Molecular dynamics exploration of Lupenone: therapeutic implications for glioblastoma multiforme and alzheimer's amyloid beta pathogenesis.

Neuro-oncological and neurodegenerative disorders, represented paradigmatically by glioblastoma and Alzheimer's disease, respectively, persist as formidable challenges in the biomedical realm. The interconnected molecular underpinnings of these conditions necessitate rigorous and novel therapeutic examinations. This comprehensive research was anchored on the premise of unveiling the therapeutic potential and specificity of Lupenone, a potent phytoconstituent, in targeting the molecular pathways underpinning both glioblastoma and Alzheimer's amyloid beta pathology. This was gauged through its interactions with key protein structures, 5H08 and 2ZHV. An integrative approach was adopted, marrying advanced proteomics and modern computer-aided drug design techniques. Molecular docking of Lupenone with 5H08 and 2ZHV was meticulously executed, with subsequent molecular dynamics simulations providing insights into the stability, viability, and intricacies of these interactions. Lupenone demonstrated profound binding affinities, evidenced by robust docking scores of -9.54 kcal/mol for 5H08 and -10.59 kcal/mol for 2ZHV. These interactions underscored Lupenone's eminent therapeutic potential in mitigating glioblastoma and modulating the amyloid beta pathology inherent to Alzheimer's. The introduction of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) further magnified the therapeutic prospects, accentuating Lupenone's efficacy. The findings of this study not only underscore the therapeutic acumen of Lupenone in addressing the challenges posed by glioblastoma and Alzheimer's but also lay a strong foundation for its consideration as a leading candidate in future neuro-oncological and neurodegenerative research endeavors. Given the compelling in-silico data, a clarion call is made for its empirical validation in holistic in-vivo settings, potentially pioneering a new therapeutic epoch in both glioblastoma and Alzheimer's interventions.

Novel eco-friendly [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives efficiency against fungal deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage, Egypt.

Fungal deterioration is one of the major factors that significantly contribute to mummy cartonnage damage. Isolation and molecular identification of thirteen fungal species contributing to the deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage located in El-Lahun regions, Fayoum government, Egypt was performed. The most dominant deteriorated fungal species are Aspergillus flavus (25.70%), Aspergillus terreus (16.76%), followed by A. niger (13.97%). A newly synthesized series of tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activities in vitro against the isolated deteriorated fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Athelia bombacina, Aureobasidium iranianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. ramotenellum, Penicillium crustosum, P. polonicum, Talaromyces atroroseus, T. minioluteus and T. purpureogenus). The most efficient chalcone derivatives are new chalcone derivative numbers 9 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1 to 3 mg/mL followed by chalcone derivatives number 5 with MIC ranging from 1 to 4 mg/mL.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) mitigates drought and heat stress in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by regulating its physiological, biochemical and molecular pathways.

Drought and heat stress are two dominant abiotic stress factors that often occur simultaneously in nature causing oxidative damage in plants and thus decline in yield. The present study was conducted to examine the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced heat and drought tolerance in sunflower through physiological, biochemical and molecular analysis. The results showed that drought and heat stress triggered oxidative stress as revealed by enhanced level in hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage. Moreover, the photosynthetic attributes such as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and quantum efficiency declined when subjected to drought and heat stress. In this study, GABA treatment effectively alleviated the drought and heat-induced stress as reflected by significantly higher levels of proline, soluble sugar and total protein content. Besides, the data also revealed the direct relationship between antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase) and the relative expression of genes (Heat Shock Proteins, Dehydrin, Osmotin, Aquaporin, Leaf Embryogenesis Protein), under drought and heat stress. Moreover, a significant increase in gene expression was observed upon GABA treatment with respect to control. This data suggest that GABA-induced drought and heat tolerance in sunflower could involve the improvement in osmolyte metabolism, gene expression and antioxidant enzyme activities and thus a rise in the GABA shunt which in turn provides intermediates during long-term drought and heat stress, thus maintaining homeostasis.

Pulsed dye laser versus Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar warts: an intraindividual comparative study.

Plantar warts are common cutaneous lesions caused by the human papillomavirus. Treatment of recalcitrant plantar warts stays a continuous challenge, and they are more refractory to treatment than common warts. To compare the efficacy of Long-Pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser versus pulsed dye laser (PDL) on the therapy of multiple recalcitrant plantar warts. Thirty patients with recalcitrant plantar warts were included in the current study. Half the number of warts were treated by PDL in each patient, while the other half were treated by Nd:YAG. Laser sessions were applied every 2 weeks for a maximum of six sessions. Patients were followed up both clinically and using dermoscopy. There was a complete clearance of warts in 20 patients (66.7%) with Nd:YAG laser and 19 patients (63.3%) with PDL with no statistically significant difference between both types of lasers. Pain during laser sessions was higher with Nd:YAG laser PDL and it was statistically significant (p = .0001). Both Nd:YAG laser and PDL showed efficacy and safety for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar warts. The use of dermoscopy adds great value in evaluating treatment response and in decreasing the incidence of recurrence.

Jasmonic acid-mediated enhanced regulation of oxidative, glyoxalase defense system and reduced chromium uptake contributes to alleviation of chromium (VI) toxicity in choysum (Brassica parachinensis L.).

The cultivation of leafy vegetables on metal contaminated soil embodies a serious threat to yield and quality. In the present study, the potential role of exogenous jasmonic acid (JA; 0, 5, 10, and 20 µM) on mitigating chromium toxicity (Cr; 0, 150, and 300 µM) was investigated in choysum (Brassica parachinensis L.). With exposure to increasing Cr stress levels, a dose-dependent decline in growth, photosynthesis, and physio-biochemical attributes of choysum plants was observed. An increase in Cr levels also resulted in oxidative stress closely associated with higher lipoxygenase activity (LOX), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and methylglyoxal (MG) levels. Exogenous application of JA alleviated the Cr-induced phytotoxic effects on photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange parameters, and restored growth of choysum plants. While exposed to Cr stress, JA supplementation induced plant defense system via enhanced regulation of antioxidant enzymes, ascorbate and glutathione pool, and the glyoxalase system enzymes. The coordinated regulation of antioxidant and glyoxalase systems expressively suppressed the oxidative and carbonyl stress at both Cr stress levels. More importantly, JA restored the mineral nutrient contents, restricted Cr uptake, and accumulation in roots and shoots of choysum plants when compared to the only Cr-stressed plants. Overall, the application of JA2 treatment (10 µM JA) was more effective and counteracted the detrimental effects of 150 µM Cr stress by restoring the growth and physio-biochemical attributes to the level of control plants, while partially mitigated the detrimental effects of 300 µM Cr stress. Hence, JA application might be considered as an effective approach for minimizing Cr uptake and its detrimental effects in choysum plants grown on contaminated soils.

A case of vaping-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal life support.

INTRODUCTION: An upsurge of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury has been reported in the United States. The potential role of extracorporeal life support in e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury merits consideration. CASE REPORT: We present a case of vaping-induced severe acute respiratory distress syndrome that was salvaged with extracorporeal life support and had excellent recovery. DISCUSSION: The mechanistic reasons for the sudden outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury are under active investigation. A predominantly diffuse, bilateral pattern of lung injury has been reported, with some cases meeting the criteria for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. To date, 68 deaths from e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury have been confirmed by the centers of disease control. However, resolution of lung injury has been reported in most cases, thereby justifying candidacy for extracorporeal life support, if required. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal life support can be successfully utilized as a bridge to recovery in vaping-induced severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Lactobacillus coryniformis BCH-4 Bioactive Compounds and Determination of their Bioprotective Effects on Nutritional Components of Maize (Zea mays L.).

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can synthesize antimicrobial compounds (AMCs) with nutritional and bioprotective properties in crops and food products. In the current study, AMCs of Lactobacillus coryniformis BCH-4 were evaluated to control fungal spoilage in maize grains. On maize grains treated with 75%-100% (v/v) concentrated AMCs, no fungal growth was observed even after 72 h of Aspergillus flavus inoculation. Proximate analysis of treatments A1 (raw grains), A2 (A. flavus inoculated grains) and A3 (A. flavus + AMCs inoculated grains) revealed that moisture was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) high in A2 than A3 and A1. Meanwhile, protein, fat, fiber and ash contents were significantly decreased in A2 compared to A1 and A3. Moreover, ß-carotene contents were not statistically different between A1 and A3, while in A2 it was significantly decreased. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of 2-oxopropanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxybutanedioic acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, propanedioic acid and butanedioic acid, which also showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl and ester-groups along with organic and fatty acids, thereby indicating their participation in inhibitory action. Furthermore, the AMCs were found to be a good alternative to chemical preservatives, thereby not only preserving the nutritive qualities but increasing the shelf life as well.

Brassinosteroid seed priming with nitrogen supplementation improves salt tolerance in soybean.

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of brassinosteroid (24-epibrassinolide, EBL) seed priming and optimal nitrogen (N) supply in improving salt tolerance in soybean. The experimental treatments were (a) control (nutrient solution without N and without EBL priming), (b) nutrient solution without N and EBL seed priming, (c) N supplemented nutrient solution without EBL priming and (d) EBL seed priming + N supplemented nutrient solution under optimal (0 mM NaCl) and salt stress (0 mM NaCl) conditions. Salt stress caused significant reduction in growth and biomass accumulation of soybean. However, EBL seed priming and application of N improved the soybean performance under optimal and salt stress conditions. In this regard, treatments receiving both EBL and N were more effective. EBL priming and N, alone and in combination, triggered the accumulation of osmolytes including proline, glycine betaine and sugars resulting in better photo-protection through maintenance of tissue water content. Antioxidant activity and osmolyte accumulation significantly increased due to combined treatment of N and EBL under normal as well as salt stress conditions. In conclusion, salt stress caused reduction in growth and biomass soybean due to oxidative damage and osmotic stresses. However, soybean performance was improved by seed priming with EBL. Supplementation of N further improved the effectiveness of EBL treatment in improving salt tolerance in soybean.

Exogenous application of ß-sitosterol mediated growth and yield improvement in water-stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum) involves up-regulated antioxidant system.

Water stress reduces crop production significantly, and climate change has further aggravated the problem mainly in arid and semi-arid regions. This was the first study on the possible effects of ß-sitosterol application in ameliorating the deleterious changes in wheat induced by water stress under field condition and drip irrigation regimes. A field experiment with the split-plot design was conducted, and wheat plants were foliar sprayed with four ß-sitosterol (BBS) concentrations (0, 25, 75, and 100 mg L-1) and two irrigation regimes [50 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc)]. Water stress without BBS treatment reduced biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, and photosynthetic efficiency significantly by 28.9%, 42.8%, 19.6%, and 20.5% compared with the well-watered plants, respectively. Proline content increased in water-stressed and BSS-treated plants, owing to a significant role in cellular osmotic adjustment. Application of BSS was effective in reducing the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hence the malondialdehyde content significantly in water-stressed and well-watered wheat plants. Application of BSS up-regulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, and APX) significantly and increased the content of tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and carotene thereby reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species. The increased antioxidant system in BSS treated plants was further supported by the expression level of SOD and dehydrin genes in both water-stressed and well-watered plants. In the present study, the application of BBS at 100 mg L-1 was beneficial and can be recommended for improving the growth and yield of the wheat crop under water stress.

Efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser versus microneedling in the treatment of striae distensae.

Background: Fractional photothermolysis is creation of microscopic thermal zones of controlled depth, width and density. Microneedling is a simple treatment modality to reduce striae distensae. Objective: Evaluate and compare the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser and microneedling as a treatment of striae distensae. Methods: Individuals with striae distensae received three split-body treatments at four-week intervals. The right side of the body was treated with fractional CO2 laser, while the other side with microneedling. Assessment was done by comparing photographs before and after treatments by two blinded physicians using a quartile grading scale. Evaluation also included patient satisfaction score and histopathological examination. Results: In total 33 subjects were enrolled and 30 completed the study. By quartile grading score, we recorded 55% moderate-excellent improvement of striae in the dermaroller-treated side but with fractional CO2 laser-treated side, we recorded 76% of patients had moderate-excellent improvement. Patients were more satisfied with fractional CO2 laser than the microneedling. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as a complication of fractional CO2 laser, appeared in 11 patients. Conclusion: Fractional CO2 laser is more effective in treating striae with acceptable side effects but still microneedling can be afforded as an effective, safe and cheap method.

Polyamine Action under Metal/Metalloid Stress: Regulation of Biosynthesis, Metabolism, and Molecular Interactions.

Polyamines (PAs) are found in all living organisms and serve many vital physiological processes. In plants, PAs are ubiquitous in plant growth, physiology, reproduction, and yield. In the last decades, PAs have been studied widely for exploring their function in conferring abiotic stresses (salt, drought, and metal/metalloid toxicity) tolerance. The role of PAs in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanism and subsequent oxidative stress tolerance in plants is well-evident. However, the enzymatic regulation in PAs biosynthesis and metabolism is still under research and widely variable under various stresses and plant types. Recently, exogenous use of PAs, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, was found to play a vital role in enhancing stress tolerance traits in plants. Polyamines also interact with other molecules like phytohormones, nitric oxides, trace elements, and other signaling molecules to providing coordinating actions towards stress tolerance. Due to the rapid industrialization metal/metalloid(s) contamination in the soil and subsequent uptake and toxicity in plants causes the most significant yield loss in cultivated plants, which also hamper food security. Finding the ways in enhancing tolerance and remediation mechanism is one of the critical tasks for plant biologists. In this review, we will focus the recent update on the roles of PAs in conferring metal/metalloid(s) tolerance in plants.

Vascular and cellular changes accompany altered expression of angiopoietins in placenta of non-complicated ART pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: ART is steadily performed for infertility cases and most of the previous researches have focused on complicated pregnancies. Nonetheless, few ones have concerned with placenta of ART in non-complicated pregnancies. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of angiopoietins (ANG) and their receptor, TIE-2, in placenta of full-term non-complicated pregnancies having ART (n=28) versus those with spontaneous conception (n=28) together with the histological as well as morphometric analysis. RESULTS: While no prominent changes were noticed in the histological structure of the placenta ART pregnancies, it showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the percentage of syncytial area and numbers of syncytial knots with insignificant reduction in the placental villous area. Vascular changes in the form of significant decrease (p<0.05) in the chorionic vessel diameter and significant increase (p<0.05) in percentage of vessel area were detected in the ART placenta. In addition, the levels ANG-1, ANG-2 and TIE-2 were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the ART placentas compared with those of SC. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that there is an altered expression of angiopoietins accompanying the morphometric changes occurring in placenta of ART pregnancies. These changes may indicate vascular and cellular adaptation mechanism for a potential subclinical hypoxia in placenta of ART even in non-complicated pregnancies.

Evaluation of the improvement effect of laser acupuncture biostimulation in asthmatic children by exhaled inflammatory biomarker level of nitric oxide.

Variable therapy of asthma is not sufficient yet to achieve good asthma control. Therapy decision requires serial investigations. Low-level laser acupuncture is a suitable non-invasive modality of complementary medicine. The exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is easy and useful to evaluate the efficacy of drugs or novel therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser biostimulation of acupuncture points on asthma improvement in children. Forty-eight asthmatic children were subdivided into case (laser) group, which received 12 direct contact low-power laser acupuncture sessions (three sessions/week) on specific traditional Chinese acupuncture points for bronchial asthma, and control asthmatic group, which received sham laser acupuncture on the same acupoints and number of sessions of the case (laser) group. Low-power Multichannel Aculas-AM laser (grade II) of wave length 780 nm, output power 800 mw, and beam spot size 0.1 cm2 with continuous mode was used. Eighteen acupoints were stimulated for 2 min, giving energy of 9.6 J/cm2/acupoint. The total session time was 3 min. Both groups were evaluated pre- and post-laser acupuncture intervention by recording levels of asthma control, pulmonary function, and EBC nitric oxide. In the case (laser) group, 91.7 % of patients experienced an improvement in the level of asthma control versus 25 % in the control group (p < 0.001). This was associated with a significant decrease of the breath condensate FENO concentration (p < 0.001) and significant increase of spirometry parameters (p < 0.001) in the case (laser) group. Application of laser acupuncture treatment given with conventional therapy can effectively improve bronchial asthma more than prescription of medications alone could.

Medical students' perception of the progress test as a quality-controlled assessment tool for improving learning and teaching, at a public sector medical college in Saudi Arabia.

Progress test's distinguishing characteristics make it pertinent worldwide. We explored medical students' perceptions and opinions about Progress Test (PT) with a view to identifying areas concomitant with it's execution. This cross-sectional study took place at College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia, during the academic year 2015-16. A questionnaire (14 items) was administered. Reason for majority n=96 (89.7%) of the total participants to take the PT was their keenness to compare their academic standing with their peers from other participating medical colleges. The majority of students were highly satisfied with PT implementation; i.e. its orientation (58.9%) and allocated time (90.7%). Students (76.6%) considered PT to offer academic support as future physicians. Students (75.7%) also agreed to participate in the future PT. Students being highly satisfied with the organization of PT. They found it to be a tool helping them to focus on improving the knowledge domain.

Medical Education Journal Club: Two years' experience at King Saud University.

OBJECTIVE: Medical Education Journal Club is an evidence-based approach to teach and learn critical appraisal techniques on available literature. This study evaluates the implementation and experience of two academic years of Journal club at Medical Education Department, King Saud University. METHODS: We started JC in 2015 at medical education department, KSU. An invitation with a published paper and event poster were sent 2 weeks prior of the session to participants. A traditional one-group posttest design with open item survey were conducted at the end of every session. RESULTS: A total of 12 sessions were conducted in total. The average attendance of 26 (Male: 42/79, 53.1%) and (Female: 31/79, 39.2%) with mix of professors, associate and assistant professors. The MEJC had a positive effect on participant's session expectations (45/79, 92.4%), and had increased their knowledge of the field (73/79, 92.4%). It was observed that the attendance of event depends on the speaker for the event. The sessions have also arisen the need of trainings and other scientific activities. CONCLUSIONS: MEJC is an educational activity that can play important aspect in providing high quality healthcare teachings. We conclude that the success and consistency of MEJC depends on speaker. It commensurate the audience interest to attend and learn. While proper advertisement of event, and regular attendance also plays a vital role in this regard.

Reversal of tubo-ovarian atypical epithelial patterns after cessation of ovarian stimulation by letrozole.

Letrozole (LTZ), one of the ovulation induction medications, is increasingly prescribed in various gynaecological conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated its potential hazardous effect on the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) as well as on tubal epithelial cells (TEC). However, it is not clear whether this effect could be reversed by LTZ cessation. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate the effect of stoppage of LTZ on these cells after 12 cycles of ovarian stimulation. A total of 54 Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study, divided equally into control, LTZ12 and CES12 groups (received saline, 12 cycles of LTZ and 12 cycles of cessation post-LTZ12 respectively). Samples from the ovaries as well as fallopian tubes (FTs) were studied histologically for the changes associated with LTZ12 and CES12 respectively. There was evident increase in the proliferative activity and Ki67 immunoexpression in the OSE of LTZ12. The OSE was hyperchromatic, and abnormally frequent deep invaginations, micropapillae and cortical cysts. Their TEC showed frequent multilayering, papillary projections and loss of cilia. Almost all these changes disappeared 12 cycles after LTZ cessation. While the tubal IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and serum MCP-1 levels significantly increased in the LTZ12 group compared with the control group, their levels decreased in the CES12 group compared with those of the control. Therefore, the abnormal tubo-ovarian epithelial patterns may completely regress after cessation of LTZ stimulation for a reasonable duration. This is a potentially good omen and a positive indicator of the relatively safe use of LTZ after its intake has been stopped.

Comparative study between excimer light and topical antioxidant versus excimer light alone for treatment of vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired idiopathic cutaneous disease characterized by pearly white patches of variable shapes and sizes. Various medical and surgical therapeutic options have been proposed to achieve repigmentation; phototherapy is one of the most efficient options. Topical therapies have been a mainstay of vitiligo treatment, with or without phototherapy. AIM OF THE WORK: To compare the efficacy of combined topical antioxidant hydrogel and excimer light versus excimer light alone in treating vitiligo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients were included in this comparative, prospective, randomized study. For each patient, at least 2-4 vitiliginous macules were randomly selected and treated while an untreated vitiliginous macule served as control. Lesions were divided into two groups: Group A received combination therapy of daily topical antioxidant plus excimer light, while Group B received only excimer light. Lesions were treated twice a week for a maximum of 24 sessions. Initial fluencies were adjusted individually according to the minimal erythema dose in vitiliginous skin. Efficacy based on repigmentation percentages were blindly evaluated by two independent physicians. RESULTS: Group A lesions showed significant efficacy than group B (p < 0.001), specially on treating UV-sensitive lesions with no side effects. CONCLUSION: Topical antioxidant and excimer light represents a valuable, effective therapy for localized vitiligo.

Readiness for Self-Directed learning among first year Saudi Medical students: A descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the present study was to explore the readiness for Self Directed Learning (SDL) among first year Saudi Medical students enrolled at King Saud University (KSU) and Princess NourahBintAbdulrahman University (PNU) in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: First year medical students were invited to participate in a descriptive cross sectional study design. Data were collected using a Self-Directed Learner Readiness Scale (SDLRS) which is a self- assessment tool aimed to assess three main components: self-management, desire for learning and self-control. The students responded to each item of the SDLRS on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS, mean, median and total scores were calculated and were compared among student's groups. RESULTS: The mean score for the desire of learning was the highest (4.08± 0.5) of all the three components of the SDLRS followed by self-control (3.9± 0.9), while the least mean score was for self-management (3.7±0.5). Overall, differences between student's groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the overall SDL readiness of participants was good, students were highly motivated for self-learning and had the ability for self-control. However, they need assistance to improve their self-management skills.

Dominance of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Over Anti-Inflammatory Ones in Placental Bed of Creta Cases.

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate changes occurring in key inflammatory cytokines at molecular level (including genetic and protein) in placental bed of placenta creta compared to that of normal placenta and their correlation to interstitial extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) number. Subjects and Methods: Case-control study including placentas of patients with invasive placentation (creta placentas, n = 19) compared with those of normal placentation (n = 19). Besides routine histology and immunocytochemistry detection (cytokeratin-7 [CK-7]), addition to biochemical evaluation of expression of various cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), IL6, IL-1RA, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-13 was carried out. Results: Routine histological examination of placentas of creta cases revealed CK-7+ extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) penetrating deeply the myometrium with various histopathological arrangements and trophoblastic vascular invasion of the deep myometrial blood vessels. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1 ß, and IL6 with an insignificant decrease in placental bed IL-1RA, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-13 was observed in creta cases compared to the control ones. A corresponding significant increase was detected in the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1 ß, and IL-6 as well as an insignificant decrease in placental bed IL-1RA, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-13 in creta cases compared to the normal ones. Moreover, we displayed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) between interstitial EVT number and mRNA expression of almost all pro-inflammatory cytokines with negative but insignificant correlation with anti-inflammatory cytokines in creta cases. Conclusion: The upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and the correlation of their expression with the increased interstitial EVT provide a supporting evidence of their potentially more relevant role in the development of placenta creta than the anti-inflammatory ones.

Co-application of titanium nanoparticles and melatonin effectively lowered chromium toxicity in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) through modifying biochemical characteristics.

Chromium (Cr) toxicity can negatively affect plant growth and development, impacting agricultural productivity and posing risks to human health. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and natural growth regulators such as melatonin (MT) become a promising technology to manage heavy metal-contaminated soils and promote safe food production. The present work was conducted to find the effect of foliar application of TiO2 NPs (15 mg L-1) and MT (100 µM) on growth, biochemical attributes, and Cr accumulation in plant tissues of Melissa officinalis L. under Cr toxicity (50 and 100 mg Cr kg-1 soil). The results showed that Cr toxicity led to decreased plant performance, where 100 mg Cr kg-1 soil led to notable decreases in shoot weight (28%), root weight (27%), essential oil (EO) yield (34%), chlorophyll (Chl) a + b (33%), while increased malondialdehyde (MDA, 30%), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (51%), and catalase (CAT) activity (122%). The use of TiO2 NPs and MT, particularly their co-application, remarkably reduced Cr toxicity by enhancing plant weight, Chl content, and lowered MDA and antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), EO percentage, and rosmarinic acid in plants treated with Cr at 50 mg Cr kg-1 soil and co-application of TiO2 NPs and MT were relatively higher than in other treatments. Under 100 mg Cr kg-1 soil, the synergic effect of TiO2 NPs and MT-enhanced rosmarinic acid content (22%) but lowered Cr accumulation in roots (51%) and shoots (72%). Heat map analysis showed that CAT, SOD, MDA, and EO yield had the maximum variability under Cr, TiO2 NPs, and MT. Exogenous TiO2 NPs and MT can be recommended to modulate Cr toxicity in lemon balm under soil Cr toxicity.