Quantum mechanical analysis of yttrium-stabilized zirconia and alumina: implications for mechanical performance of esthetic crowns.

BACKGROUND: Yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and alumina are the most commonly used dental esthetic crown materials. This study aimed to provide detailed information on the comparison between yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and alumina, the two materials most often used for esthetic crowns in dentistry. METHODOLOGY: The ground-state energy of the materials was calculated using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) code, which employs a first-principles method based on density functional theory (DFT). The electronic exchange-correlation energy was evaluated using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) within the Perdew (Burke) Ernzerhof scheme. RESULTS: Optimization of the geometries and investigation of the optical properties, dynamic stability, band structures, refractive indices, and mechanical properties of these materials contribute to a holistic understanding of these materials. Geometric optimization of YSZ provides important insights into its dynamic stability based on observations of its crystal structure and polyhedral geometry, which show stable configurations. Alumina exhibits a distinctive charge, kinetic, and potential (CKP) geometry, which contributes to its interesting structural framework and molecular-level stability. The optical properties of alumina were evaluated using pseudo-atomic computations, demonstrating its responsiveness to external stimuli. The refractive indices, reflectance, and dielectric functions indicate that the transmission of light by alumina depends on numerous factors that are essential for the optical performance of alumina as a material for esthetic crowns. The band structures of both the materials were explored, and the band gap of alumina was determined to be 5.853 eV. In addition, the band structure describes electronic transitions that influence the conductivity and optical properties of a material. The stability of alumina can be deduced from its bandgap, an essential property that determines its use as a dental material. Refractive indices are vital optical properties of esthetic crown materials. Therefore, the ability to understand their refractive-index graphs explains their transparency and color distortion through how the material responds to light..The regulated absorption characteristics exhibited by YSZ render it a highly attractive option for the development of esthetic crowns, as it guarantees minimal color distortion. CONCLUSION: The acceptability of materials for esthetic crowns is strongly determined by mechanical properties such as elastic stiffness constants, Young's modulus, and shear modulus. YSZ is a highly durable material for dental applications, owing to its superior mechanical strength.

Antibacterial effect of Moringa oleifera on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from raw milk and some dairy products with special reference to biofilm gene expression.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are well defined as food poisoning pathogens that are highly resistant and need continuous studies. Aim: The purpose of the work was to examine phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, and treatment trials with medicinal plants. Methods: Samples were examined for isolation of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus on selective media followed by biochemical confirmation, biofilm formation, genes detection, and expression of P. aeruginosa pslA biofilm gene was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction after treatment with 0.312 mg/ml Moringa oleifera aqueous extract as a minimum inhibitory concentration. Results: The highest isolation rate of P. aeruginosa was 20% from both raw milk and Kariesh cheese, followed by 16% and 12% from ice cream and processed cheese, respectively, while the highest isolation rate of S. aureus was 36% from raw milk followed by 28% in ice cream and 16% in both Kariesh cheese and processed cheese. 30% of P. aeruginosa isolates were biofilm producers, while only 21% of S. aureus isolates were able to produce biofilm. The P. aeruginosa isolates harbor virulence-associated genes nan1, exoS, toxA, and pslA at 100%, 80%, 40%, and 40%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus SEs genes were examined in S. aureus strains, where SEA and SEB genes were detected with 60%, but no isolate harbored SEC, SED, or SEE. The significant fold change of P. aeruginosa pslA expression was 0.40332 after treatment with M. oleifera aqueous extract. Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus harbor dangerous virulence genes that cause food poisoning, but M. oleifera extract could minimize their action.

Ramifications of Heat Stress on Rabbit Production and Role of Nutraceuticals in Alleviating Its Negative Impacts: An Updated Review.

Heat stress has become a widespread concern worldwide, which is a major environmental stress that causes substantial economic loss in the rabbit industry. Compared to other agricultural animals, rabbits are more sensitive to heat stress as they have fewer sweat glands and a thicker coat of fur, increasing the heat dissipation complexity. Thus, heat stress hurts rabbits' productivity, meat quality, reproductive performance, antioxidative properties, immune responsiveness, intestinal histomorphology, and microbiome. Nutraceuticals include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, organic acids, fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, enzymes, and medicinal plants due to the possible impacts on maintaining common biological situations, strengthening immune response, and preventing illness, which ultimately led to an increase in productivity. Nutraceuticals have recently attracted a lot of attention to alleviate the adverse impacts of heat stress in rabbit farms. The objective of the current review is to provide acquaintance with the recent findings about the impact of heat stress on rabbit productivity and the advantages of dietary supplementation of nutraceuticals in mitigating it.

Dietary zinc-chitosan nanoparticles addition influences on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, carcass indices, and immune function in weaned rabbits.

The aim of this study was to study the effect of zinc oxide-chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs) on growth performance, plasma constituents, carcass indices, and immune function in rabbit diets. Eighty weaned V-line males rabbits at 5 weeks of age were divided into four dietary groups of control diet; 50 Zn-CNPs; 75 Zn-CNPs;100 Zn-CNPs. Supplementation of Zn-CNPs did not affect final live body weight and average daily weight gain. 100 ppm Zn-CNPs recorded (p < 0.05) higher digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, and NFE. Dietary groups of 75 and 100 ppm were higher (p < 0.05) in DCP, TDN (%), and DE (kcal/kg). Zn-CNPs supplementation was higher (p < 0.05) in hot carcass and spleen weights %. The addition of Zn-CNPs in diets promoted dressing%. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in plasma total protein and albumin levels for 75 and 100 Zn-CNPs. Zn-CNPs decreased (p < 0.05) glucose, total cholesterol, LDL concentrations and increased (p < 0.05) plasma zinc levels, IgG, IgM. Plasma HDL level increased (p < 0.05) with 75 and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs. In conclusion, Zn-CNPs supplementations can use safely as a zinc source in rabbits diets without any detrimental effects on growth performance, plasma constituents, and carcass indices. Moreover, 50, 75, and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs enhanced the immune functions.

Zinc, Magnesium, and Copper Levels in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with oxidative stress due to an imbalance between production and elimination of the reactive oxygen species. It has been reported that SCD patients are at risk of multiple micronutrients' deficiencies, including several trace elements involved in the antioxidation mechanisms. We aimed to assess the status of these micronutrients in SCD patients. Methods This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases of MedLine, Embase, and PsycInfo were used for the systematic search from time the databases existed until April 2021. A total of 36 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. We calculated the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of serum zinc, magnesium, or copper levels among patients with SCD and their healthy controls. Results SCD patients had significantly lower zinc (SMD = -1.27 [95% CI: 1.67-0.87, p 0.001]) and magnesium levels (SMD = -0.53 [95% CI: 1.0-0.06, p 0.026] than their controls. Copper level was found to be significantly higher in SCD patients, with SMD = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.05-1.32, p 0.004). Conclusion This review showed that SCD patients may potentially prompt to have lower zinc and magnesium levels and higher copper levels compared with those without the disease. Future research need to be directed to investigate clinical outcome of nutritional difficiencies in patients with SCD, as well as the possibility of implementing nutritional supplement programs which may help minimizing the harmful effects of the disease on human body.

Associations Among Adolescents' Mindfulness, Sympathy, Cognitive Empathy, and Sibling Relationships.

In the current study, we examined the direct and indirect paths from mindfulness to adolescents' sibling relationships through their cognitive empathy and sympathy. The sample consisted of 220 adolescents (50.9 % female) between age of 13 and 17 years (M = 15.86, SD = 0.91). Participants reported their mindfulness (acceptance and awareness), cognitive empathy and sympathy, and sibling relationships. The parallel mediation model revealed that mindful awareness and acceptance predicted kindness, involvement, and empathy within sibling relationships through sympathy. In addition, there was a significant indirect effect of mindful awareness to empathy in sibling relationships through cognitive empathy. Findings provided information regarding the importance of indirect contributions of mindfulness to sibling relationships through cognitive empathy and sympathy.

Effects of magnesium picolinate, zinc picolinate, and selenomethionine co-supplementation on reproductive hormones, and glucose and lipid metabolism-related protein expressions in male rats fed a high-fat diet.

This study aimed to examine the impacts of the magnesium picolinate (MgPic), zinc picolinate (ZnPic), and selenomethionine (SeMet) alone or as a combination on blood metabolites, oxidative enzymes, reproductive hormones, and glucose and lipid metabolism-related protein expressions in Wistar rats fed a high-fed diet (HFD). The rats were fed either a control, HFD, or HFD supplemented with a single (MgPic, ZnPic, SeMet) or two or three organic mineral combinations. Body weights, visceral fat, serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as liver sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels increased, while serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) concentrations along with liver nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels declined in HFD rats (P < 0.05). Supplementing each organic mineral, but particularly the combination of HFD + MgPic + ZnPic + SeMet reversed the responses with various degrees. None of the organic elements alone or as a combination of two exerted a prominent effect on parameters measured. Although not additive or synergistic, the combination of all organic minerals added to HFD (HFD + MgPic + ZnPic + SeMet) provided the greatest responses.

Isolation and In Silico SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibition Potential of Jusan Coumarin, a New Dicoumarin from Artemisia glauca.

A new dicoumarin, jusan coumarin, (1), has been isolated from Artemisia glauca aerial parts. The chemical structure of jusan coumarin was estimated, by 1D, 2D NMR as well as HR-Ms spectroscopic methods, to be 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-[(2-oxo-2H-chromen-6-yl)oxy]-2H-chromen-2-one. As the first time to be introduced in nature, its potential against SARS-CoV-2 has been estimated using various in silico methods. Molecular similarity and fingerprints experiments have been utilized for 1 against nine co-crystallized ligands of COVID-19 vital proteins. The results declared a great similarity between Jusan Coumarin and X77, the ligand of COVID-19 main protease (PDB ID: 6W63), Mpro. To authenticate the obtained outputs, a DFT experiment was achieved to confirm the similarity of X77 and 1. Consequently, 1 was docked against Mpro. The results clarified that 1 bonded in a correct way inside Mpro active site, with a binding energy of -18.45 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the ADMET and toxicity profiles of 1 were evaluated and showed the safety of 1 and its likeness to be a drug. Finally, to confirm the binding and understand the thermodynamic characters between 1 and Mpro, several molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies have been administered. Additionally, the known coumarin derivative, 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin (2), has been isolated as well as ß-sitosterol (3).

Jusanin, a New Flavonoid from Artemisia commutata with an In Silico Inhibitory Potential against the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease.

A new flavonoid, Jusanin, (1) has been isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia commutata. The chemical structure of Jusanin has been elucidated using 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-Ms spectroscopic methods to be 5,2',4'-trihydroxy-6,7,5'-trimethoxyflavone. Being new in nature, the inhibition potential of 1 has been estimated against SARS-CoV-2 using different in silico techniques. Firstly, molecular similarity and fingerprint studies have been conducted for Jusanin against co-crystallized ligands of eight different SARS-CoV-2 essential proteins. The studies indicated the similarity between 1 and X77, the co-crystallized ligand SARS-CoV-2 main protease (PDB ID: 6W63). To confirm the obtained results, a DFT study was carried out and indicated the similarity of (total energy, HOMO, LUMO, gap energy, and dipole moment) between 1 and X77. Accordingly, molecular docking studies of 1 against the target enzyme have been achieved and showed that 1 bonded correctly in the protein's active site with a binding energy of -19.54 Kcal/mol. Additionally, in silico ADMET in addition to the toxicity evaluation of Jusanin against seven models have been preceded and indicated the general safety and the likeness of Jusanin to be a drug. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation studies were applied to investigate the dynamic behavior of the Mpro-Jusanin complex and confirmed the correct binding at 100 ns. In addition to 1, three other metabolites have been isolated and identified to be сapillartemisin A (2), methyl-3-[S-hydroxyprenyl]-cumarate (3), and ß-sitosterol (4).

Isolation and In Silico Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease Potentialities of Two Rare 2-Phenoxychromone Derivatives from Artemisia spp.

Two rare 2-phenoxychromone derivatives, 6-demethoxy-4`-O-capillarsine (1) and tenuflorin C (2), were isolated from the areal parts of Artemisia commutata and A. glauca, respectively, for the first time. Being rare in nature, the inhibition potentialities of 1 and 2 against SARS-CoV-2 was investigated using multistage in silico techniques. At first, molecular similarity and fingerprint studies were conducted for 1 and 2 against co-crystallized ligands of eight different COVID-19 enzymes. The carried-out studies indicated the similarity of 1 and 2 with TTT, the co-crystallized ligand of COVID-19 Papain-Like Protease (PLP), (PDB ID: 3E9S). Therefore, molecular docking studies of 1 and 2 against the PLP were carried out and revealed correct binding inside the active site exhibiting binding energies of -18.86 and -18.37 Kcal/mol, respectively. Further, in silico ADMET in addition to toxicity evaluation of 1 and 2 against seven models indicated the general safety and the likeness of 1 and 2 to be drugs. Lastly, to authenticate the binding and to investigate the thermodynamic characters, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies were conducted on 1 and PLP.

The influence of low- intensity laser irradiation versus hyperbaric oxygen therapy on transcutaneous oxygen tension in chronic diabetic foot ulcers: a controlled randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the stage and severity of the chronic diabetic foot ulcer (CDFU) is vital to increase the healing rate and to select the suitable treatment. We aim to assess the influence of low-intensity laser irradiation (LILI) and hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HBOT) to accelerate the CDFU healing thru the transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five diabetic patients (type 2) of both genders, their ages ranged from 40-65 years with CDFUs (duration of ulcer < 6 weeks). All patients were randomly assigned into LILI, HBOT, and the control group. Measurement of TcPO2 using transcutaneous oximetry was performed for all patients once in the baseline and consequently in the second, fourth, and sixth- weeks duration. LILI utilized by a 33-diode cluster contact applicator with output power 1440 mW, energy density (fluency) was adjusted for 4 J/Cm2 at 10 kHz, and for 8 min per session, three times per week for a total of consecutive 6 weeks. HBOT was pressurized up to 2.5 ATA and patients delivered 100% oxygen for 60 min per session for 30 sessions. The Control group received conventional wound care only, twice daily, with saline and apply a new bandage after cleaning. RESULTS: MANOVA revealed a statistically insignificant difference in the control group, while statistically significant improvement in both the LILI and HBOT groups. The intergroup comparisons showed an insignificant statistical difference in the pre-test, while highly statistically significant differences for the three post-measures in favor of HBOT and LILI groups. The percentage of improvement of the HBOT group was higher than LILI. Post-hoc test using the least significant difference (LSD) revealed statistically significant differences of HBOT in favor of the LILI group. CONCLUSION: Both LILI and HBOT may be used as adjunctive methods to improve TcPO2 that accelerate healing in CDFUs. HBOT may be favorable in the improvement of TcPO2 than LILI.

In Silico Screening of Semi-Synthesized Compounds as Potential Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Papain-like Protease: Pharmacophoric Features, Molecular Docking, ADMET, Toxicity and DFT Studies.

Papain-like protease is an essential enzyme in the proteolytic processing required for the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Accordingly, such an enzyme is an important target for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents which may reduce the mortality associated with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2. A set of 69 semi-synthesized molecules that exhibited the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease inhibitors (PLPI) were docked against the coronavirus papain-like protease (PLpro) enzyme (PDB ID: (4OW0). Docking studies showed that derivatives 34 and 58 were better than the co-crystallized ligand while derivatives 17, 28, 31, 40, 41, 43, 47, 54, and 65 exhibited good binding modes and binding free energies. The pharmacokinetic profiling study was conducted according to the four principles of the Lipinski rules and excluded derivative 31. Furthermore, ADMET and toxicity studies showed that derivatives 28, 34, and 47 have the potential to be drugs and have been demonstrated as safe when assessed via seven toxicity models. Finally, comparing the molecular orbital energies and the molecular electrostatic potential maps of 28, 34, and 47 against the co-crystallized ligand in a DFT study indicated that 28 is the most promising candidate to interact with the target receptor (PLpro).

Traditional ancient Egyptian medicine: A review.

The ancient Egyptians practiced medicine with highly professional methods. They had advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgery. Also, they treated a lot of diseases including dental, gynecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary disorders. They could diagnose diabetes and cancer. The used therapeutics extended from different plants to include several animal products and minerals. Some of these plants are still used in the present day. Fortunately, they documented their life details by carving on stone, clay, or papyri. Although a lot of these records have been lost or destroyed, the surviving documents represent a huge source of knowledge in different scientific aspects including medicine. This review article is an attempt to understand some information about traditional medicine in ancient Egypt, we will look closely at some basics, sources of information of Egyptian medicine in addition to common treated diseases and therapeutics in this great civilization.

Evaluation of biophysical skin parameters and hair changes in patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin, and the effect of biotin use on these parameters.

AIM: Impairment of biotin metabolism with the use of isotretinoin and the mucocutaneous side effects observed in patients using isotretinoin suggests that they are a result of decreased enzyme activity. We aimed to determine the pattern of skin and hair changes in patients with acne receiving isotretinoin and how these changes were affected by biotin added to the treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were divided into two groups. Each group contained 30 patients. Groups A and B received 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin, and 10 mg/day biotin supplement was added to Group B. Both groups were evaluated using a digital dermoscope for hair changes and with a DermaLab® Combo device for transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin retraction, skin hydration, and skin sebum levels at the beginning and end of the fourth month. RESULTS: In group B, the anagen hair ratio increased (P = 0.034) and the telogen hair ratio decreased significantly (P = 0.003). Skin sebum and the skin retraction values decreased in both groups. Skin hydration decreased significantly in group A (P = 0.001), but there was no significant decrease in group B (P = 0.43). CONCLUSION: Biotin (10 mg/day) given in addition to isotretinoin treatment decreased telogen and increased anagen hair rates and helped to maintain skin hydration. The use of 10 mg/day biotin can prevent the mucocutaneous adverse effects of isotretinoin treatment.

Correlation study between clinical classification and disability index in a holistic evaluation of acne severity and impact in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: This study provides a comparison between disease severity observed by inspectors and the disease burden assessed by patients is scanty in acne study. METHODS: In a multicenter prospective hospital-based study, modified Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (mCASS) and Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) were employed to grade disease severity and to determine the quality of life, respectively. The average of the mCASS and CADI scores, with range at 0-25, was termed as Acne Severity and Impact Grading System (ASIG). RESULTS: In 1331 evaluated patients (mean: 21,51±4,93 years), including 306 men and 1025 women, an overall significant, positive correlation was found between ASIG and mCASS (r=0.862), or CADI (r=0.686), respectively (P=0.001 each). Adult women with back acne and adolescent with décolleté expressed greater concern (higher CADI) than the clinical severity (lower mCASS). The overall prevalence of acne in décolleté area, including neck, was 32.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies in the acne severity between self-perception and objective evaluation exist in certain subgroups of patients. Décolleté acne deserves special attention in clinical assessment.

Ameliorating effect of selenium nanoparticles on cyclophosphamide-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in male rats: light, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide (CPH) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug that can affect the hippocampal neurocytes with a subsequent effect on memory and cognitive functions. Nanomedicine has the potential to overcome the current chemotherapeutic side effects, because of the unique nanoscale size and distinctive bioeffects of nanomaterials. So, the present study aims to investigate the potential ameliorative effect of the biologically synthesized nano-selenium (nano-Se) on CPH induced hippocampal neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four rats were randomly classified into four groups of 6 rats each: control group, nano-Se group (dose of 0.5 mg biological nano-Se/kg daily via oral gavage), CPH group (dose of 20 mg CPH/kg daily intraperitoneally), and CPH plus nano-Se group. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus was excised and processed. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemically stained for caspase-3 (apoptosis marker) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytic activity marker) (GFAP). Morphometric analysis and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination were also done. RESULTS: Control and nano-Se groups revealed no structural changes. By light microscopy, CPH group showed degeneration and necrosis of hippocampal neurocytes, significantly reduced thickness of the neurocyte cell layers, increased expression of GFAP and caspase-3 immunostains and significantly elevated apoptotic index. Moreover, neurocytes damage, mitochondrial cristeolysis, mild dilation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and disrupted neurolemmal sheaths of nerve fibres were also demonstrated by TEM. Nano-Se cotreatment in the fourth group reversed all the aforementioned deleterious changes that induced by CPH in the hippocampal neurocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with CPH caused damage to hippocampal neurocytes that can be reversed by biological nano-Se co-treatment.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the potential effect of cigarette smoking on enamel of human smokers' teeth.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the potential changes in enamel surface of human smokers' teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted permanent, human, noncarious anterior teeth were used in this study. Half of these teeth were obtained from heavy smokers, while the other half of teeth were collected from nonsmokers (control teeth). The teeth were then subjected for scanning electron microscopic examination together with energy dispersive X ray and micro-hardness analysis to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative effect of smoking respectively. RESULTS: SEM of smokers' teeth showed variable degrees of destruction from small areas of demineralization as holes and pits to destruction and deterioration of the organizational pattern of the rod substance. Moreover, areas of defective remineralization were detected. The microhardness, calcium and phosphorus weight % significantly decreased whereas the Ca/P ratio was significantly increased. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking adversely affected the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of enamel and even hindered the normal remineralization process thus cigarette smoking cessation should be promoted in the dental office daily practices.

EGYVIR: An immunomodulatory herbal extract with potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.

Due to the challenges for developing vaccines in devastating pandemic situations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), developing and screening of novel antiviral agents are peremptorily demanded. Herein, we developed EGYVIR as a potent immunomodulatory herbal extract with promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. It constitutes of a combination of black pepper extract with curcumin extract. The antiviral effect of EGYVIR extract is attributed to the two key phases of the disease in severe cases. First, the inhibition of the nuclear translocation of NF-kß p50, attenuating the SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated cytokine storm. Additionally, the EGYVIR extract has an in vitro virucidal effect for SARS-CoV-2. The in vitro study of EGYVIR extract against SARS-CoV-2 on Huh-7 cell lines, revealed the potential role of NF-kß/TNFα/IL-6 during the infection process. EGYVIR antagonizes the NF-kß pathway in-silico and in-vitro studies. Consequently, it has the potential to hinder the release of IL-6 and TNFα, decreasing the production of essential cytokines storm elements.

Preterm Babies: Management and Challenges Associated with Survival in a Resource-Limited Setting.

BACKGROUND: Preterm babies have constituted a major constraints on human and material resources due to early mortality and long term disability among survivors. Rates of disability among survivors have increased over the period, with high rates of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia. OBJECTIVE: To determine the survival and management challenges of preterm babies in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri Borno State REUSLTS: Of the 1129 preterm babies managed in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), 714 cases notes were retrieved and analyzed giving a retrieval rate of 63%. There were 256 (35.9%) preterm babies as in-born, while 458 (64.1%) were out-born. Male preterm babies were 372 (52.1%), while female preterm babies were 342 (47.9%); with female to male ratio of 1.08:1. Extreme low birth weight (<1000grams) were 17 (2.3%), very low birth weight (1000-1499 grams) were 288 (40.3%) while low birth weight (1500-2499 grams) were 406 (56.9%). We also documented 3 preterm babies whose weights >2500 grams were large for gestational age weight. Duration of oxygen therapy (p = 0.620), duration of phototherapy (p = 0.474), and EBT (p = 0.466) showed no association with their survival while only duration of incubator care (p = 0.005) demonstrated significant association with outcome. CONCLUSION: The population of preterm babies studied is 32.70% and their survival has remarkably improved. However, this improved survival of preterm babies especially the extreme and very low birth weight categories has posed a big challenge due to limited access to incubator care, use of caffeine and surfactant which might influence the outcome.

Tissue characterization utilizing hyperspectral imaging for liver thermal ablation.

BACKGROUND: Thermal ablation is the dominant modality to treat liver tumors for patients who are not surgical candidates. . However, correctly predicting the volume of the subsequent tissue destruction during the Thermal Ablation technique is a difficult undertaking. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impacts of ablation zone volume following Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of an ex-vivo bovine liver to correlate the impacts of thermal ablation with target organ perfusion; by exploiting the unique properties of Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiofrequency ablation was perfused on ex-vivo bovine livers at peripheral and central­vessel­adjacent locations, and monitored by HSI with a spectral range from 400 to 1000 nm. The system contains k-means clustering (K = 8) algorithms combining spectral and spatial information. Labeled spectral signatures datasets were used as training data. Statistical analysis (10 samples) was computed to calculate the highest variance between six spectral images for determining the optimum wavelength for discrimination between the affected regions after thermal ablation (normal, thermal, and ablated liver tissue regions). RESULTS: The change of the optical properties ofex-vivo liver tissues provides different responses to light transmission, scattering, absorption and particularly the reflection over the spectrum range. The produced spectral image from reflection with the highest variance (358.07) empowered us to determine the optimum wavelength spectral image (720 ±â€¯18.92 nm) to distinguish between the normal, ablated, and thermal categories. CONCLUSION: Hyperspectral imaging is a powerful tool in monitoring tissue characterization, which is a useful technique for edge evaluation of liver thermal ablation ..