Innate and adaptive immune responses in the intestine of camel (Camelus dromedarius) naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

The spread of John's disease in camel herds (Camelus dromedarius) has been worldwide reported. Despite extensive studies on Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in camels, the complete pathogenesis and epidemiology of this infection have not been fully exploited. The objective of the study is focusing on the nature of the immune responses, and the types of the recruited cells were studied in the intestine of naturally infected camels employing immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of CD335, CD103, CD11b, and CD38 markers. Marked expression of some or all of the markers was observed in the ileum, mesenteric, and supramammary lymph nodes of the old infected camels. The expression of CD335, a well-known natural killer (NK) cell marker, was detected in the mesenteric lymph node, while the dendritic cell (DCs) marker, CD103, was markedly expressed in the villi and propria submucosa (PS) of the ileum in old infected camels. CD103 + and CD11b + DCs were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes of young infected camels. The expression of CD38, a crucial proinflammatory marker, was more noticeable in the peripheral region of the mesenteric lymph node. The expression of these markers in the infected camel intestine was peculiar and is reported for the first time. In summary, the unique expression patterns of CD335, CD103, CD11b, and CD38 markers in naturally infected camel intestines revealed through immunohistochemistry new insights into the immune responses associated with MAP infection. These first-time observations suggest potential roles of innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting specific aspects of MAP immunopathology. Further studies with targeted tools are crucial for a precise understanding of these markers' roles in the infected intestines.

Protective Effect of Fucoxanthin on Zearalenone-Induced Hepatic Damage through Nrf2 Mediated by PI3K/AKT Signaling.

Hepatotoxic contaminants such as zearalenone (ZEA) are widely present in foods. Marine algae have a wide range of potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Research is ongoing to develop treatments and products based on the compounds found in algae. Fucoxanthin (FXN) is a brown-algae-derived dietary compound that is reported to prevent hepatotoxicity caused by ZEA. This compound has multiple biological functions, including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, FXN is a powerful antioxidant. In this study, we examined the effects of FXN on ZEA-induced stress and inflammation in HepG2 cells. MTT assays, ROS generation assays, Western blots, and apoptosis analysis were used to evaluate the effects of FXN on ZEA-induced HepG2 cell inflammation. Pre-incubation with FXN reduced the cytotoxicity of ZEA toward HepG2 cells. FXN inhibited the ZEA-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, FXN increased HO-1 expression in HepG2 by activating the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, FXN inhibits ZEA-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in hepatocytes by targeting Nrf2 via activating PI3K/AKT signaling.

Sutures versus clips for skin closure following caesarean section: a systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate comparative outcomes of skin closure with clips and sutures after caesarean section (CS). METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of electronic information sources and bibliographic reference lists. Wound infection, wound separation, haematoma, seroma, re-admission, closure time, length of hospital stay, patient scar assessment scale (PSAS) and the observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) were the evaluated outcome parameters. RESULTS: We identified 16 randomised controlled trials reporting a total of 4926 patients who had skin closure with sutures (n = 2724) or clips (n = 2202) following CS. Use of clips was associated with a significantly higher rate of wound separation (risk ratio (RR): 2.33, P = 0.004) and longer length of hospital stay (mean difference (MD): 1.21, P = 0.03) but shorter closure time (MD: 5.35, P = 0.00001) when compared to sutures group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the risk of wound infection (RR: 1.12, P = 0.75), haematoma formation (RR: 2.46, P = 0.23), seroma (RR: 1.17, P = 0.73), re-admission rate (RR: 1.28, P = 0.73), PSAS (MD: 0.44, P = 0.73) and OSAS (MD: 0.32, P = 0.55). Trial sequential analysis showed the meta-analysis was conclusive for wound infection, wound separation and closure time; however, it was inconclusive for length of hospital stay, PSAS and OSAS due to risk of type 2 error. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of best available evidence (level 1) demonstrated that although skin closure with subcuticular sutures is more time-consuming than clips, it is associated with a significantly lower risk of wound separation and shorter length of hospital stay.

Late Health Effects of Partial Body Irradiation Injury in a Minipig Model Are Associated with Changes in Systemic and Cardiac IGF-1 Signaling.

Clinical, epidemiological, and experimental evidence demonstrate non-cancer, cardiovascular, and endocrine effects of ionizing radiation exposure including growth hormone deficiency, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and hyperinsulinemia. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling perturbations are implicated in development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The minipig is an emerging model for studying radiation effects given its high analogy to human anatomy and physiology. Here we use a minipig model to study late health effects of radiation by exposing male Göttingen minipigs to 1.9-2.0 Gy X-rays (lower limb tibias spared). Animals were monitored for 120 days following irradiation and blood counts, body weight, heart rate, clinical chemistry parameters, and circulating biomarkers were assessed longitudinally. Collagen deposition, histolopathology, IGF-1 signaling, and mRNA sequencing were evaluated in tissues. Our findings indicate a single exposure induced histopathological changes, attenuated circulating IGF-1, and disrupted cardiac IGF-1 signaling. Electrolytes, lipid profiles, liver and kidney markers, and heart rate and rhythm were also affected. In the heart, collagen deposition was significantly increased and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta-1) was induced following irradiation; collagen deposition and fibrosis were also observed in the kidney of irradiated animals. Our findings show Göttingen minipigs are a suitable large animal model to study long-term effects of radiation exposure and radiation-induced inhibition of IGF-1 signaling may play a role in development of late organ injuries.

Thidiazuron decreases epithelial-mesenchymal transition activity through the NF-kB and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the major type among the women population globally. The treatment of cancer metastasis has made modest progress due to multiple factors. Thidiazuron (TDZ) is a novel plant growth regulator that has been shown to have anticancer effects. Therefore, we explored the anti-metastatic potentials of TDZ in cell lines by assessing its potential to suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We pretreated the BEAS-2B and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells with TDZ and deliberated alteration in a cell viability, mammosphere, migration, NF-кB signalling, PI3K/AKT signalling and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and analysed the EMT induction by TGF-ß/TNF-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. Treatment with TDZ (5-50 µmol) diminished the migration and invasion of the extremely metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, TDZ treatment led to down-regulation of uPAR, uPA, VEGF and MMP-2/-9 expression and up-regulation of TIMP-1/2 expression in these cells. Furthermore, TDZ treatment blocked invasion and EMT in non-tumorigenic BEAS-2B epithelial cells stimulated with TGF-ß/TNF-α.TDZ prevents EMT and may thus block metastasis of breast cancer cells.

MERS-CoV infection is associated with downregulation of genes encoding Th1 and Th2 cytokines/chemokines and elevated inflammatory innate immune response in the lower respiratory tract.

MERS-CoV, a highly pathogenic virus in humans, is associated with high morbidity and case fatality. Inflammatory responses have a significant impact on MERS-CoV pathogenesis and disease outcome. However, CD4+ T-cell induced immune responses during acute MERS-CoV infection are barely detectable, with potent inhibition of effector T cells and downregulation of antigen presentation. The local pulmonary immune response, particularly the Th1 and Th2-related immune response during acute severe MERS-CoV infection is not fully understood. In this study, we offer the first insights into the pulmonary gene expression profile of Th1 and Th2-related cytokines/chemokines (Th1 & Th2 responses) during acute MERS-CoV infection using RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays. We also quantified the expression level of primary inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Our results showed a downregulation of Th2, inadequate (partial) Th1 immune response and high expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-1ß and the neutrophil chemoattractant chemokine IL-8 (CXCL8) in the lower respiratory tract of MERS-CoV infected patients. Moreover, we identified a high viral load in all included patients. We also observed a correlation between inflammatory cytokines, Th1, and Th2 downregulation and the case fatality rate. Th1 and Th2 response downregulation, high expression of inflammatory cytokines, and high viral load may contribute to lung inflammation, severe infection, the evolution of pneumonia and ARDS, and a higher case fatality rate. Further study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the Th1 and Th2 regulatory pathways will be vital for active vaccine development and the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.

Dysregulated Cardiac IGF-1 Signaling and Antioxidant Response Are Associated with Radiation Sensitivity.

Acute exposure to ionizing radiation leads to Hematopoietic Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS). To understand the inter-strain cellular and molecular mechanisms of radiation sensitivity, adult males of two strains of minipig, one with higher radiosensitivity, the Gottingen minipig (GMP), and another strain with comparatively lower radiosensitivity, the Sinclair minipig (SMP), were exposed to total body irradiation (TBI). Since Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling is associated with radiation sensitivity and regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis, we investigated the link between dysregulation of cardiac IGF-1 signaling and radiosensitivity. The adult male GMP; n = 48, and SMP; n = 24, were irradiated using gamma photons at 1.7-2.3 Gy doses. The animals that survived to day 45 after irradiation were euthanized and termed the survivors. Those animals that were euthanized prior to day 45 post-irradiation due to severe illness or health deterioration were termed the decedents. Cardiac tissue analysis of unirradiated and irradiated animals showed that inter-strain radiosensitivity and survival outcomes in H-ARS are associated with activation status of the cardiac IGF-1 signaling and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated induction of antioxidant gene expression. Our data link H-ARS with dysregulation of cardiac IGF-1 signaling, and highlight the role of oxidative stress and cardiac antioxidant response in radiation sensitivity.

Kaempferol Inhibits Zearalenone-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt-Mediated Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

In this study, kaempferol (KFL) shows hepatoprotective activity against zearalenone (ZEA)-induced oxidative stress and its underlying mechanisms in in vitro and in vivo models were investigated. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of various hepatic ailments and is normally regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ZEA is a mycotoxin known to exert toxicity via inflammation and ROS accumulation. This study aims to explore the protective role of KFL against ZEA-triggered hepatic injury via the PI3K/Akt-regulated Nrf2 pathway. KFL augmented the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt, which may stimulate antioxidative and antiapoptotic signaling in hepatic cells. KFL upregulated Nrf2 phosphorylation and the expression of antioxidant genes HO-1 and NQO-1 in a dose-dependent manner under ZEA-induced oxidative stress. Nrf2 knockdown via small-interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the KFL-mediated defence against ZEA-induced hepatotoxicity. In vivo studies showed that KFL decreased inflammation and lipid peroxidation and increased H2O2 scavenging and biochemical marker enzyme expression. KFL was able to normalize the expression of liver antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH and showed a protective effect against ZEA-induced pathophysiology in the livers of mice. These outcomes demonstrate that KFL possesses notable hepatoprotective roles against ZEA-induced damage in vivo and in vitro. These protective properties of KFL may occur through the stimulation of Nrf2/HO-1 cascades and PI3K/Akt signaling.

A close examination of the structure and dynamics of HC(NH2)2PbI3 by MD simulations and group theory.

The formamidinium lead iodide hybrid perovskite is studied using first principles molecular dynamics simulations and further analyzed using group theory. The simulations are performed on large supercells containing 768 atoms under isothermal and fully anisotropic isobaric conditions. Two trajectories, one at 300 K and another at 450 K, were extended for over 50 ps in order to perform a detailed assessment of the rotational dynamics of organic cations. The characteristic rotations of the cation are analyzed by defining two rotation axes. It is found that the formamidinium molecules rotate preferentially around the direction parallel to the line connecting the two nitrogen atoms. The rotational dynamics shows some characteristics already observed in methylammonium lead iodide, like the heterogeneous dynamics at room temperature that disappears at 450 K. The orientational probability of the molecules is explored in terms of an expansion in cubic harmonics up to the 12th order. It reveals a strong directionality at room temperature that relaxes when increasing the temperature. These findings are further rationalized using Landau and group theories suggesting a mixed displacive/order-disorder structural instability at lower temperatures.

Colonoscopy after the first episode of acute diverticulitis: challenging management paradigms.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is commonly recommended after the first episode of acute diverticulitis to exclude colorectal neoplasia. Recent data have challenged this paradigm due to insufficient diagnostic yield. The aim of this study was to assess whether colonoscopy after the first episode of acute diverticulitis is needed to exclude colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of medical records of patients admitted for the first episode of acute diverticulitis between January 2008 and December 2012. Ambulatory colonoscopy was routinely recommended at discharge. Clinical follow-up and telephone surveys were used for data collection. RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty-five patients with a mean age of 62.6 years (range 21-98 years) were admitted during the 5-year period. Three hundred and ten (72.9 %) patients underwent colonoscopy at median time of 3.2 months after discharge. Five patients (1.6 %) of the 310 available for evaluation had malignant findings in colonoscopy. Of those, one patient had rectal carcinoma away from the inflamed site and one had colonic lymphoma. None of the 95 patients <50 years of age was found to have adenocarcinoma of the colon. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer is rarely detected in colonoscopy following the first episode of acute diverticulitis. These results question this indication for colonoscopy, especially in patients under 50.

Biochemical and molecular investigation of thermal manipulation protocols during broiler embryogenesis and subsequent thermal challenge.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of different thermal manipulation (TM) protocols during embryogenesis on thermotolerance acquisition parameters during subsequent thermal challenge (TC) at posthatch day 28. A total of 1500 fertile chicken eggs were divided randomly into five treatments (300 eggs each): control was maintained at 37.8 °C and 56 % relative humidity (RH) whereas, TM1, TM2, TM3 and TM4 were subjected to 38.5, 39, 39.5 and 40 °C for 18 h and 65 % RH daily during embryonic days ED 12-18. Hatched chicks from each treatment group allocated randomly into two sub-treatment groups (thermo-neutral, naïve (TN) and thermal challenge (TC). At day 28 of age, chicks subjected to TC by adjusting room temperature to 42 °C for 6 h while naïve chicks kept under regular conditions (22 ± 1 °C and 50-60 % RH). Chick's response to TC evaluated by determination of plasma T3, T4, corticosterone, total proteins, albumin, selected enzymes and some electrolytes at the beginning (0 h) and after 1, 3 and 5 h of TC in TM and TN chicks. Furthermore, pectoral and thigh muscles mRNA expression of Atrogin-1, CK, avUCP, DIO3, DIO2 were evaluated in TC and TN sub-treatment groups. RESULTS: TM induced a significant reduction in free T3 and elevation in total proteins and albumin in plasma with significant down-regulation of Atrogin-1 and DIO2 and significant up-regulation of DIO3 mRNA expression in muscle of TM chicks compare to control. During TC at day 28, decrease in the concentrations of plasma free T3, total proteins and albumin with increase in T4 have been detected in control and TM chicks. TC induced up-regulation of Atrogin-1 and DIO3 with down-regulation of DIO2 gene expression in muscles of all TC chicks. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that, TM improved thermotolerance acquisition by decreasing basal metabolic rate and muscle injury during thermal stress. Basal metabolic rate decreased via reduction of plasma T3 concentration with up and down regulation of expression of DIO3 and DIO2, respectively in muscles. Muscle injury protected by stimulation of protein biosynthesis and down-regulation of Atrogin-1 expression.

Exploring optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties of X2AgBiY6 (X = NH4, PH4, AsH4, SbH4 and Y = Cl, Br): a DFT study.

Ab initio calculations have been used to investigate lead-free double-perovskites (DPs) X2AgBiY6 (X = NH4, PH4, AsH4, SbH4 and Y = Cl, Br) for solar-cell-based energy sources. The most recent and improved Becke-Johnson potential (TB-mBJ) has been proposed for the computation of optoelectronic properties. Theoretical and calculated values of the lattice constants obtained by applying the Wu-Cohen generalized gradient approximation (WC-GGA) were found to be in good agreement. The computed bandgap values of (NH4)2AgBiBr6 (1.574 eV) and (SbH4)2AgBiBr6 (1.440 eV) revealed their indirect character, demonstrating that they are suitable contenders for visible light solar-cell (SC) technology. Properties like the refractive index, light absorption, reflection, and dielectric constant are all explained in terms of the optical ranges. Within the wavelength range of 620-310 nm, the maximum absorption band has been identified. Additionally, we discover that all chemicals investigated herein have photocatalytic capabilities that can be used to efficiently produce hydrogen at cheap cost using solar water splitting by photocatalysts. In addition, the stability of the compounds was examined using the calculation of mechanical properties.

A DFT study of bandgap tuning in chloro-fluoro silicene.

The structural, electronic and optical properties of silicene and its derivatives are investigated in the present work by employing density functional theory (DFT). The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) is used as the exchange-correlation potential. Our results provide helpful insight for tailoring the band gap of silicene via functionalization of chlorine and fluorine. First, relaxation of all the materials is performed to obtain the appropriate structural parameters. Cl-Si showed the highest lattice parameter 4.31 Å value, while it also possesses the highest buckling of 0.73 Å among all the derivatives of silicene. We also study the electronic charge density, charge difference density and electrostatic potential, to check the bonding characteristics and charge transfer between Si-halides. The electronic properties, band structures and density of states (DOS) of all the materials are calculated using the PBE-GGA as well as the modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) on PBE-GGA. Pristine silicene is found to have a negligibly small band gap but with the adsorption of chlorine and fluorine atoms, its band gap can be opened. The band gap of Cl-Si and F-Si is calculated to be 1.7 eV and 0.6 eV, respectively, while Cl-F-Si has a band gap of 1.1 eV. Moreover, the optical properties of silicene and its derivatives are explored, which includes dielectric constants ε1 and ε2, refractive indices n, extinction coefficients k, optical conductivity σ and absorption coefficients I. The calculated binding energies and phonon band structures confirm the stability of Cl-Si, Cl-F-Si, and F-Si. We also calculated the photocatalytic properties which show silicine has a good response to reduction, and the other materials to oxidation. A comparison of our current work to recent work in which graphene was functionalized with halides, is also presented and we observe that silicene is a much better alternative for graphene in terms of semiconductors and photovoltaics applications.

Highly sensitive sensing of CO and HF gases by monolayer CuCl.

Using a first-principles approach, the adsorption characteristics of CO and HF on a CuCl monolayer (ML) are studied with Grimme-scheme DFT-D2 for accurate description of the long-range (van der Waals) interactions. According to our study, CO gas molecules undergo chemisorption and HF gas molecules show a physisorption phenomenon on the CuCl monolayer. The adsorption energy for CO is -1.80 eV, which is quite a large negative value compared to that on other previously studied substrates, like InN (-0.223 eV), phosphorene (0.325 eV), Janus Te2Se (-0.171 eV), graphene (P-graphene, -0.12 eV, B-graphene, -0.14 eV, N-graphene, -0.1 eV) and monolayer ZnS (-0.96 eV), as well as pristine hBN (0.21 eV) and Ti-doped hBN (1.66 eV). Meanwhile, for HF, the adsorption energy value is -0.31 eV (greater than that of Ti-doped hBN, 0.27 eV). For CO, the large value of the diffusion energy barrier (DEB = 1.26 eV) during its movement between two optimal sites indicates that clustering can be prevented if many molecules of CO are adsorbed on the CuCl ML. For HF, the value of the DEB (0.082 eV) implies that the adsorption phenomenon may happen quite easily upon the CuCl ML. The transfer of charge according to Bader charge analysis and the variation in the work function depend only on the properties of the elements involved, i.e., their nature, rather than the local binding environment. The work function and band-gap energy variation of the CuCl ML (before and after adsorption) show high sensitivity and selectivity of CO and HF binding with the CuCl monolayer. HF molecules give a more rapid recovery time of 1.09 × 10-7 s compared to that of CO molecules at a room temperature (RT) of 300 K, which indicates that the necessary adsorption and reusability of the CuCl ML for HF can be accomplished effectively at RT. Significant changes in the conductivity are observed due to the CO adsorption at various temperatures, as compared to adsorption of HF, which suggests the possibility of a modification in the conductivity of the CuCl ML.

Ab initio study of electronic, elastic, thermodynamic, photocatalytic properties of double antiperovskite, Cs6AgBiX2 (X = Cl, Br, I).

In this paper, we use density functional theory (DFT) using full-potential linearized augmented plan wave plus local orbital method (FP-LAPW + lo). The structural, electronic, optical, photocatalytic, mechanical, vibrational, and thermodynamical behaviors of new double antiperovskite (DAP) Cs6AgBiX2 (X = Cl, Br, I) were studied. The band structure was calculated with and without spin orbit coupling (SOC). Using the TB-mBJ approach (Hybrid) revealed bandgap values of 1.504 eV, 1.491 eV, and 1.392 eV for Cs6AgBiCl2, Cs6AgBiBr2, and Cs6AgBiI2, respectively. Optical characteristics were studied to ascertain the light absorbing ability of Cs6AgBiX2. The elastic and vibrational (phonon) properties demonstrate that Cs6AgBiCl2 and Cs6AgBiBr2 are stable but Cs6AgBiI2 is not. The calculated optimal bandgap and high absorption coefficient of Cs6AgBiCl2 and Cs6AgBiBr2, suggest their potential for solar cell applications. Moreover, our photocatalytic results suggest that these materials have high oxidizing capacity that can be used to efficiently produce oxygen cheaply using solar water splitting.

The Inhibitory Effect of Geraniol on CCL4-induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Pregnant Mice through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

Background: Hepatotoxicity caused by CCL4 is well known. Geraniol (GNL) has high antioxidant effect that can induces liver regeneration. However, the protective effect of GNL effect on CCL4-induced hepatorenal toxicity in pregnant mice has not yet been studied. Objective: To investigate whether GNL could protect against oxidative stress induced by CCL4 via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and has been found to have protective effects on renal and hepatic tissues. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight female albino mice weighing 25-30 g were randomly allocated to 4 groups: Group I served as a control; Group II received a toxicity-inducing single dose of 15 µL of CCL4 on the 4th day after mating; Group III received 40 mg/kg GNL + CCL4 (with GNL from the 1st day of assimilation to delivery); and Group IV received GNL alone from the 1st day of assimilation to the end of the delivery period. GNL was evaluated for its protective effects on hepatotoxicity in CCL4-treated pregnant mice. Litter size, weight, survival rate, and resorption were recorded. In addition, H & E staining was done for liver and kidney pathology as well as biochemical markers and oxidative markers malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were analyzed. Results: CCL4 significantly reduced survival rate and increased resorption after exposure. Alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations in the serum, tissue MDA, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were increased after CCL4 exposure. GNL improved enzyme and antioxidant levels and prevented CCL4-induced hepatic injury in mice. Caspase-3 cleavage was decreased by GNL, which increased PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, Nrf2, and B-cell lymphoma 2. Conclusion: GNL demonstrates a protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatorenal toxicity, mediated through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the upregulation of Nrf2. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic implications of GNL in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation in liver and kidney tissues.

Effectiveness of zinc protoporphyrin/heme ratio and ferritin for assessing iron status in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Since iron is crucial for many tissue processes, we, therefore, aimed to assess ferritin and the zinc protoporphyrin to heme ratio (ZnPP/H) as indicators of iron status in preterm newborns, particularly during certain inflammatory episodes. METHODS: From 170 preterm babies, paired ferritin and ZnPP/H measurements were collected twice (on the first postnatal day and six weeks later). To compare these measures and assess the impact of anemia, sepsis, and packed red blood cell transfusion (PRBT), three different scenarios were considered. RESULTS: Compared to the non-anemic group, the anemic patients' serum ferritin level was considerably lower (p = 0.044), whereas the anemic patients' ZPP/H ratio was significantly greater (p < 0.001). In neonates with sepsis, ferritin levels were considerably greater in both anemic and non-anemic septic neonates compared to neonates without sepsis (p < 0.001 for each). Regarding ZPP/H ratio, no appreciable variations were found between the two groups. In addition, serum ferritin significantly increased following each PRBT (p < 0.001 for each). As a result of each PRBT, the ZPP/H ratio considerably decreased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: As a measure of iron status during particular inflammatory processes like infection and PRBT, ZnPP/H may be more accurate.

Outcome of Methanol Toxicity Outbreak In Saudi Arabia: Case Series Study.

Introduction Methanol poisoning is an acute medical emergency. If not recognized in time and treated properly, it can lead to a considerable magnitude of morbidity as well as mortality. This article aims to report cases of methanol toxicity, focusing on clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. Method Nine ICU-admitted patients with confirmed positive serum methanol levels were analyzed in a case series at King Fahad General Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between November 2022 and January 2023. Results Among the nine patients admitted to the ICU due to methanol poisoning, the majority were middle-aged males, with two females included. Gastrointestinal symptoms were seen in two-thirds of patients, while three patients required immediate mechanical ventilation due to a low Glasgow Coma Scale. Severe metabolic acidosis was observed in most cases. All patients received sodium bicarbonate and hemodialysis, with six patients also receiving fomepizole. However, two patients in the study with low initial low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), severe metabolic acidosis, and diffuse brain edema, did not survive. One patient reported acute complete vision loss. Conclusion This case series highlights the importance of promptly recognizing and managing methanol toxicity in ICU settings. The clinical presentation of methanol toxicity can be challenging, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage.

Prevalence and Determinants of Social Media Addiction among Medical Students in a Selected University in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Social media addiction has become a serious public health concern due to its adverse psychological effects. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of social media addiction among medical students in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was designed. Participants (n = 326) from King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia completed the sociodemographic information, patient health questionnaire-9 scale, and the generalized anxiety disorder-7 tool to measure explanatory variables. The Bergen social media addiction scale (BSMAS) was used to measure social media addiction. A multiple linear regression model was fitted to investigate the predictors of social media addiction. The prevalence of social media addiction among study participants was 55.2% (mean BSMAS score: 16.6). According to the adjusted linear regression, male students had higher social media addiction scores than their female counterparts (ß = 4.52, p < 0.001). Students' academic performance was negatively associated with social media addiction scores. Moreover, students with symptoms of depression (ß = 1.85, p = 0.005) or anxiety (ß = 2.79, p = 0.003) had a higher BSMAS score compared to their counterparts. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to identify the causal factors of social media addiction, which would assist intervention initiatives by policymakers.

Stacking effects in van der Waals heterostructures of blueP and Janus XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf: Y = S, Se) monolayers.

Using first-principles calculations, the geometry, electronic structure, optical and photocatalytic performance of blueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers and their corresponding van der Waal heterostructures in three possible stacking patterns, are investigated. BlueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers are indirect bandgap semiconductors. A tensile strain of 8(10)% leads to TiSeO(ZrSeO) monolayers transitioning to a direct bandgap of 1.30(1.61) eV. The calculated binding energy and AIMD simulation show that unstrained(strained) blueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers and their heterostructures are thermodynamically stable. Similar to the corresponding monolayers, blueP-XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf: Y = S, Se) vdW heterostructures in three possible stacking patterns are indirect bandgap semiconductors with staggered band alignment, except blueP-TiSeO vdW heterostructure, which signifies straddling band alignment. Absorption spectra show that optical transitions are dominated by excitons for blueP and XYO (X = Ti, Zr, Hf; Y = S, Se) monolayers and the corresponding vdW heterostructures. Both E VB and E CB in TiSO, ZrSO, ZrSeO and HfSO monolayers achieve energetically favorable positions, and therefore, are suitable for water splitting at pH = 0, while TiSeO and HfSeO monolayers showed good response for reduction and fail to oxidise water. All studied vdW heterostructures also show good response to any produced O2, while specific stacking reduces H+ to H2.