Side-specific factors for intraoperative hemodynamic instability in laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is challenging because of the high risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability (HDI). This study aimed to compare the incidence and risk factors of intraoperative HDI between laparoscopic left adrenalectomy (LLA) and laparoscopic right adrenalectomy (LRA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed two hundred and seventy-one patients aged > 18 years with unilateral benign PHEO of any size who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy at our hospitals between September 2016 and September 2023. Patients were divided into LRA (N = 122) and LLA (N = 149) groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to predict intraoperative HDI. In multivariate analysis for the prediction of HDI, right-sided PHEO, PHEO size, preoperative comorbidities, and preoperative systolic blood pressure were included. RESULTS: Intraoperative HDI was significantly higher in the LRA group than in the LLA (27% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis, right-sided tumours showed a higher risk of intraoperative HDI (odds ratio [OR] 5.625, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.147-27.577, p = 0.033). The tumor size (OR 11.019, 95% CI 3.996-30.38, p < 0.001), presence of preoperative comorbidities [diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary heart disease] (OR 7.918, 95% CI 1.323-47.412, p = 0.023), and preoperative systolic blood pressure (OR 1.265, 95% CI 1.07-1.495, p = 0.006) were associated with a higher risk of HDI in both LRA and LLA, with no superiority of one side over the other. CONCLUSION: LRA was associated with a significantly higher intraoperative HDI than LLA. Right-sided PHEO was a risk factor for intraoperative HDI.

Enhancing colorectal cancer prevention: a national assessment of public awareness in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Egyptian population, it still seems that there is a significant lack of awareness regarding the disease. This study aimed to assess the Egyptian population's awareness of CRC regarding its risk factors, the screening procedures, and the appropriate responses to its diagnosis. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Egypt between July 2022 and March 2023 and recruited a convenient sample of adults from seven governorates representing different geographic areas, and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds with the help of the validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) version 2.1. The modified Arabic questionnaire was validated through a pilot study including 30 patients. Then it was presented through a Google form before being shared via online methods and face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire provided both numerical and categorical data, which were analyzed accordingly. The Chi-square, the Fisher exact, and the Man-Whitney test were used to compare colorectal cancer poor and good knowledge groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict the factors that affected the awareness level of the study population. RESULTS: Nine hundred forty individuals participated in the survey. Their ages ranged from 18 to 86 years old, with an average of 37.38 ± 12.22 years. The mean Knowledge score was 14.29 ± 7.05 out of 37 with most of our participants (71%) having poor knowledge about CRC. Most of the participants (64.1%) chose colonoscopy as the best screening modality, followed by an abdominal CT (27.8%), and fecal occult blood (15.5%). The study revealed significant differences between participants with good and poor knowledge of colorectal cancer. (78.5%) of participants with good CRC knowledge lived in cities, (85.4%) attained university or higher educational level, and (87.2%) of them were nonsmokers (p < 0.05%). CONCLUSION: In general, there was a lack of awareness about Colorectal cancer among the Egyptian population especially among rural and lower educational levels, and more health education campaigns are required to enhance CRC prevention efforts in Egypt.

The effect of virtual reality on pain and anxiety management during outpatient hysteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) intervention for pain and anxiety relief during outpatient hysteroscopy. METHODS: Various databases were searched for available clinical trials from inception until June 2023. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared virtual reality intervention versus standard care among women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy. We used Revman software to perform our meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the pain score during the procedure. The secondary outcomes were anxiety during the procedure and pain post-procedure. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain and anxiety. RESULTS: Six RCTs were retrieved, involving a total of 457 patients. Virtual reality was associated with a significant reduction in pain score during the procedure in comparison with the control group (MD = - 1.43, 95% CI [- 1.69, - 1.16], p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant decrease in anxiety during the procedure among the virtual reality group compared to the control group (p = 0.01). The pain score post-procedure significantly decreased within the virtual reality group (MD = - 1.52, 95% CI [- 1.78, - 1.26], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality technology is a simple, feasible, and effective intervention for reducing pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy. More trials are required to confirm our findings.

Revitalize splenic functions. Following a splenectomy for trauma, a small amount of splenic autotransplantation was performed.

INTRODUCTION: The spleen is a responsible significant part of the immune system; after Splenectomy following trauma, the immune system changes; splenic autotransplantation can preserve the immune system after trauma and Splenectomy. BACKGROUND: Patients can be protected from immune dysfunction by autotransplanting splenic tissues after splenectomy following trauma because their immune systems and spleens are changed. Patients can gain their immune function after splenic autotransplantation. METHODS: Patient classification methods are into three categories, Group A, 6 cases with auto-translation; Group B, 6 cases without transplantation; Group C, seven regular people serving as the control. AIM OF WORK: The aim of the work is not to compare outcome methods or compare types of autotransplantation; This work aims to document postoperative radiological, immunological, clinical, and hematological investigations. We concentrated on the results of investigations more than the types of operation or approach or types of autotransplantation. RESULTS: We showed that, after comparing each group with normal individuals subjects, patients who did not undergo autotransplantation had significantly higher platelet counts, a more significant percentage of micronucleated reticulocytes, increased levels of naive B lymphocytes, changes in class-switched memory and class-unswitched memory B cells, and higher levels of PD1 on CD8 + T lymphocytes. Nevertheless, neither splenic autotransplant patients nor the average general population showed any appreciable variations in any of the parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Spleen's activities with adequate hemocatheter activity and recovery of the immunological deficit after splenic autotransplantation.

The diagnostic significance of circulating lncRNA ADAMTS9-AS2 tumor biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer among the Egyptian population.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNA ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 9 antisense RNA 2 (ADAMTS9-AS2) was recognized as a novel tumor suppressor and plays an important role in the initiation and progression of malignant behavior in human cancers, although its plasma expression and clinical value in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain unknown. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic role of ADAMTS9-AS2 and cytokeratin 19 fragmentation antigen (CYFRA 21-1) in NSCLC. METHODS: The present study included 80 control subjects, 80 patients with benign lung lesion and 80 NSCLC patients. The expression of ADAMTS9-AS2 in the tissue and plasma was detected by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum CYFRA 21-1 was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In comparison with benign lung lesion and controls, tissue and plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 expression were significantly down-regulated in NSCLC (p < 0.001). Decreased ADAMTS9-AS2 expression was associated with TNM stages in NSCLC patients (p < 0.001). Up-regulation of CYFRA 21-1 was reported among NSCLC patients and it was associated with TNM staging. Tissue and plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 expression levels were the predicting factors for NSCLC and they both correlated negatively with CYFRA 21-1 levels. Plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 levels had a significant positive correlation with their tumor tissue levels. Plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 showed a higher sensitivity (95%) and specificity (99.1%) in the diagnosis of NSCLC than CYFRA 21-1 (61.3% sensitivity and 60% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that decreased plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 expression might act as a novel non-invasive tumor biomarker in NSCLC diagnosis. Furthermore, plasma ADAMTS9-AS2 might predict aggressive tumor behavior.

Combined serum miR-29c and miR-149 expression analysis as diagnostic genetic markers for colorectal cancer.

Circulating miRNAs gathered much interest in cancer research as noninvasive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of miR-29c and miR-149 among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and to explore their diagnostic and prognostic potentials in relation to the clinical and pathological features. The expression levels of miR-29c and miR-149 were evaluated in the sera of 80 CRC patients, 80 colorectal adenoma (CRA) patients, and 80 healthy controls using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Carcinoembryonic antigen serum levels were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. miR-29c and miR-149 were significantly downregulated among CRC patients compared with CRA and controls (miR-29c, 0.54 ± 0.19 vs. 0.86 ± 0.12, 0.99 ± 0.07, P < 0.001, respectively; miR-149, 0.46 ± 0.19 vs. 0.74 ± 0.012, 1.0 ± 0.22, P < 0.001, respectively). miR-29c and miR-149 significantly associated with advanced stages of CRC, tumor size, and lymphatic metastasis. By using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, combined miR-29c and miR-149 revealed the highest diagnostic potential for CRA (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.967) from healthy controls as well as the diagnosis of CRC (AUC = 0.98) from CRA. Moreover, combined miRNAs revealed high diagnostic potential for the earlier stages of CRC compared with advanced stages (AUC = 0.96). In conclusion, combined serum miR-29c and miR-149 expression analysis established novel noninvasive biomarker for early CRC diagnosis.

Corticosteroid nasal spray for recovery of smell sensation in COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of the topical corticosteroid, mometasone furoate, nasal spray in the treatment of post COVID-19 anosmia. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted among patients with post COVID-19 anosmia. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to two groups; group I included 50 patients received mometasone furoate nasal spray in an appropriate dose of 2 puff (100 µg) once daily in each nostril for 3 weeks with olfactory training, group II included 50 patients were advised to keep on olfactory training only. The assessment of smell was done using (Visual Analog Scale from 0 to 10). All patients were initially evaluated after their recovery from COVID-19 and followed up for 3 weeks. The smell scores were recorded weekly and the duration of smell loss was recorded from the onset of anosmia till the full recovery. RESULTS: In both groups, the smell scores significantly improved by the end of the third week (P < 0.001). By comparing smell scores between both groups after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks of treatment, there were no statistically significant differences between both groups. In group I, (62%) of patients completely recovered their sense of smell after 3 weeks of treatment, compared to (52%) of patients in group II (P = 0.31). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that using mometasone furoate nasal spray as a topical corticosteroid in the treatment of post COVID-19 anosmia offers no superiority benefits over the olfactory training, regarding smell scores, duration of anosmia, and recovery rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04484493.

Novel High-Performance Functionalized and Grafted Bio-Based Chitosan Adsorbents for the Efficient and Selective Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water.

Novel functionalized and/or grafted crosslinked chitosan adsorbents were synthesized and used to remove several toxic heavy metal ions such as nickel, lead, chromium, and cadmium ions from contaminated water. The chitosan biopolymer was functionalized by maleic anhydride (CS_MA) acting also as a crosslinking agent. Glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan (CS_GA) grafted with poly(methyl methacrylate) (CS_MMA) was also synthesized. The synthesized adsorbents were characterized using a variety of analytical techniques such as SEM, TGA, and FTIR, which confirmed their chemical structures and morphology. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbents was analyzed under various conditions of contact time, adsorbent dose, initial concertation, temperature, and pH and evaluated against those of pure chitosan (CS) and the crosslinked chitosan(CS_GA). The ultimate removal conditions were 0.5 g/100 mL adsorbent dose, an initial metal ion concentration of 50 ppm, a temperature of 45 °C, and pH 9. CS_MMA had the highest removal percentages for all metal ions, ranging from 92% to 94%. The adsorption was demonstrated to fit a pseudo-first-order model that followed a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The results highlight the capacity of the synthesized polymers to efficiently remove major toxic contaminants at low cost from contaminated water, present especially in low-income areas, without harming the environment.

Impact of the Configurational Microstructure of Carboxylate-Rich Chitosan Beads on Its Adsorptive Removal of Diclofenac Potassium from Contaminated Water.

A novel adsorbent-contaminant system was investigated for its ability to remove a contaminant of emerging concern, diclofenac potassium, from contaminated water. Bio-based crosslinked chitosan beads functionalized with poly(itaconic acid) side chains were examined for their potential to remove the emerging contaminant. To evaluate the impact of the polymeric microstructure on its adsorptive capacity, several adsorbent samples were prepared using different combinations of initiator and monomeric concentrations. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the crosslinking of the chitosan chains and the incorporation of the carboxylic groups on the surface of the final chitosan beads. After the grafting copolymerization process, an additional peak at 1726 cm-1 corresponding to the carboxylic C=O groups of the grafted chains appeared, indicating the successful preparation of poly(IA)-g-chitosan. Thermal stability studies showed that the grafting copolymerization improved the thermal stability of the beads. X-ray and Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the successful grafting of the itaconic acid on the surface of the beads. The study revealed that the higher the initiator concentration, the greater the number of side chains, whereas the higher the monomeric concentration, the longer the length of these side chains. The adsorption mechanism involved hydrogen bonding to the carboxylic groups of the grafted chains along with n-π* stacking interaction between the amino group of the chitosan and the aromatic rings of diclofenac potassium. The adsorption efficiencies of diclofenac potassium onto the grafted beads were significantly improved compared to the unfunctionalized chitosan beads, reaching values above 90%. The removal efficiency of grafted chitosan increased with an increase in the concentration in the range of 10-30 ppm and then flattened out in the range of 30-50 ppm. The removal efficiencies of 1-50 ppm of DCF ranged between about 75% and 92% for the grafted chitosan and 30-45% for the crosslinked chitosan. Rapid adsorption occurred within 20 min for all grafted sample combinations, and the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model with qe values ranging from 28 to 44.25 g/mg and R2 values greater than 0.9915. The results highlight the potential of grafted chitosan beads in removing emerging contaminants from contaminated water without harming the environment.

Biliary fistula and late recurrence of liver hydatid cyst: Role of cysto-biliary communication: A prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid cyst disease (HCD) is common in certain locations. Surgery is associated with postoperative biliary fistula (POBF) and recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify whether occult cysto-biliary communication (CBC) can predict recurrent HCD. The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD. AIM: To identify whether occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD. The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and ALP levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD. METHODS: From September 2010 to September 2016, a prospective multicenter study was undertaken involving 244 patients with solitary primary superficial stage cystic echinococcosis 2 and cystic echinococcosis 3b HCD who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy with omentoplasty. Univariable logistic regression analysis assessed independent factors determining biliary complications and recurrence. RESULTS: There was a highly statistically significant association (P ≤ 0.001) between cystic fluid biochemical indices and the development of biliary complications (of 16 patients with POBF, 15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels), where patients with high bilirubin-ALP levels were 3405 times more likely to have biliary complications. There was a highly statistically significant association (P ≤ 0.001) between biliary complications, biochemical indices, and the occurrence of recurrent HCD (of 30 patients with recurrent HCD, 15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP; all 16 patients who had POBF later developed recurrent HCD), where patients who developed biliary complications and high bilirubin-ALP were 244.6 and 214 times more likely to have recurrent hydatid cysts, respectively. CONCLUSION: Occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD. Elevated cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels predicted POBF and recurrent HCD.

Crystal structure of 2-(benzo[d]thia-zol-2-yl)-3,3-bis-(ethyl-sulfan-yl)acrylo-nitrile.

In the title compound, C14H14N2S3, the double-bond system of the acrylo-nitrile moiety is significantly non-planar, with absolute cis torsion angles of 13.9 (2) and 15.1 (2)°. The ring system and the double bond system subtend an inter-planar angle of 11.16 (4)°. The wide angle C-C(CN)=C of 129.40 (12)° may be associated with a balance between planarity and avoidance of a very short S⋯S contact.

GLP-1R polymorphism (rs1042044) and expression are associated with the risk of papillary thyroid cancer among the Egyptian population.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist usage has previously been linked to an elevated incidence of thyroid cell adenomas and carcinomas in animals. AIM: The goal of this study was to determine if there was an association between GLP-1R gene polymorphism and expression with the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and its clinical characteristics among the Egyptian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of eighty PTC patients and eighty healthy controls were included in the study. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to determine GLP-1R expression in tumor tissue. The polymorphisms rs1042044 and rs6923761 in the GLP-1R gene were determined using PCR -restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: PTC patients exhibited considerably greater frequencies of rs1042044 AA genotypes and A allele than controls (OR (95% CI) = 4.5 (1.75-11.8), P < 0.001; OR (95% CI) = 2.032 (1.301-3.17), P < 0.001 respectively). GLP-1R mRNA and protein expressions were higher in tumor samples than normal thyroid tissues among PTC patients. In addition, high GLP-1R expressions were more common in rs1042044 AA genotype carriers than CC carriers (P < 0.001). GLP-1R mRNA expression showed 95 % sensitivity and 97% specificity for PTC diagnosis. Moreover, GLP-1R expression was closely associated with LN metastasis, tumor size, tumor stage, and multifocality in PTC patients. CONCLUSION: This research provides new evidence linking the GLP-1R genetic polymorphism and tissue expression to PTC risk and invasiveness among the Egyptian population.

Design and Synthesis of a New Class of Pyridine-Based N-Sulfonamides Exhibiting Antiviral, Antimicrobial, and Enzyme Inhibition Characteristics.

A new strategy for designing and assembling a novel class of functionalized pyridine-based benzothiazole and benzimidazole incorporating sulfonamide moieties was developed. The synthesis was carried out by reacting N-cyanoacetoarylsulfonylhydrazide with various electrophiles such as 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3,3-bis(alkylthio)acrylonitriles and 2-(benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-3,3-bis(methylthio)-acrylonitriles, as well as 2-ethoxyl acrylonitrile derivatives. The synthesized compounds were tested for their antiviral and antimicrobial potency. Two of the synthesized compounds, 15c and 15d, showed more than 50% viral reduction against HSV-1 and CBV4, with significant IC50 and CC50 values. The two potent compounds 15c and 15d have also shown inhibitory activity against Hsp90α protein with IC50 values of 10.24 and 4.48 µg/mL, respectively. A combination of 15c and 15d with acyclovir has led to IC50 values that are lower than that of acyclovir alone. Molecular modeling studies were used to identify the interactions between the 15c and 15d compounds and the active site of Hsp90α enzyme. The antimicrobial investigation of the new compounds has also shown that 8b and 15d exhibited a higher inhibition zone (IZ) than sulfadiazine and gentamicin against Klebsiella pneumonia, whereas 9a showed higher IZ than ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus. According to the enzyme assay study on dihydrofolate reductase, 9a was shown to be the most potent compound among all examined compounds.

Tailored-design of electrospun nanofiber cellulose acetate/poly(lactic acid) dressing mats loaded with a newly synthesized sulfonamide analog exhibiting superior wound healing.

To effectively allow for controlled release of a newly synthesized sulfonamide analog, biodegradable poly(lactic acid) nanofibrous dressing mats tailored-designed for maximum wound healing efficacy were developed. The heterocyclic analog, N-(3,4-diamino-7-(benzo [d]thiazol-2-yl)-6-oxo-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridin-5(6H)-yl)benzenesulfonamide, has been specifically synthesized to possess superior antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Hydrophilic cellulose acetate and/or poly(ethylene oxide) were blended with the hydrophobic PLA to control the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity ratio for the sustained release of the drug. SEM detected no drug crystals on the surface of the nanofibers confirming the homogeneous dispersion and compatibility of the drug with the nanofibers. BET indicated almost-reversible Type II sorption isotherms. The swelling studies revealed that the presence of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of CA with the carbonyl ester groups of PLA limited the ability of CA molecules to leach from the polymer matrix. Water vapor permeability were all determined to be within the range of 15-19 g/m2/h. In-vitro cell viability and cell proliferation studies revealed the superiority of the fabricated dressing mats in terms of its bioactivity and cellular interaction. In-vivo studies confirmed the major improvement in its wound healing capabilities attributed to an enhanced epithelization, anti-inflammation, neo-angiogenesis, fibroplasias and collagen deposition that surpassed that of commercially available ones.

Design, Synthesis, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of a New Series of N-Sulfonamide 2-Pyridones as Dual Inhibitors of DHPS and DHFR Enzymes.

Sulfonamides and trimethoprim (TMP) drugs are normally used to inhibit the action of dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzymes, respectively. In this work, a new series of N-sulfonamide 2-pyridone derivatives that combine the inhibitory activities of DHPS and DHFR into one molecule were synthesized and evaluated for its in vitro antimicrobial activity and the ability to inhibit the action of both enzymes simultaneously. The synthesis was carried out via the reaction of novel benzothiazol sulfonylhydrazide with ketene dithioacetal derivatives, and the structures of the resultant compounds were confirmed using spectral and elemental techniques. Among the synthesized compounds, five compounds 3b, 5a, 5b, 11a, and 11b were found to possess significant antimicrobial activities against tested bacterial and fungi strains. The compounds were also examined for their cytotoxicity on HFB4 human dermal fibroblast cell line using MTT assay. The in vitro enzyme assay study of these compounds against DHPS and DHFR enzymes showed that compound 11a was the most potent inhibitor against both enzymes with IC50 values of 2.76 and 0.20 µg/mL, respectively. Docking studies showed that this compound has occupied both the p-aminobenzoic acid and pterin binding pockets of DHPS as well as the pterin binding pocket of DHFR. The results of these investigations confirmed that compound 11a is the most potent dual DHPS/DHFR inhibitor.

Rumex dentatus L. phenolics ameliorate hyperglycemia by modulating hepatic key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress and PPARγ in diabetic rats.

Rumex dentatus L. is a flowering plant with promising therapeutic effects. This study investigated the antioxidant efficacy of phenolic compounds isolated from R. dentatus L. in vitro and by conducting density function theory (DFT) studies to explore the mechanisms of action. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects of polyphenols-rich R. dentatus extract (RDE) were investigated in type 2 diabetic rats. Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of R. dentatus resulted in the isolation of one new and seven known compounds isolated for the first time from this species. All isolated phenolics showed in vitro radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant activity of the compounds could be oriented by the hydrogen atom transfer and sequential proton loss electron transfer mechanisms in gas and water phases, respectively. In diabetic rats, RDE attenuated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and liver injury and improved carbohydrate metabolism. RDE suppressed oxidative stress and inflammation and upregulated PPARγ. In silico molecular docking analysis revealed the binding affinity of the isolated compounds toward PPARγ. In conclusion, the computational calculations were correlated with the in vitro antioxidant activity of R. dentatus derived phenolics. R. dentatus attenuated hyperglycemia, liver injury, inflammation and oxidative stress, improved carbohydrate metabolism and upregulated PPARγ in diabetic rats.

Evaluation of Serum Adenosine Deaminase and Inflammatory Markers in Psoriatic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme involved in purine metabolism and it is a marker of nonspecific T-cell activation. Few studies have shown high levels of ADA in the epidermis and sera of psoriatic patients. Other inflammatory markers such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum uric acid (SUA) have shown correlations with psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score. The correlation between ADA and PASI score is still a matter of debate. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum ADA, hsCRP, SUA, and ESR in psoriatic patients and their correlation with PASI score. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 60 psoriatic patients divided according to PASI score into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe) each containing 20 patients. PASI score <10 was defined as mild, (10-20) moderate, and >20 severe. Twenty healthy subjects of matched age and sex were included as control. Serum ADA, hsCRP, SUA, and ESR were evaluated for patients and controls. Correlations of ADA, hsCRP, SUA, and ESR with PASI scores were done. RESULTS: While ADA, hsCRP, SUA, and ESR showed a significant increase in psoriatic patients compared with that of the controls (P<001), they showed no significant difference between different psoriatic groups (P>0.05) and no correlations with PASI score (P>0.05). The frequency of joint affection increased with increasing severity of psoriasis (5%, 10%, and 25% in mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis, respectively). CONCLUSION: Serum ADA, hsCRP, SUA, and ESR showed higher levels among psoriatic patients than in controls. The increased ADA in psoriatic patients supports the role of T-cell activation and proliferative disorder in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. No significant correlations were found between these biomarkers and PASI score. Further studies are needed to validate these biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic factors in psoriasis.

Crystal structure of N'-[2-(benzo[d]thia-zol-2-yl)acet-yl]-4-methyl-benzene-sulfono-hydrazide.

In the title compound, C16H15N3O3S2, the hydrazide N atom bonded to the C=O group is planar, whereas that bonded to the SO2 group is pyramidally coordinated. The inter-planar angle between the ring systems is 40.71 (3)°. Mol-ecules are connected into ribbons parallel to the b axis by two classical hydrogen bonds N-H⋯O=C and N-H⋯Nthia-zole.

Crystal structure of N-[6-amino-5-(benzo[d]thia-zol-2-yl)-3-cyano-4-methyl-sulfanyl-2-oxo-1,2-di-hydro-pyridin-1-yl]-4-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide di-methyl-formamide monosolvate.

In the title compound, C21H17N5O3S3·C3H7NO, the toluene-sulfonamide ring and the combined ring system involving the pyridone and benzo-thia-zole rings subtend an inter-planar angle of 39.86 (4)°. The pyridone and benzo-thiazyl rings are linked by the intra-molecular hydrogen bond N-Hamine⋯Nthia-zole. The DMF O atom accepts two classical hydrogen bonds. The mol-ecules are linked by hydrogen bonds and an S⋯O contact to form layers parallel to the bc plane.

The influence of glyoxalase 1 gene polymorphism on its expression at different stages of breast cancer in Egyptian women.

AIM: To assess the association of GLO1 C332C gene polymorphism with breast cancer risk at different stages of the disease and to investigate the effect of this gene polymorphism on its mRNA expression and enzyme activity. METHODS: GLO1 C332C gene polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in 100 healthy controls and 200 patients with breast cancer (100 patients with stage I & II and 100 patients with stage III & IV). GLO1 mRNA expression was measured by real time PCR. Serum GLO1 enzyme activity was measured colorimetrically. RESULTS: GLO1 A allele was associated with increased risk of breast cancer [OR (95%CI)= 2.8(1.9-4.1), P < 0.001]. Its frequency was significantly higher among advanced stages of breast cancer compared with localized tumors (OR (95%CI)= 1.9(1.3-2.9), p < 0.001). GLO1 mRNA expression and enzyme activity were significantly higher in breast cancer patients compared to controls and they were much higher in the advanced stages of the disease (P < 0.001). Carriers of AA genotype showed higher GLO1 expression and enzyme activity compared with carriers of CC genotype. CONCLUSION: GLO1 C332C SNP was associated with overexpression of GLO1 mRNA and higher enzyme activity in breast cancer patients suggesting its role in the development of breast cancer and its progression from localized to advanced.