apparent negative Caspase-3 reaction in the cytoplasm of most hepatocytes. Clear deterioration of liver function tests was observed in ZnO NPs group compared with the control, with marked improvement in the group treated with ZnO NPs and Resveratrol together. Conclusion The present study demonstrated the degenerative and hepatotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on the histological structure and function of the liver and the hepatoprotective role of Resveratrol against these effects.

A Comparative Histological Study Between the Protective and the Therapeutic Effect of Probiotic on Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rat

Abstract Introduction Although cisplatin (CP) is one of the most effective chemotherapies, it is associated with significant nephrotoxicity (Acute kidney injury). Lactobacillus plantarum is often used as a probiotic on its own for its beneficial properties and anti-inflammatory activity. Aim to compare the protective and therapeutic role of probiotics on the microscopic structure of the kidney in a model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Material and Methods thirty-five adult male albino rats weighing (200-220gm) were divided into 4 groups. Group I (control group), Group II (Cisplatin group): rats received intraperitoneal injection of CP (7.5 mg/kg) for 3 days. Group III (protective group): Rats received 1 mL of probiotic orally for 7 days. From the fifth day, the rats received intraperitoneal injections of CP (7.5mg/kg) for 3 days. Group IV (Therapeutic group): Rats received intraperitoneal injection of CP for 3 days. From the fourth day, the rats received probiotic L. plantarum orally at a dose of (1 mL/day) for 14 days. The concentration of probiotics in group III and group IV was 109 Colony forming units (CFU)/mL/100 g of body weight. Kidney specimens were proceeded for light microscopic examination, as well as Morphometrical and statistical analyses. Results H&amp;E-stained sections of Group II showed marked renal affection in which most glomeruli showed atrophy. Renal tubules were mostly distorted, necrotic, and degenerative with interstitial hemorrhage, congestion, and cellular infiltration. PAS-stained sections showed marked increased reaction in glomerular and tubular Basement membranes with an apparent loss of Brush borders of most of the PCTs. Masson`s trichrome-stained sections showed a marked increase in collagen fibers in renal interstitia mostly around blood vessels. Immunohistochemically stained sections showed a marked increase in positive cytoplasmic reaction to caspase -3 antibodies mostly in renal tubules. On the other hand, the renal structure of The protective group showed marked improvement which appeared nearly comparable to that of the control group while the therapeutic group showed minimal improvement. Conclusion The protective effect of probiotics on cisplatin-induced Acute Kidney Injury (Nephrotoxicity) was markedly better than the therapeutic effect as detected by microscopic, morphometric, and statistical studies.