Genetic Diversity Associated with Eco-geographical Parameters, Morphological Characteristics and Soil Analyzes of Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in Algeria

Background: In the present study, we have set a goal, to study the genetic variability and phylogenetic affinities of 26 spontaneous Vicia sativa L. accessions collected in Algeria, as part of the recovery and enhancement of the local genetic heritage and its integration into the breeding and varietal creation programs. Methods: Morphological traits, performance parameters and phenological stages of each accession were tracked during an experimental test in pots under greenhouse conditions from December 29, 2019 to June 1, 2020. An eco-geographical characterization of samples was also carried out through geographical coordinates. On the other side and for the first time in Algeria, soil analyses of each site were undertaken. Result: The phylogenetic study of accessions confirm the taxonomic complexity of the group V. sativa L. According to the principal component analyses and kruskal-Wallis test, the most segregating variables with the highest values and the largest K variance ratios are most of the attributes associated with the flower, pod and seed. The association of the two dissimilarity matrix carried out by a Mantel test between the morphological and eco-geographic parameters showed a significant effect with a p value = 0.004 at the threshold of alpha=0.05 and a correlation coefficient r (AB) = 0.156.

Ameliorative Effects of Fenugreek Seeds and Curcumin on Hematotoxicity induced by Nicotine in Male Albino Rats

The present study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of fenugreek seeds and curcumin on hematotoxicity induced by nicotine in male albino rats. 30 male F-344/NHsd Fischer rats, weighing from 180 to 200g were used in the present study. The animals were divided into five groups (6 rats for each); Group I (control group), Group II (nicotine treated group), Group III (nicotine/fenugreek seeds co-administered), Group IV (nicotine/curcumin co-administered), and Group V (nicotine/curcumin& fenugreek seeds co-administered). At the end of the experimentation and 24 hours after the last dose, all animals were anaesthetized with ether and blood samples were collected by heart puncture. The samples were collected in clean dry tubes containing the anticoagulant substance EDTA and used for the hematological studies. The results showed that the animals treated with nicotine for 4 weeks showed a significant decrease in RBCs count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, MCH, MCHC, and platelets count, and increased MCV and WBCs count as compared to the control group. Co-administration of nicotine with fenugreek and/or curcumin caused improvement in all hematological parameters when compared with nicotine group. It can be concluded that nicotine had a strong effect on the hematological parameters. The ingestion of fenugreek and/or curcumin prevent the hematoxicity induced by nicotine. The current study suggests that fenugreek and curcumin may be useful in combating free radical-induced hematotoxicity induced by nicotine.

Hemodynamic Stress Response in Controlled Hypertensive Patients- A Randomized Comparison of I-Scope Video Laryngoscope and Macintosh Laryngoscope

Background: Laryngoscopy and intubation cause activation of the sympathetic nervous system and can results in tachycardia, arrhythmias and hypertension. Hypertensive patients demonstrate a relatively greater rise in catecholamine secretion and an increased sensitivity to them. Aim of the study is to compare the haemodynamic stress response associated with orotracheal intubation using videolaryngoscope or Macintosh laryngoscope in controlled hypertensive patients. Methods: Sixty hypertensive, American Society of Anesthesiologist’s class II, patients were randomly divided in to two groups. In group V (videolaryngoscope), intubation was done with i-scope videolaryngoscope. In group M (Macintosh), intubation was done using Macintosh laryngoscope. Primary objectives of the study pulse rate (PR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were noted immediately after and at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation. Results: The demographic data were comparable in both groups. There was no significant difference at baseline for mean (SD) PR, SBP, DBP and MBP at baseline and after induction/before intubation (p>0.05). The mean (SD) PR, SBP, DBP and MBP were significantly higher in Macintosh laryngoscope group as compared to i-scope videolaryngoscope immediately after intubation, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 minutes after intubation (p<0.001). Conclusion: We found that intubation with the use of i-scope videolaryngoscope results in less haemodynamic stress response than Macintosh laryngoscope in controlled hypertensive patients.

Механизм роста монослоя на верхней грани Ga-каталитических нитевидных нанокристаллов GaAs и GaP

The growth mechanism of monolayer on the top facet of Ga-catalyzed GaAs and GaP nanowires is investigated. Within the framework of a theoretical model, the maximal monolayer coverage due to the material in the catalyst droplet, the nanowire growth rate and the content of group V atoms in the droplet are found depending on the growth conditions. The estimates of the phosphorus re-evaporation coefficient from neighboring nanowires and substrate are obtained by comparing the theoretical and experimental growth rate of Ga-catalyzed GaP nanowires.

Effectiveness of the Multimedia Training Module on Farmer’s Knowledge in using Bio-control Agents : An Experimental Investigation

The present study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the multimedia training modules in terms of knowledge gain among bio-control user’s farmers. The study was purposively conducted in Chhattisgarh where, a total of 200 biocontrol user’s farmers were selected randomly and divide into eight groups equally. Bio-control agents was selected as farm technology based on new and need based one. The Barsch learning style inventory was used to access the learning style of farmers and results showed that majority (67.67%) of them were preferred visual learning style. The knowledge was assessed through in-build knowledge test on the specific aspects. From the result, at Dhamtari district, the Group-I (Katalboard) has highest (144.37%) knowledge gain and in Raipur district Group-V (Baronda) has lowest (37.60%) knowledge gain. The overall knowledge gain ranges from 37.60 per cent to 144.37 per cent in the study area; this variation indicated that the farmers having different level of knowledge aspects in the biocontrol agents. There was also statistically significant gain in knowledge (t-test 23.91) from pre to post exposure mean scores which can be interpreted that the multimedia training module had significant effect on the knowledge gain on bio-control agents farming practices. The results of the study clearly indicate the importance of multimedia training modules in transfer of knowledge and skill on scientific farming practices.

Biochemical and Haematological Effect of Kaempferol in Stress Induced By Experimental Eimeria Tenella Infection in Two Weeks Old Broiler Chickens

In this study, biochemical and haematological effects of kaempferol in stress induced by experimental Eimeria tenella infection in two weeks old broiler chickens was investigated. Sixty-day old broilers were randomly allotted into six groups (I-VI) of ten broilers each and brooded for two weeks with commercial broiler feed (vital feed®) and provided water ad libitum. At two weeks of age broilers in group I served as non-infected control. Broilers in groups II- VI were infected with Eimeria tenella sporulated oocyst (104/ml) via oral inoculation. After infection was established, broilers in groups II-IV were treated per os with 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of kaempferol respectively. Broilers in group V were treated for five days with amprolium, 1.25 g/L in drinking water. Broilers in group VI served as infected untreated control. Five days post infection; all broilers were sacrificed by severing their jugular veins. Blood sample was collected from each broiler in a plane sample container devoid of anticoagulant so as to harvest serum for serology while Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) bottles were used to collect 1 ml of blood from each bird for haematology. Concentrations of antioxidant (GPx, CAT and SOD) and liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP) were determined. Data obtained was analyzed using pad prism version 5.0. There were statistically significant (P<0.05) reductions in the mean values of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) in groups II, III and IV in a dose dependent manner when compared to group VI. Similarly, the mean values of antioxidant (GPx, CAT and SOD) enzymes increased significantly significant (P<0.05) in groups II, III and IV in a dose dependent manner when compared to group VI. No significant (P>0.05) difference in the mean values of antioxidants and liver enzymes were recorded between groups II, III and IV and when compared to group V. Mean Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and Red Blood Cell (RBC) count significantly (P<0.05) increased in groups II, III, and IV in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, PCV, Hb concentration and RBC count were significantly (P<0.05) increased in groups II, III, and IV when compared with VI. No significant (P>0.05) difference in the mean values of PCV, Hb and RBC were recorded in groups treated with kaempferol and group treated with amprolium. It was observed in this study that kaempferol improved the serum level of antioxidants and liver enzymes as well as and haematological parameters and also reduced the level of pathology in the caecum of broilers infected with Eimeria tenella in this study.

The results of immunohistochemical study of signaling pathways’ markers of proliferation in uterine leiomyoma in women using hormonal contraception.

Objective. To elucidate the influence of various components of hormonal contraception in women with uterine leiomyoma (UL) on the key molecular and cellular mechanisms of its proliferation. Methods. Antigen Ki-67, estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR) were determined by immunohistochemical methods in 230 samples of UL preparations obtained during myomectomy. Depending on the composition of the components of hormonal contraceptives that women used for 12 months before the operation, 8 study groups were created: Group I - control, without the use of any hormonal contraception; Group II - the use of COCs containing 20 μg of ethinylestradiol and 0.075 mg of gestaden; Group III - COCs (30 μg ethinylestradiol and 0.075 mg gestaden) Group IV - COCs (30 μg ethinylestradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel) Group V - COCs (30 μg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel) Group VI - COCs (30 μg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg dienogest) Group VII - COCs (30 μg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone) Group VIII - (intrauterine levonorgestrel releasing system (IUD-LNG). Results. In UL samples from group I, an increase of Ki-67 positive cells in 3.4 times was observed (3.1 ± 0.03%; p <0.04) in comparison with intact myometrium (IM) (0.9 ± 0.06%), which is evidence of a higher cell proliferation in the UL, a 3.1-fold increase in the H-index of ER expression - 39.4 ± 4.3 (p <0.05) versus 12.9 ± 1.6 in the group with IM I and in 2.6 times of PR expression - 21.1 ± 1.7 (p <0.05) compared to IM - 8.2 ± 1.4, which may indicate a greater sensitivity of UL to sex hormones and their promoter role in UL proliferation. Expression of Ki-67 in UL samples in women taking COCs, which included dienogest (1.8 ± 0.03%, p <0.05) - group VI and desogestrel (1.9 ± 0.03%, p <0.05) - group IV, was, 42.0% and 38.8% respectively, what ois less than in group I UL, which can be regarded as the cytoprotective effect of the progestogen component of COC on the mitotic activity of UL cells. A positive trend in the expression of Ki-67 persisted when women used COCs containing gestodene (2.1 ± 0.02%; p <0.05) - group III and levonorgestrel (2.2 ± 0.04%, p <0.05) - group V, in which the expression of Ki-67 was shown by a smaller number of PM cells, respectively, by 32.3% and 25.8% than in group I PM, and also to a lesser extent - in group VIII (COC with droperidone), where the mean value of Ki-67 expression in LM samples was 2.6 ± 0.02% and was 16.9% less than in LM group I. An increase in the dose of ethinyl estradiol in COCs from 20 μg (group II) to 30 μg (group III) did not significantly affect the expression of Ki-67, therefore, the content of estrogens in modern low-dose COCs does not contribute to an increase in proliferation in the LM, and the non-contraceptive antiproliferative effect is associated exclusively with biological and the pharmacological properties of individual gestagens in the composition of COCs. It was proved that the studied COCs did not significantly affect the expression of ER and PGR. There was no significant difference in the expression of the Ki-67 marker (2.9 ± 0.04%, p <0.05) in UL cells in women using LNG-IUD for contraception, compared with group I. Conclusion. The results of the study have shown that when choosing a drug for hormonal contraception in women with UL, preference should be given to combined hormonal drugs that contain progestogens with the most pronounced antiproliferative properties (dienogest, desogestrel and levonorgestrel).

The Fornix May Play a Key Role in Korsakoff’s Amnesia Secondary to Subcallosal Artery Infarction

Background: Subcallosal artery infarction injures the fornix and anterior corpus callosum and sometimes causes Korsakoff’s amnesia. We hypothesized that Korsakoff’s amnesia might be caused by fornix dysfunction rather than anterior corpus callosum dysfunction in subcallosal artery infarction. Methods: A systematic review approach was applied to search PubMed and Google Scholar for articles to compare patients who had both bilateral fornix and corpus callosum infarction due to subcallosal artery territory ischemia (vascular event group; V group) with patients who had undergone anterior corpus callosotomy (callosotomy group; C group). Results: The V group comprised 10 patients (mean age, 63 years; median, 69 years; standard deviation (SD), 14.5 years; 5 males, 5 females). The C group comprised 6 patients (mean age, 23.7 years; median, 20 years; SD, 7.3 years; 3 males, 3 females). Six of 10 patients (60%) with subcallosal artery infarction exhibited Korsakoff’s amnesia. One patient showed neither confabulation nor amnesia. Conversely, no amnesia episodes were seen in any patients from the C group (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Fornix injury, rather than anterior corpus callosum injury, might be the major cause of Korsakoff’s amnesia in patients with subcallosal artery infarction.

SPECIFIC STRUCTURE OF EFFECTIVE MEMBRANE ALLOYS BASED ON NIOBIUM, VANADIUM AND ZIRCONIUM

Аморфные, нанокристаллические мембранные сплавы на основе элементов V группы с уникальными механическими и функциональными свойствами и с матричной дуплексной микроструктурой активно способствуют развитию водородной энергетики. Имеются еще не вполне разрешенные проблемы для этих новых сплавов -их низкая термическая стабильность, недосточная механическая прочность (пластичность, твердость), а также охрупчивание интерметаллидное и гидридное. Для эффективного применения разрабатываются сплавы с тройным составом - в которые помимо элементов V группы входят и легирующие металлы никель и титан. Получают не только аморфные и нанокристаллические сплавы, применимые в электронике и электроэнергетике, а также мембранные сплавы с дуплексной матричной структурой, объединяющей аморфные, так нано- и квазикристаллические дендритно упрочняющие фазы, как упрочняющие аморфную матрицу. В специализируемых мембранных тройных сплавах формируются соединения NiTi и NiTi, стабилизирующие и предохраняющие нано- и кристаллические мембраны от хрупкого разрушения. Установлено, что интенсивное образование гидридов в этих альтернативных мембранных сплавах столь же не желательно, как и для традиционных сплавов на основе палладия. Рассматриваемые сплавы действительно позволяют получить газообразный водород высокой чистоты с применением новых составов взамен дорогостоящих мембран на основе сплавов Pd - Au / Ag / Cu. With unique mechanical and functional properties, amorphous, nanocrystalline and matrix duplex microstructure membrane alloys based on group V elements actively contribute to the development of hydrogen energy. There are still not completely resolved problems for these new alloys - their low thermal stability, insufficient mechanical strength (plasticity, hardness), and intermetallic and hydride embrittlement. For effective use, alloys with a triple composition are being developed - which, in addition to the elements of group V, also include nickel and titanium as alloying metals. Not only amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys are obtained that are applicable in electronics and power engineering, as well as membrane alloys with a duplex matrix structure that combines amorphous, nano-and quasicrystalline dendritic-hardening phases strengthening the amorphous matrix. In specialized membrane ternary alloys, NiTi and NiTi compounds are formed, which stabilize and protect nano-and crystalline membranes from brittle destruction. It has been found that the intense formation of hydrides in these alternative membrane alloys is as undesirable as for palladium-based compounds. The alloys under consideration actually make it possible to obtain high-purity gaseous hydrogen using new compositions instead of expensive membranes based on Pd - Au / Ag / Cu alloys.