IGF 1, BDNF, and NGF mediate the neuro-modulatory role of stem cells in acrylamide-induced hippocampal toxic changes in rats.

BACKGROUND: Acrylamide (ACR), a common industrial chemical, is a strong neurotoxic material. The hippocampus is a brain area of interest mostly affected by Alzheimer's disease. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) usefulness in various neurological diseases including Alzheimer's is being debated. In this work, the authors aim to explore the role of MSCs in ACR-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration and elucidate the mediating mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, ten rats served as control, another ten were injected ACR (i.p. 50 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks), and the last ten rats were injected ACR in addition to MSCs (i.p. 1 × 107 MSCs single injection). RESULTS: ACR induced neurodegenerative histopathological hippocampal changes and adversely altered hippocampal oxidative stress markers SOD, MDA, and GSH. ACR had induced hippocampal demyelination as detected by silver staining. ACR significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated the ELISA hippocampal TNF-alpha and IL-6 and produced microglial & astrocyte activation (as tracked by Iba1 & GFAP immunohistochemistry respectively). ACR significantly reduced hippocampal PCR gene expression of IGF 1 (insulin growth factor-1), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and NGF (nerve growth factor). MSCs administration had mitigated all the previous deleterious changes. CONCLUSIONS: Acrylamide caused detrimental effects on the hippocampus and demonstrably altered the hippocampal architecture. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells offered a promising therapeutic role against these neurotoxic effects of acrylamide, presumably through modulation of IGF 1, BDNF, and NGF gene expressions.

Prenylated xanthones from mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) target oxidative mitochondrial respiration in cancer cells.

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is well-known for its nutritional value and health benefits. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among females worldwide. Here we show that the prenylated xanthones, α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, 9-hydroxycalabaxanthone (9-HCX), and garcinone E from the mangosteen pericarp exhibit cytotoxicity against a panel of human cancer cell lines including lung adenocarcinoma (A549), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), prostatic carcinoma (DU 145), pancreatic carcinoma (MIA PaCa-2), hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2), bladder urothelial cancer (5637), as well as the triple-negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. In line with its higher predicted bioactivity score compared to other prenylated xanthones, 9-HCX induced the strongest antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts in vivo. In different in vitro models, we demonstrate that prenylated xanthones from G. mangostana target mitochondria in cancer cells by inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II (α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, and garcinone E) and complex III (9-HCX) as shown in isolated mitochondria. Accordingly, oxidative mitochondrial respiration (OXPHOS) was inhibited, mitochondrial proton leak increased, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis decreased as analyzed by Seahorse assay in MDA-MB-231 cells. Hence, the prenylated xanthones increased mitochondrial superoxide levels, induced mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and initiated caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Thus, prenylated xanthones from Garcinia mangostana exhibit anticancer activity based on interference with the mitochondrial respiration.

Advancing trauma studies: A narrative literature review embracing a holistic perspective and critiquing traditional models.

Background: Trauma is commonly understood as a psychological and emotional response to distressing events. The subjective nature of trauma experiences has led to ongoing debates about the best theoretical frameworks for understanding and addressing trauma. This review aims to comprehensively critique traditional biomedical and psychological models and advocates for more inclusive and culturally sensitive frameworks. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted, synthesizing data from 96 peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and authoritative reports from databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The review focused on studies related to trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, and related disorders, emphasizing both individual and socio-cultural aspects. Results: The review identifies several key criticisms of trauma models. For biological models, critiques include the oversimplification of trauma experiences, insufficient developmental considerations, failure to capture diverse trauma responses, limited cultural sensitivity, and inadequacy of the categorical approach. For psychological models, criticisms encompass an overemphasis on internal processes, neglect of developmental impacts, limited focus on symptom diversity, challenges in addressing socio-cultural contexts, and incomplete integration of emotional and relational aspects. These findings underscore the need for more comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and developmentally informed trauma frameworks. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of adopting a holistic perspective in trauma research and treatment. By integrating individual, interpersonal, and socio-cultural dimensions, future research and interventions can better support trauma survivors. This approach necessitates ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and the inclusion of diverse voices, including those of trauma survivors, to refine current methodologies and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Cervical Cancer Prevention among Female University Students in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Cervical Cancer (CC) is the fourth most frequent malignancy worldwide among females with significant death rates. It ranks as the 8th most frequent cancer in Saudi female. CC is preventable, with likelihood of full treatment by early detection, because of its long pre-invasive period. Lack of awareness and practice on CC prevention and screening increase the risk of disease. Objective: to examine knowledge, attitude, and practice on CC prevention among Saudi female university students. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study with a convenience sample included 594 female university students studying at health and non-health colleges of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al-Kharj City, Saudi Arabia. All female students were asked to complete an online questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice on CC prevention. Results: A total of 594 respondents to the questionnaire, 88.7% of them had unsatisfactory knowledge about CC. Out of a total of 27 points, students' knowledge mean score was 9.3 ± 6.4. Conversely the majority of students (94.4%) had positive attitude toward CC; the mean attitude score was 34.52 ± 5.04 out of 45. Regarding students practice, less than 7% of students were vaccinated against HPV and only 3.7% were screened for cancer cervix. Married females, health colleges students, and high attitude score were significant predictors for the students' knowledge about cancer cervix (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Majority of the respondents displayed lack of knowledge; however, they had a positive attitude toward CC. Very alarmingly, almost all of students had inadequate practice regarding CC prevention. So, the study recommends developing and implementing educational programs and strategies for female university students to improve their knowledge and practice related to cervix cancer. Results of this study provide evidence that can help in formulating effective awareness strategies and educational programs for women that would help in CC prevention.

Clopidogrel protects against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity through targeting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and coagulation pathways.

Gentamicin (Genta)-induced nephrotoxicity poses a significant clinical challenge due to its detrimental effects on kidney function. Clopidogrel (Clop), an antiplatelet drug known for its ability to prevent blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation, also has potential effects on oxidative stress and cell death. This study investigates Clop's protective role against Genta-induced nephrotoxicity, emphasizing the importance of the coagulation cascade. The 32 adult male albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups of eight (n = 8). The first group received only the vehicle. Genta was injected intraperitoneally at 100 mg/kg/day for 8 days in the second group. Groups 3 and 4 received oral Clop at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day for 1 week before Genta delivery and throughout the experiment. Renal tissue showed renal function tests, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, coagulation profile, and fibrin expression. Clop improved Genta-induced kidney function and histopathology. Clop substantially reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, pro-apoptotic proteins, and fibrin protein. Clop also significantly boosted renal tissue anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic protein expression. Genta-induced nephrotoxicity involves oxidative stress, apoptosis, and coagulation system activation, according to studies. This study underscores that Genta-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and activation of the coagulation system. Clop's protective effects on nephrons are attributed to its anticoagulant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, presenting it as a promising therapeutic strategy against Genta-induced kidney damage.

Unveiling the potential of phytochemicals to inhibit nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 2 for cancer: Pharmacophore screening, molecular docking, ADME properties, and molecular dynamics simulation investigations.

Nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 2 (NSD2) significantly contributes to the development of cancer, making it a promising target for cancer drug discovery. This research explores natural compounds as potential selective inhibitors for NSD2 in cancer treatment. Employing a comprehensive in silico approach, the study utilized pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, pharmacokinetic profiling, and molecular dynamics simulations. An e-pharmacophore model-based screening using the first selective and potent ligand bound to NSD2 identified 49,248 natural compounds from the SuperNatural 3.0 database (containing 449,008 molecules) with acceptable alignment with the developed pharmacophore hypotheses. Subsequently, molecular docking was executed to assess the standout compounds which led to the selection of ten candidates that surpassed the reference inhibitor in accordance w the binding affinity expressed as a G score. Ligand-residue interaction analyses of the top three hits (SN0450102, SN0410255, and SN0142336) revealed diverse crucial interactions with the NSD2 active site, including hydrogen bonds, pi-pi stacking, and hydrophobic contacts with key amino acid residues in the NSD2-PWWP1 domain. Pharmacokinetic profiling confirmed the drug-likability for the refined hits, indicating good cellular permeability and minimal blood-brain barrier penetration. Molecular dynamics simulations for 200 nanoseconds affirmed the stability of protein-ligand complexes, with minimal fluctuations in root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation analyses. Overall, this study identified promising natural compounds as potential pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of NSD2-associated cancers.

Attenuation of phenylnaphthenic acids related to oil sands process water using solar activated calcium peroxide: Influence of experimental factors, mechanistic modeling, and toxicity evaluation.

Refractory naphthenic acids (NAs) are among the primary toxic compounds in oil sands process water (OSPW), a matrix with a complex chemical composition that poses challenges to its remediation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of calcium peroxide (CaO2) combined with solar radiation (solar/CaO2) as an advanced water treatment process for degrading model NAs (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, pentanoic acid, and diphenylacetic acid) in synthetic water (STW) and provide preliminary insights in treating real OSPW. Solar light and CaO2 acted synergistically to degrade target NAs in STW (>67 of synergistic factor) following a pseudo-first-order kinetic (R2 ≥ 0.95), with an optimal CaO2 dosage of 0.1 g L-1. Inorganic ions and dissolved organic matter were found to hinder the degradation of NAs by solar/CaO2 treatment; however, the complete degradation of NAs was reached in 6.7 h of treatment. The main degradation mechanism involved the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which contributed ∼90% to the apparent degradation rate constant (K), followed by H2O2 (4-5%) and 1O2 (0-5%). The tentative transformation pathways of three NAs were proposed, confirming an open-ring reaction and resulting in short-chain fatty acid ions as final products. Furthermore, a reduction in acute microbial toxicity and genotoxic effect was observed in the treated samples, suggesting that solar/CaO2 treatment exhibits high environmental compatibility. Furthermore, the solar/CaO2 system was successfully applied as a preliminary step for real-world applications to remove natural NAs, fluorophore organic compounds, and inorganic components from OSPW, demonstrating the potential use of this technology in the advanced treatment of oil-tailing-derived NAs.

Linagliptin mitigates cisplatin-induced kidney impairment via mitophagy regulation in rats, with emphasis on SIRT-3/PGC-1α, PINK-1 and Parkin-2.

Cisplatin (CDDP) often leads to kidney impairment, limiting its effectiveness in cancer treatment. The lack of mitophagy in proximal tubules exacerbates this issue. Hence, targeting SIRT-3 and PGC1-α shows promise in mitigating CDDP-induced kidney damage. The potential renoprotective effects of linagliptin, however, remain poorly understood. This study represents the first exploration of linagliptin's impact on CDDP-induced kidney impairment in rats, emphasizing its potential role in mitophagic pathways. The experiment involved four rat groups: Group (I) received saline only, Group (II) received a single intraperitoneal injection of CDDP at 6 mg/kg. Groups (III) and (IV) received linagliptin at 6 and 10 mg/kg p.o., respectively, seven days before CDDP administration, continuing for an additional four days. Various parameters, including renal function tests, oxidative stress, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, PGC-1α, FOXO-3a, p-ERK1, and the gene expression of SIRT-3 and P62 in renal tissue, were assessed. Linagliptin improved renal function, increased antioxidant enzyme activity, and decreased IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression. Additionally, linagliptin significantly upregulated PGC-1α and PINK-1/Parkin-2 expression while downregulating P62 expression. Moreover, linagliptin activated FOXO-3a and SIRT-3, suggesting a potential enhancement of mitophagy. Linagliptin demonstrated a positive impact on various factors related to kidney health in the context of CDDP-induced impairment. These findings suggest a potential role for linagliptin in improving cancer treatment outcomes. Clinical trials are warranted to further investigate and validate its efficacy in a clinical setting.

Eco-friendly nanotechnology in rheumatoid arthritis: ANFIS-XGBoost enhanced layered nanomaterials.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, which can lead to joint damage and disability over time. Nanotechnology in RA treatment involves using nano-scale materials to improve drug delivery efficiency, specifically targeting inflamed tissues and minimizing side effects. The study aims to develop and optimize a new class of eco-friendly and highly effective layered nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of RA. The study's primary objective is to develop and optimize a new class of layered nanomaterials that are both eco-friendly and highly effective in the targeted delivery of medications for treating RA. Also, by employing a combination of Adaptive Neuron-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning models, the study aims to precisely control nanomaterials synthesis, structural characteristics, and release mechanisms, ensuring delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the affected joints with minimal side effects. The in vitro evaluations demonstrated a sustained and controlled drug release, with an Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) of 85% and a Loading Capacity (LC) of 10%. In vivo studies in a murine arthritis model showed a 60% reduction in inflammation markers and a 50% improvement in mobility, with no significant toxicity observed in major organs. The machine learning models exhibited high predictive accuracy with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.667, a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.867, and an R2 value of 0.934. The nanomaterials also demonstrated a specificity rate of 87.443%, effectively targeting inflamed tissues with minimal off-target effects. These findings highlight the potential of this novel approach to significantly enhance RA treatment by improving drug delivery precision and minimizing systemic side effects.

Targeting SIRT1/AMPK/Nrf2/NF-кB by sitagliptin protects against oxidative stress-mediated ER stress and inflammation during ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury.

Intrahepatic cholestasis is a common clinical form of hepatobiliary injury characterized by the intrahepatic accumulation of toxic bile acids. Besides its antidiabetic activity, the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor sitagliptin (SG) has been recently assigned diverse pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential against different disorders owing to its emerging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study explored the potential hepatoprotective effect of SG on α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury (CLI) in mice and investigate its possible targeted signaling pathways. Mice received SG (10 and 20 mg/kg) for four consecutive days, two days before and after a single oral administration of ANIT (75 mg/kg). Our results revealed that SG administration remarkably prevented ANIT-induced histopathological lesions in the liver and maintained hepatic functions and oxidative/antioxidant balance. Ultimately, SG counteracted the inflammatory response in the liver, as indicated by the marked suppression of hepatic expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6. Moreover, it inhibited the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in the liver. These beneficial effects of SG were accompanied by upregulation of SIRT1, p-AMPK, and Nrf2 expressions while downregulating keap1 expression in the liver. In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrate the ability of SG to protect against ANIT-induced CLI through modulating multiple signaling cascades, including SIRT1/AMPK, Nrf2/keap1, and NF-кB, which resulted in enhanced antioxidant capacity and repressed inflammatory and ER stress responses in the liver.

Pirfenidone ameliorates ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury via modulation of FXR, NF-кB/TNF-α, and Wnt/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathways.

Cholestasis is a hepatobiliary disorder characterized by the excessive accumulation of toxic bile acids in hepatocytes, leading to cholestatic liver injury (CLI) through multiple pathogenic inflammatory pathways. Currently, there are limited therapeutic options for the management of cholestasis and associated CLI; therefore, new options are urgently needed. Pirfenidone (PF), an oral bioavailable pyridone analog, is used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. PF has recently demonstrated diverse potential therapeutic activities against different pathologies. Accordingly, the present study adopted the α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced CLI model in mice to explore the potential protective impact of PF and investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. PF intervention markedly reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, LDH, total bilirubin, and total bile acids, which was accompanied by a remarkable amelioration of histopathological lesions induced by ANIT. PF also protected the mice against ANIT-induced redox imbalance in the liver, represented by reduced MDA levels and elevated GSH and SOD activities. Mechanistically, PF inhibited ANIT-induced downregulated expressions of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), as well as the bile salt export pump (BSEP) and the multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) bile acid efflux channels. PF further repressed ANIT-induced NF-κB activation and TNF-α and IL-6 production. These beneficial effects were associated with its ability to dose-dependently inhibit Wnt/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling. Collectively, PF protects against ANIT-induced CLI in mice, demonstrating powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as an ability to oppose BA homeostasis disorder. These protective effects are primarily mediated by modulating the interplay between FXR, NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6, and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways.

Impact of Educational Guidelines on Oral Mucositis Severity and Quality of Life in Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis (OM) is a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy that negatively impacts patient quality of life (QoL). Educational guidelines may provide strategies to mitigate these effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of educational guidelines on the severity of OM and QoL in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted. Patients (n = 108) were randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving educational guidelines or a control group receiving routine care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at one and three months post-intervention. Data were collected using a structured interview including assessments of personal characteristics, clinical data, chemotherapy side effects, OM severity, and QoL. RESULTS: Baseline QoL scores were comparable between groups. Post-intervention, the intervention group experienced significant improvements in QoL (p ≤ 0.05), while the control group showed a decline. OM severity was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the control group at both time points (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Educational guidelines are an effective intervention for reducing OM severity and improving QoL in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Implementation of these guidelines can enhance patient well-being and support optimal treatment outcomes.

Arctigenin from Burdock Root Exhibits Potent Antibacterial and Anti-Virulence Properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Arctium lappa (Burdock) root is used in various culinary applications especially in Asian Cuisine. Arctigenin (ARC) is a polyphenolic compound abundant in the roots of the burdock plant from which it derives its name. The emergence of bacterial resistance is a growing global worry, specifically due to the declining availability of new antibiotics. Screening for the antibacterial candidates among the safe natural products is a promising approach. The present study was aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of ARC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa exploring its effect on the bacterial cell membrane. Furthermore, the anti-virulence activities and anti-quorum sensing (QS) activities of ARC were in vitro, in vivo and in silico assessed against P. aeruginosa. The current results showed the ARC antibacterial activity was owed to its disruption effect of the cell membrane. ARC at sub-MIC significantly decreased the formation of biofilm, motility, production of extracellular enzymes and in vivo protected mice against P. aeruginosa. These anti-virulence activities of ARC are owed to its interference with bacterial QS and its expression. Furthermore, ARC showed mild effect on mammalian erythrocytes, low probability to induce resistance and synergistically combined with antibiotics. In summary, the promising anti-virulence properties of ARC indicate its potential as an effective supplement to conventional antibiotics for treating severe P. aeruginosa infections.

Advancements and challenges in cardiac amyloidosis imaging: A comprehensive review of novel techniques and clinical applications.

Cardiac amyloidosis, characterized by amyloid fibril deposition in the myocardium, leads to restrictive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This review explores recent advancements in imaging techniques for diagnosing and managing cardiac amyloidosis, highlighting their clinical applications, strengths, and limitations. Echocardiography remains a primary, non-invasive imaging modality but lacks specificity. Cardiac MRI (CMR), with Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping, offers superior tissue characterization, though at higher costs and limited availability. Scintigraphy with Tc-99m-PYP reliably diagnoses transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis but is less effective for light chain (AL) amyloidosis, necessitating complementary diagnostics. Amyloid-specific PET tracers, such as florbetapir and flutemetamol, provide precise imaging and quantitative assessment for both TTR and AL amyloidosis. Challenges include differentiating between TTR and AL amyloidosis, early disease detection, and standardizing imaging protocols. Future research should focus on developing novel tracers, integrating multimodality imaging, and leveraging AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment. Advancements in imaging have improved cardiac amyloidosis management. A multimodal approach, incorporating echocardiography, CMR, scintigraphy, and PET tracers, offers comprehensive assessment. Continued innovation in tracers and AI applications promises further enhancements in diagnosis, early detection, and patient outcomes.

Nurse managers' managerial innovation and it's relation to proactivity behavior and locus of control among intensive care nurses.

BACKGROUND: The nursing profession is undergoing rapid transformation, requiring innovation in management approaches and proactive behaviors among staff. Nurse Managers play a vital role through managerial innovation, but its impacts on intensive care nurses' proactivity and locus of control remain underexplored. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the levels of Nurse Managers' managerial innovation and relate it to proactivity behaviors and locus of control orientations among intensive care nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted, recruiting 242 intensive care nurses from Tanta University Hospital, Egypt. Participants completed standardized questionnaires measuring perceived managerial innovation, proactivity behavior, and locus of control. RESULTS: Nurse Managers demonstrated moderately high innovation across all dimensions, especially in continuous learning and development (mean = 4.65) and advanced technology use (mean = 4.56). Nurses exhibited sound proactivity levels, particularly in adaptability (mean = 4.40) and planning (mean = 4.35). The majority of nurses showed an internal locus of control (64.5%). Managerial innovation had significant positive correlations with nurses' proactivity (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) and internal locus of control (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed age, gender, experience, education, and ICU type as significant predictors of proactivity and locus of control. CONCLUSION: Innovative nursing leadership positively influences staff's proactivity levels and perceived control over their practice. This underscores the vital role of nurse managers in creating empowering environments in intensive care.

Robust Nitrogen-Doped Microporous Carbon via Crown Ether-Functionalized Benzoxazine-Linked Porous Organic Polymers for Enhanced CO2 Adsorption and Supercapacitor Applications.

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials, characterized by abundant microporous and nitrogen functionalities, exhibit significant potential for carbon dioxide capture and supercapacitors. In this study, a class of porous organic polymer (POP) were successfully synthesized by linking Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br4 and tetraethynylpyrene (Py-T). The model benzoxazine monomers of Cr-TPA-4BZ and Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br4 were synthesized using the traditional three-step method [involving CH═N formation, reduction by NaBH4, and Mannich condensation]. Subsequently, the Sonogashira coupling reaction connected the Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br4 and Py-T monomers, forming Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP. The successful synthesis of Cr-TPA-4BZ-Br4 and Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP was confirmed through various analytical techniques. After verifying the successful synthesis of Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP, carbonization and KOH activation procedures were conducted. These crucial steps led to the formation of poly(Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP)-800, a carbon material with a structure akin to graphite. In practical applications, poly(Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP)-800 exhibited a noteworthy CO2 adsorption capacity of 4.4 mmol/g, along with specific capacitance values of 397.2 and 159.2 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 (measured in a three-electrode cell) and 1 A g-1 (measured in a symmetric coin cell), respectively. These exceptional dual capabilities stem from the optimal ratio of heteroatom doping. The outstanding performance of poly(Cr-TPA-4BZ-Py-POP)-800 microporous carbon holds significant promise for addressing contemporary energy and environmental challenges, making substantial contributions to both sectors.

α-Glucosidase, butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of phenolic compounds from Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers: In silico and in vitro studies.

Chemical investigation of Carthamus tinctorius L. flowers resulted in isolation of seven metabolites that were identified as; p-Hydroxybenzoic acid (1), trans hydroxy cinnamic acid (2), kaempferol-6-C-glucoside (3), astragalin (4), cartormin (5), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (6), and kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside (7). Virtual screening of the isolated compounds against human intestinal α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase was carried out. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the bioactive compounds was assessed. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited moderate binding affinities to acetylcholinesterase (binding energy -5.33 and -4.18 kcal/mol, respectively), compared to donepezil (-83.33kcal/mol). Compounds 1-7 demonstrated weak affinity to butyrylcholinesterase. Compounds 2 and 4 displayed moderate binding affinity to human intestinal α-glucosidase,compared to Acarbose (reference compound), meanwhile compound 2 exhibited lower affinity. Molecular dynamic studies revealed that compound 4 formed a stable complex with the binding site throughout a 100 ns simulation period. The in-vitro results were consistent with the virtual experimental results, as compounds 1 and 5 showed mild inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (IC50s 150.6 and 168.7 µM, respectively). Compound 4 exhibited moderate α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 of 93.71 µM. The bioactive compounds also demonstrated notable antioxidant activity in ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)], ORAC (oxygen radical-absorbance capacity), and metal chelation assays, suggesting their potential in improving dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mitigating hyperglycemia.

Selective and Sensitive Detection of Fe3+ Ions Using a Red-Emissive Fluorescent Probe Based on Triphenylamine and Perylene-Linked Conjugated Microporous Polymer.

The Expansion of modern industry underscores the urgent need to address heavy metal pollution, which is a threat to human-health and environment. Efforts are underwent to develop precise technologies for detecting heavy metal ions (M+-ion). One promising approach involves the use of Conjugated Microporous Polymers (CMPs) modified with Triphenylamine (TPA) anderylene (Peryl), known as TPA-Peryl-CMP, which emits strong refluorescence. Various analytical techniques, such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), are utilized to characterize the synthesized TPA-Peryl-CMP and understand its functional properties. In addition to its remarkable fluorescence behavior, TPA-Peryl-CMP shows promise as a sensor for Fe3+ ions using a turn-off strategy. Due to its exceptional stability and robust π-electron system, this platform demonstrates remarkable sensitivity and selectivity, significantly improving detection capabilities for specific analytes. Detailed procedures related to the mechanism for detecting Fe3+ ions are outlined for sensing Fe3+ ions, revealing a notably strong linear correlation within the concentration range of 0-3 µM, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9936 and the Limit of detection (LOD) 20 nM. It is anticipated that development of such a kind of TPA-Peryl-CMP will observe broader applications in detecting various analytes related to environmental and biological systems.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome post stem cell transplantation in sickle cell disease: case series and literature review.

Introduction: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a serious neurological syndrome that may develop following immunosuppressive therapy for stem cell transplantation (SCT). We report 8 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who developed PRES, which is likely to be related to immunosuppression. Methods: This is retrospective cohort analysis of the SCD registry at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Inclusion criteria included all adults SCD patients who underwent SCT from 2011 until 2022. We explored all cases of PRES in patients with SCT. PRES was diagnosed with MRI imaging showing reversible vasogenic cerebral edema associated with neurological symptoms including severe headache, seizures, encephalopathy, delirium, and visual disturbances. Results: During ten years follow-up (2011-2022) we found 8 patients with PRES (age range between 14 to 37 years at diagnosis) PRES occurred 8 to 124 days following SCT in 7 cases and one patient developed PRES 8 months prior to SCT. All patients were on immunosuppressive medications, including tacrolimus, cyclosporine, sirolimus and or mycophenolate mofetil. Headache, seizures, visual hallucinations, confusion, and drowsiness were the most common presenting symptoms. MRI showed abnormalities in the occipital, parietal and frontal lobes in most cases. Recovery was complete in all patients and no recurrences were noted. Two patients had graft versus host disease (GVHD). We compared risk factors for PRES among the 8 cases and 136 SCT in SCD patients who did not develop PRES. There was a significant association between PRES and imaging abnormalities, including previous bi-hemispheric infarctions (p = 0.001), and cerebral microbleeds (CBMs). PRES was strongly associated with presence (p = 0.006), size (p = 0.016) and number (p = 0.005) of CMBs. Conclusion: PRES can develop days to weeks following SCT in patients with SCD, and is associated with immunosuppressive therapy, previous bi-hemispheric infarctions and CMB. Prompt recognition and intervention leads to good recovery.