Hepatoprotective activity of Lactéol® forte and quercetin dihydrate against thioacetamide-induced hepatic cirrhosis in male albino rats.

Liver cirrhosis is a silent disease in humans and is experimentally induced by many drugs and toxins as thioacetamide (TAA) in particular, which is the typical model for experimental induction of hepatic fibrosis. Thus, the objective of the present study was to elucidate the possible protective effects of lactéol® forte (LF) and quercetin dihydrate (QD) against TAA-induced hepatic damage in male albino rats. Induction of hepatotoxicity was performed by TAA injection (200 mg/kg I/P, twice/ week) in rats. LF (1 × 109 CFU/rat 5 times/week) and QD (50 mg/kg 5 times/week) treated groups were administered concurrently with TAA injection (200 mg/kg I/P, twice/ week). The experimental treatments were conducted for 12 weeks. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated biochemically by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the serum and histopathologically with the scoring of histopathological changes besides histochemical assessment of collagen by Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical analysis for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Ki67 and caspase-3 expression in liver sections. Our results indicated that LF and QD attenuated some biochemical changes and histochemical markers in TAA-mediated hepatotoxicity in rats by amelioration of biochemical markers and collagen, α-SMA, Ki67 and caspase3 Immunoexpression. Additionally, LF and QD supplementation downregulated the proliferative, necrotic, fibroblastic changes, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions, hyaline globules and Mallory-like bodies that were detected histopathologically in the TAA group. In conclusion, LF showed better hepatic protection than QD against TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats by inhibiting inflammatory reactions with the improvement of some serum hepatic transaminases, histopathological picture and immunohistochemical markers.

Successful Management of Severe Unresponsive Snake Bite Envenomation Using Plasmapheresis and Corticosteroid at Egyptian National Environmental and Clinical Toxicology Research Center: A Case Report.

Snakebite is a significant public health issue in which venom-induced consumption coagulopathy is a common and serious complication that results from the activation of the coagulation pathway by snake toxins. We report a male patient, 56 y old, who was thought to have been bitten by a snake on his left foot. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he received analgesics and 3 snake polyvalent antivenom vials, and then he was transported to our hospital after 12 h. He presented with 2 small puncture wounds, pain, blistering, and edema of the left foot. On the 2nd day, the patient developed gingival bleeding and hematuria. Laboratory investigations upon admission revealed prothrombin time (PT) of more than 3 min, prothrombin concentration (PC) of less than 2.5%, and an international normalized ratio (INR) of 23.43. Further investigation of urine showed more than 100 RBCs. Despite receiving 16 packs of plasma and 40 snake polyvalent antivenom vials manufactured by VACSERA over 3 days, hemoglobin concentration and platelet count decreased with the appearance of jaundice, lactate dehydrogenase was 520, and reticulocytes were 3.5%. PT was more than 300 s, and INR was still over range. Plasmapheresis and corticosteroids were provided, which improved the patient's general condition, PT, PC, and INR, and the patient was discharged after 6 days of hospital stay. This case report indicated that plasmapheresis and corticosteroids were clinically efficient approaches in the management of snake envenomation unresponsive to antivenom.

Lauric acid attenuates hepato-metabolic complications and molecular alterations in high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a major chronic liver illness characterized by increase of lipid content in the liver. This study investigated the role of lauric acid to treat NAFLD in male adult Sprague Dawley rats. In this study, to induce NAFLD in the rats, a high-fat diet (HFD) was administered for eight consecutive weeks. Lauric acid groups received lauric acid (250 and 500 mg/kg; orally), concurrently with HFD for eight consecutive weeks. Lauric acid could ameliorate the serum levels of TG, TC, ALT, AST, blood glucose, and insulin. Moreover, lauric acid significantly elevated the levels of SOD, GSH, catalase, and IL-10. Additionally, it lowered the hepatic levels of MDA, ROS, MPO, 4-HNE, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). Furthermore, lauric acid significantly up-regulated the hepatic expression of IRS1, AMPK, PI3K, and SIRT1 genes. In parallel, lauric acid could improve the histopathological picture of the liver and reduce the liver apoptosis via decreasing the expression of annexin V (Anx V). Finally, our data proposed that lauric acid could be an effective candidate for the NAFLD treatment.

A critical influence of HIF-1 on MMP-9 and Galectin-3 in oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: Oral lichen planus carries a risk for malignancy. The pathogenesis of the disease is mediated by various inflammatory mediators. Several mediators could be responsible for the oncogenic behavior in certain cases. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1a (HIF-1), and its possible correlation to Galactin-3 (Gal-3) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) over expression represents an important indicator for malignant transformation. The investigation of these factors may present evidence-based information on malignant transformation of the disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study investigated the expression of HIF-1, Gla-3 and MMP-9 in tissue samples of OLP compared to control subjects of un-inflamed gingival overgrowth. 20 biospecimen were allocated in each group. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical findings of OLP showed immunoreactivity for Galectin 3, HIF1a and MMP-9 by most of the epithelial cells. There was a positive correlation between HIF1α and MMP-9, r = 0.9301 (P-value < 0.00001). A positive correlation was detected between Galectin 3 and MMP-9, r = 0.7292 (P-value = 0.000264) between Galectin 3 and HIF1α, r = 0.5893 (P-value = 0.006252). CONCLUSION: These findings confirm the hypothesis that the adaptive pathways to hypoxia as Gal 3 and MMP-9 expressions and their HIF-1 may play a crucial role in carcinogenesis of OLP.

Innovative next-generation therapies in combating multi-drug-resistant and multi-virulent Escherichia coli isolates: insights from in vitro, in vivo, and molecular docking studies.

Despite notable advances in vaccine and antimicrobial therapies, treatment failure has been increasingly reported worldwide. Of note, multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains have a considerable share in the evolution of this crisis. So, current practice guidelines are directed towards complementary and alternative therapies. Therefore, we evaluated the antibacterial and antivirulence activities of curcumin, thymol, and eugenol essential oils (EOs) as well as EOs-EOs and EOs-antibiotics interactions on MDR and multi-virulent E. coli isolates. Unfortunately, MDR E. coli could be isolated with a prevalence rate of 95.6% (86/90). Additionally, the majority of our isolates harbored both fimH (95.6%) and ompA (91.1%) genes, and half of them (45/90) were multi-virulent. Interestingly, all the tested EOs, especially curcumin, exhibited inhibitory activities against all MDR and multi-virulent E. coli isolates. The addition of thymol enhanced the antibacterial activities of curcumin and eugenol. Moreover, the activities of piperacillin/tazobactam and imipenem were increased by adding any one of the tested EOs. Regarding the antivirulence activities of the tested EOs, the cell surfaces of treated E. coli isolates under transmission electron microscope (TEM) were uneven. The cells appeared damaged and lost their appendages. Furthermore, EOs strongly reduced the transcription of ompA and fimH genes. The antibacterial and antivirulence activities of the used EOs were confirmed by in silico and mice protection assays. Hereby, we introduced the promising uses of curcumin, thymol, and eugenol oils as complementary and alternative therapies for combating MDR and multi-virulent E. coli isolates. KEY POINTS: • Our promising results confirmed that we were right for renewed interest of EOs. • The EOs, especially curcumin, can be used to prevent treatment failure. • We supposed a new pharmaceutical formulation of antibiotic powders dissolved in EOs.

Occurrence, Phenotypic and Molecular Characteristics of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Retail Raw Milk in Egypt.

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, phenotypic and molecular characteristics of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), isolated from retail raw cow's milk. One hundred milk samples collected from retail shops in Egypt were examined for the occurrence of VRE by using kanamycin aesculin azide agar supplemented with 4 µg/mL vancomycin. PCR was conducted to determine enterococcal species and to screen the isolated strains for the presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. All isolated strains were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing for 12 antibiotics. From 24 samples (24%), we recovered 22 isolates (91.6%) classified as VRE (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥32) and 2 isolates (8.3%) classified as intermediate resistant to vancomycin (≤16). Enterococcus faecium (29.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (12.5%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (16.6%), and Enterococcus gallinarum (4.1%) were identified by using multiplex PCR. The genus Enterococcus was resistant to clindamycin (100%), linezolid (91.6%), teicoplanin (91.6%), erythromycin (87.5%), and tetracycline (29.1%). Co-resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid was detected in 83.3% of isolates. Antibiotic resistance genes vanB, tet(M), tet(L), and erm(B) were identified in 29.1%, 16.6%, 8.3%, and 4.1% of isolates, respectively. Virulence genes gelE and esp were detected in 16.6% and 12.5% of isolates, respectively. In conclusion, the high occurrence of co-resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid reported in this study is alarming. The high frequency of linezolid resistance prompts increased the attention of researchers to routinely perform linezolid susceptibility in food isolates. This study declares potential food safety risks from consumption and improper handling of raw milk regarding clinically important bacteria and promotes necessary legislation for forbidding the selling and consumption of retail raw milk.

Dietary garlic and chitosan enhanced the antioxidant capacity, immunity, and modulated the transcription of HSP70 and Cytokine genes in Zearalenone-intoxicated European seabass.

The present study was performed to evaluate the toxic effects of feed-born zearalenone (ZEN) on antioxidative status, immunity, transcriptomic responses of European seabass, and the modulating roles of dietary garlic and/or chitosan powders. Fish (30.7 ± 0.6 g) were randomly arranged in five experimental groups (in triplicates), whereas the first group was fed on the control diet only without any supplements (control), and the second group was fed on the basal diet contaminated with ZEN (0.725 mg/kg diet). Three other groups were fed on ZEN-contaminated diets and simultaneously supplemented with garlic powder (GP) (30 g/kg diet) (ZEN + GP), chitosan powder (CH) (10 g/kg diet) (ZEN + CH), and a mixture of GP and CH (ZEN + GP + CH). Fish were fed on the experimental diets thrice a day for 4 weeks. Two-way ANOVA revealed a gradual decline in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the ZEN group reaching their lowest levels at the 4th week. Contrariwise, malondialdehyde levels were markedly higher in the ZEN group reaching their highest values at the end of the experiment. A significant decline of total immunoglobulins (P < 0.05) was observed in the serum of the ZEN group, especially after the 4th week. Moreover, significant down-regulation of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) genes (P < 0.05) alongside significant up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes (P < 0.05) in the liver and anterior kidney of ZEN-intoxicated group. Interestingly, dietary supplementation with GP and CH significantly attenuated ZEN-induced oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and modulated transcriptomic responses of ZEN-exposed fish. Moreover, combined dietary supplementation of both feed additives resulted in better effects than each one alone.

Dietary cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion boosts growth and transcriptomes of antioxidant and immune related genes to fight Streptococcus agalactiae infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion (CNE) on growth, digestive activities, antioxidant and immune responses and resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) in Nile tilapia. Four experimental diets were formulated containing CNE at levels of 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg diet for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all fish were challenged by S. agalactiae. The results showed that the final body weight was increased in fish groups fed 200 and 300 mg CNE/kg diet by 18.4 and 17.2% with respect to the control group. Moreover, feed conversion ratio and digestive enzymes' activities were improved in groups fed 200 and 300 then 100 mg of dietary CNE/kg diet. Groups fed CNE exhibited a significant increase in serum immune-related parameters when compared with control group. Additionally, the hypocholesterolemic effects was achieved after CNE feeding unlike the control group in a dose dependent manner. With increasing dietary CNE levels, genes expression of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes were upregulated. Less severe adverse clinical symptoms and respectable cumulative mortalities associated with S. agalactiae infection were observed in fish fed CNE. To our knowledge, this study was the first offering a protective effect of CNE against S. agalactiae infection in Nile tilapia with a maximum down-regulation of cylE and hylB virulence genes expression noticed in group fed 300 mg of CNE/kg diet (up to 0.10 and 0.19- fold, respectively). Therefore, the present study recommended that an incorporation of CNE at level of 300 mg/kg diet for Nile tilapia could promote their growth, enhance their immunity and antioxidant status and provide protection against virulent S. agalactiae.

Interactive effects of dietary quercetin nanoparticles on growth, flesh antioxidant capacity and transcription of cytokines and Aeromonas hydrophila quorum sensing orchestrating genes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Recently, the concept of incorporating natural products into nanocarriers has been intended to promote fish growth and health via modulating their stability and bioavailability. In this concern, the potential role of reformulated quercetin into nanocarriers was examined, for the first time, on Nile tilapia's performance and immunity, flesh quality and antioxidant indices and disease resistance. Five hundred fish assigned into five experimental groups with formulated diets containing quercetin nanoparticles (QT-NPs) at levels of 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) after 12 weeks feeding trial. Fish final body weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly maximized in groups enriched with 300 and 400 mg/kg of QT-NPs. Significant reduction in total saturated fatty acids and an elevation in polyunsaturated fatty acids' contents were noticed in fish fed higher QT-NPs doses. The levels of Hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, the markers of meat antioxidant capacity, were reduced by higher inclusion levels of QT-NPs. Accordingly, serum activities and transcriptional levels of GSH-Px, CAT and SOD genes were increased with elevated QT-NPs levels. Immune responses mediated by upregulation of IL-10 and TGF-ß and downregulation of IL-1ß, IL-8 and TNF-α mRNA levels were found to be positively affected by QT-NPs. Dietary QT-NPs downregulated the expression of ahyI and ahyR quorum sensing genes conferring protection against A. hydrophila challenge. This study concluded that supplementation of quercetin in encapsulated nanoparticles could improve its efficacy making it as a compelling approach to improve fish performance and as a promising drug candidate against A. hydrophila virulence.

Toxigenic Potential of Bacillus cereus Strains Isolated from Retail Dairy Products in Egypt.

Little is known about the virulence in Bacillus cereus strains isolated from retail dairy products in the Middle East and particularly from Egypt. In this study, the occurrence of B. cereus in 290 samples of dairy products (raw milk, Ras cheese, pasteurized extended shelf life [ESL] milk) collected from retail shops was investigated. The potential of 126 selected isolates of B. cereus to possess genes encoding nonhemolytic enterotoxin, hemolysin BL, and cytotoxin K (cytK), and to grow at 7°C was verified. The highest occurrence of B. cereus was found in raw milk (85%, 85/100) followed by Ras cheese (10%, 10/100) and ESL milk samples (8.8%, 8/90). A large proportion of the B. cereus isolates from raw milk (48.9%, 48/99) and Ras cheese (71.4%, 10/14) had at least one complete set of toxin genes (nhe or hbl). Enterotoxin genes, nheA, nheB, nheC, hblA, hblD, and hblC, were detected in 38.4% (5/13), 53.8% (7/13), 61.5% (8/13), 46.1% (6/13), 46.1% (6/13), and 23.1% (3/13) of ESL milk isolates, respectively. cytK was identified in 42.4% (42/99), 50% (7/14), and 46.2% (6/13) of raw milk, Ras cheese, and ESL milk isolates, respectively. The psychrotrophic ability was observed in 22.2% and 15.3% of isolates recovered from raw milk and ESL milk, respectively. The toxigenic potential of B. cereus strains described in this study may pose a health risk to the consumer and, therefore, the presence of these bacteria in retail dairy products should be monitored to ensure consumers' safety.

Serotonin variations and sleep disorders among shift workers. A cross-sectional study.

Sleep disorders are prevalent occupational health problems among shift workers, especially healthcare workers with long shifts. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter related to circadian variations accompanied by shift work. A cross-sectional study was performed on 73 nurses at a tertiary hospital in Cairo, Egypt, to assess sleep quality among shift work nurses (SWNs), to determine blood serotonin level, and its relation to shift work and sleep quality. A demographic and occupational history questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and measurement of blood serotonin were carried out to the studied group. The data were analyzed using SPSS 25, and descriptive statistics, unpaired t-test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Chi-square, Spearman correlation, and multivariate regression analysis were utilized. The results showed that the mean PSQI global score was significantly higher among SWNs than non-shift work nurses (NSWNs) and was the highest (10.32 ± 3.56 and 10.22 ± 2.4, respectively) among rotatory and fixed night shift nurses. Blood serotonin showed highly significant differences between SWNs over NSWNs (p = 0.001), and mostly reduced among rotatory and fixed night shift nurses (66.7% and 65%, respectively). Moreover, there were highly significant differences in serotonin levels between poor and good sleep quality nurses (p < 0.001), and most of the poor sleep quality nurses (62.7%) had low serotonin levels. Abnormal serotonin level (odds = 246.5) and working years (odds = 1.2) were statistically significant predictors of poor sleep quality. In conclusion, SWNs, especially rotating and night shift nurses, suffer from poor sleep quality associated with abnormal levels of blood serotonin.

Analysis of molecular subtypes and antibiotic resistance in Treponema pallidum isolates from blood donors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is resurging globally. Molecular typing allows for the investigation of its epidemiology. In Pakistan and other nations, T. pallidum subsp. pallidum has developed widespread macrolide resistance in the past decade. A study at the Peshawar Regional Blood Centre from June 2020-June 2021 analyzed serum samples from 32,812 blood donors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to assess circulating T. pallidum strains and antibiotic resistance. Blood samples were initially screened for T. pallidum antibodies using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). CMIA-reactive samples underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted the polA, tpp47, bmp, and tp0319 genes. PCR-positive samples were further analyzed for molecular subtyping using a CDC-developed procedure and tp0548 gene examination. All PCR-positive samples were analyzed for the presence of point mutations A2058G and A2059G in 23S rRNA, as well as the G1058C mutation in 16S rRNA. These mutations are known to impart antimicrobial resistance to macrolides and doxycycline, respectively. Out of 32,812 serum samples, 272 (0.83%) were CMIA-reactive, with 46 being PCR-positive. Nine T. pallidum subtypes were identified, predominantly 14d/f. The A2058G mutation in 23S rRNA was found in 78% of cases, while G1058C in 16S rRNA and A2059G in 23S rRNA were absent. The research found donor blood useful for assessing T. pallidum molecular subtypes and antibiotic resistance, especially when chancres are not present. The prevalent subtype was 14d/f (51.85%), and the high macrolide resistance of 36 (78%) indicates caution in using macrolides for syphilis treatment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Baby Walkers, Baby Car Seats, Oral Health, and Child Screen Time in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Awareness of age-appropriate milestones and developmental stages is crucial for parents to identify any potential delays or concerns early on and seek appropriate interventions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers in Saudi Arabia regarding baby walkers, baby car seats, early dental visits, and screen time for young children. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents in Saudi Arabia using a structured questionnaire. A convenience and snowball sampling method was employed to recruit participants from various regions of the country. The questionnaire aimed to assess parents' knowledge regarding the recommended use of baby walkers and baby car seats, their awareness of the importance of early dental visits, and their understanding of appropriate screen time guidelines. Additionally, the survey explored parents' practices toward these recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and associations between variables were examined using the chi-squared test. Results A total of 1318 participants were included. The analysis revealed that the majority of the participants (n=1066,81.3%) use a baby walker, while only (n=292,22.3%) consider that they should never be used. Overall, (n=388,29.6%) of the participants never used a car seat for their infants or children. In terms of early childhood dental visits, approximately (n=518,39.5%) of the participants reported actually taking their child to the dentist within the recommended timeframe. Regarding screen time for children, (n=148,11.3%) of the participants reported that their children spend >5 hours daily in front of the screen.  Conclusions Raising parents' awareness about recent childcare recommendations and safe practices is crucial for promoting optimal child development, preventing health problems, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, reducing risks, enhancing parental confidence and empowerment, and nurturing positive parent-child relationships.

Silver nanoparticles synthesized by probiotic bacteria and antibacterial role in resistant bacteria.

Many dangerous bacteria have become highly resistant to traditional antibiotics, which is a huge public health concern. This study investigated the use of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized in a culture filtrate of Lactobacillus acidophilus as antimicrobials. UV-visual spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray power diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy have all validated the findings. The biosynthesized nanoparticles ranged in size from 33 to 90 nm. The cytotoxicity of the nanosilver generated was then investigated using nine 200 g BW rats separated into three groups. When compared to the control group, the treated rats showed little signs of toxicity; parameters of physiological function, including alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, creatinine, and urea were significantly different in treated and non-treated animals. Moreover, the antibacterial role of the generated silver nanoparticles was examined in multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, revealing high antibacterial activity against the examined bacteria. For more demonstration of the effect of the nanosilver on transcription and gene regulation of treated and non-treated bacteria differential display droplet digital-PCR was used, and the results revealed that several genes were up- and down-regulated. Some genes were selected for DNA sequencing and according to the sequence analysis, these genes were mecA, beta-lactam, and unidentified protein genes, and these have been deposited in the GenBank Database with the following accession numbers: Staphylococcus MZ748472 and Klebsiella MZ748473. We conclude that silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by L. acidophilus are environmentally friendly and have antibacterial activities against MDR pathogenic bacteria.

Metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma in pleural effusion: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid carcinoma accounts for the most common type of thyroid cancer of well-differentiated type. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is featured by biologically low-grade and less aggressive tumors with a survival rate of 10 years in most of the diagnosed cases. Papillary thyroid carcinoma can be presented with the involvement of cervical lymph nodes in about 50% of the patients, yet distant spread is very uncommon. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we discuss a Saudi male patient in his early 50s with a history of papillary thyroid carcinoma who presented to the emergency department complaining of shortness of breath and a radiological finding of hydrothorax. Cytologic examination together with immune-histochemical staining and molecular studies of pleural effusion aspiration concluded the definitive diagnosis of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma in the pleural space. CONCLUSIONS: Papillary thyroid carcinoma seldom causes metastatic niches in the pleural space; this is a rare clinical presentation, nevertheless, a differential diagnosis of thyroid metastasis needs to be excluded. A definitive diagnosis of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma can be made using clinical presentation, cytologic examination, immunohistochemical investigation, and molecular testing. The most common mutation found in papillary thyroid carcinoma cases is the V600E mutation found in the BRAF gene, yet these patients have a relatively low probability of cancer recurrence. Patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who have the BRAF mutation frequently experience metastases and relapses of the disease after the cancer has progressed aggressively. To help with therapy planning and the introduction of BRAF inhibitors, genetic testing for BRAF mutation may therefore prove to be a useful tool, especially in cases of aggressive subtypes of TC.

Immunoaffinity-based mass spectrometric characterization of immunoreactive proteins of Salmonella Typhi.

Salmonella Typhi, a human-restricted Gram negative enterobacteriaceae, is the causative agent of typhoid fever in human being. The available serodiagnostic tools for the diagnosis of typhoid fever lack sensitivity and/or specificity. This study aimed to identify the immunoreactive proteins of S. Typhi that could help to develop improved diagnostic tools. Here, we performed immunoaffinity-based proteomic approach that uses charged columns to retrieve IgG and IgM antibodies from the plasma of typhoid patients followed by capture of S. Typhi proteins. These proteins were then characterized by mass spectrometry and bioinformatics tools. Using this approach, we identified 28 immunoreactive proteins of S. Typhi, in which 14 proteins were captured by IgG charged column and 4 proteins were captured by IgM column. We also identified 10 proteins (hlyE, rfbH, dapD, argI, glyA, pflB, trxB, groEL, tufA and pepD) captured by both columns. The prediction of antigenicity and immunogenicity resulted that 22 proteins were antigenic while 6 were non-antigenic on the scale of 0.4 threshold value of VaxiJen. These proteins successfully simulated the immune system in silico and in response higher amount of antibodies' titers were recorded in C-IMMSIM, confirming the immunogenic nature of these proteins. The identified proteins are of diverse nature and functions including those involved in virulence and pathogenesis, energy metabolism, cell development, biosynthesis of amino acids, regulatory functions and biosynthesis of cofactors. The findings of this study would be helpful in the development of improved vaccines and diagnostic tools for typhoid fever.

Amygdalin-folic acid-nanoparticles inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer and enhance the effect of radiotherapy through the modulation of tumor-promoting factors/ immunosuppressive modulators in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) cells often develop multiple mechanisms of chemo- and radio-resistance during tumor progression, which is the major reason for the failure of breast cancer therapy. Targeted nanomedicines have tremendous therapeutic potential in BC treatment over their free drug counterparts. Searching for chemo- and radio-sensitizers to overcome such resistance is therefore urgently required. The goal of this study is to evaluate and compare the radio-sensitizer efficacy of amygdalin-folic acid nanoparticles (Amy-F) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of Amy-F on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and IC50 were assessed using MTT assay. The expression of proteins involved in several mechanisms induced by Amy-F in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, including growth inhibition, apoptosis, tumor growth regulators, immuno-modulators, and radio-sensitizing activities were evaluated via flow cytometry and ELISA assay. RESULTS: Nanoparticles demonstrated sustained Amy-F release properties and apparent selectivity towards BC cells. Cell-based assays revealed that Amy-F markedly suppresses cancer cell growth and improves radiotherapy (RT) through inducing cell cycle arrest (G1 and sub-G1), and increases apoptosis as well as reduces the proliferation of BC by down-regulating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK/P38), iron level (Fe), nitric oxide (NO), and up-regulating the reactive oxygen species level (ROS). Amy-F has also been shown to suppress the expression of the cluster of differentiation (CD4 and CD80), and interfere with the Transforming growth factor beta (TGF- ß)/Interferon-gamma (INF-g)/Interleukin-2 (IL-2)/Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced suppression in its signaling hub, while up-regulating natural killer group 2D receptor (NKG2D) and CD8 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the novel Amy-F either alone or in combination with RT abrogated BC proliferation.

Chia seeds oil ameliorate chronic immobilization stress-induced neurodisturbance in rat brains via activation of the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory/antiapoptotic signaling pathways.

Chronic immobilization stress plays a key role in several neuropsychiatric disorders. This investigation assessed the possible ameliorative effect of chia seed oil (CSO) against the neurodisturbance-induced in rats by chronic immobilization. Rats were randomly allocated into control, CSO (1 ml/kg b.wt./orally), restrained (6 h/day), CSO pre-restraint, and CSO post-restraint for 60 days. Results revealed a significant reduction in serum corticosterone level, gene expression of corticotrophin-releasing factor, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative biomarkers in restrained rats treated with CSO. The histopathological findings revealed restoring necrosis and neuronal loss in CSO-treated-restraint rats. The immunohistochemical evaluation revealed a significant reduction in the immuno-expression of caspase-3, nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and an elevation of calbindin-28k and synaptophysin expression compared to non-treated restraint rats. The molecular docking showed the CSO high affinity for several target proteins, including caspase-3, COX-2, corticotropin-releasing hormone binding protein, corticotropin-releasing factor receptors 1 and 2, interleukin-1 receptor types 1 and 2, interleukin-6 receptor subunits alpha and beta. In conclusion, CSO emerges as a promising candidate against stress-induced brain disruptions by suppressing inflammatory/oxidative/apoptotic signaling pathways due to its numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, mainly α-linolenic acid. Future studies are necessary to evaluate the CSO therapeutic impacts in human neurodisturbances.

Utilization of Algae Extracts as Natural Antibacterial and Antioxidants for Controlling Foodborne Bacteria in Meat Products.

Padina pavonica, Hormophysa cuneiformis, and Corallina officinalis are three types of algae that are assumed to be used as antibacterial agents. Our study's goal was to look into algal extracts' potential to be used as food preservative agents and to evaluate their ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria in several meat products (pastirma, beef burger, luncheon, minced meat, and kofta) from the local markets in Alexandria, Egypt. By testing their antibacterial activity, results demonstrated that Padina pavonica showed the highest antibacterial activity towards Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella spp., and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Padina pavonica extract also possesses most phenolic and flavonoid content overall. It has 24 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 7.04 mg catechol equivalent/g, respectively. Moreover, the algae extracts were tested for their antioxidant activity, and the findings were measured using ascorbic acid as a benchmark. The IC50 of ascorbic acid was found to be 25.09 µg/mL, while Padina pavonica exhibited an IC50 value of 267.49 µg/mL, Corallina officinalis 305.01 µg/mL, and Hormophysa cuneiformis 325.23 µg/mL. In this study, Padina pavonica extract was utilized in three different concentrations (Treatment 1 g/100 g, Treatment 2 g/100 g, and Treatment 3 g/100 g) on beef burger as a model. The results showed that as the concentration of the extract increased, the bacterial inhibition increased over time. Bacillus cereus was found to be the most susceptible to the extract, while Streptococcus pyogenes was the least. In addition, Padina pavonica was confirmed to be a safe compound through cytotoxicity testing. After conducting a sensory evaluation test, it was confirmed that Padina pavonica in meat products proved to be a satisfactory product.

Thromboprophylaxis in Patients Admitted to the Surgical Ward: Clinical Audit.

Background: Hospital-acquired thrombosis (HAT) is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and financial burden globally. Following trusted guidelines for VTE prevention has shown effective, safe, and satisfactory results. This prompts national collaborative efforts to maintain a consensus approach for the safe risk assessment of inpatients and the prescription of thromboprophylaxis. Objective: This study aimed to detect and estimate deviations from international thromboprophylaxis protocols. The study also aimed to raise the quality of practice and adherence to evidence-based protocols in Alshuhada Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional audit of general surgical inpatients was performed from October 2021 to May 2022. The first cycle was from 1/10/2021 to 21/10/2021, and the second cycle was from 13/5/2022 to 31/5/2022. The target population was adults aged >18 years. Data were collected via an online checklist on two separate occasions. The criteria were based on the NICE guideline for venous thromboembolism in individuals aged over 16 years: "Reducing the risk of hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism NG89". Results: Forty-five surgical inpatients were included in this study: 20 in the first cycle and 25 in the second cycle. The first-cycle report showed that only 25% of VTE candidates received this regimen. In the second cycle, practice significantly improved, with 92% of admitted patients having their risk assessment tool completed within 24 h of admission. 79% of VTE prophylaxis candidates were prescribed adequate pharmacological prophylaxis within 14 h of admission. Conclusion: The rate of adequate thromboprophylaxis for inpatients undergoing surgery was very low before clinicians received education on VTE prevention, whereas was evidently high after they had received them. The cause of non-adherence in the pre-intervention phase was a lack of adequate knowledge regarding the magnitude and burden of HAT and the importance of thromboprophylaxis, which has a potential role in preventing the majority of HAT.