The efficacy and safety of lecanemab 10 mg/kg biweekly compared to a placebo in patients with Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Alzheimer's disease, prevalent in individuals aged 60 and above, constitutes most dementia cases and significantly impairs memory and cognitive functions. With global Alzheimer's cases projected to triple by 2050, there is a pressing need for effective interventions. Lecanemab, a monoclonal antibody targeting amyloid-beta plaques, shows promise in slowing Alzheimer's progression. Positive clinical trial results have instilled hope in patients, prompting ongoing research to advance understanding and intervention possibilities. To contribute to this knowledge base, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, focusing on lecanemab's efficacy and safety at a dosage of 10 mg/kg. This comprehensive approach aimed to address gaps in the current literature, scrutinize research disparities, and guide future investigations. Applying strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, we assessed study details, participant information, and intervention specifics, using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for quality evaluation. Statistical analyses, conducted with R software, included risk ratios and mean differences, assessing heterogeneity and publication bias. The meta-analysis reveals a significant positive effect of lecanemab (10 mg/kg biweekly) on cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer's disease. Consistent reductions in ADCOMS, CDR-SB, and ADAS-cog14 scores across studies indicate drug efficacy with narrow confidence intervals and no significant heterogeneity. While TEAE shows no significant difference, heightened risks of ARIA-E and ARIA-H associated with lecanemab underscore the need for vigilant safety monitoring in clinical practice. Despite the drug efficacy, the study emphasizes a balanced assessment of benefits and potential risks associated with lecanemab, providing critical insights for clinicians evaluating its use in addressing cognitive impairment in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Deciphering the Molecular Mechanisms of Reactive Metabolite Formation in the Mechanism-Based Inactivation of Cytochrome p450 1B1 by 8-Methoxypsoralen and Assessing the Driving Effect of phe268.

This study provides a comprehensive computational exploration of the inhibitory activity and metabolic pathways of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MP), a furocoumarin derivative used for treating various skin disorders, on cytochrome P450 (P450). Employing quantum chemical DFT calculations, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations analyses, the biotransformation mechanisms and the active site binding profile of 8-MP in CYP1B1 were investigated. Three plausible inactivation mechanisms were minutely scrutinized. Further analysis explored the formation of reactive metabolites in subsequent P450 metabolic processes, including covalent adduct formation through nucleophilic addition to the epoxide, 8-MP epoxide hydrolysis, and non-CYP-catalyzed epoxide ring opening. Special attention was paid to the catalytic effect of residue Phe268 on the mechanism-based inactivation (MBI) of P450 by 8-MP. Energetic profiles and facilitating conditions revealed a slight preference for the C4'=C5' epoxidation pathway, while recognizing a potential kinetic competition with the 8-OMe demethylation pathway due to comparable energy demands. The formation of covalent adducts via nucleophilic addition, particularly by phenylalanine, and the generation of potentially harmful reactive metabolites through autocatalyzed ring cleavage are likely to contribute significantly to P450 metabolism of 8-MP. Our findings highlight the key role of Phe268 in retaining 8-MP within the active site of CYP1B1, thereby facilitating initial oxygen addition transition states. This research offers crucial molecular-level insights that may guide the early stages of drug discovery and risk assessment related to the use of 8-MP.

Environmental impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and heavy metals in biological samples of petrochemical industry workers with perspective management.

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or heavy metals are synthetic compounds that can lead to negative effect on health, including immune and endocrine system disruption, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth impairment, neurological and learning disabilities, and cancer. Petrochemical industry drilling wastes, which contain varying levels of EDCs, are known to pose a significant risk to human health. This study aimed to investigate the levels of toxic elements in biological samples of individuals working in the petrochemical drilling sites. Biological samples, including scalp hair and whole blood, were collected from petrochemical drilling workers, individuals residing in the same residential area, and control age-matched persons from nonindustrial areas. The samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through certified reference materials from scalp hair and whole blood. The results showed that the concentrations of toxic elements, such as cadmium and lead, were higher in biological samples of petrochemical drilling employees, while lower essential element levels (iron and zinc) were detected in their samples. This study highlights the significance of adopting better practices to reduce exposure to harmful substances and protect the health of petrochemical drilling workers and the environment. It also suggests that perspective management including policymakers and industry leaders should take measures to minimize exposure to EDCs and heavy metals to promote worker safety and public health. These measures could include the implementation of strict regulations and better occupational health practices to reduce toxic exposure and promote a safer work environment.

Insights into the Effect of Chitosan and ß-Cyclodextrin Hybridization of Zeolite-A on Its Physicochemical and Cytotoxic Properties as a Bio-Carrier for 5-Fluorouracil: Equilibrium and Release Kinetics Studies.

Synthetic zeolite-A (ZA) was hybridized with two different biopolymers (chitosan and ß-cyclodextrin) producing biocompatible chitosan/zeolite-A (CS/ZA) and ß-cyclodextrin/zeolite-A (CD/ZA) biocomposites. The synthetic composites were assessed as bio-carriers of the 5-fluorouracil drug (5-Fu) with enhanced properties, highlighting the impact of the polymer type. The hybridization by the two biopolymers resulted in notable increases in the 5-Fu loading capacities, to 218.2 mg/g (CS/ZA) and 291.3 mg/g (CD/ZA), as compared to ZA (134.2 mg/g). The loading behaviors using ZA as well as CS/ZA and CD/ZA were illustrated based on the classic kinetics properties of pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 > 0.95) and the traditional Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.99). CD/ZA shows a significantly higher active site density (102.7 mg/g) in comparison to CS/ZA (64 mg/g) and ZA (35.8 mg/g). The number of loaded 5-Fu per site of ZA, CS/ZA, and CD/ZA (>1) validates the vertical ordering of the loaded drug ions by multi-molecular processes. These processes are mainly physical mechanisms based on the determined Gaussian energy (<8 kJ/mol) and loading energy (<40 kJ/mol). Both the CS/ZA and CD/ZA 5-Fu release activities display continuous and controlled profiles up to 80 h, with CD/ZA exhibiting much faster release. According to the release kinetics studies, the release processes contain non-Fickian transport release properties, suggesting cooperative diffusion and erosion release mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of 5-Fu is also significantly enhanced by these carriers: 5-Fu/ZA (11.72% cell viability), 5-Fu/CS/ZA (5.43% cell viability), and 5-Fu/CD/ZA (1.83% cell viability).

Synthesis and Characterization of Methoxy-Exfoliated Montmorillonite Nanosheets as Potential Carriers of 5-Fluorouracil Drug with Enhanced Loading, Release, and Cytotoxicity Properties.

Natural bentonite clay (BE) underwent modification steps that involved the exfoliation of its layers into separated nanosheets (EXBE) and further functionalization of these sheets with methanol, forming methoxy-exfoliated bentonite (Mth/EXBE). The synthetically modified products were investigated as enhanced carriers of 5-fluorouracil as compared to raw bentonite. The modification process strongly induced loading properties that increased to 214.4 mg/g (EXBE) and 282.6 mg/g (Mth/EXBE) instead of 124.9 mg/g for bentonite. The loading behaviors were illustrated based on the kinetic (pseudo-first-order model), classic isotherm (Langmuir model), and advanced isotherm modeling (monolayer model of one energy). The Mth/EBE carrier displays significantly higher loading site density (95.9 mg/g) as compared to EXBE (66.2 mg/g) and BE (44.9 mg/g). The loading numbers of 5-Fu in each site of BE, EXBE, and Mth/EXBE (>1) reflect the vertical orientation of these loaded ions involving multi-molecular processes. The loading processes that occurred appeared to be controlled by complex physical and weak chemical mechanisms, considering both Gaussian energy (<8 KJ/mol) as well as loading energy (<40 KJ/mol). The releasing patterns of EXBE and Mth/EXBE exhibit prolonged and continuous properties up to 100 h, with Mth/EXBE displaying much faster behaviors. Based on the release kinetic modeling, the release reactions exhibit non-Fickian transport release properties, validating cooperative diffusion and erosion release mechanisms. The cytotoxicity of 5-Fu is also significantly enhanced by these carriers: 5-Fu/BE (8.6% cell viability), 5-Fu/EXBE (2.21% cell viability), and 5-Fu/Mth/EXBE (0.73% cell viability).

Insight into the Morphological Properties of Nano-Kaolinite (Nanoscrolls and Nanosheets) on Its Qualification as Delivery Structure of Oxaliplatin: Loading, Release, and Kinetic Studies.

Natural kaolinite underwent advanced morphological-modification processes that involved exfoliation of its layers into separated single nanosheets (KNs) and scrolled nanoparticles as nanotubes (KNTs). Synthetic nanostructures have been characterized as advanced and effective oxaliplatin-medication (OXAP) delivery systems. The morphological-transformation processes resulted in a remarkable enhancement in the loading capacity to 304.9 mg/g (KNs) and 473 mg/g (KNTs) instead of 29.6 mg/g for raw kaolinite. The loading reactions that occurred by KNs and KNTs displayed classic pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 > 0.90) and conventional Langmuir isotherms (R2 = 0.99). KNTs exhibit a higher active site density (80.8 mg/g) in comparison to KNs (66.3 mg/g) and raw kaolinite (6.5 mg/g). Furthermore, compared to KNs and raw kaolinite, each site on the surface of KNTs may hold up to six molecules of OXAP (n = 5.8), in comparison with five molecules for KNs. This was accomplished by multi-molecular processes, including physical mechanisms considering both the Gaussian energy (<8 KJ/mol) and the loading energy (<40 KJ/mol). The release activity of OXAP from KNs and KNTs exhibits continuous and regulated profiles up to 100 h, either by KNs or KNTs, with substantially faster characteristics for KNTs. Based on the release kinetic investigations, the release processes have non-Fickian transport-release features, indicating cooperative-diffusion and erosion-release mechanisms. The synthesized structures have a significant cytotoxicity impact on HCT-116 cancer cell lines (KNs (71.4% cell viability and 143.6 g/mL IC-50); KNTs (11.3% cell viability and 114.3 g/mL IC-50). Additionally, these carriers dramatically increase OXAP's cytotoxicity (2.04% cell viability, 15.4 g/mL IC-50 (OXAP/KNs); 0.6% cell viability, 4.5 g/mL IC-50 (OXAP/KNTs)).

Biological Activities of Sargassum Algae Mediated ZnO and Co Doped ZnO Nanoparticles as Enhanced Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Agents.

Brown macroalgae (BMG) were used as carriers for ZnO (ZnO/BMG) and cobalt-doped ZnO (Co-ZnO/BMG) via facile microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The multifunctional structures of synthesized composites were evaluated as enhanced antioxidant and anti-diabetic agents based on the synergistic effects of ZnO, Co-ZnO, and BMG. BMG substrate incorporation and cobalt doping notably enhanced the bioactivity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. As an antioxidant, the Co-ZnO/BMG composite exhibited highly effective scavenging properties for the common free reactive oxygen radicals (DPPH [89.6 ± 1.5%], nitric oxide [90.2 ± 1.3%], ABTS [87.7 ± 1.8%], and O2●- [46.7 ± 1.9%]) as compared to ascorbic acid. Additionally, its anti-diabetic activity was enhanced significantly and strongly inhibited essential oxidative enzymes (porcine α-amylase (90.6 ± 1.5%), crude α-amylase (84.3 ± 1.8%), pancreatic α-glucosidase (95.7 ± 1.4%), crude intestinal α-glucosidase (93.4 ± 1.8%), and amyloglucosidase (96.2 ± 1.4%)). Co-ZnO/BMG inhibitory activity was higher than that of miglitol, and in some cases, higher than or close to that of acarbose. Therefore, the synthetic Co-ZnO/BMG composite can be used as a commercial anti-diabetic and antioxidant agent, considering the cost and adverse side effects of current drugs. The results also demonstrate the impact of cobalt doping and BMG integration on the biological activity of ZnO.

Construction of SnO2/g-C3N4 an effective nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin and pharmaceutical effluent.

The current study mainly focused on the fabrication of 2D graphitic carbon nitride-supported tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2/g-C3N4) for the effective degradation of Amoxicillin (AMX). Tin oxide (SnO2) NPs were prepared by green and easy modification technique, and then it is decorated over g-C3N4 nanosheets. The structural morphology and surface composition of the synthesized SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite were fully analysed by UV-Vis, XRD, XPS, and HR-SEM with EDAX, FT-IR, and BET analysis. The (HR-TEM) microscopy, the size of SnO2 NPs which as a diameter is about 6.2 nm. The Raman analysis revealed that the SnO2/g-C3N4 composite had a moderate graphitic structure, with a measured ID/Ig value of 0.79. The degradation efficiency of antibiotic pollutant AMX and pharma effluent treatment was monitored by UV spectroscopy. The optical band gap of SnO2 (2.9 eV) and g-C3N4 (2.8 eV) photocatalyst was measured by Tauc plots. To investigate the mechanism through the photodegradation efficiency of the catalyst was analysed by using different Scavenger EDTA-2Na holes (h+) has a greater contribution towards the degradation process. Under visible irradiation, SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite has exhibited an excellent degradation performance of 92.1% against AMX and 90.8% for pharmaceutical effluent in 80 min.

Decolorization of safranin using Fissidens species and its ecotoxicological assessments: An in vitro and in silico approach.

Decolorization of safranin was investigated using Fissidens species in a batch system under optimized conditions. The decolorization efficiency was improved by optimizing the conditions such as initial pH (3-9), temperature (25-45 °C), initial dye concentration (10-50 mg/L), biosorbent dosage (100-500 mg/L) and contact time (1-6 days). Maximum decolorization (95%) was recorded at initial pH of 6 with dye concentration of 20 mg/L, biosorbent dosage of 200 mg/L at 30 °C and contact time of 2 days. Desorption studies revealed 0.1 N NaOH as the best desorbing agent with 92% recovery on third day. Experimental data well fitted to Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-second order kinetic model. The negative values of ΔGo and positive value of ΔSo and ΔHo indicates that the reaction is spontaneous, favorable and endothermic. The biosorbent - dye interactions were confirmed using UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD and FE-SEM with EDX studies. The detoxified nature of the dye degraded metabolites was confirmed by the significant growth of green gram. The color fastness and color strength of the fabrics dyed using Fissidens species treated dye solution were compared with the tap water dyed fabrics which indicated the reuse potential of treated water in textile sector. The decolorization efficiency was further confirmed through in silico approach, where safranin well docked with the active sites of Photosystem II protein D1 of the Fissidens species. Thus, the present study proves that Fissidens species is a promising biosorbent for safranin decolorization and will lay a platform for the control and management of environmental pollution.

Syringic Acid Ameliorates Cardiac, Hepatic, Renal and Neuronal Damage Induced by Chronic Hyperglycaemia in Wistar Rats: A Behavioural, Biochemical and Histological Analysis.

This study investigated the effects of syringic acid (SA) on renal, cardiac, hepatic, and neuronal diabetic complications in streptozotocin-induced neonatal (nSTZ) diabetic rats. STZ (110 mg/kg i.p) was injected into Wistar rat neonates as a split dose (second and third postnatal day). Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in adults by measuring fasting blood glucose levels, urine volume, and food and water intake. The treatment of SA (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg p.o) was given from the 8th to 18th postnatal week. To assess the development of diabetic complications and the effect of therapy, biochemical indicators in serum and behavioural parameters were recorded at specific intervals during the study period. SA (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg p.o) treatment reduced hyperglycaemia, polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, relative organ weight, cardiac hypertrophic indices, inflammatory markers, cell injury markers, glycated haemoglobin, histopathological score, and oxidative stress, and increased Na/K ATPase activity. These findings suggest that SA might significantly alleviate diabetic complications and/or renal, neuronal, cardiac, and hepatic damage in nSTZ diabetic rats.

Effectiveness of new selenium-enriched mutated probiotics in reducing inflammatory effects of piroxicam medication in liver and kidney.

Piroxicam is used to treat the pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but it has many side effects, such as hypertension, elevation of liver enzymes, and hepatitis. This study used selenium-enriched probiotics to reduce the side effects of piroxicam on the liver and kidney tissues and functions. Forty-eight male albino mice were randomly assigned to control, piroxicam (P), piroxicam plus selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 (P + SP), piroxicam plus selenium-enriched Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 (P + SB), selenium-enriched L. plantarum PSe40/60/1 (SP), and selenium-enriched B. longum BSe50/20/1 (SB) groups. In this study, the function of the liver and kidney was biochemically determined; the histopathology of the liver and kidney tissues was microscopically examined and the expression of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes in liver and kidney tissues was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Liver and kidney functions were significantly reduced in the piroxicam group compared with control. Liver and kidney tissues were damaged in the piroxicam group while they appeared more or less normal in the SB group. The expression of inflammatory genes was significantly up-regulated in the liver and kidney tissues of the piroxicam group compared to the control group. The expression of anti-inflammatory genes was significantly down-regulated in the liver and kidney of the piroxicam group and up-regulated in the liver and kidney of the SB group compared to the control group. Therefore, these mutated strains of probiotics were useful in reducing the side effects of the piroxicam drug on the liver and kidney.

Combating atherosclerosis with targeted Diosmin nanoparticles-treated experimental diabetes.

Diabetes with poor glycemic control is accompanying with an increased risk of disease namely atherosclerotic cardiovascular. Diosmin (DSN), which is obtained from citrus fruit used to assist the treatment of hemorrhoids or chronic venous atherosclerosis diseases, has an antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory effect. DSN is characterized by poor water solubility which limits its absorption by the gastrointestinal tract. To overcome this limitation, this study was designed to increase DSN bioavailability and solubility, through its loading on polymeric matrix; hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) and Poly lactide-glycolide-chitin (PLGA/chitin) to prepare Diosmin nanoparticles (DSN-NPs). Two methods were used to prepare DSN- NPs; Emulsion-solvent evaporation and Acid-base neutralization followed by further assessment on diabetes induced atherosclerosis The study was conducted on 50 animals assigned into 5 groups with 10 animals in each group: Group I: Normal rats received only normal saline, Group II: Diabetic rats, Group III: diabetic rats received oral DSN, Group IV: diabetic rats received DSN loaded HPS, Group V: diabetic rats received DSN loaded PLGA/chitin. Levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, insulin, MDA and NO. plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 PAI-1), Paraoxonase-1(PON1), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), NF-Ò¡B and Ang II were estimated. Our study revealed that, there was statistically significant difference between DSN treated group compared with DSN loaded HPS treated group and DSN loaded PLGA/chitin. Furthermore, the results obtained clearly disclosed no statistically significant difference between DSN loaded PLGA/chitin and control group exhibited DSN loaded PLGA/chitin has the higher ability to counteract the atherosclerosis factors induced by diabetes in all rats.

The Toxicological Aspects of the Heat-Borne Toxicant 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Animals: A Review.

The incidence of adverse reactions in food is very low, however, some food products contain toxins formed naturally due to their handling, processing and storage conditions. 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural (HMF) can be formed by hydrogenation of sugar substances in some of manufactured foodstuffs and honey under elevated temperatures and reduced pH conditions following Maillard reactions. In previous studies, it was found that HMF was responsible for harmful (mutagenic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibitory) effects on human health. HMF occurs in a wide variety of food products like dried fruit, juice, caramel products, coffee, bakery, malt and vinegar. The formation of HMF is not only an indicator of food storage conditions and quality, but HMF could also be used as an indicator of the potential occurrence of contamination during heat-processing of some food products such as coffee, milk, honey and processed fruits. This review focuses on HMF formation and summarizes the adverse effects of HMF on human health.

Effects of the dietary inclusion of a probiotic or prebiotic on florfenicol pharmacokinetic profile in broiler chicken.

We evaluated the effect of prebiotic or probiotic as feed additives on florfenicol kinetic in broilers feed. Unsexed two hundred, thirty-five-day-old broiler chickens, were put in four equal groups (n = 50). The first group was administrated florfenicol intravenous at 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) only once dosage without pre- or probiotic administration to determine the bioavailability. While, the second group was administrated florfenicol (intracrop routes; a dosage of 30 mg/kg BW for five progressive days) without pre- or probiotic co-administration. The third and the fourth groups were administrated the same dose of florfenicol (intracrop route) for five successive days, followed by 10 days of prebiotic or probiotic treatment respectively. The plasma florfenicol % was identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) after the first florfenicol administration (intravenous or intracrop routes) in all groups. Then, the residual levels of florfenicol were determined in liver, kidney and muscle tissues from the second, third and fourth groups which were exposed to florfenicol orally. Our results demonstrated that broilers pre-treated with prebiotic or probiotic significantly increased Cmax , AUC0- t , AUC0-inf as well as AUMC values, while significant drop was recorded in V/F and CL/F. Prebiotic or probiotic influenced the cumulative effect of florfenicol in liver and kidney tissues of treated birds.

Development of Illuminant Glow-in-the-Dark Cotton Fabric Coated by Luminescent Composite with Antimicrobial Activity and Ultraviolet Protection.

The main objective of technical protective clothing is to enhance people safety at work, which may save their life or keep them healthy away against some hazards. We developed a warning cotton fabric with a traffic safety warning photoluminescence character that continues emitting light for a long period of time after the removal of the illuminant source. Rare earth-doped strontium aluminate was dispersed in an aqueous medium of a polyacrylic-based binder to give a cross-linkable photoluminescent formula to be applied onto cotton substrate employing spray-coat approach. To introduce a transparent photoluminescent film, the Rare earth pigment must be fully dispersed to prevent aggregation. The long-persistent photoluminescent layer was deposited on cotton surface employing different concentrations of the rare earth pigment phosphor. The excitation wavelength maximum band of the spray-coated film on cotton fabric was found to occur at 365 nm, while the emission was recorded at 515 nm. Yellowish-green emissive color was monitored by CIE color data under the ultraviolet excitation source. The spray-coated fabric was characterized by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF), phosphorescence and excitation spectra, elements mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The comfort measurements were studied by exploring both of fabric stiffness and air-permeability. Furthermore, the spray-coated textile substrates displayed good fastness properties and a reversible luminescent glow in the dark.

Multiple evaluation of the potential toxic effects of sediments and biota collected from an oil-polluted area around Abu Ali Island, Saudi Arabia, Arabian Gulf.

After the Gulf War Oil Spill, there have been many investigations about distributions of oil-derived pollutants nearby areas, but lacking in ecotoxicological assessment. We evaluated the potential toxicity of asphalt mats, sediments, and biota (polychaetes, chitons, snapping shrimps, and crabs) by combining two bioassays (H4IIE-luc and Vibrio fischeri) and in situ microbial community (eDNA). Samples were collected from Abu Ali Island, and organic extracts were bioassayed and further fractionated according to the chemical polarity using silica gel column. Great aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated potencies and inhibition of bioluminescence were mainly found in aromatics (F2) and saturates (F1) fractions of asphalt mat and sediments, respectively, while great toxicological responses in biota samples were found in resins and polar (F3) fraction. We also confirmed that potential toxicities of biota were species-specific; great AhR-mediated potencies were found in polychaetes and great bioluminescence inhibitions were found in crabs. In microbial communities, most genera (up to 90%) were associated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-degrading bacteria, supporting that PAHs are the primary stressors of the benthic community around Abu Ali Island. The present study provides useful information on the contamination status, risk assessment of environmental matrices and benthic organisms in Abu Ali Island.

Deleterious effects of perinatal exposure to potassium bromate on the development of offspring of Swiss mice.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of perinatal potassium bromate (KBrO3) exposure on the development of sensorimotor reflexes and redox status, and on the histological architecture of the brain, liver, and kidney of newborn mice. Pregnant mice received 1-ml bottled drinking water daily by oral intubation and served as the control group. Another group of pregnant mice were supplemented orally with 200 mg/kg body weight KBrO3 dissolved in drinking water from gestation day 5 to postnatal day 21. KBrO3 induced a decrease in the postnatal body weight in the newborn mice. KBrO3-exposed newborn mice showed poor performance and delayed development of the sensorimotor reflexes. Histological changes, increased lipid peroxidation, and altered antioxidants were reported in the cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblongata, liver, and kidney of the KBrO3-exposed newborn mice. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that perinatal exposure to bromate induced oxidative stress, histological and behavioral alterations, and was a potential teratogen in newborn mice.

Stone quarrying induces organ dysfunction and oxidative stress in Meriones libycus.

Exposure to heavy metal-containing dust arising from stone quarrying may cause severe health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stone quarrying in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) on the Libyan jird Meriones libycus. Soil samples and jirds were collected from four sites located at different distances from the quarrying area. Soil from the first (500 m away from the quarry) and second (1800 m away) sites showed a significant increase in cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) when compared with the reference site (38,000 m away). Jirds at these sites exhibited significant increases in liver, kidney, lung, and fur levels of Cd, Pb, Ni, and V. Serum transaminases, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in jirds, whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. Liver, kidney, and lung tissues of jirds, collected from the first and second sites, showed significantly increased MDA and decreased GSH levels. Additionally, animals at both sites showed altered hematological parameters and several histopathological changes in their liver, kidney, and lung. Soil and animals at the third site (7300 m away) showed no significant changes. Thus, our study showed the impact and hazardous effects of quarrying on the liver, kidney, lung, and hemogram of M. libycus. These findings can provide scientific evaluation for studying the impact of quarrying on the workers and communities living close to the studied area.

Novel Nano-Therapeutic Approach Actively Targets Human Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells after Xenograft into Nude Mice.

The power of tumorigenesis, chemo-resistance and metastasis in malignant ovarian tumors resides in a tiny population of cancer cells known as ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). Developing nano-therapeutic targeting of OCSCs is considered a great challenge. The potential use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) was investigated as a drug delivery system for paclitaxel (PTX) against OCSCs in vitro and in vivo. PTX-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared by an emulsion solvent evaporation method, supported by incorporation of folic acid (FA) as the ligand. NPs were characterized for size, surface morphology, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency. In vitro cytotoxicity of PTX-loaded FA/PLGA NPs was tested against OCSCs with MTT assay. In vivo anti-tumoral efficiency and active targeting potential of prepared NPs against tumors in nude mice were investigated. In vitro results revealed that IC50 of PTX was significantly reduced after loading on PLGA NPs. On the other hand, in vivo results showed that PLGA NPs enhanced the tumor suppression efficiency of PTX. Investigation with real time quantitative PCR analysis revealed the limiting expression of chemo-resistant genes (ABCG2 and MDR1) after applying PLGA NPs as a drug delivery system for PTX. Histopathological examination of tumors showed the effective biological influence of PTX-loaded FA/PLGA NPs through the appearance of reactive lymphoid follicles. Targeting potential of PTX was activated by FA/PLGA NPs through significant preservation of body weight (p < 0.0001) and minimizing the systemic toxicity in healthy tissues. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed a high expression of apoptotic markers in tumor tissue, supporting the targeting effect of FA/PLGA NPs. A drug delivery system based on FA/PLGA NPs can enhance PTX's in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo targeting potential against OCSCs.

Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum, Apiaceae) juice against cadmium neurotoxicity in albino mice (Mus musculus).

BACKGROUND: Parsley was employed as an experimental probe to prevent the behavioral, biochemical and morphological changes in the brain tissue of the albino mice following chronic cadmium (Cd) administration. METHODS: Non-anesthetized adult male mice were given parsley juice (Petroselinum crispum, Apiaceae) daily by gastric intubation at doses of 10 and 20 g/kg/day. The animals were divided into six groups: Group A, mice were exposed to saline; Groups B and C, were given low and high doses of parsley juice, respectively; Group D, mice were exposed to Cd; Groups E and F, were exposed to Cd and concomitantly given low and high doses of parsley, respectively. RESULTS: Cd intoxication can cause behavioral abnormalities, biochemical and histopathological disturbances in treated mice. Parsley juice has significantly improved the Cd-associated behavioral changes, reduced the elevation of lipid peroxidation and normalized the Cd effect on reduced glutathione and peroxidase activities in the brain of treated mice. Histological data have supported these foundations whereas Cd treatment has induced neuronal degeneration, chromatolysis and pyknosis in the cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla oblongata. CONCLUSION: The low dose (5 g/kg/day) of parsley exhibited beneficial effects in reducing the deleterious changes associated with Cd treatment on the behavior, neurotransmitters level, oxidative stress and brain neurons of the Cd-treated mice.