Molecular diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis: the state of the art.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis. Approximately one-third of the world's population is currently T. gondii-seropositive. Although most infections are symptomless, a few can produce retinal lesions and, in immunocompromised persons or when congenitally contracted, can progress to life-threatening central nervous system disseminated infections. Therefore, quick, and precise diagnosis is a must. Molecular techniques nowadays play a crucial role in toxoplasmosis diagnosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients or congenital toxoplasmosis. This review aimed to detail recent advancements in molecular diagnostics of T. gondii infections. The terms "Toxoplasmosis," "Molecular diagnostics," "PCR," "qPCR," "B1," and "rep529" were used to search the English-language literature. In developed nations, conventional PCR (PCR) and nested PCR have been supplanted by quantitative PCR (qPCR), although they are still widely employed in poor nations. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis has been revolutionized by the emergence of molecular diagnostics. Unfortunately, there is still substantial interlaboratory variability. There is an immediate need for standardization to increase the comparability of results between laboratories and clinical trials. Graphical abstract: A graphical abstract highlighting the summary of Toxoplasma molecular diagnostics, created using Biorender.com.

Isoquinoline-based intrinsic fluorescence assessment of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, Roxadustat (FG-4592), in tablets: applications to content uniformity and human plasma evaluation.

In the present study, a first validated and green spectrofluorimetric approach for its assessment and evaluation in different matrices was investigated. After using an excitation wavelength of 345 nm, Roxadustat (ROX) demonstrates a highly native fluorescence at an emission of 410 nm. The influences of experimental factors such as pH, diluting solvents, and different organized media were tested, and the most appropriate solvent choice was ethanol. It was confirmed that there was a linear relationship between the concentration of ROX and the relative fluorescence intensity in the range 60.0-1000.0 ng ml-1, with the limit of detection and limit of quantitation, respectively, being 17.0 and 53.0 ng ml-1. The mean recoveries % [±standard deviation (SD), n = 5] for pharmaceutical preparations were 100.11% ± 2.24%, whereas for plasma samples, they were 100.08 ± 1.08% (±SD, n = 5). The results obtained after the application of four greenness criteria, Analytical Eco-Scale metric, NEMI, GAPI, and AGREE metric, confirmed its eco-friendliness. In addition, the whiteness meter (RGB12) confirmed its level of sustainability. The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) criteria were used to verify the developed method through the study in both spiked plasma samples and content uniformity evaluation. An appropriate standard for various applications in industry and quality control laboratories was developed.

First Report of Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli Carrying mcr-1 IncI2(delta) and IncX4 Plasmids from Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Gulf Region.

Addressing the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge in veterinary and public health. In this study, we focused on determining the presence, phenotypic background, and genetic epidemiology of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (mcr) in Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from camels farmed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Fecal samples were collected from 50 camels at a Dubai-based farm in the UAE and colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacilli were isolated using selective culture. Subsequently, a multiplex PCR targeting a range of mcr-genes, plasmid profiling, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were conducted. Eleven of fifty camel fecal samples (22%) yielded colonies positive for E. coli isolates carrying the mcr-1 gene on mobile genetic elements. No other mcr-gene variants and no chromosomally located colistin resistance genes were detected. Following plasmid profiling and WGS, nine E. coli isolates from eight camels were selected for in-depth analysis. E. coli sequence types (STs) identified included ST7, ST21, ST24, ST399, ST649, ST999, and STdaa2. Seven IncI2(delta) and two IncX4 plasmids were found to be associated with mcr-1 carriage in these isolates. These findings represent the first identification of mcr-1-carrying plasmids associated with camels in the Gulf region. The presence of mcr-1 in camels from this region was previously unreported and serves as a novel finding in the field of AMR surveillance.

Relationship between FEV1/FVC and age in children with asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) normally decreases through childhood, increases briefly during early adolescence, and then declines throughout life. The physiology behind this temporary increase during early adolescence is not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine if this pattern occurs in children with asthma. DESIGN: Single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of pulmonary function tests obtained over a 5-year period in children 5-18 years of age with persistent asthma. RESULTS: A total of 1793 patients satisfied all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age (±SD) was 10.4 ± 3.8 years. Forty-eight percent were female. Mean FEV1/FVC was 0.83 ± 0.09. FEV1/FVC was lower at 5 years of age than in healthy children, declined from age 5 to 11 by 5.7% compared to 7.3% in healthy girls, and 5.8% compared to 9.4% in healthy boys. FEV1/FVC increased in early adolescence, but at age 16, was 5.6% lower in male children compared to healthy children, and 5.4% lower in females. The ratio was lower in obese children at all ages but demonstrated the same curvilinear shape as healthy children. In absolute terms, FEV1 grew proportionately more than FVC during early adolescence, so the ratio of FEV1/FVC increased during that period. The curvilinear shape of the curve remained in postbronchodilator testing, though significantly blunted. CONCLUSIONS: FEV1/FVC is lower in children with persistent asthma than healthy children, but the "Shepherd's Hook" pattern is preserved. This was true in obese patients with asthma, although their FEV1/FVC ratios were lower throughout all stages of childhood and adolescence.

The potential anti-Alzheimer's activity of Oxalis corniculata Linn. Methanolic extract in experimental rats: Role of APOE4/LRP1, TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK-3ß, autophagy and apoptotic cues.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oxalis corniculata (O. corniculata) is a member of Oxalidaceae family, widely distributed in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, used extensively as food and its traditional folkloric uses include management of epilepsy, gastric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, together with its use in enhancing health. Numerous pharmacological benefits of O. corniculata are linked to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. One of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders is Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are its main pathogenic processes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our research aimed to study the neuroprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (O. corniculata ME), compared to selenium (Se) against AlCl3-induced AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male albino rats were allocated into four groups (Gps). Gp I a control group, the rest of the animals received AlCl3 (Gp II-Gp IV). Rats in Gp III and IV were treated with Se and O. corniculata ME, respectively. RESULTS: The chemical profile of O. corniculata ME was studied using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, allowing the tentative identification of sixty-six compounds, including organic acids, phenolics and others, cinnamic acid and its derivatives, fatty acids, and flavonoids. AlCl3 showed deterioration in short-term memory and brain histological pictures. Our findings showed that O. corniculata ME and selenium helped to combat oxidative stress produced by accumulation of AlCl3 in the brain and in prophylaxis against AD. Thus, Selenium (Se) and O. corniculata ME restored antioxidant defense, via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 hub, hampered neuroinflammation, via TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, along with dampening apoptosis, Aß generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, BACE1, ApoE4 and LRP1 levels. Treatments also promoted autophagy and modulated Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK3ß cue. CONCLUSIONS: It was noted that O. corniculata ME showed a notable ameliorative effect compared to Se on Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, APOE4/LRP1, Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK-3ß and PERK axes.

LC/HRESI-MS/MS screening, phytochemical characterization, and in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of Jatropha integerrima Jacq. extracts.

Avoiding the probable dangerous side effects of synthetic drugs, this study aims the identification of natural antioxidant and antitumor agents from J. integerrima leaf and floral extracts. A highly efficient and fast UPLC/ESI-qTOF-HRMS/MS screening has led to characterization of 30 flavonoids, i.e. 12 flavonols, 6 flavones, 3 dihydroflavonols, 4 anthocyanins (flower), 2 dihydroflavonols, and 3 isoflavones from both J. integerrima extracts. In addition, six major polyphenols were identified for the first time from leaf extract, and their structures were established as apigenin 7-O-ß-d-neohesperidoside (rhoifolin, 1), apigenin 8-C-ß-D-4C1-glucopyranoside (vitexin, 2), luteolin 6-C-ß-D-4C1-glucopyranoside (isoorientin, 3), 6,6″-di-C-ß-D-4C1-glucopyranosyl-methylene-biapigenin (Jatrophenol-I, 4), (E)-p-coumaric acid methyl ester (5), and (E)-ferulic acid methyl ester (6) with HRESI-MS and NMR analyses. The in vitro antioxidant activity of both extracts and major pure isolates was decided using DPPH, reducing power capability, FRAP, and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and their in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EACC), as well.The flower extract and compound 3 have shown the strongest antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. At low concentrations (25 µg/mL), they showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging ability (79.63 ± 0.42 and 76.20 ± 0.35%) regarding BHA (91.44 ± 0.29% at 100 µg/mL). In the parameter of absorbance, they exhibited higher reducing power ability (1.402 ± 0.025 and 1.178 ± 0.019%) than that of BHA (0.975 ± 0.013 at 100 µg/mL). Similarly, they proved superior FRAP (1427 ± 9.61 and 1377 ± 13.61 µmol Trolox/ 100 g) and highest ABTS activity (80.19 ± 0.55 and 68.38 ± 0.19%), which are higher activities compared to BHA (88.42 ± 0.24% at 100 µg/mL). Furthermore, all samples gave noticeable cytotoxicity at the same concentration (100 µg/mL), especially the flower extract and compound 3 which showed a relatively high effect on the viability of EACC (81.12 ± 0.24 and 77.21 ± 0.76 %, respectively) relative to vincristine reference drug (90.64 ± 0.39 %). Based on the findings, the extracts and isolates can be considered as potent antioxidant and cytotoxic natural agents, especially flower extract and isoorientin (3), which may supply novel insight into their likely application in pharmaceutical industries.

COVID-19 and Pediatric Rheumatology: A Comprehensive Study from a Leading Tertiary Center in Saudi Arabia.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged as a significant global health concern, impacting millions of individuals worldwide. However, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding pediatric studies, specifically focusing on children with rheumatic diseases and the potential risk factors associated with COVID-19 contraction in this specific patient population. Patients with rheumatic diseases are often undergoing immunemodulator/immunosuppressant therapies, which can further complicate their immune system response to infections. This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH), the largest tertiary care children's hospital in Saudi Arabia. The aim was to investigate the rate, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. All rheumatology patients (< 19 years) who presented to the hospital as outpatients, inpatients, and/or ER visits during the period of March 2020 to March 2022 were reviewed for confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Among 482 patients included in this study, 126 (26.1%, 95% CI 21.8-31.1) had COVID-19 infection, and no factors were identified to increase the risk of contracting the virus. Fever (55.6%, n = 70) followed by respiratory symptoms (55.6%, n = 70) were the most common clinical manifestations, and around 30% of the patients were asymptomatic. Though most of the patients recovered without complications (97.6%, n = 123), mortality was reported in 3 patients (2.38%). The risk of hospitalization was almost 6 times higher in males (OR = 5.97), and higher in patients receiving t-DMARDs (OR = 17.53) or glucocorticoids (OR = 6.69). The study also revealed that vaccinated children were at lower risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 than non-vaccinated children. The findings of this study help to identify the risk factors for COVID-19 among children with rheumatic diseases and provide insight into the impact of the pandemic on this group. Overall, while most cases were mild and resolved on their own, unvaccinated patients and those receiving t-DMARDs or glucocorticoids needs vigilant monitoring during the COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, we strongly advocate for the widespread promotion of COVID-19 vaccination among pediatric rheumatology patients as it significantly reduces their risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization.

D-Pinitol Content and Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Five Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. Cultivars.

Diabetes mellitus is a major challenge for global health, and Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (B. spectabilis) is a widely used herbal remedy with diverse cultivars traditionally used for diabetes treatment. However, the comparative efficacy of these cultivars remains ambiguous. This study aimed to evaluate the D-pinitol content and DPPH radical-scavenging activity of methanolic leaves extracts of five B. spectabilis cultivars. Furthermore, the effects of these cultivars on various parameters, including blood glucose levels, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, renal function markers, and histopathological changes, were assessed in STZ-induced diabetic rats after one month of oral daily treatment. All tested cultivars demonstrated significant improvements in the measured parameters, albeit to varying extents. Notably, the LOE cultivar, distinguished by its orange bracts, exhibited the highest efficacy, surpassing the effectiveness of glibenclamide, an antidiabetic medication, and displayed the highest concentration of D-pinitol. These findings underscore the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate B. spectabilis cultivar to maximize the antidiabetic efficacy, with a particular emphasis on the correlation between antidiabetic activity and D-pinitol concentrations.

Simvastatin attenuates aluminium chloride-induced neurobehavioral impairments through activation of TGF-ß1/ SMAD2 and GSK3ß/ß-catenin signalling pathways.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the presence of ß-amyloid plaques and acetylcholine depletion leading to neurobehavioral defects. AD was contributed also with downregulation of TGF-ß1/SMAD2 and GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathways. Simvastatin (SMV) improved memory function experimentally and clinically. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the mechanistic role of SMV against aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induced neurobehavioral impairments. AD was induced by AlCl3 (50 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. Mice received Simvastatin (10 or 20 mg/kg) or Donepezil (3 mg/kg) for 6 weeks after that the histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical test were examined. Treatment with SMV improved the memory deterioration induced by AlCl3 with significant recovery of the histopathological changes. This was concomitant with the decrease of AChE and Aß (1-42). SMV provides its neuroprotective effect through upregulating the protein expression of ß-catenin, TGF-ß1 and downregulating the expression of GSK3ß, TLR4 and p-SMAD2.

Dermatological Lesions of Cholesterol Embolisation Syndrome and Kaposi Sarcoma Mimic Primary Systemic Vasculitis: Case report study.

Primary systemic vasculitis can present with a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from systemic non-specific features such as fever, malaise, arthralgia and myalgia to specific organ damage. We describe two cases of cholesterol embolisation syndrome and Kaposi sarcoma mimicking primary systemic vasculitis, both of which were characterised by features such as livedo reticularis, blue toe syndrome, a brown purpuric skin rash and positive perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies associated with Kaposi sarcoma. Establishing the right diagnosis was challenging and thus this report aimed to highlight the possible ways to distinguish them from primary systemic vasculitis.

Hepatoprotective role of myricitrin isolated from Mimusops elengi Linn. leaves extract on γ-radiation-induced liver damage in rats: Phyto-biochemical investigations.

The hepatoprotective effects of methanol extract of Mimusops elengi Linn. (M. elengi L.) leaves and isolated pure myricitrin (3-, 4-, 5-, 5, 7-five hydroxyflavone-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside) (Myr) were evaluated in male rats exposed to γ-irradiation. The extraction of M. elengi L. leaves was performed using ethyl acetate (EtOAC). Seven groups of rats were used: control group, irradiated (IRR) group (6 Gy of γ-rays in a single dose), vehicle group (oral administration of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose for 10 days), EtOAC extract group (100 mg/kg body weight of extract, orally for 10 days), EtOAC + IRR group (administration of extract and exposure to γ-rays on Day 7), Myr group (50 mg/kg body weight Myr, orally for 10 days), and Myr + IRR group (administration of Myr and exposure to γ-rays on Day 7). High-performance liquid chromatography and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance were used to isolate and characterize the compounds from M. elengi L. leaves. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for biochemical analyses. Identified compounds were Myr, myricetin 3-O-galactoside, myricetin 3-O-rahmnopyranoside (1 → 6) glucopyranoside, quercetin, quercitol, gallic acid, α-,ß-amyrin, ursolic acid, and lupeol. Serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activities were significantly increased, while serum protein and albumin levels were significantly decreased after irradiation. Hepatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, prostaglandin 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-12 were increased following irradiation. Improvements were observed in most serological parameters after treatment with extract or pure Myr, with histological analyses confirming decreased liver injury in treated rats. Our study demonstrates that pure Myr has a greater hepatoprotective effect than M. elengi leaf extracts against irradiation-induced hepatic inflammation.

Arctigenin improves neuropathy via ameliorating apoptosis and modulating autophagy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress mediates the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy (DN) with activation of apoptotic pathway and reduction of autophagy. Arctigenin (ARC) is a natural lignan isolated from some plants of the Asteraceae family that shows antioxidant property. The present study aimed to explore the mechanistic neuroprotective effect of ARC on animal model for DN. METHODS: DN was induced using streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 45 mg/kg, i.p, for five consecutive days and ARC was administered orally (25 or 50 mg) for 3 weeks. The mechanical sensitivity and thermal latency were determined using von Frey and hotplate, respectively. Beclin, p62, and LC3 were detected as markers for autophagy by western blot. Levels of reduced glutathione, lipid peroxides, and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were detected as readout for oxidative stress. Apoptotic parameters and histopathological changes were revealed in all experimental groups. RESULTS: The present study showed deterioration of the function and structure of neurons as a result of hyperglycemia. Oxidative stress and impaired autophagy were observed in diabetic neurons as well as the activation of apoptotic pathway. ARC improved the behavioral and histopathological changes of diabetic mice. ARC combated oxidative stress through diminishing lipid peroxidation and improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This was concomitant by reducing the biomarkers of apoptosis. ARC augmented the expression of Beclin and LC3 while it lessened the expression of p62 indicating the activation of autophagy. These findings suggest that ARC can ameliorate DN by combating apoptosis and oxidative stress and improving autophagy.

Assessing the Antifungal Activity of a Soft Denture Liner Loaded with Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs).

AIM: Soft denture lining materials are susceptible to be colonized by different microorganisms, especially by Candida albicans (C. albicans), causing denture-induced stomatitis. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) into a soft denture liner towards reducing microbial activity. METHOD: A total of 40 PEMA-TiO2 nanocomposites samples were fabricated by adding 0.0 wt.% (control), 1.0 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, and 2 wt.% TiO2 NPs to a heat cured soft denture lining material (polyethyl methacrylate, PEMA). The prepared samples were divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the content of TiO2 NPs. The uniformity of TiO2 NPS distribution within the denture liner matrix was assessed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The viable count of C. albicans was evaluated to test the antifungal resistance of the developed composite. RESULTS: The SEM images showed fairly homogeneous dispersion, with patches of TiO2 NPs agglomeration within the PEMA matrix and an increasing concentration of NPs with higher NP content. The particle map and EDX analysis confirmed the evidence of the TiO2 NPs. The mean viable count results for the control (0.0 wt.%) and 1.0 wt.%, 1.5 wt.%, and 2 wt.% TiO2 groups were 139.80, 12.00, 6.20, and 1.00, respectively, with a significant difference from the control group (p < 0.05). The antifungal activity also increased with the increase in the concentration of TiO2 NPs. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of TiO2 NPs into a heat-cured soft denture liner provided antifungal activity as evidenced by the reduced colonization of C. albicans. The antimicrobial activity of the liner material increased with the increased concentration of TiO2 NPS.

Compounds with Anti-Alzheimer Activity Isolated for the First Time from Melaleuca leucodendron (L.) Leaves.

OBJECTIVE: To discover a drug from natural triterpenes that has no side effects and is effective in treating Alzheimer's disease. We predict that the drug will be put on the market soon and achieve success. METHODS: The methanolic extract of M. leucodendron leaves was fractionated and subjected to different chromatographic techniques to isolate two new triterpene glycosides alongside five known compounds kaempferol 3, quercetin 4, quercetin3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside 5, kaempferol3- O-ß-D-glucopyranoside 6 and kaempferol3-O-α-L-rhamnoside 7. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and chemical means. RESULTS: Two new triterpene glycosides, 21-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-olean-12-ene-3-O-[α-Lrhamnopyranosyl (1-4) ß-D-galactopyranosyl (1-4) ß-D-glucouronopyranoside]1 and 21-O-α-Lrhamnopyranosyl- olean-12-ene-3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→4) ß-D-galactopyra-nosyl (1→4) ß-D-galactopyranoside] 2, were isolated for the first time from 70% aqueous methanolic extract (AME) of M. leucodendron leaves. The inhibitory activities of the said compounds toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were then assayed. Both compounds exhibited significant inhibitory activities toward the two enzymes, and evidence indicated that compound 2 was a more effective inhibitor than compound 1. CONCLUSION: Compounds 1 and 2 have a significant role in inhibiting the enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase.

New Chromatographic Techniques for Sensitive Mebendazole Quantification in the Presence of Degraded Product, Commercial Tablets Application, and Greenness Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Before it spreads to other tissues, mebendazole (MBZ), a highly effective broad-spectrum anthelmintic, is used to treat worm infestations caused by roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, threadworms (pinworms), and the gastrointestinal form of trichinosis. OBJECTIVE: The development of new methods for sensitive quantification of MBZ in the presence of its degraded product is the main objective of the presented research. METHOD: Validated chromatographic techniques with high sensitivity (HPTLC and UHPLC) are used. The HPTLC method was adopted on silica gel HPTLC F254 plates using ethanol, ethyl acetate, and formic acid (3: 8: 0.05, by volume) as a developing system. Furthermore, the UHPLC method is a green isocratic method with a mobile phase containing methanol and 0.1% sodium lauryl sulphate (20:80, v/v). RESULTS: The suggested chromatographic methods are greener than the reported ones in terms of the used greenness assessment methods. To validate the developed methods, International Council on Harmonization (ICH/Q2) guidelines were followed. Successful application of the proposed methods was revealed by the simultaneous analysis of MBZ and its major degradation product, 2-amino-5-benzoylbenzimidazole (ABB). The linear ranges were 0.2-3.0, 0.1-2.0 µg/band for the HPTLC method and 2.0-50, 1.0-40 µg/mL for the UHPLC method for MEB and ABB, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The suggested methods were used to analyze the studied drug in its commercial tablets. Both pharmacokinetic studies and quality control laboratories can make use of the suggested techniques. HIGHLIGHTS: Green and accurate HPTLC and UHPLC methods for the determination of MBZ and its major degradation products.

COVID-19 Vaccination Perception and Acceptance Among Female Medical and Nursing Students at Al-Azhar University, Egypt.

Background: There are still many concerns related to various types of COVID-19 vaccines, which may result in individuals' hesitancy presenting a problem for public health authorities to achieve coverage for population immunity. As trustworthy health-care workers, medical and nursing students' perception towards COVID-19 vaccines may greatly influence the future population's uptake of vaccines; however, studies related to the vaccine acceptance rates among them are limited. Objective: To identify the perception of medical and nursing students toward COVID-19 vaccines and the factors acting either as motivators or barriers to be vaccinated. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 500 undergraduate students aged ≥18 years from medical and nursing faculties. Data were collected via a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire that consisted of questions on general characteristics of the participants and source of information about the vaccine. Also, it includes items assessing the perception and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared, t-test and multiple logistic regressions were performed using SPSS version 22. Results: Positive perception was detected among more than half of overall students. Although medical students had significant higher positive perception toward COVID-19 vaccines than nursing students (54.9% vs. 41.1%, p <0.05), they were more hesitant to get vaccinated than nursing students (25.7% vs. 19.6%, p >0.05). While, medical students had a higher intention to encourage family members or friends to get vaccinated than did nursing students (47.7% vs .43.8%, respectively) (p >0:05). Furthermore, participants were more likely to accept vaccination if they reported higher levels of positive perception especially for vaccine safety and increasing recovery rate. Conclusion: Academic medical and nursing leaders should consider female students' vaccine concerns, and future efforts are needed to reduce their hesitancy and raise awareness about vaccinations that may eventually improve perception and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Knowledge-Based Dietary Intake Recommendations of Nutrients for Pediatric Patients with Maple Syrup Urine Disease.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a metabolic disorder characterized by a difficulty to digest and process proteins necessary for growth. To monitor and maintain the ideal growth of children with MSUD, caregivers need to carefully control the consumption of harmful branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). The dietary limits of amino acids for MSUD patients are recommended and controlled by pediatricians and metabolic dietitians according to age, height, weight, and the prevailing percentage of amino acids in the body. This study introduces an intelligent dietary tool called MSUD Baby Buddy for caregivers of MSUD patients that tracks the amino acids intake out of baby formulas for babies 0-6 months old. This tool aims to provide accurate recommendations of the appropriate daily intake of protein and BCAAs based on the patients' data, plasma BCAAs, and formula preferences. We use a knowledge-based system, including knowledge acquisition and verification, as well as knowledge management tool validation, and the ripple-down rules are employed for building the system. MSUD Baby Buddy can support the maintenance of adequate amino acid levels and increase awareness about the control of BCAAs. The average usability of MSUD Baby Buddy is 84.25, indicating that the tool is intuitive and may help caregivers to easily determine the recommended doses of formula based on patients' biometric data and preferred formula. On the other hand, interviews with metabolic dietitians revealed some drawbacks, which were addressed to further improve the tool. MSUD Baby Buddy is expected to help caregivers of MSUD patients to independently track nutrient intake and reduce the number of visits to the pediatrician and metabolic dietitian.

Dinebra retroflexa Herbal Phytotherapy: A Simulation Study Based on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Retraction Potential in Swiss Albino Rats.

Background and Objectives: Fibrotic lung disease is one of the main complications of many medical conditions. Therefore, the use of anti-fibrotic agents may provide a chance to prevent, or at least modify, such complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective pulmonary anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of Dinebra retroflexa. Materials and methods: Dinebra retroflexa methanolic extract and its synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/5 mL/kg-Saline) as a supposed model for induced lung fibrosis. The weed evaluation was performed by intratracheal instillation of Dinebra retroflexa methanolic extract and its silver nanoparticles (35 mg/100 mL/kg-DMSO, single dose). Results: The results showed that both Dinebra retroflexa methanolic extract and its silver nanoparticles had a significant pulmonary fibrosis retraction potential, with Ashcroft scores of three and one, respectively, and degrees of collagen deposition reduction of 33.8 and 46.1%, respectively. High-resolution UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS metabolic profiling and colorimetrically polyphenolic quantification were performed for further confirmation and explanation of the represented effects. Such activity was believed to be due to the tentative identification of twenty-seven flavonoids and one phenolic acid along with a phenolic content of 57.8 mg/gm (gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoid content of 22.5 mg/gm (quercetin equivalent). Conclusion: Dinebra retroflexa may be considered as a promising anti-fibrotic agent for people at high risk of complicated lung fibrosis. The results proved that further clinical trials would be recommended to confirm the proposed findings.

Pioglitazone Ameliorates Hippocampal Neurodegeneration, Disturbances in Glucose Metabolism and AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Pentyelenetetrazole-Kindled Mice.

Disturbance of glucose metabolism, nerve growth factor (NGF) and m-TOR signaling have been associated with the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Pioglitazone (PGZ) is an anti-diabetic drug that shows a protective effect in neurodegenerative diseases including epilepsy; however, its exact mechanism is not fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of PGZ in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindled seizure in mice. Swiss male albino mice were randomly distributed into four groups, each having six mice. Group 1 was considered the control. Epilepsy was induced by PTZ (35 mg/kg i.p.) thrice a week for a total of 15 injections in all other groups. Group 2 was considered the untreated PTZ group while Group 3 and Group 4 were treated by PGZ prior to PTZ injection at two dose levels (5 and 10 mg/kg p.o., respectively). Seizure activity was evaluated after each PTZ injection according to the Fischer and Kittner scoring system. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia and the hippocampus was isolated for analysis of glucose transporters by RT-PCR, nerve growth factor (NGF) by ELISA and mTOR by western blotting, in addition to histopathological investigation. The PTZ-treated group showed a significant rise in seizure score, NGF and m-TOR hyperactivation, along with histological abnormalities compared to the control group. Treatment with PGZ demonstrated a significant decrease in NGF, seizure score, m-TOR, GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 in comparison to the PTZ group. In addition, improvement of histological features was observed in both PGZ treated groups. These findings suggest that PGZ provides its neuroprotective effect through modulating m-TOR signaling, glucose metabolism and NGF levels.