Vol.8 No.4 – 7: The journey of nurse managers in the nursing workforce management during the Covid-19 pandemic

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By: Roniefhel N. Apsay, RN and Helen D. Alalag, MAN, RN

School of Nursing, University of Baguio, Philipines

Abstract:

In these chaotic, stressful, and uncertain times, nurse managers, who constantly receive new information about the disease and its prevention, work hard to make correct decisions while leading the nursing team. Managers must be ready to face the impact of the pandemic on nurses. The study answered the question; What are your experiences managing the hospital workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic? The study utilizes a phenomenological interpretative design approach in exploring the experiences of the nurse manager in the nursing workforce amid the pandemic. Participants were five currently working as nurse managers who provided consent for an in-depth interview. The data was gathered through unstructured interviews.  The researcher used a combination of snowball and convenient sampling to recruit the participants. Findings suggest that the study participants had developed resiliency in managing the nursing workforce. They find their experience during the pandemic with the following emerging themes: Looking back: the devastating events of the Covid 19 pertain to chaotic events of the pandemic, Managing the hospital resources and staffing, whereas they strategize to solve the shortcomings of the hospital because of understaffing and limited PPE for the staff nurses; Overcoming the challenges during COVID 19 strategic planning on massive hiring of nurses and proper training of level four PPE for Covid nurses;  Psychological intervention among staff nurses during COVID 19 pandemic; Causes of the mental breakdown of the staff nurses and lastly mentoring the new generation nurse. A nurse manager requires a lot of strategizing in the allocation of resources, and the adaptability of every leader in the flow of a dire situation. The researcher recommends to the future researcher explore possible research designs of Grounded theory to develop a concept/theory of the journey of the nurse manager in managing the nursing workforce.

The-journey-of-nurse-managers-on-nursing-workforce

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Vol.8 No.4 – 6:Potential Role of Circulating Dermokine and Bcl-2 Anti-apoptotic Protein in Colorectal Cancer Egyptian Patients: Correlative Analysis with the Clinicopathological Parameters

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By: Shaimaa M. Abdelsamea1, Hoda M. El-Emshaty2, *, Othman A. Othman1, Mohamed M. El-Hemaly2, Hisham Ismail1

1Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Dept., Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt.

2Gastrointestinal Surgery Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.

Running title: Circulating Dermokine and Bcl-2 in CRC Egyptian Patients

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the seventh most common cancer in Egypt, and more than half of the patients are under the age of 50. Here, we aimed to assess the levels of circulating Dermokine (DMKN) and cytoplasmic anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 for detecting CRC in the earlier stages possible.The levels of DMKN, Bcl-2, Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and Carbohydrate antigen 19.9 were determined using ELISA in the sera of 53 CRC patients, 18 ulcerative colitis patients, and 24 healthy individuals. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS program. Serum levels of DMKN and Bcl-2 were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in CRC patients than in non-cancer individuals. Highly significant correlations were recorded between levels of DMKN and Bcl-2 and the pathological TNM tumor characteristics. At the best cut-off level (68-pg/mL), the DMKN assay showed high degrees of sensitivity (87%), specificity (100%), and accuracy (91%) in comparison with investigated biomarkers. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed a DKB-Score based on DMKN and Bcl-2 with an AUROC of 0.991. The developed score showed a high degree of efficiency (97.4%) for discriminating CRC patients from controls. In conclusion, the assessment of serum DMKN either alone or simultaneously with Bcl-2 has a potential role in discriminating CRC from premalignant patients.

Potential-Role-of-Circulating-Dermokine-and-Bcl-2-Anti-apoptotic-Protein-in-Colorectal-Cancer-Egyptian-Patients-Correlative-Analysis-with-the-Clinicopathological-Parameters-2

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Vol.8 No.4 – 5:Ameliorating effect of extracted Ginger oil against toxic effects of crude oil in male rats

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By: Anas, S. Abuali

Biology Department / Basic Education College / Missan University, Iraq

Abstract

Aim of the study: Use extraction of medical herbal such as powder ginger extract observed to stimulate the hematological system as evidenced by a decrease in the total count of RBCs, platelets as well as hemoglobin percentage. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity and protective effect of ginger essential oil against the toxic effect of crude oil on the hematological parameters.

Method: Crude oil was taken from the medical laboratory center in Missan province. Crude oil obtained from Missan oil company (MOC) Ltd sample type (No:38DI) Ginger (Zanjabar offcienales) was obtained from the local market, Missan city, and classified in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science.

Experimental animals: Twenty-four Albino Waster male rats weighing (150-200 g) were assigned into three groups (8 rats for each group). Group one was administered corn oil at a dose of 1ml for each rat daily basis for 30 days, group two was treated with ginger essential oil orally (50 mg/kg B.W.) once daily for 30 days, group three was treated orally with 600ul of crude oil mixed with 1 ml corn oil orally once daily for 30 days. Blood samples were collected in clean class tubes with EDTA anticoagulant. Complete blood pictures (CBC) shown from collected blood samples by automatic method (Celltac X kx 021n automated hematology analyzer, Japan CARE Co, LTD). The results: The results observed that ginger essential oil is composed of 55 chemical components identified according to retention times and area parentage area in the extracted oil. The main active chemical components were Zingiberen in percentage (17.1), followed by Cyclohexene (α-Sesquiphellandrene) in percentage (12.1%), à-Farnesene in percentage (11.9%) and Benzene (7.9%). Red blood cells (RBCs) observed a significant decrease in the count of red blood cells (RBCs) when administrated crude oil orally as a compared control group, while the rats that were given ginger essential oil observed no significant changes in RBC count. Decrease in hemoglobin concentration (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), and Platelets(Plt)after administrated of crud oil in dose 600ul, while the rats that administrated GEO observed no significant changes in Hb, PCVand Plt as compared with the control group. A significant increase in White Blood Cells(WBCs), Granulocytes (Neutrophils), Monocytes, and Lymphocytes after administration of crude oil as compared with the control group, while administration of GEO orally improved activity of WBCs, Granulocytes, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes.

Conclusions: Exposure to crude oil may lead to abnormal changes in the hematological parameters and Ginger essential oil may have properties for protecting and ameliorating the toxic effects of crude oil even in high doses.

Ameliorating-effect-of-extracted-Ginger-oil-against-toxic-effects-of-crude-oil-in-male-rats

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Vol.8 No.4 – 4:Evaluation of ameliorating role of avocado Persea americana fruit extract against monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity in pregnant female albino rats and their offspring

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By: Eman H Radwan1,2*, Abdelfattah Elbeltagy1, R Ibrahim1, Gh Tabl3 and Noha Nazeh1

1Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Egypt

2Member of National Biotechnology Network (ASRT), Egypt

3Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Although monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a food additive, the application of higher doses or prolonged uses significantly leads to accumulations in living cells and finally produces cellular toxicity. Persea Americana (avocado) has recently gained substantial popularity and is often marketed as a “superfood” because of its unique nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and biochemical profile. Aim: To evaluate the potential ameliorative role of avocado fruit extract against MSG-induced nephrotoxicity in pregnant rats and their offspring. Thirty-two (24 females and 8 males) albino rats were used in this study. After an acclimatization period of two weeks; the animals were mated, and the pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups; control (G1), avocado (G2): they were supplemented with 50 mg/kg b.w. of avocado fruit extract, MSG (G3): they were given 3g / kg b.w. of MSG, every other day, and MSG &Avocado (G4): they were given an oral dose of MSG alternatively with avocado fruit extract. At the end of weaning, the female rats and their offspring were sacrificed and the blood was collected and the kidneys were excised to evaluate the renal biochemical and histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations. Results: In MSG-treated mothers’ rats, the renal cortical sections displayed severe histopathological lesions including little renal corpuscles, atrophied glomeruli, and relatively wide Bowman‘s space. However, the offspring displayed mild renal histopathological lesions compared with their mothers. The immunohistochemical results revealed strong PCNA and Bax expression in the renal tissues of MSG-exposed mother rats and their offspring if compared with the control.  Furthermore, the mean percentage value of positively expressed cells for caspase-3 appeared significantly higher in the renal cells of MSG-induced mother’s rats and their offspring if compared with the control. Additionally, the levels of serum antioxidants (SOD&CAT) and potassium ions appeared significantly lowered while the level of MDA, urea, and creatinine appeared significantly higher if compared with the control.  Co-supplementation of avocado fruit extract to MSG-induced mothers rats and their pups successfully alleviated the histopathological, immune-histo-chemical, apoptotic as well as biochemical changes caused by MSG.  Conclusion: Avocado fruit extract has a powerful ameliorative role against MSG-induced renal toxicity in mother rats and their offspring.

Evaluation-of-ameliorating-role-of-avocado-Persea-americana-fruit-extract-against-monosodium-glutamate-induced-toxicity-in-pregnant-female-albeno-rats-and-their-offspring

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Vol.8 No.4 – 3:Antitumor efficacy of Urtica sp. leaves extract: in vitro and in vivo studies

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By: Rania Shams El Deen Fakher El Deen1, Sabry Ali El-Naggar2, Eman El-Nahass2,Karim Samy El-Said3

1 Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Specific Education, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

3 Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Natural products demonstrated potential for use in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Objective: This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of Urtica sp. leaves extract (USLE), and its in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects. Methods: HepG-2 and MCF-7 cell lines were used to evaluate the IC50, apoptosis, and cell cycle analysis of USLE. Forty female CD-1 mice were equally divided as follows; Gp1 was control; Gp2, Gp3, and Gp4 were inoculated with 1 × 106 of Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma (EAC)-cells/mouse. Then, Gp3 had injected with Cisplatin (2 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p). Gp4 had injected with USLE (100 mg/kg) i.p. as in Gp3. Total tumor volume, total tumor cell count, and live and dead EAC-cells were determined, also biochemical and histopathological investigations were evaluated. Results: Data showed that the USLE had cytotoxic and antitumor effects against the HepG-2, MCF-7, and EAC-bearing mice. Biochemical and histopathological investigations showed an improvement in the liver and kidney tissues upon treatment of EAC-bearing mice with USLE. Conclusion: The results showed that the USLE can stop tumor growth and cause tumor cells to die.

Antitumor-efficacy-of-Urtica-sp.-leaves-extract-in-vitro-and-in-vivo-studies

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Vol.8 No.4 – 2:Non-invasive follow-up of Egyptian patients infected with Helicobacter pylori by quantification of H. pylori circulating antigen in serum using ELISA

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By: Hager R. Fawzy1, Asmaa M. Abdelmageed2, Mahmoud A. Shoulkamy1, Mohamed Abdel Wahab2, Hisham Ismail3, *

1Microbiology Division, Botany & Microbiology Dept., Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt

2Gastrointestinal Surgery Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt

3Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Dept., Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt.

Abstract

Clinicians still wish to determine if H. pylori-infected patients have been cured after specific treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the H. pylori circulating antigen (HpCAg) test for noninvasive screening of H. pylori infection and assessment of cure after specific treatment. Sera of 134 symptomatic individuals (81 males & 53 females, aged 23-68 yr) were screened for HpCAg using ELISA. H. pylori infection was confirmed using a gold standard based on culture, rapid urease test, and histology testing. The detection rate of HpCAg was 69% among screened individuals. The gold standard confirmed H. pylori infection in 93% of individuals showing HpCAg in their sera. In addition, 31% of infected patients were excluded for their drug resistance. Eligible individuals received a standard triple therapy regimen including Lansoprazole, Clarithromycin, and Amoxicillin twice daily for 14 days. Six weeks later, the HpCAg testing was repeated to evaluate the treatment outcome. HpCAg was not detected in 78 % of treated individuals. Furthermore, the levels of HpCAg were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in the sera of non-responders. In conclusion, the detection of HpCAg is a reliable non-invasive approach for screening and follow-up of H. pylori-infected individuals after treatment, especially in developing countries.

Non-invasive-follow-up-of-Egyptian-patients-infected-with-Helicobacter-pylori-by-quantification-of-H.-pylori-circulating-antigen-in-serum-using-ELISA

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Vol.8 No.4 – 1:The hepato-fibrogenic potential of both acute and chronic treatments with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin in rats

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By: Nabil Mohie Abdel-Hamid l, Mona Mohammed Abdel Hamid 2, Ahmed Abdelnaser Mohamed*3

1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt,

2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Egypt, Orcid ID: 0000-0002-2810-7016.

3Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, New Mansoura University, Egypt, Orcid ID: 0000-0003-0666-234X.

ABSTRACT

Background and purpose: Hepatotoxicity from frequently prescribed drugs has become an evolving health problem. This study was conducted to evaluate the risk of acute and chronic administration of acetaminophen (AAP), ibuprofen (Ibu), and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Methods: One hundred and twenty male albino rats, were divided into 2 main groups for acute and chronic study. Each group was sub-classified into 5 sub-groups (12 rats for each). Acute study: control (normal saline), AAP (single oral dose, 540 mg/kg, bw), AAP +Zn (APP and Zn ,227 mg/liter drinking water 24 hours before AAP administration), Ibu (single oral dose,440 mg/kg, bw), and ASA (single intraperitoneal dose,540 mg/kg, bw). Chronic (period for 60 days): control (normal saline), AAP (single daily doses, 48 mg/kg, bw), AAP +Zn (APP and Zn, 227 mg/liter drinking water for 6o days), Ibu (single daily doses, 48 mg/kg, bw), and ASA (single daily intraperitoneal doses, 40 mg/kg,). Results: Hepatic aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, serum glycosaminoglycans, tissue hydroxyproline, and malondialdehyde were significantly elevated, but glutathione was significantly decreased, in both acute and chronic treatments in all treated groups. Prior treatment with Zn couldn’t change the effects of AAP, except on oxidative stress. Tissue changes after chronic treatment varied from fatty changes to vascular congestions and inflammation. Conclusion: We assume that both acute and chronic administration of AAP, Ibu, and ASA have deleterious hepatotoxic and fibrogenic effects on the liver with a non-significant protective role to Zn co-administration with AAP against oxidative stress.

The-hepato-fibrogenic-potential-of-both-acute-and-chronic-treatments-with-paracetamol-ibuprofen-and-aspirin-in-rats

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Vol.8 No.3 – 11:Interference between miR-21/PTEN/E-Cadherin and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Various Stages of Chronic HCV Infection

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By: Yasser B.M. Ali1, Mohamed G.Thabet1, Abeer M. El-Maghraby1, Asmaa Gomaa2, Omaima A. Khamiss3, Roba M. Talaat1

1Molecular Biology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Egypt.

2Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Live Institute (NLI), Menufyia University, Shebeen-Elkom, Egypt

3Animal Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), University of Sadat City, Egypt

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication associated with hepatitis C viral infection (HCV). The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical in HCC invasion and metastasis. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to HCV-related HCC. This study aimed to evaluate the relation between miR-21, phosphatase, tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), and E-Cadherin with a flashlight on their role in the EMT process in HCV infection at different stages. One hundred HCV-infected patients were studied, 75 had HCV-induced cirrhosis (classified into Child A, B, and C), and 25 had HCC. In parallel, 45 healthy volunteers were considered normal controls. Circulating miR-21was detected by quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT–PCR).PTEN and E-cadherin serum levels were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A significant elevation in miR-21 was observed in HCC patients compared with control ones(P˂0.01). HCC patients had the lowest E-cadherins and PTEN (P<0.01) compared with cirrhotic and normal subjects. In HCC patients, PTEN was positively correlated with E-cadherin (r= 0.501; p<0.01).  On the other hand, a negative correlation between miR-21 and both E-cadherins (r= -0.455; p<0.01) and PTEN (r= -0.255; p<0.05) was observed. Accordingly, up-regulation of miR-21 in the tumor is an important step in HCV-positive cirrhotic hepatocarcinogenesis and might result in concomitant down-regulation of PTEN and E-cadherin in favor of tumor promotion. Our data might be the first study that correlates miR-21, PTEN, and E-cadherin in different stages of HCV infection (from cirrhosis to HCC).

Interference-between-miR-21PTENE-Cadherin-and-Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition-in-Various-Stages-of-Chronic-HCV-Infection

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Vol.8 No.3 – 10:Effect of calcium hypochlorite as a source of hypochlorous acid in ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced pulmonary and cardiac injury in mice

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By: Maher M. Akla, Entsar A. Nazmyb, Omar A. El-Khoulyc*

a Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, 35516, Mansoura, Egypt.

b Critical Care and Emergency Department, Kafr ElSheikh Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt

c Faculty of Pharmacy, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is recognized to be accompanied by severe lung and heart complications. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of Calcium hypochlorite in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced pulmonary and cardiac injury in mice. The CP-induced toxicity in the lung and heart is like that caused by ARDS. Calcium hypochlorite significantly attenuated doth lung and heart functionality and significantly reduced the CP-induced perivascular inflammation, congestion of blood vessels, and severe morphological changes of the alveolar wall. It also exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on CP-induced pulmonary and heart toxicity. Given these results, calcium hypochlorite successfully ameliorates ARDS symptoms rendering calcium hypochlorite to be a promising agent to be tested in models of pneumonia caused by bacterial or viral infections, including those of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Effect-of-calcium-hypochlorite-as-a-source-of-hypochlorous-acid-in-ameliorating-cyclophosphamide-induced-pulmonary-and-cardiac-injury-in-mice-1

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Vol.8 No.3 – 9:Diagnostic performances of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and type IV collagen for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients

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By: Mohamed M. Omran1,* Anhar F. Elmetwaly2, Tarek M. Emran3, Ahmed A. Eldeeb4, Arafa A. Belal2, Faten Z. Mohamed 5

1 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt

3 Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt

4Nephrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

5 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Egypt

Abstract

 Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It’s also called diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In the United States, about 1 in 3 people with diabetes have diabetic nephropathy. This necessitates identifying better biomarkers that diagnose diabetic nephropathy. The study aimed to evaluate tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and type IV collagen as potential biomarkers for the detection of diabetic nephropathy and its progression in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: A total of 88 subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were classified into three ‎major groups; diabetics with DKD group (n=50), diabetics without DKD group (n=28), and healthy control group (n=10). TNFα and type IV collagen levels were measured in all subjects. The diagnostic value of single and combined TNFα and type IV collagen was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC). Results: For discrimination between diabetics with DKD from healthy individuals, the most efficient marker was TNF-α (AUC= 0.81, 70% sensitivity, and 70% specificity. For discriminant between DM patients with DKD from DM patients without DKD, the most efficient marker was type IV collagen (AUC= 0.77, 69% sensitivity, and 73% specificity. Interestingly, we developed a new index for differentiating between DM and DM-DKD based on two blood markers (TNF-α and type IV collagen). The AUC of the developed index was 0.93; 0.79 for discriminated DM with DKD from DM without DKD. The AUC of the developed index was 0.90 for discriminated early DKD from healthy individuals. Also, The AUC of the developed index was 0.83 for discrimination early from late DKD among DM patients.

 Conclusions:  TNFα and type IV collagen may be potentially useful for early detection and to discriminate diabetics with DKD from DM without DKD.

Diagnostic-performances-of-tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha-and-type-IV-collagen-for-diabetic-nephropathy-in-type-2-diabetic-patients.pdf

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